tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65582644119530886452024-03-19T07:17:48.102-04:00Hip KidAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.comBlogger191125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-65572037535454185302012-04-12T12:04:00.000-04:002012-04-12T12:04:13.075-04:00New blogYou can now find me at<a href="http://lifeinafrenchpantry.blogspot.ca/"> Life in a French Pantry. </a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-78822652557030878742010-12-01T09:17:00.002-05:002010-12-01T09:18:28.429-05:00Knitting machine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYpc0MQDCEnGNPjak7iZBaY9GTEn5ay1CCBrxRxqHgViwuWFAbY3zOb0XAuY9ZGCn4cFAHTAQ4gb-gPfUCYcKuAgdNocXD4RpqIcpDoHyxdj9Id-0dhEuCISBvn6sfzJb0j65jBIBBmE/s1600/IMG_6390+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYpc0MQDCEnGNPjak7iZBaY9GTEn5ay1CCBrxRxqHgViwuWFAbY3zOb0XAuY9ZGCn4cFAHTAQ4gb-gPfUCYcKuAgdNocXD4RpqIcpDoHyxdj9Id-0dhEuCISBvn6sfzJb0j65jBIBBmE/s400/IMG_6390+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545718021910534418" /></a>
More stuff in the new shop.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-1030835720133939392010-11-22T20:20:00.002-05:002010-11-22T20:33:22.397-05:00The French Pantry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKxALztFHcG7BZ5amJ-UOxkesz_seGv6Pvs7x87UQeD-dDyJ7xF99cHi-ykiitWJQKyihJS7YbWfkOd52swhC3ZU5r6K_-rew5sgajH1En8lEnY9_kp8_U4ZAm9BmwX5ZoX8FISIvcc8/s1600/IMG_6301+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 339px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKxALztFHcG7BZ5amJ-UOxkesz_seGv6Pvs7x87UQeD-dDyJ7xF99cHi-ykiitWJQKyihJS7YbWfkOd52swhC3ZU5r6K_-rew5sgajH1En8lEnY9_kp8_U4ZAm9BmwX5ZoX8FISIvcc8/s400/IMG_6301+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542551991239526978" /></a>
<br></br>
<p>I've gone and done it. I've opened a second shop. </p>
<br></br>
<p>You can see some of my goods at the Willingdon Craft Fair, Dec. 10 and 11.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-11568979729189722902010-08-21T11:13:00.015-04:002010-08-21T14:38:57.340-04:00i scream<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OVOiOxYyvrPWEvsrLRORCsWexWLBZ6xY9EBDfsbap3_pH8t3xO1w1tbiTAMP5uG71y5_Bf0WM5TYER_Ugda-75IjSqBzRGSB553GxGaTQtyH_gVXQCCRheS_-47SXBbhPvnHzbVwe4w/s1600/IMG_5209+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OVOiOxYyvrPWEvsrLRORCsWexWLBZ6xY9EBDfsbap3_pH8t3xO1w1tbiTAMP5uG71y5_Bf0WM5TYER_Ugda-75IjSqBzRGSB553GxGaTQtyH_gVXQCCRheS_-47SXBbhPvnHzbVwe4w/s400/IMG_5209+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507933449001247746" /></a>
<p>Actually my hips scream.</p>
<p>For a couple of years I have been coveting the ice cream attachment
by Kitchen Aid. But I found it difficult to find in Canada and
every time I went to the US I forgot about it. But this year on our way back
from our holiday I finally bought my ice cream maker.
I knew it was a mistake to stop at Williams-Sonoma (WS)
on our way back from Boston.
But we were hungry by the time we hit Burlington, VT
and we had to eat lunch, and I knew there was a WS there.
And I knew they carried the Kitchen Aid ice cream
maker attachment I've been coveting.
And I knew I would buy it and I did.</p>
<p>I'm addicted. </p>
<p>
Last summer some friends bought
ice cream makers, but after the initial thrill wore
off they put them away in the cupboard.
They said that it made such a small amount of ice cream
for so much work. And it is expensive.</p>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fjI2TY1-zERr5SMU0I5mjRDd6-wirxZ12DaubFXNWaZ1_TEYQbdnsKqYu-hZTxIUTWsYbywCI7LVN2MFKtHZOODZTzAqtvGtecQ38LeKEiD2TWYgeneuB9vNJVZCxKMXUz9peNOUbrA/s1600/IMG_5206+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 363px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fjI2TY1-zERr5SMU0I5mjRDd6-wirxZ12DaubFXNWaZ1_TEYQbdnsKqYu-hZTxIUTWsYbywCI7LVN2MFKtHZOODZTzAqtvGtecQ38LeKEiD2TWYgeneuB9vNJVZCxKMXUz9peNOUbrA/s400/IMG_5206+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507933587483975266" /></a>
<p>I don't find that at all. Well, the expensive part yes.
If you use the best ingredients you can find, it can be quite
expensive. And I've been trying to use only organic ingredients
(when a bottle of cream hits $7.00 it's starting to get a little
expensive). But the taste is so worth it.
My KA makes 2 quarts instead of the typical 1 so it makes
a decent amount of ice cream.
And so far I am making flavors that are difficult to find here.</p>
<p>I started off with organic lemon ice cream. It lasted about an hour.
Really it was amazing. Then I made orange creamsicle ice cream.
Amazing. Then the boys insisted I make 2 more batches of lemon.
I should also say that I bought a Microplane zester and I don't know
how I ever zested a lemon or an orange before. It doubles the amount
of zest you get off of a piece of fruit.
I also made mango sorbet. While it was delicious, it was a little
gritty. I think the next time I will strain the mango.</p>
<p>I also bought <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/1580088082/davidleboviswebs">The Perfect Scoop</a>, which is the ice cream bible.
It reads like a novel (or at least it does for someone obsessed with
ice cream). The only disappointment so far was the roasted banana recipe.
And I knew that it would be from the outset. I knew that we wouldn't like
the flavor imparted by roasting the bananas. But I won't give up.
I have searched for other banana recipes that I am going to try.</p>
<p>First thing though I am off to the Atwater Market to find some good
quality chocolate because today I try my hand at making chocolate
ice cream. I'm a little nervous. So far everything has been fruit
based and not custard based.I think it will work out if I
take my time.</p>
<p>Next up is to try out my new martini shaker.<p>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijK-nSbZYW-cI2eh-5QKanhhQujnnK-xWrVhkjGIuGEb8sD8ftotF9l3qiCgq-MOA80_xOtusuRtm4yfWujHEA-Jmx-eLvKbV83s2aZ8Vb2o6PvCsUhFOCplsfiTSwryu7ST8MK7JWwzk/s1600/IMG_5174+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijK-nSbZYW-cI2eh-5QKanhhQujnnK-xWrVhkjGIuGEb8sD8ftotF9l3qiCgq-MOA80_xOtusuRtm4yfWujHEA-Jmx-eLvKbV83s2aZ8Vb2o6PvCsUhFOCplsfiTSwryu7ST8MK7JWwzk/s400/IMG_5174+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507888163336777842" /></a>
Shel on a cow in Burlington.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-59419536304535335262010-08-08T11:21:00.006-04:002010-08-08T11:31:52.601-04:00Shark week<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspvIr-bTJ9aNAKnebE36zqjINoOB1SXmnCQ9esTQTXPW8lzHl26sAjQoV8TnDT43cFH27CJqFS-8l6tiE3vwfs58ZmnMSLLquZL4SJm3mLrCIZO7xfSZGRvhJjdEfX4lSUdlbyTIQjrw/s1600/pic-shark-guad2big.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspvIr-bTJ9aNAKnebE36zqjINoOB1SXmnCQ9esTQTXPW8lzHl26sAjQoV8TnDT43cFH27CJqFS-8l6tiE3vwfs58ZmnMSLLquZL4SJm3mLrCIZO7xfSZGRvhJjdEfX4lSUdlbyTIQjrw/s400/pic-shark-guad2big.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503061333882122290" /></a>
<pre>The day after returning from our holiday
I came down with a terrible summer cold.
Summer colds have to be the worst,
but it gave me an excuse to lay around the
house watching Shark Week on Discovery.</pre>
<pre>I know sharks don't excite everybody, but
in our house sharks rule.
We're all totally obsessed with sharks.</pre>
<pre>While we were in the Boston area on holiday
there were at least 4 great white sightings
off the Cape. </pre>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rTZAtSyWWSKslBKeAND48KlXtgLogxyUsSJgCw0kswdidZS8ulPVHnnhNv592H3cCIDzbsJE0THqQAIatohd7UzcoCEqopdYh1i3fgs9oXrIGV4m2BmMfZCE6jZ621yQfAJPY4bCT-o/s1600/IMG_4769+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 372px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rTZAtSyWWSKslBKeAND48KlXtgLogxyUsSJgCw0kswdidZS8ulPVHnnhNv592H3cCIDzbsJE0THqQAIatohd7UzcoCEqopdYh1i3fgs9oXrIGV4m2BmMfZCE6jZ621yQfAJPY4bCT-o/s400/IMG_4769+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503062110026995058" /></a>
<pre>And truth be told when we went out for
our boat ride to see whales, we were all
secretly hoping to to see the great whites.</pre>
<pre>Unfortunately, we didn't so next year we
will try a shark tour.</pre>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-68575646507081708142010-08-06T19:03:00.009-04:002010-08-06T19:32:26.910-04:00I'm back<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjXomFBuE0osVdFfLm3rTh7t5GvnhpcS8JUBzOZat4SwOvoEWQymbONOJ4Qwv-CCl1kmTjIFxalvDK4rLbu8zLJUKIRpvyRGOWBqjk7mTYJpOqGAo-aiEq9y9qawptNgQfnruY0WcC9Y/s1600/IMG_4560+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 326px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjXomFBuE0osVdFfLm3rTh7t5GvnhpcS8JUBzOZat4SwOvoEWQymbONOJ4Qwv-CCl1kmTjIFxalvDK4rLbu8zLJUKIRpvyRGOWBqjk7mTYJpOqGAo-aiEq9y9qawptNgQfnruY0WcC9Y/s400/IMG_4560+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502441236982896130" /></a>
<pre>Finally.
In more ways than one.
I really needed to take a break and refocus.
It was helpful. I made some decisions about my
online shop. Or I thought I did.
And some about my new shop. But enough about all
of that for now.</pre>
<pre>This is a catch up of what we've been up to this summer
for those of you I haven't been emailing or calling.</pre>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcZC1UxqoFEML7yoC0MPr2PCwZr-ld0pePtptYb8aLffRjLCeGhmz1Jvjj9xVUtGrXBgDjrZNl75uk4Wy-2KhuKl2OufLUrQmRKZLeAE3AJskQ66uPs5dF0ZoO1gFP0dtTr3qvauBICM/s1600/IMG_4642+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 322px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcZC1UxqoFEML7yoC0MPr2PCwZr-ld0pePtptYb8aLffRjLCeGhmz1Jvjj9xVUtGrXBgDjrZNl75uk4Wy-2KhuKl2OufLUrQmRKZLeAE3AJskQ66uPs5dF0ZoO1gFP0dtTr3qvauBICM/s400/IMG_4642+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502442738980604626" /></a>
<pre>We just returned from a holiday to the coast (NE not NS)
and have returned well fed and well rested.</pre>
<pre>It was fantastic. Martin and I used to go to Boston's
north shore every summer and then stopped when
we had Shel. I can't believe that we haven't been back
in over 10 years.</pre>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezfq_vbiitNtLoAYBNgb3E0HXUtw2Si-dC2NQ41vC-Xux7yYddBG85iSBFAkjFtBaugxNe_G7dRCxW4b0iE4hcILBv0fPeenWB1nX0FeoQCo2ROjtbJCQS2Fo_ceWU0y_pnbbOYWP4i0/s1600/IMG_4487+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 342px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezfq_vbiitNtLoAYBNgb3E0HXUtw2Si-dC2NQ41vC-Xux7yYddBG85iSBFAkjFtBaugxNe_G7dRCxW4b0iE4hcILBv0fPeenWB1nX0FeoQCo2ROjtbJCQS2Fo_ceWU0y_pnbbOYWP4i0/s400/IMG_4487+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502440768147442818" /></a>
<pre>Due to our tardiness in booking our trip
we couldn't find anything close to
Plum Island where we usually stay, but
we stayed closer to Salem and that turned out to
be great. We found a new beach that has become
a family favorite (Crane Beach near Ipswich),
we did the touristy
witch stuff in Salem, went looking for whales
(and saw over 20), ate loads of fantastic seafood.</pre>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5hVMobDby1l92WK4mbYh1904774bd6r-pLig291w32Uk5fkOUaWgw-y2vttzXm5K86ylE26O9XTzunIkzng79NXgncr42CsHFqhYEDYykCqhIeSYg_VuwtCesxkOHE8xWV2HOt72sz0/s1600/IMG_5174+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5hVMobDby1l92WK4mbYh1904774bd6r-pLig291w32Uk5fkOUaWgw-y2vttzXm5K86ylE26O9XTzunIkzng79NXgncr42CsHFqhYEDYykCqhIeSYg_VuwtCesxkOHE8xWV2HOt72sz0/s400/IMG_5174+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502443619645955250" /></a>
<pre>We stopped in Burlington, VT on the way
back for lunch and I bought an ice cream maker.
I've made 2 batches of lemon ice cream and
I think there is no going back to
commercial ice cream.
I had also forgotten how much I really
like Burlington. It is a very funky little
town.</pre>
<pre>Now we're back and I have a summer cold.
I'm taking a few days to recover and then
I will have more news about my new shop.</pre>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-11935643133069377342010-07-14T11:18:00.011-04:002010-07-21T20:02:40.559-04:00Popsicles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ih47bKmINPkH0c9AFhx3cOeA5o-06spSU011vEnahuxQio6GM9THs6cwQwRPGEr3MFovjdfu6fmTAJT4_q9c0LhBsLD916eJ5uJc4uUEYXyh5ScLVyiAcj0J6jg79syNypgDeB0G-bg/s1600/IMG_4249+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 313px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ih47bKmINPkH0c9AFhx3cOeA5o-06spSU011vEnahuxQio6GM9THs6cwQwRPGEr3MFovjdfu6fmTAJT4_q9c0LhBsLD916eJ5uJc4uUEYXyh5ScLVyiAcj0J6jg79syNypgDeB0G-bg/s400/IMG_4249+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496511928637594690" /></a>
<p>
It's been so hot here lately, I decided to make some healthy popsicles with yogurt and fresh raspberries rather than eating the sugar-filled ones we buy at the depanneur.</p>
<p>
I bought this popsicle mold a couple of years ago and can't believe that I haven't used it yet. But that's the way I am. It all gets used eventually.</p>
<p>
I was reading <a href="http://orangette.blogspot.com/">Orangette</a> and she made popsicles from David Lebovitz's book The Perfect Scoop. If you haven't discovered David Lebovitz yet you really must read his <a href="http://www.davidlebovitz.com/">food blog</a>. </p>
<p>
So today I decided to get off my duff and make some popsicles for the wee man as a surprise when he gets home from day camp later on.</p>
<p>
I know that he will be coming up with his own recipes once he realizes how incredibly easy they are to make.</p>
<p>
Raspberry Yogurt Popsicles
Adapted from The Perfect Scoop, by David Lebovitz</p>
<p>
<i>Use whole-milk yogurt, not low-fat or nonfat. It tastes better, and it makes for a better tasting popsicle. </i></p>
<p>
<b>Recipe</b></p>
<p>
<ul>
<li>2 cups (480 grams) plain whole-milk yogurt</li>
<li>2 cups (240 grams) fresh or frozen raspberries</li>
<li>¾ cup (150 grams) sugar</li>
<li>1 tsp. lemon juice</li>
</ul>
</p>
<p>
Combine all ingredients in the jar of a blender, and process until smooth. Set a strainer over a bowl (or other vessel) with a pour spout. Press the mixture through the strainer to remove seeds. Divide mixture among popsicle molds of your choosing and freeze for 4-5 hours. If using something other than real popsicle molds, freeze for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the mixture begins to set; then insert popsicle sticks. Freeze until very hard.
</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-4834230717216831222010-07-02T15:46:00.004-04:002010-07-02T15:49:30.726-04:00Happy Canada Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gmNiVSZ7izm2BXmV4kWPq5h8emQhXvdCorA5ZR7-akPqF_GaZtzVFPgt9nHMyzrj01048mhDzj3y89OfI-MNn2-P9EZBpqlqx5uZOZ2sYf6XpPbz2nQsvPDrEtmnADCpT55fn-82QuU/s1600/IMG_3951+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 322px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gmNiVSZ7izm2BXmV4kWPq5h8emQhXvdCorA5ZR7-akPqF_GaZtzVFPgt9nHMyzrj01048mhDzj3y89OfI-MNn2-P9EZBpqlqx5uZOZ2sYf6XpPbz2nQsvPDrEtmnADCpT55fn-82QuU/s400/IMG_3951+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489398011778548258" /></a>
<p>Bit late posting this, but I was sooo tired when
I got home last night.</p>
<br></br>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoPkoa9fhnr9d5vyKWq2JJl6DDt_zYkdgNfmuHevQBtO3PVRKZydMWh4YOUgDq10KnWzEZJW9yitaHNivzC0jjBEw5tJxkAWW5W5l3w77KdPvhyOOIRyg4ZMVSy2Lb3RXt7nGtB4yo5Y/s1600/IMG_3974+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 331px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoPkoa9fhnr9d5vyKWq2JJl6DDt_zYkdgNfmuHevQBtO3PVRKZydMWh4YOUgDq10KnWzEZJW9yitaHNivzC0jjBEw5tJxkAWW5W5l3w77KdPvhyOOIRyg4ZMVSy2Lb3RXt7nGtB4yo5Y/s400/IMG_3974+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489398217268098706" /></a>
<p>
We had a great time in Montreal West with friends.
Fireworks were short but beautiful.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-28259114879932170352010-06-29T13:57:00.005-04:002010-06-29T14:07:22.839-04:00Summer plans<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VnxC_dt9hzAuZEOgH017DeCFpaeRhSHRFJtHeBGuq0S6wisPBnyEKBgvJzmxiz5nFguhPMiBSTkpYfVpePh_zQpfesnK5iOENFtxMslE62UwHPLoYZvJC3WBmLQUkqFzg5VWKS62sdQ/s1600/lighthouse(3).JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 119px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VnxC_dt9hzAuZEOgH017DeCFpaeRhSHRFJtHeBGuq0S6wisPBnyEKBgvJzmxiz5nFguhPMiBSTkpYfVpePh_zQpfesnK5iOENFtxMslE62UwHPLoYZvJC3WBmLQUkqFzg5VWKS62sdQ/s400/lighthouse(3).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488258263078303778" /></a>
<p>
Usually, we have our summer plans all mapped out already, but
this year we are late and it shows.
We have been discussing where to go and what to do.
I found this l<a href="http://www.saugertieslighthouse.com/bb/index.shtml">ovely lighthouse</a> in my search and
wish I had found it earlier. They are already
booking for next year or the year after.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-9871583451551634972010-06-09T11:05:00.009-04:002010-06-11T19:30:58.110-04:00Homemade Lemonade<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNx9mKKszzJac2rYo44TGPEQY5Znw-GFA6Xo-XS7pZkfmrAkietxveq1y4308298jc_tKoFqNRMSSgz43ruTt_yYZs_Nnpw1AmLoJ1LRQ2y34Sy971W0IVwCumxXCFP8u7tMG5Wn4DusI/s1600/IMG_3833+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 205px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNx9mKKszzJac2rYo44TGPEQY5Znw-GFA6Xo-XS7pZkfmrAkietxveq1y4308298jc_tKoFqNRMSSgz43ruTt_yYZs_Nnpw1AmLoJ1LRQ2y34Sy971W0IVwCumxXCFP8u7tMG5Wn4DusI/s400/IMG_3833+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480890397852033730" /></a>
<br></br>
<pre>
This recipe is used at most US State fairs.
A pitcher of it never lasts very long and
is a little on the tart side.
</pre>
<pre>
<b>Homemade Lemonade</b>
1 c. sugar
5 c. water
1 c. lemon juice (about 6 organic lemons)
<b>Instructions:</b>
<b>Simple syrup:</b>
Cut into chunks the rinds of 2 lemons (skins washed).
Put in saucepan.
Cover with sugar and 1 cup of water.
Bring to a boil, then simmer until sugar is dissolved
(about 5-6 minutes)
Let cool.
In a pitcher, mix 1 cup of lemon juice with 4 cups of water.
(I usually strain the lemon juice to get rid of the pulp)
Once the simply syrup is cool, strain into pitcher with
lemon juice and water.
<b>Refrigerate. Enjoy!</b>
</pre>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-76232870476890531822010-04-29T18:32:00.013-04:002010-04-29T21:35:03.729-04:00I heart Chicago<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHZOR_oChyh9MCRIFX_Akt2g4bT6X6G-WLEGF6XXPZMpw34PPWr7Uy159aQ8oajYaBzoOpMYSgTpENH0UUexUJB35LpUAGhBP7xCpgHoA2cE79nLkuFHgwGAMzhdTNR4SC7Kokpvv6Y4/s1600/IMG00131-20100428-1944+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHZOR_oChyh9MCRIFX_Akt2g4bT6X6G-WLEGF6XXPZMpw34PPWr7Uy159aQ8oajYaBzoOpMYSgTpENH0UUexUJB35LpUAGhBP7xCpgHoA2cE79nLkuFHgwGAMzhdTNR4SC7Kokpvv6Y4/s400/IMG00131-20100428-1944+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465692988803836754" /></a>
I've been in the Chicago area for the last week.
The days have been busy, but followed by
very enjoyable evenings at some fantastic
restaurants.
Last night we ate at a Spanish tapas restaurant
that was so good I was tempted to go back again
tonight. The restaurant is in a Victorian home
that was converted. It is absolutely beautiful and
I had the most fantastic passion fruit martini.
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsv-aEbtYM1VO_m9wqWQ0s78-IGlFqQo_zqrPROEKr8DleHwCleXx_wUK4-3WZYLCBWEiZ1A5byAbctIO6xPaZBFI0ua4YYvgLvrFz9hXix9HQ5_yEFU3UkAounWYtPfMOlSRk5NZY4k/s1600/IMG00134-20100428-2025(3)+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 381px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsv-aEbtYM1VO_m9wqWQ0s78-IGlFqQo_zqrPROEKr8DleHwCleXx_wUK4-3WZYLCBWEiZ1A5byAbctIO6xPaZBFI0ua4YYvgLvrFz9hXix9HQ5_yEFU3UkAounWYtPfMOlSRk5NZY4k/s400/IMG00134-20100428-2025(3)+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465693630615595986" /></a>
<blockquote></blockquote>
<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span>
Looking forward to going back home tomorrow.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-63712310968330543372010-03-19T15:48:00.009-04:002010-03-24T12:11:37.116-04:00blank pages<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-kWzf7_NKvQJKe6lg4ef8_Bmrdmqw6Zb3BQVb7eKaHJApD4RYgKylkRNo6pHEGrN9qmNahdQn4akkrNzKEOMSWPkP9LhE12s9bD6VBxSFpdLcFNleAxUNJVlfN5FNQ5T_pPcQr2Bhbo/s1600/IMG_2947+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-kWzf7_NKvQJKe6lg4ef8_Bmrdmqw6Zb3BQVb7eKaHJApD4RYgKylkRNo6pHEGrN9qmNahdQn4akkrNzKEOMSWPkP9LhE12s9bD6VBxSFpdLcFNleAxUNJVlfN5FNQ5T_pPcQr2Bhbo/s400/IMG_2947+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452232848568059618" /></a>
<pre>we love good food at our house
but i realized that we are always
cooking the same things
</pre>
<pre>
i spend so much time reading
and clipping
recipes out of newspapers
and magazines
i have a huge collection that
i always meant to get around to trying
but never did</pre>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1o2Ft8vu9Geh5shI4wiNIbRNQBrAj-0XaAyg0XRhCsO9k7Q4lMVWXj2luYRT3L01ycv7hy15PROLfzzYN8rhOtRk5wEok8k5h4riGmhljD2IH51KtZhzZFE8YkeWO70KkBi8a5g68FA/s1600/IMG_3568.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1o2Ft8vu9Geh5shI4wiNIbRNQBrAj-0XaAyg0XRhCsO9k7Q4lMVWXj2luYRT3L01ycv7hy15PROLfzzYN8rhOtRk5wEok8k5h4riGmhljD2IH51KtZhzZFE8YkeWO70KkBi8a5g68FA/s400/IMG_3568.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452230664543226114" /></a>
<pre>until recently
i've started cooking and baking
my way through the pile</pre>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl46c612XEHHoXN89kRlsPhJU9q2JhDzCdD_b1l0rR94QbuGdU9594FMSkDqB1YKAQ_LWpdNAUqim-m1M479hjM1UKapYfe2mwq5PFjqUsNbXk5MEulvDcCiWshL0fkRGBnzegfSPTWas/s1600/IMG_3573.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 244px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl46c612XEHHoXN89kRlsPhJU9q2JhDzCdD_b1l0rR94QbuGdU9594FMSkDqB1YKAQ_LWpdNAUqim-m1M479hjM1UKapYfe2mwq5PFjqUsNbXk5MEulvDcCiWshL0fkRGBnzegfSPTWas/s400/IMG_3573.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452231092565462018" /></a>
<pre>a few years ago i bought this lovely blank
leather bound book in Italy
and never filled it
so now as i try recipes
if they are a success
they are included in my blank book</pre>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeRKzKfwOUPeCgtz2VGtE4nv9lTs45vLLdCO_8QA2UA4MaSD8Q30sgomO7gFEQgKzmwkuSGxIfA9-2L_PmWgGdEZ1gbdrMTHuE9Oi3Qvw4yVZDw3qzp20cQ7xs4SG3SdTS5iIm8OT_NE/s1600/IMG_3574.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeRKzKfwOUPeCgtz2VGtE4nv9lTs45vLLdCO_8QA2UA4MaSD8Q30sgomO7gFEQgKzmwkuSGxIfA9-2L_PmWgGdEZ1gbdrMTHuE9Oi3Qvw4yVZDw3qzp20cQ7xs4SG3SdTS5iIm8OT_NE/s400/IMG_3574.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452231325347025058" /></a>
<pre>i have entered a few of my favorites already
such as joe beef's lobster spaghetti
my special carrot cake
poulet chasseur
my mom's oatmeal cookies
and lemon cloud pudding</pre>
<pre>hopefully soon it won't
be blank for much longer</pre>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-26628155065606676792010-03-17T11:54:00.006-04:002010-03-19T17:28:12.269-04:00happy birthday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHCW2teKKzbo9791lmFRdHrw7Q6X9LsFcxkfUOwufQzPQB7DNhrNSfkT3wT2fZBZcU3w0XVt7hxzFyz3EzRdp4Wy_NlyjomxTDP8cNWpvHGv_9jvoXvuGEm6GQkyRhwvfHEjgIZEuSrY/s1600-h/IMG_3496+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHCW2teKKzbo9791lmFRdHrw7Q6X9LsFcxkfUOwufQzPQB7DNhrNSfkT3wT2fZBZcU3w0XVt7hxzFyz3EzRdp4Wy_NlyjomxTDP8cNWpvHGv_9jvoXvuGEm6GQkyRhwvfHEjgIZEuSrY/s400/IMG_3496+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450433462793106146" /></a>
<pre>so many birthdays in March
lots to celebrate
happy birthday to the husband
and all our friends born in this
springy month</pre>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-34411928873461310082010-03-05T16:46:00.013-05:002010-03-19T16:13:35.656-04:00what to do today?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicddewzMW-FP2qgw2Q1fUKw3yC5ujeYTlRhc5EwF3OmO503yP_vx3qp8EwQf5OPaf6LmuAVEUz7J956uT86E73s8dsdQTauyRnHtKRFQwmCf6GaDc4TDYLzW5ccdZqNTCJV0_x87wsfYI/s1600-h/IMG00101-20100305-1424+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 271px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicddewzMW-FP2qgw2Q1fUKw3yC5ujeYTlRhc5EwF3OmO503yP_vx3qp8EwQf5OPaf6LmuAVEUz7J956uT86E73s8dsdQTauyRnHtKRFQwmCf6GaDc4TDYLzW5ccdZqNTCJV0_x87wsfYI/s400/IMG00101-20100305-1424+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445864285270112338" /></a>
<br></br>
<pre>
today was the last day of the school break.
what to do with
the day in front of us.
we had a lazy morning
did a little shopping
a late lunch at a favorite Mexican place on the Plateau
</pre>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTj1DZQ97PRuso_WHqAAlxAfmnDFLK02hisXoYyYO2pRfd4P8r9TURe5bcFVhNCTrvvnqJqEToZkOCPVZ0HKSFADUabFYLVUJqYHRRLUQUk7V_CulrhpN6HGMLlZYr1PfumLyQ9E0X9M/s1600-h/IMG00099-20100305-1418+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTj1DZQ97PRuso_WHqAAlxAfmnDFLK02hisXoYyYO2pRfd4P8r9TURe5bcFVhNCTrvvnqJqEToZkOCPVZ0HKSFADUabFYLVUJqYHRRLUQUk7V_CulrhpN6HGMLlZYr1PfumLyQ9E0X9M/s400/IMG00099-20100305-1418+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445864497373818258" /></a>
<br></br>
<pre>
chicken quesadillas
salad
nachos
salsa
Corona
a little more shopping
Alice in Wonderland
and a little wine to top off the day</pre>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-16669326699003676182010-02-22T15:59:00.019-05:002010-03-19T16:13:57.106-04:00liquid gold<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMubmDjawmzkSO25pzNygJsnpr0UYkue6c-jl9K6dzgAjX8FtZNuroPtzs_MP1BjF5vWwx5l-CQvHxjWb6ogpd6vb8QWTFU2LMKjHAWoQBumDwNFSrzbA8xZgeRoObsZUpGKGfawRgs08/s1600-h/IMG_3378+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMubmDjawmzkSO25pzNygJsnpr0UYkue6c-jl9K6dzgAjX8FtZNuroPtzs_MP1BjF5vWwx5l-CQvHxjWb6ogpd6vb8QWTFU2LMKjHAWoQBumDwNFSrzbA8xZgeRoObsZUpGKGfawRgs08/s400/IMG_3378+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441191675908196322" /></a>
There are many opinions as to what defines liquid gold.
<ul>
<li>oil</li>
<li>gas</li>
<li>water</li>
<li>wine</li>
<li>whiskey</li>
</ul>
<p>
But I think that I am now going to define liquid gold as this $41(CAD - tax included) bottle of o<a href="http://www.nielsenmassey.com/organicvanilla.htm">rganic Madagascar Bourbon pure vanilla extract</a>.</p>
<p>I recently visited the kitchen store <a href="http://maps.google.ca/maps/place?hl=en&source=hp&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=wilfrid+%26+Adrienne&fb=1&gl=ca&hq=wilfrid+%26+Adrienne&hnear=Westmount,+QC&cid=5287811595517682259">Wilfrid and Adrienne</a> in Westmount and was talked into buying this outrageously expensive bottle of vanilla.</p>
<p>Granted it didn't take too much to talk me into it as I LOVE LOVE LOVE vanilla and have gradually been buying better and better quality.</p>
<p>And I could have bought the non-organic version for $10 less, but if you are going to go all out, just go for gold. Right?</p>
<p>Once I brought it home and opened it, then opened a $12 dollar bottle, and an $18 bottle to compare.</p>
<p>It definitely smelled smoother. But the real taste test is not necessarily how it tastes in the next batch of chocolate oatmeal cookies, but in steamed milk with a little vanilla stirred in.</p>
<p>I rushed off to school to pick up the wee man as he is my main test taster (and a fine one to boot). I knew that whether I liked the result or not he would be brutally honest as to how good it tastes.</p>
<p>Not to tarnish the results, I didn't tell him that it was a new (aka expensive) bottle of vanilla and waited with bated breath as he took the first sip.</p>
<p>He first said it smells great. Then tasted it. As I had only put about a teaspoon in the taste was very subtle, but he loved it. </p>
<p>If the wee man loves it, then that's good enough for me.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-35004250315458055442010-01-31T22:17:00.014-05:002010-03-19T16:14:16.365-04:00lull<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCthdzne_0cKFRHMeBM2O7lh0ayGOgL2B5aaXJMEuGMHf4iBA4vThC97hEjeHAve07rLfkx2oQFNocRXjKNv019VdCEBQKdDDTzi45yaMOqRCfee5RiIUjzX5ftAitdZelCN3DgRTblnQ/s1600-h/IMG_3013+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 353px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCthdzne_0cKFRHMeBM2O7lh0ayGOgL2B5aaXJMEuGMHf4iBA4vThC97hEjeHAve07rLfkx2oQFNocRXjKNv019VdCEBQKdDDTzi45yaMOqRCfee5RiIUjzX5ftAitdZelCN3DgRTblnQ/s400/IMG_3013+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439301993516836386" /></a>
<br></br>
<pre>I love the post holiday lull.
lounging around in pajamas until late in the day.
sometimes all day
eating a late breakfast
that can sometimes be confused with lunch
early dinners
or late dinners
eating by candlelight
warm baths
with nice scents
sometimes baking cookies
having wine by the firelight
boardgames
books
movies
making plans
but not keeping them
sometimes it can last for a long time, but this year it
seemed to go by so quickly.</pre>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtgE_nt7SEwJqrEnK-Poico4gCFvAPHrVagX-1yguGAR59YOr9DRUhTMuW8qJg6UsIXClS910WEXZunsWL0pAH_VITm67QWcMXmsOdPvSD_Tr76O8KUOVNM122Wuu7BVQAi3gxRcNTjI/s1600-h/IMG_3182+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 315px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtgE_nt7SEwJqrEnK-Poico4gCFvAPHrVagX-1yguGAR59YOr9DRUhTMuW8qJg6UsIXClS910WEXZunsWL0pAH_VITm67QWcMXmsOdPvSD_Tr76O8KUOVNM122Wuu7BVQAi3gxRcNTjI/s400/IMG_3182+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439301308048149794" /></a>
<pre>i want the holiday lull to come back
and to do it all over again</pre>
<pre>i always say that i hate winter
but the truth is
i love it
it is very disappointing that this has been
a non-winter
very little snow
which means very little
sledding
skating
snow days
wine by the fire on cold days</pre>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBkLzp5jQRMt2jFQ_ewPXUmJQv3BXVrqXXzoMZCZt2dcTYpUHv9HzWsQ1x1CNVk7UdIR_3d7BKzAMIOvNC7AQrvxSyW0UFOMM8W76jW2Aa9em1-qmL5XVLeW-qXuJR36wKQ6I-c7hiPk/s1600-h/IMG_2932+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBkLzp5jQRMt2jFQ_ewPXUmJQv3BXVrqXXzoMZCZt2dcTYpUHv9HzWsQ1x1CNVk7UdIR_3d7BKzAMIOvNC7AQrvxSyW0UFOMM8W76jW2Aa9em1-qmL5XVLeW-qXuJR36wKQ6I-c7hiPk/s400/IMG_2932+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439303258167659538" /></a>
<pre>there is still time
before spring arrives
(the worst season in my opinion)
for another lull</pre>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-28476957196241443162010-01-06T19:12:00.007-05:002010-02-02T18:50:31.548-05:00montreal smoked meat<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5c3O5o8PsEUSADFJUiiKA7j_o-YJNa8yoeCLj0qJODpxJEw4xuTPe8BkDmh4Ux9RlUVMT0pX1dGYk0xunt0Ho_ziSL6eGrAqEEuYhdVq1EKPF2ktDdwUAKZbdRvDjco_OFSalue8f7dc/s1600-h/IMG_3048+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5c3O5o8PsEUSADFJUiiKA7j_o-YJNa8yoeCLj0qJODpxJEw4xuTPe8BkDmh4Ux9RlUVMT0pX1dGYk0xunt0Ho_ziSL6eGrAqEEuYhdVq1EKPF2ktDdwUAKZbdRvDjco_OFSalue8f7dc/s400/IMG_3048+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424422633653340498" /></a>
<pre>The husband phoned around 3:00 pm and asked if we wanted
to go out for dinner
It was snowing and blowing and we said no thanks
He phoned around 4:30 and said don't make anything
I'm bringing home Schawartz smoked meat</pre>
<pre>I feel sorry for anyone who's not in Montreal for Schawartz
smoked meat</pre>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-63666406661548522312010-01-01T18:52:00.025-05:002010-01-01T22:46:35.380-05:00happy new year<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8Cn-H-Gx5bcmH-AlRivrdNlT4dmW0KVp1gQTgKQsPwKkzeHJ_K0rGo6SxWZ8a5B7U0M5VBsT-xUjc4M-z6UR751biE9gPicm871xaw3vOWAQI0vcw-y0Ru_CfuydJLiR2D1bMwb9yFI/s1600-h/IMG_2824+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8Cn-H-Gx5bcmH-AlRivrdNlT4dmW0KVp1gQTgKQsPwKkzeHJ_K0rGo6SxWZ8a5B7U0M5VBsT-xUjc4M-z6UR751biE9gPicm871xaw3vOWAQI0vcw-y0Ru_CfuydJLiR2D1bMwb9yFI/s400/IMG_2824+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421964463581307298" /></a>
new year's wish for friends and family
<pre>
the happiest of new years
good health
lots of wealth
and friends to share it with
</pre>
<br></br>
some sights around our house today
<br>
max looks like he's nursing a hangover
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfqGjntYpqFJWDM-p_-W2XOiaRVIc87iR2krLYTAz3WD7-jE_Fi0_zuJHrjKbC-TbcJkbkVKjkMYrJ5tvUUBn86SX6FXtx6EPqOVeeF8_bV1dlMjugGnmrdikFAbu39D1AMMOn1cT8hk/s1600-h/IMG_2962+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfqGjntYpqFJWDM-p_-W2XOiaRVIc87iR2krLYTAz3WD7-jE_Fi0_zuJHrjKbC-TbcJkbkVKjkMYrJ5tvUUBn86SX6FXtx6EPqOVeeF8_bV1dlMjugGnmrdikFAbu39D1AMMOn1cT8hk/s400/IMG_2962+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421961389561689458" /></a>
<br>
<pre>what's that on the counter?
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HdREmVCmR48GPnAuRipdIL2puTPbvf0pCxpIyfPuJEGfjeYodACiEe-vhhjiPGfRNJ-9B11iQiCo3epdb0Nb8ntsLnLQlrNV1MMlwEejMC2VwENznejrUlknGrmfOCNBJeC2KFZKPdI/s1600-h/IMG_2947+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HdREmVCmR48GPnAuRipdIL2puTPbvf0pCxpIyfPuJEGfjeYodACiEe-vhhjiPGfRNJ-9B11iQiCo3epdb0Nb8ntsLnLQlrNV1MMlwEejMC2VwENznejrUlknGrmfOCNBJeC2KFZKPdI/s400/IMG_2947+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421961043770069810" /></a>
<br>
fresh tarragon, fresh thyme, garlic, lobster, cream, and brandy</pre>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5mRIBaQ2yjeTHh88c6c-m6mKIn9NyMuX4xWnYInUslcX6jRsleEQ-PyOwUkl1A689RD5CklmIo8CuFpYYS0fPaaZdQ0O5Z83a9uk7-lfTKCjX4vrzOcmwWD19Yrp47aue2-qQTjvxys/s1600-h/IMG_2950+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5mRIBaQ2yjeTHh88c6c-m6mKIn9NyMuX4xWnYInUslcX6jRsleEQ-PyOwUkl1A689RD5CklmIo8CuFpYYS0fPaaZdQ0O5Z83a9uk7-lfTKCjX4vrzOcmwWD19Yrp47aue2-qQTjvxys/s400/IMG_2950+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421961211749774258" /></a>
must be the annual new year's lobster pasta feed
<br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcOlPsq-_vNVHV2FVtjTA-u1XVyN1CWwpQLpAPdLCiX8BO6d7VkJSD5TqPWvLMHewzC_N6NgSO2B2NYnz9olVTtPJ8MR4ZlQdaI8IK3jeNptOdZjuADE8GVe25CY6-sFKWp_zLJ6EbWY/s1600-h/IMG_2967+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcOlPsq-_vNVHV2FVtjTA-u1XVyN1CWwpQLpAPdLCiX8BO6d7VkJSD5TqPWvLMHewzC_N6NgSO2B2NYnz9olVTtPJ8MR4ZlQdaI8IK3jeNptOdZjuADE8GVe25CY6-sFKWp_zLJ6EbWY/s400/IMG_2967+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421961687914430418" /></a>
<br>
cherry pie to top it off while watching Julie and Julia
<br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzmQvPluA1rhqjZpyBlxUU_0EnG_1r8mF1DMZqOu08VNrNmIcYouu-an5OAsKMRt_P2aT9NjCjPk1RSE83yvVEYnik6Tq7zhKFpme_ToCK86GH-C1J5OdW8FJuA7gSPqIL_mbWKHJWwE/s1600-h/IMG_2966+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzmQvPluA1rhqjZpyBlxUU_0EnG_1r8mF1DMZqOu08VNrNmIcYouu-an5OAsKMRt_P2aT9NjCjPk1RSE83yvVEYnik6Tq7zhKFpme_ToCK86GH-C1J5OdW8FJuA7gSPqIL_mbWKHJWwE/s400/IMG_2966+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421961539113040498" /></a>
<br>
Sledding at Hampstead Park with Jodi and Murray and the boys
<br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbn_Ilf7556uuZTWlymR7EreSbGQ1u1Kb0dWOtaYM5Id5McVriLKlzMBnwP5vAHj1-3Ul8EHWcGuk3G4SV3rRKOeJI9j76C_EkyrIBwLOd0QGciSNV1Ta47LAsBPdERV7jcYEr4iY-CHY/s1600-h/sledding+in+hampstead+park+008+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbn_Ilf7556uuZTWlymR7EreSbGQ1u1Kb0dWOtaYM5Id5McVriLKlzMBnwP5vAHj1-3Ul8EHWcGuk3G4SV3rRKOeJI9j76C_EkyrIBwLOd0QGciSNV1Ta47LAsBPdERV7jcYEr4iY-CHY/s400/sledding+in+hampstead+park+008+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421982168258710450" /></a>
<br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWQ0qKQASXQOYJe3VeAxHLRduq-cN1tw2EhQyeqbYhQJycxaJyoYlhxXalScMO1cbLGmcZ5_DsOnOrsGbN3AmndJwnLxeXjF9GC5b5Uouvs2eiOtEN85K8Kl60ozR3v9zTOZkacC4czc/s1600-h/sledding+in+hampstead+park+009+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 339px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWQ0qKQASXQOYJe3VeAxHLRduq-cN1tw2EhQyeqbYhQJycxaJyoYlhxXalScMO1cbLGmcZ5_DsOnOrsGbN3AmndJwnLxeXjF9GC5b5Uouvs2eiOtEN85K8Kl60ozR3v9zTOZkacC4czc/s400/sledding+in+hampstead+park+009+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421982085842690322" /></a>
<br>
Well, to finish off the day I have compiled a list of things I would like to accomplish in 2010. It doesn't mean that I will, but there are a few things that I would like to do.
<br>
<ul>
<li>Reno the upstairs bathroom</li>
<li>exercise more</li>
<li>learn to make brioche</li>
<li>learn to sew properly</li>
<li>open my second shop on esty</li>
<li> finally get my drivers license</li>
<li>take more pictures</li>
<li>take better pictures</li>
</ul>
We'll see how it goes.
<pre>
Here's hoping that you had a fun new year celebration and all the best in 2010.</pre>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-26197523538405037142009-12-29T09:43:00.020-05:002009-12-29T11:51:58.745-05:00christmas food<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-z9re6biwWqhQHkxWUHLDM9ILzxH96VQ0hr_xYotsENQGGLBgJnfOegRm4EbALf56AYULLRhg13srYS6a-b78ULz5cqqeHL8d-sw9a6d5zvTuuNrQuWslznV2ndAgDD7EyqzKrrzpRc/s1600-h/IMG_2890+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-z9re6biwWqhQHkxWUHLDM9ILzxH96VQ0hr_xYotsENQGGLBgJnfOegRm4EbALf56AYULLRhg13srYS6a-b78ULz5cqqeHL8d-sw9a6d5zvTuuNrQuWslznV2ndAgDD7EyqzKrrzpRc/s400/IMG_2890+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420700169653590898" /></a>
<pre>Christmas is not a time to go on a diet
I love to bake at Christmas
and this year I really did quite a bit</pre>
<br></br>
<pre>My mom was always a great Christmas baker
There were always Christmas cookies
but more than that I loved her pies</pre>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7dYJWF4DgrUrUTWCMm31lU5c0PJJkv1poqevlyOZfiVJ8m0QHTjI3qOPV2JCfuBo0OfmzxVPyQre-QcxTFmnN9DzQAVhmJrSE4i6W5mrE-qmigGRiQm2s73EZXTL-l8nzp09wBLQCzk/s1600-h/IMG_2834+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7dYJWF4DgrUrUTWCMm31lU5c0PJJkv1poqevlyOZfiVJ8m0QHTjI3qOPV2JCfuBo0OfmzxVPyQre-QcxTFmnN9DzQAVhmJrSE4i6W5mrE-qmigGRiQm2s73EZXTL-l8nzp09wBLQCzk/s400/IMG_2834+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420700826989312338" /></a>
<pre>Very early on she relegated the job of the
Christmas pudding to me and I became quite
adept at it, however, what I've missed most
since leaving home is my parents mincemeat</pre>
<pre>We're not talking the kind in a jar
but a serious mincemeat that took a long
time to cook and was put into the basement
cold room for months</pre>
<pre>I've tasted a lot of mincemeats (warily I might
add because of the meat content and I am picky
about meat) but NONE can match her recipe</pre>
<pre>My father was a hunter and they always put deer
meat and suet in their recipe
I am not a big fan of game meat but it did make a
huge difference in the mincemeat
a lot of people put in beef, but really it is not the same</pre>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsxIOLO2N8jHH4nhGpSEKCUIyGJrKab5xwX-CDJuovLbvKUwtZa1iHmjqwQNTeeySuO48MUAq3ttzrxuGReIYz6wGLGPqPu7agez2H7nogFi2-P_hJMFA52AiiWzMhnJpTAhYomSTd-Y/s1600-h/IMG_2906+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 184px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsxIOLO2N8jHH4nhGpSEKCUIyGJrKab5xwX-CDJuovLbvKUwtZa1iHmjqwQNTeeySuO48MUAq3ttzrxuGReIYz6wGLGPqPu7agez2H7nogFi2-P_hJMFA52AiiWzMhnJpTAhYomSTd-Y/s400/IMG_2906+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420700616298180866" /></a>
<pre>I have thought for many years that I would try it
but didn't think that I was up for the task or commitment
and even if I found deer meat (which surprisingly is fairly easy)
I didn't think that I wanted to use it</pre>
<pre>Then a while ago I picked up the Christmas baking issue
of Cooks Illustrated magazine and there was a "no fail" mincemeat recipe
using no meat
For some reason this recipe stuck with me and I said that I
was going to try it
I went out and bought all the ingrediants and planned on making
it closer to Christmas
We were having friends over for Christmas dinner so I figured
no time like the present to try out the recipe (while making
a cherry pie as backup just in case)</pre>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNyP3EQPDFSlg5aaZNpLfb4CS8gbr9sNIyAoCvL_sj689MGPgSDs5q1EdjlZUX9eFpJ6Hd37ocCu7IIq6lVDY51XdDAqVuij6fNAdfP063aSV5_z8RoPVx3mESMgDU538WbTTtU0pWQg/s1600-h/IMG_2895+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNyP3EQPDFSlg5aaZNpLfb4CS8gbr9sNIyAoCvL_sj689MGPgSDs5q1EdjlZUX9eFpJ6Hd37ocCu7IIq6lVDY51XdDAqVuij6fNAdfP063aSV5_z8RoPVx3mESMgDU538WbTTtU0pWQg/s400/IMG_2895+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420700298399267250" /></a>
<pre>Turns out that there are not a lot of mincemeat lovers
out there (no surprise) but I LOVED this recipe
and I have to say that it tastes quite close to my
parents recipe
It is quite easy to make (although in total takes about 4 hours)</pre>
<pre>I've printed out the recipe below. If you try it let me know how it turns
Note: that the pie crust they use contains vodka but I've used
Martha's Stewart's pie crust recipe (always use it and my pie crust always
turns out great) I see no reason to put vodka in your pie crust
I also used brandy in this recipe which my mother never did
</pre>
<pre>
Modern Mincemeat Pie
3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled,cored and cut into 1/4 inch dice
3 large McIntosh apples, peeled,cored and cut into 1/4 inch dice
1 c golden raisins
1 c currents
3/4 c packed dark brown sugar
1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter
1/4 c diced candied orange peel (optional)
Grated zest and juice from 1 orange
Grated zest and juice from 1 lemon
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tso ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 c apple cider, plus more as needed
1/3 c rum or brandy
</pre>
<pre>Place all the ingrediants except for 1/2 c cider and the rum in a large,
heavy saucepan and set over medium-low heat. Bring to a boil and simmer
gently, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, until mixture thickens
and darkens in color, about 3 hours, adding more cider as necessary to prevent
scorching.</pre>
<pre>Continue cooking,stirring mixture every minute or two,until it has a jamlike
consistency, about 20 minutes. Stir in remaining cider and rumand cook
until liquid in pan is thick and syrupy, about 10 minutes; cool mixture.
(At this point the mincemeat can be refridgerated for several days).
To assemble and bake the pie:
Adjust oven rack to middle of oven and heat to 400 degrees.
Roll out pie dough. Put filling in pie dough and cover with second piece of
pie dough (as normal pie construction instructions)
Cut 3 or 4 slits in top of pie for air to escape.
If dough is very soft put in freezer for 10 minutes ebefore cooking.
Bake until crust is light golden brown, 25 minutes.Rotate pie and reduce oven
temperature to 350 degrees; continue to bake until juices bubble and crust is
deep golden brown, about 35 minutes.
Transfer pie to rack and cook to room temperature before serving.</pre>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-50638373989424226712009-12-26T15:27:00.011-05:002009-12-27T09:35:12.128-05:00a christmas card<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGm8tNPugd0fs0n9A9EMzKLTdPK9kdu7RS6Zx33vQCROVYFiPk-r11rtsjBHGKtN-k41LcYs3xkGcQPUWSHLIBe-O9zIn5_dk9p0QXXIaW9HVnd0ClV4TmZE64OEniI-KJ3WgE_sUf5q8/s1600-h/shel+in+snow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGm8tNPugd0fs0n9A9EMzKLTdPK9kdu7RS6Zx33vQCROVYFiPk-r11rtsjBHGKtN-k41LcYs3xkGcQPUWSHLIBe-O9zIn5_dk9p0QXXIaW9HVnd0ClV4TmZE64OEniI-KJ3WgE_sUf5q8/s400/shel+in+snow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419923306153898418" /></a>
<br></br>
i know, i know
<br>
this post is really late coming</br>
<br>
and thanks to all of you who phoned or emailed to let me know</br>
<br>how incredibly out of date my blog is and </br>
what is my news
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it has been a very nice christmas
<br>filled with lots of good friends, good food, good wine</br>
<br>our bellies are full and we are spending the day</br>
<br>playing video games, watching movies, napping</br>
<br>thinking about buying some milk </br>
<br>but not sure we want to go out in the freezing rain</br>
<br>at least we are not the cable guy from videotron</br>
up the ladder outside our window fixing our wires
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9i5QUYKvBIO4WPBA2AsfVobF0-uI4uuMe5XOr52dYvQoaQdT08NWGeuOg5t-4te4Ctv69DiDcf8kILiMigmF69l68lNNthipSeAAQmwtYMaguf0jZNNVMf3gpaBSMp6TXksxA1yOsAE/s1600-h/shel+skating.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 361px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9i5QUYKvBIO4WPBA2AsfVobF0-uI4uuMe5XOr52dYvQoaQdT08NWGeuOg5t-4te4Ctv69DiDcf8kILiMigmF69l68lNNthipSeAAQmwtYMaguf0jZNNVMf3gpaBSMp6TXksxA1yOsAE/s400/shel+skating.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419920991293570866" /></a>
<br></br>
we are well now
shel and I have had a lot of colds since the autumn
shel has learned how to skate
and has been taking guitar lessons
he received a new guitar for christmas
with fancy black picks
and just before christmas earned his blue belt in karate
through nothing but sheer hard work
martin also earned his brown belt in karate
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6FYtsU9hji1EGYRcFx9auOYpsYhrK2wpyGHwQEdjnP7cuUKqp2Uto7-OWLRRnptrAQFxEhwmvMNbx987zaJSLk9iQyvcw-aC03R4zs_eytdOKH2m0SlXAek8mcbbKe3_S77d_NSsiuY/s1600-h/IMG_2805+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 196px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6FYtsU9hji1EGYRcFx9auOYpsYhrK2wpyGHwQEdjnP7cuUKqp2Uto7-OWLRRnptrAQFxEhwmvMNbx987zaJSLk9iQyvcw-aC03R4zs_eytdOKH2m0SlXAek8mcbbKe3_S77d_NSsiuY/s400/IMG_2805+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419921846785939394" /></a>
<br></br>
i haven't been taking as many photos as I would like
i think that's why i've not been posting so often
this holiday will be good for me
i'm going to nap
and take time for myself
and go see some movies
and take some pictures
<br></br>
we're looking forward 2010
hoping you are all well
and looking forward to hearing from you soonAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-1256198461630619422009-11-23T14:57:00.003-05:002009-11-23T22:49:54.901-05:00Winter - where art thou?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgDZoilf5lOIWkT-Cw3OI2XaZViECkBx9DS0o5W7QELXmnPlQOYs1TdrOOIYUjri4SkZ4OMEeaTK1OWl1S77fBd91YHH9ZXgfFsAumxZb2CRn3mbBoujmnZ8tqd1eFS3fAA9VmyaDmmI/s1600/IMG_0205.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgDZoilf5lOIWkT-Cw3OI2XaZViECkBx9DS0o5W7QELXmnPlQOYs1TdrOOIYUjri4SkZ4OMEeaTK1OWl1S77fBd91YHH9ZXgfFsAumxZb2CRn3mbBoujmnZ8tqd1eFS3fAA9VmyaDmmI/s400/IMG_0205.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407512231885925586" /></a>
Not that I'm complaining. It's almost the first of December (ok panic mode) and it feels like early October, but this just isn't normal.
<br></br>
We are ready for winter. The snowtires are on the car, shovel is waiting in the garage, bought new snow boots for everybody, but today it's bright, sunny and warm.
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Usually by mid-November we are rushing to put the Christmas lights up so our fingers won't be frozen by waiting until December. This year, not so much. It doesn't even feel like Christmas is only 5 weeks away. Put the Christmas lights up, are you kidding, tonight the only thing that we are lighting up is the bbq.
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Walked to Starbucks today and saw that my neighbor's rosemary plant is doing very well in her garden. Another neighbour has some hanging flowers that are blooming. We were chopping down the plants in our garden this weekend and I found that my rosebush actually has buds on it and it's too warm to wrap it up yet.
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So weird. Not that I'm complaining.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-15491456031202922792009-11-20T09:45:00.011-05:002009-11-20T19:31:41.928-05:00I heart new furniture<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3fP2WaMH_9OQmrS1_ZrlK8xzjCImfTKkgSpNLn9iQwWzgAb8DGgXBvYuXsCmim9LTCdj06PczJO973Lymtidrxm4KAqYtq2MHq1i9kb_qVkMVdMG12qKxO63gUHxRc5cx0T3kXlVqp0/s1600/8-8-lundberg.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3fP2WaMH_9OQmrS1_ZrlK8xzjCImfTKkgSpNLn9iQwWzgAb8DGgXBvYuXsCmim9LTCdj06PczJO973Lymtidrxm4KAqYtq2MHq1i9kb_qVkMVdMG12qKxO63gUHxRc5cx0T3kXlVqp0/s400/8-8-lundberg.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406346517226027874" /></a>
<i>Image from <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/inspiration/olle-lundbergs-cabin-029430">apartment therapy</a>.</i>
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I've decided to change my downstairs office (or also affectionately known as the junk room) and make it more hospitable and a room to actually spend time in.
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I would love to find this <a href="http://www.onecollection.com/Poeten/?visBillede=11.jpg">little sofa</a> in grey.
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I'd put it in the corner next to the glass doors with this <a href="http://www.allmodernlighting.com/George-Kovacs-by-Minka-P053-077-gkv1043.html">big reading lamp</a>.
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I wanted to buy <a href="http://www.realta.ca/en/proprietes.php">this house</a> (it's the house at 4149 Beaconsfield with the BIG SOLD SIGN on it), fell in love with it as soon as I saw it, but it sold the next day before we could even go and look at it.
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Instead of furniture the husband wants to buy a snowblower. Somehow I think that he'll win this battle and then we'll not have any snow this winter at all.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-67477408851886140132009-11-15T08:46:00.011-05:002009-11-17T17:09:14.950-05:00I heart fall<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Eb2hKLmHmLvbPYz9x5a8_Vy81ZOSLwi2zHOtPe3S2H8z41lEwveHLK0zt7Ta2A105PI-gph6BKykDRtb3rY84jztfy7S44z-vbCxYR-t7UZ2aZDmf-T1f2xJ677XSslHCv3USDP1y-k/s1600/boops+looking+at+snow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Eb2hKLmHmLvbPYz9x5a8_Vy81ZOSLwi2zHOtPe3S2H8z41lEwveHLK0zt7Ta2A105PI-gph6BKykDRtb3rY84jztfy7S44z-vbCxYR-t7UZ2aZDmf-T1f2xJ677XSslHCv3USDP1y-k/s400/boops+looking+at+snow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405196185092119618" /></a>
<i>Boubou looking at snowflakes last year.</i>
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If it wasn't for the fact that winter follows fall, it would be my favorite time of year. I don't really like the cold, and the it seems that it takes spring forever to get here. But there are things about fall that I love:
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I love the cooler temperatures, closing up the garden for the winter, getting ready for the first snowfall, buying new shovels, the softness of cashmere hats and scarves, planning Christmas and Hannukah parties, stacking firewood to be enjoyed when the weather turns crisp, the sense of expectation and appreciation, the sense of closure.
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I also really enjoy fall cleaning. Some people are spring cleaners, but I'm a fall cleaner. If I'm going to be closed up in my house for the next 6 months, I want to get rid of all the junk that I've accumulated over the last year and I want to be able to see through my windows.
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This year I'm a little behind in everything. I've been fighting colds and the flu all fall it seems. I usually always have my holiday shopping almost done by now and I have barely started. I told the husband to book time next weekend and to get a babysitter because we are going out to get as much done as possible.
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I've made my lists and I'm checking them twice. Time to get organized before the first round of parties hits which is in a few short weeks. Need to make hostess gifts and gifts for teachers and crossing guards.
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I guess what I also like is that this is the time of year to say thank you. To show those who make our lives easier that we don't know what we would do without them. So as busy as this season gets, I do enjoy every minute of it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-90905930724231704912009-10-14T17:32:00.009-04:002009-10-14T19:54:06.878-04:00A late Thanksgiving post<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG197TTmhqw37KcgdtzJG3jHBUUSds0n4ArFWri3wN_Oe5KMiMGGoesoZ0FBTcm9o_bwo0YDu4w2XlNbEC7_Bi1b_wFGGyn9Caogp9hRYxHAz6OoPBUFxZ0Ui1Da7HtATxhmXH00E84F8/s1600-h/Copy+of+IMG_2324+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG197TTmhqw37KcgdtzJG3jHBUUSds0n4ArFWri3wN_Oe5KMiMGGoesoZ0FBTcm9o_bwo0YDu4w2XlNbEC7_Bi1b_wFGGyn9Caogp9hRYxHAz6OoPBUFxZ0Ui1Da7HtATxhmXH00E84F8/s400/Copy+of+IMG_2324+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392606745380519250" /></a>
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I had meant to post on Thanksgiving Day, but I've had a terrible cold that put me down for a while. I'm just starting to feel like myself again.
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So due to the terrible cold most of my long weekend was spent moaning and groaning and feeling sorry for myself. That is when I wasn't wiping my nose, or taking Tylenol, or pontificating on the evils of prolonged usage of Advil on the liver.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8zLpuDf4g8iHhAV4gWPjW9RVgAf7e8jm71_Zd8hABoMWargAC2OhtWMkbdM3DwvDsuEvAjzMtLd86A-qspAOv8fX4Xk0J1xMSUT9wM6jtHXOejuFu8g5h8w7t1uaFshcYzxnoVi5Z5g/s1600-h/Copy+of+IMG_2327.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 365px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8zLpuDf4g8iHhAV4gWPjW9RVgAf7e8jm71_Zd8hABoMWargAC2OhtWMkbdM3DwvDsuEvAjzMtLd86A-qspAOv8fX4Xk0J1xMSUT9wM6jtHXOejuFu8g5h8w7t1uaFshcYzxnoVi5Z5g/s400/Copy+of+IMG_2327.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392606985183776050" /></a>
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Then on Monday morning (Thanksgiving) I'd had enough of myself and said, we're going hiking. So off we went to the wilds of Oka and hiked the Calvaire trail. It was lovely. It is a connection of trails about 5 km long with little chapels or prayer stations dotted along the way. All connected at the top by a group of 3 small chapels. And what a view from the top. Magnificant. I had expected to see more red and yellow foliage, but there was still a lot of green.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eBK5uprMDEqIYi1okk1SIRbL-xOpMAeudZX_UWwoAMl7NsVHcgzymEB2YYHr9kDlpSaqlWHsuntIu8epSkQJpGAdp-Wf1kDdnNi6ryhsyb3dGPDUuIHgdJ8hMgntXCp419Y5qNsetTo/s1600-h/Copy+of+IMG_2330.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 356px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eBK5uprMDEqIYi1okk1SIRbL-xOpMAeudZX_UWwoAMl7NsVHcgzymEB2YYHr9kDlpSaqlWHsuntIu8epSkQJpGAdp-Wf1kDdnNi6ryhsyb3dGPDUuIHgdJ8hMgntXCp419Y5qNsetTo/s400/Copy+of+IMG_2330.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392607245755104898" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLORQXnK3cpKOKDGfi_Xqi34iI0b9EfgZKrbl9chlnwTWIKUcfns09pJ1AUQ35XORiigl8fiW1CNuNjBQ-Ef75Obljr1vG-2quXNwyw3sE2As1vqOut9ZiV-dNWCeIpe1w8azmucZdbI/s1600-h/Copy+of+IMG_2365+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLORQXnK3cpKOKDGfi_Xqi34iI0b9EfgZKrbl9chlnwTWIKUcfns09pJ1AUQ35XORiigl8fiW1CNuNjBQ-Ef75Obljr1vG-2quXNwyw3sE2As1vqOut9ZiV-dNWCeIpe1w8azmucZdbI/s400/Copy+of+IMG_2365+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392607419782385250" /></a>
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Feeling a little hungry after our hike we stopped by the Oka Monastery to buy some cheese and maple chocolate. Originally made by the monks, they still oversee the production.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMMeflwZIE-iAJ2XClCsLCAETezxEbNBwW5Lul5m-uvi0GLlxLzdiarX9Fa3SyXIsbfY71L-SbQi4A2t4oMVh1KqmproLfl1NibZL6lw4Lgo4FZS-04qB0rBAbw6B-6PQs8PnDOJALyw/s1600-h/IMG_2367+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 377px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMMeflwZIE-iAJ2XClCsLCAETezxEbNBwW5Lul5m-uvi0GLlxLzdiarX9Fa3SyXIsbfY71L-SbQi4A2t4oMVh1KqmproLfl1NibZL6lw4Lgo4FZS-04qB0rBAbw6B-6PQs8PnDOJALyw/s400/IMG_2367+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392607681902288914" /></a>
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I was even feeling well enough to cook the fowl and make fresh cranberry sauce and giblet gravy. So all in all not a bad day.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558264411953088645.post-68061973635524425632009-10-10T19:56:00.003-04:002009-10-10T20:04:56.897-04:00Today's gonna be a good day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPj60ZNa9ejExMaQ9jzmACMAE21qjdQAvK1_v9sWSq8SZtG3vlKEXYQ2PANWJAeomwbDvk4vrb1IkdjET4ZOxScfXMRL-toscM9ZeMwy1BpytxqFfYk4mcKWCotPt2XW0SgobXQUXgS4/s1600-h/028-012-sm.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPj60ZNa9ejExMaQ9jzmACMAE21qjdQAvK1_v9sWSq8SZtG3vlKEXYQ2PANWJAeomwbDvk4vrb1IkdjET4ZOxScfXMRL-toscM9ZeMwy1BpytxqFfYk4mcKWCotPt2XW0SgobXQUXgS4/s400/028-012-sm.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391124565027454018" /></a>
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This summer I discovered Fitflops. For the uninitiated these sandals are supposed to do everything from giving your bum a great shape, to strengthening your legs, to giving you a workout while you walk. I just think that they are the most incredibly comfortable sandal. I wore mine all summer and was sad to think that I had to put them away when fall arrived.
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Then today low and behold while we're all out shopping at Rockland I found these beauties. Fitflop slippers.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5az1ZULtvSJP19Uc3QWJ_Cj1mjM2GY5wAgl2xB3yAIt_-_f8P2mnS0L9NWQJoWSb3RIbSZBftn_Gfc8ifAXfpxKAtFCNy3ZZS3NveJxg3GKW6W3FyLcK_NPj2PxBj0huCWEEJBAHSow/s1600-h/044-052-sm.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5az1ZULtvSJP19Uc3QWJ_Cj1mjM2GY5wAgl2xB3yAIt_-_f8P2mnS0L9NWQJoWSb3RIbSZBftn_Gfc8ifAXfpxKAtFCNy3ZZS3NveJxg3GKW6W3FyLcK_NPj2PxBj0huCWEEJBAHSow/s400/044-052-sm.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391125919317893378" /></a>
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I couldn't believe it. They also had little boots but they looked too much like Uggs for my liking (ugh). Didn't have time to try them on as it was 5 minutes to closing and I hate to be rushed. But I'm heading back tomorrow. Yeah.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532061575967343714noreply@blogger.com0