Columns

For reasons that are too numerous to name, when it comes to yard work, my beloved spouse, the Carpenter, is in charge of the landscaping duties.

Instead of receiving gifts from my adult children this Mother’s Day, I’m writing them a personal thank-you for letting me be their mother. As if they had a choice. 

The following is a re-print of a past column by former Advertiser columnist Stephen Thorning, who…

The following is a re-print of a past column by former Advertiser columnist Stephen Thorning, who…

This week my parents will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. Sixty years. Together. Through everything. For that, I’m grateful. 

The following is a re-print of a past column by former Advertiser columnist Stephen Thorning, who…

At this time of year I expect the sun to be shining, with birds singing and positive feelings of hope and promise in the air.  

She came upon me in the household cleaning aisle at the grocery store where I was looking for the cleaning vinegar. 

The following is a re-print of a past column by former Advertiser columnist Stephen Thorning, who…

I like the word “awe.” It’s a good word. I also like to experience awe.  The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “a feeling of great respect sometimes mixed with fear or surprise.” Accurate.

The following is a re-print of a past column by former Advertiser columnist Stephen Thorning, who…

It was his turn to make the tea, but to sweeten the deal, my beloved spouse, the Carpenter, delivered not only a hot cup of black tea, but two tiny white powdered sugar donuts. Is it wrong that my first thought was, “What has he done wrong?”

Substance use, overdose, poverty and homelessness impact communities across Canada, including rural Wellington County. 

When I was a child, if I was naughty (which only happened twice, I swear), my parents would send me to my room until they deemed my punishment sufficient and granted me permission to rejoin the rest of the family. 

The following is a re-print of a past column by former Advertiser columnist Stephen Thorning, who…