Day Two Hundred and Fifty Seven - Lake Effect Snow

Dear all,

Well, safe to say that we have caught up with the UK: Holy Moly, it's snowing and it's snowing hard. Harder than we all thought would strike in early December but it turns out, there is a simple explanation: Lake Effect Snow

Lake effect snow is a result of cold winds, moving across long expanses of warmer lake water which subsequently provides energy to the rampant water vapour, freezes and is deposited directly onto the leeward shores. In Collingwood, we are experiencing this to such a degree, that I was *actually* blown over this morning when I tried to access my car in Darren's parking lot. The weather at the moment is EXTREME.

But, I still had to get to work despite Darren saying that ' I should call Paul and alert him' to the fact my car was hidden under 3 ft of snow and Collingwood was at the epicenter of a cataclysmic white-out. But, the horses needed feeding, so I packed some supplies and after 15 minutes of snow clearing, I set off into the 'white'.

To describe my journey to work this morning is difficult purely because it was so awful, I am still slightly in shock. It was also hard to take photos as (a) it's illegal and (b) I didn't want to die, but I managed to snap a few [See above]. I found this photo online that I feel gives ample description of what is currently happened in and around The Georgian Bay:

Paul promised a 'thaw' before Christmas but at the moment, that is fairly hard to imagine. I even thought I had lost the minis today but luckily they were hiding in their shelter literally unable to surface as the snow bank was so high. It's chilly in Ontario: we are taking one for the team UK!

Day Two Hundred and Fifty Six - Egg Nog Trifle

Dear all,

Today, armed with a carton of whipped cream, I undertook a secret mission given to me by Darren's lovely mum, Joyce. Joyce had sent me one of Darren's favorite recipes, Tipsy Pudding, to surprise him with one day... So today, I did just that!

Joyce promised me it was an easy recipe but I have heard that trifle is not to be trifled with.. so I took great care to getting all the correct ingredients together and following the recipe properly.

TIPSY PUDDING 2 cups eggnog 3 1/4 oz, instant vanilla pudding 3/4 cup milk 1 container cool whip (or whipped cream) Angel food cake or sponge cake (can use bought one) 1/2 c sherry or juice Raspberries, peaches, kiwi (frozen raspberries, drained canned peaches or any fruit you fancy)

Egg Nog is one of Darren's favorite things and luckily it is starting to creep into the supermarkets ready for the festive season.

I mixed up the vanilla pudding, egg nog and whipped cream and got out the sponge cake 'that I had prepared early' *domestic goddess points*. I started to layer the cake into a large glass bowl dousing it in a handy bottle of Remy Martin.

I then sprinkle a generous layer of forest fruits and poured in half the creamy goodness. Things were going well!

I started layering again and this time used fresh pear as my fruit ( mainly because I had run out of forest fruits.. but actually it turned out really well!).

I poured on the last of the creamy mixture, whipped up more cream to decorate and sprinkled on some dark chocolate buttons. It was a total success and Darren couldn't believe it when he got in and took it upon himself to try the trifle immediately. He loved it, hurray! His only complaint was that it is a HUGE amount of trifle for two people... oh well, I am sure we will manage!

Thank you so much Joyce for the recipe. Hopefully I can make it for you one day!

Day Two Hundred and Fifty Five - Sub Zero Mini Racing

Dear all,

I love horses. And my goodness gracious, I love our minis. They are so cute you wouldn't believe it. Alyson ( a FABULOUS volunteer who was with us last year) and I have a particular love for Pippen. She is a miniature horse and she is bad ass! We truly believe she has super powers. After a detailed examination, I think she does.

Pippen and I have slowly bonded over the last couple of years. Initially, she was strongly opposed to anyone coming within a 10 metre radius of her area, she was known to 'charge' the electric fence to escape to 'grasses greener' on the other side and wore a very classy, studded red head collar: The latest in 'Horse-Couture'.

We have now bonded ( possibly because I give her food...) and she now greets me with head nod and a whinny, lets me give her a full body hug and occasionally protects me from the other horses ( if she thinks I need it). All in all, she is SUPER CUTE [My sister will fall in love with her on impact].

Here she is modelling the new line in Icicle-Chic.

Anyway, I wanted to achieve a major first today by having Pippen and I race simultaneously through the snow covered field. I failed, sadly.. but Pippen's right hand man, Frodo, gladly stepped in! Here is video proof of the race... I think I won!

And in other news:

1. The Guineas ( presumably originated in a somewhat warmer clime.. ) are very unimpressed by the weather and have tucked themselves away until the New Year.

Day Two Hundred and Fifty Four - Marshmallow Slippers

Dear all,

Today was an odd day and like a knight in shining armor, Darren rescued me from my malaise and whisked me off for an afternoon of [early for me/D] Christmas shopping in, the local metropolis, Barrie.

We went for our [obligatory] Mucho Burrito and did a quick swoop around two of my favorite stores, Curries Art Supplies (https://www.currys.com/default.htm) and Costco http://www.costco.ca.

Despite picking up a tube of Cadmium Red, some walnut oil, a bag of Cashew Clusters (These are surprisingly good and unbelievably addictive, but probably not all that good for you if eaten in bulk)

and some awesome Blue LED Christmas lights *grin*, the highlight of the evening was a trip to Mark's Work Wear House.

Now, I am not known for my appreciation of seasonally-appropriate clothing. Today was particularly poignant when Darren caught me outside, collecting wood, bare feet and wearing a sarong. So I was marched off to Mark's Work Wear House with a view to finding some warm winter clothing that would help me wade through 3 ft high snow banks without perishing and being lost without trace. http://www2.marks.com

As you can see, we were quite successful. Darren couldn't resist the fur aviator hat stating that they were 'the best hats in the world'. I concur having worn the hat. That hat is a cold-free zone.

Darren also treated me to a pair of 'fleece slippers' which are so comfortable, they feel like you are slipping your feet into a toasted marshmallow. I am now unable to take them off. He also { I am spoiled} bought me a pair of pig skin work gloves, guaranteed to survive the winter, fend of oil/ water/ yuk and maintain homeostasis within the hand. I applaud whole heartily!

Anyway, my new gloves were certainly put to the test this evening as I very earnestly decided to dig my car out of the snow to prepare for the early morning drive up to the Pretty River Valley. Not so easy in a force 10, minus 12 to dig your car out of 4 ft of snow... but I made good progress and didn't even think about the cold on my hands due to the gloves. Ooo and I borrowed Darren's new hat *hee hee*

We are catching up with you all in Britain... Here comes the snow!!!

Day Two Hundred and Fifty Three - The Tremont

Dear all,

Today I meet up with gorgeous Karla for a lovely drink in the newest hot-spot in town, The Tremont!

The Tremont has had many incarnations and is situated next to the fabulous new library and signifies an exciting new development that Collingwood has been yearning for.

I have particular fondness for the Tremont as I spend Tuesday nights doing art classes at The Bay School Of Art, http://demo.thebayschoolofart.ca. They have renovated the whole space into a classy group of studios that artists rent out to use and then display and showcase they work. (I have a pipe-dream to rent out one of the studios one day... it's a fabulous set up)

Anyway, back to the restaurant. As part of the Tremont development, they have built a beautiful restaurant/ cafe on the first floor with an open beer garden on the second floor roof for the summer. They have decked it out with flair and great details and it would have no problems fitting in amongst the eclectic yet high-end mix of down town New York.

Karla and I found a secluded table next to a corner of lovely exposed brick and ordered our drinks. They have stayed true to local tradition and have only Creemore and Wellingtons on tap and their wine list is pretty impressive. We have yet to sample the menu but I have heard only good things and after one week of being opened, it all sounds very positive. Karla and I had a lovely time putting the world to rights and our only [mild] criticism would be that the decor is illuminatingly white, so much so that in some respects it somewhat spoils the sultry, bistro style mood that we had hoped for that somewhere like Tresoro gets right.

Despite the whitewash, it's a lovely place to sit, drink, eat and enjoy. I would highly recommend it to all.

And in other news:

1. Not wanting to compete with those across the pond but...

... as of this morning, we are catching up fast!

Day Two Hundred and Fifty Two - Crab Cakes

Dear all,

The nights are closing in and I decided to find some inner warmth by cooking up some crab cakes as a late night, experimental snack. Darren agreed to sample a couple so I set to work immediately.

I used a recipe I had found online from a website entitled, 'Taste of Home' - sounded hopeful.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Easy-Crab-Cakes. I started off with a couple of tins (didn't have to time to go fishing today) of Crab Meat and added the list of ingredients one by one.

• 2 cans (6 ounces each) crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed
• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs, divided
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
• 1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter

I was a little concerned after everything had been assembled as [to be honest] it looked like vomit.. but I held my breath, shaped the mixture into balls and rolled them all in a crafty disguise - bread crumbs! Darren was blissful ignorant to what was going on, working away in the corner.

The recipe called for frying the crab cakes in butter so I lobbed a good chunk of Lactania's finest into the pan and started cooking up the patties.

Despite being initially [very] concerned about the crab cakes, they turned out great! I slipped one in beside Darren at his desk and before I knew it, he had turned around and asked for two more! A success! I put it down to the generous dose of Cayenne and full fat butter but needless to say, a new snack for the winter!

Day Two Hundred and Fifty One - Little Rock Honey

Dear all,

I have stumbled across a fabulous range of products and I couldn't wait to post them on the blog. Bought online but also conveniently had a stall at the Cottage fair, this range is totally organic, sumptuous and very good value.

http://www.littlerockhoney.com/

Darren noticed me eyeing up the various items on display and urged me to picked up a few [to help get us through the winter months {hurray}]. I couldn't resist the hand cream: made with only beeswax, olive oil, sunflower oil and water and coats your hands with waxy goodness that penetrates even the most grotesque and scaly skin [me] achieved from the combination of farm/ paint and general abuse.

We also picked up a large candle. As many will know, Beeswax burns longer, is clean, non toxic and doesn't smoke: perfect for a cosy winter ambiance in the home.

We picked a jar of Chai Honey for Kerry which was a delicious blend of honey with the rich spicy flavor of chai. They also had a fabulous range of 'Honey Butter' including Honey Chocolate butter and Honey Pineapple and Coconut.

All in all, a great product and good to support a small organic farm that houses our wonderful friends, bees!