91-year old cook and great grandmother, Clara, recounts her childhood during the Great Depression as she prepares meals from the era.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Fusing plastic bags
Here's a video on how to fuse plastic bags together to make craft material. What a great way to recycle.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Oh, the good life...
As the owner of a pit bull and two cats who live happily together, this video touches and warms my heart. Oh, the good life of a well-loved house pet!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
10 word stumbles
Talking and typing are only the rudiments of communication. Words are wonderful, powerful and worthy of cultivation. Online access provides so many tools and information. Sunday Stumbles this week may seem disjointed but there is a common thread. They are all word tools that encourage communication using translation, fun, sociability, vocabulary enrichment, legibility and clarity.
Translation: Babel Fish text & web page translations
Sociability & fun:Nexulous
Clarity: Dr. Grammar's FAQs
Vocabulary enrichment: Unusual words
Fun: Word games
Legibility: Handwriting tips
Clarity: Definr: incredibly fast dictionary
Translation: Acronym finder
Vocabulary enrichment: Confusing words
Clarity: Ten mistakes writers don't see
Translation: Babel Fish text & web page translations
Sociability & fun:Nexulous
Clarity: Dr. Grammar's FAQs
Vocabulary enrichment: Unusual words
Fun: Word games
Legibility: Handwriting tips
Clarity: Definr: incredibly fast dictionary
Translation: Acronym finder
Vocabulary enrichment: Confusing words
Clarity: Ten mistakes writers don't see
Saturday, February 21, 2009
New green fabric
Since the 2000 close of Marks & Spencer stores in Canada. I have had a heck of a time finding a pair of good, comfortable knickers. I might as well have been searching for the Holy Grail because they were as elusive to find.
I successfully fulfilled my 9-year quest last month at, of all places, Marks Work Warehouse. Yes, that place IS as industrial as its name connotes.
There is a new kid in fabric town: Modal. Besides being wonderfully comfortable, it is green, sustainable and its byproducts are used even in the food industry.
It is super-soft and feels luxurious. I definitely will be favouring it over other fabrics, when the choice is available.
You can read more about it at the manufacturer's web site.
I successfully fulfilled my 9-year quest last month at, of all places, Marks Work Warehouse. Yes, that place IS as industrial as its name connotes.
There is a new kid in fabric town: Modal. Besides being wonderfully comfortable, it is green, sustainable and its byproducts are used even in the food industry.
It is super-soft and feels luxurious. I definitely will be favouring it over other fabrics, when the choice is available.
You can read more about it at the manufacturer's web site.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
You're from Nova Scotia
Photo: Lawrencetown Beach, NS © Mike Ryan
A fellow Nova Scotian forwarded this viral email. You know you are from Nova Scotia if:
- someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there
- you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time
- you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number
- a vacation means going anywhere south of Yarmouth for the weekend
- you measure distance in hours
- you know several people who have hit a deer more than once
- you have switched from heat to A/C in the same day and back again
- you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching
- you install security lights on your house and garage, but leave both unlocked
- you carry jumpers in your car and your wife knows how to use them
- you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit
- driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow
- you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter & road construction,
- you have more miles on your snow blower than your car
- you find 10ºF only a little chilly
- you actually understand these jokes, and forward them to all your Nova Scotian friends
A fellow Nova Scotian forwarded this viral email. You know you are from Nova Scotia if:
- someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there
- you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time
- you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number
- a vacation means going anywhere south of Yarmouth for the weekend
- you measure distance in hours
- you know several people who have hit a deer more than once
- you have switched from heat to A/C in the same day and back again
- you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching
- you install security lights on your house and garage, but leave both unlocked
- you carry jumpers in your car and your wife knows how to use them
- you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit
- driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow
- you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter & road construction,
- you have more miles on your snow blower than your car
- you find 10ºF only a little chilly
- you actually understand these jokes, and forward them to all your Nova Scotian friends
The View yesterday
Does anyone know why Barbara Walters was so rude to Bonnie Hunt yesterday?
Just before the interview, Barbara made a very strong effort to assure everyone how much she admired and cared for David Letterman. Does that have anything to do with the treatment she gave Bonnie? Bonnie Hunt had been on the Letterman show the night before appearing on The View.
Just before the interview, Barbara made a very strong effort to assure everyone how much she admired and cared for David Letterman. Does that have anything to do with the treatment she gave Bonnie? Bonnie Hunt had been on the Letterman show the night before appearing on The View.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
10 diversions stumbles
Here are some diversions for you to explore. Enjoy!
Everyday People Cartoons
Shadow Puppets
Oh! The Places You'll Go by Dr. Suess
Hand & Foot Reflexology
Mahjongg
The Eight Irresistible Principles of Fun
Edward Monkton Cartoons
The Evolution of Dance on YouTube
Radio Guy
Neave Planetarium
Everyday People Cartoons
Shadow Puppets
Oh! The Places You'll Go by Dr. Suess
Hand & Foot Reflexology
Mahjongg
The Eight Irresistible Principles of Fun
Edward Monkton Cartoons
The Evolution of Dance on YouTube
Radio Guy
Neave Planetarium
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Best in show
Stump, with handler Scott Sommer, after winning. (Barton Silverman/The New York Times)
This beautiful Sussex Spaniel won the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show for 2009.
Stump (Ch Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee) is no ordinary, run-of-the-mill dog show winner. He is the oldest Westminster Best in Show winnner at 10 years old, which is approximately the equivalent of 70 human years. Imagine how successful a 70-year old human would be in a beauty contest. If that wasn't enough, Stump also came back after 5 years out of the show ring. In 2004, his life was almost cut short by a mysterious medical condition. Up until now, he has been living the life of a well-loved house pet and will be returning to that after his duties with Westminster Dog Club have finished.
Stump (Ch Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee) is no ordinary, run-of-the-mill dog show winner. He is the oldest Westminster Best in Show winnner at 10 years old, which is approximately the equivalent of 70 human years. Imagine how successful a 70-year old human would be in a beauty contest. If that wasn't enough, Stump also came back after 5 years out of the show ring. In 2004, his life was almost cut short by a mysterious medical condition. Up until now, he has been living the life of a well-loved house pet and will be returning to that after his duties with Westminster Dog Club have finished.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Tony Robbins' Best Story Ever
George Stroumboulopoulos hosts the nightly CBC talk show called The Hour. Once a week, he features a spot called Best Story Ever, where celebrities share stories of amusing things that have happened to them. This one is of Tony Robbins recounting an unusual testimonial of how he changed someone's life.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
10 greeting stumbles
It's nice to remember people on the days that are special to them each year. Here is a list of some e-card greeting web sites. It includes a selection of different types of sites:- completely free greetings
- a mixture of free and paid services
- membership fees required
- downloadable software
Action Cat
Jacquie Lawson
Hallmark
American Greetings
Vladstudio
Blue Mountain
123 Greetings
Smilebox
Dayspring Christian Ecards
E-greetings
Saturday, February 7, 2009
The dog commandments
The following post was originally published by Karen on KP’s Dog Blog, May 16, 2008 and also again recently on PETA's web site.
My opinion: this article will never suffer from over-saturation. It is a message that needs to reach as many people as possible.
My husband watches how people handle animals and judges them accordingly. You can tell a whole lot about people by how they treat their pets. Please shower them with love and keep your promise of a forever home after you adopt them.
1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me―it’s crucial to my well-being.
4. Don’t be angry with me for long, and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand your voice.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’ve been out in the sun too long or my heart may be getting old.
9. Take care of me when I get old. You, too, will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, “I can’t bear to watch it” or “Let it happen in my absence.” Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I love you.
―Author unknown
My opinion: this article will never suffer from over-saturation. It is a message that needs to reach as many people as possible.
My husband watches how people handle animals and judges them accordingly. You can tell a whole lot about people by how they treat their pets. Please shower them with love and keep your promise of a forever home after you adopt them.
1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me―it’s crucial to my well-being.
4. Don’t be angry with me for long, and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand your voice.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’ve been out in the sun too long or my heart may be getting old.
9. Take care of me when I get old. You, too, will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, “I can’t bear to watch it” or “Let it happen in my absence.” Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I love you.
―Author unknown
Friday, February 6, 2009
Favourite movies
What are your top 10 favourite movies? Here are mine, in order of preference.
These maintain my interest, even after watching them over and over again. Note: I can't stress strongly enough the need to view the foreign films in a subtitled NOT dubbed version.
1. Nuovo Cinema Paradiso: 1988
2. Babette's Feast: 1987
3. Out of Africa: 1985
4. The Ice Harvest: 2005
5. The World According to Garp: 1982
6. Dune: 1984
7. The Grifters: 1990
8. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy:
- Fellowship of the Ring: 2001
- The Two Towers: 2002
- Return of the King: 2003
9. Life as a House: 2001
10. The Party: 1968
The absolute, very best, WORST movie ever made: Dark Star: 1974. Once upon a time, I owned it in Beta. Wish I still owned a copy. It's amazing.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Donairs
The photo above is a beloved fast food location in Halifax, NS.
My husband and I came to Mississauga 4-1/2 years ago and began our donair history, geography and home economics education.
The GTA (Greater Toronto Area) is a melting pot of every culture so we assumed that there would be donair shops here and were surprised to find none.
At first, we were fooled when we saw that local shops had spits. We speculated that the name was regional and that we were actually getting the same product as in Halifax. Trust me, for anyone craving a donair there is nothing more disappointing than biting into a gyro with tsatsiki sauce. YUK. I'm sure that concoction is far healthier but that is not the prime concern of anyone who has set their sights on consuming a donair.
Here are our findings of what a donair IS NOT. Don't be fooled by any placations from fast food staff. You can take this to the bank...these are NOT donairs: gyro, doners, donners, shwarma, Döner, or kebabs.
Our cravings have been completely satisfied only once during the time we have lived here. A very thoughtful friend once brought one up from Halifax when he came here on business. Jonathan's fellow travelers on Air Canada were not amused to be assaulted for two hours with the strong odour emanating from his King of Donair cargo.
We've discovered that donair was a regional dish and that King of Donair in Halifax was the first to introduce donairs to Canada in 1973. The recipe was conceived in a small tavern in Greece and brought to Halifax, NS.
Those separated from the herd can find solace in the following recipe. It's not King of Donair worthy but it will get you by when there is nothing else in sight.
Donairs – the Halifax, Nova Scotia version
King of Donair was the first to introduce donairs to Canada in 1973. The recipe was conceived in a small tavern in Greece and brought to Halifax, NS.
Preheat oven: 450ºF
Put in a plastic bag and shake to mix together:
- 2 TBSP oregano
- 1 TBSP salt
- 1 TBSP cayenne pepper
- 1 TBSP black pepper
- 2 TBSP powdered chicken OXO
- 2 TBSP garlic powder
- 2 TBSP onion powder
- 4 TBSP paprika
Add:
- 2 LBS medium, ground beef
- 2 LBS medium, ground pork
Knead the spices into the meat like you would for making bread. The meat is mixed enough when there are fat deposits on the sides of your bowl.
Bake at 450ºF for 45 minutes.
- The inside is still rare so it isn't dried out when you refry the slices.
- Don’t drain off the fat. You will need it for frying later.
- Cover with foil and let it rest so the juices will stay in the meat.
Sauce:
Make ahead and let cool before using.
Mix and then microwave for 1 minute. This will thicken the sauce.
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup vinegar
Garnishes:
- Diced tomatoes
- Diced onions
Fry:
- Slice the meat very thinly.
- Fry your slices in the donair fat.
After the meat slices are fried:
- Dip a pita bread slice into warm water.
- Then fry in the donair fat.
Assemble:
- Pita
- Meat
- Garnish
- Sauce
My husband and I came to Mississauga 4-1/2 years ago and began our donair history, geography and home economics education.
The GTA (Greater Toronto Area) is a melting pot of every culture so we assumed that there would be donair shops here and were surprised to find none.
At first, we were fooled when we saw that local shops had spits. We speculated that the name was regional and that we were actually getting the same product as in Halifax. Trust me, for anyone craving a donair there is nothing more disappointing than biting into a gyro with tsatsiki sauce. YUK. I'm sure that concoction is far healthier but that is not the prime concern of anyone who has set their sights on consuming a donair.
Here are our findings of what a donair IS NOT. Don't be fooled by any placations from fast food staff. You can take this to the bank...these are NOT donairs: gyro, doners, donners, shwarma, Döner, or kebabs.
Our cravings have been completely satisfied only once during the time we have lived here. A very thoughtful friend once brought one up from Halifax when he came here on business. Jonathan's fellow travelers on Air Canada were not amused to be assaulted for two hours with the strong odour emanating from his King of Donair cargo.
We've discovered that donair was a regional dish and that King of Donair in Halifax was the first to introduce donairs to Canada in 1973. The recipe was conceived in a small tavern in Greece and brought to Halifax, NS.
Those separated from the herd can find solace in the following recipe. It's not King of Donair worthy but it will get you by when there is nothing else in sight.
Donairs – the Halifax, Nova Scotia version
King of Donair was the first to introduce donairs to Canada in 1973. The recipe was conceived in a small tavern in Greece and brought to Halifax, NS.
Preheat oven: 450ºF
Put in a plastic bag and shake to mix together:
- 2 TBSP oregano
- 1 TBSP salt
- 1 TBSP cayenne pepper
- 1 TBSP black pepper
- 2 TBSP powdered chicken OXO
- 2 TBSP garlic powder
- 2 TBSP onion powder
- 4 TBSP paprika
Add:
- 2 LBS medium, ground beef
- 2 LBS medium, ground pork
Knead the spices into the meat like you would for making bread. The meat is mixed enough when there are fat deposits on the sides of your bowl.
Bake at 450ºF for 45 minutes.
- The inside is still rare so it isn't dried out when you refry the slices.
- Don’t drain off the fat. You will need it for frying later.
- Cover with foil and let it rest so the juices will stay in the meat.
Sauce:
Make ahead and let cool before using.
Mix and then microwave for 1 minute. This will thicken the sauce.
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup vinegar
Garnishes:
- Diced tomatoes
- Diced onions
Fry:
- Slice the meat very thinly.
- Fry your slices in the donair fat.
After the meat slices are fried:
- Dip a pita bread slice into warm water.
- Then fry in the donair fat.
Assemble:
- Pita
- Meat
- Garnish
- Sauce
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Canada Explained
Everything you ever wanted to know about Canada but were afraid to ask. This is from one of the CBC's flagship comedy shows: The Rick Mercer Report
Monday, February 2, 2009
Quid fit?
"Quid fit?", is the equivalent of, "Wassup?", for all of you very fortunate people who weren't inflicted with Latin in school.
I spend a lot of time surfing online. Truth be told, I spend entirely TOO much time doing it. You have probably guessed by now, my favourite tool for surfing is StumbleUpon.
While stumbling to see 'wassup', I dispense my unsolicited opinions of the pages, which are recorded in the blogs/favourites section. If you would like to view them, here is the link: Fluffy2002
I spend a lot of time surfing online. Truth be told, I spend entirely TOO much time doing it. You have probably guessed by now, my favourite tool for surfing is StumbleUpon.
While stumbling to see 'wassup', I dispense my unsolicited opinions of the pages, which are recorded in the blogs/favourites section. If you would like to view them, here is the link: Fluffy2002
Sunday, February 1, 2009
10 Valentine stumbles
The free graphic above called Valentine comes from Aramisdream at Deviant Art
Button Heart Valentine card
Vows for your Valentine
How to make a quilled card
Hand stitched valentines
Valentine Sparkle
Hand made Valentine-a-day: Day 9
Valentine soap & sanitizer dispensers
Video: make a clear heart Valentine card
Make Valentine cards with your kids
Kiss Jars
Button Heart Valentine card
Vows for your Valentine
How to make a quilled card
Hand stitched valentines
Valentine Sparkle
Hand made Valentine-a-day: Day 9
Valentine soap & sanitizer dispensers
Video: make a clear heart Valentine card
Make Valentine cards with your kids
Kiss Jars
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)