by Elaine Thomas | Aug 5, 2022 | Family, Old Times, Saving Stories, Western Canada
A faded cover. A ragged spine. Well-thumbed pages. These are not flaws, but evidence of this vintage Blue Ribbon Cook Book’s untold tales. I treasure this little volume dedicated to the ‘women of Canada’ more than a century ago. The engraved image of the Blue Ribbon...
by Elaine Thomas | Jul 22, 2022 | Old Times, Rural Life, Western Canada
Decades ago, I discovered some stunning abandoned sights while wandering Southern Alberta’s backroads with my 35 mm camera. These works of country art fascinated me back then and I’m still under their spell today. Elaine on Assignment When I took some of these photos,...
by Elaine Thomas | Jul 8, 2022 | Family, Old Times, Rural Life, Western Canada
When I was a child, the Calgary Stampede was the highlight of our summer. Attending the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth was convenient because we lived on a farm south of the city. Our family certainly knew how to get the most out of the greatly anticipated event...
by Elaine Thomas | Jun 3, 2022 | Old Times, Rural Life, Saving Stories, Western Canada
Years ago, a legendary athlete gave me the first place engraved sterling silver swimming trophy she’d won in the 1918 ladies Canadian PNA Championship 500-yard race. Here’s the tale behind my treasured keepsake. A Legend is Born Audrey (Mikie) Griffin Kieran was six...
by Elaine Thomas | Mar 4, 2022 | Family, Old Times, Western Canada
In honor of what would have been my mother’s birthday on Sunday, I’d like to share 10 of her favorite sayings. I’ve heard Mother repeat her words-to-the-wise at least 100 times. However, when I stop and consider the advice offered by these self-help truisms in dealing...
by Elaine Thomas | Nov 19, 2021 | Family, Old Times, Saving Stories, Western Canada
It’s my thought that it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to adhering to superstitions that were passed down to Granny and she passed down to me. I first heard the following 10 folklore beliefs in my early childhood when I spent time with my grandmother who...