[New] Prairie Wool

Helen Row Toews Columnist

Stay beautiful Hoarfrost: a grayish-white crystalline deposit of frozen water vapor formed in clear, still weather on vegetation, etc.

It loses a lot in a dictionary definition, doesn’t it? Actually, the word ‘crystalline’ is pretty, but a “deposit of frozen water vapor” is pretty bloody blah. Yet, as I gaze at hoarfrost, clinging thickly to the poplars outside my window in the cold, golden light of sunset, I feel awed by the magical wonderland it creates. No longer do I see the spindly, barren trees of winter. Instead, their stark branches have been clothed in raiment adorned by nature’s jewels.

Okay, I’m getting all poetic and mushy. However, it stands true that not only people can improve their appearance

McMinis, George

January 28, 1989

In Loving Memory of our Special Grandfather

The treasure of your memory Papa will never fade or die. In silence we will shed a tear and ask the reason why, God called your name so softly that only you could hear And no one heard the footsteps of the angels drawing near. As each and every day goes by we think of you awhile, and always in our hearts we will keep the memory of your smile. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn't go alone, For part of us went with you the day God called you home.

The flowers and leaves may wither, the golden sun may set, but the hearts that truly loved you, are the ones that won't forget. God bless you Papa, 'til we meet again.

Forever in our hearts with love, your Grandchildren, Lori, Alysha, Breanne, Joel, Mark, Darcie and Shauna with attractive coverings, the application of cosmetics, and perhaps a few other beauty treatments. Take camels, for instance.

Were you aware there’s a beauty pageant for camels in Saudi Arabia each year? According to AP News, it’s called the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival. This fabulous event lasts for one whole month. Camels are judged on the shape of their heads, humps, and necks, how they’re dressed (not sure what camels wear), and their overall posture. No slumping! While I can’t exactly say I’ve thought of a camel as being beautiful, it’s nice to know that someone does. I guess.

Anyway, since these camels compete for prizes up to $66 million, you can imagine a few folks try to bend the rules to win. Enter ‘cosmetic enhancements’. This, in turn, leads us to ponder how does one enhance a dromedary? Lipstick? False eyelashes? Hump implants?

Turns out it’s by using Botox injec - tions, facelifts, fillers, hormones, and more. Can you believe it? Thankfully, officials worked tirelessly to impede this dastardly, dromedary deception, and more than 40 camels were disqualified and dispatched in dishonour. (I’ll quit now).

As I shrug into my old winter coat, I wonder if a few enhancements would be for me. Not big ones, mind you. For instance, a back seam ripped open down the center of this same coat last year and was hastily patched up using Gorilla Glue. A sensible woman might have employed the services of a seamstress at a time like that. Not me.

And when, this year, the glue gave way, leaving a nasty long area of dried white mucilage running down my backside, I remedied the problem by scratching over it with a black marker. Remedied might be a strong word to use. It’s more like compounded the problem. Now I walk fast and keep my back to the wall.

3 cups of kabocha puree

1 can of homogenized evaporated milk

1/3 cup light brown sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoon ginger

1/4 teaspoon cloves

In a large bowl whisk the eggs, then add the rest of the ingredients, stir until well blended, pour the mixture into two 9” pastry or graham wafer pie shells. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes then at 350 degrees for 30 – 40 minutes. The pie is done when a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. Cool and serve with whipped cream or ice cream. You can make a day ahead, and store in the refrigerator.

Perhaps a new coat is in my future.

Another attempt at beautification was when I applied false nails last week. I was plastering the last one to my pinky when my cell phone rang; I was rattled and spilled a gooey measure of glue over my fingers. Snatching up the phone, I held it to my ear. Not a good plan.

Let’s just say the next few minutes gave a whole new meaning to the phrase, ‘She’s always glued to her phone”.

Of course, I am a great proponent of bright lipstick and, at one time, even went so far as to apply false eyelashes. Still, the whole fuzzy caterpillar look wasn’t for me. I’ll leave that particular enhancement for today’s youth.

In any case, don’t worry. As is said, beauty is in the eye of the beholder— and occasionally at the discretion of the camel judge.

Stay beautiful.

Find more of Helen’s work at helentoews.com

McMinis, George

January 28, 1989

In Loving Memory of our Dad

There is a bridge of memories from here to heaven above that keeps you very close to us, It's called the bridge of love. As time goes by without you and days are now 34 years, They hold a million memories and a thousand silent tears.

To us you were so special, what more is there to say? Except to wish with all our hearts, That you were here today.

We hold you close within our hearts, And there you will remain, To walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.

Ever remembered and sadly missed by Children Rod (Ruby), Alan and Anne

Publisher: Susan Chikie Editor: Lorna Hamilton Photographer / Reporter: Lorna Hamilton, Angela Mouly Graphic Design: Braxton Hoare Sales: Susan Chikie, Lorna Hamilton of the Gove nment of Canada