Friday 9 March 2018

Spring Blooms


Crocus and miniature iris are beginning to bloom in the garden.  There are daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, and other bulbs breaking through the soil.  Soon the gardens should be full of colour.






Monday 5 March 2018

A Fern and Stump

Went walking in the woods today and came across a fern growing out of the top of a stump.


Friday 2 February 2018

To Die For Carrot Cake

A while back I came across a carrot cake recipe that I booked marked for future baking purposes.  Everything about this recipe made me think it would be moist and tasty.  Not to mention with two 8-ounce packages of cream cheese in the frosting how could you go wrong.

The recipe can be found at Mom On Time Out:


So here is my attempt at "To Die for Carrot Cake".









The recipe for the cream cheese icing made way too much for one cake.  It was also not stiff enough for piping.

The cake was super moist and very tasty.  However, the icing was very rich and sweet.  In the future I will adapt the icing recipe or look for a substitute.

All in all a good cake that I will make again.



Wednesday 31 January 2018

Cream of Broccoli Soup

It is a soup type day, so I decided to make cream of broccoli soup.  

As I have never made cream of broccoli soup before I used Google to search for a recipe.  The one I decided upon is from Martha Stewart's web page:


It was a good choice.  Not only is the soup delicious but the recipe was simple and easy to follow.  Instead of using a pot I used a double boiler.  This extended the cooking time.  I will definitely make this soup again.




Monday 29 January 2018

Waiting at the Hyundai Dealership

Just before 8:00 a.m. I arrived at Duncan Hyundai to have my vehicle serviced.  It was still dark out and the rain was bucketing down.  It took a long time for the morning light to break through.

While waiting I was quite intrigued with the pile of snow tires displayed by the door.  I just had to take some photographs.






Thursday 25 January 2018

Waiting at YYJ

A quick trip this evening to YYJ.  I like the artwork in the lobby.






Monday 22 January 2018

Fish and Chips

Fish and Chips...comfort food at its best.

Halibut or Cod.  Haddock or Mahi Mahi.  Plaice or Pollock.  Skate or Ray.  The type of fish for the perfect fish and chips depends on personal preference.  Then there is the batter be it beer, tempura or other.  One must also consider the quality and type of oil or fat that the fish and chips are cooked in.

All of these factors are taken into consideration for the Bill and Joan Scale of Fish and Chips.  This fish and chip scale is named for Bill and Joan who operated the local fish and chip shop when I was a child. I still consider their fish and chips to be the best that I have ever had.  There have been few fish and chips that come close to the childhood memories of those glorious golden crispy pieces of halibut and chips.

As I carry on with this blog I will on occasion report in on the on going search for the perfect fish and chips.  Until then here are a few photographs of recent sample.



  

Sunday 21 January 2018

Between Rain Showers

In between rain showers I took the opportunity today to go out and check my garden.  Thankfully nothing is flooded.  The winter heather is in bloom and the spring bulbs are beginning to break through.  The primulas are in bud and the ornamental Oregon grape is sporting tiny yellow blossoms.





Saturday 20 January 2018

Dreaming of Half Moon Cay

On this gray drizzly afternoon I find my thoughts drifting to Half Moon Cay, Holland America's private island.  Oh it would be lovely to feel the sun on my face and my toes in the sand.











The above photographs were taken in November 2013.  I think it is time to go back.

Friday 19 January 2018

Here We Go Again

I have lost track of how many blogs I have attempted to write.  This time I am aiming to share photographs of my journeys be they far or near.  There will be a few quotes, some thoughts and commentary, and perhaps a recipe or two.  That being said, here is my latest attempt at blogging.  Enjoy!








Today I have decided to share some of the beautiful blossoms from my garden last summer.  These long gray January days can be so depressing I felt I need to share some colour.