Grey Cup Eve

With the Grey Cup came being tomorrow, fans all over Saskatchewan are getting ready for the party of the year. We'll have a few people over tomorrow to watch the game, we'll be dressed in green and cheering loud enough that they will hear us in Calgary.

GO RIDERS GO GO RIDERS GO GO RIDERS GO

T'was The Night Before Grey Cup

Twas the night before Grey Cup, and all through McMahon,
Not a creature was stirring, but the gophers back home.
The players were nestled and snug in their beds,
While visions of Grey Cup Rings danced in their heads.

When out on the field, there arose such a clatter,
Ken sprang from his bed to see what was the matter,
Away to his window, he flew like a flash,
Threw aside the Green Curtains, and Silky White Sash.

And what did he see with his wondering eye?
But a sea of Green Revelers and a furry brown guy.
”That looks like Durant, and Foord and Fantuz!"
"Its way after curfew! Do they want us to lose??"

So, out of his room and down to the field,
Coach Miller stormed out with a fury to wield.
As he went through the tunnel, the ground shook with a beat,
From the dancing and prancing of ten thousand feet.

"Hey Coach," cried a voice, "Whatcha doing down here?"
It was Szarka and Bagg, and they were handing out beer!
Getzlaf and Chick were grilling up Dogs,
With Burgers being served by O'Day and Clermont.

Dressler cooked Hot Wings, Davis grilled steak,
While Cates, Hall, and Hughes helped Makowsky serve cake.
"This is nuts!" Miller shouted, "It's one-thirty AM!"
"I expected some revelry, but this is mayhem!"

Eric Tillman tapped Miller, " You're not Eagle Keys -"
"But I'm not Buono, Huffy or Ritchie Hall* so PLEASE!"
"You're all waddling around here like Wascana geese!"
"And in need of a dance coach like Donald Narcisse."

"Now, you've all had your fun, so back to your rooms."
But then Miller's nose picked up the barbecue fumes.
Then Green Is The Color rang out through the air,
As Congi and Boreham plucked feathers with flair.

On Jones, on Quinn, on 'Arm-y' Armstead,
Even old Alex Smith grinned and nodded his head,
On Lucas, on McCullough, on Patrick with style,
On Kornegay, Frazier, and yes, even Jyles.

The stadium then filled with a soft greenish glow,
And the whole Rider Nation set poised for a show.
An S and a wheat sheaf then formed in the air,
And a smile took the place of Coach Ken Miller's glare.

Then everyone there, the players, the fans,
They formed a big circle by all holding hands,
Then right in the centre appeared the Grey Cup,
Which McKenzie and Mitchell andWilliams picked up.

They handed it over to Ken, the proud gent,
Who called Darian and Andy, and off the Cup went.
It was passed round the field, past heroes to present,
While Gainer dug holes for the Alouette Pheasants.

That music was heard coast to coast people say
And they say Rider Pride grew three sizes that day.
Everyone left there dreaming of Alouette doom.
And they sent all the feathers to Ben Cahoon's Room.

For more from the Saskatchewan Roughriders check out Saskatchewan Roughriders

Chicken Stew & Dumplings

5 cups (1.25 L) chickenstock (approx)
14 chicken thighs (about 4 lb/2 kg), skinned
1 bunch small carrots (about 7), peeled and cut in half diagonally
4 potatoes, peeled and cut in 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
2 cups (500 mL) pearl onions (284 g pkg), peeled
3 tbsp (50 mL) butter
3 stalkscelery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cups (500 mL) small button mushrooms (about 8 oz/250 g)
1/3 cup (75 mL) all-purpose flour
1 tsp (5 mL) dried thyme
1/2 tsp (2 mL) each salt and pepper
1/2 cup (125 mL) frozen peas
1/4 cup (50 mL) whipping cream
Dumplings:
2 cups (500 mL) sifted cake-and-pastry_flour
2 tbsp (25 mL) chopped fresh parsley
4 tsp (20 mL) baking powder
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
2 tbsp (25 mL) butter
3/4 cup (175 mL) milk (approx)

In a large Dutch oven, bring chicken stock to boil. Add chicken; cover and simmer over medium-low heat until juices run clear when chicken is pierced, about 30 minutes. With slotted spoon, transfer to plate; let cool. Remove meat from bones; cut into bite-size chunks.

Add carrots and potatoes to stock; cover and cook for 10 minutes. Add pearl onions; simmer, covered, just until onions are tender, about 5 minutes. With slotted spoon, transfer vegetables to plate. Pour stock into large measuring cup; if necessary, add more chicken stock to make 5 cups (1.25 L).

In same pan, melt butter over medium-high heat; cook celery, onion and mushrooms, stirring often, until softened, about 8 minutes. Add flour, thyme, salt and pepper; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in reserved stock; bring to boil, stirring. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, stirring often, for about 5 minutes or until thick enough to coat back of spoon. Return chicken and any accumulated juices to pan. Add carrot mixture, peas and cream, stirring to combine.

Dumplings: In bowl, whisk together flour, parsley, baking powder and salt. Using pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter until in coarse crumbs. Using fork, stir in enough milk to make sticky spoonable dough. Leaving space around each, drop by tablespoonfuls (15 mL) onto simmering stew; cover and cook, without lifting lid, for 15 minutes or until dumplings are no longer doughy underneath.

Road To The Grey Cup

Today the BC Lions and Montreal Alouettes play to see who will represent the East in the Grey Cup and the Saskatchewan Roughriders take on the Calgary Stampeders to see who will represent the West in next weeks Grey Cup.

GO RIDERS GO

My prediction is Saskatchewan Roughriders & Montreal Alouettes will battle it out in the Grey Cup Final.

Wasted Week

I hate being sick, especially when the weather is nice outside. Last week I spent the entire week on the couch fighting off the flue/cold. At times I didn't know if I should cover up with more blankets or take them off because of my fever.

I am finally starting to feel more like myself after a week and 2 days of being sick.

Thanks to a co-worker who insisted on being at the office while she was sick and fighting the flue/cold off I brought home the virus. There was no way I was even going near the office until I felt better as I didn't want to pass this on to anyone. Monday is my EDO so at least I have an extra day before returning to work.

I don't think it was H1N1 but sure wasn't fun what ever it was I had. I felt so bad that I didn't have the energy to get up to go the doctors. With all the sleep I got over the last week my sleep patterns are off.

I usually end up with a bad flue once during the winter season either at the beginning or the end of the season. I hope that this was it and I am finished with it.

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The other day I receive an email with the following poem entitled "The Final Inspecation". I am sure many of you have received the same poem by email many times over but I wanted to share it here with everyone to show my appreciation and recognition for the military and what they have given to all us.



The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

'Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you ?
Have you always turned the other cheek ?
To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

'Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'

Author Unknown~

It's the Military, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the Press. It's the Military, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of Speech. It's the Military, not the politicians that ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. It's the Military who salutes The flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by The flag.

Remembrance Day

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Canadians are asked to pause in memory of the thousands of men and women who sacrificed their lives in military service so that we could live in Peace.

Remembrance Day is known as Veterans Day in the United States of America. The first Remembrance Day was held throughout the Commonwealth in 1919. Remembrance Day marks the armistice to end the First World War, which came into effect at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918.

My great Uncle Clarence fought in both WW I and WW II. Uncle Clarence was one of the many soldiers that returned home from the war. It is today that I take the 2 minutes of silence at the 11th hour to remember his efforts and the efforts of all the other soldiers that fought for us. So many families seen their loved off as they left for the war to never see them return home again.

I was too young to remember my Great Uncle Clarence as he passed away when I was about 3 years old. I do remember my grandfather telling me about his brother and the pride that my grandfather felt for his brother and the sacrifices that he made for his efforts in the fight for world peace. I have seen a picture or two of Uncle Clarence in his military uniform, he was a handsome soldier. I wish that I could go back in time at my age now and spend a day or two with my Uncle Clarence to get to know him and what he went through but I have the few stories that I was told by my grandfather and my father. Today I thought of my great Uncle Clarence and spent my 2 minutes of silence thanking him and the many other soldiers - those that returned home and those that sacrificed their lives for the freedom I enjoy today.

"Two minutes before the armistice went into effect, at 10:58 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918, Pte. George Lawrence Price was felled by a bullet. Price would become the last Allied soldier — and the last of more than 66,000 Canadians — to be killed in the First World War."
to read more on this article click HERE

30 Day Challenge

Today I started the 30 Day Challenge on the Wii Active. What a work out! I never would have guessed that I could get that kind of work out on a Game Console. With today in mind that I would start the 30 day challenge I took my beginning measurements and weight. I am also going to keep a journal in MS Word of my daily activities - eating and physical.

I am also going to try to drink n 8 glasses of water each day. As Jillian and Bob say on the Biggest Loser, if you plan to fail you fail to plan. So now I need to start planning our meals better, which can be easier said than done. I am going to start packing my lunch for work the night before so I don't forgot about it in the morning.

Along with going to Bravo for Women on my lunch hours with a couple of my co-workers, the 3o Day Challenge and planning meals I am hoping to start dropping more weight. I know I have lost some inches from just going to the gym as I was able to buy my jeans in a size smaller.

I think I will post an update on this challenge on Day 10.

Christmas Count Down

Hard to believe that is getting that time of the year when we start to think about Christmas and start the count down. Last year I had posted a cute Christmas Tree with the count down to Christmas. I am trying to get that widget again but having a problem getting the code to load properly.

I have started my Christmas shopping...well the stocking stuffers anyways. Already figuring out to get the kids for Christmas. Even starting to plan my Christmas baking.

With the countdown to Christmas on for me, it hardly feels like Christmas with all our snow melted except for a small patch in the back corner of the yard. The month of October was so ugly here and the feeling a long winter was starting to set in. I hope this nice weather we are having now will stick around for a while.

The farmers are working on getting their crops off......better late than never.

Santa Fe

Tuesday after work I brought home my new 2009 Santa Fe GLS AWD in Glacier White Pearl. We are so happy with our new vehicle. Handles nicely, very comfortable ride.

Yesterday after work we stop at the Liquor Store on 1st Ave to pick up a case of beer. While I was waiting in the vehicle for Al, all of a sudden bam and the vehicle moves forward. Sure enough we were rear ended by someone trying to park....good thing they were barely moving but impaired enough that they couldn't judge their distance. Couldn't get a clear answer out of the woman if she had a valid drivers licence or a learners license. At one point she tells me she is only a learner, then she says she has a drivers licence...trying to explain that she is just learning to drive this car, as it is a standard. Told her I didn't care that she was just learning that she needs to be more careful. The more I talked to the more the smell of booze came from her. I was able to get her name, phone number and address. Took down the plate number and she conveniently didn't have her drivers license on her. Anyways I called the cops and they came down but she had already left.

There was no damage done to either vehicle. Not even any paint transfer. Once we wash it we may notice a small crack, so will be checking it out probably this weekend. I don't think there is any damage as when she hit me we both went forward together and back so there wasn't another impact. It was more like a tap that a smash but none the less needed to be reported to the police because of the suspicion of being impaired. The cop gave me a file number on his card before he went looking for the woman. I just hope the cops found this woman while still driving.

I don't understand why people think they can drive even after a couple of drinks and be impaired. Sure they think they are good drive but they are not. Don't know what it will take for people to learn that they are danger to everyone including themselves.

Oh ya did I say I love my new vehicle!

"You can achieve anything you want in life

if you have the courage to dream it,

the intelligence to make a realistic plan,

and the will to see that plan through to the end."

Something Nice

When our friends and loved ones are celebrating a special day or feeling down it is aways nice to say or do something special for them. Sometimes we forgot how powerful our actions or the words we speak are. Some people go out of their way to make you feel better and there are some people who say things and don't realize that what they are saying is hurtful and rude, some of these people just don't know any different and there are those that just don't really care about someone else's feelings or thoughts.

Today after lunch we stopped by the florist to pick out a bouquet of flowers for my best friend. We've been friends since high school...our kids have grown up together for the most part. The reason for the bouquet is two fold, it is her birthday and she is home sick.... I would love to be a fly on the wall when she answers her door and she receives her flowers....I know this will be a total surprise....I am sure when sees them, she will think her husband had them delivered to her. My husband had wonderful idea this morning when he suggested we have flowers sent to Brenda for her birthday along with get well soon wishes.

Its these little things that make us who we are. I like to take the high road and say or do the little things to make a person's day.

Kitten Photos!

For pictures of the kittens follow the link below. They are so cute and adorable.

http://s36.photobucket.com/albums/e29/chocobear65/Pets/

You can't help but love them!

Kittens!

3 weeks ago while my husband was working on the deck the 4 little kittens were under foot. So I brought them in the house for the few hours that they were working. Later than night when we got back home, 3 of the kittens were at the door. My husband went looking for the 4th one and found him beside the house dead...poor little thing. At this point we weren't sure why he died, never thought it might be from starvation as I had seen the mother around them. The next morning we found one more of the the kittens dead in the cat house. Still not sure what was going on. It wasn't until the wee hours of Tuesday morning that my daughter found the 2 kittens by the door wanting in the house, when I let the dogs out at 6am the kittens were there. At 8:30 am the kittens were there and meowing like crazy so I brought them in and found they were starving. After feeding them I put them back back out to be with their mother and again she wouldn't have anything to do with them at all, so I brought them back in the house and started to care for them. It was at this point that my husband and I were talking and figure that mother had abandoned them prior to the day when they were under foot while working on the deck.

My husband didn't think they would survive but that they did...they became very attached to us quickly. Now the task at hand was to find them a home. Friday night the two little kittens went to their new home. I am so glad that they are going to stay together and I know that they have gone to good home where they will be care for. These 2 little kittens sure relied on each other, they always curled up together to sleep and so playful.

Winter's Coming

Well it seems that weather gods just didn't want us to have much of a summer as far as weather is concerned and seems like it is going to be the same for the fall season. It feels like we just went from winter to winter with a few nice days here and there in between. So I figured it was time to start getting prepared for winter, so at lunch time it was off to Davidner's to buy a winter jacket. I did find a jacket, even got a bit of deal on the price. I had looked at this jacket in the spring and really liked it. I was glad to see that they had just gotten a shipment of these Outback Jackets in this month. So after Davidner's it was off to Beth's Yarn & Needle Craft shop to pick up some yarn for a scarf and mittens. Well I did pick up yard for my scarf but couldn't find the colors that look good. I don't need mittens just yet so I have some time before I will need them, and I wear gloves for the most part unless it is really cold. So all I need to pick up now is a pair of everyday boots and I should be set for the most part. Oh and I have to knit the scarf, but first I need to finish Brittany's mitten's that I started last year.

Life is mostly froth and bubble,

Two things stand like stone,

Kindness in another's trouble,

Courage in your own.

~Adam Lindsay Gordon

High Speed Internet

Today it happened, we finally got high speed Internet. WOW, what a difference from dial-up. I know enjoy going on the computer at home. Pages load in no time at all, updates are done in a couple of minutes instead of a couple of hours. I wonder how we put up with dial up for so long.

We gave up on waiting for Sasktel to bring us high speed Internet and we went with iNet2000.

It has been along time since I was able to load blogger on my home computer. I would always time out before it would load.

Frsutration

Okay, I have finally hit my breaking point with SGI. I am waiting on the claim for my car that was totaled at the end of June to be settled. I have the slowest adjuster around. I don't think he is the brightest either. He won't return phone calls if you are lucky enough to leave a message on his voice mail. So today I found the main number for the claims office here in town, called and got a very helpful lady that put me through to my adjuster's supervisor who is to call me back within the hour. Because my car was a lease with Toyota Canada, they negotiate the payout value with the adjuster. Before calling to talk to a supervisor I checked with Christine at Toyota Canada to see if she had heard anything and she is as frustrated as I am on this. I am hoping that this call will be enough to have this settled within a couple of days so that I can start the process to purchase another vehicle.

We are looking at purchasing a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD. Al and I have spent the last month test driving vehicles and have decided this is the one we like the best. So far we have test drove it twice and really like the feel of the vehicle and the ride. For a crossover type vehicle it gets good gas mileage. Everyone that I know that has a Santa Fe are really happy with the vehicle over all, the gas mileage and how it handles on the gravel roads. All plus reasons for us to want the same thing.

I know some of you are thinking why are you buying new, we have decided for the amount of miles we put on a vehicle new is the best way to go for us. It is nothing for us to put on 70 - 100 km per day sometime more on the weekends.

Draw a Pig

Have fun with this little personality test!

Draw a pig, click HERE

Ham and Cheese Breakfast Melt

You can add mustard or a slice of tomato to customize this sandwich, if you like. It reheats well, too, so you might want to make two at a time and warm the second one the following morning!

1 Thomas' Light Whole Grain English Muffin, split
1 slice (1 ounce) lean, low-sodium ham or lean Canadian bacon
2 egg whites
1 slice low- or reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Coat an egg ring (see note) with olive oil cooking spray. Toast the muffin halves until they're lightly browned. While the muffin toasts, warm the ham for about 1 minute in a small nonstick skillet. Remove the ham from the skillet and place it on half of the toasted English muffin. Cover to keep it warm. Place the prepared egg ring in the nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour the egg whites into the ring. Cover the pan and cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes, or until the eggs are nearly set. Run a knife or spatula around the inside edge of the ring to break the egg loose. Remove the ring. Flip the egg over and cook it for about 30 seconds longer, or until done. Place the egg on top of the ham. While the egg is piping hot, lay the cheese over it. Top with the remaining muffin half. Serve hot.

Note: If you don't have an egg ring, you can use the ring from a widemouthed canning jar, sprayed with olive oil cooking spray.

Makes 1 serving Per serving: 230 calories, 25 g protein, 25 g carbohydrates (6 g sugars), 6 g fat (2 g saturated), 20 mg cholesterol, 8 g fiber, 570 mg sodium

Work Out

I started working with a trainer this week. She is what I have needed for a long time now. She set me up on a program that will work all my muscle groups and help me shed pounds. I have awakened muscles that have been dormant for a long time. The stretches that she has shown me to do after my workouts have prevented me from being sore the next day. I am not in any pain, but I can feel my muscles that is for sure. I have also learned a few more things that person needs to do to help with your weight loss. I know that calories in helps with the calories out but taking protein about 30 minutes before your work out helps your muscles respond better and allows you to push through your work out better, also you need some protein after your workout as well. So I plan to get to the gym a minimum of 3 days per week and working up to 4 or 5 days as I can. I have a great support system with work the three of us go to the gym together at lunch time. Having Brenda and Wendy to go to the gym with has been a big push for me.

Rebelling.....

Yesterday it was rainy and cold here, but I still haven't given up on summer, well at least I don't want too. I wore my sandals and capri's to work....there were some that thought I was crazy but pointed out it is no different than wearing a skirt. We had such a short summer, seemed that the only summer temperatures were those we had in September. We went from +30 C to +7 C in a week.

I guess it is time to pull out the fall clothes and put away the summer ones.

Orange Chicken

Chicken drumsticks, thighs or leg quarters salt pepper
Minute Maid Orange Juice Concentrate
Mexican seasoning blend
Rice

Chicken drumsticks, thighs or leg quarters ina baking dish and season with salt and pepper. Bake at 350°F for30 to 40 minutes or until cooked through, brushing with undilutedMinute Maid Orange Juice Concentrate occasionally. Sprinklewith a prepared Mexican seasoning blend and cook for 5 minutesmore. Serve over hot cooked can Rice.

Makes 4 dinner servings.

Eskimo Legend

Perhaps they are not the stars,

but rather openings in heaven

where the love of our lost ones pours through

and shines down upon us

to let us know they are happy.

~Inspired by an Eskimo Legend

Time with Friends

We started out as co-workers so to speak. I was her contact for HR stuff and she was my contact for the Fire Centre and the Fire Base in LaRonge. It didn't take long and Michelle and I developed a friendship with each other. Now when we get the chance to spend a bit of time together we do so. Today Michelle was coming through PA on her way to Saskatoon for the Keith Urban concert this evening. We had a wonderful visit over lunch today, a bit about work but mostly just 2 friends having a nice visit together.

Fresh Spring Rolls & Dipping Sauce

2 cups water
8 large shrimp (prawns), peeled and deveined
1 ounce cellophane noodles
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup shredded carrot
1/4 cup peeled, seeded and julienne cucumber
1/2 cup thinly sliced Napa cabbage
1/2 cup bean sprouts
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or fresh coriander
4 rice-paper rounds, 8 inches in diameter
4 large fresh basil leaves, halved lengthwise

Dipping Sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 green (spring) onion, including tender green top, thinly sliced
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 1/2 teaspoons fish sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons unsalted natural peanut butter
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Pinch of brown sugar

In a saucepan, bring the 2 cups water to a boil. Add the shrimp and immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Cover and poach until pink and opaque throughout, about 3 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to a bowl of ice water and let cool for 3 minutes. Drain and cut each shrimp in half lengthwise. Refrigerate until ready to use.

In a heatproof bowl, combine the noodles and boiling water and soak for 10 minutes. Drain and return the noodles to the bowl. Add the carrot, cucumber, cabbage, bean spouts and cilantro. Toss gently to mix.

Place a double thickness of paper towels on a work surface. Fill a large, shallow baking dish with water. Place 1 rice-paper round in the water and soak until pliable, about 30 seconds. Carefully transfer the wrapper to the paper towels and turn once to blot dry. Arrange 1/2 cup of the noodle mixture on the bottom half of the wrapper.

Fold the bottom edge toward the center and roll up the wrapper halfway, making sure to wrap tightly around the filling. Tuck 2 basil leaf halves along the inside crease of the half-rolled wrapper. Arrange 4 pieces of the shrimp, cut sides up, along the crease. Fold the right and left edges of the wrapper over the filling and finish rolling up. Repeat with the remaining wrappers, filling, basil and shrimp. Transfer the rolls to a plate and cover with dampened paper towels.
To make the sauce, combine the hoisin sauce, green onion, lime juice, fish sauce, peanut butter, red pepper flakes and brown sugar in a small bowl. Stir until well blended.

To serve, cut the rolls in half on the diagonal and place on small individual plates.
Pool the sauce alongside each roll.

Serves 2

Nutritional Analysis(per serving)
Serving size: 2 spring rolls
Calories 198
Monounsaturated fat 2 g
Protein 10 g
Cholesterol 44 mg
Carbohydrate 34 g
Sodium 512 mg
Total fat 4 g
Fiber 4 g
Saturated fat 0 g

Feeling Better

I have been going to physio since August 5th for bursitis in my left hip. After yesterday's treatment I think I might be done. Definitely felt better after the treatment than when I went in. No pain in my hip which is something that I haven't had since October 2008. What a wonderful feeling. I have an appointment booked for tomorrow which I am going to change to next week. I feel that will give me enough time to determine if I need any more physio treatments.

So far things are going good at the gym. I am booked in with the trainer for next week for 4 days to get set up on a program using weights, the treadmill, the elliptical etc. I did strain a muscle in my right leg from my hip down past my knee, so I have been taking it easy on the leg exercises giving the muscle time to heal and so far so good.

I did brave the scale the other day so now I have a starting weight to work with. I haven't done my measurements yet, maybe this weekend sometime.

A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world.

It knows no law, no pity,

it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.

~Agatha Christie

I Did It!!!!

I did it....I joined the gym today! I took out a 1 year membership at Bravo For Women Fitness. I feel so good about it too......wondering why it took me so long to do this. I guess that is where you have to be in the right mind set and ready to make the commitment to change. My goal is to go to work out at the gym 3 days a week and strive to make it 5 days a week. I am also setting a goal to drink 8 glasses of water a day and cut out the amount of junk food and pop that I consume. I am actually going to try and not drink any pop for the next 2 weeks, keep your fingers crossed for me. Pepsi is a weakness of mine, I've done it before I am sure I can do it again.

I want to loose enough weight to reach a healthy weight, be physically active on a daily basis, live a healthier life style -- they all tie into each other.

Next year come the Relay For Life I want to be able to jog a few laps around that track as well.

My ultimate goal is to get that bikini body and keep it. Don't think I will ever put a bikini on but want to get to a weight I will be happy with.

Creamy Pesto Shrimp with Linguini

1 tbsp butter (15 mL)
1 tbsp olive oil (15 mL)
2 tbsp flour (30 mL)
2 cups 1% milk (500 mL)
1/2 tsp pepper (2.5 mL)
375 g linguini (11 oz)
2/3 cup grated low-fat Parmesan cheese (7 mL)
1/4 cup pesto (60 mL)
Large shrimp, cooked peeled and deveined (454g or 1 lb)
Chili flakes (optional)
Salt to taste

Boil water for pasta.
Melt butter and olive oil in a nonstick fry pan. Stir in flour until pasty, then add milk, stirring constantly.
Season with pepper.
Add linguini to boiling water. Cook for 10 minutes or follow package directions.
Stir Parmesan cheese into cream sauce.
Blend in pesto and cook for a few minutes on low until thickened. If the sauce gets too thick it’s ok to keep adding milk a little bit at a time.
Stir in shrimp to heat through. Serve over hot linguini.

Creamy Carrot Muffins

In a bowl mix
½ cup softened cream cheese
3 Tbls. sugar
½ tsp. vanilla
3 Tbls. chopped nuts or raisins

Beat 2 eggs, then add:
½ cup sugar
1 cup grated carrots
Add
1 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
Mix 1/3 cup oil 3 – Tbls yogurt.

Grease muffin tins. Or line with paper
Pour some batter in bottom
Add 1 tsp. of cream cheese mixture
Then add more batter , making sure to cover cream cheese.

Bake 375 for 15 minutes..
When cooked these muffins will have cream cheese in middle…

Bravo for Women

Tuesday myself and 3 of my co-workers started our 3 day free trial of Bravo for Women Fitness. They have circuit training as well as weights, treadmills etc...and specialized classes. We go at noon hours and get a good work out in. Next week on Tuesday will be our last free trial day. I am going to take out a year membership. With the year membership a trainer will work with me 4 hrs per month, track my progress, develop a fitness plan as well as help me plan my meals. I have felt so good after my work outs that I look forward to the next one. One of the trainers does a 2 week challenge where if you follow everything she puts into the challenge we should loose 10 lbs. I like that I have someone behind me pushing me to work harder when I need it and to help me chart my progress along the way and develop plans to keep me going. So I am hoping that with in a month I am down about 10 lbs from the date that I start my year membership.

Stay tuned for fitness updates.

Skunked at Sturgeon Lake

Last night my husband Al, our son Michael, the dog Rocco and myself went to up to Sturgeon Lake for the evening fishing. It was a beautiful day to go to the lake. We got on the water just before 6pm. The race was on between me and Michael as to who would catch the first fish. We were both using the same type of hook. The one that I caught 4 fish on on Sunday - a Rattlin' Rapala Fire Tiger.

As we trolled up and down our favorite spots not a bite or a nibble. The odd fish would jump up in front of the boat but never behind us. It was almost like they were taunting us to try and catch them.

It is the first time in a long time that we have been skunked on Sturgeon Lake.

The greatest thing about getting older

Is that you don't loose all the other ages you've been

Madeline L'engle

When we were children,

we used to think that when we were grown-up

we would no longer be vulnerable.

But to grow up is to accept vulnerability...

To be alive is to be vulnerable.

Madeline L'engle

More Reno Update

Well Saturday evening my husband and Danny (a friend of ours) finished putting up the soffit and fascia boards. Wow does my house look different. Amazing what siding, new windows, new doors, soffit and fascia can do to a house. I think it actually looks bigger, now only if it was.

Next comes the parging and the deck off the dining room and we'll be done the outside of the house. Plans are to have both the parging and the deck done by the end of September. I am really looking forward to having the deck off the dining room. The past 2 weekends we have sat outside at our patio table enjoying the nice summer evenings (which are finally here) but as the evening wears on it gets cool fast and the grass gets really damp.

Monday afternoon they came and put up the new eavestroughs. There were done within a hour of getting started. I was so impressed at how quick they were and the wonderful job they did. Really looks nice.

Over the next couple of evenings I have to take some more pictures of the house and start posting them so you can see what I have been talking about.

House Renovations Cont...

We we are back at the exterior renovations for our house. My husband finished the sofet and facia boards on the porch. He has also put up the sofet and facia on the south facing wall along with the rest of the siding on the peak of that wall.

Last night Jack & Brenda came out to put the frames on the doors and help Al with the sofeting.

While I was out bbqing our supper I noticed alot of wasp flying around the sofet in one area. The noise was making my skin crawl. I hate bees of all kinds...so hope they are not back this afternoon. We're pretty sure that they have a nest in attic area. Just thinking about them my skin is crawling.

Driving down the drive way our house is starting to look really nice. Al should have all the sofeting and facia boards on by the end of next week. The company that is coming to install the new eaves troughs told us on Monday a week to 2 weeks and they will be at our house.

Next on the agend is building the deck off the future dining room and parging the basement walls then we will be done the outside for this year. Then we will start working on things inside the house. Within the year we should have an old house that is like new. I am really looking forward to a new kitchen and a dining room.

Optimism

Optimism is the cheerful frame of mind

that enables a tea kettle to sing through

in hot water up to its nose.

Unknown

Physi

Well the physio seems to be having an effect on my hip. I have had two electric shock type treatments and today was a different type of treatment where the therapist stretched out my hip joint. I am hoping that this helps with the bursitis. Like a fool I waited until it got unbearable to put any weight on my hip before going to the doctor. When I first felt the symptoms I thought it might be from how I slept on it..my hip felt better in a few days so didn't think anything more about it until early this spring it started bothering me again...and I chalked it up to the damp weather thinking once the weather cleared up I would feel better......Ya Right! Wrong.....the weather changed and my hip still hurt so finally off the doctor and now I am in physio. So far things are going okay!

Update

Seeing it has been a while since I posted, figured I should give you an update.

We had a nice holiday.......lots of rain except for the 2 1/2 days that really counted. We had nice weather for travelling on Monday July 27th but that night the rain clouds started moving in. For the entire week it rained off and on until Friday afternoon when it started to clear up. This was perfect as the wedding rehearsal was late Friday afternoon. We enjoyed a BBQ at Ted & Kim's cottage along with some of their family members from Munster as well as local family. Saturday morning we woke to a slightly cloudy day but by 9:30 the clouds were all gone and the sun moved it.

It was a beautiful day for a wedding on Aug 1st for an outdoor wedding. The temperature was just right not too hot but definitely not cold. Even into the evening the day was perfect for the outdoor wedding. The bride looked absolutely beautiful! Everything was perfect.

Sunday was another nice day for the gift opening....the rain came at about 9:30pm or so that night so again another perfect day.

The wedding was held out at Baker's Narrows Lodge about 20 minutes out of Flin Flon MB. The lodgings were wonderful. The cabins were really nice and kept very cool, the advantage to log cabins. We are thinking that next year we will rent a cabin for a week of our holidays and spend time at the lake. To check out the lodge go to Bakers Narrows Lodge

Upon our return home I ended up sick. It was close to 2 weeks before I felt back to normal and my daughter Brittany ended up in the hospital overnight for a severe Kidney Infection.

As of Aug 4th my hubby and I get to travel to work together as he is working in the office in PA until the end of October but is hoping that they will extend him until Dec 31st. I am hoping that he will be in the office until after Christmas as well. It is nice to have him home each night. It has been many years since we lived with him home every night....I could really get used to this.

With Al being home all the time now, will be able to get a few more things finished on the house before the snow flies.

Well that is about it in a nut shell.

Flin Flon

Well we arrived late yesterday afternoon at Ted & Kim's. We're here for the week to help with the preparations for Michelle and Jeff's wedding on August 1st. This morning Kim and I are making the cabbage rolls for Friday night supper and Sunday lunch.

Meagan got her Graduation present from Kim and Ted last night....a beautiful set of Pearls that once belonged to Kim's mom and grandmother. What a beautiful gift. Meagan was speechless. Brittany received a beautiful gold heart pendant with a Ruby on a gold chain that also had once belonged to Kim's mom and grandmother. So both my girls have a gift from their grandmother of the heart.

Later this evening we are having a girls pampering night with the bridal party!!!!!

Summer Time

This year our weather hasn't been the best. Our winter was colder than normal, our spring was colder and wetter than normal and the start of our summer has been colder than normal. This week is the first week where we seem to have had typical summer temperatures for more than a day or two. One thing the number of forest fires in the province is lower than it was last year. There have even been days where there a no fires burning in the province, something I don't recall happening before. Even the temperatures in the evening haven't been all that warm...so I am hoping that summer has finally arrived.

Upcomimg Holidays

Only 3 1/2 days of work left then I am on holidays for 11 days. We are off to Flin Flon MB on July 27th for the week. We are heading up for Jeff & Michelle's wedding on August 1st. It is going to be an outdoor wedding so hopefully the weather man brings us nice sunny days leading up to and after the Big day. We are going up early to help with any last minute preparations. Brittany is doing nails for the Bridal Party and the mother of the bride that week as well. I am also looking forward to trying out my new camera at the wedding. I hope to get a change go out by the lake and get some nature shots as well. There maybe some photo opportunities on the drive up to Flin Flon, just have to convince my husband to stop and let me take some photos.

I am looking forward to my time in Flin Flon next week...always proves to be relaxing even when we are busy....

Best Buttermilk Pancakes

Give Aunt Jemima the day off and try these incredibly easy homemade pancakes. You'll never go back to the box.

1/2 cup (125 mL) unsalted butter
2 cups (500 mL) buttermilk or 2 cups (500 mL) milk plus 2 tbsp (30 mL) lemon juice
2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (50 mL) granulated sugar
2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder
1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda
1 tsp (5 mL) salt
2 eggs
2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla
Butter for cooking
2 peaches, sliced (optional)

Melt butter in the microwave or on the stove. Set aside to cool. Measure out buttermilk, or stir milk with lemon juice then let stand until slightly thickened, at least 5 min. In a large bowl, using a fork, stir flour with sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Make a well in centre.
In a medium bowl, whisk eggs with buttermilk, cooled melted butter and vanilla. Pour into well in flour mixture. Using a wooden spoon, stir until just blended. The batter should be a bit lumpy. For fluffy pancakes, mix as little as possible.

Lightly coat a large frying pan with butter and set over medium heat. (Save time by using 2 pans or a large griddle.) Pour 1/3 cup (75 mL) batter into pan. Pancake will be about 6 in. (15 cm) wide. Add 1 or 2 more pancakes. Gently press peach slices into batter.

Cook until bubbles form on the top of each pancake and edges begin to brown, 2 to 4 min. Using a wide spatula, flip and continue cooking until the bottoms of pancakes become golden, 2 to 3 min. Don't press or they will become tough.

Serve right away or place on a plate and keep warm in a low-temperature oven while cooking remaining pancakes. They're delicious drizzled with maple syrup.

Mix it up
WHOLESOME- Sub whole-wheat flour for all-purpose. If batter is thick, add more milk 1 tbsp (15 mL) at a time, until it's pourable.
BERRY - Pour batter into pan, then sprinkle each pancake with 1 heaping tbsp (22 mL) of blueberries, then gently push in.
CHAI SPICED - Stir 1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon, 1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground ginger and 1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground cardamom (optional) into flour mixture before adding egg mixture.

Makes 12 Pancakes

Published by Chatelaine on 8/1/2009

Blueberry Delight

1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup milk
1-1/2 cups fresh blueberries (frozen blueberries may be used)

SAUCE
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg yolk, well beaten
1/4 cup boiling water
Vanilla, to taste

Cream butter and sugar; stir in eggs. Sift flour and baking powder together. Add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well. Coat blueberries with small amount of additional flour (to assure even distribution of berries in cake); fold into batter. Pour into lightly greased 8- or 9-inch square pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cut into squares. Top with sauce.

TO PREPARE SAUCE
Cream butter and sugar in top of double boiler. Blend in egg yolk and boiling water. Cook over hot water until mixture thickens, stirring frequently. Stir in vanilla. Spoon hot sauce over servings of Blueberry Delight.

SERVES: 6-8

Blueberry Yogart Muffins

1/4 cup butter (1/2 cube), room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup whole-wheat flour
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen, thawed and drained

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line muffin tins with paper cups.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. Add flour, baking power and salt alternately with milk and yogurt. Do not over mix. Carefully fold in blueberries.

Spoon into paper-lined muffin tin. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes.

Treat everyone with politeness,

even those who are rude to you -- not because they are nice,

but because you are.

~Author Unknown

Heavenly White Chocolate Toffee Bars

225 g (1 pkg) white chocolate chips
250 mL (1 cup) sweetened flaked coconut
125 mL (1/2 cup) sliced almonds, toasted
200 g (1 pkg) toffee bits, divided
500 mL (2 cups) graham crumbs
175 mL (3/4 cup) butter, melted
300 mL (1 can) Regular or Low Fat Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Line a 9” x 13” (3L) baking dish with parchment paper, overlapping the two longer sides for easy removal.
2. Combine white chocolate chips, coconut, almonds and ½ cup (125mL) toffee bits. Reserve.
3. Mix graham cracker crumbs and remaining toffee bits with butter; press evenly into prepared baking dish.
4. Pour Eagle Brand evenly over crumbs.
5. Sprinkle with white chocolate chip mixture; press down firmly.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cool thoroughly and cut into bars.

Tips:Substitute white chocolate chips with 1 cup (250mL) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips.

White on white toppings make these sweet sensations an easy dessert to dress up for a special occasion, or simply for sinfully sumptuous snacking!

Prep Time: 10 minutesServing: 36 bars

Friends!

"Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our spirit has trouble remembering how to fly!"


"Friends are special treasures of the heart"

Homemade Oreo Cookies

These cookies are absolutely delicious and sinful,
full of calories too...224 calories/cookie

2 (18 ounce) boxes devil's food cake mix
4 eggs, beaten well
2/3 cup oil
1/2 cup margarine
4 ounces cream cheese
2 cups icing sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Mix cake mix, eggs and oil together well.
Shape into marble size balls.

Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. They are done when the tops looked cracked.

Mix margarine, cream cheese, icing sugar and vanilla together.
When cookies are completely cooled, frost the flat side of one cookie and then sandwich with another cookie.

Note: Allow cookies to set on counter for a couple of hours after sandwiching them together with the icing otherwise the tops may slide when putting into cookie jar.

Fun In The Sun

Yesterday our family headed to Sturgeon Lake for the afternoon/evening. We had left the boat docked there the night before. The water was warm and the sun was blazing so it was the perfect day to head to the beach for some swimming and tubing.

Brittany was the first to hit the water on the tub. A little while later she took Rocco for a ride on the tube.

Meagan was next to ride the waves of the lake.

Then it was Mike's turn to ride the waves.


After all that Meagan and Brittany decided to try riding double in the tube. It was as much fun watching them ride as it was for them riding.

After everyone was done tubing for the day, the girls and Rocco headed back home while Al, Mike and I stayed at the lake and fished for a couple of hours. We caught 3 Jack Fish which 2 were released back to the lake as they were too small to keep.

Sturgeon Lake

With not going to Nemeiben Lake for the weekend we decided to head up to Sturgeon Lake for a couple of hours of fishing. They skies had cleared off mid afternoon on Saturday so we had a quick bite to eat and headed off to the lake. Michael, Allan, me and Rocco spent a couple of hours trolling our favorite fishing spot. Well the luck was with Michael that night as he caught two fish that worth while to keep.

Mike's first fish in a couple of years. Yes he was a happy fisherman.

When the fish seemed to stop biting I decided to pick up my camera and try out my new polarizing lens. I am so glad that I invested in that lens as I got some really nice pictures of the sunset.

This picture of my son was taken with the polarizing lens. I love how the sun is reflecting behind him on the water.



I was able to catch the setting sun in these shots. It was absolutely beautiful to watch.




I wish I could have gotten closer to these Pelicans roosting for the night. There was just too many weeds for the boat motor to get through to get any closer.

Change of Plans

When I arrived home on Thursday night with my kids my husband tells me the news that my best friend Brenda's dad passed away. This is the friend that has the cabin on Nemeiben Lake where we were headed for the weekend. Brenda and Jack don't have a phone at the cabin so the big discussion was how do we get word to them about her dad's passing. After speaking with member's of Brenda's family we decided that Al and I would drive up to Nemeiben and tell Brenda of her dad's passing. It was the least that we could do as Brenda has been there for me in so many ways over the years. We all felt that it would just be better coming from someone that close to Brenda and Jack than from the RCMP or Conservation Officers. It would be much more personal and compassionate as well and they wouldn't always have that cold memory of the authorities coming to their door. Brenda was so glad and grateful that we were the ones to come and tell her about her dad's passing. I know I appreciated it when I found out about my dad's passing by someone who cares than from a phone call or the authorities knocking on my door.

North

........to Nemeiben Lake

We are off to Nemeiben for a weekend of fishing and fun on the lake. Life jackets are packed, the tube is packed, the dogs are packed, fishing gear is already in the truck. Get to try out some new tackle that I picked up this week. Camera battery is fully charged and ready to.....can't forget my fishing hat either.

Sunday we are heading over to Stanly Mission to go see the Holy Trinity Church, the Ancient Pictographs and Nistowiak Falls. I will post pictures when I get back, hopefully some of my big catch.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Raspberry Bars
Makes 16 bars

Crust
¾ cup white whole-wheat flour (see Note)
½ cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
2 tablespoons ice water
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Raspberry Filling
2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons water
3 cups fresh raspberries, divided
½ cup granulated sugar
4 tablespoons nonfat cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons low-fat milk
1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar

1. To prepare crust: Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat an 8-inch-square baking pan with cooking spray.

2. Place flour, pecans, 2 tablespoons sugar and salt in a food processor; process until the nuts are finely ground. Add butter one piece at a time, pulsing once or twice after each addition, until incorporated. Add ice water and vanilla and pulse just until the dough starts to come together. Transfer to the prepared pan. Press evenly and firmly into the pan to form a bottom crust.

3. Bake the crust until it looks set, but not browned, about 15 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.

4. To prepare raspberry filling: Sprinkle gelatin over 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl; let stand, stirring once or twice, while you prepare the rest of the filling.

5. Reserve 16 raspberries. Puree the remaining raspberries in a food processor until smooth. Transfer to a medium saucepan and stir in 1/2 cup sugar. Cook over medium heat until bubbling. Stir in the gelatin mixture and cook, stirring, until the gelatin is melted, about 1 minute.

6. Fill a large bowl with ice water. Pour the raspberry mixture into a medium bowl and set it in the bowl of ice water. Refrigerate, stirring occasionally with a rubber spatula, until the mixture thickens to the consistency of loose jam and is beginning to set around the edges, about 30 minutes.

7. Meanwhile, beat cream cheese, milk and confectioners’ sugar in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth.

8. Spread the thickened raspberry filling evenly over the crust. Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the filling. Draw the tip of a sharp knife or skewer through the two fillings to create a swirled effect. Nestle the reserved berries into the filling, evenly spacing them so each bar will be topped with a berry when cut. Refrigerate until the bars are completely set, about 3 hours. Cut into 16 bars, one raspberry per bar.

Raspberry Bars Tips
Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.

Note: White whole-wheat flour, made from a special variety of white wheat, is light in color and flavor but has the same nutritional properties as regular whole-wheat. Find it in the baking section of the supermarket or online at bobsredmill.com and kingarthurflour.com.
Raspberry Bars Tips Cont.

Raspberry Bars Nutrition Information
Per bar: 101 calories; 5 g fat (2 g sat, 2 g mono); 6 mg cholesterol; 14 g carbohydrate; 2 g protein; 2 g fiber; 94 mg sodium; 64 mg potassium.1 Carbohydrate ServingExchanges: 1 carbohydrate (other), 1 fat

Blog Candy

Check out the fabulous Blog Candy over at Crissy's Art & Heart . Her blog candy runs from Wednesday July 8th until Wednesday July 15th. The winner's names will be posted on Crissy's Art & Heart Blog on Thursday July 16. Crissy has some amazing cards on her blog for inspiration as well as some good tutorials for those wanting to learn some of her techniques. One bonus is that Crissy has some links to Canadian Scrapbooking and Stamping Online Stores. Don't forget to read the rules for entering for a chance to win some awesome blog candy.

Birthday Cards

Recently I had opportunity to create 2 cards for a cousin's 50th Birthday and a friend's 50th Birthday.

The card that I created for my husband's cousin. I used my favorite Sugar Nellie stamp - Daisy. Skin was colored with Copic Markers and the rest of the card was colored with Prisma Colored Pencils and Mona Lisa. Embellishments used was Prima Flower and a jewelled butterfly from the dollar store.

Front Cover

Inside Cover

Back Cover

For the card that I made for our friend's 50th, I used some of my favorite Magnolia Stamps. This it the first time that I used these stamps. I sprayed the white card with Glimmer Mist in Twilight for the speckled effect on the background. The skin on Tilda was colored with Copic Markers and the remainder of the card was colored with Prisma Colored Pencils and Mona Lisa.

Card Front

Inside Cover

HouseBoat Trip

Over the weekend my husband and I took a trip on a house boat on Tobin Lake by Nipawin with friends of ours Danny and Sandra and their family. The houseboat was rented from Twin Marine located in the Nipawin Regional Park. Thursday night we were able to board the house boat, get settled in and spend the night at the dock. Friday morning after a short orientation we set sail with Steve at the wheel.

The moon beam's reflection off the water on Thursday night was absolutely beautiful.

Above: Al enjoying the sites as we leave the dock for the weekend.
Below: Danny and Sandra seem to be enjoying the sites as well as we leave dock.

We stopped here and there to try our hand at fishing but without towing a fishing boat behind us it wasn't the easiest task as you are really limited on the space on both the front and back docks. Also it is really hard to get the houseboat over the shelves where the fish like to hang out. We did however catch a few small fish. Jeremy did catch the first fish which was released back into the lake so it could grow and a little while later he did catch a fish that would have been a keeper. I was waiting on the back deck by the motor with the net in hand to scoop it up, when it took one look at the boat did a flip and snapped the line. My guess it was about an 8 or 9 lb Walleye.

THE FIRST CATCH

The next afternoon Scott and I were fishing off the front deck when something caught my hook and took off with it. I have never had anything that big on my line in all my years of fishing. Scott was quick to grab the net to be ready to bring it in. At first I thought I might be snapped on a long or some weeds but weeds and logs don't pull more of your line out and zip and zag around in the water. I fought with it for 10 - 15 minutes, we were even chasing with the boat. I had 20lb test line on my rod an it ended up snapping it. My arms were sore from fighting to land this fish in the boat. It was a rush just fighting with him I can only imagine what it would be like if I landed him into the boat.

Some Pictures from our weekend

The smallest waterfall in Saskatchewan.

THE LAST CATCH

On our way back to Twin Marine, Al decided to do a bit of tolling. Well he definitely won the prize for the smallest catch. For anyone that is wondering Al caught a tiny clam on his last cast.

Potato Gnocchi

2 lbs Medium Potatoes (about 4)
1 Tbsp Butter or Maragarine
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg yolk
1 - 1 1/2 cups flour

In covered pot cook potatoes until tender. Drain. In mixing bowl beat hot potatoes, butter and salt until smooth. Add egg yolk and 1/4 cup of flour. Beat until smooth. By hand stir in enough flour to make a moderately stiff dough (I used my kitchen add to stir in the flour). Turn onto floured surface, knead for 4 - 5 minutes with generously floured hands. Shape into balls using about 1 Tbsp dough for each ball. Crease the centre with the handle of a wooden spoon. Cook several at a time in a large amount of salted water for 8 - 10 minutes. Remove, drain. Serve with desired sauce, butter with Salt & Pepper and cheese.

Tip: Epicure Selections Cheddar, Bacon & Chives Dip mix goes really well on top with a bit of butter, salt and pepper.

Note: I know I used more than 1 1/2 cups of flour about 2 cups. I relied on the texture of the dough so that it wasn't too sticky.

Lemon Garlic Chicken

1/4 cup oil
1 broiler or fryer, cut up, or chicken pieces
Flour to coat chicken pieces
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 clove garlic, mashed
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 Tablespoons chopped onion
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce

Pour 1/4 cup oil into 9x13x2-inch pyrex baking dish. Flour and salt chicken pieces and place the pieces, skin side down, in a single layer. Bake 30 minutes at 400 degrees. Turn chicken and pour sauce over chicken. To make sauce, use the 1/4 cup olive oil and add all other ingredients to it. Bake another 30 minutes.

SERVES: 4 - 6

HAPPY CANADA DAY

This year we celebrate the 142nd Anniversary of Confederation.

On June 20, 1868, a proclamation signed by the Governor General, Lord Monck called upon all Her Majesty's loving subjects throughout Canada to join in the celebration of the anniversary of the formation of the union of the British North America provinces in a federation under the name of Canada on July 1st.

The July 1st holiday was established by statute in 1879, under the name Dominion Day. It wasn't unitl October 27, 1982 when July 1st which was known as "Dominion Day" became "Canada Day".

However you celebrate Canada Day, whether you join in some organized activities in your community or you do something on your own have a great time and enjoy the day!

Happy Canada Day!

PicNik

Yesterday I while I was on Facebook, I checked out the new pictures that my daughter had posted. As I was going through them I realized that she had taken some of her favorite pictures and edited them. I really like the effect of the photos where she took out all the color except for one or two particular colors. Of course this sparked my interest (anything to do with photography grabs my interest - a favorite hobby of mine) so I asked her how she did this. She tells me about this photo editing website called PicNik.

Here is the link to the website http://www.picnik.com/

I have only started to look at this site but like what I see. Picnik is free to use but also gives you the option to upgrade to PicNik Premium for a yearly fee. So yesterday I decided to try this site out.



This picture I made a collage of 3 different pictures, changed them to Black & White and added just a bit of color around Meagan's face then added a frame to the collage.



I took this picture of Meagan and turned into into a pencil sketch but softened the amount of pencil to leave a bit of color then added a boarder around the picture.

June is Flying By

Where has the month of June gone. Here it is already June 29th and it feels like June only just started a couple of days ago. Hard to believe that we are over half way through 2009. Time definitely goes by faster as you get older.

Over the weekend my daughter - Meagan, attended St Mary High School Graduation, so once again I was up at 4 am heading to town to pick her up from the Safe Grad.

Saturday we were celebrating a friends 50th Birthday. With time flying by I had to quickly make a birthday card. I forgot to pull the pictures off my camera so I will post pictures of the card tomorrow to show you.

My daughter Brittany is now a certified Esthetician-Nail Technician. This is now a recognized trade by the Saskatchewan Trade Apprenticeship Board. Once Brittany has her hours in she can apply to write her Provincial Journeyperson's papers. We are going to be contacting the Trade Apprenticeship Board for all the information needed as to the hours needed etc.

Grad Pictures Continued

ARRIVAL AT THE GRAND MARCH

Jas and Meagan

Kelsey, Victoria, Ashley, ?, ?, Meagan, Taylor, Emily

Victoria, Meagan, Kelsey

Shelby & Meagan

THE GRAND MARCH

THE DANCE

The first dance is with the graduates escort, then the parents and the last 3 dances were with people that were important in the graduates life. Meagan's first dance was with her escort Jas, then with her dad, with her very close friend Cole, with her brother Mike and then with another friend Chad. He asked Meagan for one of the special dances, which in a way was a surprise to Meagan.

Meagan & Jaz

Meagan and her Dad!

Meagan & Cole

Meagan & Michael

Meagan & Chad