Stop, we're blushing

For some time now, I've been meaning to let you know what a terrific magazine you publish. All of the articles are interesting and well done. Thank you for putting together such a first-class magazine.

I especially enjoyed the humorous article, "For Want of a Nail" (Fall 2006, page 38) by Mark Behrend.

- Gail Lovig
Tofield, Alberta

Great magazine - the best of all my subscriptions. I love it! Wish you published more than five times a year.

- Wally Malicki
Rockwood, Ontario

Building a loft bed

I loved the loft bed in the renovation feature (Early Spring 2007, page 14). It would be perfect for my son's room. Can you tell me more about this project?

- Sue McCulloch
Palgrave, Ontario

Saskatoon decorator and home stager Tami Nykiforuk, a source for this story, made the loft bed with her husband.

She is happy to provide information on it. Readers may contact her at nyks@sasktel.net.

On feeding cats

I really enjoy your magazine. However, I noticed an error in the story about feeding cats (Early Spring 2007, page 18).

It's true cats enjoy milk, and that it doesn't give them a lot of nutrition, but more importantly, cats are lactose intolerant.

Milk can cause a stomach upset or even constant vomiting. Owners may not be aware an outdoor cat is suffering. Milk also contains much more calcium than a cat should have. (This has been linked to urinary tract problems, and it's one of the reasons canned fish is bad for cats.)

A well-fed cat will be a better mouser, have fewer health problems, and remain a good friend to any acreage owner. Better foods also mean less mess in the litter box. These foods cost more, but with better nutrition, the cat eats less.

- Brenda Nelson
Westerose, Alberta

Oven temperature

The recipe for Old-fashioned Rice Pudding (Early Spring 2007, page 27) neglected to mention the oven temperature.

The pudding should be baked, covered, at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for at least one hour, or prepared in a slow cooker according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Write to us at: The Mailbox, Acreage Life
Box 2500, 2310 Millar Avenue,
Saskatoon, SK
S7K 2C4

Or e-mail us: acreagelife.editors@producer.com