Monday, August 27, 2018
SUNDAY SERMONS WITHOUT IN-HOUSE COMMUNION
My friend and I were talking about work-life balance and she was excited to hear an upcoming Sunday message. I kind of forgot about it, but she reminded me the day before and I was pretty sure I would never make it the next morning.
No worry! Listen to it online later in the day. Brilliant! Here is Valuing Rest in a Fast-Paced World.
"If you can't rest, you are a slave." Galatians 4:9-11
"The Sabbath was made for man, not the man for the Sabbath." Jesus, recorded by Mark
No worry! Listen to it online later in the day. Brilliant! Here is Valuing Rest in a Fast-Paced World.
"If you can't rest, you are a slave." Galatians 4:9-11
"The Sabbath was made for man, not the man for the Sabbath." Jesus, recorded by Mark
MY GIRL STARTING "HIGH SCHOOL"
Wednesday morning, my princess pirate starts grade seven at a local high school. It's hard to believe, but it's been a while that this girl has been moving slowly towards teenagehood. That being said, this last week of summer has been a great reminder of how great she has been at childhood.
It's a fine line with an only child, not to treat them like the oldest child, and expect too much from them, nor to treat them like the last child, and be too easy on them. Sometimes I see that she has been spoiled, without the expectations that she should take care of everything shared, but have no others to share the responsibility with. This was intentional. As the oldest girl in my family, I was expected to help the most and take care of more than myself. But I was also told not to be so serious, as though I hadn't been trained to obedience and selfnessness that led me there. So letting my daughter not have all her responsibilities was intentional. Sometimes though, she reminds me too much of her dad, taking more than her share, and not being grateful, but instead feeling entitled. So I have to remind her of how her perspective is skewed, and how lucky she really is. And for the most part, she does see it.
So two days away from the start of school, after sitting attentively through the introduction session, and reading the agenda details, what do I find her doing when I get up, or finish the dishes, or call her for supper?
Making mud pies and birds nests from twigs and leaves and mud.
Playing in The Hundred Acre Woods with Pooh and Piglet, Tigger and Rabbit.
Feeding dolls and reading to them.
Sorting through books from her childhood, reading and organizing and weeding her bookshelf.
Swimming like a frog, dolphin, mermaid.
Planning cakes and cookies for an easybake oven.
Running through the sprinkler.
I don't know how she is going to react to high school, but I hope she finds windows to stay the beautiful child that she is. I hope her teachers allow her to use her imagination. I hope that she can apply her creativity to the tasks at hand, and put her enthusiasm into the projects that are assigned.
I have no doubt, though, that we will continue to need to protect her free time, so that she can sing and play as well as study and work. I look forward to this next adventure!
It's a fine line with an only child, not to treat them like the oldest child, and expect too much from them, nor to treat them like the last child, and be too easy on them. Sometimes I see that she has been spoiled, without the expectations that she should take care of everything shared, but have no others to share the responsibility with. This was intentional. As the oldest girl in my family, I was expected to help the most and take care of more than myself. But I was also told not to be so serious, as though I hadn't been trained to obedience and selfnessness that led me there. So letting my daughter not have all her responsibilities was intentional. Sometimes though, she reminds me too much of her dad, taking more than her share, and not being grateful, but instead feeling entitled. So I have to remind her of how her perspective is skewed, and how lucky she really is. And for the most part, she does see it.
So two days away from the start of school, after sitting attentively through the introduction session, and reading the agenda details, what do I find her doing when I get up, or finish the dishes, or call her for supper?
Making mud pies and birds nests from twigs and leaves and mud.
Playing in The Hundred Acre Woods with Pooh and Piglet, Tigger and Rabbit.
Feeding dolls and reading to them.
Sorting through books from her childhood, reading and organizing and weeding her bookshelf.
Swimming like a frog, dolphin, mermaid.
Planning cakes and cookies for an easybake oven.
Running through the sprinkler.
I don't know how she is going to react to high school, but I hope she finds windows to stay the beautiful child that she is. I hope her teachers allow her to use her imagination. I hope that she can apply her creativity to the tasks at hand, and put her enthusiasm into the projects that are assigned.
I have no doubt, though, that we will continue to need to protect her free time, so that she can sing and play as well as study and work. I look forward to this next adventure!
Friday, August 24, 2018
MEAL PLANS FOR THE MODERN COOK
I was eating 1 week old canned pears with a brownie for brunch today after a busy work week of 2 weekend nights and 3 early days, about 50 hours of work and 8 hours of commute, averaging 5.5 hours of sleep. It was not my worse moment, but not my finest.
So when I chatted with a friend, she offered her solution that had worked for her and her husband the last 3 months: a meal planning site called the Fresh 20. The title refers to the idea that each week you only have to shop for 20 ingredients, and they vary according to season. If you are a member, you have access to archives that date back at least 5 years. One year costs roughly $99US.
Earlier this summer, another friend had signed up for a grocery basket called évoilà5 that would feed her family of four for about $132 for 5 meals, but she was going to downgrade it to the $92 2-3 portions basket because she felt it was too much food.
Maybe I should consider these options soon. I keep working on a menu planner, but live meal to meal some days. I also see all my cookbooks and wonder what would happen if I worked my way through them. So many of us use a handful of recipes from a book and no others.
It's also been a rough summer in a hot house. Maybe the solution is a heat pump.
Lots to consider, but cobbled together a meal tonight in 20 minutes that lacked vegetables but contained vegetable protein and iron enriched pasta, with some redeeming qualities. I do miss the option of my friend's catering from home: Coeur d'amandes has gone off line. :(
If grocery shopping doesn't inspire tomorrow, I might just order pizza. Just kidding! I am gourmet girl! I can do better!
So when I chatted with a friend, she offered her solution that had worked for her and her husband the last 3 months: a meal planning site called the Fresh 20. The title refers to the idea that each week you only have to shop for 20 ingredients, and they vary according to season. If you are a member, you have access to archives that date back at least 5 years. One year costs roughly $99US.
Earlier this summer, another friend had signed up for a grocery basket called évoilà5 that would feed her family of four for about $132 for 5 meals, but she was going to downgrade it to the $92 2-3 portions basket because she felt it was too much food.
Maybe I should consider these options soon. I keep working on a menu planner, but live meal to meal some days. I also see all my cookbooks and wonder what would happen if I worked my way through them. So many of us use a handful of recipes from a book and no others.
It's also been a rough summer in a hot house. Maybe the solution is a heat pump.
Lots to consider, but cobbled together a meal tonight in 20 minutes that lacked vegetables but contained vegetable protein and iron enriched pasta, with some redeeming qualities. I do miss the option of my friend's catering from home: Coeur d'amandes has gone off line. :(
If grocery shopping doesn't inspire tomorrow, I might just order pizza. Just kidding! I am gourmet girl! I can do better!
Monday, August 20, 2018
LAKE WILLOUGHBY, VERMONT
My friend fell in love with a photo of a lake, and found an AIRBNB for a summer vacation. She was not disappointed. She was the second to talk about blue water like the Mediterranean or the Caribbean (the first was Tobermory). Lake Willoughby is in view of two mountains, surrounded by beaches, a national forest, trails like Mount Pisgah's, and a drive just a little over an hour to the quaint touristed Stowe and the Trapp Family Lodge.
MAYBE THIS IS HOW I CAN TRAVEL MORE
Starting from a google search of the highest pool in Singapore's Marina Bay hotel, I found a local blog that has some great tips in how to travel better and more while spending less. Like flying around the world for $1210, hitting Paris, Milan, Athens, Singapore, Phuket, Bangkok, and Shanghai, for a month long trip, November to December. Incredible!
So, keep in mind, and follow: blog.flytrippers.com
So, keep in mind, and follow: blog.flytrippers.com
COLOMBIA
My brother was born in Cali, and for the last 3 decades, we have talked of visiting a place we have heard about from childhood. I had it slated for my 80s, but have started thinking about it nearer since a slew of people visiting La Perdida Cuidad, Cloud Forest, Bogota and Medellin, and an interesting podcast of news that would have otherwise passed me by about stability post-Pablo Escabar. How did I not hear that the government made a deal with the King of Narco?! Of course, my brother knew this already!
So this summer, we siblings have already started talking about the possibility.
Via Toronto, we can be in Bogota in less than $800 and for less than $800.
But the budget will be tough to get until a 25th anniversary trip is taken, and the summer will be the most expensive but only possible time to go.
So there is time to do some research, brush up on Spanish and save some money.
Still, the germ of an idea is started, and that anticipation is a great place to start!
So this summer, we siblings have already started talking about the possibility.
Via Toronto, we can be in Bogota in less than $800 and for less than $800.
But the budget will be tough to get until a 25th anniversary trip is taken, and the summer will be the most expensive but only possible time to go.
So there is time to do some research, brush up on Spanish and save some money.
Still, the germ of an idea is started, and that anticipation is a great place to start!
Friday, August 17, 2018
KNOW YOUR POTATOES
Browsing through my The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook, I found a little paragraph to expand on the knowledge of potatoes that began with, yes, another Martha source, her magazine.
The knowledge begins with the difference between floury and waxy.
Floury potatoes are high in starch, and cookd up fluffy, easily absorbing liquid, making them perfect for mashed and roasted potatoes. E.g. Russet aka Idaho baking potatoes
Waxy potatoes are low in starch and have a denser texture; keeping their shape when cooked, making them perfect for potato salad, but make for gummy mashed potatoes. E.g. red potatoes
All purpose potatoes have a medium starch content and can be used for both roasting and salads. E.g. Yukon Gold and fingerlings.
The knowledge begins with the difference between floury and waxy.
Floury potatoes are high in starch, and cookd up fluffy, easily absorbing liquid, making them perfect for mashed and roasted potatoes. E.g. Russet aka Idaho baking potatoes
Waxy potatoes are low in starch and have a denser texture; keeping their shape when cooked, making them perfect for potato salad, but make for gummy mashed potatoes. E.g. red potatoes
All purpose potatoes have a medium starch content and can be used for both roasting and salads. E.g. Yukon Gold and fingerlings.
Thursday, August 9, 2018
FEED THE LIFEGUARD WEEK AT THE BELUGA POOL
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| Cut out |
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| Fashioned with love |
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| Decorated with colorburst candy melts and sugar cookie balls |
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| Sugar cookie projects: Belugas, Thank you Penguins and a Birthday cat! |
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The final product |
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| Iconic winter penguins, rescued from the garbage and ready for snow! |
MARTHA'S CORNMEAL BISCOTTI
For the longest time, I thought biscotti was an awful cookie. Years ago, before second wave coffee had a name, there was often a glass jar of biscotti that some people insisted were worth a try. They were always almond, sometimes with a dipped end in chocolate. To me, I remember biscotti as dry and bland and edible only if dipped in coffee.
Then an italian nurse brought (colloquial brand) them to work one day, and they were soft and fragrant.
So years later, for Christmas, a friend made almond chocolate chip biscotti for christmas tins and I tried out a recipe from a Martha book with a cornmeal twist. The original called for pistachios and cranberries, and when we baked the both together, we both agreed they were a real hit. I don't crave any others now.
Yesterday at work, a nurse/firefighter who doubles as a baristo when on his break or if it is not busy, made me a much appreciated mochaccino. Tonight I made biscotti to bring in tomorrow to complement his work! They are far from the best batch I've ever made, but they are delicious, and I think they will disappear before my shift ends tomorrow!
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| Even the failures taste great! |
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| I went with the sweet soft pecan to replace pistachio in combination with dried cranberries. It was a good choice, but I wonder if walnut or almond would be just a good. |
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| What happens when your dough is too wet: it spreads too much, the bottom browns without the top cracking, and the edges cook too quickly. |
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| The dough seemed a bit wet. I thought I should add some flour, but I didn't. To note, the high today was 28 and the humidity was 72%. I should have listened to my first instinct. Also to note, although my Silpat is pretty hard to read, it had all the markings that I needed to fashion the prerequisite rectangle of 14" x 3 1/2". Turns out you don't have to worry about what height it will be, if you keep to the two dimensions with a nice sharp edge. It started out beautifully! |
Saturday, August 4, 2018
SCAROLIE'S PASTA EMPORIUM
The spaghettini with tomato sauce on the side was a little disappointing and forgettable, but the sauce was lovely, almost reminiscent of a green curry with fresh sugar peas, fennel, button mushrooms, red pepper and chicken breast.
HOW TO WRITE A BOOK REPORT
Homework Centre: How to Write a Book Report
Another great reference:
INTRODUCTION
Title
Publication information: Publisher, year, number of pages
Genre
1-2 sentence introduction to the book and your report
BODY
Give a brief description of the setting, point of view, characters.
Summarize the plot.
If you are writing a review, don't give all the plot details or give away the ending.
Don't try and summarize everything. Focus on the most significant or interesting topics.
Analysis and evaluation: Write your own opinions. Was it a good story? Was it well written? How did it make you feel? Did you find it believable? Would you recommend it to others?
CONCLUSION
Sum up the book and your report. What impression were you left with? What do you want to reader to know about the book?
Another great reference:
INTRODUCTION
Title
Publication information: Publisher, year, number of pages
Genre
1-2 sentence introduction to the book and your report
BODY
Give a brief description of the setting, point of view, characters.
Summarize the plot.
If you are writing a review, don't give all the plot details or give away the ending.
Don't try and summarize everything. Focus on the most significant or interesting topics.
Analysis and evaluation: Write your own opinions. Was it a good story? Was it well written? How did it make you feel? Did you find it believable? Would you recommend it to others?
CONCLUSION
Sum up the book and your report. What impression were you left with? What do you want to reader to know about the book?
Friday, August 3, 2018
HOW TO WRITE A BOOK
This gem of a book goes throught the basic creative process in a fun way for children and adults alike.
1. GET IDEAS
Read. Learn. Ask questions and look for the answers. Observe. Invent. Record details. Journal. Doodle.
2. BRAINSTORMING
Once you have an idea, start brainstorming. I like lists but the suggestion of an idea web has led me to a few inspiring pages. At the beginning, no idea is a bad idea. Don't edit. Be creative. And don't forget to write them down!
3. RESEARCH
Go to the library. Do a web search. Look in books, magazines, newspapers and encyclopedias. Ask around. Interview someone. Do something. Listen to a podcast. Watch a video. TAKE NOTES! Photograph and sketch.
4. INVENT CHARACTERS
Be creative. Base it on someone or creat someone completely new. Make them seem real. Think about their TRAITS. Name them.
5. SETTING
WHERE AND WHEN
Think where your book could take place. Be creative! It may be inspired by the characters and where they usually reside, or maybe you will pick a place they don't usually live.
6. PLAN/BUILD your book. List what might be in your book and doodle. You can change anything at this point, but don't forget the things you think will be important. Think of the title. Consider the genre. Try different plans.
Think where your book could take place. Be creative! It may be inspired by the characters and where they usually reside, or maybe you will pick a place they don't usually live.
6. PLAN/BUILD your book. List what might be in your book and doodle. You can change anything at this point, but don't forget the things you think will be important. Think of the title. Consider the genre. Try different plans.
6. STORYBOARD
This helps plan the sequence of events. Draw a picture in each square, like a comic strip, and summarize the action.
In FICTION: It should include the PLOT, with a beginning, middle and end. Often the main character encounters a PROBLEM, and the story evolves with finding a SOLUTION.
In NON-FICTION: Write about the facts you found in research.
7. ROUGH SKETCHES
Begin with making the art for your book. Make simple line drawings of the characters and settings you plan to use.
8. TITLE
Find something that will make people want to read your book!
9. ROUGH DRAFT
Use your notes, lists and plans to write a first draft. Leave space for editing. Try to write quickly. Don't try and perfect at this stage. Have fun and experiment!
10. SHARE
Let a person or group look at your work. Keep an open mind, but don't change things unless you believe it makes your story better.
11. REVISE
Switch words around. Use lively language. Change general words for specific ones. Include interesting details. Brainstorm and research more if you need to.
12. EDIT
Fix your mistakes and finalize your story. Check your grammar and spelling.
Get someone to check your work too.
In FICTION: It should include the PLOT, with a beginning, middle and end. Often the main character encounters a PROBLEM, and the story evolves with finding a SOLUTION.
In NON-FICTION: Write about the facts you found in research.
7. ROUGH SKETCHES
Begin with making the art for your book. Make simple line drawings of the characters and settings you plan to use.
8. TITLE
Find something that will make people want to read your book!
9. ROUGH DRAFT
Use your notes, lists and plans to write a first draft. Leave space for editing. Try to write quickly. Don't try and perfect at this stage. Have fun and experiment!
10. SHARE
Let a person or group look at your work. Keep an open mind, but don't change things unless you believe it makes your story better.
11. REVISE
Switch words around. Use lively language. Change general words for specific ones. Include interesting details. Brainstorm and research more if you need to.
12. EDIT
Fix your mistakes and finalize your story. Check your grammar and spelling.
Get someone to check your work too.
REFRESHING WATER INSPIRED BY PRINCESS PIRATE
I have a big batch of wild mint, and have been enjoying water on and off with mint. Sometimes, though, it is not enough.
So today Princess Pirate offered to make me a water she had concocted from the garden.
3 small leaves of oregano
2 large leaves of oregano
2 large leaves of mint
It was just perfect!
So today Princess Pirate offered to make me a water she had concocted from the garden.
3 small leaves of oregano
2 large leaves of oregano
2 large leaves of mint
It was just perfect!
MY CURRENT HYDRATION PACK
I am not running very long distances, but running 6 km in 30 degree weather requires more a little water. For every other run, I like to keep track of my distances and frequency with Runkeeper, which requires bringing at least my phone. This Northface Flight Series hydration belt has room for a house key, ID, 500ml of water and a phone.
The velcro tends to loosen and catch some shirts.
It's been a trusty companion for many runs now. If only I could figure out how to order 2 more "Fuel Tools". Maybe then I will break the 10 k barrier!
The velcro tends to loosen and catch some shirts.
It's been a trusty companion for many runs now. If only I could figure out how to order 2 more "Fuel Tools". Maybe then I will break the 10 k barrier!
CARIBBEAN OF THE NORTH:TOBERMORY
800 km from Montreal is a place my friend is going for her 25th wedding anniversary tour. I had never heard of Tobermory, but I had heard of Bruce Peninsula. Highlights include Bruce Trail (starts from Queenstown near Niagara-on-the-Lake and travels Northwest to Tobermory) on the Niagara Escarpment and a grotto on Georgian Bay. The clear water and shipwrecks make snorkelling and diving possible. The geology feature of note is Flowerpot Island.
Yet another place to consider for next summer.
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