Living

"Islands in the stream, that is what we are." - Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. YOUR HISTORY by Bryan Ness Here's a term you don't hear much of around Port Coquitlam anymore: Marshall Island.

Asparagus is one of our oldest perennial vegetables. The generic word is derived from the Greek 'asparagos' meaning 'to tear', which relates to the prickly nature of some stalks as they mature.

A GOOD READ by Shannon Ozirny There's a rumble a-brewin' amongst Tri-City middle schoolers. If you listen closely, you may hear the sounds: the rustling of pages, the scribbling of pens, the hours spent studying and quizzing.

A snow day - the ultimate freebie from God and your friends at the weather channel. I remember having a snow day or two as a child in Port Coquitlam.

A GOOD READ BY Barbara Weston I was sad to see an article in the New York Times last fall that reported a decrease in publishing of children's picture books in the United States.

One day, you'll depend on the retirement strategies you develop today so it is time to give your goals the attention they deserve. Coquitlam Public Library can help.

Farmer Brown was enjoying a quiet rest in his home when he heard loud arguing outside. He went to his backyard and stood back a bit to listen. It was his sheep (I called him Shawn), cow (Cassie) and apple tree (Annie) debating who was the best.

After visiting Japan a few years ago, my perspective on pruning certainly changed. From a country where virtually every ornamental tree is pruned severely, for cultural, artistic and space reasons, we can learn many things about trimming trees.

Now that we have reached the RRSP season, there is much talk about making investments to be better prepared for the future.

It's high time to be out there with pruning shears in hand, cleaning up our trees and shrubs, but we also must be a little cautious with some of our plants to make sure we don't prune off this year's flowers and fruits.