The Rural Voice, 2006-07, Page 46vaulted ceiling in a muted rose -
marbled hue below which sits the
stately hexagon dining table over
which hangs a most beautiful
Flemish antique crystal chandelier.
Patio doors on two walls lead to the
large terrace balcony.
The kitchen is surprisingly
informal in off-whites and creme.
Soft textural pleated shades allow the
soft Floridian light to filter through
giving the breakfast nook a warm
glow. Needless to say all appliances
are state of the art!
Around a corner and we come to a
secluded hallway, were we come to a
hidden laundry room and then the
Master Bedchamber. Walls are a
textural combo of mocha and pink
champagne pearlized to a subtle
sheen; carpeting repeats the signature
colourations, as do the imported bed
and window coverings. Furnishings
are of Swedish teak.
Again we are treated to an array of
17th century oil paintings, Venetian
bedside lamps, a hexagonal stained
glass window to rival any in the
finest galleries and an array of
antique mirrors and grouping of
potted palm trees...through a floor -
to -ceiling columned archway we
come to the ensuite bath with its
massive whirlpool featuring a
fountain -style faucet with timer and
temperature control...it can be
programmed to be ready for you to
walk in the door, doff your clothing
and immerse!
My personal favorite of the home
is the wrap-around balcony, which
travels room -to -room allowing for a
stupendous view.
So...how do I know these people
and their home so intimately? This is
Ward's Aunt Jo and Uncle Tony — the
most down-to-earth and gracious
people any of us could meet. Every
time we visit I get queried on
arranging furniture and bits and
pieces of their marvelous treasure
trove, largely collected while they've
traveled the world. More than their
home and treasures, their love and
caring of humanity shines through!
Patti's Tip: Take large scale ideas
from magazines and, home tours and
work them into your own home and
gardens in the appropriate scale.
Never be afraid to give you home the
pleasure and character of having a
few big and showy focal points.°
42 THE RURAL VOICE
News in Agriculture
A Perth County man was among Junior Farmer Travel Scholarship winners
announced at the recent conference of Junior Farmers of Ontario. Mike
Ready (standing), will be going to the United Kingdom. Other winners were:
(front) Gillian Richardson of Middlesex County, United Kingdom, Ellen
Batchelor, JFAO President 2005, Lauren Buchanan of Oxford County,
Republic of Ireland. At the conference Perth County won top Ag Club of the
year award.
Feeder Finance Co-op 15
The Feeder Finance Co-op
Program in Ontario recently
celebrated 15 years of success.
The Program currently has Co-ops
in most beef producing areas of the
province and has about 750
members. What is significant is the
activity of the Program over the last
15 years. In this titne, the program
has supported over 2,500 producers
who have borrowed over half a
billion dollars to finance nearly
750,000 head of feeder cattle. The
program now has 19 active Co-ops
and maximum loan limits of
$125,000.
Many young producers under the
age of 35 have benefited from the
program, and currently almost a
quarter of the members were in this
category. Some of the other
features for the Program have been
very attractive interest rates (thanks
to a Provincial Government Loan
Guarantee), simple application
forms, no monthly charges, and loan
payments only when cattle are sold.
Given these features, Co-op
members have benefited from
enhanced net returns. Also, the mere
presence of the Co-ops has provided
negotiating power for all beef
producers with respect to the
financing of feeder cattle.
The success of the Feeder Finance
Program has been due to diligent
directors and the supervisors and
administrators that they hire to
manage the day-to-day activities of
the Co-ops. To find out more about
the Ontario Feeder Cattle Co-op
Program and your local Co-op,
check out Programs on the OCA
website www.cattle.guelph.on.ca