No Matches!

At present we are in a rural area outside Bancroft. My brother and his wife are completing their off grid house. I am amazed how easy living is here. We are warm and comfy and the system seems to require little but sun most days to keep it operational.

Obviously the first chore of the day is to get the wood stove replenished. The house has never dropped below 65 --- even first thing in the morning not uncomfortable. I am first up so I can get on with that task ... I load in wood kindling and logs but can't find a match! This isn't my house but the job must get done so I try discretely to check drawers and jugs. No matches!
Breakfast is going to be late.

Before long Art appeared to inform us, "There are no matches".

At this point it should be noted that this man seems a little accident prone lately and we just can't figure out why! We quickly learned it probably has everything to do with his "get the job done " attitude.

A blow torch was quickly produced.

Needless to say breakfast was simmering in no time.

A shower was next on the agenda for today.
In preparation Art had us uncover a lawn chair hidden in the yard. It was then placed in front of the fire to thaw and be cleaned. We had it looking pretty good only to discover it didn't fit into the shower.
A water tolerable substitute was needed.

Mary will be happy ( I think ) to see her fishing equipment isn't gathering dust while she is away. We put her bucket in the shower ---- rods and all (this is a nifty ice fishing gadget - the bucket has all your fishing gear  --- you remove what is needed and  sit on the padded seat  while waiting for the fish to bite).
No further picture are available but you get the idea.

Having exhausted ourselves enough for today I think we will sit and watch the fire burn for a while.

Never could sit still for long!
What the heck is this all about?
You will have to catch Art's blog --  Living Off Grid -- maybe he will have more info.

Never a dull moment.
Love to be busy.

Have to go check on the "girls". They owe us some eggs.

Lots to do ... places to go etc.

Helping Out

OK ---- I admit I'm not a very relaxed person. A day on the couch just wouldn't happen for me. By the time people decide something should be done ----- I have probably already done it. Drives them and me crazy........
Do I spend a lot of time looking after me?? No. But....... I believe ..............
'If you can't or won't do something for yourself -- do something for others. It has a boomerang effect" ---- it's true. Try it. The results are guaranteed and you will be happier for it.

As I mentioned we are in rural Ontario doing the outside stuff my brother can't do right now (because of the white cast he is lugging around) ----- you know--- feed the chickens (I kid you not), bring in the wood,and complete the task that started this whole problem (this involved climbing up the same ladder in the same spot and finishing the job). Do we mind? Not at all. We are outside! The trees around have a beautiful white frosting and we came upon 3 deer today in our travels. Life is slow and quiet here. The air is crisp and clean  and a warm fire welcomes when we return indoors.

Sherri had her surgery today. All went well and we are relieved. There will be a recovery period, but she has a great support team. They will have trouble keeping her resting and quiet.

As for my brother ----- we took him to Belleville today to have his cast removed. The surgeon agreed to replace the plaster with an Air Cast  provided he didn't put too much weight on it for a few more weeks. AHH-- a new challenge. He wants to be up and outside. He isn't a sit and do nothing person either (genes!). We have to keep him immobile a while longer.
Besides - if he discovers he can be totally independent he might send us home........
We like the chickens --- great pets. There are miles of hiking trails here ...... and Don is becoming very attached to the comfy rocky chair by the solarium window........

Life is good. Glad today is behind us and all is well.
Wonder what tomorrow will bring.

As circumstances change ---- we adapt!

We were busy in December. January looked like a down month ....nothing to do but watch the snow fall.

Then things changed. We received a call inviting us back to Chalet Bancroft. Actually it was a request for help. In true reckless fashion my brother learned ladders can't bend they just topple. That's what happened ---- with him on it. Result a broken ankle and a very upset wife.

Timing was terrible. They are busy completing their new home. They had commitments in Toronto ...... things to do people to see .
 
Their daughter will undergo surgery on Monday in Toronto. Art needs to have his cast changed in Belleville (the same day). We are here to help out --- keep the home fires burning (literally), keep the acrobat out of further mischief and play chauffeur. Hopefully Mary will rest a little easier knowing things at home are being looked after and she can do what needs to be done in Toronto.

First duty at the resort this morning was feeding the chickens.

These hens enjoy their morning porridge as much as we do.

The "girls" (as Mary calls them) were happy to see me and dug right in.

They have their morning treat and I picked up mine.

Eggs don't come much fresher than this. Now back to the house for breakfast.

The sun is shining. We are cozy warm. Art is doing well. Tomorrow will be be a long day but I am positive all will be well ----- at the very least we will adapt.

Life never stands still. Embrace each moment. Tomorrow is always a new day.

On Willpower and Substitutions

I try to eat healthy ... I really do.
I love to cook and subsequently eat what I cook.
The trick these days is to make something that looks, tastes and actually is healthy. .... note: I haven't mentioned low calorie. I'm tired of that line of thought. It only leads to deprivation and discontentment.

Marketing today does nothing to help the uninformed make healthy decisions. Low fat is plastered on many labels. Upon further investigation you will often note a huge increase in sugar and salt.... not much of a healthy improvement. Many snack items come with a catchy phrase "no cholesterol"  What exactly does that mean?

Reading labels has increased the time it takes for me to navigate the grocery store.  I add the 2 numbers beside "FAT". If they total more than 10, I put it back.  Next I look at the salt content. Again try to keep it low ( under 15% ).
My savvy sister-in-law  pointed out that if the ingredient list is long - and you can't read most of it - leave the item in the store. Avoid processed when possible and make your own. Lastly  visit only the outside circle of most stores. Here you will find fresh produce, meat, and dairy. Avoiding the inner aisles keeps you away from processed and junk foods.

Now that you have all the right ingredients in hand - start cooking. Substitute at least half the sugar with herbs and spices.If a sweetener is needed use honey, agave syrup or real maple syrup. Keep plenty of onion, garlic, basil, and real lemon on hand. Cut back on fats. Make meatless meals. Eat smaller portions and wait 15 minutes before taking seconds.

My favourite treat is a fruit smoothie. I use a combination of fresh and frozen fruit then toss in frozen crunched up kale and a few carrots for extra punch ( sometimes it is hard to eat all the vegetables we should ). Blend with home made almond milk or a little fruit juice. No sugar needed. Yum!

Soup is the entree of the day during these cold winter months. Start with a good broth, saute a few onions and start adding other vegetables ( leftovers are fine ). Add beans or lentils for substance and your favourite spices ---- basil, a bay leaf or some curry. The aroma from a good pot of soup will bring people to the table in a hurry.

Life isn't perfect. We don't always follow our own rules but once you begin a routine of healthy eating your body will be unhappy when you stray. I never skip a meal ....  pack homemade lunches  .. and avoid fast food restaurants ... it's work but I am up for the challenge.

We truly are what we eat.

Ontario Yours to Discover

What ever happened to the slogan " Ontario Yours to Discover " ?

For various reasons we decided to remain in Ontario for most of the winter.
Do we long for a beach walk or the freedom of venturing outside without the cumbersome layer of outer clothing?  sometimes  ..... Of course when temperatures dip into the minuses there is that northern tendency to just burrow down  and wait for spring.... not necessary ..... There is an abundance of winter adventures waiting to be discovered.

For outdoor fun check out Ontario tourism. Many communities host winter carnival events. Ottawa has skating on the Rideau canal and an ice sculpting contest. Niagara Falls lights up the ice to create a magnificent water show. Ice huts appear on many lakes providing additional winter sport.

                                             Ottawa - night fireworks on the canal.

If you are more an indoor person look for the seasonal events which prepare us for the arrival of spring .... the Toronto Boat and Auto show. Gardening and RV events -- greenhouses offering tours of  early blooms forced ahead by an indoor climate. And of course my favourite trip in early March to the sugar bush to have pancake breakfast and pick up maple syrup.

We built our house so the outside was never far away. As you can see lots of huge windows. Time on the couch is short. The outdoors calls. So much to see and do.

Hat, scarf, mitts, snowpants, sturdy boots, extra warm coat ...... yup ..... I'm ready to explore.
Enjoy your days wherever adventures take you!

Grandma job

Just got off the phone with my daughter. She didn't sound her chirpy self. She is tired! Maybe as a mother of 3 youngsters under 4 that is to be expected.
The main culprit right now is her 2 year old. She has given up sleep. Not just her afternoon nap (expected) but sleep generally.
This is all my daughter's fault of course. She named her after her grandmother (my Mom). Her grandmother never slept much either ---- just too busy!
Bella-boo is busy too. From the moment she flew into this world she hasn't stopped (what word other than flew would you use to describe a baby arriving 20 minutes into labour?). At 2+ she was probably ready to dispense with the mid day nap, but shouldn't that make for better night sleeping?
Anyway Grandma to the rescue.Bella needs an adult that can keep up with her -- for a few days.Maybe her Mom will have a nap.......

I will be off the radar and away from my computer for a few days doing what grandmas do best.
Isn't it great to be able to help out.
I am so happy to be part of these little peoples lives.
Guess this is what is meant by the circle of life.

Honey and smart little bees

I believe in the 100 mile eating rule. This means whenever possible support your local farmers within 100 miles of where you live. Seek them out (lots of fun). You will find many of their products are organic or natural (no antibiotics or additives). These products not only taste better they are fresher and naturally good for you.
I love to head to the Kitchener area. Mennonites there farm some of Ontario's best produce, free range eggs and maple syrup products.

Recently my son-in law developed a craving for honey which he purchased at the St Lawrence market I noticed it came from Millbank just outside Kitchener. Being the super shopper / traveller I am,I had to head straight to this Apiary.

Now -- this is no roadside stand selling a few jars of honey. No --- this farm has a warehouse full of honey. Boxes and boxes ready to be shipped across the country.
Locals brought in jars which were filled from the honey barrel, then weighed to complete the sale. I believe many were buying enough for the winter. Made sense as this is a summer product (no flowers - no honey)

I was amazed at the different types of honey available. There was liquid - creamed - cinnamon flavoured - and even one which had raspberries added.
You could buy raw or pasteurized honey.

One box stood alone and caught my eye.

WOW --- I know what elderberries are. Not only do they taste great in pie or jam (Mom made the best elderberry pie) they also provide many health benefits.
I just had to have a jar!

Winter is now upon us and I have decided it is time to enjoy my elderberry honey. Perhaps it will help ward off winter colds --- who knows ----.
Tastes great. Slight aftertaste - definitely of elderberries -- BUT -----
How do they know these bees collected nectar just from elderberries? Who trained them to do that? Are they sure some renegade bee didn't sneak off to another more attractive flower along the way?
I will have to ask my grand nieces (very smart they are and can always come up with  answers).

In the mean time I have been cold free and enjoying honey daily.

Tea and toast anyone?

accidents happen!

I love to cook!
Soup is my favourite entree this time of year  ...... home made of course.
It is a great way it incorporate those not so enjoyable vegetables into your diet. It is an economical way to use up leftover roasted vegetables or raw crisper dwellers. You can make a very filling meal without meat.

 This my stock of choice --- delicious and low salt.

Chopping and dicing is a mindless task giving me time to think and reflect. I find it relaxing. For years my housemate has been vocal about a better way to get the job done ... I'm sure it isn't out of guilt for not helping (he doesn't cook but he is my best taster).

This year Don outdid himself (we aren't big on gift exchange) and proudly produced a mandolin at Christmas. Now this is a gadget! I don't do gadgets! They take up cupboard space and need careful washing. Most gadgets are dangerous objects in my hands. No problem ..... my man is Mr. gadget. He bought it and would happily take over the task of slicing and dicing.

So today we had the task of making a new pot of soup. I peeled ..... he would slice. (well I had to cut up the peeled veg so it would be ready for the mandolin).
Work seemed to be progressing well till suddenly there was a yelp from the mandolin corner and a stream of red flashed across the kitchen ....... why shake your hand? it won't come off and it does nothing to suppress bleeding.

I had to do a quick switch from chef to nurse hat.Tracked down the first aid kit and had the bleeding suppressed in no time.

The mandolin has been put away -- forever --- and I am back to being the official chopper.

Don is resting comfortably in front of the TV.

Must go he wants a cup of tea.
.

Shopping

OK --- I admit it --- I am a shopaholic!
I love to browse and compare prices and find that special something. Purchases have to be on sale ----- everything is FOR sale but don't buy until it is ON sale.
Yup --- if I can't be hiking take me shopping.
Of course things are looking up the last few years with the introduction of Big Box Stores where you get a mix of both! (part of the Keep Ontario Moving program)

My favourite haunts are grocery stores or ethnic delis. European grocery stores can be a whole day adventure with the rewards a mixture of surprise packages. These make dinners very interesting at times. (I vow every year to learn Germany but that might spoil the surprise)

Open markets draw people from miles and I always like to be included.

This market kept me occupied all day. You could barter and negotiate  --  all part of the fun. Regardless of what peaked your interest you were guaranteed to come away with a prize.

Even on remote mountain tops farmers were ready to feed my shopping fetish. Nothing tastes better than cheese, honey and butter fresh from these huts.

Currently as you can see I am busy with shoppers in training.
They are the future  ......  hope they take Grandma with them.

Life is such a wonderful adventure.

BUSTED !

We are the parents of 3 special girls (adults now). They in turn added 3 wonderful son-in-laws to the family tree.
Each of the girls (they will always be our GIRLS) is gifted in their own unique way. This is not necessarily a reflection of their parents -  just a lucky mix of the gene pool.

Today's blog centres on our middle daughter who has a wonderful creative streak and a fierce determination to go with it. Out of necessity she produces amazing clothing for herself and family (she is a gorgeous 6 ft tall and 32 inch jean length just doesn't cut it). Some projects turn out so well she duplicates and customizes them for gifts -- sometimes even making a little cash on the side.
Her latest endeavor became extremely popular as she and associates sought the perfect personal gift for Christmas.

Felted slippers. They are warm and cozy. Light and non slip.

An insole from the desired shoe size is inserted before final fitting.
Then a design is added using a rubber paint to prevent slipping.

They can be duplicated in various sizes and colors.

I neglected to include these in yesterdays blog without the artists consent ----- plus some special things I like to keep to myself.

Here they are for the world to view.
Did I mention how light and packable they are?
They will definitely be the first thing in the suitcase for Switzerland next fall.

As always life is busy..... lots to see and explore.
Glad we have no schedule.
Every day is an adventure.

Happy Feet

I used to have a shoe fetish  .....  red,blue,pumps,clogs,high top boots ...every outfit required a different finish.
Now that I have matured comfort rules! No more stilettos for me. Good serviceable tie-ups complete my wardrobe. Boots have to be flat, warm (in the winter) and dry.

On a recent trip north I discovered my old boots no longer kept my feet warm. I pulled out my computer and started shopping. Ordered these Sorels from MEC at 40% off ( never pay full price ). They are rated for -25C. Can't wait to get back to Ottawa or Bancroft and try them out.

Indoor footwear is also important. After hiking all day I have the perfect foot candy to please even the most fussy feet.

 These cuties are sheepskin on the outside filled with plush lambs wool on the inside. I purchased them in a small mountain village (Murren ) in Switzerland years ago. They are warm and cozy and over the years have molded beautifully to my feet. Looks like I may have to replace them in September when I visit the area again.

My most important foot attire would be the boots I wear  all day. These have to be comfortable , waterproof , warm but not hot and of course light ( I don't want to haul around weights on my feet). I purchased these Lowas 6 years ago in Switzerland. They know how to make boots. I put these on and started walking ----- averaging 8 miles a day. No blisters. No sore spots, Just happy feet. These boots have trucked through puddles in Madeira ..... my feet stayed dry. They slid through snow in Frankfurt and Prague ... still warm and dry. Sadly I think they have seen better days. So for the past few months in anticipation of our bi-annual escape to Switzerland I started the hunt for new boots.

When you find a good thing stick with it. I bought Lowas again. On sale of course! Can't wait to try them out in September.

Remember ..... be good to your feet and they will be good to you.

Happy hiking.

Grandchildren - God's reward for passing parenthood

Grandchildren: They keep us young!
We are blessed with 5 wonderful grandchildren.
For the record every grandparent has the most delightful, gorgeous, unique, well behaved grandchildren in the world. All destined for great things.......that's just the way it should be. Ours are no exception.
These youngsters are each a miracle to behold. Their world is simple. Things are easily explained. Life is uncomplicated.
They have wisdom beyond their years and can put a reasonable explanation to most encounters.
I remember  visiting with family members one hot summer day. Our daughter had removed her baby from the stroller to take her inside to nurse. One of the crowd asked where the baby was ------ the reply from an observant bystander ---
 " she's inside milking her Mom "

This Christmas my daughter bought a wonderful kitchen set for her bunch.

Typically this is the part they enjoy the most......

You guessed it......the box it came in.

Have you noticed how the world is sometimes geared for the small fry. Our grandson certainly has an easier time removing clothes from the dryer than me.

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Regardless of what the day brings just watching them grow is a pleasure.
A hug -  a smile or just walking hand and hand. You know you are loved and they feel secure and loved in return.

Isn't life amazing!

Another great day.

Bancroft Winter Resort

Left Bancroft this morning to head back to city life.
We spent the last 4 days with my brother and his wife in their new passive  solar home. This homestead was a vision which they turned in to reality. How special is that! We were amazed how warm and homey this dwelling is even through dull cold ( -20C ) days and nights.
Great company - warm accommodations - fresh eggs from resident hens and the odd fish from the nearby lakes. Surrounded by miles of well groomed trails through some of nature's best scenery. Does life get any better than this?
Thank you Art and Mary for making your dream a reality and most of all for sharing it with us.
Another great few days.

A day at the lake

Our adventure this week has taken us to beautiful north eastern Ontario.
Lots of snow makes for great hiking. Trails beckon.

Today all trails lead to the lake. Ice fishing is a wonderful sport when the weather is sunny and the air crisp. A nice thick layer of ice is also desirable.
We uncovered  4 holes which had been preserved with styrofoam blocks and sat patiently . Sadly we went home empty handed.

Great company, great scenery and a warm pot of soup on the wood stove.
Another great day!

first blog

Traded in a work schedule to enjoy life.