Barb is not someone you’d take for a scam victim. At 69, she is still employed — holding a top position at a professional association. Unlike the stereotype of an elderly victim, she is well-educated and a pro with e-mail and social media. But almost two years ago, she was defrauded of almost $4,000 by criminals who pretended, over the telephone, to be her own son in trouble. “The caller claimed to be my son,” she recalls. “He said he had been in an accident and had been arre

I AWOKE WITH A START. My sleep addled brain struggled to determine the unfamiliar surroundings. “What was that noise?” A low heavy “harrumph” was emanating from somewhere nearby. Clarity and memory flooded back. I was alone in my tent located in the Elephant Camp in Samburu National Park and that noise could only be one of the local pachyderms making their way to the river. I frantically started waving the flashlight we had been given by the staff to signal for assistance. I

It's asparagus season in the Okanagan! Time to give these little golden morsels a try. Yield: Makes 24 puffs Ingredients: • 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed • 24 extra-thin asparagus spears (stalky bottoms trim), cut in half • 6 slices prosciutto, quartered to create 24 smaller pieces/strips • ¼ cup julienned, sun-dried tomatoes • 1 ¼ cup Italian four-cheese blend • 1 egg, beaten with a tbsp of water, for egg wash Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°, line two small baking sheet

HONEY. You may think of it as the ingredient in your favourite baking recipe, something drizzled over your morning cereal, or dissolved into your cup of chamomile tea. But there’s a lot more to honey than meets the eye – its uses extend into skin and haircare, the alleviation of local allergies, and even as a dressing for wounds and burns. To complicate things even more, not all honey is created equal – your choices can include honeys labelled as raw, unpasteurised, creame

This lively, healthy and delicious Strawberry Kale Salad is crisp, crunchy, sweet and tart all at once. Total time: 20 mins Servings: 4 Ingredients: Dressing 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 2 tbsp honey 1/2 lemon juice of 1/4 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes 1/4 tsp salt Salad 1 bunch kale removed from stem & chopped quite small (bite sized) about 2 cups 1 cup strawberries hulled and sliced 1 yellow bell pepper cut into short strips 1/4 cup toasted walnuts ro

Many people leaning more towards a plant-based diet we wanted to talk about our favourite little legume, the pea! Little it may be, but it packs a powerful punch in its self-contained package. Peas have a high percentage of protein and have become a very popular source for plant-based protein supplements along with being a common dinner staple. They also offer Vitamin A, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Copper, and are a great source of Dietar

There is an organization in Kelowna that has been in the business of offering hope for the last fifty years. It is called The Bridge, and it’s had a dramatic impact on the lives of thousands who have turned there for help in tough times. The Bridge has helped youth and adults in detox from both drugs and alcohol. It offers long term care for recovery and healing. The Bridge provides prevention, intervention and treatment programs. It has brought hope to many people suffer

Some orange juice, butter, and chopped vegetables give ordinary white rice bright color and fresh flavor. If you are bored with the same old boiled or steamed rice, try this tasty citrus combination. Ingredients 3 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup diced celery (with leaves) 1/4 cup shallots (finely chopped, or onion) 1 1/4 cups orange juice 2/3 cup water 2 tablespoons finely grated orange zest 1 teaspoon salt Optional: 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or about 1/8 teaspoon dried lea