Day One Hundred and Five - Identical Dresses

Dear all,

After a very busy day at the inn ( nearly a full house on a Tuesday Night!), I sped off into town for a lovely evening catching up with Jenny and Karla. We met at Jenny's gorgeous new house and I was greeted by her fabulous dogs, Doug the Chug and Lucie ( I have never known a dog so hyper actively amazing as Lucie. As I walked through the door she did four full rotations of the house, including running [at high speed] over terrain such as sofas, cushions and chair legs)

As many people will know, I have ( at all times) a penchant for cocktail dresses. I think this is due to a combination of many years swishing down Wardour Street decked out in knee high black leather boots and a scarf so big it covers my entire body and now, the fact that I work on a farm, so enjoy 'sprucing up a bit' after invariably having a full day of 'mud wrestling'. So, I popped on a vintage classic after work ( 50's grey plaid knee length, hot-to-trot mini dress, $5 from Bullfrog) in order to meet the girls ( always important to dress well when discussing the news of the day).

And the most amazing thing happened. Karla arrived IN THE SAME DRESS!

All I can say is that my darling Karla and I have entered the world of the 'A-List' and should absolutely be in 'Hello' magazine and/or something similar.

We had a fabulous evening, it was so lovely to catch up with Jenny and Karla over Fuzion 'Rose' ( what a discovery) and mull over the events of the week. And of course, we can't forget Lucie and Doug, pictured here looking calm and serene ( imagine the 'exact opposite' around 3 minutes previously). They are such gorgeous dogs though, I could watch them for hours.

Jenny and Karla, you are wonderful!

And in other news:

1. Its not raining!

Day One Hundred and Four - Inukshuk

Dear all,

Connie and Gerry are safely back from Ottawa ( Thankfully staying clear of the various Earthquakes and Tornados that are currently frequenting Ontario) so I popped over after work to say hello and to bask in the early evening sun on their glorious veranda drinking a lovely glass of shiraz. It was the perfect opportunity for Gerry to show case his new creation: A home made Inukshuk!

An inuksuk is a stone landmark built by ( we presume) humans, used by the Inuit, Yupik and other folk from the Arctic Region and are found from Greenland to Alaska. This region is dominated by tundra so therefore void of any natural landmarks. They may have therefore been used for navigation, marker for hunting or as a food cache. They vary in shape and size but have deep roots in the Inuit culture. An inukshuk is even part of the provincial flag of Nunavut ( The blue [very big] section on the attached map). More info on the Inukshuks and some fabulous pictures on this website. As will everything to do with the Native North American cultures, it's fascinating. http://www.inukshukgallery.com/inukshuk.html

So Connie and Gerry are building an Inukshuk in their beautiful garden, maybe for navigational purposes but I tell you what, it looks fantastic. And the stones used are HUGE! Below is a photo of me standing behind the half finished statue ( Gerry used to be an uber-famous photographer in New York hence the more than unusually cool shot!!). More pictures to follow as the Inukshuk reaches completion.

And in other news:

1. More horse love. I don't think there is a sweeter thing on this Earth than the new baby foal.

What can I say.. my heart melts.

Day One Hundred and Three - Hydro Planing

Dear all,

Oh my, what a day, the rain will not cease.. thunder too ( but no earthquake fortunately). The issues with water are continuing to bubble away at the inn so after work I made a direct bee line to the sanctuary of home with Darren for a boiling hot shower and a spot of painting before heading out to the cinema. I had quite a shock however as I left the torrential rain. As I was driving down the 10th line, something happened to me which was certainly very unusual... my wonderful car hydro-planed.

Hydroplaning can be described as a loss of steering or braking control when a layer of water prevents direct contact between road vehicle or aircraft tires and the road. A this point, ones car slide across the top of the water (like a skier) until the momentum decreases enough where one sinks or reaches the other side of the road. In other words: terrifying!

Luckily... the guy at the stop sign (who I was hurtling towards) could see exactly what was going on and let me shoot through without so much as a horn-toot. It shook me up though, oh my lordy. I drove at 50 ( km/ h for all the Brits reading) the rest of the way home with my entire body in adrenaline shock. All okay, warm and safe eating marshmallows with Darren.. sigh..

And in other news:

1. The G20 bubbles on in Toronto with virtually no impact on us here in Collingwood apart from a very unusual fleet of black 'stealth' helicopters flying over the inn around lunchtime today.

2. The sweetest wee baby foal anyone could ever lay eyes on...

Day One Hundred and Two - Husky Farm

Dear all

Today, Darren and I, Karla, Jay and the tribe from the Inn were taking a hop, skip and a jump over the escarpment to our neighbor, Doug who was holding his annual Summer Solstice Party. It seems as with everyone in the local area, Doug is no ordinary chap. he used to be a big wig in the music industry and now houses a pack of huskies in an idyllic property on the escarpment.

Doug is a good friend to the inn (he gives us our Guineas. We haven't therefore introduced him to Mac) so invites us all every year, but the only specification on the invite is that the party is that it is a pot luck dinner.... next challenge afoot!

Linda hinted that she wanted me to try a new appetizer recipe so I took the helm and went for it whilst in the safe environment of the homestead. Darren is so calming. I boiled up some sushi rice ( very specific instructions followed yet again! I am advancing as a human being) and then added some rice wine vinegar that had been boiled up in a seperate pan with sugar. This is what makes the rice sticky ( and after all my years in Japan... I finally learn this)!

I then sliced cucumber thinly to form the base, laid smoked salmon on top, a layer of the rice, a layer of mayonnaise/ wasabi mix ( the vital ingredient), a layer of seaweed, one last layer of rice and then sprinkled with sesame seeds. It looked rather more like a 'sushi cake' that a delicious appetizer that you might take to a rock star party... but none the less, we cut it up and set off into the night!

And the party was fabulous! We scooped up Karla and Jay en route and arrived just in time for a dewey thirty minutes of dusky daylight perfect for checking out the huskies ( hilarious to watch. They have ALOT of energy ). Huskies are gorgeous dogs and Doug has a great business taking out folks over winter to try their hand on the husky sled. http://www.dogsledfarm.com/

Doug keeps the huskies in the equivalent of a 'Husky Haven' up on the hill at his farm. They all have individual houses that look like a playing cards that have been leant together to provide shelter. All the huskies are on lead reigns but as Darren was explaining, this is absolutely critical as if they escaped, they would off on a trip to Siberia with not a moments notice and would probably take them a couple of days. No joke (it happened to his buddy) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_Husky

But aside for his dog and exotic bird obsession, Doug loves a good knees-up! The party meandered all over his amazing property ( I want to live there) including in his beautiful barn where bands traded places to entertain us all throughout the night, various outhouses, a campfire and extensive buffet. We had a brilliant time, the music was awesome, it was wonderful to spend some time with the gorgeous Karla and Jay and the food was fabulous. Thank you Doug!

Note to all: I love this photo, check out the saddle randomly positioned in the background.

And in other news:

1. Whilst out and about whilst running, I crossed paths with a family of Raccoons lazily walking along the road side behind their mother. I know they turn into lettuce gobbling, chicken terrorizing monsters.. but the babies are very cute!

Day One Hundred and One - Boiling an Egg

Dear all,

Today, whilst Vince and Darren were at Bateaux Creek enjoying a spot of golf, I set to work preparing a feast (I had already warned Darren that I due to my inability to ascertain appropriate portion size, I literally had 'no control' on the quantity of food that would be produced).

I had some potatoes left over from a couple of night ago so, full of virtue, I decided to use up the leftovers and make a salad. As if by magic I came face to face with a monumental milestone that would become iconic in my development as a Domestic Goddess: I had to boil an egg! On a par with bread making, I knew that if I cut corners I would end up with egg on my face, so I enlisted the help of the mother of all that is kitchen, Delia Smith, to guide me. Ironically, at that very moment the wonderful Nigella was on TV ( my mentor ) so I had to document in the attached video.

I set to work and as always got myself immediately in a pickle by trying to do too many things at once ( cut up a chicken, boil rice, make mayonnaise dressing) but I managed militantly follow Delia's instructions and the eggs were a triumph!!! Gawd love Delia and her kitchen.

http://www.deliaonline.com/how-to-cook/eggs/how-to-boil-an-egg.html

This is the recipe I used for the potato salad and it was fabulous http://southernfood.about.com/od/potatosalads/r/bl00624c.htm. The boys loved it (the ultimate golden star) along with everything else that I prepared (in no particular order):

1. One whole BBQ chicken ( cut up from scratch [horrendous], boiled and marinaded in bone dust and popped on the BBQ)

2. Shrimp, marinaded in paprika, salt and garlic and skewered before also being put on the BBQ

3. Cantaloupe Salsa: Melon, papaya, corn, red onion, coriander, mint, basil, lime juice (all mixed up together).

4. Stuffed Peppers: Turkey pan fried with onion. Tomato sauce and spices added and stuffed into big 'ol bell peppers

5. Humus, Tzaziki and many many dips.

6. Fruit Cobbler and Ice cream.

I think that's enough for three people. Here is a video with some choice moments from the evening.

And in other news:
1. The Inn has a new friend: A Garter Snake who seems to have taken up residence in the hot tub. Discovered today after a nice man and his ( extremely snake-phobic fiance) were 'enjoying' the jacuzzi. The nice man caught a glimpse of a snake sliding along the rim of the bath out of the corner of his eye. He managed to deter his fiance until the snake 'slid' away but reported the incident immediately. Linda was thinking of addressing the problem by putting up a suitable sign in the hot tub room ( 'Beware of Snake', 'Snake Lives Here', 'Look out, There are Snakes About' etc etc) but it was decided that this would render the Hot Tub permanently 'Vacated'.

Day One Hundred - New Foal

Dear all

ITS A GIRL! Foal number one has arrived and she is a beauty!!!!! I obviously have some sort of telepathic link to the foal as I found myself driving up to the inn almost on my day off as if being drawn in by a tractor- beam and look what I found when I arrived!

She was born at night and is as healthy as can be: Strong, inquisitive and an absolute little angel.

What can I say, she is beautiful. Clever Rogue!

Below possibly the cutest video in the world... more to come.

And in other news:

1. Connie's garden is looking resplendent after all the rain! ( Phew)

Day Ninety Nine - Curries Farm Market

Dear all,

As I left work today, I decided to take a quick detour and pop into the newly opened Curries Farm Market on Sixth Street on my way back home. They have recently renovated the market ready for the new season and it looks fabulous!
http://www.curriesfarmmarket.ca/




It is just off the highway, so perfect for a quick vegetable purchase after work and sells gorgeous looking local produce and country fair. I decided to purchase a quart of beets (99c - what a bargain!) and on getting them home, Darren (who was delighted with his gift) added that as a bonus, Beets are well known in cooking circles for being 'healthy'.

I think tomorrow's challenge will have to be 'Beet' based - possibly with a naughty 'unhealthy' slant... I will get my thinking cap on!

And in Other News:
1. The Canadian Otter

Lives near lakes and rivers in Canada; is a superb swimmer; makes 'mud slides' with the sole intention to slide down them and can stay underwater for up to 8 minutes by closing his ears and nostrils.

They also eat baby swans. All of them. Just outside in the Marina!

We spotted our friendly otter today whilst returning from a quick spin on the Jet Ski.

2. Pictured below are The Inn's little 'Otters' portraying the picture of sweetness and light, having a siesta. ( This is after I caught Mac with a Guinea Feather casually stuck in his 'cage'. Hmmmm.)

3. Darren won the beer round at Trivia which makes it two weeks in a row!!! This week had a' rather more geographical theme: How many great lakes are there? And he sailed home with a pitcher of beer and '5'!

4. The 'Earth-Moving' news of the day:
http://www.thestar.com/article/827754--earthquake-rattles-ontario-quebec-border-and-gta

5: Darren and I went out on the Jet ski 'during a tornado'. I wondered why it was more than usually choppy.

6. And most importantly, HAPPY 67TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY to Grannie and Gramp!

Day Ninety Eight - Watering in the Rain

Dear all,

After a mini break between the clouds, the rain has returned and oh my, it has returned with a vengeance. It rained and rained and rained today - I felt like I was stuck slap bang in the middle of a Malaysian Monsoon after having had a fully clothed bath (and not finding a towel to dry myself off with).

I have a very important mission this week and it is crucial that I complete it or serious consequences will ensue:

Connie has left me IN CHARGE of her garden while her and Gerry have gone to Ottawa for the week.[Mother Nature has suddenly put her whole fabulous designer garden world on my shoulders!]

Connie's garden is beautiful. We had a de-brief just before they left ( with wine obviously) and despite the torrential downfall today, I was instructed to 'absolutely water the pots', because 'it is impossible to know how much water they are getting with the rain'. And of course Connie is right and even in the rain that caused me to look like a drowned rat [ to the power of 1 million] her pots actually were a little 'dry'

So there I was watering the gardens in the rain. Poetry in motion.

And in other news:

1. I had to post this photo. Check out Angus' couch today at around 1pm. Mac has even grabbed his own 'quilt' ( I don't know how he did this, but remember that he is a 'special' dog).

2. Domestic Goddess Point:+1

I am starting to realize that I am fabulous at making cookies. Due to ( literally) being rained in today  I cooked up a cookie storm for the Inn guests with a plethora of varieties: Chocolate chip, giant raison, yogurt droplets... Again my inability to control portions ensured that I covered the entire dining room table with cookies, although I think Paul and Chris thought it their duty to sample them all before we give them to guests. Multiple times of course.

Note to all: No idea why there is a hammer on the table.

Day Ninety Seven - Horses on the Summer Solstice

Dear all,

Today I decided to celebrate the summer solstice by running through the orchard with my beautiful Una. Despite there being no other horses competing in the race, we won! The brilliant Lorraine agreed to commentate for the event and I am sure you will agree, she did a stellar job.

It was such an incredible day, a fantastic start to the summer, I salute you Mother Nature!

Mac celebrated the summer solstice in customary style, by sun bathing on the drive way.

And in other news:

1. New neighbor Brad decided to beat the latest trend in 'mail box baseball' by installing the ultimate in mailboxes. It is made of stainless steel and promises to outdo even the most hardy of baseball bats. (The Inn lost it's mail box a couple of weeks ago along with everyone on Side Road 30/31! Very annoying!)

2. Gandalf update:

He has duly lost his winter coat and about time! Here he models the [ever expanding] rack surrounded by his loyal harem. Woe betide anyone who dares to cross him.

Day Ninety Six - Teeth Whitening

Dear all,

I am lucky enough to have inherited my mothers fabulous teeth and therefore have avoided the dreaded braces and head gear, have not fallen foul to fillings and (despite the copious red wine and coffee) have pretty white nashers. I have always been intrigued by teeth whitening especially having had worked in the film industry for so long where beauty is ranked higher in priority level than food and folks are willing to spend thousands to ensure everything is air brushed to perfection at any given time.

I picked up a pack of 'whitening' strips at A and P ( In the sale for five bucks: This should have been a stark warning sign) and was quite excited when I opened the pack later that day to find a stack of strips raring to go. Darren was chuckling away in the background 'hinting' that I might not obtain the effect that I was looking for after merely one go.

The instructions stated that I should 'peel off the whitening strip from the paper'. I tell you, this was near on impossible and I had 4 failed attempts before I managed to get a strip off the backing and even then there were bits of flaky paper attached.

I stuck the strip onto my top row of teeth and it sort of dissolved over the course of a couple of minutes tasting like a slightly metallic toothpaste. I felt rather short changed by the whole affair as [obviously] my teeth looked exactly the same and I was left with a very odd taste in my mouth, like I had been chewing on a metal pole.

I think next time I will heed the advice of my dear friend Hoggy back in the UK and go to the dentist to have it done. Like hair dye, its much better to pay more and get a stellar job done! More along this vein to come!!

And in other news:

1. The Duke and Duchess of Pork grow and grow. Here ye a brief video of the boys getting their 'Pasta Dinner'. I think it gives a good impression of their size and constant desire to eat.

2. Angus deciding which is his 'best side'.

3. Mac desperately wanting a chin rub but finding it somewhat difficult due to his 'face armor'. ( He ate a robin yesterday THROUGH his cage). He is also displaying the new trend in 'Jack-Russel' Hair: Short on the top and long on the sides to extenuate the ears. Very attractive.