Living

YOUR shopping buggy is full and the list has every single item ticked off. You are ready to head to the checkout. The weekly shopping is almost over. And six-year-old Eldon has been a pleasure to spend this time with.

LEAVING so soon November? But you've only just arrived. Tomorrow (tomorrow!) December drops anchor, and though I love it, the month has an unsettling habit of showing up early. Or at least it seems that way.

WITH most of the gardening work done for the year, there's only one thing left to do and that is buy a gift for the gardener in your life.

Celebration Birthday in the Woods: The Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre will hold a 40th birthday celebration this Saturday, Dec. 3, noon to 4 p.m. at 3663 Park Rd., North Vancouver. Enjoy games, goodies, draw prizes, cake and a puppet show. Info: www.dnv.

Christmas Appetizer Classes: Cooking instructor Maureen Goulet of Ambrosia Adventures will host a class on unique holiday appetizers for the festive season Wednesday, Nov. 30, 6: 45-9: 30 p.m. Classes are held at Y Franks store, 503 15th St.

IS THERE ANYTHING MORE VERSATILE THAN CHICKEN? You could make a different chicken recipe every day for a year and not even make a dent in the possible ways to prepare le poulet.

I'VE always thought of the hearth as the heart of the home. It's a place for gathering and entertaining and a wonderful place to showcase holiday décor. This year choose a minimal look with a striking duo of green and white.

LAST Christmas my wife and I drove with our four-monthold son from Vancouver to several points across the Prairies, subjecting him to long days strapped in the car seat, constantly changing routines and the possibility of sliding off a mountain cliff

THE FOLLOWING is a selection of volunteer opportunities from various community organizations, made available through Volunteer North Shore, a service of North Shore Community Resources Society.

EXERCISE can be scary and intimidating, especially while recovering from an injury. But it doesn't have to be. Most simply, exercise is a way of building (or rebuilding) your strength.