Today I was in a paper store called Note Bene, on Park Avenue. There was a lot of choice. My friend was admiring the pens, but I liked seeing notebooks from France (Clairefontaine), Germany (Leuchtsturm) and Moleskin. I saw a series of notebooks called Mnemosyne, and found myself googling the name that was so familiar, and likely a root to mnemonic.
Mnemosyne was the mother of the 9 muses with Zeus (his dwelling place is Mount Parnassus). She was the Titan goddess of memory and remembrance. She and Zeus created the goddesses of arts, literature and science. Each had a domaine, and are identifiable by their attributes seen in paintings and sculptures from the second to the twentieth century.
In alphabetical order, the nine muses (all minor goddesses) and their domains and attributes, in Greek mythology were:
Calliope (the superior muse, inspiring Homer to write the Iliad and the Odyssey- Epic Poetry, rhetoric, music, writing - Writing Tablet, also laurels in one hand and two Homeric poems in the other
Clio - History - Scrolls, also book in left hand and clarion (trumpet) in her right
Erato - Lyric (love) Poetry - Cithara (Lyre family) and love arrows with bow.
Euterpe - Song and elegiac (death, love and war) poetry - Aulos (flute-like)
Melpomene - Tragedy - Tragic Mask
Polyhymnia - Hymns, Geometry, Grammar - Veil, looks to the heavens
Terpsichore - Dance, Harp, Education - Lyre, wreath of laurels on her head, dances
Thalia - Comedy - Comic Mask
Urania - Astronomy - Compass, Stars, Celestial Sphere
Pope Julius II commissioned four frescoes to represent the four areas of human knowledge for the Palace of the Vatican. Parnassus, with Apollo, the nine muses, and 18 poets, represent Poetry. The other three frescoes represent philosophy, religion and law.
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Sunday, September 23, 2018
HALF-MARATHON COMPLETED!
Seventeen years ago I ran the longest distance I had ever run, and that is true even today. I was twenty-nine years old, and truly loved to run an hour at a time. I always thought I would run another marathon in my thirties, especially when I discovered that I had run the Saskatoon marathon in four hours and one minute. That time really stuck in my craw for a long time, and for a while I imagined I would run another marathon in under four hours, even if it was by one second. But my thirties went by and I really didn't run. I didn't run for a long time after the marathon. I married a guy who couldn't run a block without stoppping because he was too itchy. I got lazy. I had a torn meniscus. I lost my identity as a runner, but I never really felt good about it.
So a few years ago, I started running again. I learned to run in all weather and for the first time over the winter. I broke my toe and suffered from plantar fasciitis, but I kept running. I had to run smarter, with cushioned shoes, on trails, not pavement, I learned to shorten my stride and run more upright to lessen the impact on my joints. I was running in forests and down to the waterfront. I ran with my daughter and with a friend, but mostly alone, when I could find time. Like swimming, my daughter encouraged me to suit up and ran when she had french tutoring over the summer. She was proud of me, and held me accountable. Much like signing up for the triathlon, I was lulled into the belief that I could run a half marathon early in the spring, and the price was attractive, so I registered. As the summer progressed, and was the hottest summer of memory, with five months of hot weather, training was a real challenge. But just like anything, you can acclimatize with practice, and although runs were shorter than planned, I was able to run throughout, and even learned to run without much water.
Then the triathlon came, and the running portion was the least pleasant run I remember ever completing. I didn't know how much rest to take, but it was only two weekends to the marathon and I still had not run more than 10 km. So whether my body needed it or not, my confidence needed to prove that I could run at least a little more. So 3 days later, I went for a fatiguing 11 km run with a friend who was decidedly more peppy, and then a week ago, I managed to run a solid 14 km and felt like my old self.
Just like recovery post, there is an idea not to overdue it before. Unfortunately I was PMSing also, so I was not running and I was eating too much as my only activities this week until today. So I was a little nervous, and woke up in nightmares at 4 am today, and tried to sleep until 5:30 when my alarm went off. For the first run in almost half a year, I was faced with a choice of clothing that was going to be wrong for some part of the day. I chose to only wear shorts and t-shirt with 9 degree weather, and it was perfect for the run, but I had gloves to wear before and after, and was only borderline comfortable. 7:30 am, and the races started. I was in the 9th wave and we both burst into grins as we crossed the start line. Two kilometres in, the gloves came off and I was a comfortable temperature until after we finished.
I am proud to say that I never stopped running. I ran 14 km with my friend and we kept the pace to the end. I finally found an opportunity to use an empty portapotty around 16 km and regretted not going early. I reached 17 km easily, and then it was all down hill from there (figuratively, not literally!). The last 4.1 km were the hardest, but none were as bad as the five at the last leg of the triathlon. The crowds were encouraging and I found my friend quickly after.
So this morning I ran for 2 hours and 21 minutes and 11 seconds, and I am proud of that! I feel like I might have put this milestone behind me. Nursing an sore ankle, I have discovered that 10 km keeps a lot of pain away, but more than that can make subtle gait asymmetries exaggerate. I also proved that I am not interested, and maybe don't even find it possible to run a faster marathon at this point.
For today, though, I proved I can run longer than I was certain I could, faster than I thought. It is good to prove things to yourself, especially if you are not sure you can do them. It's good to try things that you are likely to be bad at, especially if you try them with faster and younger and fitter people. It's a good mix of pride and humility you need to balance in these activities, that really is a mindset fitting for general life.
So a few years ago, I started running again. I learned to run in all weather and for the first time over the winter. I broke my toe and suffered from plantar fasciitis, but I kept running. I had to run smarter, with cushioned shoes, on trails, not pavement, I learned to shorten my stride and run more upright to lessen the impact on my joints. I was running in forests and down to the waterfront. I ran with my daughter and with a friend, but mostly alone, when I could find time. Like swimming, my daughter encouraged me to suit up and ran when she had french tutoring over the summer. She was proud of me, and held me accountable. Much like signing up for the triathlon, I was lulled into the belief that I could run a half marathon early in the spring, and the price was attractive, so I registered. As the summer progressed, and was the hottest summer of memory, with five months of hot weather, training was a real challenge. But just like anything, you can acclimatize with practice, and although runs were shorter than planned, I was able to run throughout, and even learned to run without much water.
Then the triathlon came, and the running portion was the least pleasant run I remember ever completing. I didn't know how much rest to take, but it was only two weekends to the marathon and I still had not run more than 10 km. So whether my body needed it or not, my confidence needed to prove that I could run at least a little more. So 3 days later, I went for a fatiguing 11 km run with a friend who was decidedly more peppy, and then a week ago, I managed to run a solid 14 km and felt like my old self.
Just like recovery post, there is an idea not to overdue it before. Unfortunately I was PMSing also, so I was not running and I was eating too much as my only activities this week until today. So I was a little nervous, and woke up in nightmares at 4 am today, and tried to sleep until 5:30 when my alarm went off. For the first run in almost half a year, I was faced with a choice of clothing that was going to be wrong for some part of the day. I chose to only wear shorts and t-shirt with 9 degree weather, and it was perfect for the run, but I had gloves to wear before and after, and was only borderline comfortable. 7:30 am, and the races started. I was in the 9th wave and we both burst into grins as we crossed the start line. Two kilometres in, the gloves came off and I was a comfortable temperature until after we finished.
I am proud to say that I never stopped running. I ran 14 km with my friend and we kept the pace to the end. I finally found an opportunity to use an empty portapotty around 16 km and regretted not going early. I reached 17 km easily, and then it was all down hill from there (figuratively, not literally!). The last 4.1 km were the hardest, but none were as bad as the five at the last leg of the triathlon. The crowds were encouraging and I found my friend quickly after.
So this morning I ran for 2 hours and 21 minutes and 11 seconds, and I am proud of that! I feel like I might have put this milestone behind me. Nursing an sore ankle, I have discovered that 10 km keeps a lot of pain away, but more than that can make subtle gait asymmetries exaggerate. I also proved that I am not interested, and maybe don't even find it possible to run a faster marathon at this point.
For today, though, I proved I can run longer than I was certain I could, faster than I thought. It is good to prove things to yourself, especially if you are not sure you can do them. It's good to try things that you are likely to be bad at, especially if you try them with faster and younger and fitter people. It's a good mix of pride and humility you need to balance in these activities, that really is a mindset fitting for general life.
Monday, September 17, 2018
PRINCE PHILIP'S SPEECH ON MARRIAGE
While watching The Crown with the girls, I was touched by the observations in an anniversary speech given by Prince Philip. I think his insight about ourselves and others is bang on. We will never be able to see ourselves as fully as others may observe. But how lovely is that, in knowing his wife, Queen Elizabeth, that he sees the whole of her and has the grace to praise her treasure. Here is the script:
“Ten years has taught me, the secret of a successful marriage is actually to have different interests.
Well, different interests, not entirely different interests. It’s a funny business.
One sees the whole of the other person. You see even that part of them that they don’t see themselves.
And presumably, they see that hidden part of you.
One ends up knowing more about one’s partner than they know about themselves.
And it can be pretty tough to keep quiet about it.
So you have to come to an accommodation, an arrangement, a deal if you like.
To take the rough with the smooth.
But the extraordinary thing is down there in the rough, in the long reeds of difficulty and pain,
that is where you find the treasure.
So I would like to propose a toast in the name of love, in the name of our beloved country, in the name of steadfastness, in the name of another ten marvelous years.
I give you mon petit chou, Lilibet, Elizabeth, The Queen.”
“Ten years has taught me, the secret of a successful marriage is actually to have different interests.
Well, different interests, not entirely different interests. It’s a funny business.
One sees the whole of the other person. You see even that part of them that they don’t see themselves.
And presumably, they see that hidden part of you.
One ends up knowing more about one’s partner than they know about themselves.
And it can be pretty tough to keep quiet about it.
So you have to come to an accommodation, an arrangement, a deal if you like.
To take the rough with the smooth.
But the extraordinary thing is down there in the rough, in the long reeds of difficulty and pain,
that is where you find the treasure.
So I would like to propose a toast in the name of love, in the name of our beloved country, in the name of steadfastness, in the name of another ten marvelous years.
I give you mon petit chou, Lilibet, Elizabeth, The Queen.”
Thursday, September 13, 2018
CLEANING UP MY SAFARI SEARCHES
My battery life is shorter than ever, so I looked to see what I could alter to improve things. I have over 250 pages open. So here is the great brain dump of a year's worth of searches in hopes that I can keep the contrast up enough to read.
Sultan vs maharaja Arabic (religious) ruler vs Sanskrit ruler or king
Sultana is the feminine version.
Map of the trip in Jules Verne's Around the World in Eighty Days
Movie recommended to me in German class Frantz
Opium
Poetry makes you happier
Cozumel Palace, Mexico
Quebec mortar companies Triage de Joints
Mini Science 2018 Female scientists public lecture series February
German Zoos
The Cuban Ballet I missed: Don Quixote
homelessness-step-by-step
France Quebec junior magazine
Asphalt vs Concrete driveway
list-of-english-words-of-german-origin
Olympics Salt lake City and view from the airport
Sun Valley, Idaho
Chattanooga Choo Choo
Morse Code
Prometheus-Greek-god
Olympic Flame
Home Away
inflatable easter bunny origami
Buddha's Brain
Maple Fudge
isometrics energy transfer
Art Nouveau Germany
St. Sauveur Ski Museum
Tape residue removal
Poppy Seed Mass
Milky Way Galaxy Tastes like Raspberry
the-curious-incident-of-the-dog-in-the-night-time
Keith Haring artist
The Brain that Changes itself
Wellness Adventures New Zealand
Eco homemade sanitary pads
Northwestern State Educational Tour (Derek recommends Steve Sanders)
Mulligatawny Soup
divorced dad opines
Vikings in Europe
Why Do Earthworms Surface After Rain
subsist
Dr. Holly Woman of Distinction
Sultan vs maharaja Arabic (religious) ruler vs Sanskrit ruler or king
Sultana is the feminine version.
Map of the trip in Jules Verne's Around the World in Eighty Days
Movie recommended to me in German class Frantz
Opium
Poetry makes you happier
Cozumel Palace, Mexico
Quebec mortar companies Triage de Joints
Mini Science 2018 Female scientists public lecture series February
German Zoos
The Cuban Ballet I missed: Don Quixote
homelessness-step-by-step
France Quebec junior magazine
Asphalt vs Concrete driveway
list-of-english-words-of-german-origin
Olympics Salt lake City and view from the airport
Sun Valley, Idaho
Chattanooga Choo Choo
Morse Code
Prometheus-Greek-god
Olympic Flame
Home Away
inflatable easter bunny origami
Buddha's Brain
Maple Fudge
isometrics energy transfer
Art Nouveau Germany
St. Sauveur Ski Museum
Tape residue removal
Poppy Seed Mass
Milky Way Galaxy Tastes like Raspberry
the-curious-incident-of-the-dog-in-the-night-time
Keith Haring artist
The Brain that Changes itself
Wellness Adventures New Zealand
Eco homemade sanitary pads
Northwestern State Educational Tour (Derek recommends Steve Sanders)
Mulligatawny Soup
divorced dad opines
Vikings in Europe
Why Do Earthworms Surface After Rain
subsist
Dr. Holly Woman of Distinction
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
ELLA, GURU OF THE CLEAN FOOD MOVEMENT
I recently watched a documentary looking for clarity on the clean eating movement. In it, I was introduced to a British woman who was presented as the start of the movement named Ella. She spoke to the backlash that has followed her idea. Turns out all good ideas can be taken too far. Her complaint was that the use of the term "clean" with eating implies that now there is food we eat that is "dirty".
Today a friend told me about her also, and encouraged me to check out her new podcast, just starting last month. Deliciously Ella is the name of her book, and podcast. Ella and her husband opened two delis in Westend London and the idea is a healthy vegetarian diet. I like the idea of delicious recipes from simple food. Her honesty is refreshing. Now what is left is to try her food!
Today a friend told me about her also, and encouraged me to check out her new podcast, just starting last month. Deliciously Ella is the name of her book, and podcast. Ella and her husband opened two delis in Westend London and the idea is a healthy vegetarian diet. I like the idea of delicious recipes from simple food. Her honesty is refreshing. Now what is left is to try her food!
GOURMET LEFTOVERS
Sometimes I think that I am the furthest thing from a gourmet girl. In the last years, it is a rare event for me to truly present a gourmet event. But what I am good at is making a simple meal from leftover ingredients. Often it's just for one, and it often doesn't qualify for eating first with your eyes. But sometimes it is a triumph of imagination! Today is one of those days.
Working around the fact that my daughter needed the two leftover slices of bread for her last breakfast before school tomorrow, I had a ripe banana, and open peanut butter jar, and a whole wheat tortilla for breakfast. Not my usual, but I was out of granola and soy milk!
After driving to Lasalle to run with a friend for the first time since the marathon (10.6, felt my lungs more than my legs surprising), my nausea turned to hunger on my return. My daughter had an avocado wrap for lunch, so I had half an avocado turning in the fridge. I took a tortilla, smashed the avocado half in the middle, a spoon of sundried tomatoes paste, and a handful of salad from a giant container of San Marino greens. It was tasty, pretty and delicious. Not quite enough, though, even with 3 glasses of water. One bigger handful of salad, 25g of Danish blue cheese crumbled, the rest of the rejected shriveled up edamame from supper last night (already leftover once before), a few dried cranberries and my go-to Kraft sesame dressing. It was a great salad, and just maybe a little gourmet, practical style!
Working around the fact that my daughter needed the two leftover slices of bread for her last breakfast before school tomorrow, I had a ripe banana, and open peanut butter jar, and a whole wheat tortilla for breakfast. Not my usual, but I was out of granola and soy milk!
After driving to Lasalle to run with a friend for the first time since the marathon (10.6, felt my lungs more than my legs surprising), my nausea turned to hunger on my return. My daughter had an avocado wrap for lunch, so I had half an avocado turning in the fridge. I took a tortilla, smashed the avocado half in the middle, a spoon of sundried tomatoes paste, and a handful of salad from a giant container of San Marino greens. It was tasty, pretty and delicious. Not quite enough, though, even with 3 glasses of water. One bigger handful of salad, 25g of Danish blue cheese crumbled, the rest of the rejected shriveled up edamame from supper last night (already leftover once before), a few dried cranberries and my go-to Kraft sesame dressing. It was a great salad, and just maybe a little gourmet, practical style!
Monday, September 10, 2018
I AM A TRIATHLETE!
Well, I did it! I honestly had no certainty that I would, but I finished! Goal number one met! Not finishing last? Check! Less than 2 1/2 hours? A mere 1:54:26 race time! I still can't believe it! My ego keeps reminding me that I was in the bottom 6 percent, ranking 1050/1107. But I swam 800 m in 23:55 minutes ( I wasn't sure I could beat 30!), I biked 20k in 46:58 minutes, and I ran 5.2 k in 34:09 for a blistering pace of 6:36/km, even though it felt like I was slow as molasses! Two transitions of 5:40 and 3:44 minutes, where I stopped to dry off, dress up, only to realize I hadn't eaten or put on my sports bra! With a new bike, a plastic bucket for supplies and a better plan, maybe I can do better next time! 8 or 9th percentile! Or just let one or two 60 year olds outrun me, not three (starting 15 minutes after, by the way!)
Just to be clear, because there are quite a few variations, I swam 750m, biked 20k, and ran 5k, or finished the 25.75 k race or sprint, as my real triathlete friends say! Not an Ironman, nor even the Olympic distance, but not the tri-a-tri neither!
So what did I learn about my first triathlon?
Number one: The Montreal Triathlon Sprint really is made to have fun! The volunteers were numerous, and helpful and the fans enthusiastic, even for strangers! From marking our legs and arms with our bib numbers and age, making sure we were going the right direction, to giving away gatorade, to singing and cheering, they made the race fun!
Number two: Just because you like to run, don't assume that it'll be easy once you get to the third stage of the race. It's gonna be harder each event you make, just because it's after something else. For me, the swim tired me out, but it was a dream compared to the bike, and the bike compared to the run!
Number three: When they say put your tracker on last, they really mean it! Turns out there is a whole line of portapotties in the transition zone, which is the place to circle back to just before you swim, bike, and run, and then after you finish. Outside of the transition zone, near the Olympic Basin at Jean Drapeau Park, there was only one bathroom, shared with the general public, that I was standing in line in front of just before the race. I barely made the start on the beach because the turnover was so slow, but I am grateful to a gentleman spectator that noticed those of us with green caps were next up, and let me go before he did!
Number four: Your best opportunity to eat a bite is in the transition zone, but even when every one has left, eat before you start to exit. Once you have your bike moving, eating and drinking are dangerous! I have a scab and hematoma on my right shin to prove it. Take a few seconds to put a bite in your mouth, then leave. But eat a couple bites. Once you start biking you can digest. It's your only opportunity, and you will need the energy for the run!
Number five: Flags mean something but not everything! Green means go; red means stop, but with two precisions. First, when you leave the transition for the bike section, don't get on the bike until the green flag. Lastly, when you are finishing, the red flag may be followed by an inflated gate. Run past the flag and under the gate for your best time!
Number six: You really just can show up with a swimsuit, goggles, running/biking shorts and a bike. I liked this article as most helpful, even though I only found it after! 10 Tips For First Time Triathletes
Number seven: The two smartest things I did that helped in the race was sign up with a friend and practice in the open swim the day before. It was the first time either of us had swum that distance outside of the pool (25 meters at a time) and with all the bodies stirring up the water, we both had a chance to panic and then calm down. We had a 275m loop that we both freaked out doing the first time, but we did it again and the second time was just fine. I still can't believe that I had never done the front crawl for more than 25-50 m at a time, often too breathless to continue. Once I hit the water in the race, however (trailing behind the group intentionally), I found a pace that I had never found before, and managed to swim the distance, mind you lopsided, one in two breaths per stroke, in front crawl with my face in the water. 21.5 degrees Celsius is the perfect water temperature on a sunny day!
Number eight: I probably ran, swan and then biked in order of time during my training. This wasn't a terrible choice, and I didn't feel totally confident nor incompetent when I thought about the race. Swimming felt the least prepared, but after the race, I wish I had biked more. Probably, training more frequently in general would have been better, but I am glad, like with many things, I started before I was totally prepared. I have no regrets on being on my way and still finding the race day upon me.
BONUS REEL: TRIATHLON BY BLUNDERS
REFRESHING PERSPECTIVE ON GETTING OLD
An elderly lady was asked by a child if she were young or old. "My dear," she replied, "I have been young a very long time."
credit to the compilation P.S. I Love You by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
credit to the compilation P.S. I Love You by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
DREAM TRIP: CANARY ISLANDS
North Americans head south to the Caribbean for the sun. Europeans head to the Spanish Canary Islands. There are 28 Caribbean Nations and over 7000 islands. There is only one nation for the Islas Canarias, or Islands of the Dogs and 7 major islands and 4 of Spain's 13 National Parks.
Located off the Western Coast of Algeria, the island that caught my eye was Tenerife. Not that I know any details of these islands, but I remember Agatha Christie mentioned the name. Actually, I had always thought it was a place she visited near her home in England, but now I realize that it was in the Canary Islands. I confirmed this by a blog entry at the top of my google search. This has solidified my dream to visit this corner of the world in the future, and re-read Agatha Christie's autobiography.
Located off the Western Coast of Algeria, the island that caught my eye was Tenerife. Not that I know any details of these islands, but I remember Agatha Christie mentioned the name. Actually, I had always thought it was a place she visited near her home in England, but now I realize that it was in the Canary Islands. I confirmed this by a blog entry at the top of my google search. This has solidified my dream to visit this corner of the world in the future, and re-read Agatha Christie's autobiography.
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 évoilà 5 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 évoilà 5 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.
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
TRIATHLON TRANSITIONS AND SAFETY ACCESSORIES
Last night, my triathlon buddy and I did our best to simulate transitions after a quick 30 laps to simulate the 750m swim. Our master's coach criticized our transition, but, to be fair, I hadn't planned to leave the pool so quickly, and I had to communicate with the Princess Pirate who was going to take the pool stuff home, and be on her own for the first time, and I left her swimming under the care of my other triathlon buddy who didn't have his bike.
I did have everything I need for the bike, but two essentials I need for the run: Sports bra and my proper runners. We biked 11 k and then ran half a km just to see. The transitions weren't bad. I found it hard to keep up a pace swimming or biking, but the swimming with alternating 50 m crawl and 50 breast worked well. For both, I was chasing my friend, which works out too.
The swim list:
swimsuit
goggles
a spare pair of goggles
towel
bag to put wet things
The bike list:
bike
combination lock
bike pump
tire patch?
helmet
sunglasses/glasses
bike gloves
bike shorts
sports bra and shirt
socks and runners (watch the laces don't loop/hang)
someway to pace?
platypus backpack 2L water
snacks
The run list:
hat
stow bag for above
To verify on my two decade old bike:
front white reflector
front tire white or amber reflector or circumferential reflector on tire
red rear reflector
white or red rear tire reflector or circumferential reflector on tire
For nighttime:
white light in front
red light in back
For more details see Bike safety in Quebec
An oddity of the Esprit Montreal Sprint is that the cycling is counterclockwise, so the slow lane is keeping left, and passing is on the right.
I may need a triathlon suit or wet suit. Maybe even a new bike! Argh! First, must try and borrow for the day.
I did have everything I need for the bike, but two essentials I need for the run: Sports bra and my proper runners. We biked 11 k and then ran half a km just to see. The transitions weren't bad. I found it hard to keep up a pace swimming or biking, but the swimming with alternating 50 m crawl and 50 breast worked well. For both, I was chasing my friend, which works out too.
The swim list:
swimsuit
goggles
a spare pair of goggles
towel
bag to put wet things
The bike list:
bike
combination lock
bike pump
tire patch?
helmet
sunglasses/glasses
bike gloves
bike shorts
sports bra and shirt
socks and runners (watch the laces don't loop/hang)
someway to pace?
platypus backpack 2L water
snacks
The run list:
hat
stow bag for above
To verify on my two decade old bike:
front white reflector
front tire white or amber reflector or circumferential reflector on tire
red rear reflector
white or red rear tire reflector or circumferential reflector on tire
For nighttime:
white light in front
red light in back
For more details see Bike safety in Quebec
An oddity of the Esprit Montreal Sprint is that the cycling is counterclockwise, so the slow lane is keeping left, and passing is on the right.
I may need a triathlon suit or wet suit. Maybe even a new bike! Argh! First, must try and borrow for the day.
Monday, July 30, 2018
FRANCAIS QUOTIDIEN
lutter(v), la lutte(n) = fight, battle, struggle
être bien décidé = to be determined
Merci pour votre soutenu = thanks for your support
haut les coeurs = chin up
être bien décidé = to be determined
Merci pour votre soutenu = thanks for your support
haut les coeurs = chin up
ATAINING SELF ACTUALIZATION
I always thought I might be one of those people who are able to attain self actualization by the end of my lifetime, but as I move through middle age and find myself sometimes just barely, or honestly, sometimes not even able to tread water or keep up with the flow of life, I stop and reevaluate where I truly am. Without self-evaluation, I am convinced, it is harder to happen upon a goal. Many things in life require a concerted effort with a drive towards a specific goal.
SWIMMING TWEAKS I AM LEARNING (BEFORE I FORGET)
The last 3 summers, I have been swimming with a group of adults in a program called Masters. Basically, most people were swimmers as kids, and they come and follow one of two programs: long or short. Then there are a few of us, like me, who need a lot more work, and struggle to get the shortest program done. I try and stay out of the way, but each time I go, I feel a little bit stronger at swimming.
Not having goggles was the biggest limitation to me learning how to swim properly. A close second, though, was the feeling of lightheadedness that cause me to quit at Red Cross level White. The technique still remains to breathe every 3, 5 or 7. I still feel breathless on finishing a lap or two with breathing every 3, so I am best breathing every 2, no matter how lopsided that makes me feel.
What I have learned, is that lightheadedness is far from the warning needed to modify my breaths. This is based on the physiologic warning of increased CO2 and not from lack of oxygen. Still, I find it the biggest challenge to feel at ease breathing and being immersed in water, now that I have a pair of italian goggles that I adore.
There are four stages of breath holding:
First is that feeling of lightheadedness.
Second is diaphragmatic spasms, but this too is not life threatening, but your lungs will be burning.
Third is a splenic release of oxygen-rich blood released into the bloodstream, and you may give you a surge of energy. This may be your last chance to pull out. This also may be a mammalian dive reflex.
Fourth, and last, is blackout.
The front crawl is now called freestyle. The idea is to keep your legs kicking continuously, hinging from your hips, and to keep your hips up, so that your head rotating to breath is flat at the surface. This means using your abdominal muscles to bring your hips to the surface when you are breathing. I haven't mastered this yet, but apparently all it takes is one eye out, but I am still surfacing both. Also, to get the best strokes, you need to do the "Superman pose", externally rotation the shoulder as you extend, careful not to cross over your arms/hands, as I apparently do.
The breast stroke is my favorite, but it is clearly not as efficient. I had been doing it all wrong. I love the breathing, because it is one to one, so when I get tired, this is my go to stroke. The tough bit is the kick. Unlike the frog kick I practices for decades, the whipkick comes from the knees, with thighs glued together. The head looks down after the breath with hands in streamline while you kick, and then pause to glide. Repeat.
Not having goggles was the biggest limitation to me learning how to swim properly. A close second, though, was the feeling of lightheadedness that cause me to quit at Red Cross level White. The technique still remains to breathe every 3, 5 or 7. I still feel breathless on finishing a lap or two with breathing every 3, so I am best breathing every 2, no matter how lopsided that makes me feel.
What I have learned, is that lightheadedness is far from the warning needed to modify my breaths. This is based on the physiologic warning of increased CO2 and not from lack of oxygen. Still, I find it the biggest challenge to feel at ease breathing and being immersed in water, now that I have a pair of italian goggles that I adore.
There are four stages of breath holding:
First is that feeling of lightheadedness.
Second is diaphragmatic spasms, but this too is not life threatening, but your lungs will be burning.
Third is a splenic release of oxygen-rich blood released into the bloodstream, and you may give you a surge of energy. This may be your last chance to pull out. This also may be a mammalian dive reflex.
Fourth, and last, is blackout.
The front crawl is now called freestyle. The idea is to keep your legs kicking continuously, hinging from your hips, and to keep your hips up, so that your head rotating to breath is flat at the surface. This means using your abdominal muscles to bring your hips to the surface when you are breathing. I haven't mastered this yet, but apparently all it takes is one eye out, but I am still surfacing both. Also, to get the best strokes, you need to do the "Superman pose", externally rotation the shoulder as you extend, careful not to cross over your arms/hands, as I apparently do.
The breast stroke is my favorite, but it is clearly not as efficient. I had been doing it all wrong. I love the breathing, because it is one to one, so when I get tired, this is my go to stroke. The tough bit is the kick. Unlike the frog kick I practices for decades, the whipkick comes from the knees, with thighs glued together. The head looks down after the breath with hands in streamline while you kick, and then pause to glide. Repeat.
Sunday, July 29, 2018
CORTADO COFFEE
My brother loves coffee. He judges a new place by a drink I have never heard of: Cortado. I am trying to learn the term, because each place that serves it makes a pretty pattern.
Here is the cortado at Cafe Myriad, near Concordia University.
Here is the cortado at Cafe Myriad, near Concordia University.
Friday, July 27, 2018
HAPPINESS DEFINITION
Malcolm Gladwell has extraordinary friends. Listening to his podcast #11 Season 3 May 10, 2018 Revisionist History bonus, he debates his friend Adam Grant, who has a great sense of humour. This is one of the gems that comes up during the debate (a quote by Tom Magliozzi) :
Happiness= Reality -Expectations
Happiness= Reality -Expectations
Thursday, July 12, 2018
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
STRADDLE INJURIES, 60 DAYS AND OVERTRAINING SYNDROME (OTS)
This week I am suffering from more than one injury. The great thing about a triathlon is that you have to procrastinate three times to do nothing, so usually you run out of excuses and can at least do one form of exercise!
Monday, July 9, 2018
MIAMI BEACH ART DECO
Art Deco Miami beach tour
(Come back for night lights!)
The tour starts at the Art Deco Welcome Centre at 1001 Ocean Avenue.
Miami Beach is famous for its Streamline Moderne Art Deco architectural style. It is considered the second wave of Art Deco, and unlike the initial Skyscraper style that began in the 1920s, it reflected a simpler more austere style in keeping with depression years of the 1930s.
The stone found throughout is a limestone full of coral patterns. It is called Ulitic limestone or Keystone Coral, and comes in peach, pink, blue and green. All of it is quarried from the nearby Everglades. It lines exterior and interior walls, even at the base of decorative fence walls .
Here is an example from the iconic Beach Patrol Headquarters.
Here is an example from The Viscoy Hotel facade:
Here is the interior counter from The Tides Hotel:
My favorite part was finding the detailed motifs:
geometric like zigzags, chevrons and semicircles
natural like leaves, fern fronds and sunrises
tropical like pelicans and water
frozen fountains
Here are some essential links:
Origins and Influences
Architecture in the US and the Dawn of Deco
PS
These are the notes from my beach tour:
Ulitic limestone (keystone coral) peach, pink, blue, green-quarries from Everglades
Frozen fountains
Rum runners-mob brought alcohol to Miami beach during prohibition
Nautical Deco
Portholes
Ziggurats
Stainless steel
Streamline
Geometric
Porter house style?
South of Fifth SoFi-Jewish quarter
Segregation beach-curfew-African Americans
View-no Jews
No AC
No pools
No building on east side of ocean drive
Miami Vice
ABA
Mediterranean revival- rebuilt Chris Colombo -Versacci killed by serial killer
Sea grape tree-shedding leaves-yellow parrots
Modern Art Deco
Grackles
Quaker came down from PA to see why his coconut investments weren't making money-helped build the bridge to Miami Beach-grew avocados( alligator pears) and mangos
Barbara Capitman started preservation of Miami Art Deco
Leonard Holovitz chose the paint colours
Aztec Art Deco-the Carlyle
Sunday, July 8, 2018
ARISTOTLE'S GOLDEN MEAN
Alexander the Great of Macedonia was not known for moderation. But as fate would have it, his teacher was Aristotle, who must have at least mentioned it during his education.
The Golden Mean preceded Thomas Jefferson's idea of moderation, but it describes the balance that goes back to ancient China and the balance of nature called Yin-Yang.
I like this table that outlines some of the details.
The Golden Mean preceded Thomas Jefferson's idea of moderation, but it describes the balance that goes back to ancient China and the balance of nature called Yin-Yang.
I like this table that outlines some of the details.
WEST ISLAND TO THE OLD PORT: MANJIT CHATRIK
I love art. I love some artists especially. I realized that Mr. Manjit Singh Chatrik is one of those artists when I saw him at his booth on Place Jacques Cartier. I was happy to introduce my friends to his exquisite work. His works include animals and birds, and people and places around the world. He uses water colour, patterns in metallic paint and moonshapes to create fantasy and beauty in every painting. Today I learned he was previously an illustrator, which is where he developed his style. He also let me call him Mr. Singh, which was how I remembered his name, but I think he was just too polite to correct me! Strangely I couldn't find a website, but here are a few images. Check him out!
MARRIAGE VOWS FROM KATHERINE HEPBURN'S "WOMAN OF THE YEAR"
Dearly beloved...
...we are gathered here together
in the sight of God...
...and in the face of this company...
...to join together this man
and this woman in holy matrimony.
Which is an honorable estate...
...instituted of God...
...and therefore is not by any to be
entered into unadvisedly or lightly...
...but reverently, discreetly, soberly...
...and in the fear of God.
You are performing an act
of utter faith.
Believing in one another to the end.
As the bride gives herself
to the bridegroom...
...let him be to her
father and mother...
...sister and brother...
...and, most sacred, husband.
As he gives himself to her...
...let the bride inspire and sustain him...
...let her unite with him
in all the experiences of life...
...to which their paths shall lead.
The great moments and the small.
That the joys of each
shall be the joys of both.
And the sorrows of each,
the sorrows of both.
If you wish your new estate
to be touched with lasting beauty...
...cherish those gracious visions
of your first love.
Let them not be blurred
by the common events of life.
Be not moved in your devotion.
Believe in the ideal.
You saw it once.
It still exists.
It is the final truth.
William...
...wilt thou have this woman
to thy wedded wife...
...to live together after God's ordinance
in the holy estate of matrimony?
Read more: https://www.springfieldspringfield.co.uk/movie_script.php?movie=woman-of-the-year
...we are gathered here together
in the sight of God...
...and in the face of this company...
...to join together this man
and this woman in holy matrimony.
Which is an honorable estate...
...instituted of God...
...and therefore is not by any to be
entered into unadvisedly or lightly...
...but reverently, discreetly, soberly...
...and in the fear of God.
You are performing an act
of utter faith.
Believing in one another to the end.
As the bride gives herself
to the bridegroom...
...let him be to her
father and mother...
...sister and brother...
...and, most sacred, husband.
As he gives himself to her...
...let the bride inspire and sustain him...
...let her unite with him
in all the experiences of life...
...to which their paths shall lead.
The great moments and the small.
That the joys of each
shall be the joys of both.
And the sorrows of each,
the sorrows of both.
If you wish your new estate
to be touched with lasting beauty...
...cherish those gracious visions
of your first love.
Let them not be blurred
by the common events of life.
Be not moved in your devotion.
Believe in the ideal.
You saw it once.
It still exists.
It is the final truth.
William...
...wilt thou have this woman
to thy wedded wife...
...to live together after God's ordinance
in the holy estate of matrimony?
Read more: https://www.springfieldspringfield.co.uk/movie_script.php?movie=woman-of-the-year
IMMIGRATION AND THE PASSES
My daughter's school curriculum enlightened me to why I was a fourth generation immigrant to the Canadian prairies, but it did not do a good job explaining how the west was populated when it was already indigenously populated.
Today I watched a documentary that explains this "shared history". It explains "The Pass system", starting in 1885, concomitant with the immigration of farmers encouraged by "free landplots". For 60 years, the system was created that still echoes today. In order to leave the reservation, an aboriginal needed to ask an Indian Agent for a pass. To visit town, to go the hospital, to visit their children, who were taken as wards of the state to residential schools. They weren't always approved, were often hard to obtain, brief, and punishable by jail if not obtained.
Why is it so hard for history to be told by more than one side? As Napolean said, "History is a set of lies agreed upon". Surely it's time to tell a story with at least two sides?
Today I watched a documentary that explains this "shared history". It explains "The Pass system", starting in 1885, concomitant with the immigration of farmers encouraged by "free landplots". For 60 years, the system was created that still echoes today. In order to leave the reservation, an aboriginal needed to ask an Indian Agent for a pass. To visit town, to go the hospital, to visit their children, who were taken as wards of the state to residential schools. They weren't always approved, were often hard to obtain, brief, and punishable by jail if not obtained.
Why is it so hard for history to be told by more than one side? As Napolean said, "History is a set of lies agreed upon". Surely it's time to tell a story with at least two sides?
Saturday, July 7, 2018
SCAVENGER HUNT OLD MONTREAL
Today was a great day. It is easy to say that it was a great day because, we, as a group of four women, went on a fun scavenger hunt in Old Montreal today. It is tempting to blog the details of our great dim sum lunch (I will, but it beside the point). But the best part of the day was the reality that I have these three wonderful women in my life that I can rely on, have fun with, and I feel I belong with.
The funny thing about it is that it is easiest to blog about the food, then about the details of a scavenger hunt we did together, but it is hard to find the words and spend the time writing about what matters most.
It is also funny how some terribly important and monumental events happen, and there are no blog entries, and how some blog entries occur with very little meaning. I suppose this is reflective of our photo albums and even our own memories.
The funny thing about it is that it is easiest to blog about the food, then about the details of a scavenger hunt we did together, but it is hard to find the words and spend the time writing about what matters most.
It is also funny how some terribly important and monumental events happen, and there are no blog entries, and how some blog entries occur with very little meaning. I suppose this is reflective of our photo albums and even our own memories.
DIM SUM AT RUBY ROUGE
I don't remember a lot of the names, but we were four people, and we ate a lot for $15 each at Ruby Rouge. It was wonderful. Definitely not vegan. Almost all were brought in threes, but since we were four, they were cut in half and gave us each a taste. We were late for lunch, but confirmed that they were serving with the carts until 3. One hour gave us enough time. A nice lady confirmed the entrance as it was not obvious to enter into the restaurant, but instead looked like a shop on St. Laurent.
We had steamed rice rolls (cheung fun is the one made of prawns) with shrimp and bbq pork. Highlights were the stuffed eggplants with shrimp, stuffed green peppers with shrimp, and taro dumplings. Simple shrimp dumplings were even better with "vegetables"; basically green with leeks. A simple plate of chinese broccoli. Phoenix claws (chicken feet) eaten for collagen's beauty. Some sticky rice bamboo packets. Sweet sesame balls and "salty" deep fried balls of pork. All washed down with pots of brown tea and a finale of silky tofu pudding with ginger syrup.
What follows are not the best photos, as no plate was left untouched before I could photograph it! At least it will trigger some memories for next time!
We had steamed rice rolls (cheung fun is the one made of prawns) with shrimp and bbq pork. Highlights were the stuffed eggplants with shrimp, stuffed green peppers with shrimp, and taro dumplings. Simple shrimp dumplings were even better with "vegetables"; basically green with leeks. A simple plate of chinese broccoli. Phoenix claws (chicken feet) eaten for collagen's beauty. Some sticky rice bamboo packets. Sweet sesame balls and "salty" deep fried balls of pork. All washed down with pots of brown tea and a finale of silky tofu pudding with ginger syrup.
What follows are not the best photos, as no plate was left untouched before I could photograph it! At least it will trigger some memories for next time!
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| Taro dumplings, bbq pork steamed rice noodle roll |
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| Eggplant stuffed with shrimp, bamboo leaves of glutenous rice and pork |
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| Chiu-Chao dumpling, veggie-shrimp and shrimp |
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| Silky tofu pudding with ginger syrup. Yum! |
Monday, July 2, 2018
SUMMER GARDEN TEA PARTY
It was a warm and perfect night. The girls came in their finery, and Cindy had made some incredibly beautiful fastinators that were inspirational!
I thought, after ten years of December parties, I wanted to host a summer one. The weather called for thunderstorms, and wikipedia suggested a high tea starts at 5 pm. Thankfully, we had a clear, if not a little warm, evening until dusk set and we cleared away the dishes. Only then did it start to rain!
Even those who weren't sure they couldn't make it did, and the places around the outdoor tables matched the number of verrines, plates and spoons. 8!
It was an evening full of food, laughter, and love. The courses went off without a hitch, and my Princess Pirate helped with the festivities. I think I may have to expand my party repertoire to twice a year!
Served with everything was tea I recognized from my Uncle's good taste and collection he sent to my grandma for gifts: Taylor's of Harrogate, which I found at my local Bramble House. I picked my favorite Earl Grey in leaf form, but figured that an afternoon tea might be best served with the Afternoon Darjeeling Tea. I was not wrong. It was the most popular tea served!
On the list for next time:
tomato bruschetta
vanilla macaroons
rhubarb crisp
fruit skewers (strawberry bocconcini)
almond marzipan dates
apple or zucchini cheddar rose pastries
spinach egg squares
quinoa salad
Allergy list
pineapple
gluten
milk
hazelnut
raw apple/peach/apricot
Served with everything was tea I recognized from my Uncle's good taste and collection he sent to my grandma for gifts: Taylor's of Harrogate, which I found at my local Bramble House. I picked my favorite Earl Grey in leaf form, but figured that an afternoon tea might be best served with the Afternoon Darjeeling Tea. I was not wrong. It was the most popular tea served!
On the list for next time:
tomato bruschetta
vanilla macaroons
rhubarb crisp
fruit skewers (strawberry bocconcini)
almond marzipan dates
apple or zucchini cheddar rose pastries
spinach egg squares
quinoa salad
Allergy list
pineapple
gluten
milk
hazelnut
raw apple/peach/apricot
 |
| White roses being watered, inspired by Camilla, and a pink ribbon topper, inspired by Eugenie |
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| Currant scones, almost perfectly done this time, with Devon custard (from Devon!), clotted cream (overpriced butter), marmelade and a gift of pineapple sriracha jam |
 |
| English tea cups from the family collection |
 |
| Mint and edible floral ice cubes |
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| Mint water in champagne glasses and colours of summer with floral arrangements |
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| Crudités in hummus |
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| Red Pepper soup, served cold, with quinoa and avocado, rice crackers with red pepper pate |
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| For the gluten avoiders, roasted chicken and almonds, mayo, chives and cucumber slices. The recipe comes from one I copied from Cooking Light 2005. It was originally made with rosemary, but I had fresh chives and enjoyed the variation at least as much. |
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| Cucumber and roasted chicken, and almond crustless sandwiches |
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| Seaweed and tofu salad by Jae |
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| Veggie chips, Deviled eggs |
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| Dulce de leche, brownie, custard and strawberry verrine |
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| Sesame graham crackers, lemon poppy seed petits fours and brownies |
Saturday, June 30, 2018
RED PEPPER SOUP
I had been looking at Martha's Meatless book, had a large jar of roasted red peppers in my cupboard, as well as a ripe avocado and quinoa on hand. I made this Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Quinoa Salsa for the first time hot, and took it to work, and I skipped the red onion for everyone else's sake. It was still good, but I found it a little thin. Still, with the garnish, and a generous dollop of quinoa, it was a good lunch.
When I had the girls over for tea, I decided to serve it cold and in small verrines. I still omitted the red onion, and it was very popular.
CHILLED ROASTED RED PEPPER SOUP WITH QUINOA
Meatless Cookbook
Serves: 4 (doubles) servings
INGREDIENTS
1 yellow onion (chopped)
2 T EVOO, for cooking
1 garlic clove (sliced)
1 cup cooked quinoa
4 red bell peppers (roasted with seeds, skins removed) I rinsed prepared and removed seeds and doubled these.)
3 cups low sodium vegetable stock ( I doubled stock)
1 avocado
2 T chopped cilantro
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat oil in a medium saucepan.
Add onion, and garlic stirring until onion is tender about 6-8 min.
Add roasted peppers, and stock.
Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
Let cool slightly.
Working in batches, puree soup in a blender until smooth, or use an immersion blender and puree soup directly in the pot.
Refrigerate to chill soup (at least 2 hours) or re-warm to serve hot.
Ladle soup into bowls and top with a scoop of quinoa, avocado slices, a few pieces of cilantro. Diced red onion would be good too, but okay to omit.
When I had the girls over for tea, I decided to serve it cold and in small verrines. I still omitted the red onion, and it was very popular.
CHILLED ROASTED RED PEPPER SOUP WITH QUINOA
Meatless Cookbook
Serves: 4 (doubles) servings
INGREDIENTS
1 yellow onion (chopped)
2 T EVOO, for cooking
1 garlic clove (sliced)
1 cup cooked quinoa
4 red bell peppers (roasted with seeds, skins removed) I rinsed prepared and removed seeds and doubled these.)
3 cups low sodium vegetable stock ( I doubled stock)
1 avocado
2 T chopped cilantro
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat oil in a medium saucepan.
Add onion, and garlic stirring until onion is tender about 6-8 min.
Add roasted peppers, and stock.
Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
Let cool slightly.
Working in batches, puree soup in a blender until smooth, or use an immersion blender and puree soup directly in the pot.
Refrigerate to chill soup (at least 2 hours) or re-warm to serve hot.
Ladle soup into bowls and top with a scoop of quinoa, avocado slices, a few pieces of cilantro. Diced red onion would be good too, but okay to omit.
SESAME GRAHAM CRACKER SNAPS
My grandma used to make these simple crunchy cookies. I liked making them, especially using the recipe written in her handwriting, which she called "Mini Graham Snaps".
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