tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733368469721467362024-03-13T00:51:38.621-07:00 McRae's MusingsAll who wander are not lostAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-26552338822057162952017-02-19T10:45:00.000-08:002017-02-19T10:46:50.291-08:00On Becoming Useful<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's been over a year since I changed jobs and work schedules. I had ambitious plans to use my new "free time" for all kinds of good:<br />
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<li>to volunteer</li>
<li>to take courses</li>
<li>to socialize more</li>
<li>to explore</li>
<li>to somehow be 'more'</li>
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I'm not there yet. There've been some small accomplishments, but I haven't moved the earth. </div>
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In the first months of the new schedule, deep in an Edmonton winter, I organized and deep cleaned many of our cupboards. </div>
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In late winter and early spring I set up indoor grow lights and started a bunch of veg seeds. I spent the spring, summer and fall caring for resulting plants and figuring out what to do with their produce. </div>
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We hosted a few 'Sunday Fundays' in our back yard, social events with a few friends, some good eats and great company.</div>
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We've managed to go out, with others, to live music more than a handful of times over the last year. </div>
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I made a photo book for #1 son, a couple years later than I'd planned, to celebrate his first 25 years.</div>
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I finally got around to volunteering before Christmas, but just for a couple of hours one week. Not quite the impact I was hoping to make. </div>
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And I managed to sign up for a one day Ladies Learning Code workshop in January. Also not quite the influx of new knowledge I'd envisioned. </div>
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On days like today, where I have a whole day and nothing planned, I feel useless. Restless. Bored. And yet, I could fill the day with laundry, errands, cooking. Or I could turn on my scanner and actually tackle the huge, daunting task of scanning the rest of the paper prints piled high on my credenza. </div>
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I think I'm not there yet because I haven't found the right thing. The thing that I can get all crazy passionate about. That I'd be willing to spend as much time with as I do with photography, gardening and finding new recipes for the Instant Pot. What's THE THING? How will I find it? Where is it hiding?</div>
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Is it growing food for the family, as environmentally friendly as I can, going to move the earth? </div>
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Is reducing the amount of stuff we buy, the amount of trash we produce, the amount of food we waste, going to move the earth? </div>
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Is finding a volunteer opportunity helping someone new to Edmonton or Canada feel at home here going to move the earth? Or teaching others to grow their own food? Or teaching kids about the wonder of species in their own backyards? </div>
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Do I need to move the earth, or do I only need to move myself, a little bit forward, a little step each day?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-77196746470136038702016-10-14T19:38:00.000-07:002018-03-06T12:34:17.470-08:00And it's a wrap. Garden season 2016 is done. "Not" enough tomatoes.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's snowing, and <i>not</i> for the first time this fall. The 2016 garden season is definitely over, and it's time to make notes on what worked and what didn't, so I don't make the same mistakes next spring.<br />
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I started my tomato plants from seed for the first time ever this year. Way back in February (February???) when we bought the full spectrum LED lights and hung the shelves to start seeds, I had no intention of starting tomatoes, thinking they were far too fussy and difficult for my newbie skill set. And then I happened upon some heirloom varieties by West Coast Seeds at Earth's General store, and decided to risk the $10 or $12 for four bags of seed.</div>
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I haphazardly planted my first rounds of seed sometime in March using the seed packets that I had in various drawers from past years, just to see what would germinate. I relied on being able to distinguish species on leaf shape. I learned my lesson, and planted the second round more carefully, keeping <b><i>meticulous</i></b> records of which seed went into which row of the tray. </div>
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The four varieties were:</div>
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Black Krim</div>
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Old German</div>
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Purple Bumblebee</div>
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Golden Nugget</div>
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I started seeds on March 16 and again on April 7, six of each variety each time. As the seeds germinated and the seedlings grew taller, I'd carefully transplant them into taller containers, so that only the top two leaves were out of the dirt. I'd read that was the right way to promote strong roots, and it seemed to do the trick. </div>
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According to my <i>meticulous</i> record keeping - phone camera photos and a spreadsheet - the Purple Bumblebee did not germinate at all. The Golden Nugget were very successful, with a high germination rate and robust seedlings. I was sure we'd have a bumper crop of glorious yellow tomatoes for yellow tomato ketchup. I was also sure I'd have a lot of transplants to give to friends and family. I ended up with only 13/32 plants in the ground here and gave one Old German away. </div>
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I transplanted Basil into each of the pots as well. My herb seedling transplants were almost all failures though that's a topic for a subsequent post.</div>
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More <i>meticulous</i> record keeping:</div>
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At the end of June, the plants were doing nicely and a few had some blossoms forming. </div>
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And then it hailed. First week of July. Hail stones only about the size of peas. But they beat the crap out of my plants. </div>
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It was like starting over for many of them. But, none of the plants died, and ten produced at least one tomato (and most of them produced many). By mid August they were all around three feet tall.</div>
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It turns out that Golden Nugget are more cherry tomato size than the described 1 inch tomatoes. I had three plants in large black pots, and they produced very prolifically. We were eating ripe tomatoes by August 6.</div>
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They're so pretty, and I wished I could figure out a way to preserve them as is. Ultimately, I roasted them whole (without removing seeds), which was as close as I could get to maintaining their color and shape. Ready to roast - fresh garden herbs and olive oil.</div>
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And I had a nice surprise in that one of the 13 plants was a Purple Bumblebee. Also a cherry tomato. And also really pretty.</div>
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Some of these vine ripened too. As did a few of the Black Krim. I learned that those needed to be picked as soon as they started turning as they ripened super quickly. </div>
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Black Krim are a very, very dark tomato with green streaks that turn to black over time. The other variety, Old German, was the least productive, which is super unfortunate because it was definitely another great looking tomato - and big and yellow. </div>
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Old German on the left, a small Black Krim on the right. </div>
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A different Old German:</div>
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Inside: </div>
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Inside Black Krim</div>
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I picked all of the unripe larger tomatoes with the first frost warning, pretty early in September. We hauled the potted herbs and the cherry tomatoes in and out of the garage for a few weeks, but they've come in too, along with the peppers and squash that I dutifully covered in hopes they might mature if we had a few more sunny, warm days.<br />
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The herbs are transplanted into colorful pots in the hope they'll keep growing over the winter. Yesterday I roasted the last of the ripened tomatoes, the squash and a few of the jalapenos. Roasting ended up being the primary preservation method for the tomatoes this year, since there were never large enough quantities ripe at the same time to do anything else. Also, that makes for really delicious tomato sauce for pasta or pizza.</div>
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The final harvest:</div>
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And so, not only did I start tomatoes from seed and keep them alive all summer, I've also now collected their seeds so I can do this all over again next spring. I started out with the goal of just enough produce to eat as it ripened, and ended up disappointed that I didn't have huge bumper crops to preserve and share. Next spring I'll be more generous with the number of plants I start. </div>
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Overall I think the methodology for the tomatoes was pretty good, and I'm perfectly fine blaming the July hail and all the rain for the under production of some of the plants. I used 'organic' fertilizer very sparingly too, and perhaps that's something else worth modifying.</div>
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On further reflection, it was not 'Not Enough Tomatoes'. It was just right. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-55238582134865728592016-03-31T10:27:00.001-07:002016-10-13T11:13:51.023-07:00The Fine Line Between Reduce, Re-use and Recycle, and Hoarding<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I come by it quite honestly. Legend has it that my maternal grandmother had repurposed gallon glass pickle jars full of saved bread clips, because you just never know when you might need to secure a bag or two. Grandma was born in 1916, farmed, lived in a small town, and lived through the depression and the wars. She had every reason to stockpile things that could be re-used.<br />
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My dad has spent many, many hours over the last few years reorganizing his garage. Everything is now in it's place and properly labeled. This includes bins full of every size imaginable plumbing connection (he's a pipe fitter by trade and understands that a plumbing emergency might require a specific size elbow), electrical marettes, golf balls (yes) - anything that may have a valid future use. Organized for re-use. Not reduced.<br />
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Reusing is good. Keeping things out of the landfill is good. Not having to buy a new one when this old one will do is good. But, when does that good intent cross the line? When is it a problem?<br />
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This is the question I'm asking myself now, as I sterilize years worth of bedding plant containers and other pots that I've 'saved' along the way. I can't be sure how many summers they represent but judging from the price tags still on them, they represent quite a nice chunk of change.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_Pk0mz6VkmxEQR9sqUZV24ziLzQyqXR-b8AXPmjkhEps6cm9op0IUpOh5mUgiGyf5fBclL_Ir3974zPZkludl-IE95asCEOghYEWaXMlQTmVYC21vGMouJG2HiKPkJpYg7m7nl46Nzf0/s1600/IMG_6145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_Pk0mz6VkmxEQR9sqUZV24ziLzQyqXR-b8AXPmjkhEps6cm9op0IUpOh5mUgiGyf5fBclL_Ir3974zPZkludl-IE95asCEOghYEWaXMlQTmVYC21vGMouJG2HiKPkJpYg7m7nl46Nzf0/s1600/IMG_6145.JPG" /></a></div>
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I'm finally going to reuse them, as temporary homes for all the lovely little seedlings I've started. But once those seedlings are planted in their forever homes in my garden, what will become of these pots? I expect that they will be saved again, for another 'future' use.<br />
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The seedlings are doing alright, though I believe I've been over watering them. The earliest germinators - sunflowers and pumpkin - aren't thriving. Luckily there is plenty of time to start more. We are technically still 6 to 7 weeks away from frost free nights.<br />
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The morning glory are thriving, and I still haven't killed the cucumbers. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iychVBVZiaSMV2WXgFAYsQdUQ-xWndaaR09a7ZFFNS5IbsFJ30yvsUf5Scw4u1PCZ_oLuUJDNzri4aR1xnzVP1XVwKZP-UYpeLcl-lic4TacyyHl97BZNr1jEshkfUVBrlRMA77hQq_X/s1600/IMG_6147.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iychVBVZiaSMV2WXgFAYsQdUQ-xWndaaR09a7ZFFNS5IbsFJ30yvsUf5Scw4u1PCZ_oLuUJDNzri4aR1xnzVP1XVwKZP-UYpeLcl-lic4TacyyHl97BZNr1jEshkfUVBrlRMA77hQq_X/s1600/IMG_6147.JPG" /></a><br />
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I'm slowly able to tell the herbs from one another. Cilantro and Sage both germinated well. The thyme and oregano seem to be lagged. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXq_D_kCsAI3-pAzdbsXx1w-a141LS2bwIDU5VgOTH-U1TAcZ8GeBIOBiCVIxv1SnipCYkAX67oZ8YmRsCnqZIKc-fMJyHH4RtfPRleJ-zTUHKKo6OqFPRnmebQOWzXvJdQaJhv6KF_kiO/s1600/IMG_6146.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXq_D_kCsAI3-pAzdbsXx1w-a141LS2bwIDU5VgOTH-U1TAcZ8GeBIOBiCVIxv1SnipCYkAX67oZ8YmRsCnqZIKc-fMJyHH4RtfPRleJ-zTUHKKo6OqFPRnmebQOWzXvJdQaJhv6KF_kiO/s1600/IMG_6146.JPG" /></a><br />
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I need to figure out the best practices for transplanting the peppers and tomatoes. I'm thinking they should go into larger, deeper pots now so they can establish good strong roots. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-31204949932880967202016-03-16T08:44:00.000-07:002016-03-16T08:44:11.101-07:00A sudden urge to write<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'd been writing educational content as my day job for the last couple of years, and found it almost impossible to do any writing for myself. Changed jobs last fall, and haven't written anything in months. This morning I have a sudden urge to put some words on paper, so to speak.<br />
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I think a lot about actions that I can take to reduce my own, and my family's, carbon footprint. I know that my activities are but a teeny drop into a global bucket, but truly believe that if we each made a little more effort to change our own behaviour, and spent less time criticizing others on the globe, we'd all be better off.<br />
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And so, one of the actions I've chosen is to try to grow my own vegetables this year. I try every year, of course, because I really love gardening. But this year I'm going further. We installed some grow lights: fluorescent tubes (LED at 6500K weren't available) with the right color profile, 8 ft. of shelves to hold 4 seed trays, and an ever growing collection of seeds to try.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuN5vvlnyi5_54qO5PK9E6VWKkLya7P6HZTd0N4kkSlTDNylcuC2TqrBaaWtdY8N4YUhur15yGKiLXi_7z7p1yNyRONpETKklOqKL-8hAQu1Nt-SZtqlV17PM71GtDaYiycq4VTpTLBIf/s1600/IMG_6062.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuN5vvlnyi5_54qO5PK9E6VWKkLya7P6HZTd0N4kkSlTDNylcuC2TqrBaaWtdY8N4YUhur15yGKiLXi_7z7p1yNyRONpETKklOqKL-8hAQu1Nt-SZtqlV17PM71GtDaYiycq4VTpTLBIf/s640/IMG_6062.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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I started the first two trays about 10 days ago, with some freshly purchased seeds (cucumbers, sunflowers, morning glory) and decided to try germinating the packs of seeds I'd found around the house on my organizing spree in January. Much to my surprise almost all of them have germinated, even seeds that I've had for at least 5 years.<br />
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Trouble is, I didn't record what I planted where. I can tell that the cucumbers have germinated, but I don't know which are the English and which are the pickling. And, frankly, I think some of them are actually buttercup squash. I know that the sunflowers have germinated, and expect I'll soon be able to tell the dwarf from the giant, but not the red from the gold. I suspect I won't be able to tell the peppers from the tomatoes for a while.<br />
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As the seedlings have outgrown the small seed pods, I've moved them over into 2 inch pots, and replanted in the smaller cells. I've now got some spots with slower germinating seeds from round one growing with the seeds planted in round two.<br />
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And my collection of seeds has grown. Each trip to the hardware store brings a new batch. This week, as I was leaving from having my hair cut, I noticed the store next to the salon sold seeds from West Coast Seed. I now have another dozen kinds of (organic and open pollinated) seed varieties to try.<br />
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If each cucumber seedling grows up to produce even one cucumber, I'll be ahead of the game financially. And if they happen to be more productive than that, then you all may be hearing from me. Need zucchini?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-38562644218930330892014-04-06T10:37:00.000-07:002014-04-06T10:43:39.288-07:00Up next on our YEG Restaurant Tour: Rge Rd<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last night we set out on the second of our quest to try each of the restaurants on <a href="http://www.avenueedmonton.com/articles/best-restaurants-best-overall-1" target="_blank">Avenue Magazines list of Best Overall</a>. Immediately after <a href="http://aemcraephoto.blogspot.ca/2014/03/its-time-to-replace-watching-food-tv.html" target="_blank">our great experience at Tavern 1903</a>, we booked a table at <a href="http://www.rgerd.ca/" target="_blank">Rge Rd</a>, holder of the #1 spot on the list.<br />
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I've seen a lot of great reviews of Rge Rd from bone fide restaurant reviewers and regular folks posting kudos on twitter and yelp. It sits in the #1 spot on Avenue's list. It is very highly regarded, and so I think that sets expectations very, very, <i>very</i> high.<br />
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Rge Rd surprised me a couple of ways before we started our meal. The first is it's location. It's tucked away in a tiny, unassuming little strip mall in Glenora, northwest of downtown proper. The second surprise was how tiny it is, with a total of 44 seats. The room is cozy and intimate. This may sound odd, but I was a bit distracted by the decor. There were too many different textures in the room. Cedar clad beams, wood look tables in a different shade, laminate flooring in yet another wood like finish, white subway tiles behind the bar, a glimpse of exposed brick in the kitchen. On the other hand, the light fixtures were fabulous.<br />
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Rge Rd endeavours to serve local ingredients, and that includes an extensive list of Canadian wine and beer. Something I really respect. (In a former career I took French clients to a local restaurant, where their request for a recommendation for a Canadian wine caught me and the server off guard.) It's lovely to find somewhere that celebrates our own producers.<br />
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Serving local produce here in YEG must present challenges, especially in the deads of winter. But it is also a sentiment that I have great respect for. My personal bent is that local food matters more than organic food - after all, how "good" can organic bananas picked green, ripened with gases en route and requiring tankers of diesel to transport be?<br />
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Our server, Darren (we think - we aren't completely sure, so if we're wrong, apologies) was great. Very confident and humorous, and of course appropriately attentive. <br />
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Now on to the food.<br />
Our table of four shared the Kitchen Board and the Roasted Beet and Baby Greens Salad to start.<br />
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I love beets, and salads that include them. This salad was nice, but it didn't knock my socks off. The beets themself were a little soft for my liking and a little mellow flavorwise. The best element of the salad was the little cucumber cube filled with Anise flavored creme fresh. That was delightful.<br />
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The Kitchen Board changes daily, and last night included a Rabbit Tourine, local brine-cured ham, cheese, and scotch eggs. I didn't taste everything on the board but I think the four of us were in agreement that the scotch eggs and aioli were remarkable. They had us discussing just how one would go about making scotch eggs.<br />
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I ordered the Bison entree. It is served with roasted carrots and hazelnut spatzle. The bison was beautifully cooked and very tender - which is a feat in itself with bison. The spatzle was underwhelming - quite bland and non descript. The flavor that stood out the most on that plate were the roast carrots. So much so that should I return to Rge Rd I'd likely order the roast vegetable entre.<br />
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Sheri had the duck breast, and the guys both ordered the daily beef. The mashed potatoes that accompanied the steak were very good. Sadly, the beef itself not so much.<br />
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We all had dessert too: Sheri and Daryl had Apple Galette and both enjoyed it. It's served with a scoop of amazing, smoked ice cream. Richard had the cheese and fruit tray, and I had the poached pear with lavender creme brulee. I wish that the pear were either warm, or chilled. At room temperature it did not have that great, sweet pear taste.<br />
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Beside the beef steaks being less tender than they should have been, there was nothing to dislike about our meal. The preparation and presentation were perfect. The service was great. Prices and portion sizes were in line. However, I cannot write this without adding a BUT. I've chatted with both Daryl and Sheri about this so far and we are all in agreement: this meal was very good but it was not exceptional. Small tidbits stood out: the creme fresh and cucumber, the aioli for the scotch egg, the roasted carrots, the smoked ice cream, the wine. But the rest, and the "stars" of the plates, were under seasoned and unremarkable.<br />
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On my personal list of top 5, Tavern 1903 sits atop of Rge Rd. While I do think I will return to Rge Rd, I think Tavern 1903 is destined to be a place we go to often. And, there are still three places on this list to try - three more opportunities to knock 1903 from the pedestal I've placed them on.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-62031875210025862632014-03-19T13:33:00.001-07:002014-03-19T13:37:48.924-07:00What's the meaning of this dream?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Number one son left on an adventure last Saturday: a two week vacation in Thailand with some buddies. His travel experience to date has included:<br />
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<li>family vacations in tropical locals </li>
<li>trips with his soccer team. </li>
<li>four months on his own, more or less, in Germany with a soccer club. </li>
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So while he has traveled to many more places than I had at his age, he's always had a big safety net and quite possibly not really taken in the full experience of a traveller. So I'm hoping he has a great, and eye opening, experience. </div>
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Now what does this have to do with a dream? Only that the dream's primary characters were son #1 and me, and that I had this dream about 36 hours after he departed. </div>
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It started with he and I and a collection of his friends loading a cube van with stuff that they needed to start out on some kind of 'enterprise' - I don't recall the specifics of said enterprise but for some reason I was integral to getting it started. Once the van was loaded, we piled in and headed out on the road. I was in the passenger seat and #1 was driving. First corner taken far too quickly and I fall out of the van, dangling by my seatbelt, as sunshine continues driving down the highway despite my peril. I'm finally able to escape the danger at a stop light, at which point I undo seatbelt and insist on being taken home. I add in the threat that if he does not return me to the safety of my home, I'll walk there and he can expect to find all of his worldly possessions at the curb when he does come back. </div>
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So what does this dream mean? I have my own thoughts, but just for fun I'd like to see yours. Add your thoughts as a comment. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-85520199648965201872014-03-16T14:18:00.000-07:002014-03-16T14:37:40.907-07:00Dinner Out, in Suburbia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There's a new joint on the block out here in suburbia; <a href="http://centuryhospitality.com/harts/" target="_blank">Hart's Table & Bar</a> - a Century Hospitality Group property - in the old Ric's Grill location on 23 Avenue. And it's a much needed addition, as anyone that has tried to go for dinner after 5 p.m. in Terwillegar knows all too well. The supply of seats does not meet the demand.<br />
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We decided to give them a try last night when we hatched a plan to grab a burger with our good friends Chris and Kathy - a fairly spur of the moment casual night out in the burbs to catch up with friends. Hart has only been open a week and does not take reservations. We arrived at 6:45 to quite a significant wait, but after learning that there was a similar wait over at Delux Burger Bar, we opted to give the new place a try. And I'm really glad we did. </div>
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I hadn't been to Ric's Grill for several years before it closed, but if my memory is correct most of the layout of Hart is the same as it was as Ric's. One huge improvement is that the windows are no longer covered by stuffy black curtains. The lounge area is inviting with large sofa's and big raised tables. I think my favorite bit of decor was the wall paper in the washroom though! </div>
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The menu's (<a href="http://centuryhospitality.com/harts/our-menu/" target="_blank">available on line</a>) are a little more upscale and diverse than the competition (Delux and Original Joes) in the neighborhood, a welcome addition to the local choices. The food was very good. I had the 'Tomahawk' Pork Chop and it was tasty and juicy. I nibbled on the DHs Century Kaleslaw that came with his Fish and Chips and it was delicious, as were his fries. </div>
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The other BIG thing that Hart has going for it is it's <a href="http://centuryhospitality.com/harts/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2014/03/Harts-Cocktail-book_WEB.pdf" target="_blank">beer selection</a>. Fat Tire in bottles. Delirium Tremens on tap! Just a couple favorites from among the extensive list. I can imagine Hart becoming a favorite based on beer list alone.<br />
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<a href="http://www.windermerestudios.ca/Other/Camera-Awesome-Photos/i-ph8dWTD/0/M/CA_03161415091954-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.windermerestudios.ca/Other/Camera-Awesome-Photos/i-ph8dWTD/0/M/CA_03161415091954-M.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I look forward to warm summer evenings out on their patio sampling that grand list. </span>Welcome to the neighborhood, Hart, and (though I'm quite sure you will be) I wish you much success.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-12564747786300143302014-03-09T19:09:00.000-07:002014-03-09T19:10:09.727-07:00It's time to replace watching Food TV with real world food experiences.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A short while ago I pointed out to my DH that it had been years since we'd been out for a nice dinner that wasn't part of a fundraiser. Sure there had been plenty of burgers and beers at chain restaurants, lots of fun casual meals with great conversation and lots of great, home cooked dinners with friends that love food. But something was missing: opportunities to get 'all gussied up', to enjoy good conversation, great food and great service - where someone wasn't on the hook for the prep or clean up.<br />
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There are probably a handful of reasons that we haven't been out. We are firmly entrenched in suburbia, where chain restaurants serving burgers are the norm. The DH is a very good cook, and has oft been heard to say "Mine's better" when reviewing food. It's hard to part with your disposable income when you can do better, for less, in the comfort of your own home. And we've been pretty removed from the restaurant scene here in Edmonton for quite a while - years of uber busy kid sport schedules kept the calendar full and took priority over keeping informed on what's hot and what's not.<br />
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But as our calendars have freed up from those sport commitments our social commitments have shrunk, not grown. We find ourselves chilling, day after day, watching HGTV or the Food Channel, drooling over beautiful food or sumptuous vacation properties. Armchair foodies rather than the real thing. Sad and pathetic homebodies! ;-)<br />
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I'm not much of a fan of winter and do confess that I would rather be somewhere other than Edmonton for about six months a year. But, since <i>I do live here</i>, I've decided it's incumbent on me to find reasons/people/places/activities here that will help me like Edmonton more, not just hate it less. I prefer to support local businesses whenever possible, and believe fresh local food is better for all involved.<br />
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Enter Avenue Magazine's <a href="http://www.avenueedmonton.com/articles/edmontons-best-restaurants-2014" target="_blank">Edmonton's Best Restaurants 2014</a>, and agreement from friends Richard and Sheri to see if we could try them all! Well, at least the top 5 on the <a href="http://www.avenueedmonton.com/articles/best-restaurants-best-overall-1" target="_blank">Best Overall</a> list!<br />
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First up for us: <a href="http://tavern1903.com/" target="_blank">Tavern 1903</a>. I'd been intrigued by Tavern 1903 since reading <a href="http://baconhound.com/2013/09/26/whats-old-is-new-again-tavern-1903/" target="_blank">Baconhound's review</a> from Sept. 2013. I love it's downtown location in a reclaimed historic building. I firmly believe that if Edmonton is to thrive, we need a vibrant downtown: a vibrant and thriving city needs a thriving core. I've enjoyed great meals at The Hardware Grill. I was intrigued by the Mozzarella Bar. So Tavern 1903 seemed a logical first choice.<br />
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We started slowly, ordering appetizers only, not sure if we'd continue having more of the amazing looking appetizers or move on to entrees. We'd heard great things about the Korean Fried Cauliflower, and also tried the Spinalis Rib Eye Roll, the Hickory Smoked Ribs and the Smoked Fior di Latte Mozzarella. Every single bite was delightful. The KFC was as good as we'd heard. I'm not sure if it or the mozzarella was more of a surprise for me - I'm actually not fond of cauliflower and I don't, usually, eat cheese. But these two dishes were superb. The combination of flavors and textures was both complex and yet subtle - no one flavor overpowered the others. Presentation was impeccable.The appetizers did their job and whetted our interest. We soon ordered entrees.<br />
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My friend Richard ordered the shortribs, the DH had the flat iron steak, and Sheri and I decided to share a full sized salad and - get this - Chicken and Waffles! I've heard tell of chicken and waffles but have never run across them on a menu. Curiosity got the best of me! The salad was crunchy and fresh, brilliantly dressed with the right amount of blue cheese and yummy bacon. And the chicken and waffles were another unexpected big win. Succulent chicken, crispy coating, savory waffle and a slightly sweet sauce. YUM.<br />
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We finished the meal with Jack Daniels Chocolate Cake and Maple-Bacon Cider Donuts. Now, I'm a chocoholic - never met a chocolate anything that I didn't love. And this cake was no exception. It was a beautiful rich chocolate delectation. BUT those donuts - oh my - those donuts might be the best dessert I've ever, ever had. Ever.<br />
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Service was impeccable. The food was beautifully presented. Portion sizes are generous. Pricing reasonable.<br />
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Overall, Tavern 1903 may be the best dining experience I've had in the last several years, locally and when travelling. I think one of the biggest indicators of how good it was was that the 'chef's' at the table quickly quit thinking about whether they could make the dish, and simply enjoyed them. It's been a while since we've still been talking about how good the meal was the next day!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-72944438309614480242013-04-12T11:19:00.001-07:002013-04-12T11:19:51.296-07:00Pinterest SuccessI must admit, I am a bit of a <a href="http://pinterest.com/aemcrae/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> addict. I visit many times a week (ssssshhhh, don't tell, but it might actually be daily). It is a sumptuous distraction, of course, but it has also completely replaced bookmarking for me. No more out of control lists of bookmarked sites and articles, just the visually pleasant, uncluttered, way better than real life pin board.<br />
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I've seen a couple of interesting Pinterest related discussions. Before Christmas the Pinterest folks were challenging users to actually make something they'd pinned. I did: a pretty winter hanging basket,<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/230457705903389961/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://media-cache-ak1.pinimg.com/550x/86/56/dc/8656dce89d3470b834fccd87b51f2595.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.brookstone.com/cordless-led-christmas-basket?bkiid=SubCategory_Home_Christmas_Decorations_Christmas_Wreaths|topfive|651190p" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">brookstone.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/aemcrae/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Ann</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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reusing an existing plant pot, boughs cut from evergreens in our yard and outdoor lights, ribbons and Christmas decorations that I had on hand.<br />
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Now the other Pinterest discussion I've seen has been around #failures. Folks that try the craft or recipe they've found, but just don't quite get the same result.<br />
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While my basket wasn't exactly "picture product" as we used to say way back when I worked at McDonalds, it was still pretty and hung proudly on our porch all season.<br />
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<a href="http://www.windermerestudios.ca/Other/Camera-Awesome-Photos/21707322_8vs9b3#!i=2453640694&k=gfsJXBX&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://www.windermerestudios.ca/Other/Camera-Awesome-Photos/i-gfsJXBX/0/M/CA_04121311513185-M.jpg" title="" /></a><br />
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Okay, so really not picture product, but it still worked for me!<br />
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I use Pinterest to collect ideas for redecorating and renovating, for dreaming of garden projects and travel destinations, for wish lists of photography equipment and for font and color schemes for future logo redesigns. But recently, I've been having great success with recipes collected via Pinterest. If you know me, you know I'm not a kitchen super star. I tend to make the traditional, no fail things that I grew up with: roast beef, bbq steak, spaghetti sauce. I do well with those things. Our chief chef has always been Daryl and he is both more comfortable and more adventurous in the cooking department. He makes the most phenomenal breads,<br />
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<a href="http://www.windermerestudios.ca/Other/Camera-Awesome-Photos/21707322_8vs9b3#!i=2223537327&k=kshXgwC&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://www.windermerestudios.ca/Other/Camera-Awesome-Photos/i-kshXgwC/0/M/CA_11181219225798-M.jpg" title="" /></a><br />
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and his style of dish is almost always saucy and spicy.<br />
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With him now working more conventional hours (out of the house 8 - 5:30), I've accepted the challenge of prepping most of our evening meals. And with that comes the challenge of meeting the lofty standard set by Mr. Chef. Pinterest to the rescue!<br />
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Some of my recent successes have been with chicken<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/230457705904315413/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/550x/3e/77/86/3e778690d7f666620289d67d3c9fd13d.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.aidamollenkamp.com/2012/10/smoked-paprika-and-oregano-roast-chicken-recipe/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">aidamollenkamp.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/aemcrae/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Ann</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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and pork tenderloin entrees.<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/230457705903972471/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/550x/ec/3f/05/ec3f05d9136427f66bee6870f5d016b6.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.fromvalerieskitchen.com/2011/09/roasted-pork-tenderloin-with-balsamic-glaze/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">fromvalerieskitchen.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/aemcrae/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Ann</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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But the biggest out of the park hit so far have been the homemade "nutter butter" cookies.<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/230457705904033693/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/550x/d5/cf/f0/d5cff0c8d8a9b8335ae7b0b305117fce.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://bromabakery.blogspot.com/2010/12/half-way-to-heaven-peanut-butter.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">bromabakery.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/aemcrae/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Ann</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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and Mine:<br />
<a href="http://www.windermerestudios.ca/Other/Camera-Awesome-Photos/21707322_8vs9b3#!i=2453616806&k=4MgtWM9&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://www.windermerestudios.ca/Other/Camera-Awesome-Photos/i-4MgtWM9/0/M/CA_04121311290807-M.jpg" title="" /></a><br />
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Pinterest: it isn't just for collecting dreams!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-46372826159372209882013-02-03T20:49:00.000-08:002013-02-03T20:49:19.825-08:00The teal is gone, long lived the tealThis post is brought to you by hours of research on <a href="http://pinterest.com/aemcrae/color-palettes/" target="_blank">color palletes on Pinterest</a>, and an impulse decision to buy a new shower curtain. But first, the background.<br />
<br />
When we bought this house, we intended to rip it down, or at least gut it and completely renovate it. The existing paint colors were never considered when making our decision to buy this property. So the fact that the color scheme, inside and out, house and garage, living space, kitchen, hallways, bedrooms and baths, was teal green, pink and white, really did not matter. When we had to come up with plan B, and live in the house without a complete reno the teal was among the first things to go - that and the pink plush carpet in the bedrooms.<br />
<br />
With one exception. The main floor shared bathroom kept it's teal green paint color as it waited for it's total make over. Well, we've been here almost 9 years, but that make over could come at any minute (if we bought lottery tickets), right?<br />
<br />
The shower curtain was in need of replacement and I was looking for something that wasn't brown or beige. I was at the local WalMart, and the selection was pretty slim, but I settled on a geometric pattern in greys and mauves, and also bought dark purple bath mats.<br />
<br />
When we were shopping for our first home, our realtor Sally Munro described the '80s decorating phenomenon of light purple bathrooms in the homes of middle aged women as 'menopause mauve'. It's just one of those descriptors that sticks with you. When I was a kid, purple was my favorite color. I had a purple bedroom once upon a time. We've always used color liberally in our homes, but we have never used purple. Til now.<br />
<br />
On Saturday morning, the main bath looked like this:<br />
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<a href="http://www.windermerestudios.ca/Other/Camera-Awesome-Photos/i-VSz74MV/0/M/CA_02021319434618-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.windermerestudios.ca/Other/Camera-Awesome-Photos/i-VSz74MV/0/M/CA_02021319434618-M.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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There had been a wall paper border separating the teal and white, but I removed that long ago. The vanity looks like it's been riden hard and put away wet, as do the light fixture and taps. <br />
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The previous painters didn't bother with painters tape and so there was teal on the edges of the shower tiles, in the grout between the counter top and wall. They painted the door pull on the closet bifold door with this teal. It was just everywhere!<br />
<br />
I've been spending quite a lot of time looking at color palettes because the time has come to redecorate most of the main floor. I love the bright gold that we have on the walls, but I've been trying to find a great blue palette. What I've found no end of are teals, light teal, dark teal, blue green, what ever you want to call it, it's too close to the pervasive shade that once ruled this house. I've also seen a lot of gray. Gray just wouldn't be a first choice for me, but I thought I should find out if I could grow to love it.<br />
<br />
So almost as a joke, I put 'repaint bathroom' on a list of possible suggestions for what to do this weekend. And now, the bath looks like this:<br />
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<a href="http://www.windermerestudios.ca/Other/Camera-Awesome-Photos/i-VT4Xj2B/0/M/CA_02031320145918-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.windermerestudios.ca/Other/Camera-Awesome-Photos/i-VT4Xj2B/0/M/CA_02031320145918-M.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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To my delight, the teal covered really easily, and we only needed one coat. The wall color is "<a href="http://www.homedepot.com/Grays/Paint-Paint-Colors-Paint-Samples-Color-Posters-Paint-Samples/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbuckZ1z13zy8/R-203448444/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051#.UQ85mlpxdr0" target="_blank">Pewter</a>" and we splurged on a <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/Search?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&keyword=martha%20stewart%20metallic&Ns=None&Ntpr=1&Ntpc=1&selectedCatgry=Search+All" target="_blank">metallic paint </a> for the cabinet and mirror. It's a little too close in tone to the pewter or else it picks up/reflects it too well, as it is almost tone on tone. I kind of wish I'd picked the much darker version. It's only sold in gallons too, so we have a crap load left over.<br />
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We bought a package of 'tile' stickers; basically mactac, and installed that as a make believe backsplash:<br />
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And we replaced the wooden drawer pulls with silver.<br />
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Now, this little face lift doesn't solve the fact that the cabinet is barely holding itself together. It hasn't replaced lights or taps, both of which desperately need to be done. It doesn't solve the improperly grouted floor tiles or get rid of the ugly peach colored ones of the tub surround. It doesn't give us a proper tub, with a drain plug, so that it can be used as a tub.<br />
<br />
But it gets rid of that gawd awful teal. The last teal standing. Gone. Perhaps now I'll be able to look at a blue green palette and not want to vom. Improvement. Victory. Even if I've replaced teal with menopause mauve.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-88732799646060772712013-01-31T15:39:00.001-08:002013-01-31T15:39:44.978-08:00If challenge is good for me, menopause mauve is better<br />
Today has been one of those days. So much so that I grumbled on Facebook:<br />
<br />
"The problem with young adults living at home is that you are no longer parenting them, at least not in their minds. Watching their decision making is tough. Putting up with their stupidity ditto. Quite possibly more frustrating than parenting the terrible twos - at least then, you could use time outs."<br />
<br />
Our gaggle of offspring are 22, 20 and 18. The older two are firmly entrenched in post secondary studies, one living at home and the other on a campus 3000 km away. The youngster is working full time, with post secondary plans down the road. All three have a toe dipped into the adult world, the other foot firmly in the safety net of parental care.<br />
<br />
Today's challenge actually started more than 24 hours ago, and involves the youngest little darling. He's type 1 diabetic but he's an adult now, and so I'm not supposed to be worrying about him or how he manages his diabetes. He's got it all under control, really. (If I could I'd insert a picture of my childhood friend making her best 'you're kidding me' face, where she rolls both eyes in toward her nose like no one else can).<br />
<br />
Anyway, late Tuesday night child 3 informs me that he is 'almost' out of one type of insulin, thinks he has enough to handle the night and morning dose. Nothing like giving me some time to take care of this issue, son. Well, not only did he tell me at the 11th hour, I promptly forgot. #momfail #momguilt<br />
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Boy leaves for work about 7:30 a.m. as usual, and ends up working late. Comes home disgruntled about all of the overtime he is making (really!), showers and goes out with the girlfriend. Despite the cold, hubby and I've been out for dinner, spitting distance from the WalMart pharmacy, but the needed insulin has completely slipped my mind.<br />
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11:30 p.m., I bolt out of a nice deep sleep at the sound of rumbling in the kitchen, realizing that I failed to buy insulin. I utter a string of expletives and apologize profusely to the boy (but wait, is this really all on me?), who's reaction is to say<br />
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"Why are your eyes so red and bloodshot. Are you baked?" followed by<br />
<br />
"Don't worry mom. I'll figure it out." "You're sure being a worrier, mom"<br />
<br />
And at that point, despite his reassurance that he has it all under control, I'm wide awake with no hope of falling asleep anytime soon. I doze through some conversation between the lad and his father at the crack of dawn but I'm not sure of the details.<br />
<br />
9:30 a.m. the boy sends me a text message:<br />
<br />
"Can you get Insulin ASAP. I might need to come get it."<br />
<br />
As I'm leaving, I pass him arriving home, and we have a brief and unpleasant conversation. He's upset with his job: too much work, too much overtime. He's thinking he'll quit. I'm thinking 'this is blood sugar talking', because that's an irrational decision if ever there was one. There is no reasoning to be had. He's angry, he's not going to wait for the proper insulin, he's going to have more of the fast response stuff and get back to work. I feel like I'm talking to a brick wall. Or banging my head against one.<br />
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Such a conundrum: quitting because I'm working too much. Why, just this past fall he left a pretty sweet gig with a rugby academy because he wasn't able to find enough work in Vancouver. Came back home to the booming Edmonton economy, to a job he has repeatedly says he likes (loves perhaps?), and now thinks it reasonable to quit over too many hours.<br />
<br />
"Hey, kid, you do know that all those hours means mucho dinero in your banko, right?" (and more importantly, keeps you out of the bank of mom).<br />
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The challenge here is that I know that, no matter my reasonable and knowledgable thoughts on this topic, he'll do what he thinks is best. I'll "let" him make his bed and lie in it (as my mother said to me ad nauseum in my youth), but I'll have just as many feelings of guilt over it as I do over forgetting to buy his insulin. Even though 'he's an adult, and managing just fine'.<br />
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I'm so logical that I dealt with my frustration by buying a new shower curtain and bath mat, in menopause mauve just because I can. Mauve is a spring like, happy color, and it will inject a bit of whimsy into my day.<br />
<br />
Came home to find he'd left muddy boot prints all over the bathroom floor.<br />
<br />
@#$#@@#$*&!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-10120698128024319832013-01-01T11:51:00.001-08:002013-01-01T11:51:58.873-08:00Happy New Year! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Welcome 2013, and all of the potential for good things that you are dangling in front of us. I'm really looking forward to what the world has in store for us, so much so that I'm willing to make public two resolutions.<br />
<br />
I'm jumping on the 'get fit and get slimmer' bandwagon. Not sure which one I'll hitch my horse to but I've finally gotten to the point where I dislike my size enough to try to change it. Been thinking about this the whole holiday season but reached that point of utter revulsion that inspires change yesterday. This started with the need to buy new undergarments to be able to carry off the party dress I wanted to wear for the wonderful New Years party we were invited to. Steeled my courage and went out shopping, but first I'd asked Daryl to help me moisturize my Alberta winter skin by putting lotion on my back. Body Shop body butter in excess - feels great, but creates a challenging environment for pulling on clothes. Getting my jeans on in order to go shopping was humorous - shades of the Friends episode where Ross can't get the leather pants up.<br />
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Fast forward to the dressing room at the Bay. Ultra hold undergarments. Skin still oily with body butter. Flashback to Ross in the bathroom with the baby powder and the failed attempts to get his pants back on. Sigh.<br />
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My second resolution is to be much more social. We made some great new friends in 2013, and of course have some really great old friends as well. Thanks to Travis and Angie, Richard and Sheri, Bruce and Nancy, we've been going out or getting together to cook and eat (and drink). We've hosted at our hovel and the world didn't end even though our bathrooms are in desperate need of renovation. It's been so much fun, and I'm inspired to do much much more this year.<br />
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I hope that all of my friends, new and old, have a healthy, joyful and prosperous 2013 and that we find ways to spend more time together this year.<br />
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HAPPY NEW YEAR! </div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-10558605594736994072012-12-22T10:38:00.000-08:002013-01-01T11:25:46.117-08:00Tripping down memory lane<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Was wrapping gifts last night and went on the hunt for 'something' to use as gift tags, rather than the usual scrap bit of wrapping paper. I found boxes of unused cards - Christmas, birthday, generic, party invitations, and so on. (Sometimes, hoarding pays off). There were 2 or 3 of some cards from years past, the extras that didn't get sent. My mom used to save the cards that she received from people, and then repurpose the image into gift tags the following year. And so that's what we did with some of these left over cards last night.<br />
<br />
In the bottom of the box of left over cards were a handful of handmade gift tags, little hand drawn Christmasy symbols (candy canes, angels) in glitter paint. Made by me, at some point in the past when making my own Christmas gift tags was not out of the ordinary. I don't really remember when that would have been. In the same cupboard I found a bunch of green cellophane bags with glittery ties. Cookie bags for giving cookies for Christmas. Yup, I used to do that too.<br />
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My kids, and my sisters kids, have hand made Christmas stockings. Felt, hot glue and lots of glitter paint. Rustic, primitive, but made with love and I can't imagine ever replacing them. My mom has a Christmas sweatshirt with poinsettias and glitter fabric paint that I made for her, that she still wears. Peeking through family photos from the past decade shows her in that shirt each and every year.<br />
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I've been trying to recall what it was that changed; what got in the way of these lovely hand made Christmas traditions? Kids getting bigger. Fewer and fewer kid holiday parties (playgroup, playschool, grade school each had a need for goodies to be sent). Sports. As our family transitioned from playgroup to Tier 1/2 soccer commitments for three kids, and a coaching dad, the amount of time left to spend baking and crafting slowly but surely diminished.<br />
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This is our second year without winter kid sport and all the bedlam that goes with it. I have not yet gotten back into crafting and baking up a storm. But I have all the ingredients for some awesome gingerbread. Heck, I might even dig out the complicated Martha Stewart recipe that involves a double boiler.<br />
<br />
If Christmas is a time for memories, then this year has certainly jogged a few of mine. I didn't have the heart to <i>not </i>put the Landsdowne playschool ornaments, or the collection of second grade ornaments, up on our tree. As much as I thought I'd like a color coordinated, magazine worthy tree, I went with a tree full of memories of my friends and family. Excuse me while I go put the little Christmas village that Katie is so fond of up at the front door, and send D out to buy lights for around the front entry, replacing the ones that finally kicked the bucket this year. Yeah, I know that they'll be coming down again in a week or so but the house isn't ready for Christmas without them.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-59507597757882549422012-12-01T08:51:00.002-08:002012-12-01T08:53:50.616-08:00Hey, is that the feeder bottom on the ground?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Those were my words last night when I looked out the window on arriving home. Yup, sure enough, the bottom of the feeder is on the ground.<br />
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Well, I hope the critter cam caught that. Can't imagine how a screen falling right in front of it wouldn't be caught. And I wonder what the look on the porcupines face will be as he falls out with it.<br />
<br />
So, here is what actually happened!:<br />
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12:19 Spike is in the feeder and a bunny is underneathL<br />
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<a href="http://www.windermerestudios.ca/Nature/Critter-Cam/i-f9BFVnD/0/M/PICT0063-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.windermerestudios.ca/Nature/Critter-Cam/i-f9BFVnD/0/M/PICT0063-M.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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12:21 bunny has moved on:<br />
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<a href="http://www.windermerestudios.ca/Nature/Critter-Cam/i-6jqzBmt/0/M/PICT0066-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.windermerestudios.ca/Nature/Critter-Cam/i-6jqzBmt/0/M/PICT0066-M.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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12:24 feeder bottom is on the ground, but spike is still inside!<br />
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<a href="http://www.windermerestudios.ca/Nature/Critter-Cam/i-gMNfVcw/0/M/PICT0067-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.windermerestudios.ca/Nature/Critter-Cam/i-gMNfVcw/0/M/PICT0067-M.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Falling snow will set this cameras motion sensor off, but falling objects not so much!<br />
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<a href="http://www.windermerestudios.ca/Nature/Critter-Cam/i-h3SHLjt/0/M/PICT0017-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.windermerestudios.ca/Nature/Critter-Cam/i-h3SHLjt/0/M/PICT0017-M.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.windermerestudios.ca/Nature/Critter-Cam/21799242_dSwXbF" target="_blank">All Critter Cam images</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-16174991577282971972012-11-30T08:30:00.001-08:002012-11-30T08:32:36.694-08:00Canine Visitors<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
Last night's visitors: coyote, dog, coyote.<br />
<br />
There was also a bunny, and apparently the porcupine can fly as he is in the feeder but no evidence of how he got there.<br />
<br />
<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" height="243" id="vp1tJ370" width="432"><param name="movie" value="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1354293100&f=tJ370hiI0ggZUPeCNbHqHA&d=0&m=b&r=360p&volume=100&start_res=360p&i=m&asset_domain=s3-p.animoto.com&animoto_domain=animoto.com&options="></param>
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<embed id="vp1tJ370" src="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1354293100&f=tJ370hiI0ggZUPeCNbHqHA&d=0&m=b&r=360p&volume=100&start_res=360p&i=m&asset_domain=s3-p.animoto.com&animoto_domain=animoto.com&options=" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="432" height="243"></embed></object>Make your own <a href="http://animoto.com/">slideshow with music</a> at Animoto.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-42615057898561569822012-11-28T10:38:00.000-08:002012-11-28T10:38:13.220-08:00Critter Cam<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When we first moved out here, deer and coyotes and other critters were a common sight. Sadly, that isn't the case any longer - after all the field full of food is now paved. But, despite all of the construction in (destruction of) the farm fields around us, there continues to be wildlife activity in our yard.<br />
<br />
I'd seen those <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MiVWM3SZAY" target="_blank">wonderful time lapse productions</a> that Parks Canada puts together from trail cameras in the mountain parks, as well as someones web cam over a bird nest, and figured I should do the same thing! My 2011 Christmas gift from the dh was a Moultrie Trail Camera, and I've been having fun with it ever since. Now that Spike has annihilated one of the two platform bird feeders, I think I've finally found the perfect spot for it, with a view of the remaining feeder and much of the yard.<br />
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I'll be updating <a href="http://smu.gs/Rj3CMc" target="_blank">this gallery</a> over the winter months, with new images of the nightly activities out here. Spike is a regular, making an almost daily (nightly) appearance. He climbs into the feeder after dark, leaves at or near sunrise, and spends his days either under the deck or in a box in the back of our shed!<br />
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<br />
Last night we also had at least one visit by a coyote.<br />
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<br />
but judging by how much barking and guarding Kelso did, there were more. I've seen deer tracks this year as well, but not close to the house yet. The deer need about a foot of snow under the feeder in order to be able to eat out of it ;-)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-17248526906473163432012-10-25T14:06:00.002-07:002012-10-25T14:09:52.056-07:00For Hire<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This fall, we have more or less become empty nesters. Child #1 does still live here, but being in the last year of Engineering at the U of A and having a full 7 course load means we rarely see him - usually only in the light of the refrigerator. Child #2 is haf a continent away in Ontario and #3 is off on the left coast.<br />
<br />
I have a great, wouldn't trade it for anything, full time job. I have a great husband (everyone tells me so ;-) ). But, I'm used to a much busier, more hectic life. There was a time, not so long ago, that we had about 100 kid related sport activities a month, not to mention work and school and volunteerism. I'm just not getting the hang of what to do with myself now - how many episodes of Storage Wars can one watch? Watching Hoarders for the shock value isn't floating the boat.<br />
<br />
Sure, I could go all Martha Stewart around here. Spend countless (more) hours on Pinterest and Design Seeds. We've even been talking about renovating the small bathroom ourselves; I'm worried that we'd get that started but not finished though.<br />
<br />
I could (and should) be volunteering more. And I will locally for sure. I really want to travel, too. And I may have found a way to do both at once, with <a href="http://www.thegivinglens.com/" target="_blank">The Giving Lens</a>. Problem is that the cost of the workshop and airfare comes close to being the amount of my property taxes (which sit unpaid at the moment).<br />
<br />
And so, here I am, offering up my brain, time and skill set and looking for suggestions of how to fill the void in my brain and my pocketbook!<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Skilled Photographer</li>
<li>Pretty good photo editor</li>
<li>Not bad at writing</li>
<li>Knows a thing or two about running a business</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-69735823604556881092012-10-13T08:33:00.004-07:002012-10-13T08:34:55.237-07:00We Can Do Better<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This weeks sad news about the cyber bullying that led <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/amanda-todd-tragedy-highlights-how-social-media-makes-bullying-inescapable/article4611068/" target="_blank">Amanda Todd </a>to take her life and the organized institutional bullying of <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19899540" target="_blank">Malala Yousafzai</a> that caused her to be shot make me believe that we can all do better.<br />
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I believe that I've given my children the courage and independence to stand up for themselves, the honesty and integrity to stand up for what is right, the tool set to make good decisions. I trust them to use those tools, but there are moments that I wish I could turn back time to when they were little so that I still had ways to protect them, and could make sure that I really teach those lessons well.<br />
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We are surrounded by tragedies that we cannot control or influence. Try as we might, we cannot yet live disease free, we cannot prevent all accidents from happening. BUT we can, and we MUST, treat each other - everyone, everywhere - with respect, with open minds and open hearts, with the understanding that things are not black and white, not right or wrong, not a binary switch. We must stand up for one another, stand up against bullying, stand up for everyones right to exist without fear.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-33061970884222903442012-10-13T08:12:00.001-07:002012-10-13T08:12:15.748-07:00I used to hate Camera Phones!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://annmcraephotography.blogspot.ca/2012/10/i-used-to-hate-camera-phones.html" target="_blank">A few thoughts about my relationship with my iPhone camera! </a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-35030067448365097272012-10-08T19:54:00.001-07:002012-10-08T19:55:55.560-07:00Happy Thanksgiving!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend comes to an end, I have much to give thanks for. 2012 has not been one of my favorite years. It's had many more stressful, difficult and sad times than most. The year started with promise, with exciting new work responsibilities and road trips, but threw us all a big curve in March when my mom was admitted to the hospital. </div>
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Mom has emphysema, and has been on oxygen full time for about 7 years. She had noticably deteriorated in the six months prior. My sister had been trying to get mom on the phone for the better part of a day, and when we still couldn't find them the next morning I gave their neighbour a call. Sure enough, there had been an ambulance at the house the evening before. Why they didn't give me a call sometime in those 12 hours still remains a mystery. We phoned around to hospitals and finally tracked them down. When I walked into the emergency room where mom was, the first thought that entered my mind was this is what death looks like! The next five weeks were full of big ups and downs, from the day the doctor told me not to expect another 24 hours, to (a week later) getting the okay for mom to attend her 50th wedding anniversary party! (Yes, I was taking care of the details of a party between hospital visits) She was released from hospital a week after that, and has been doing just fine ever since. I'm thankful for these bonus months with mom. </div>
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</span>My sister and niece have had some very troubling times as well. Things are looking up for them, and I'm thankful that they both came for dinner this weekend. </div>
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This year also saw a couple of friends/mentors/bosses leave SmugMug, and that was hard to work through. I'm thankful that they have both moved on to new adventures, are happy and remain friends. </div>
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</span>Edmonton saw a couple of really wild summer storms. In mid July, a hail storm seemed to find our property and sit on top of it. We had 45 minutes straight of hail (like nothing I've ever seen before) and our gorgeous garden was completely wiped out! We don't water our gardens quite the same way we did on our city lots, since we truck water in. We had had one of the best springs, with plenty of moisture and warm temps, and our garden was going to be spectacular. Absolutely everything was going to bloom, and bloom big. And the hail ripped it all to shreds. I was devastated. I am thankful that gardens are renewable resources, that I have another opportunity again next year, and that the frost stayed away long enough that some plants had a second chance to bloom! </div>
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</span> We are test driving empty nesting, as we only have one at home at the moment. I'm thankful that we are finding ways to spend time together now that the years of 'kid driving' and 'kid sport' are done. </div>
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</span>Our daughter is off at Queens and our baby is in Vancouver at a rugby academy. Our oldest is in his final year of his engineering program and has 7 courses this semester. I'm thankful that my kids are healthy, pursuing paths that make them happy and growing into seemingly well adjusted and happy young adults. </div>
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</span>I'm thankful that our old dog is still keeping us company. </div>
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I'm thankful for friends, old and new. </div>
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I'm thankful that I don't feel my age most days. </div>
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I'm thankful that my husband of 27+ years still looks at me with a silly grin! </div>
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Happy thanksgiving! I think I'll be thankful for the new year as well!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-92101243166332136402012-08-13T08:15:00.003-07:002012-10-02T08:47:53.606-07:00Welcome!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So, back in 2010 I wrote several blog posts about landscape plans. Grande, glorious plans that never came to be because of lack of will and lack of funds.<br />
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This summer was on track to be the best for our flowers in the past ten years, with all of our perennials thriving and set to provide loads and loads of blooms. And then it hailed - worst hail storm we have ever had - and the plants were ripped to shreds.<br />
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Another grandiose plan was hatched. Build a dry creek bed and water feature in the back yard, repositioning all of the boulders in the 'rock garden'. Sadly that just isn't in this years budget.<br />
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But all is not lost. A couple of weekends of work, 4 yards of gravel, 3 trips to garden centers, and we have a really beautiful front garden.<br />
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When we bought this place, the entire length of the drive way was lines with spruce trees, right up to the front walk. It was a bit overwhelming and unwelcoming and made the front yard kind of dark. Before we moved in we had two spruce removed, creating a 'garden' and letting light into the front yard. That space was covered in bark chip ground cover and with time became really scabby looking. Not welcoming and not the kind of first impression you'd want to make. Then, in late 2009 the gas company installed a new line and dug up the space. Despite saying they'd put it back to the way it was, they left it rather disheveled, with ripped landscape fabric and uneven surfaces. This is what I was thinking we would do with it in April 2010:<br />
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I'd wanted to put some kind of screen in front of the house and a path leading away from the sidewalk that runs right in front of Katie's window. But we really needed a dog friendly solution because this is Kelso's space. We managed to get a bob cat in and take off all the old mulch, landscape fabric and mess.<br />
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And then we didn't do anything else! The exposed tree roots started to sprout little trees. Those dang black poplars from the other side of the driveway had roots all the way over here, and those things started growing! We could have had a whole new forest here. Instead, Daryl and I, a couple shovels and a sawzall dug and cut them out.<br />
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I gathered a bunch of old retainer wall bricks that had been left behind by previous owners and built a small shrub bed at the north end (away from the house). I transplanted cotoneaster and some roses from other places in the yard and hoped they'd grow!<br />
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Two winters and a summer of dog lying in dirt/snow/mud and we could not avoid finishing the space this year. But, true to form, we debated ad nauseum what to finish it with: bark, gravel, slate, rubber? Again, dog friendly, mess resistant, weed repellant. Fortunately we had a really nice evening early this summer with our friend Donna, who is also a gardener and had just installed a dry creek in the front garden at her house. Inspiration!!!<br />
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So, a couple of weekends of work, 4 yards of gravel, 3 trips to garden centers, and we have a really beautiful front garden!!!<br />
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The green grass and trees definitely help as backdrop, but I'm pretty sure this will look fantastic in all seasons!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-74802134399350230102012-07-24T21:34:00.000-07:002012-07-24T21:35:08.440-07:00It Will Work Out: It Always Does<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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2012 has not been a stellar year. Lots of challenges, few of them good, most of them well outside of my/our control. Ill parents, family drama, changing of the guard at work. No control over the events or the outcome, but still they all created chaos and stress.<br />
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Daryl and I left town on June 29th, our wedding anniversary, for my company retreat. Driving south, watching gorgeous scenery pass us by, I had a renewed sense of optimism, of moving forward, of shrugging off the past six months and embracing July 1 as the beginning of great things.
I started projects I had not been able to get to, with all the chaos of the first six months, including redesigning my photography web site. We had a really fantastic time in Park City, with great friends and doing great work. We came home <i>not </i> to a mess (always my biggest fear leaving the house in the hands of the proto adults). All seemed to point to grand things.<br />
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And then the sky let loose - the fiercest and longest hail storm I've ever seen, one early morning last week. It completely obliterated our garden - everything from the tomato plants that actually were thriving, to our raspberry patch, and every blooming flower that I had in the yard. All hope of gorgeous photography back drops wiped for this year, in only 45 minutes. How to find the silver lining? If the plants aren't going to bloom, well then how about a major garden redesign in good weather?<br />
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My imaginary garden design includes a dry creek bed running along the north south axis of our yard, on the west side, in perfect view from our kitchen. This creek bed would be planted either side with stunning perennials and be the perfect backdrop for photographs. This isn't a job that can be a DIY project, as it involves some grading, earth moving and lots and lots of hauling rock. I found a brilliant contractor, and I intend to hire him. Sadly, it won't be this year as there just isn't the disposable income for this project.<br />
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So here we are in middle of garden season, the middle of what should be fantastic photography season here, in the garden I've worked so hard to make ready, with nada - no garden, no backdrop, and no project to keep my mind busy and my heart happy.<br />
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Not to mention that the hail storm also damaged one car and our roof, and those repairs will need some cash. July has not proven to be the start of something beautiful or a new beginning. More events over which I have no control but which cause me stress.<br />
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Daryl and I talked about this in the shower this morning - yes, after 27 years married we not only still talk to one another but we shower together! Imagine that! It's tough to acknowledge that, despite your best efforts, you aren't in a financial position to make each others dreams come true, that things just aren't quite what you imagined they would be by now. It was a relief to acknowledge that so much of the stress is caused by events we cannot control. And, to realize that It Will Work Out: It Always Does.<br />
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-37009040197473562612011-11-07T11:09:00.000-08:002012-10-02T08:48:34.217-07:00Random Thoughts on Traveling<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I love traveling. I love being at home too, but as someone that works from home I spend a lot of time looking at the same walls (my work environment = my home environment) and I spend a lot of time alone. I love the opportunity to explore and enjoy being away from home. This past month has given me quite a lot of those opportunities. <br />
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I spent a weekend in NYC, working a trade show. Our hotel was right on Times Square, and it was a fascinating experience. I expect I'll go back some day, but must say that it is not high on my list of places to revisit. It is a busy, busy, hectic place and the logistics of getting from one place to another are overwhelming. <br />
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This past weekend, Daryl and I visited Vancouver. We had just about a full day together to explore, although we were in the city almost 48 hours. Vancouver is one city that I would contemplate living in, right in the downtown core. It's also a city that I would not live in if I couldn't live right downtown - transportation here is still difficult, although the Sky Train is a great addition and a very civilized way to travel. <br />
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Vancouver is breathtakingly lovely. Gorgeous views every direction. No -40C to contend with, rare snow, gardens that grow more or less year round. I may be in love. <br />
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It was also really wonderful to spend the time with D, away from the routine chores and distractions of home, enjoying the time together exploring the city. We really need to do so more often, and should be able to now that the kids aren't quite as demanding. I'm really looking forward to it, in Vancouver and where ever the winds may take us!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-15752639970458929712011-09-17T17:25:00.000-07:002011-09-17T18:51:12.216-07:00On the eve of my 49th birthdayI'm feeling a bit reflective, I guess. Thinking about 'where I am at' and I'm pretty satisfied overall. I have accepted many things, such as not being a world class researcher with a life altering discovery, not being ridiculously wealthy, not maintaining that youthful figure I once had! I know that even though, at the moment I have a figure to rival 'Mama Rosa', a generously proportioned grandmother figure from my child hood, I have the power to change that, if not the will. Despite that, I still 'clean up quite nicely' and have been known to rock some great shoes! <br />
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I am pretty content with who I am and what I'm doing. I have a great job that I know I'm good at. I have a great husband, friend and life partner. I don't really have concerns about what 'we'll do' once the kids leave. I can think of a billion things to fill our days! <br />
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There is one thing, though, that I spend time worrying about. As I am about to release three young adults into the world, I just can't keep from thinking that my 'job' as parent is incomplete. They aren't ready; the world isn't ready for them. I don't think I've had any real influence over their actions, other than funding them, for several years already. I'm not sure how to or if that can be changed. I also really don't know what should have been done differently. I think I made good parenting decisions most of the time. I wanted them to think for themself, to be risk takers and decision makers. I was not a helicopter parent, never did their homework, was not in their teachers face. Now that they share their decisions with me I am just not sure! I suppose, as my dad is fond of saying, 'Only Time Will Tell'.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173336846972146736.post-80082463600848592702011-04-25T10:34:00.000-07:002013-02-02T07:52:04.038-08:00It's Spring, I thinkApril has been an unpleasant month. More than half my yard is still covered in snow, and that which is not is either under water or covered with snow mold. This time last year I had a significant amount of garden clean up done. This year, not so much! <br />
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Even the birds are late. Robins arrived this past week. There are some raptors around, and the red polls may have finally moved on. The rabbits that have been feeding under the bird feeders all winter are starting to turn color - and they are brown! Not quite the right color of a jack rabbit. I'm starting to think they are escapees from a former neighbors hutch! The porcupines are back, and so are the chipmunks. <br />
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Yesterday was actually warm, and we were able to sit outside for an hour or so, checking out the yard, planning where to plant the vegetables this year, and what to plant in the new planter. I still have this idea that we could produce all of our own vegetables, at least a couple of months supply. I've had fantastic gardens at our other homes, but of course the difference has been unlimited access to water for them. Here, since we get water via truck, we don't water quite as recklessly. Note to self: I now remember that one of the things we were going to install this spring was some really large rain barrels. <br />
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The other sure sign that spring has arrived is the start of construction (destruction, actually) in the field across the road. Bright and early this morning the rumble of graders and back hoes started. The road is strewn with the parked cars of the workers, apparently a small army's worth. I am of mixed emotion about the development across the way. With it will come city water service to our crescent (I hope) and at the very least, a fire hydrant within workable reach of my home! It should also bring competition for internet and television providers, which should bring me faster connection speed. Building homes in the field should buffer the current 'background' noise of the Henday. A neighborhood will be less unattractive than the plantless expanse of dirt that has been there since the developer ripped the crop out of the field three years ago. The wildlife that used that field for home have been more or less AWOL since. Since it isn't possible to turn back time, it is better to find the positive in the change than to spend too much time lamenting it. <br />
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Spring is here, and with it a sense of new inspiration. Time to embrace change; time for new growth.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087311117342381672noreply@blogger.com0