a few words from the west coast

The flight to Vancouver was so easy going (the Cape Cods and Screwdrivers helped) and the airport reunion was brilliant. We are very silly people and I wouldn't change a thing about it.

It's only been 2 days and I feel so at ease and clear headed. Walking up and seeing mountains is seriously the coolest thing ever - I'm like a giddy little child seeing Santa for the first time.

Hayley and I made a pact to go running every morning and it feels good to shake the dust off and fill my lungs with cold mountain air. Looking forward to the race in Stanley Park on Sunday.

This is what vacations (and life in general) should be like.

in the open air, where the skies are blue

In September of last year the good Reverend headed out west to start the next chapter in his life. I didn't want him to leave, I told him he wouldn't find friends like us, I mocked Vancouver. But I could also see in his eyes that his mind was set.

The day before his flight, Hayley and I made a deal with him that we would make our way to Vancouver in March and work a visit around the Spring Run-Off. It gave us all something to look forward to and made saying goodbye easier because it became "see you in March" instead.

Something that was once so far off in the future is now within arms reach and it brings me comfort knowing that in less than 2 days there will be an epic airport reunion with giants hugs and tears of sheer joy.

Hope you're ready for us Rev, because Toronto is coming for you and we're bringing trouble

speechless

Zeus | Greater Times On The Wayside | Fever Of The Time | A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

If you can hear me, let me see you breath
And I'll tag along in the meantime
And we'll sleep tonight for
Greater times on the wayside
When you're dreaming, who do you see
And how do you feel when you think of it?
Cause I've been thinking a lot about
Giving you all I've got in a standstill

music to my ears

Click here, turn your speakers up, let the autoplay work it's magic.

Thank me later.

don't think twice, it's alright

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you don't let show

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

If there is a load you have to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road
I'll share your load
If you just call me

So just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Lean on me...

advice from the expert

If you haven't already figured it out by now, I love all things food related. Cooking, baking, grocery shopping, eating, reading cookbooks, searching recipes, prepping...it's all good in my eyes. Planning a meal and trying a new recipe is my idea of a fun time.

It never fails to amaze me when people say they can’t cook, or they don’t know how to. If you can read, you can cook. It really is that simple. Pick a recipe (if the picture looks good and you like the ingredients, go for it) and follow the directions. You don’t have to start out with beef Wellington. Still don’t believe me? Well here is proof that cooking can be quick and easy:

This took me less than 10 minutes to make (including time to wash the basil, and find salt to refill the shaker). Sure, I had all the ingredients on hand, but in my house these are staples. Learn to keep a few key things in stock, or plan ahead and buy groceries.

This masterpiece is made by combining chopped garlic, basil, sun-dried tomatoes and shallots with olive oil, salt and pepper. Stir it up and then add it to other things to make a meal. I would suggest some kind of meat and cheese duo, but you can use it with pretty much anything you want. To get you started, here's a few suggestions:

• chicken breast & asiago
• white fish & potatoes
• burgers & blue cheese
• steak & goat cheese
• rabbit & anchovies
• pasta & spinach
• couscous & pine nuts

Someone please try this out and let me know how it goes. Am I way off in thinking cooking is this easy, or are people just too lazy to fend for themselves? Survey says….

long weekend update

In honour/mourning of the Godfather going back to Dallas today, I spent yesterday cooking and baking. There was a Jamie Oliver recipe that just looked too fun not to try, and then a cupcake recipe that involved bacon (3 different ways) and dark chocolate so it was too good to pass up. Yeah, I know.

The honeycomb cannelloni was kind of a pain to make because I couldn't find 2 of the main things - creme fresh and a casserole dish that would fit everything - but I improvised and MacGyvered a solution. I mixed sour cream, light cream, Parmesan and seasoning for the creme fresh, and used my timpano pot for the casserole. Crisis averted, I moved on to the best part of the dish: the sauce. It had carrots, celery, red onions, portobellos and porcinis, garlic, and loads of plum tomatoes and basil. So easy to make and basically idiot proof, it amazes me when people say they can't cook or don't know how. If you can read a recipe, you can cook. It really is that simple. Trust me.



The dessert was courtesy of the brilliant and torturous minds behind one of my favourite food blogs and I couldn't say no to something that combined bitter dark chocolate, salty bacon, and sweet maple syrup. The cupcakes were so moist and delicious, and the butercream/bacon icing was a surprisingly tasty variation. Having a piece of maple candied bacon as a garnish was way better than a cherry on top. There are a few left over if anyone is interested.



In the midst of baking I got an invite to hang with an awesome friend that I rarely get to see, so I packed up a few cupcakes and took a drive. We hung out in his basement, attempted more than twice to burn a CD, and then abandoned the cause in favour of watching "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia". Basically your typical high school hang out, minus the awkwardness of teenage angst. Being grown up has its advantages.

Hope you are all enjoying this Family Day long weekend and spending it with your peeps.