Life

Our pets are part of our families. They offer companionship, love and protection. Just like our children, our pets need to be taught how to behave appropriately in various situations, no matter how much we love them.

With no previous history of falls or medical worries, Margaret didn't have a medical alarm to hand. She made a full recovery but the family couldn't help thinking if it could be avoided.

As we all know there are fish and chips and fish and chips. But fish is such a delicious, versatile and healthy food that it deserves so much more respect and care when it is prepared or cooked.

My Dad was a hero. He must have been - he went to war to fight for king and country!

Retirement used to be the cue to close the curtains on life as you knew it; nowadays retirement is largely embraced as a time for personal growth through new opportunities.

Online dating is a great way to make contact with a whole new group of people, without leaving your home. You can get to know them via email and phone calls and finally meet them in person once you are ready.

The land my granny farmed in Christchurch was given to my great-grandfather for fighting in the Māori Land Wars. Except he had been dead 20 years when those grants were made.

All families experience conflict. It can appear to flare up out of nothing, be triggered by a major event, decision or change or run like a constant sore that can sit under the surface for years.

Show some love to the garden this winter by digging it over, giving it some compost and anything else that inspires you to improve its overall soil quality in time for spring planting.

Do-It-Yourself or DIY furniture renovation can give you and your home a whole new lease of life as well as be a rewarding hobby.