I enjoy photographing everything in nature, but wild horses are my passion. I first heard about Alberta’s wild horses 20 years ago. Ever since, I had wanted to see and photograph them. A friend of mine, who loves and advocates for “wildies,” heard about my wish and in March 2017, I was fortunate enough to be able to accompany him to see the wild horses in the Williams Creek area of Alberta. It was an incredible experience.
We saw more than 100 horses—I was in heaven. We spent a day there on our first visit, and have been back to the same area three more times since then.
On one occasion, while taking photos of a band of around 30 horses, I didn’t realize that not 20 feet away, a foal was sleeping behind a tree. All at once, he awoke, jumped up and just stood there allowing me to get several great shots of him. As I was snapping away, the herd stud realized how close the little guy was to me and came running over, snaking his neck with his ears back, as if warning the colt, “Danger, get away!” The colt didn’t seem to understand what he was being told and stayed put until his mom came over to get him. I didn’t feel threatened at all by the stallion being close to me and kept taking photos. It was an encounter that I will always cherish.
Another time, I managed to capture a great shot of a foal running and jumping for the sheer joy of it. He was having such fun all by himself while the rest of his herd grazed peacefully—it brought a smile to my face.
While on a photography day trip with friends in June 2017, I snapped a funny pic of a red roan stallion with a cowbird perched on his back. Later, the same roan was with another bachelor stud and they were both very tolerant of our presence, allowing us plenty of time to take photos.
Having been out with the wildies several times now, I hope to visit again—as often as possible! They’re magnificent and truly nurture my soul. I’m so thankful for the privilege of having the opportunity to spend time with them. These horses are born wild and free, and deserve to always remain so.
Next, read up on the magnificent wild horses of Sable Island.
It’s a food dilemma that’s been haunting people around the world for too long…and we’re finally ready to right this wrong. You know what we’re talking about. You’re at the store trying to stock up for your backyard party, and you always end up with more buns than hot dogs. Ugh!
There’s a reason why 10 hot dogs and 8 buns in each package is the norm, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying.
How many hot dogs come in a pack?
If you’ve been grilling lately, you’ll know that hot dogs come 10 to a pack—a nice, even number. Why 10? Because hot dogs are sold by the pound, and standard-sized hot dogs sold in stores weigh 1.6 ounces, so of course, 10 is the perfect number for a package. This started in 1940 and remains so today.
How many hot dog buns are in a standard package?
When it comes to buns, it’s not weight that comes into play, but baking pans. According to the National Hot Dog Sausage Council (NHDSC), “Sandwich rolls, or hot dog buns, most often come eight to the pack because the buns are baked in clusters of four in pans designed to hold eight rolls.” Yep, there’s a council for hot dogs.
So why 10 hot dogs and 8 buns?
It’s always been that way. But it would make sense to match up the amounts of buns and hot dogs per package, wouldn’t it? It’s beyond irritating every time you go to the grocery store to buy at least two packs of buns per pack of hot dogs to make sure no dog is left alone. Well, the “Condiment King” Heinz has decided to put its foot down on the age-old debate.
July is officially National Hot Dog Month. To celebrate, Heinz has begun a campaign called the Heinz Hot Dog Pact to finally make big hot dog companies and big bun companies agree on a single number of products per package—10! This is most definitely a cause we can get behind.
Now that you know why there are uneven numbers of buns and hot dogs in a package, find out where you can finally get 10 dogs and buns per pack!
There’s so much we love about summer—the sunshine, the water and all these delicious grilled recipes. But in the hot sun, how do you keep cold food cold? We’re talking pasta salads, icebox desserts and all the other summer fare we can’t get enough of.
We’ll often keep our fruits, veggies and potato salads inside the house to avoid the summer heat, but that can become tedious, especially when you’re poolside and don’t want to wrap up every time you enter the house. Lucky for us, there’s a hack for that. It’s super simple, too!
Here’s a hack to keep food cold outside
First, grab a container that’s similar to the container you have your salad, dessert or snack in. TikTok user @bigmommakimbo7 uses several recyclable aluminum pans. All you need to do is take your container, fill about an inch with water and place it in the freezer overnight. In the morning, you’ll have a solid sheet of ice that should fit perfectly underneath your snack container. Stack your food pan on top of your ice pan, and your food should stay cold no problem!
@bigmommakimbo7 Here’s a cool little hack for your summer gatherings 😊 #hack #foodhack #lifehack #lifehackvideo #TubiTaughtMe #PrimeDayShowPJParty #fypシ
Next, check out this viral video that shows you how to whisk the right way.
I started collecting diecast model trucks and cars after receiving my first Canadian Tire collectible from my brother-in-law, Dave, in 1992—I was hooked. Being a letter carrier and delivering to businesses, I’d buy their 1:24 scale models featuring such company names as NAPA, IDA, Watkins, Sears and Home Hardware. I now own 352 models altogether, including the entire collection of Canadian Tire store-issued collectibles, all of their 1:64 scale transports and the JM Schneider collection.
My pride and joy is my Home Hardware diecast truck collection. After contacting their head office in St. Jacobs, Ontario, I received a list of all the trucks they issued. Since moving to Southern Ontario several years ago, my wife Cheryl (who is just as excited to find a truck as I am) and I have been able to complete almost the entire collection, with the exception of three 1:64 scale trucks. Recently, I acquired a 1:24 scale model of a 1964 baby-blue 40th-anniversary edition Mustang hardtop that I’d been searching for, from a person in Newfoundland. I also acquired the first-ever Home Hardware transport issued in 1975 in its original box. I am thrilled to own it. I found them all by driving to Home Hardware locations in small farming communities, as well as flea markets, toy shows and antique markets. I have also found some on online sites.
In addition, I have a little riding truck that once belonged to my granddaughter, Kirsten, who is now in her twenties! It’s decorated with specially-made decals to look like a Home Hardware truck.
In Cheryl’s opinion, we never really outgrow our love of toys. Now that I’m retired, there’s more time to collect—retirement has its rewards.
Next, check out this impressive model train collection.
