tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3164878931464319722012-01-17T19:23:58.418-08:00Stories, observations, sharing and food.Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.comBlogger1391100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-82045340649881395372012-01-13T11:28:00.000-08:002012-01-13T13:07:22.040-08:00

The bread delivery truck was arriving just as I left the grocery store yesterday. It sped through the parking lot at what I thought was a rather alarming rate. Though I was at safe distance, I was concerned for some of the other shoppers. There was one elderly couple in particular that I felt had a rather narrow escape.  Once I recovered from the mild outrage I felt at the irresponsibility of

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-64159517766765988872012-01-12T13:25:00.000-08:002012-01-12T13:25:48.617-08:00

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Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-13989852388116311772011-12-08T10:00:00.000-08:002011-12-08T10:00:03.919-08:00

I have changed the names in the following story. Partly because I don't want to offend anyone, but mostly because I can't remember them. Maybe I am getting old! Last week I was at a friend's place for dinner. Other than the host and her two daughters I didn't know anyone there, so conversation consisted of a steady stream of small talk. You know the stuff. "Where do you work?" "How do you know

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-83341727014756696352011-12-06T11:54:00.000-08:002011-12-06T11:54:59.071-08:00

I thought I knew what I wanted to write about today. I had great intentions when I sat down at the computer, but I just couldn't get going. As I often do, I started poking around on other blogs for "inspiration". At least I was calling it inspiration. In reality I think it was avoidance.  I didn't even realize I was avoiding my writing until I slid over to Making Love in the Kitchen where

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-6547827610438311472011-11-28T09:44:00.000-08:002011-11-28T09:44:07.545-08:00

So, last week it was painters.  This morning it's the crew installing the new heating system, and here I am.  Surprise! I'm trying to stay out of the way, but still be at hand should anything happen that needs my attention.  I was using the same philosophy last week when the painters were here.  What to do when large portions of you house are unavailable to you? Well, I write. I'm reminded of

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-83198642176958783672011-11-24T15:23:00.000-08:002011-11-24T15:23:24.907-08:00

I have trouble with poetry. I have trouble understanding it. I have trouble writing it. Imagine my surprise when I found this when sifting through old, unpublished posts: A poem written after eating edamame for two days running, and I do mean running. Soy foods may be good for the heart,  Though the more I eat the more I fart, I fart and fart til the room does reel Glad I don't eat it with

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-49353344082337958512011-11-24T11:38:00.000-08:002011-11-24T11:40:23.041-08:00

It is a miserable, windy, rainy day. Just the kind of weather to make me appreciate the sunny photos in this previously unpublished post. I have no idea what I originally wanted to say with the pictures.  All I found when tidying up the blog was an untitled draft with these pictures. They were taken in August of 2010 on what was obviously a beautiful day.  As we can all use some sunshine, I'm

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-2516695597422992902011-11-24T10:35:00.000-08:002011-11-24T10:35:33.465-08:00

It's Thursday morning. I'm not working, but others are. There are painters working in my living room and guy downstairs preparing to install our new heat pump system. I'm drinking coffee, surfing the web and tidying up the blog. I could get used to this doing nothing while others work.  I'd better not though. Gotta pay for all this stuff, but I'm enjoying it while I can.   As I've been sifting

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-4993820559981524472011-11-22T10:18:00.000-08:002011-11-22T10:18:29.751-08:00

I have a confession.  I watch The Simpsons. Regularly. I've done so for years. On Sunday one of my favourite authors, Neil Gaiman, appeared as himself on the show. I loved it. Neil, as always, was wonderful, but his guest appearance wasn't the only thing that had me laughing out loud. The episode poked fun at the publishing industry, teen lit, the vampire genre, bookstore/coffee shops,  writing

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-49783929761652671052011-11-12T16:34:00.000-08:002011-11-12T16:34:34.625-08:00

I just had the strangest dining experience.   It wasn't the food that was strange, though it was new to me. The service and decor were well within the confines of normal. If anything, the strangeness originated in me.  Today we tried our local Korean restaurant for the first time. I've never had Korean food before, so I didn't know what to expect. Maybe the newness allowed for what I

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-50998090125024943042011-11-08T18:22:00.000-08:002011-11-08T18:22:44.949-08:00

(This post has not been proof-read. Posting anyway. It's my blog and I'll misspell if I want to!) 10:00 am I should be cleaning right now. On Thursday a "Certified Energy Advisor" will be here to perform a home energy audit.  We already know the place is about as energy efficient as a sieve, so it would be nice to be able to show him a clean and tidy house.  I won't have time to do much

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-52512840940207599242011-11-06T10:15:00.000-08:002011-11-06T10:15:00.559-08:00

A strange restlessness, that may or may not have been a deeply disguised urge to write, led to my lurking on other blogs. While snooping at Life, Love, and Food I discovered a link to The Splendid Table. As I'm always looking for something to listen to while I walk, I downloaded an episode. That episode featured an interview with Stefan Gates. Glow-in-the-dark Jello and vegetable orchestras were

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-76400112895521541022011-11-05T12:36:00.000-07:002011-11-05T12:36:35.740-07:00

Salads are only for murderers,Coleslaw's a fascist regime.Don't think that they don't have feelings,Just cause a radish can't scream. From "Carrot Juice is Murder" by the Arrogant Worms. This song runs through my head every time I cook beets.  It seemed particularly appropriate last night, as I prepared borscht for our dinner. The red juices dripping from my knife, across the cutting board and

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-89369397962593890742011-11-04T13:15:00.000-07:002011-11-04T13:18:02.062-07:00

I've been lurking around at my favourite blogs recently. When I stop writing here I tend to stop reading other blogs.  I'm sure there's a very good psychological reason for this behaviour that a skilled therapist could help me sort out. Whatever. The fact that I'm out there roaming the blogosphere leads me to believe that somewhere in the deepest, darkest places of my mind I may be thinking about

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-88098397997310523052011-05-30T09:12:00.000-07:002011-05-30T09:12:46.747-07:00

This is a re-post of an article I published on May 11.  It was lost somewhere in the blogosphere, as were any comments you made.  Feel free to comment again.   "We apologise for the inconvenience"  Douglas Adams I have a confession to make.  I know this will come as a shock to those of you who saw my most recent recipe.  In spite of my attempts to maintain a healthy diet, I have a difficult

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-22015133196542911942011-05-30T08:56:00.000-07:002011-05-30T08:56:02.761-07:00

It doesn't take much to discourage me from writing.  Words don't flow freely;  ideas don't come; I don't remember how to spell acomodate, accommodate, accomodate...  My most recent setback was technical.  I posted an article about lettuce on May 11.  On the same day I worked on new articles.  I updated my "About Me" blurb. I commented on other blogs.  I also had a migraine that day, so anything

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-55736330104926263222011-05-06T15:26:00.000-07:002011-05-06T15:26:51.335-07:00

What the hell is wrong with the manufacturers of natural nut butter?  Today I bought a 250g jar of hazelnut butter.  It was $7. The entire jar is small enough to fit in my tea mug with room to spare for tea.  That isn't my issue. I was willing to pay the price.  I was also aware that the the nut oil would have separated from the rest of the product.  I expect that with a natural nut butter.  

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-33145493551674313542011-05-05T10:55:00.000-07:002011-05-05T10:58:02.728-07:00

I am rich in friends, and as I result I am rich in herbs too.  The post about my new bay tree prompted my friend C to contact me.  As C has a gorgeous lovage plant growing in front of her house, and as I had herbs on my mind, I strongly hinted that my new garden could use some lovage.  Fortunately C is an incredibly intuitive woman who is good at picking up on such hints.  I had lovage and

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-10092879531606404232011-05-03T10:17:00.000-07:002011-05-03T10:17:32.932-07:00

One veggie bed built!  Muahahaha! Thanks to Hubby we have our first veggie bed.  I assisted somewhat.  Mostly by staying out of the way.  As my eighth grade shop teacher could tell you, I'm not the handiest person in the woodshop.  (Sorry about your thumb Mr. Lee!)  Sadly, my skills haven't improved much over the years.  This was quite apparent when I helped L at Sleeping Cougar Acres

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-12801465541680839482011-04-26T14:33:00.000-07:002011-05-01T09:17:25.752-07:00

I spent most of yesterday's holiday on the sofa with my book club's current pick while awaiting the arrival of trees and tree products. Every year a co-worker shares the trimmings from her bay laurel with our staff.  This year, not only did she have bay leaves, she had a bay tree for me as well.  Exciting!  She was going to bring it to work for me on Sunday, but only the leaves made it.  The

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-35441460362249429932011-04-14T10:40:00.000-07:002011-04-14T10:40:38.172-07:00

The sirens started at around 5:30 Monday morning.  It was shortly after Hubby left for work, and I was just getting back to sleep.  Not that sirens are unusual.  We live fairly close to the police station. We often hear sirens in the distance, and given the nature of our neighbourhood we frequently see the police going about their business.  Heck, we've even had them here a few times.  This was

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-56806186446018239842011-04-05T11:55:00.000-07:002011-04-05T11:55:21.746-07:00

There.  I did it.  I hit the "new post" tab.  I'm so proud of myself! Now, what to say... I think I'm going to go easy on myself today and let my pictures do the talking for me.  Both are evocative of spring and new beginnings.  Sounds like a good way to start after a lengthy absence, doesn't it? Tomatoes in the greenhouse at Sleeping Cougar Acres... ...and garlic in the garden. 

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-10715409020064184042010-09-13T07:38:00.000-07:002010-09-13T07:38:58.209-07:00

(Last time I published when I didn't mean to.  This time I thought I published when I didn't.  This one was supposed to go up on Friday, then I forgot all about it!  I hope this isn't the beginning of a trend.) Once again the stove top is covered with pots simmering away.  Actually, they're boiling away.  I wish I could say I'm cooking something good, but unfortunately it's only water.  Our

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-46024818066774392792010-09-01T14:34:00.000-07:002010-09-01T14:44:26.780-07:00

(Joke's on me.  I wasn't sure I was going to publish this one, but I accidentally hit "publish" instead of "preview".  I'm going to let it stand.  Thoughts are incomplete, and I haven't finished proofreading, so please be nice!) Yesterday August ended in a watery rush of autumn.  Today, though drier, feels like September.  The cooler weather allows for use of the stove once again.  As I write

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-46161045038200422312010-08-20T19:31:00.000-07:002010-08-20T19:31:53.379-07:00

Yesterday morning found me feeling pale azure, so I decided lift my spirits with some retail therapy.  I left the house with visions of clothing and shoes dancing in my head.  I came home with stuff for the kitchen. I found some nifty glassware at the dollar store.  Though I don't really need martini glasses, I figured I could find other uses for the two pictured below.  Berries, trail mix,

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-37326895485628691502010-08-18T12:01:00.000-07:002010-08-18T12:01:07.136-07:00

One of the great things about being on call is the variety.  I never know where I'll end up when the phone rings. This is where I've been working recently.  The building is almost 100 years old and is right across the road from the ocean.  It currently houses two other establishments. The lower left portion of the building belongs to my workplace. If you look closely you can see my fan in the

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-6639677280892047352010-08-17T19:44:00.000-07:002010-08-17T19:44:53.087-07:00

Sorry friends.  It's too hot to write.  Look, it's so hot the cat melted.    Will be back tomorrow, weather permitting.  Stay cool!

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-60260609660591507632010-08-16T13:18:00.000-07:002010-08-16T13:20:05.436-07:00

Today's post was inspired by Meghan over at Making Love in the Kitchen.  She asked her readers what they do to green their kitchen.  Here's my list.  * Cloth napkins – Some I’ve had for 15 years or more.  They're getting a bit ratty, but they still work. * Compost. * Reusable microfibre cleaning cloths. I like the ones from e-cloth. I use them in the bathroom as well, but not the same ones as

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-59483350226660182762010-08-14T21:17:00.000-07:002010-08-14T21:18:16.443-07:00

Hubby and I went to see the sand sculptures in Parksville today. Tomorrow is the last day of the exhibition, and the weather was fine, so we thought we'd  go while we had the chance. Here are some photos for those of you who couldn't make it to the event.  Enjoy! We were greeted with a smile. Footprints in the sand trap. Egads! Troll under the bridge. If only every eagle would pose so

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-3965142007226393972010-08-13T19:42:00.000-07:002010-08-13T19:42:09.644-07:00

Crocheted Creations More textile tags have been spotted in the area.  My friend and co-worker Connie, mother of the talented Leanne at Yarnbombing, snapped the photo below. I walk by that spot frequently and I didn't even notice this piece.   That's in spite of my being on the lookout since my first sighting last week.  Instead of finding new tags I keep discovering spots that would be

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-13332652226491651132010-08-12T20:11:00.000-07:002010-08-12T20:11:09.965-07:00

There are many, many things I considered writing about today, but none of them excited me enough to sit down at my computer.  Instead I puttered around the house then headed off to do my grocery shopping.   As always, my weekly excursion started at Brambles, and there it was.  Excitement in a zip-top bag for the low price of $5.95 - Maple Smoked Rock Salt.  I first read about smoked salt over

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-67686952606885800932010-08-11T09:50:00.000-07:002010-08-11T09:50:22.903-07:00

A friend treated me to dinner last night as thanks for caring for her cat while she was off expeditioning last week.  Somehow I feel like I should have been taking her out for dinner; her week was far more strenuous than mine. She bushwhacked through overgrown forest.  I hung out and wrote in her adorable house.  She traversed snowfields.  I played with her darling cat.  She canoed, camped,

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-35565315882144420862010-08-10T07:43:00.000-07:002010-08-10T07:43:46.724-07:00

I was excited to see knit graffiti for the first time last week.   This piece was on a tree outside the public library.  I doubt I would have understood what it was, but I work with the mother of one of the authors of Yarn Bombing.  Having that connection lead me to the website and to the book.   I've secretly thought the library would be a great place to tag, but haven't had the courage to do

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-17008858259269452962010-08-09T10:14:00.000-07:002010-08-09T10:14:23.074-07:00

Saturday morning.  Heart pumping.  Excessive sweating.  Hands shaking.  You'd think I'd taken up some extreme sport.  Instead I'd extended my comfort zone yet again and was trying something new.  No, I wasn't sky diving.  I was learning to make earrings.  It doesn't take much to catapult me into anxiety does it? At one time I had pierced ears.  When we were in elementary school my sister was

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-41180267211356153022010-08-07T16:29:00.000-07:002010-08-07T16:29:18.228-07:00

Last week L harvested the garlic at Sleeping Cougar Acres.  When I found out she would be braiding it this week, I invited myself over to play hairdresser.   My sister and I liked to play hairdresser when we were kids.  Such sessions often ended in tears.  No such problems when styling garlic.  It didn't matter how much we pulled and tugged there were no complaints.   L and I had to be rather

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-24703139193061260792010-08-06T15:27:00.001-07:002010-08-06T15:32:44.458-07:00

Yesterday I was afraid of lightening induced wildfires. Today I'm afraid to look in the newspaper. I've done something totally out of character and I fear there may be photographic evidence. Published photographic evidence. Sometimes I wonder how I get myself into these situations. For someone who takes pride in her Elusive Laurie persona, this behavior was way, way out there. I took

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-17085301419378482432010-08-05T14:20:00.000-07:002010-08-06T13:58:17.557-07:00

I just checked my weather widget.  Current conditions: smoke.  Not that I need the widget to tell me that.  I just have to look out my window.  I took this picture from my kitchen window last night.  You can barely make out the darker line of trees in the background. T  This picture was taken this morning.  You wouldn't know those distant trees were there. Gone in a puff of smoke. This

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-79573656627726190432010-04-21T14:24:00.000-07:002010-04-21T14:24:09.566-07:00

Can you guess where I was today?  Rubber boots. Dirty knees.  They can only mean one thing.  Spring is here and I spent my morning at Sleeping Cougar Acres.  It was my first working visit in a while, and I was thrilled to be back. It was perfect weather for working outside.  Sunny, but not too hot. It felt wonderful to be back. The greenhouse was full of exciting things for this year's

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-37161236932810283882010-04-12T13:21:00.000-07:002010-04-12T13:25:23.447-07:00

I wish I had the elusive ability to describe how something tastes.  Then I could tell you why I enjoyed my duck eggs so much.  Online descriptions of duck eggs range from "strong" and "gamey" to "rich" and "creamy".  The thought of gamey eggs made me a bit nervous, so for our first meal I paired the eggs with feta cheese and kalamata olives.  I figured these strong flavours would mask any

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-76779618104330475462010-04-08T17:53:00.000-07:002010-04-08T17:53:31.986-07:00

I just re-read yesterday's post. It sounds like it was written by an emotional adolescent - right down to the requisite spelling and grammar errors. Yikes!  I shouldn't be surprised.  I was an emotional adolescent when I first tried to express my concerns about such issues - some day I'll tell you about my ill-named and short-lived Pollution Club.  I'm going to claim that yesterday's post was a

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-69153347688021061702010-04-07T15:05:00.000-07:002010-04-08T08:07:25.975-07:00

More catching up… I've wanted to comment on this story for a while, but I kept pushing it aside as I dealt with other things. I think it's about time it was crossed from my list. Scientists at the University of Guelph have created genetically engineered pigs. Mouse DNA was introduced into the pigs' chromosomes to create environmentally friendly animals. In fact, they are calling the

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-31426786225910614832010-04-06T14:39:00.000-07:002010-04-06T14:39:31.382-07:00

I'm at my desk with a list, scribbled on a yellow legal pad, in front of me. It details all the things I've wanted to share with you since my last post.  Expect to hear from me a few times this week while I get caught up.   Today I want to let you know that the marvelous Meghan Telpner of Making Love in the Kitchen has released a new tutorial.  I think this one, Healing with Everyday Superfoods,

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-26129409944205600952010-03-23T16:59:00.000-07:002010-03-23T16:59:14.582-07:00

Those of you who have commented on my posts know that I review comments before they are published.  It does make things a bit inconvenient, but I do this so I can eliminate comment spam before it reaches my page.  It seemed like a wise precaution when I set up this blog.  I didn't want to be flooded with ads for porn, penis enhancement or cheap pharmaceuticals. The expected flood never arrived,

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-74508058094153774102010-03-19T13:45:00.000-07:002010-03-19T13:45:24.016-07:00

There are a half dozen duck eggs in my fridge.  I'm not sure why I bought them.  Probably because I've never had the opportunity before.  Maybe because I have some vague memory of my grandmother buying duck eggs. It just seemed like the right thing at the time.   Now I'm not sure what to do with them.  Today I took them out of the fridge and took pictures of them.   You can't see it very

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-32856138417854633522010-03-18T10:25:00.000-07:002010-03-18T10:25:14.962-07:00

I have a weakness for kitchen gadgets.  Some are useful, others are not.  Some I've purchased, others were gifts.  Most make me happy whenever I use them.  This little guy makes me laugh right out loud. He's a gift from my parents' trip to Seagrove N.C.   Funny-looking pottery is a long-standing tradition there.  The grotesque faces were originally designed to frighten children away from jugs

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-39203039897760527012010-03-15T14:48:00.000-07:002010-03-15T14:48:04.240-07:00

As of today, I haven't had a call to work in two weeks. (I expected the phone to ring as soon as I finished writing that. It didn't.) This is the longest dry spell I've had in ages. I'm not sure how I feel about this. Sometimes worried, sometimes relieved. I guess ambivalent would be the best way to describe it. Frustration is another fairly common emotion. Not necessarily frustration

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-81477622900357655372010-03-11T18:50:00.000-08:002010-03-18T15:15:14.442-07:00

I was at the check-out counter at Brambles yesterday when Angeline asked why I shopped there. Ummmmm. I hadn't realized there was going to be a test. I hadn't studied, so I gave her the first lame answer that popped into my head. I've thought about it a bit more since then. I hope I can redeem myself with the list below.  Why do I shop at Brambles? James and Angeline have kindly done

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-68467007657058710512010-03-10T11:22:00.000-08:002010-03-10T11:22:27.019-08:00

If you're reading here you're likely already aware of the dangers of over-consumption of processed foods.  Rarely are we made aware of the dangers of avoiding processed foods.  The following photo landed in my inbox this morning.  I think it sums up the risks of abstaining from processed foods quite nicely.   Remember, I did warn you... Takes me back to the days when I had to sell the darn

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-60635535763198614502010-03-04T15:01:00.001-08:002010-03-04T15:01:58.409-08:00

I started this blog with an elusive onion story, but it wasn't the elusive onion story. The original story, while simpler to tell, would have made my blogging much more complicated. The original story also takes place in that teeny, tiny town in Midwestern Ontario where I was a new school teacher. I spent many hours outside of classroom time planning lessons, hanging artwork and taking care of

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-5028382369782844302010-02-14T16:47:00.000-08:002010-02-14T16:47:24.662-08:00

What would be a logical purchase for someone who has recently decided to take a break from cooking? Why a ridiculously expensive, high-end kitchen appliance, of course!  I went out and bought a KitchenAid stand mixer this morning.  I've wanted one for ages.  All the television chefs have one. (Alton Brown has flames painted on his.) L at Sleeping Cougar has one. We used it on Friday to make

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-85564903861506959772010-02-13T11:12:00.000-08:002010-02-13T11:12:47.630-08:00

I'm  sure you've all seen the list.  It's from the Environmental Working Group, and it lists the twelve fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of chemical residue.  Commonly known as the "Dirty Dozen", conventionally grown versions of these items should be avoided.  The Environmental Working Group suggests that we go organic when looking for these items in the produce aisle. I was

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-19143137864410020782010-02-11T20:08:00.001-08:002010-02-11T20:12:43.538-08:00

Hubby and I are both fans of Iron Chef. It doesn't matter if it's the Japanese version or the American version, if we stumble on it when we're channel surfing we'll watch. Both versions have their advantages. Iron Chef Japan charms with its quirky flamboyance. Iron Chef American has Alton Brown. We're also fans of Alton Brown. We'll watch anything he's in; even the series featuring him and

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-47612293590481388802010-02-01T15:27:00.000-08:002010-02-01T15:27:52.150-08:00

The winner of the Five Dollar Brambles Challenge is....Christy!  You're lucky commenter number three. (We're such geeks here. The winner was determined by rolling a ten-sided die.  It seemed appropriate, as there were ten players.) Since I know where to find you, I'll make sure your gift certificate is delivered to you soon. Thanks to everyone who commented.  I wasn't sure that anyone would

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-924813432586745122010-01-29T08:32:00.000-08:002010-01-29T08:32:22.128-08:00

Don't forget about the Brambles Challenge.  Today and tomorrow are your last days to shop.  Spend more than five dollars or less than five dollars.  Let me know what you bought in a comment over at the Five Dollar Brambles Challenge before February 1, 2010, and you could be the grand prize winner of a five dollar Brambles gift certificate.  Good luck!

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-62125167585614279312010-01-28T17:35:00.000-08:002010-01-28T17:35:15.067-08:00

Most years, just before Christmas,  my friend L from Sleeping Cougar Acres and I get together to do our holiday baking.  This year, in addition to the customary chocolate gingerbread and butter tarts, we added honey bun bread and Scottish oatcakes to our repertoire. Though we did use a recipe for the oatcakes, there wasn't much Scottish about them by the time we finished.  We used a

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-58910408868062059602010-01-27T09:59:00.000-08:002010-01-27T09:59:42.663-08:00

"Comox Valley Beef, raised on pasture and finished with grain from Surgenor's Brewery." The above quote is taken from a packet of stewing beef that I picked up at Brambles Market last week.  Some day I'm going to have to find out about the grain they feed these cattle.  Is it a by-product of the brewing process?  Does that mean it's been fermented?  If so wouldn't it still contain some alcohol

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-53023677452969938322010-01-24T21:18:00.001-08:002010-01-24T21:20:39.450-08:00

Was out with friends last night. During the course of discussion, one women revealed that she has access to unpasteurized milk. I was teasing her, calling her a scofflaw, and asking if she was worried about being arrested by the dairy police. Another friend pointed out that it wasn't illegal to drink raw milk, though it is illegal to sell it in Canada. Odd. You'd think law enforcement

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-52566760719099485302010-01-23T15:21:00.001-08:002010-01-23T15:21:25.471-08:00

I saw this trailer for "Daybreakers" a while ago. I haven't seen the film, but the clip shows vampires farming humans for their blood in a rather horrifying facility. No green pastures for us! Kind of makes me think about factory farming in a new way. Maybe we should be setting a better example for whatever comes after us. When it's our turn to be exploited as a food source, we're going to

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-20337997427137340582010-01-22T14:31:00.000-08:002010-01-22T14:32:18.266-08:00

Hello and a very belated Happy New Year!  I haven't written in so long I feel like my writing muscles have seized up.  In an attempt to ease myself back into a routine without injuring myself,  I've decided have a little fun with this first post of the decade.   Retail sales tend to slump in January, as people suddenly become frugal after over-indulging in December.  Downtown Courtenay

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-86479390260638829302009-12-06T17:56:00.000-08:002009-12-06T17:58:46.925-08:00

 I made this soup while at my sister's last month.  It was my attempt to use up the leftovers in her fridge.  I had made chicken pie, mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli for dinner the night before.  The potatoes and broccoli were items I thought my sister could eat after her jaw surgery.  Unfortunately, she was having swallowing problems that night, so she went with a smoothie instead.  As a

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-25695777400782274232009-12-03T19:46:00.000-08:002009-12-03T19:46:35.341-08:00

Take a close look at the upper left corner of the photo.  See that?  There's snow in the mountains.  About 190cm of snow.  That's not unusual.  It is December after all. Now take a look at the fruit in the foreground.  Those lemons and kiwis all came from within 50km of that snow.  I kid you not.  Both are Island grown - Vancouver Island that is.  I purchased the lemons earlier in the week at

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-73313627996021657772009-11-04T07:49:00.000-08:002009-11-04T07:49:29.613-08:00

I had my first experience with local food here in North Carolina last night.  There was a possum in the back yard.  I understand they're good eating.  Of course, I could be wrong.  I believe I got that bit of information from reruns of The Beverly Hillbillies.  Doesn't really matter. I'm pretty sure that even if I managed to catch the little guy, I wouldn't have been able to prepare him in a way

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-20834835853272455622009-11-01T18:21:00.000-08:002009-11-01T18:21:01.388-08:00

Some of you will have noticed that I've been rather quiet recently.  I'm currently in North Carolina with my sister, her kids and her cats.  (Hubby is home with our cat.)  I thought I'd have the opportunity to write while I'm here.  Obviously I was deluding myself.  More when I get home.  Thanks for stopping by.

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-30292543649000625342009-10-18T13:28:00.000-07:002009-10-18T13:28:50.840-07:00

My sister is having surgery this week. It should help to improve the problems with her jaw.  If all goes well, she may no longer need my soft, moist selections.  I feel I should have an amazing recipe to celebrate that possibility, but I've got nothing.  Surprising, considering our meals this week: turkey stew, borsht, sweet potato and yam soup, chili...all soft and moist, but other than the soup

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-18143763123959498612009-10-15T13:59:00.000-07:002009-10-18T11:05:54.295-07:00

First, find a friend who is willing to let you work for vegetables, and is willing to let you share the harvest even when there are only two pumpkins. Admire the fruits of you labour.Butcher with care. Preferably outside, as you don't want to get guts all over the kitchen.Mind your fingers!Plan on saving the seeds.Wonder at absence of seeds and the presence of strange, unidentifiable globs. Did

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-28133490936109337942009-10-11T13:52:00.000-07:002009-10-11T13:52:48.384-07:00

It's Thanksgiving weekend here in the Great White North.  To celebrate, Hubby spent all day yesterday cooking a turkey.   I know, tomorrow is actually Thanksgiving Day, but his cooking yesterday means that there are enough leftovers to see us through the rest of the weekend.  You can read that as "no more cooking for the rest of the weekend".  Sounds good to me.  Because I'm still in the

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-13198548272093195532009-10-08T10:20:00.000-07:002009-10-08T10:20:37.223-07:00

There may be edible mushrooms growing in the wilds of Southwestern Ontario, but I wouldn't know. They were never pointed out to me. My wild mushroom education consisted of being told not to eat, touch or even look at the mushrooms and other fungi growing in the region. OK. I may be exaggerating a bit. We were allowed to look, but only from a distance.When we moved to Vancouver Island we heard

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-56180842674476337342009-10-04T14:11:00.000-07:002009-10-04T16:21:44.295-07:00

I know. This is the third week of yam and sweet potato recipes. If you're tired of them, you should probably stop reading now. There's an interesting post about autumn olives over at Making Love in the Kitchen. It's guaranteed to be yam and sweet potato free. If you're feeling brave enough to read on, I promise this will be the last post on the topic for a while. I think. Probably.I had a

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-85560476601975636142009-10-01T14:11:00.000-07:002009-10-01T14:11:43.716-07:00

Yesterday was Elusive Onions' first anniversary. To celebrate, I made my first 100-mile meal. I know, for someone who writes about local food it seems strange that this meal was a first. I've made several almost-100-mile meals, but there's often a cheat. My usual temptations are flour, olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper. With yesterday's dinner I managed to resist temptation, and the results

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-70521414120988811882009-09-30T12:52:00.000-07:002009-09-30T19:49:40.591-07:00

Hippo birdie two ewesHippo birdie two ewesHippo birdieHippo birdieHippo birdie two ewesNo, that's not tonight's dinner menu. That's the text from a famous greeting card by Sandra Boynton. Why quote it here? Well today, my dear reader, is my baby's, I mean blog's, first birthday.When I started this blog I really didn't know what to expect. To tell the truth, I really didn't know what I was

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-82151872120914080392009-09-27T19:20:00.000-07:002009-09-27T19:23:13.203-07:00

My sister has always been a wee bit accident-prone. Sometimes I think nursing was a natural career choice for her. She spent so much time in the emergency room as a child that she had the details of the job figured out before she ever got to nursing school.Sharp objects and my sister have never been a good combination. In grade school she almost amputated the tip of her middle finger while

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-50016514196980008692009-09-26T11:00:00.000-07:002009-09-26T11:58:28.221-07:00

Original creations don't often come out of my kitchen. I can be creative, but my inventiveness relies heavily on existing recipes. I substitute, I adapt, I tailor ingredients, techniques and instructions to suit my mood and the components I have on hand. Recently I tried winging it with an original concoction. I think I'll stick to the recipe in the future.It started with soup. I wanted to

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-55513889517690423182009-09-24T08:30:00.000-07:002009-09-24T08:39:08.235-07:00

The grapes at Sleeping Cougar Acres are quite different from those you see at the store. They're small, seeded and they grow in very tight bunches. They're also delicious. Far sweeter than commercially-grown table grapes. We harvested the grapes from my plant and from hubby's plant, then continued on until we filled up our buckets.Just when I thought we would be going into the house to dry off

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-89658754321207000382009-09-23T09:36:00.000-07:002009-09-23T09:36:54.897-07:00

Fall has arrived and harvest is happening at Sleeping Cougar Acres. Last Wednesday I got to take a small part in that process. That morning the weather fairies decided to remind us west-coasters that summer doesn't last forever. It was grey and rainy and dreary. It was exactly the kind of morning where you want to pull the blankets over your head and settle in for some serious hibernating.

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-27244365862512189062009-09-20T08:56:00.000-07:002009-09-20T10:17:25.252-07:00

There's a reason my sister and I live on opposite sides of the continent. We don't see eye-to-eye often enough to safely live any closer! All kidding aside, this has been a rough week. I think my sweet sister and I are going to have to agree to disagree. Either that or one of us is going to have to get a lobotomy. In spite of our differences, I don't want my sister to starve, so I'm here with

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-64040560456823635322009-09-13T11:40:00.001-07:002009-09-13T11:43:50.725-07:00

My sister has always been a fussy eater. When we started discussing this project she was quite clear about the foods she "doesn't" eat. Add to that the foods she can't eat, and I'm often surprised that I have anything to share here. This week I think I have a winner.When we were teens there were times when she'd claim she wasn't hungry and refuse what Mom served for dinner. Later, she'd ask

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-90764840455312338542009-09-10T18:49:00.000-07:002009-09-11T11:20:25.247-07:00

(Photos courtesy of the Lovely Larry. Thanks Dad!) Other than the towns I have lived in, I think Leamington, Ontario is the town where I've spent the most time. My maternal grandparents lived there, and I still have aunts, uncles and cousins to the umpteenth degree living there. A visit back to Ontario isn't complete without a trip or two to Leamington. It's a town I hold close to my

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-72496157228759810322009-09-06T11:52:00.000-07:002009-09-06T12:34:54.108-07:00

After a rousing round of phone tag I finally got in touch with my sweet sister yesterday just as she was sitting down to eat. I won't say what she was eating as: A) I don't have her permission B) I'm afraid the two companies involved will sue me if I say anything not to their liking. Let's just say it wasn't the healthiest meal, but I can understand why she chose it. It's easy to prepare,

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-31980130802824589922009-08-16T19:18:00.000-07:002009-08-16T19:37:05.718-07:00

I took a break from this feature last week, as I was off playing air-guitar in Calgary. Besides, my parents are visiting my sister, so I knew she'd be well fed without my suggestions. It was back to the blender this week though. The cooler weather had me thinking about autumn treats. This pumpkin pie flavoured smoothie was the result. This Week's Soft, Moist SelectionPumpkin Banana Smoothie(

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-30810812997720176902009-08-13T17:41:00.000-07:002009-08-13T18:43:15.203-07:00

Pearl Jam that is. Last weekend Hubby took me to the Virgin Music Festival in Calgary where Pearl Jam was headlining. Bliss. Just the kind of nourishment my inner rocker-chick needed. It was one of those experiences that just couldn't be improved on. Nourishing and satisfying. Who could ask for more? Stilts on uneven, uphill terrain. That's one talented chicken.Every time I saw these

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-82327078277760258752009-08-05T17:36:00.001-07:002009-08-06T11:06:15.647-07:00

I spent part of the long weekend cat-sitting for a friend. She had wisely left the chaos of our local BC Day celebrations to head for the hills. I relaxed in her sweet, wee house, played with her adorable cat, raided her garden for lettuce and blueberries and generally made myself at home. She wanted to reward me for such arduous labours, so yesterday we headed up to Ocean Resort. We had been

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-85624929609439096952009-08-02T18:47:00.000-07:002009-08-02T19:09:55.591-07:00

<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-CA X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-77963410198903902242009-08-02T11:10:00.000-07:002009-08-02T11:17:28.404-07:00

Today's Soft, Moist Selections are ready to go. In fact, it's all written up, but I can't get the spacing and font worked out, so until I can get that fixed there will be no post. If anyone reading this knows how to make Blogger behave itself when you want to change font sizes in a post please send me a comment. Same if you know how to make it pay attention when you want to leave a space

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-78617050260878776222009-08-01T13:47:00.000-07:002009-08-01T13:56:12.994-07:00

My schedule hasn't allowed me to get out to Sleeping Cougar Acres this week, and it doesn't look like I'm going to make it next week either. Thankfully, L has been keeping me up to date on farm happenings. She dropped off a huge bag of peas the other day, and I received the photo below on Tuesday. Looks like there will be peaches to enjoy soon, if I'm still able to eat them after seeing such a

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-33979790674018983482009-07-30T06:13:00.000-07:002009-07-30T09:53:47.128-07:00

Three weeks ago it was so cold the furnace kicked in. This week, July remembered it's a summer month and has made up for its earlier confusion with record high temperatures. It's almost too hot to write. It's certainly too hot to work in the kitchen, so most of our meals have been prepared on the barbeque. Except for the granita experiment.Earlier in the month I tried to freeze the leftovers

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-3518951523460050562009-07-26T21:20:00.000-07:002009-07-26T22:29:46.725-07:00

Anyone remember the Saturday Night Live Bassomatic 76 skit? It involved Dan Ackroyd, a bass and a blender. It was one of those skits that was revolting and hilarious at the same time. I'd watch in horror as Ackroyd fed the bass into the blender, yet I'd laugh through the whole thing. Then I'd be disgusted with myself for laughing. Recently, I've found myself thinking about that skit more

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-70781936886302142622009-07-23T11:16:00.000-07:002009-07-23T11:40:32.732-07:00

Writing about local food gives me the opportunity to connect with many Vancouver Islanders. Some of them know me as a writer, but more know me as a regular shopper. Getting to know the people in my community is more fun than I expected. I can be rather shy you know. (My friends and family can stop laughing now.)This week, as a result of my visit to Natural Pastures, I've been in touch with

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-8715915686141010192009-07-19T09:49:00.000-07:002009-07-19T12:00:40.455-07:00

If you were following along back in April, and I selfishly hope that you were, you'll remember my taking part in Making Love in the Kitchen's 3-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse. At the time I wasn't sure what drew me to this challenge, but I'm beginning to wonder if it was some sort of subconscious precognitive hunch. Of course, it may have been co-incidence or just plain old luck that prompted me to

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-22606432197711742212009-07-13T14:51:00.000-07:002009-07-16T13:01:45.495-07:00

July is a wonderful month for local food on Vancouver Island, and Our Big Earth, Brambles Market and EatRealEatLocal.ca have teamed up to encourage us enjoy the bounty. Together they are hosting the "EatRealEatLocal 30-Day Food Challenge" inviting Island inhabitants to sample locally-produced foods whether dining out or at home.Throughout the month there have been several events highlighting

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-566934125415608832009-07-10T19:03:00.000-07:002009-07-12T10:07:32.728-07:00

Below is a slightly edited version of an email my sister sent after last week's post. It will give you an idea of what she's experiencing, and it will give you an idea of what kinds of things I'm trying to consider when I'm planning my Soft, Moist Selections. When most people ask me what's wrong with me (besides the normal things), and I say I have MS I get that blank-eyed stare and

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-44113642185724427732009-07-08T21:21:00.000-07:002009-07-09T20:46:33.415-07:00

I woke yesterday morning to the sound of the furnace running. Yes, the furnace. How wrong is that? It's July for crying out loud. It shouldn't be cold enough for the furnace to run, but it is. I truly didn't want to get out of bed after hearing that. After much stalling and snoozing I eventually pried myself out from under the covers and slogged off to the Farmer's Market.I'm glad the market

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-14719738305501327592009-07-05T19:26:00.000-07:002009-07-05T19:44:02.009-07:00

I came in from mowing the lawn this evening to discover hubby in the kitchen sorting through a huge bag of cherries. Apparently the Cherry Fairy (aka L from Sleeping Cougar Acres) had been by while I was in the back yard. When I was at the farm on the Friday she had mentioned picking cherries this weekend. She didn't think they were quite ripe, but there had been a raccoon in the tree taunting

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-25342932344977910682009-07-05T11:42:00.000-07:002009-07-05T16:03:28.764-07:00

Much of my recent vacation was spent in Southwestern Ontario eating, drinking and hanging out with family and friends. If you can judge a vacation by weight gained, I had tons of fun. Well, maybe not tons, but I certainly acquired several pounds of enjoyment while traveling. After a week of indulgence I was ready to hit the road again, so my parents and I hopped in their Journey and headed

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-15222386211235801542009-07-03T18:31:00.000-07:002009-07-03T20:26:41.391-07:00

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Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-25985914770442534532009-06-02T10:08:00.000-07:002009-06-02T10:42:11.056-07:00

I was on the phone with L from Sleeping Cougar Acres yesterday morning. She was telling me that things had changed since I had been there on Thursday. I didn't think there could be much of a change, so I decided to stop by and have a peek. She wasn't kidding. I couldn't believe the difference 4 days had made.A baby butternut squash had sprouted.A cucumber had appeared where there was no

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-2115688630516241312009-06-01T18:45:00.000-07:002009-06-01T19:01:55.760-07:00

A number of you were interested in the 3-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse I took part in back in April. For those of you who are feeling adventurous, Meghan over at Making Love in the Kitchen is hosting another cleanse starting June 7. I encourage you to go and check it out. I won't be taking part this time, as I will be doing some traveling. Somehow I don't think my blender would make it past

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-50006164725329274012009-05-31T14:24:00.001-07:002009-05-31T16:25:19.457-07:00

I recently brought home rhubarb from Sleeping Cougar Acres. It went into crumble and sauce and there was plenty left to freeze. There were signs this week that there will be plenty more to reward us for our work before the summer is over.If you look closely, you can see tiny bunches of grapes beginning to appearWhat once looked like a vineyard of bare sticks is beginning to green up.First squash

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-28976451852064008412009-05-24T09:05:00.001-07:002009-05-24T19:01:09.940-07:00

Yesterday Hubby and I participated in a class offered through our local rec centre where we were introduced to edible native plants. We spent the morning in the classroom learning the do's and don'ts of harvesting, identifying and eating plants that grow in the wild. Most of the afternoon was spent outside checking out what was growing in the parks around the rec centre and enjoying the fabulous

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-8375344395020050362009-05-14T15:14:00.000-07:002009-05-14T20:05:35.226-07:00

I found an interesting story about Julia Child while researching “Julie and Julia” for my book club’s potluck. While on their way to Paris in 1948, Julia and her husband Paul stopped for dinner in Rouen. Julia later claimed that the meal there marked “an opening up of the soul and spirit” for her. It was this meal that sparked her career as a chef, an author and a television personality.I too

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316487893146431972.post-91492677134006149172009-05-07T15:38:00.000-07:002009-05-08T18:40:19.045-07:00

The phone rang shortly after dinner on Monday night. A friend was calling to wish us a happy Star Wars Day and to share the blessings of the force with us. I had no idea the May 4th was Star Wars Day prior to his call.In the same vein, I wasn’t aware that May 6th was International No Diet Day until I saw it mentioned on a poster at the public library. Author and psychotherapist Esther Kane was

Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03433459858260551520noreply@blogger.com2