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Showing posts from February, 2015

Harvest Pot-au-feu ~ r

Delicious! Preparation 15 min Cooking 3 h 1/2 onions, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 380 g blade pot roast, or rib roast , cut into large cubes 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp white flour (all purpose 1 1/3 cup beef brot 1 1/3 cup water 1 bay leaf 1 tsp herbes de Provence 1 pinch salt [optiona ground pepper to taste 1 1/2 carrots, cut into large chunks 1 rutabagas, or turnips , cut into large chunks 2 3/4 cups Savoy cabbage, or green , cut into large chunk 4 small potatoes, whole Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Cut the meat into large cubes. Heat the oil in a casserole dish or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meat and brown thoroughly on each side until golden, 7-8 min total, then take the meat out of the pot and set it aside. Add the onion and garlic to the pot, then sauté 3-4 min until the onion is translucent. Stir in the flour and cook 2 min with continuous stirring. Pour in the broth and water gradually, with stirring, then put the...

Beef and Potato Fricassee ~ r

Preparation 10 min Cooking 40 min 320 calories per serving 240 g beef, inside round, or French steak , cut into 1 cm cubes 1/2 onions, finely chopped  100 g 1/2 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 cm cubes 1 stalk celery, cut into 1 cm cubes 1 tbsp butter, unsalted 1 tbsp canola oil 2/3 cup beef broth 3 1/2 tbsp frozen peas 1 pinch salt [optional] ground pepper to taste 1 tbsp Italian parsley, fresh [optional] Keep the serving dishes in the oven at the lowest setting so they are warm when you serve. Cut the meat into small 1 cm cubes. Prepare the vegetables : Finely chop the onion and garlic; cut the potatoes and celery into 1 cm thick pieces. Heat half of the butter and oil in a thick-bottom frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté 3-4 min until translucent, then remove them and set aside. In the same pan, add the cubes of beef and sear them over high heat 7-8 min until golden-brown. In order to br...

Vegetable and Bean Ratatouille ~ r

Preparation 10 min / Cooking 30 min 250 calories per serving  [See all nutrition info] 2 tbsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic, pressed 1 onions, finely chopped 1 1/2 cup green/snap beans 2 zucchini, cut into 1,5 cm dices 1 aubergines / eggplants, small size, cut into 1,5 cm dices 1 yellow or red sweet peppers, cut into 1,5 cm squares  1 cup canned tomatoes (diced) 3 cups red beans (canned), rinsed and drained 1 pinch salt [optional] ground pepper to taste 1 pinch cayenne pepper [optional Mince or  press  the garlic and chop the onion. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook the garlic and onion 4-5 min until lightly coloured and soft, paying attention not to let them burn. Prepare the vegetables .  Boil or steam  the green beans. Drain, cut into 2 cm pieces, and set aside. Dice the remaining vegetables into 1,5 cm pieces and add to the saucepan with the garlic and onion. Sauté  4-5 min, then add the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.  Stir...

Mixed Vegetable Salad with Eggs ~ r

1 potato 2/3 cup green/snap beans 1 tomato, sliced 1/4 curly leaf lettuce 1 large egg 6 black olives 3 Tbsp  Classic Vinaigrette Salt and pepper to taste Prepare the vegetables.  Wash the potato, trim the ends of the green beans.  Place the vegetables in a steam basket or in a pot of salted water to either boil or steam until al dente, about 20 minutes.  Let them cool down 10 minutes or longer, so they won't be so hot to handle.  Cut the potato into slices, cut the beans into pieces. Boil the egg, cool immediately in cold water, peel and cut into quarters. Put all the vegetables in a salad bowl or serving plate.  Add the tomato.  Pour on the dressing, then season with salt and pepper.  Toss well. Arrange the olives, lettuce leaves and egg on top of the salad and serve. Makes 2 servings. From www.soscuisine.com The salad is delicious and filling but I think the salad would taste even better with a different dressing...

Scrapbooking Finishes for March 2014

Knitting Finishes in March 2014 . . .

. . . and yes I am way behind in posting finishes to this blog . . .  This is a mystery knit-along dish cloth from   https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MonthlyDishcloths/info This is an oddball sampler afghan square called Victorian Patchwork from http://www.knitting-and.com/knitting/patterns/afghans/victorianpatchwork.htm This afghan strip is part of a mystery knit-along from https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/holidaymysterygifts/info This is another mystery knit-along dishcloth from  the Monthly Dishcloth Yahoo group Can you tell that I love mystery knit-alongs?

Family, Newfoundland and Bunsen Burners ~j

MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 Today's Writing Prompt: Family Why are families important? What do families provide that makes them better than living on our own? I was going to make all kinds of emotional reasons for why family is important but a chat on Facebook with some friends right now is about traditions, in this particular case about Lent. It seems to me that family grounds us, gives us a place where we can feel like we belong to something more than ourselves. I think that may be why family is so important. March 31, 1949 - Newfoundland joins Confederation as Canada's 10th province; oldest Dominion in the British Commonwealth joins 82 years after Confederation; Joey Smallwood first Premier, until 1972. Newfoundland ( CBC Archives ) http://canadachannel.ca/todayincanadianhistory/index.php/March_31 Bun sen Burner Day When : Always March 31st Bunsen Burner Day celebrates the birthday of its creator. German chemist Robert Wilhelm Eberhard von...

Spring, Park and Rum . . . ~j

SUNDAY, MARCH 30, 2014 Today's Writing Prompt: One Phrase What's one phrase you would really like to hear right now? It is spring. Take a Walk in the Park Day When : Always March 30th Don't miss out on " Take a Walk in the Park Day". It is an opportunity for exercise and relaxation. Are you stressed out? A walk in the park is just what the doctor ordered. Its calming and therapeutic. Taken after a busy work day, it helps clear your mind and re-energize you. Or, take the walk during lunch and you will find the afternoon of work goes by quicker and easier. A walk in the park will likely be the most enjoyable part of your day. However, make sure to do so with a clear mind and with your eyes open. In addition to avoiding a fall, open eyes will allow you to take in the beauty of nature's wonders: flowers, and trees, birds, and wildlife. Tip: We suggest you take a walk in the park with a friend or your lover. It will prove far more enjoyable if you have comp...

Sketch Challenge #38

Cold! ~j

SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 2014 Six Word Saturday Six Word Saturday: Describe your day or current situation in just six words. Baby it is really cold outside. National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day When : Always March 29th National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day celebrates small business owners. These individuals spend countless hours nurturing and growing their young enterprises. The workload demands, and lack of a hired staff, often translates into long and late hours, and many missed family and personal events. But, all in all, they love what they do. After all, they are their own boss. New businesses have always been a vital, yet not fully appreciated, part of the U.S. economy. On they retail side, they bring different and unique products to the marketplace. They provide stellar and personal service support. When you call, you are more likely to get a real, live person. And unlike big national chains, they know their products. They are outstanding performers in niche markets...

The Great Pintrest Challenge: Boiled Bacon

So someone I know, who shall remain nameless, read on Facebook that to make perfect bacon you should boil it. http://primaldocs.com/opinion/cooking-tip-cook-your-bacon-in-water/ So she did that and complained that the bacon was gross and slimy. She wasn't sure if it was the procedure or if it was because she used cheap bacon. I read a couple of articles on boiled bacon . . . and I think she, who will still remain nameless, didn't read the last paragraph. "You end up with some perfect strips of bacon that is as tasty and perfectly formed as ever. Even better, once the water boils off, you can still save the bacon grease for future cooking." Well, now we know for next time.

I love the salad bar and napkins at the Wayside Inn in Talbotville ON

Hubby and I just had supper there a couple of weeks back which is why I picked the Wayside Inn in Talbotville ON as a place I recommend to visit.  The first building was erected in 1936 and a gas station was opened. The Wayside also housed the Talbotville Post Office until the 1960's.  Greyhound used it as a bus terminal and although the bus terminal was relocated to St.Thomas in the late 40's, buses continued to pick up passengers at this site until 1973. As many as 40 buses buses stopped at The Wayside each day. The present owners bought the business in 1975. The last time we were there was a Monday night and they had some excellent specials.  I love that the decor is so classy but not obnoxiously so.  I love that the servers wear uniforms and not yoga pants and t-shirts.  I love that they still provide real napkins.  The service is excellent.  The food is also excellent.  My favourite thing there though is the salad bar; an excellen...

Crime and jalapenos ~j

FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014 Today's Writing Prompt: Theft Have you ever had something stolen from you? Surprisingly that is something that has not happened to me very often. Perhaps I have nothing that anyone else would wish to steal? Something on a Stick Day When : Always March 28th Something on a Stick Day celebrates things on a stick. Isn't this just a neat day? We thought you'd agree. So what comes on a stick? Practically anything. The first thing that comes to mind is popsicles and fudgecicles. Hotdogs are poplar on a stick at campfires. There's also corndogs, and shrimp and many chinese treats. Cocktail wieners and cheese are picked and eaten on a stick(a toothpick). You can also get just about anything on a stick when receiving food samples at a store or festival. Celebrate this fun day by serving food for meals and snacks on a stick. The kids will love it. So will you! http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/March/somethingstickday.htm March 28, 1967 - V...

Joe's Manners are Tragic . . . ~j

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 Today's Writing Prompt: Manners Do you think manners are important? I think manners are critical. Knowing how to behave in public and at home leads to a more harmonious life. It shows respect for the people around you. National Joe Day When : Always March 27th National Joe Day is a chance to change your name, if only for today. Many people do not like their given name. They wish they could change it. A few actually do. On National Joe Day, it is perfectly okay to have everyone call your "Joe". Why Joe, and not Bob or Mike or Radcliffe? Simply, because everyone likes the name Joe. If you are called Joe today, we know that you're "Joe cool"! This works well for the men out there. What about the ladies? We suggest you choose Josephine or Jody. Origin of "National Joe Day": Our research did not find the creator, or the origin of this day. Obviously, it is a person who does not like their first name. http://www.holidayin...

Resorts, Holidays and No Cars on PEI?!? ~ j

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014 Today's Writing Prompt: Ideal Resort If you could design your own vacation resort, what's one attraction you would definitely include? Only one? Huge comfortable wraparound porches on each cabin, climate controlled when the windows are shut and also screened for enjoying fresh breezes when the windows are open. Here are my blog posts I actually made on the real March 26, 2014: What happens when some local scrapbookers take over the local Tim Hortons? http://inmyworld-pam.blogspot.ca/2014/03/what-happens-when-some-local.html The adventure of the trapped hand at Cora's Restaurant . . . also known as "Why do weird things keep happening to me?" http://inmyworld-pam.blogspot.ca/2014/03/the-adventure-of-trapped-hand-at-coras.html Make Your Own Holiday Day When : Always March 26th Make Your Own Holiday Day allows you to make today a special day for anything you want. The objective of today, is to allow one day for any topi...

$100, Chocolate Covered Raisins and the Mighty Beaver ~j

MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014 Today's Writing Prompt: Luxury You've been given $100 on the condition that you have to spend it all on yourself. What are you going to do with your gift? Head to the nearest scrapbooking store. I can't believe you didn't already know what my answer would be . . . LOL!!!! National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day When : Always March 24th National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day is a day to enjoy this tasty combination of chocolate and fruit. Chocolate lovers who like raisins, find the combination simply irresistible. Kids find them irresistible, too. Are you watching your waistline? National Chocolate Raisin Day will not help you here. You're on your own. Follow the Logic?: Chocolate is made from cocoa beans ( a vegetable) and raisins are from grapes (a fruit). And, we all know that vegetable sand fruit are good for you. Therefore, isn't chocolate covered raisins good for you? http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholiday...

A mish mash of things - hockey, spring and chips ~j

SUNDAY, MARCH 23, 2014 Today's Writing Prompt: Welcome Spring What does spring look like in your neighborhood? Is it spring where you live, still winter, or already into summer? In our neighbourhood spring looks muddy and brown as the snow melts away followed my bits of green peaking through the mud. It seems like it only takes days for the grass to green. I know spring is supposed to be rainy but I think we get more rain in the fall. March 23, 1923 - Hockey - Foster Hewitt announces his First hockey game, over the Toronto Star's radio station CFCA; known as the voice of hockey'. Toronto, Ontario http://canadachannel.ca/todayincanadianhistory/index.php/March_23 National Chip and Dip Day When : Always March 23rd National Chip and Dip Day celebrates America's favorite snack duet. If you re holding a party, it is almost certain that chips and dips are on the snack list. The only possible exclusion would be for an Ice Cream party. Important Not...

High School Reunions and Anne Murray ~j

FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014 Today's Writing Prompt: Reunion Imagine you're on your way to your next high school reunion. How do you think your old school friends will react to the person you are today? Believe it or not, I never graduated from high school. I have a college diploma and an honours BA, but only made it half way through Grade 11. So I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be invited to the high school reunion. Graduate 4" x 5" $3.00 March 21, 1993 - Music - Anne Murray inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at Juno Awards ceremony; her 25th year in show business. Toronto, Ontario Source: http://canadachannel.ca/todayincanadianhistory/index.php/March_21

The Great Pintrest Challenge #3

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/108297566013823566/  suggests using rain gutters for book shelves. These photos were taken in 2005 . . . and you can see that we did use gutters to hold scrapbooking paper.  

Fare Thee Well Love . . . o'er the Rainbow Bridge ~j

Today's Writing Prompt: Rainbow Bridge Have you ever had the rotten experience of having to put a pet down? I had to do it once. We had a kitten who wasn't breathing when it was born. I actually did kitty CPR. I probably shouldn't have. Poor little thing was never right. I took him to the vet in Aylmer to be put to sleep. I will never do that again. I've never had a pet since and I don't want one. March 20, 1994 - Music - Rankin Fam­ily wins four awards at the Junos. Toronto, Ontario Source: http://canadachannel.ca/todayincanadianhistory/index.php/March_20

Parks Blueberries and Country Store, Bothwell ON

I have lost track of how many times I have been to Parks Blueberries over the years.   These photos were taken in October 2014.  Mom, Judy and I were taking a leisurely road trip, heading for our favourite cottage in Port Lambton, and stopped here for lunch.  The store is so pretty and well cared for.  The food, which is served cafeteria style, is delicious and reasonably priced.   When we finished lunch we browsed through the store and made a few purchases.  The store contains lots of baked goods, kitchenware and gifts.  Definitely fun to wander through. They are closed in the winter but will reopen in April 2015.   Too bad they weren't open in March because that is when we will be passing through on our way to Windswept Cottage again. For more information just click on this link:  http://parksblueberries.com/

Family and Neighbours ~j

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2014 Today's Writing Prompt: Siblings If you could choose, would you rather have been born an only child or born the middle child in a very large family? I've never really thought about being an only child. I'm not even sure what that would be like. I am the first born child and I like it, especially now when my siblings are starting to look as old as or older than me . . . LOL. March 19, 1953 - Cinema - the national Film Board's Norman McLaren wins the Academy Award for Best Short Documentary, with Neighbours ; first Academy Awards to be televised. Hollywood, California Source: http://canadachannel.ca/todayincanadianhistory/index.php/March_19 For more information:   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neighbours_(1952_film)

Scrapbook Challenge #1

I challenge you to scrapbook a layout about your grandparents love story. This challenge comes from www.simplescrapper.com

Little White Lies, Windswept and No Name Jive ~j

TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014 Today's Writing Prompt: Lies What is a lie you have told yourself? Oh boy . . . do I have a list. It won't hurt to have just one more cookie. I frequently knock 10 pounds off my actual weight. I'll get to it one of these days. On the other hand, I don't do a lot of IF ONLY`s . . . Some In My World blog posts that were actually posted before March 18, 2014 . . . http://inmyworld-pam.blogspot.ca/2014/03/woo-hoo-my-first-knitting-finish-for.html http://inmyworld-pam.blogspot.ca/2014/03/creamy-cole-slaw.html http://inmyworld-pam.blogspot.ca/2014/03/cinnamon-apple-crisp.html http://inmyworld-pam.blogspot.ca/2014/03/sketch-36.html Four cold and blustery days at Windswept Cottage in Port Lambton ON . . . but we were warm and cosy inside. March 18, 1940 - Glen Gray and his Casa Loma Orchestra record No Name Jive on Decca Records. New York, New York Source: http://canadachannel.ca/todayincanadianhistory/index.p...

Week 6: Time to organize ribbons and fibres

Week 6   This week's challenge is to organize all those ribbons and fibres.  There is no "right" way to store your ribbons and fibre.  The most important factor is that the system works for YOU.  First, let's make some S.P.A.C.E Sort: Gather together all of your ribbons and fiber, and sort them into piles: KEEP, TOSS, SELL, DONATE Purge: Throw out the TOSS pile.  Immediately make arrangements for pick-up or drop-off of the DONATE pile.  Bag up, and assign a price and your initials to the SELL pile, and immediately put these in your garage sale box. Assign: Sort your KEEP pile into types/colours of fibre and ribbon.  If your ribbons are in a big wrinkled mess, take time now to give everything a pressing (careful with the heat, some synthetics may melt!) Containerize: Consider the space that you have, and the way that you work  Here are some ideas that work for both ribbons and fibres: 1) on those little cardboard bobbins me...

A Rant about Downtown . . . in general

Everywhere people from my hometown meet, online and face-to-face, they bemoan the demise of our downtown.  They fume at the gall of big chains moving in and destroying our community and harangue each other to shop downtown. If only the automotive plants hadn't pulled up stakes and left.  If only the city did more to make the downtown attractive . . .  If only . . .  The reality is that the plants did pull up stakes and leave.  The chain stores are here and they have no intention to leave.  Remember how much these commercial endeavours are adding to our community in affordable goods, convenience, charitable donations, tax dollars and employment, especially now when we need it most.   I know the reasons I rarely shop downtown.  I am a stickler for good customer service and that is a rare commodity in some of the stores I've visited.  There are some VERY notable exceptions to this rule and those are the stores I continue to frequent. ...

Emigration and Migration ~j

SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 2014 Today's Writing Prompt: Emigration Have you ever lived in a country other than your country of birth? Would you ever want to? I have always lived in Canada . . . in fact I've always lived in Ontario . . . in fact I've never moved away from my home town. I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather live. March 16, 1916 - Canada signs Migratory Bird Treaty with the US; due to Jack Miner's work. Washington, DC Source: http://canadachannel.ca/todayincanadianhistory/index.php/March_16 If you would like to learn more about Jack Miner http://www.jackminer.ca/About.aspx I've never been to the Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary in Kingsville ON but it is definitely on my list of places to go and things to do. http://www.jackminer.ca/Attractions.aspx

The Great Pintrest Challenge #2

For my second Pintrest challenge I have chosen this pin:   https://www.pinterest.com/pin/255368241346458109/ The video is excellent and you can also follow the written instructions here:   http://naztazia.com/diy-free-pattern-crochet-pink-ribbon-awareness-breast-cancer-scarf.pdf Here's what I've done so far . . .