I used to love pop. Some families would have pizza with salad. We had pizza with coca-cola! For variety I would have a sprite or root beer. When I moved to Montreal, I would always have smoked meat sandwiches with cherry cola. Occasionally I would have an orange pop.
Now, I rarely drink pop. When I do, I am surprised at how sweet pop is. I drink it for nostalgia, now, but remembered orange pop when I was in Crete, and Fanta was on the menu. I had heard of a Fanta flavour that was Blueberry, so when I saw Fanta blue on the menu in Skepasti. Turns out, it was the sugar free version, and not blue at all.
I looked it up when I got home. Fanta was a German company, named after Fantasie, German:(use your) Imagination, to substitute for Coca-Cola during America's trade embargo of Nazi Germany in 1940. Eventually Fanta was relaunched by Coca-Cola. The orange flavour started in Naples with local oranges. Over 90 flavours have been marketed worldwide. In Canada, we have orange, grape and cream soda.
I may have to wait until I visit New Zealnad to try the Blueberry and Strawberry Sherbet flavours.
Friday, October 26, 2018
Thursday, October 25, 2018
AN INTROVERT'S MANIFESTO
I am an introvert. Probably I am a shy introvert. But I have spent my career trying to live as the expected extrovert, and learning some very bad habits.
My job, like many in public service, puts me in contact with a lot of people. Professionalism does not allow me to avoid the very thing that takes my energy. I must talk to patients and staff and families, be interrupted from tasks to communicate and act. Sometimes it takes me days to recover.
But before this was my job, it was more acceptable to be a quiet observer and thinker. I was a student, after all, and spent hours every week in my own head, praised for my conscientiousness and careful work, and given hours of time to process and evaluate per hour of class interaction.
Back then, when I was asked what animal I most identified with, it was a deer. A lot has changed. If you ask me today what animal I most identify with, it is a shark.
So what has happened?
In the last twenty, maybe 30 or 40 or 50 years, our society has become obsessed with efficiency (because this makes things cheaper), and performance is often based on the appearance of efficiency. Those who act are valued over those slow to act. But reacting isn't the best solution long term. You need to create the way the world flows past you, not just be able to swim in the stream. Acting with purpose and forethought is how an introvent best creates a better environment.
So I have realized, after twenty five years of cultural indoctrination, that I have lost my skills as an introvert, but react with the best of them, living in a stress response state like a shark. I am almost never, even at home in my own family environment, acting in an unstressed introverted way. I have lost my skills to listen, consider, and even be conscientious. I am trying to find a way to express myself, and not be a doormat, but often speak up to even the "fairness" of the conversation balance, and find myself unskilled in turning into my words into something practical.
I am trying to rediscover these skills, and give myself time to recouperate. I am trying to be alone without feeling lonely. I am trying to resist the urge to believe my culture that I am not as good as someone who recharges around people and doesn't find themselves in their most stressed state most of the time at work. It's a work in progress; like most everything.
Sometimes I imagine a world where my boss schedules me with a day off every couple of shifts so that I recouperate my energy. Where my colleagues would think twice about interrupting for every single thought they have, considering that I was "thinking", and waiting until they had done their full assessment before asking me what was already documented. I wonder what it would be like if the doctor who led a trauma or a code who was quiet would be listened to, instead of being talked over or pushed aside. I wonder what a band of misfit introverts could do in our system if we had power and control over the budget. Keep dreaming.
My job, like many in public service, puts me in contact with a lot of people. Professionalism does not allow me to avoid the very thing that takes my energy. I must talk to patients and staff and families, be interrupted from tasks to communicate and act. Sometimes it takes me days to recover.
But before this was my job, it was more acceptable to be a quiet observer and thinker. I was a student, after all, and spent hours every week in my own head, praised for my conscientiousness and careful work, and given hours of time to process and evaluate per hour of class interaction.
Back then, when I was asked what animal I most identified with, it was a deer. A lot has changed. If you ask me today what animal I most identify with, it is a shark.
So what has happened?
In the last twenty, maybe 30 or 40 or 50 years, our society has become obsessed with efficiency (because this makes things cheaper), and performance is often based on the appearance of efficiency. Those who act are valued over those slow to act. But reacting isn't the best solution long term. You need to create the way the world flows past you, not just be able to swim in the stream. Acting with purpose and forethought is how an introvent best creates a better environment.
So I have realized, after twenty five years of cultural indoctrination, that I have lost my skills as an introvert, but react with the best of them, living in a stress response state like a shark. I am almost never, even at home in my own family environment, acting in an unstressed introverted way. I have lost my skills to listen, consider, and even be conscientious. I am trying to find a way to express myself, and not be a doormat, but often speak up to even the "fairness" of the conversation balance, and find myself unskilled in turning into my words into something practical.
I am trying to rediscover these skills, and give myself time to recouperate. I am trying to be alone without feeling lonely. I am trying to resist the urge to believe my culture that I am not as good as someone who recharges around people and doesn't find themselves in their most stressed state most of the time at work. It's a work in progress; like most everything.
Sometimes I imagine a world where my boss schedules me with a day off every couple of shifts so that I recouperate my energy. Where my colleagues would think twice about interrupting for every single thought they have, considering that I was "thinking", and waiting until they had done their full assessment before asking me what was already documented. I wonder what it would be like if the doctor who led a trauma or a code who was quiet would be listened to, instead of being talked over or pushed aside. I wonder what a band of misfit introverts could do in our system if we had power and control over the budget. Keep dreaming.
A TIPPING POINT (OF TIP DIPPING)
Sometimes what is done for years even decades makes no sense. I might notice. You might notice. But most people don't until one day something happens and it changes everything. Your knowledge didn't make the change. The people didn't make the change. But something happens, and it all changes.
I noticed today at Skate Canada, which I was privileged to attend thanks to a friend's friend's complimentary ticket, a few skaters with ombré hair. They looked nice. For years and years, peers and hairdressers have suggested that I should get highlights. I have always hated them. In my middle age group, it looks too obvious, and within days the roots show even if it was perfectly executed on the day of the hair appointment. I have seen twenty year old women highlight their hair, and look middle aged. I have never seen a highlighted hair that didn't look fake. To me it made no sense. But many many people relied on this. Spent a fortune getting them, and manically tried to maintain them. It never made sense to me.
Enter the recent trend of ombré hair. Back in the 80s men were getting their hair tips done, usually blond. It was laughed at later, but it was never applied to the permed highlight hair of women until the last decade. And it has changed everything. No longer fighting the growing hair, it could grow with the hair. Young women looked sophisticated and their age. Older women didn't have to worry about "growing the highlights out". It was enough to break the trend of highlights, much to my relief. But it came from a tipping point unrelated to sensibility. It was based on aesthetic, and took more than one generation to change it. It wasn't chosen, but it happened nonethless.
So, if something doesn't make sense, and you wish it was otherwise, sometimes it has nothing to do with convincing others to agree with you. Sometimes it just needs a different, hopefully better idea to replace the former one.
I noticed today at Skate Canada, which I was privileged to attend thanks to a friend's friend's complimentary ticket, a few skaters with ombré hair. They looked nice. For years and years, peers and hairdressers have suggested that I should get highlights. I have always hated them. In my middle age group, it looks too obvious, and within days the roots show even if it was perfectly executed on the day of the hair appointment. I have seen twenty year old women highlight their hair, and look middle aged. I have never seen a highlighted hair that didn't look fake. To me it made no sense. But many many people relied on this. Spent a fortune getting them, and manically tried to maintain them. It never made sense to me.
Enter the recent trend of ombré hair. Back in the 80s men were getting their hair tips done, usually blond. It was laughed at later, but it was never applied to the permed highlight hair of women until the last decade. And it has changed everything. No longer fighting the growing hair, it could grow with the hair. Young women looked sophisticated and their age. Older women didn't have to worry about "growing the highlights out". It was enough to break the trend of highlights, much to my relief. But it came from a tipping point unrelated to sensibility. It was based on aesthetic, and took more than one generation to change it. It wasn't chosen, but it happened nonethless.
So, if something doesn't make sense, and you wish it was otherwise, sometimes it has nothing to do with convincing others to agree with you. Sometimes it just needs a different, hopefully better idea to replace the former one.
Monday, October 15, 2018
VEGETARIAN (NOT SPICY) TOM YUM SOUP
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
BUTTERNUT SQUASH QUICHES
 |
| Bought puff pastry, 400 F 15 minutes with 5 minutes oven off, cheddar at the bottom, then squash, then 5 eggs to 1/2 cup milk, 30 mL of flour, salt and pepper. Overfilled, crisp bottoms (most not soggy) but terrible inconsistency! Would not get by the Great Canadian or British Baking judges. Extra balls in sugar and cinnamon. Butternut squash purée with milk and extra sugar and cinnamon for dessert. Filling and satisfying. |
LANTERNS AT THE BOTANICAL GARDENS
La grue= The crane
In Chinese culture, cranes are symbols of good fortune and longevity. They are often depicted as celestial mounts for the Immortals and the Dead. The phoenix and the crane are the favorite birds of Chinese painters. The expression, " A crane among hens", refers to an individual who stands head and shoulders above the crowd, both literally and figuratively.
It was a night in extreme contrast to the year before. The last time we went, it was also dusk, but the weather was unseasonably warm for September and the masses were incredible! This year, they had the forsight to sell tickets by a time slot, but by 6 pm it was pouring rain. We were well dressed, and had an umbrella and rainboots, but the paths were rivers and the tour was not easy, despite it being nearly deserted. Still, although I didn't take as many pictures, it was an incredible experience to see the sun set and the lanterns glow. The twinning of Shanghai and Montreal remains a great joy to me. My friend from Wu Xi said the stones are from her home town. The Japanese Garden has a twin too. Montreal and Hiroshima share that honor, and the story of the rejuvenation of that city was inspiring. I was able to share the story of Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes with Princess Pirate. She is Japan's Terry Fox, and the story came out in 1977, with Terry's Marathon of Hope in 1980. Both are legends to my generation, and, I hope, a continued inspiration to my daughter's.
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| Pumpkin decorating contest never fails to impress |
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| Last day for the lotus seed moon cakes. I feel like I didn't miss the autumn festival after all! |
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| The He Luo You was the centerpiece of the show this year. This creature was born in Inner Mongolia, in a tributary of the Yellow River, and has one head, 10 bodies and barks like a dog. It can turn into a bird, but is terrified, and hides, when it hears thunder. (Unless it is coming from the neighbouring Indigenous gardens!) |
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| Rainbow phoenix, my spirit animal |
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
FORTIES AND FAILING IT
My daughter came home from school today, upset. She had been working hard at a poster project, and her teacher criticized that it was too little in so much time. In 50 minutes she had drawn an oval and two hands. This is not uncommon, but having her teacher call her out on it was. She felt like a failure.
I did my best to re-frame the day. She admitted that it was a pretty great day otherwise. I told her I loved her, and that I had never seen her fail yet, and that the only way she would fail is to give up now. I asked her how she felt when I "failed" the triathlon, placing in the bottom 1% and she had to admit that she was proud.
But tonight, when she said she was ready for bed, I walked through the house to her bedroom and saw everything that I asked her to take care of every day done badly or not at all. Her clothes from tonight and this morning were on the ground. Her bookbag was stuffed with loose crushed papers. Her coat was on the floor instead of the empty hangar. Her shoes were knotted from when she removed them. So instead of being the mom that I wanted to be, I took every careless act as a personal insult, and I felt ashamed. Ashamed that I let others take advantage of me. Ashamed that I let her have playtime after school instead of doing chores, because I think she needs it, but maybe I'm not completely okay with. Ashamed that I can so carefully explain the simple rules I ask to be honoured over and over, and to be completely ignored. So I freaked out, and made her correct all these "failures" before she went to bed.
They say that the forties is when you know who you are, and have the confidence to be who you are. Some of my friends have things organized: menu planning, house routines, time to paint and run 10 k and something of value to teach others. I feel like I am constantly made aware of my failings, but I have never been more disorganized. I can't seem to set a routine and keep it, whether in menu planning, housework, work work. And instead of having an ally of 15 years and share stories of the same timeframe, I am gun shy, anxious, and way oversensitive to shame.
I guess I'll have to listen to my own advice, and try again tomorrow. Here's to hoping that in my fifties, I will finally feel comfortable in my own skin again, and, even before, not overreact so strongly to laundry on the floor, and next time, like the politician's advise, trust but verify.
I did my best to re-frame the day. She admitted that it was a pretty great day otherwise. I told her I loved her, and that I had never seen her fail yet, and that the only way she would fail is to give up now. I asked her how she felt when I "failed" the triathlon, placing in the bottom 1% and she had to admit that she was proud.
But tonight, when she said she was ready for bed, I walked through the house to her bedroom and saw everything that I asked her to take care of every day done badly or not at all. Her clothes from tonight and this morning were on the ground. Her bookbag was stuffed with loose crushed papers. Her coat was on the floor instead of the empty hangar. Her shoes were knotted from when she removed them. So instead of being the mom that I wanted to be, I took every careless act as a personal insult, and I felt ashamed. Ashamed that I let others take advantage of me. Ashamed that I let her have playtime after school instead of doing chores, because I think she needs it, but maybe I'm not completely okay with. Ashamed that I can so carefully explain the simple rules I ask to be honoured over and over, and to be completely ignored. So I freaked out, and made her correct all these "failures" before she went to bed.
They say that the forties is when you know who you are, and have the confidence to be who you are. Some of my friends have things organized: menu planning, house routines, time to paint and run 10 k and something of value to teach others. I feel like I am constantly made aware of my failings, but I have never been more disorganized. I can't seem to set a routine and keep it, whether in menu planning, housework, work work. And instead of having an ally of 15 years and share stories of the same timeframe, I am gun shy, anxious, and way oversensitive to shame.
I guess I'll have to listen to my own advice, and try again tomorrow. Here's to hoping that in my fifties, I will finally feel comfortable in my own skin again, and, even before, not overreact so strongly to laundry on the floor, and next time, like the politician's advise, trust but verify.
SIMPLE SUPPER
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| A roasted butternut squash has gone a long way. Tonight, it was reheated and mashed with margarine to creamy deliciousness. Spaghetti with leftover PC roasted garlic tomato sauce and Yves (meatless) veggie meatballs. My go-to apple celery salad. A perfect fall meal with little fuss. |
Saturday, October 6, 2018
GIVING THANKS FROM THANKSGIVINGS PAST
“Gottselig: Blessed of God"
I am so thankful all those years [growing up] to have an ally. He was my encyclopedia, my atlas, my defender, my playmate, and my hero for many years! I am so grateful!”
I am so thankful all those years [growing up] to have an ally. He was my encyclopedia, my atlas, my defender, my playmate, and my hero for many years! I am so grateful!”
GRANDPA
1997-08-04 Montreal
My grandpa was a farmer. I got a bit of a skewed view because for as long as I could remember, he and grandma lived in town. But for many of his farming years he lived out on the "old homestead" as my mom and grandma called it. My mom was born out on the farm, in "the old house". It had been abandoned for a number of years and vandals had hastened its decay. To my mother it must have been a tragic sight, to see her home destroyed over the years, without being able to do anything about it. But for me, it was just another site for adventure. The farm was a place of safety and warmth, because it reminded me of my grandpa, and my grandpa was safe and warm.
My grandpa had the best hands. To this day I judge a man by his hands, but never have met up to my grandpa's hands. They were the widest, strongest fingers you ever saw. Almost always they were filthy - stained with oil from the never ending repair of farm equipment or just plain old dirt from the day's work. But they were gentle. They could hold an injured bird with the utmost care. They could brush away a tear, hold you oh so tight, or guide in a polka around the living room floor.
Editor's note:
October 10, 2018
My mom reminded me that she was born in the Regina General Hospital, but that Grandpa had indeed been born in the old house.
My grandpa was a farmer. I got a bit of a skewed view because for as long as I could remember, he and grandma lived in town. But for many of his farming years he lived out on the "old homestead" as my mom and grandma called it. My mom was born out on the farm, in "the old house". It had been abandoned for a number of years and vandals had hastened its decay. To my mother it must have been a tragic sight, to see her home destroyed over the years, without being able to do anything about it. But for me, it was just another site for adventure. The farm was a place of safety and warmth, because it reminded me of my grandpa, and my grandpa was safe and warm.
My grandpa had the best hands. To this day I judge a man by his hands, but never have met up to my grandpa's hands. They were the widest, strongest fingers you ever saw. Almost always they were filthy - stained with oil from the never ending repair of farm equipment or just plain old dirt from the day's work. But they were gentle. They could hold an injured bird with the utmost care. They could brush away a tear, hold you oh so tight, or guide in a polka around the living room floor.
Editor's note:
October 10, 2018
My mom reminded me that she was born in the Regina General Hospital, but that Grandpa had indeed been born in the old house.
I WAS ALWAYS A LOVER OF BEAUTY
18-05-1995 on return from my "dream year"
"I am a lover of beauty. But more than that, I love the wonder that beauty instills. I am thankful that I am simple enough in intellect to be amazed every time I look at the prairie sky or gaze at a familiar mountain range or ponder the intricacies of the human body. I live in wonder...
"I am a lover of beauty. But more than that, I love the wonder that beauty instills. I am thankful that I am simple enough in intellect to be amazed every time I look at the prairie sky or gaze at a familiar mountain range or ponder the intricacies of the human body. I live in wonder...
- Tonight I sleep with my window open for Gerdien. I did situps in Tracy's memory. I say, "Yeah!!" for Fran and "Yup" for Uli. I stare at the face of an acquaintance in wonder as I see another's personality, and marvel at a personality so familiar, yet known in a different habitus. Amazing!
- I long to express this beauty, this wonder but am satisfied with the ability to wonder and to see this beauty.
- I am 23 and still don't know what the purpose of my life should be. Wonderment? Help? Mourning? Which or how much of each?
A HOME
Rummaging through a box of old papers, I found a single lined looseleaf paper with this list. Some are simple. Others are lofty. Not too hard to put together, except maybe the ten foot ceilings, and a piano. I have proved for over 2 decades that I can live without either and still feel at home!😂
This was the exact order:
-couch
-garbage and kleenex in every room
-bathroom deodorizer
-bubble bath, specialty coffee or hot chocolate or russian tea
-alarm clock with snooze
-bedside lamp
-fulllength mirror
-10 foot ceilings if possible
-fireplace
"library" (bookshelves)
-piano
-slippers, blankets and pillows
-plush rugs in the bathroom (bedroom, living room)
-books
This was the exact order:
-couch
-garbage and kleenex in every room
-bathroom deodorizer
-bubble bath, specialty coffee or hot chocolate or russian tea
-alarm clock with snooze
-bedside lamp
-fulllength mirror
-10 foot ceilings if possible
-fireplace
"library" (bookshelves)
-piano
-slippers, blankets and pillows
-plush rugs in the bathroom (bedroom, living room)
-books
Friday, October 5, 2018
FIRST FORAY INTO A MEAL PREPARATION PICKUP: EVOILA5
EVOILA5, a chain of pickups with : 5 bags, 5 recipes, 5 generous meals
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| Amazing organization - count A to E |
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| Meal A: Suprising amount of plastic. Not impressed. |
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| Thai Meatballs and cabbage salad. Fabulous flavours! Not used to no carbs though. 3-4 were enough. Added more raisins than provided for a little needed balance. |
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| Meal B: Out of bags. Not vegetarian friendly, but popular with Princess Pirate |
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| Should have covered - remove and cut if goal is anything short of well cooked , and double time or slice to cook faster |
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| Canned peas was a warning, so I made acorn squash mashed potatoes, as the rice provided was not popular. Heavy but delicious cream cheese sauce. Very filling, and a happy meal with roasted parmesan acorn squash as an appetizer, while waiting for the meal to cook. |
PARTY TRICKS I AM PRACTICING
3.14
15 (one more)
92 ( add the first digits and reverse: 1 + 1 = 2, 4 + 5= 9; 29<=>92)
65 (age of retirement norm)
35 (age of last pregnancy)
89 (grad year, Berlin Wall fell)
79 ( -10)
3238 (watch for the mirror)
46 (current age)
26 (-20)
43
3832 (mirror closes)
79 (repeat)
50 (half a century)
28 (the perfect age)
84 (LA Olympics)
1971 (YOB)
69
39 (-30)
93 (mirrors 39)
75 (3/4 of a century)
TWO EVENINGS MEALS: TWO DICHOTOMIES
Last night I went out with some colleagues after work that had begun at 7. It was in part to have time with colleagues that I don't usually have a chance to hang out with, and part to check out a Notre-Dame restaurant called Liverpool House for $85. Turns out it wasn't going to be that easy.
First, a few of the group were smoking out front, and then out back, over and over again. Some were greeted with squeals of delight, and others were ignored or greeted tepidly.
Second, while everyone else started with cocktails ( a lot of whisky sours), I was saving my glass of wine for dinner.
Third, the food was diverse and phenomenal.Very carnivorous. Very fat. Steak and f There were two slices of cake to share among the four of us to end it all. It was worth the splurge! Here are a few pictures:
Fourth, next was a bottle of reisling from Alsace in the longest bottle I had ever seen, and then a red with the fattest squatest bottle. A bottle of cognac was brought out and left. At last minute, a couple people drank a lot of it in short order. I had one glass of white and one of red. The white was cold and the red was oaky.
Fifth, we had a good time, laughing and talking shop and reminiscing and looking forward.
Sixth, the price was announced at the end, split among those of us "drinking". This was a record, and at first I thought it was a joke. My splurge went from $85 plus tax, totally worth it, to $380, wait, WHAT?! Someone was taking advantage, and it wasn't me!
It was timely that a colleague was leaving west and offered me a ride home.
Fortunately my shift today started at 9 am, so for the second evening after work, I went out with colleagues.
First, when our chosen restaurant for the best Indian food was closed for a water main closure, my friend came to pick us up and we drove the second best restaurant called Indian Curry House in the city together. We greeted each other in equal enthusiasm, and laughed from the beginning to end.
Second, we all poured each other water in goblets from a generous pitcher and passed on alcohol all evening. It was perfect!
Third, the food was diverse and phenomenal! My friends allowed me to chose a palak paneer, then ordered the tester butter chicken, and we balanced it out with aloo gobi and the showstopper lamb korma. There was no time to take pictures!
Fourth, we all had a naan, and a lentil soup and rice, and still had leftovers.
Fifth, we had a good time, laughing and talking shop and reminescing and looking forward.
Sixth, the bill came and my friends both tried to pay for it. A even took all three cards and transparently tried to line up to pay by lying that he would split it for us. Of course he couldn't, and we called his bluff, and we split the bill 3 ways. With tax and tip, it came to $23.30. No one took advantage, and I wished I had more time with these two men I am proud to call friends in our perfectly MAD little club.
I vow to avoid people like the former and eat more with the latter. Eat within my budget. Eat with my friends. Eat more vegetables. Drink a glass of wine, but next time only when I know the price!
Editor's note:
I asked the cohort what was up with the bill after the fact, and a colleague offered to pay $300 of my bill. That made the evening a whole lot nicer. He apparently adored the wine a lot!I initially declined, because I still don't see why someone didn't own up to the mistake, but he was adament that he felt it was fair, and I was happy to be reimbursed!
First, a few of the group were smoking out front, and then out back, over and over again. Some were greeted with squeals of delight, and others were ignored or greeted tepidly.
Second, while everyone else started with cocktails ( a lot of whisky sours), I was saving my glass of wine for dinner.
Third, the food was diverse and phenomenal.Very carnivorous. Very fat. Steak and f There were two slices of cake to share among the four of us to end it all. It was worth the splurge! Here are a few pictures:
 |
| Oysters from the maritimes with seafood sauce, lemon and horseradish |
 |
| Razorback clams with Romanesco broccoli, mayo and roe. The showstopper! |
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| Fall salad with pepitas, parmesan and the sweetest tenderest greens |
 |
| Foie gras and skillet cinnamon brioche |
 |
| Lobster and cod |
Fourth, next was a bottle of reisling from Alsace in the longest bottle I had ever seen, and then a red with the fattest squatest bottle. A bottle of cognac was brought out and left. At last minute, a couple people drank a lot of it in short order. I had one glass of white and one of red. The white was cold and the red was oaky.
 |
| 2007 was the year apparently! The tall bottles of Germany and Alsace are called hock and they contain riesling and gewürztraminer |
 |
| The culprit: a magnum of Brunello di Montalcino |
Fifth, we had a good time, laughing and talking shop and reminiscing and looking forward.
Sixth, the price was announced at the end, split among those of us "drinking". This was a record, and at first I thought it was a joke. My splurge went from $85 plus tax, totally worth it, to $380, wait, WHAT?! Someone was taking advantage, and it wasn't me!
It was timely that a colleague was leaving west and offered me a ride home.
Fortunately my shift today started at 9 am, so for the second evening after work, I went out with colleagues.
First, when our chosen restaurant for the best Indian food was closed for a water main closure, my friend came to pick us up and we drove the second best restaurant called Indian Curry House in the city together. We greeted each other in equal enthusiasm, and laughed from the beginning to end.
Second, we all poured each other water in goblets from a generous pitcher and passed on alcohol all evening. It was perfect!
Third, the food was diverse and phenomenal! My friends allowed me to chose a palak paneer, then ordered the tester butter chicken, and we balanced it out with aloo gobi and the showstopper lamb korma. There was no time to take pictures!
Fourth, we all had a naan, and a lentil soup and rice, and still had leftovers.
Fifth, we had a good time, laughing and talking shop and reminescing and looking forward.
Sixth, the bill came and my friends both tried to pay for it. A even took all three cards and transparently tried to line up to pay by lying that he would split it for us. Of course he couldn't, and we called his bluff, and we split the bill 3 ways. With tax and tip, it came to $23.30. No one took advantage, and I wished I had more time with these two men I am proud to call friends in our perfectly MAD little club.
I vow to avoid people like the former and eat more with the latter. Eat within my budget. Eat with my friends. Eat more vegetables. Drink a glass of wine, but next time only when I know the price!
Editor's note:
I asked the cohort what was up with the bill after the fact, and a colleague offered to pay $300 of my bill. That made the evening a whole lot nicer. He apparently adored the wine a lot!I initially declined, because I still don't see why someone didn't own up to the mistake, but he was adament that he felt it was fair, and I was happy to be reimbursed!
Monday, October 1, 2018
FALL COOKING MEANS ROASTING SQUASH AND MAKING SOUPS
It's been a week since the temperature dropped and it has officially turned fall. The house has been warm at 20-21 degrees but this doesn't seem warm anymore, and I am in the mood for cooking soups and baking again. That means when I go grocery shopping, I come home with squashes and fat unique looking sweet potatoes that beg to be roasted and transformed.
I have made from perfect onions, carrots and celery a mirepoux and my favourite lentil soup. I have been considering what to do with an acorn squash when I realized that it was labelled a pepper squash. I can't tell the difference, but it did inspire a couple of searches and some really great leads to recipe blogs that I am having a hard time leaving to get on with the business of life today! Wikipedia confirmed I am right. Acorn squash is pepper squash which is also known as Des Moines squash. Ironically, I only think of them in the fall and winter, but they are actually from the family of summer squashes!
Martha's roasting of acorn squash is perfection. 425 degree oven. Cut in half, seed, and trim flat to sit open for serving, but roast face down on buttered baking sheet (silpat ideal) , 20-25 minutes. Turn up and season, baking another 25-30 minutes until tender and golden. 1 T butter and 1 T brown sugar, or 1 T butter and 1 T parmesan, or bake two and make dinner and dessert!
Caroline's blog is beautiful and inspired by travel. Her recipes are organized by her inspirations, and many I share with her, so I am in love!
Another lead is 20 Acorn Squash Recipes from Country Living. Both of these sites have a lot of distracting ads, so this is the ad-free jist of it if you don't like the link:
1. Stuffed with spiced mexican beef (garlic, onion, cumin, cayenned pepper), rice and beans. Garnish with cilantro, fresh tomato, grated cheese and green onion. Serve with avocado, tomato, or green salad.
2. Bake sweet: maple butter and pecans (blue cheese sparingly if desired).
3. Roast in crescents (Microwave whole squash 4 minutes to make easier to cut, then half and cut 1/2 inch slices and bake, brushed with oil, at 375F for 20-25 minutes), and serve with cranberries, goat cheese and a balsamic glaze (reduce 1/2 cup vinegar to 1 T glaze). Sprinkle with rosemary, salt and pepper to taste.
4. Curried coconut squash soup. Saute 1 onion and 1 carrot. Add 1roasted squash, half a diced apple, 1 t ginger, 1 t turmeric, 14 oz of coconut milk, 1 1/2 cup water, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
5. Stuffed with wild rice, sausage and cranberry and served as "boats"! Prepare rice and sausage, and add to sautéd onion and garlic. Mix in dried cranberries, pecans and parsley, and season to taste. Bake at 400F for 10 minutes until heated through.
6. As another vehicle, this time for spinach parmesan artichoke dip.
7. Drizzled with maple-bacon and rosemary.
8. Stuffing on your choice. (In this case: leek, Swiss chard, garlic, breadcrumbs, raisins, pine nuts and feta.) Buttery spiced brussel sprout dressing or turnip carrot bake works too!
9. Puree with pear, ginger, sage, allspice and cream, and serve with sugar and butter glazed almonds.
10. Make it paleo: onion, garlic, sausage, coconut oil, apple, spinach, rosemary and thyme.
11. Roast as a crescent snacks with parmesan and garlic salt.
12. Gratiné: Brown sausage with onions and red peppers, and bake covered in shredded cheese.
13. Filled with cranberry walnut quinoa stuffing. I don't think I'd bake this, but just serve warm. Make quinoa in broth, sauté with onion, garlic, and finely chopped mushrooms. Season with sage and thyme, salt and pepper.
14. Breakfast food!(?) Fill with granola, yogurt and sprinkle with dried fruit and seeds.
15. Roast in patatas bravas size with rosemary and garlic, and serve like home fries. Stongly suggest, as with potatoes, to boil briefly, then roast for best results. 475F 10-20 minutes until golden.
16. Lasagne!
17. Mushroom and quinoa stuffing with pomegranate and fresh basil and balsamic vinegar garnish!
18. Roasted apple onion acorn soup. Roast even chunks in a pan at 400 F 30-40 minutes. Blend with 2 cups stock. Quick and easy!
19. Gnocchi! This gets my daughter's vote today on Election Day and led me to Caroline's cooking. 1 lb of potato=1 lb of squash, 1 egg, 1 cup flour. Roll and boil or flash freeze separately.
20. Molasses cookies
I'd better go make some lunch now! Turning on the oven to roast that squash!
I have made from perfect onions, carrots and celery a mirepoux and my favourite lentil soup. I have been considering what to do with an acorn squash when I realized that it was labelled a pepper squash. I can't tell the difference, but it did inspire a couple of searches and some really great leads to recipe blogs that I am having a hard time leaving to get on with the business of life today! Wikipedia confirmed I am right. Acorn squash is pepper squash which is also known as Des Moines squash. Ironically, I only think of them in the fall and winter, but they are actually from the family of summer squashes!
Martha's roasting of acorn squash is perfection. 425 degree oven. Cut in half, seed, and trim flat to sit open for serving, but roast face down on buttered baking sheet (silpat ideal) , 20-25 minutes. Turn up and season, baking another 25-30 minutes until tender and golden. 1 T butter and 1 T brown sugar, or 1 T butter and 1 T parmesan, or bake two and make dinner and dessert!
Caroline's blog is beautiful and inspired by travel. Her recipes are organized by her inspirations, and many I share with her, so I am in love!
Another lead is 20 Acorn Squash Recipes from Country Living. Both of these sites have a lot of distracting ads, so this is the ad-free jist of it if you don't like the link:
1. Stuffed with spiced mexican beef (garlic, onion, cumin, cayenned pepper), rice and beans. Garnish with cilantro, fresh tomato, grated cheese and green onion. Serve with avocado, tomato, or green salad.
2. Bake sweet: maple butter and pecans (blue cheese sparingly if desired).
3. Roast in crescents (Microwave whole squash 4 minutes to make easier to cut, then half and cut 1/2 inch slices and bake, brushed with oil, at 375F for 20-25 minutes), and serve with cranberries, goat cheese and a balsamic glaze (reduce 1/2 cup vinegar to 1 T glaze). Sprinkle with rosemary, salt and pepper to taste.
4. Curried coconut squash soup. Saute 1 onion and 1 carrot. Add 1roasted squash, half a diced apple, 1 t ginger, 1 t turmeric, 14 oz of coconut milk, 1 1/2 cup water, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
5. Stuffed with wild rice, sausage and cranberry and served as "boats"! Prepare rice and sausage, and add to sautéd onion and garlic. Mix in dried cranberries, pecans and parsley, and season to taste. Bake at 400F for 10 minutes until heated through.
6. As another vehicle, this time for spinach parmesan artichoke dip.
7. Drizzled with maple-bacon and rosemary.
8. Stuffing on your choice. (In this case: leek, Swiss chard, garlic, breadcrumbs, raisins, pine nuts and feta.) Buttery spiced brussel sprout dressing or turnip carrot bake works too!
9. Puree with pear, ginger, sage, allspice and cream, and serve with sugar and butter glazed almonds.
10. Make it paleo: onion, garlic, sausage, coconut oil, apple, spinach, rosemary and thyme.
11. Roast as a crescent snacks with parmesan and garlic salt.
12. Gratiné: Brown sausage with onions and red peppers, and bake covered in shredded cheese.
13. Filled with cranberry walnut quinoa stuffing. I don't think I'd bake this, but just serve warm. Make quinoa in broth, sauté with onion, garlic, and finely chopped mushrooms. Season with sage and thyme, salt and pepper.
14. Breakfast food!(?) Fill with granola, yogurt and sprinkle with dried fruit and seeds.
15. Roast in patatas bravas size with rosemary and garlic, and serve like home fries. Stongly suggest, as with potatoes, to boil briefly, then roast for best results. 475F 10-20 minutes until golden.
16. Lasagne!
17. Mushroom and quinoa stuffing with pomegranate and fresh basil and balsamic vinegar garnish!
18. Roasted apple onion acorn soup. Roast even chunks in a pan at 400 F 30-40 minutes. Blend with 2 cups stock. Quick and easy!
19. Gnocchi! This gets my daughter's vote today on Election Day and led me to Caroline's cooking. 1 lb of potato=1 lb of squash, 1 egg, 1 cup flour. Roll and boil or flash freeze separately.
20. Molasses cookies
I'd better go make some lunch now! Turning on the oven to roast that squash!
Saturday, September 29, 2018
MNEMOSYNE
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.
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.
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 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.
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