Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Like Piles, Reflections on Halloween Night
I know, I know Halloween is gone, it's 6 days later...but thought I post this anyway since i started it Halloween night...and maybe it's about more than Halloween.
It's cool outside, but not so cool that you couldn't go for a walk with just a sweater and some thin gloves. Some of the leaves have fallen off the trees, enough to scrunch under your feet, while others hold on tight. It's been that type of day where you can feel the coolness in your nostrils outside, the type of day that when you come inside, the comforting heat hits you and you know it's gonna be a good night.
The steps in our neighborhood are dotted with jack-o-lanterns carved in elaborate patterns. "Doesn't anyone just do the triangles anymore?" said a co-worker in the staff room during a break today. It got me laughing and thinking about how simple things used to be.
I am sitting in my living room in total darkness aside from the light from my computer screen. There's a couple of candles in the big living room window, and a jack-o-lantern with a tea candle inside it's body. We put some clear Christmas lights on the front step to make the place seem inviting, yet dark enough to be slightly scary to the little ghouls and goblins in search of tricks or treats. So far we have had 7 kids. I can only remember a giraffe, two pirates, a train, (perhaps the little engine that could (?), and a princess. All the costumes were bought it seemed, that's what they do these days. Guess that's the new fun way and perhaps some day someone like me will blog about fond memories of shopping at WalMArt for the perfect costume, or remember that weird lady with the orange scarf on her head, the one with the black cat in her arms who lived in the scary dark house with candles in the window, the one that the gave them three really good treats.
Only one kid said "trick or treat", the tiny giraffe who also wanted to ring the doorbell because that is what she was told to do.The rest just held their bags open...but that's not their faults because when they held their bags open I added treats! Most said thank you. A pirate asked if he could have two choc bars. At least he asked.
This is one of my favorite nights of the year, but not because I like getting dressed up, although that's fun too. And I don't think it's because it is the eve of my birthday. But there is something comforting about this night. For me it marks the beginning of winter.
I have fond memories of Halloween. Maybe it's as simple as I left my house with an empty bag and came home with a big bag of treats all ready for the eating. I didn't gobble all mine up at once though. I savored them. First, I would empty the mysterious contents of my Dominion bag onto the floor, (Back then nobody frowned on the use of plastic supermarket bags). Then I would slowly and with such sweet anticipation arrange all the same things in one pile. Chips first (you mostly only got two kinds, the Hostess ones in the blue foil bag or the cheap oily ones in the white, thin unmarked plastic bag) then, hard cheezies, soft cheezies, and all chocolate bars together (to be later separated into "exactly the same" pile). There were always lots of rocket candies, gum, Tootsie rolls, and suckers of all colours. (these of course to be separated by colour and eaten in order of taste preference, all yellow ones to be given away) You might get some life savers, a package of four, but that was as exotic as it got, and yes, we got apples and oranges which were likely fine and that we actually were allowed to eat but were too afraid to because of all the stories about razor blades hidden in them. That seemed about it back in those days, but what treats they were.
One very memorable year I got a full can of RC COLA, and a full size CRUNCH bar from the Downey's who owned a store and lived across the street from us. I was certain the Gods had bestowed upon me a great gift for my good behavior in taking my little sister around with me. Another year I went out taking two bags with me because my big brother was sick. I remember saying, "trick or treat" twice every time and then explaining that my brother was home sick. It was true, but now that I think of it could have really used that one.
Yes, as I sit here in this room feeling all nostalgic, waiting for little trick or treaters, to ring my doorbell I resist the urge to go get dressed up myself, and instead I just organize the really good treats I'm giving out into like piles ready for the taking, and I remember.
It's cool outside, but not so cool that you couldn't go for a walk with just a sweater and some thin gloves. Some of the leaves have fallen off the trees, enough to scrunch under your feet, while others hold on tight. It's been that type of day where you can feel the coolness in your nostrils outside, the type of day that when you come inside, the comforting heat hits you and you know it's gonna be a good night.
I am sitting in my living room in total darkness aside from the light from my computer screen. There's a couple of candles in the big living room window, and a jack-o-lantern with a tea candle inside it's body. We put some clear Christmas lights on the front step to make the place seem inviting, yet dark enough to be slightly scary to the little ghouls and goblins in search of tricks or treats. So far we have had 7 kids. I can only remember a giraffe, two pirates, a train, (perhaps the little engine that could (?), and a princess. All the costumes were bought it seemed, that's what they do these days. Guess that's the new fun way and perhaps some day someone like me will blog about fond memories of shopping at WalMArt for the perfect costume, or remember that weird lady with the orange scarf on her head, the one with the black cat in her arms who lived in the scary dark house with candles in the window, the one that the gave them three really good treats.
Only one kid said "trick or treat", the tiny giraffe who also wanted to ring the doorbell because that is what she was told to do.The rest just held their bags open...but that's not their faults because when they held their bags open I added treats! Most said thank you. A pirate asked if he could have two choc bars. At least he asked.
This is one of my favorite nights of the year, but not because I like getting dressed up, although that's fun too. And I don't think it's because it is the eve of my birthday. But there is something comforting about this night. For me it marks the beginning of winter.
I have fond memories of Halloween. Maybe it's as simple as I left my house with an empty bag and came home with a big bag of treats all ready for the eating. I didn't gobble all mine up at once though. I savored them. First, I would empty the mysterious contents of my Dominion bag onto the floor, (Back then nobody frowned on the use of plastic supermarket bags). Then I would slowly and with such sweet anticipation arrange all the same things in one pile. Chips first (you mostly only got two kinds, the Hostess ones in the blue foil bag or the cheap oily ones in the white, thin unmarked plastic bag) then, hard cheezies, soft cheezies, and all chocolate bars together (to be later separated into "exactly the same" pile). There were always lots of rocket candies, gum, Tootsie rolls, and suckers of all colours. (these of course to be separated by colour and eaten in order of taste preference, all yellow ones to be given away) You might get some life savers, a package of four, but that was as exotic as it got, and yes, we got apples and oranges which were likely fine and that we actually were allowed to eat but were too afraid to because of all the stories about razor blades hidden in them. That seemed about it back in those days, but what treats they were.
One very memorable year I got a full can of RC COLA, and a full size CRUNCH bar from the Downey's who owned a store and lived across the street from us. I was certain the Gods had bestowed upon me a great gift for my good behavior in taking my little sister around with me. Another year I went out taking two bags with me because my big brother was sick. I remember saying, "trick or treat" twice every time and then explaining that my brother was home sick. It was true, but now that I think of it could have really used that one.
Yes, as I sit here in this room feeling all nostalgic, waiting for little trick or treaters, to ring my doorbell I resist the urge to go get dressed up myself, and instead I just organize the really good treats I'm giving out into like piles ready for the taking, and I remember.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
MINE TO CELEBRATE
Recently I was working out in the basement...early morning, treadmill 5:15 am. Generally during this time I'm only half awake as I mechanically get my legs moving in a walking/running motion. To help me through the process I turn the TV on. Early morning CBC is series of repeats from the previous night's programming, so I just kind of half listen to news shows and sorta watch as Chris and Steve give design advice, make interesting cocktails and review some new gadgets. One particular morning suddenly I heard Mr. Dress Up's voice. (For those who do not know. Mr. Dress up was a popular Canadian kids show from 1967 to 1996.) Well, it was as if someone has resurrected someone from the dead, a familiar someone. Someone at CBC had changed a file in the vast archives of my brain from "childhood memories, vague & irrelevant" to "childhood memories, vivid and significant".
As part of the 75th anniversary celebrations CBC has been airing quick flicks of old shows. There they were on the screen several pairs of forty somethings, happily resting toddlers on their hips, talking about how Mr. Dress Up influenced them as parents and as people. As they spoke they flashed to various episodes. I cried a bit at the sights and sounds of Mr. Dress up drawing with a marker on his easel. Then I got to wondering, "Really Za, what the heck?" They end each flashback segment with that very distinct CBC sound, followed by a voice over, "CBC, yours to Celebrate", then I got to pondering how much a part of my life CBC has been. I determined that it has been a very important part of who I have become. Not just Mr. Dress Up though, but others like the Friendly Giant.
Every morning at 10:15 I would hear the theme song to the Friendly Giant, something so inviting about the softness of the harp and the flute. For some reason I can't explain, I happen to know the lyrics to this song and so in my moment of reflection, my 42 year old self sang it ...out loud, alone in my basement at 5:30 AM while I walked, keeping my hips in rhythm before they ceased up.
"Early one morning before the sun had risen, I saw a bright star in fields gayley singing, Bluebirds were singing, south winds were blowing." ETC...
Such a pretty song. God, I thought to myself, I must have PMS. I continued to ponder. As a child I wanted to be David Suzuki. I loved how he spent time with nature, explained things. I learned so much from him. I think he is the reason that every now and then I can't resist the urge to get "natural" in nature. Who knows? I loved watching the CBCevening news with my father, even though I could have cared less about what was happening in the world. Still today, I go to bed every night with Peter Mansbridge. What ever shall I ever do when he retires? And something about the CBC logo, I don't know, such a part of me, both radio and TV.
For me, a long road trip would not be the same without the comforting companionship of my CBC radio. It doesn't matter what's on there. On a recent trip through the mountains in BC, feeling isolated and far from other people I rounded a corner and saw an official road sign indicating where to find CBC radio on the dial and suddenly I did not feel so alone.
Many years ago at an interview for a job at the Steak and Stein the interviewer asked me what I might like to do given the choice of anything. The young me said I would like to work at CBC radio. I didn't get the Steak and Stein job--thankfully, but isn't retrospect is a wonderful thing? That would have been the day to go home, sit and fill out my application for a journalism program, but no, instead that same week I accepted a job at a pharmacy. Oh dear, getting side tracked again.
My point is that CBC is a huge and very important part of me and and who I have become. It is like a family member. The characters from my past like pseudo grandparents or something. Between the two of them in particular (Mr. D and Friendly G) my imagination was stimulated daily. I learned to create, sing, share, put my toys away, be kind, put my crayons back in the package, ask older people for advice, (remember Wise Old Owl), respect difference, love animals and perhaps most importantly ,that I as a little person, had value. Well thanks so much CBC!
On September 17th, 2001 I wrote in my journal, "AM: Mr. Dress up had a stroke. PM:Mr. Dress up died."
I remember taking the time on my break at work (at the pharmacy) to jot this important info down.
I Did the same with the Friendly Giant on May 15th, 2000 "Pretty cold outside today...Friendly Giant died."
Who knew I'd be writing about it all so many years later. (Maybe I did.) I heard both announcements onCBC Radio and I remember the brief but sad feeling that came over me.
Often people mock me for listening to my CBC radio, stating how they can't stand all the talk. I have to wonder the same about their choice to listen to private radio with all the noisy ads. I wouldn't trade it for anything. It continues to be a big part of my adult life. Ponder. Express gratitude
Hmmm...
An earwig just crawled across my keyboard. Not sure from where he came. I just watched his frantic movements. He is in such a hurry. Creepy, but no need to kill him really. A good distraction. South Winds are blowing today...
As part of the 75th anniversary celebrations CBC has been airing quick flicks of old shows. There they were on the screen several pairs of forty somethings, happily resting toddlers on their hips, talking about how Mr. Dress Up influenced them as parents and as people. As they spoke they flashed to various episodes. I cried a bit at the sights and sounds of Mr. Dress up drawing with a marker on his easel. Then I got to wondering, "Really Za, what the heck?" They end each flashback segment with that very distinct CBC sound, followed by a voice over, "CBC, yours to Celebrate", then I got to pondering how much a part of my life CBC has been. I determined that it has been a very important part of who I have become. Not just Mr. Dress Up though, but others like the Friendly Giant.Every morning at 10:15 I would hear the theme song to the Friendly Giant, something so inviting about the softness of the harp and the flute. For some reason I can't explain, I happen to know the lyrics to this song and so in my moment of reflection, my 42 year old self sang it ...out loud, alone in my basement at 5:30 AM while I walked, keeping my hips in rhythm before they ceased up.
"Early one morning before the sun had risen, I saw a bright star in fields gayley singing, Bluebirds were singing, south winds were blowing." ETC...
Such a pretty song. God, I thought to myself, I must have PMS. I continued to ponder. As a child I wanted to be David Suzuki. I loved how he spent time with nature, explained things. I learned so much from him. I think he is the reason that every now and then I can't resist the urge to get "natural" in nature. Who knows? I loved watching the CBCevening news with my father, even though I could have cared less about what was happening in the world. Still today, I go to bed every night with Peter Mansbridge. What ever shall I ever do when he retires? And something about the CBC logo, I don't know, such a part of me, both radio and TV.
For me, a long road trip would not be the same without the comforting companionship of my CBC radio. It doesn't matter what's on there. On a recent trip through the mountains in BC, feeling isolated and far from other people I rounded a corner and saw an official road sign indicating where to find CBC radio on the dial and suddenly I did not feel so alone.
Many years ago at an interview for a job at the Steak and Stein the interviewer asked me what I might like to do given the choice of anything. The young me said I would like to work at CBC radio. I didn't get the Steak and Stein job--thankfully, but isn't retrospect is a wonderful thing? That would have been the day to go home, sit and fill out my application for a journalism program, but no, instead that same week I accepted a job at a pharmacy. Oh dear, getting side tracked again.
My point is that CBC is a huge and very important part of me and and who I have become. It is like a family member. The characters from my past like pseudo grandparents or something. Between the two of them in particular (Mr. D and Friendly G) my imagination was stimulated daily. I learned to create, sing, share, put my toys away, be kind, put my crayons back in the package, ask older people for advice, (remember Wise Old Owl), respect difference, love animals and perhaps most importantly ,that I as a little person, had value. Well thanks so much CBC!
On September 17th, 2001 I wrote in my journal, "AM: Mr. Dress up had a stroke. PM:Mr. Dress up died."
I remember taking the time on my break at work (at the pharmacy) to jot this important info down.
I Did the same with the Friendly Giant on May 15th, 2000 "Pretty cold outside today...Friendly Giant died."
Who knew I'd be writing about it all so many years later. (Maybe I did.) I heard both announcements onCBC Radio and I remember the brief but sad feeling that came over me.
Often people mock me for listening to my CBC radio, stating how they can't stand all the talk. I have to wonder the same about their choice to listen to private radio with all the noisy ads. I wouldn't trade it for anything. It continues to be a big part of my adult life. Ponder. Express gratitude
Hmmm...
An earwig just crawled across my keyboard. Not sure from where he came. I just watched his frantic movements. He is in such a hurry. Creepy, but no need to kill him really. A good distraction. South Winds are blowing today...
Time to go, grab my ipod nano, tune into CBC and take the dogs for a walk on this beautiful warm windy day, before Mother Nature has a mood swing.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
The Anticipation
I love finding a great recipes, reading through them, considering the possibilities, mmm…looks good. I examine the picture (if there is one) with great interest. I imagine myself and loved ones, sitting around, chatting eating the amazing creation. What do I need? Can I make this? I relish in gathering the ingredients…oh the anticipation. For me it’s not just about preparing the recipe, it’s about creating something--something delicious. It’s about putting a bunch of separate little things together to end up with one big thing. I guess it’s about results and sharing. I like the process of chopping the veggies. I get everything ready first, measure things out because once I get going things tend to happen really fast and who wants to stop and chop while something is frying.
Food is such a delightful pleasure for me. I thank the Gods every day that I have access to such bounty especially at this time of the year when everything is as fresh as can be. Recently, I made this chowder with someone I know that also enjoys cooking. It was so much fun. Making the meal was just as much a part of the experience as eating it. Lots of “ooos” and “ahhhs” and “yums” when we finally sat and enjoyed it.
BEST CORN CHOWDER I have ever tasted and easily adaptable to a vegetarian diet just by omitting the bacon and using veggie broth instead of chicken. Since I was making this recipe with non-vegetarian friends I decided still include the bacon for their taste buds but just didn’t garnish my own with it.
YOU WILL NEED:
*6 strips of bacon (diced) smoked is great
*1 large yellow onion
*3 stalks of celery (De-stringed and diced)
*2 carrots (peeled and diced)
*3 cloves of garlic (minced)
*3 uncooked potatoes (peeled and diced)
*1 med leek (I USED 2)
*3 ears of sweet corn (I USED 4) removed from cob SAVE THE COBS (I cooked them briefly before removing the corn, but you likely don’t have to)
*1 can of cream style corn ( for texture I think)
*2 cans of chicken OR veggie stock. (or one tetra box, I used the box but perhaps if you are really serious you could make your own, aprox 900ml)
*1 500ml heavy cream. (the first time I made this I used whipping cream…yum, but..it is just as good with 18% which is what I used last time)
*½ cup of butter
*½ cup flour
*½ teaspoon salt
*¼ teaspoon garlic powder
*Freshly ground black pepper to taste
*Pinch of cayenne pepper
*2 tablespoons of FRESH thyme (this is key, fresh is better. I use as much as I feel like, but at least 2 TBS)
*Fresh Parsley finely chopped
SO…now that you have all these YUMMIE COLOURFUL ingredients…
1 .Remove the kernels from the cobs, set corn aside. (you can cook before removing from cobs if you like, but don’t have to) Place kernelless cobs in pot with stock. Let simmer while you prepare other ingredients. This creates a very tasty corny stock.
2.Sauté bacon until crispy and remove from pan. Should smell really really in your kitchen by now.
4. create a roux with flour and butter for a few minutes before combining with sautéed veggies.
6. Add the sautéed veggies and roux, cream, thyme, and seasonings to taste, Simmer for another 20 mins. Serve hot. (Garnish with chopped parsley, bacon, cheese or even sour cream if you like)
7. ENJOY WITH LOVED ONES…OR SET YOURSELF A NICE TABLE AND ENJOY!
Should be enough for 6 generous servings.
I am not sure who to give credit to for this recipe. I got it online a couple of years back and have since added bits of my own as I go along…so…thank you google I guess???
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