Living

CANADA has its share of swimming pools, rivers, lakes and oceans and once summer arrives most of us can't wait to hit the beach. Because so much of our summer fun happens near the water, it's important that every child have basic swimming ability.

Le Gavroche restaurant is offering a three-course menu featuring snow crab which will be available for $39 until July 17. Wine pairings can be purchased for an additional $25. Reservations: www. opentable.com/le-gavroche or 604-685-3924.

Question: I am a 64-year-old woman approaching retirement from a job I love. My husband died eight years ago and my children are married and have their own busy lives.

A Perfect Blend: Local cuisine, boutique wines and cultural performances will take centre stage at Sun Peaks Resort during the fourth annual Wine and Culture Festival July 15-17.

Start simple and continue to challenge yourself

NOTICES Seniors Acting Up: A cabaret group that performs for seniors twice a month, rehearses Thursdays, 10 a.m.-noon at Silver Harbour Centre, 144 East 22nd St., North Vancouver.

Many years ago I received a call from a dog trainer -- a comrade of sorts. She explained that she was sending me a client with a dog that was highly reactive and unpredictable with its aggressive outbursts.

How much oak do you like in your Chardonnay? And will that be staves or barrels? The first question comes up quite a bit. The second not so much.

You know what they say about "the way to a man's heart ..." (a woman's heart as well, if the truth be told). With these recipes, you can have a really beautiful dinner for Valentine's Day without the expense of going to a restaurant.