Happy to be Canadian
Each week I share a short original story about life in rural Canada. There are moments of nostalgia and other times when you will be wondering what will happen next. Some episodes are poignant, some are funny, others are insightful. All are short. With episodes under 10 minutes, you have just enough time to finish your coffee or tea while you enjoy a memorable story.
Episodes
Over the years, Susanne has had some delightful brushes with real and suspected Ukrainian heritage. She has learned that all is not as it first appears but also treasures the remarkable tastes she encountered.
If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here.
When a local club hosts a Frog Legs Supper, Susanne remembers a frog fishing fiasco from a childhood vacation on a Northern Ontario lake.
If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here.
When Susanne and her cousin travel to the islands of the northern shore of Scotland, they are lambasted by ferocious winds as they visit an ancient village from Neolithic times.
If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here.
Warm summer days have Susanne reminiscing about a 70 year old neighbour who drove his motorcycle to work in the local tobacco fields in the 1960's.
If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here.
Rural mailboxes are a source of pride for most country folk. So when Canada Post eliminated the Rural Route designation in mailing addresses, it reminded Susanne of how that simple abbreviation "RR" had shaped a bit of her image of herself. And you'll also find out about a long-forgotten neighbourhood crime spree!
If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian...
Starfish keep appearing in Susanne's life. They are mythical creatures that shine through childhood joy, farming surprises and loves and losses. If you've ever wondered about how one could end up in a farmhouse in Ontario, you'll want to listen to this episode.
If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a re...
In this episode Susanne discusses the unique stories that Barn Quilts tell about farmers' brand loyalty and their property histories.
You'll even get to find out which tractor brand is her favourite and her crazy reason why.
If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the seas...
An unknown lifetime fact is revealed to me as I travel with my Dad between medical appointments. It was surprising and reassuring at the same time.
If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here.
This week I introduce you to the life lessons I learned while flying ex-military training aircraft in formation flight at small airshows in the 1990's. Let me tell you one thing, it's a unique way to learn to handle stress.
If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the sea...
I arrive in a Newfoundland bar at the end of Canada's attempt to avoid a constitutional crisis in June 1990 and discover that it's important to tackle our big ideas. Whether they fail or succeed, is immaterial.
If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up...
When three generations start to purge a household, it is surprising who becomes the hoarder and the lover of all things old and sentimental.
Find out who takes Lady Grace's tattered top home at the end of this episode.
If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign u...
When four generations of my family gathered to watch a full eclipse of the sun in the Spring of 2024, I was amazed that my 10 year old grandson was enthralled with the event.
First published in my newsletter Sun April 14, 2024.
If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season)...
This story recounts my end-of-year attempt to cycle the Port Talbot Hill in Elgin County, Ontario.
It is a steep paved hill on the northern edge of the first European settlement in our area of Canada. It had been my goal in 2024 to be able to cycle down and up the hill.
Join me as I attempt this strenuous challenge.
First published in my January 4, 2025 newsletter.
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First published Sept. 1, 2024
Susanne and Manfred eat like the locals do under the Blue Water Bridge at Point Edward, Ontario. In this episode, they find a local treasure that tourists would love to discover.
Sign up to my enewsletter Happy to be Canadian. Every Sunday at 7 am it arrives with an original story, barn quilt design, review of a Canadian book, and a recipe or cycling route depending on the season.
There is also an oppo...
When I saw an old Mercury Monterey that had been used for spare parts, I remembered a time when I was mesmerized by this car. In the mid 1960's my grandparents owned a car just like this. And my cousins and I had the time of our lives in the back seat of that vehicle.
First published in my Happy to be Canadian newsletter April 27, 2025
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