tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63093741607330712622024-03-05T00:29:08.040-08:00Moving Forward with JoyLearning to live with Grace and JoyDeedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.comBlogger198125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-2044698129355512692012-06-14T16:21:00.000-07:002012-06-14T16:21:10.765-07:00The Bottle ManI gotta say, I live in a great community. Its not fancy or remotely upscale but that doesn't matter. The building I call home was built in the late 60s and even though its well maintained, its slowly falling apart. Despite issues with the hot water system, water pouring into the elevator shaft from heaven-knows-where, and a mysterious but unavoidable odor that has permeated the hallway (my nose tells me its a combination of curry, burnt sugar, weed and stale cigarette smoke...), I couldn't love this place more.<br />
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There's 30 units in this building, each with their own share of problems. My tub leaks, my stove and fridge are from the dark ages and my carpet is in sorry shape. But it doesn't bother me because I know that in the other 29 units above and beside me there are at least 60 other lives that are being lived out. Those lives include the guy who rips out of our parking lot on his motorcycle with a deafening exhaust, the lady who takes her license plate off her car for fear it'll be stolen and the students above me who play poker on their balcony til all hours. And ya know, they're all so darn friendly.<br />
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Most of us are considered 'low-income' but the fact that we're below the poverty line doesn't stop the acts of kindness I see almost every day. Whether its the lady upstairs loaned me a cup of icing sugar (which I paid back with a batch of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies - to her delight) or the guy in the unit beside me who asked to borrow my house phone so he could find his misplaced cell phone, we're all part of a community.<br />
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But my favourite neighbour by far is a fellow who lives in the apartment complex behind my building. His name is Manfred and he collects pop bottles. He's been retired for a number of years and has taken on this mission - to seek and collect pop bottles from the four corners of our neighbourhood. And gosh, the friends he's made - myself included! Manfred starts his rounds at 9am and I often see him returning home as late as 8pm. He keeps a grocery cart at a house just two doors down from my building where he stores all those bottles and cans, fills that cart and treks over to the bottle depot, a 30 to 45 minute walk. Every. Freaking. Day. Including Saturday. Rain or Shine. Snow or Sleet. He's out there, collecting bottles.<br />
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I met Manfred about two years ago. I was accosted by him, this elderly man with a garbage picker-upper who was searching through the garbage and recycling bins behind my building on this self-imposed mission. He wanted to know if I had any pop bottles in the garbage I was about to throw out. I didn't but in my storage room, I had two garbage bags full! Against my policy of never allowing strangers in my unit, I let Manfred come in and collect those recyclables. I figured I could take him if he tried any funny business!<br />
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Manfred and I now have a policy. As I collect bottles and cans from family and friends, I leave them in in plastic bags on my ground-floor balcony. And just now, Manfred has come to collect another bag of recyclables courtesy of my parents. I can only guess at how much money Manfred has raised, all for <a href="http://samaritanspurse.ca/">Samaritans Purse</a>. They do a lot of good work in developing countries and certainly benefit from Manfred's tireless fundraising.<br />
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I'm blessed to live in a neighbourhood, that though lacking in monetary wealth, is so rich in friendships and community. Every time I think of moving, I'm reminded of the lives being lived out around me and how much I would miss my daily interaction with this cast of unusual characters! I'm blessed, indeed!<br />
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Moving Forward with Joy.Deedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-86540602615903692592012-06-03T21:02:00.001-07:002012-06-03T21:05:23.798-07:00Crate-a-poloza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello folks!</div>
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An accomplishment in my life: </div>
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I spent months looking at webpage after webpage of crate-shelving inspiration and over those months I nabbed eight wooden crates. Two wine crates from the liquor store for free, three old cranberry crates from <a href="http://www.cannor.com/">Cannor Nurseries</a>, an apple crate from a friend and three very old coca-cola crates from my dad... I set out to make my vision come to life. After much <a href="http://havedegreewilltravel.blogspot.ca/2008/06/crate-shelves.html">searching</a>, <a href="http://www.foodservicewarehouse.com/ImageDetail/fi2526.aspx">planning</a> and dad's cordless drill and stud finder, this is what we put together:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It isn't the layout I'd originally planned on but this was dad's suggestion based on where the studs in the wall were. And ya know, I'm pretty happy with the final product! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm not done dressing up
these shelves but am slowly getting there. I'm
planning on purchasing more clear Tupperware tubs for flour and sugar as
they're currently in their original 25lbs bags inside that beige/brown Rubbermaid bin
in the bottom right of the picture. And I want to put more of my special cookbooks on display as well as a few of my nicer tea cups and saucers in the coming days. One thing at a time, right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Not pictured here are the two wine crates that we screwed to the wall above my sewing/crafting desk in my bedroom (which is a room unfit for cameras at this point!) and I stacked two crates to put my printer on beside my computer desk. The bonus: I no longer have to stand on my desk to scan documents/pictures. Safety first, folks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Moving Forward with Joy.</span></div>Deedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-53473594229677276252012-05-24T21:38:00.002-07:002012-05-24T21:38:54.769-07:00Hello folks.<br />
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It has occurred to me that I've been up to an awful lot lately and that only my Facebook friends know about my many adventures and creations. Such a shame!<br />
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Today we'll catch up on my crocheted creations. This is just a selection of what I've branched out into making over the last year.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: small;">Play Food:</span></u></b></div>
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Milk, chicken drumsticks, cookies, carrot, apple </div>
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Grapes, Pickles and a Banana (with removable peel) </div>
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Fried Eggs, beet root and leaves, donut and corn (with removable husk) </div>
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A dozen cupcake</div>
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Close up of said cupcakes</div>
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<u><b>Stuffed Toys: </b></u></div>
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Giraffe</div>
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Horse</div>
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(I found inspiration from <a href="http://amorningcupofjo.blogspot.ca/">A Morning Cup of Joe</a> but made up my own pattern) </div>
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<u><b>Toques/Hats: </b></u></div>
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Granny Square-style toque </div>
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Viking Toque</div>
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(Found inspiration from <a href="http://www.snorgtees.com/viking-helmet">Snorg Tees</a>)</div>
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Brown Bear Toque </div>
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Have made <b>dozens</b> of these. These suckers are top sellers!<u><b> </b></u></div>
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<u><b>Odds and Ends: </b></u></div>
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A tea cozy</div>
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A baby photography prop - turtle </div>
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A sweater for my little niece </div>
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Each piece has its own story but for the most part they were experiments. A few of them were requests/commissions (the play food, for example) but have now made several of each with the exception of the pink sweater and the turtle prop. Crocheting things for profit has been a good way to earn a few extra pennies, I won't lie, but I still do it for the same reason - for a love of all the craft!</div>
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Until Next Time,</div>
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-Dee</div>Deedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-30336580775460099532011-12-06T18:42:00.001-08:002011-12-06T19:26:55.768-08:00Six months.I realize its been six months since I blogged here. I think occasionally about this space and how to best sum up the last six months of my life and since I didn't have words to do that, I've stayed away from here.<br /><br />My life became very difficult in about April (despite what my perky blog posts would seem to reflect) when I begged my doctors to change one of the medications that I'm on. Zyprexa had been a good drug for me, mentally. I've had stable moods for nearly seven years, but it wasn't so good for the rest of me - weight gain, the beginning of metabolic syndrome (high cholesterol and high blood sugars) and teetering on the edge of diabetes. There were two new drugs that came on the market and I bent my doctors' arms into letting me try them out. Neither Abilify or Zeldox (Geodon) were what we'd hoped they'd be which was incredibly hard as my moods raged out of control. It was five months of sky-highs and soul crushing lows and in September I went back on Zyprexa. It didn't take long for me to go back to being stable.<br /><br />Even though Zyprexa evens out my moods, it can be a frustrating medication in other respects. Not just the physical things (weight gain, etc) but also how sedated it makes me. If there was one amazing thing about my time off Zyprexa, it was that I could think with crystal clarity! I haven't thought that clearly in years and giving that up, no matter how hard the mood swings were, was a very hard decision. It was nice to be able to spar verbally with dad and Jill and to engage in meaningful conversation and debate with other people in my life. Unfortunately the extremes that my moods went to made going back to the world of 'stoned indifference' the only option. As hard as it is to be foggy and to not be able to concentrate or read for pleasure (or learning, for that matter), I decided that it was more important to be stable and reliable than it was to argue passionately.<br /><br />Some would say that sharing my medication woes and deep truths about what its like to have a mood disorder isn't appropriate. They've said I should just mind my P's and Q's and keep this sort of information quiet except to the closest people in my life but ya know, I'm tired of living like that. I'm not ashamed that I've got a mental illness. Its just a piece of what makes a whole and its not shameful by any stretch of the imagination. Unfortunately some think that mental illness is best kept quiet. I wonder if they really understand what keeping this kind of thing secret is really like and if they know how it only compounds the problem. I refuse to let my mood instability be something people whisper about behind my back. I welcome questions and curiosity!<br /><br />But the good news is that my life is back on track, thanks in part to my old medication but also because I've got amazing family and friends who stand by me no matter what my moods do. I'm grateful.<br /><br />Moving Forward with Joy.Deedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-74715157785348498102011-07-01T19:04:00.000-07:002011-07-01T19:08:36.676-07:00<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> 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mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Hello!<br /><br />I trust this finds you all well.<br /><br />Things here are getting busier and busier! We're gearing up for our family reunion in a little over two weeks! Gosh, we can't believe how quick this is coming upon us... mom and dad in particular have been busiest. They've done lots of yard work - no more than normal, actually, but it has a special feeling about it now because we're expecting 85 of our closest relatives for three days. Gotta make the place shine! This is dad's side of the family that we're expecting and we couldn't be happier. We're only hoping now for good weather. We've had an incredibly wet spring in the Fraser Valley and we're praying for at least one sunny weekend - namely the weekend of July 15th!<br /><br />And in that vein, we took a family trip to Costco yesterday. I've been there only once or twice as a young child so its still very exciting to me. I'm certainly not in the market for hardwood flooring or bulk flatwear but I picked up a few good deals on olives, toilet paper and peach cups (in apple juice of course, not syrup - 15g of carbs in each cup and less if you don't drink the juice! yay.). Also found a deal on canned cat food that I'm sure Georgina will appreciate and even managed to find the world largest bag of chocolate chips - 5 pounds! Ok, I'm sure there are bigger bags but its the biggest I've seen! It was a great experience and as a birthday gift to me, Mike bought me $40 of my groceries. So kind!<br /><br />Mom and dad got some good deals, too. Plastic cutlery, ketchup, and pickles... and who knows what else. It'll all be well used for the reunion.<br /><br />I'm doubly excited about this reunion as I wasn't originally intending to go. My seizures are triggered by camera flashes so large gatherings have been completely out of the question for the last eight years. But my dear friend Michelle has been teaching me mobility skills for the blind and even bought me my own cane. So I'll be at the reunion, just in an adapted, Deedee-safe, sorta way! I have my sleepshade and my cane and will be getting a funky pair of sunglasses to go over top of said sleepshade... and voila - Deedee can go to the family reunion! I know its rather unorthodox but it would be more of a shame for me to miss the whole shin-dig then for me to have to come 'blind'. I'm excited to see everyone and hug the life out of my aunts from Alberta. Plus we're having a pig roast on Friday evening and I'll be damned if I'm going to miss that! lol. I think its a good way to have both me there as well as all the pictures people want to take. Best of both worlds, in my opinion.<br /><br />Am just on my way out the door to mom and dad's for supper. Homemade pizza. YUM!<br /><br />Moving foward with Joy!</p>Deedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-28592283178154430532011-06-09T20:08:00.000-07:002011-06-09T20:39:09.557-07:00Hello folks.<br /><br />As you can see, I've given this blog a facelift. It needed some lovin' and a new Spring look! Let me know if you have any strong view on the new colours and fonts.<br /><br />Mom and dad spent the afternoon here, helping me with a few things. Dad fixed all my screen windows as well as my hide-a-bed that was broken ages ago. We got lots accomplished and even started on the adapter for my patio window, where the air conditioner will hook up. (Its previously been attached to my kitchen window but its no long practical to have it there). We finished with supper, which mom made for us while dad and I worked away, fixing things. It was strange to have someone else cook in my kitchen but the meal was delightful.<br /><br />I've had two major excitements in the last two days.<br /><br />One of them is this:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKkH8g2ZhyphenhyphenpD1SzIZmNUXHanRW65is3uYubmZ0-DrKnWWACQp-8Wk2xTp8tHx0yUuTIouc1bHq7wmN1Rvz3Y-4_t9A8o_qcgWPG1bcUX8z1ib3oYHHRjsKbyYo1JkAGx-Fs4Vt8cG83A/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKkH8g2ZhyphenhyphenpD1SzIZmNUXHanRW65is3uYubmZ0-DrKnWWACQp-8Wk2xTp8tHx0yUuTIouc1bHq7wmN1Rvz3Y-4_t9A8o_qcgWPG1bcUX8z1ib3oYHHRjsKbyYo1JkAGx-Fs4Vt8cG83A/s400/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616423772007317618" border="0" /></a>I have a 'pest' problem. I live on the ground-floor of my apartment block and there are squirrels and cats galore who enjoyed using my planters as both a place to store their treasures (nuts and the like) as well as using it as a convenient bathroom. It was a major pain in the neck for me... as soon as I'd get anything growing, the squirrels and cats would dig it up. BUT this contraption should fix that problem. It was originally a habitat for raising hamsters and guinea pigs. Dad found it abandoned downtown by the old court house and immediately saw potential in it. It was in really really sad shape but after a few weeks, its been reinforced, repainted and re-fibre glassed and is lookin' pretty spiffy! I've planted my 'garden' in it, beans, carrots, spinich, dill. And I'm looking forward to being able to enjoy some of those veggies this year! yay!<br /><br />The other most major excitement of my last couple days is the arrival of Georgina:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlAmCu5LZ71InMpUOzkZyenJjYz0YLl1uw65A5xUjkHz1woH4Lrmn1vx-TzPXOstFanuAdo2-hTvW7Yk8lhoNAIOufbaY-tFeThSN3NfeUjkb84LxQYhXQyan0vll1elvv0J5yf3mpOg/s1600/023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlAmCu5LZ71InMpUOzkZyenJjYz0YLl1uw65A5xUjkHz1woH4Lrmn1vx-TzPXOstFanuAdo2-hTvW7Yk8lhoNAIOufbaY-tFeThSN3NfeUjkb84LxQYhXQyan0vll1elvv0J5yf3mpOg/s400/023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616424055194067202" border="0" /></a><br />Sorry the picture is a bit blurry. She's 7 weeks old and weighs in at 1 pound! And she's about as big as a brick of butter, too. So adorable. She's currently confined to the bathroom... now that I know she's figured out the litter box, I've been letting her explore her surroundings a bit more - adventures in the living room, kitchen and dining room. I think I'll keep her in the bathroom at night for a few more days but she seems to be settling in very nicely. We have a new apartment manager who doesn't mind us having pets, so I've paid the pet deposit and now Georgina has a home with me.<br /><br />There's been plenty of other things going on, most notably preparing for the reunion next month. Golly, I can't believe how fast its creeping up on us! I've been baking lots for it... every 10 days I've been making a different kind of Amish bread and then freeze both loaves. They freeze and thaw well plus it means that I'll get my baking done while its still cool out. I found <a href="http://www.friendshipbreadkitchen.com/recipe-box">this site</a>. Its got TONS of new amish bread recipes. I've got the Apple Streusel Amish Bread in the oven right now. Lookin' pretty good and smells even better! I'm looking forward to trying the coconut cream one next. I split my starter this time, so I've got three other starters. I'm gong to freeze two so that if I kill my starter again I won't have to pester my patient Aunt for some of her sourdough starter! And the remaining starter (besides the one I'll keep to make even more bread!) will make the coconut cream one tomorrow after I go grocery shopping. There'll be over 90 people at the reunion - I'm sure they'll eat all the Amish Bread I can make! haha.<br /><br />Blessings for all of you out there as you go about your days.<br /><br />Moving Forward with JoyDeedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-83020153546728729332011-05-27T01:10:00.001-07:002011-05-27T01:40:32.177-07:00Egg-Free BreakfastsHello!<br /><br />Its interesting what can happen in a month's time, isn't it?<br /><br />My month has mostly centered on medication changes. It hasn't been easy but I think we've got a keeper. I'm pleased to report this, as my month has seen highs and lows. I'm not out of the woods yet by any means since these drug changes (adding a new drug, taking away another) won't be finished for another month or two. There's a light at the end of my tunnel, I'm happy to say.<br /><br />This new drug of mine has to be taken with a meal ("not a snack" as the pharmacist and doctor have told me time and time again) so I've actually had to start eating breakfast and supper at the same time each day. That might not sound so bad but it truly is a pain in the rump! Working nights doesn't help but I think I've found a system, thank goodness.<br /><br />Breakfast is the biggest challenge as I'm badly allergic to eggs and eggs happen to be one of the quickest and easiest breakfasts out there. So, I've turned to oatmeal. Porridge, granola, and the newest addition to my diet, baked oatmeal. I had to go searching the web for new things to do with oats and came across a recipe for it on a vegan website (vegan = no eggs or dairy). I've had some success with the recipe and have made a few tweaks to it, taking into consideration my many other allergies. And all the while, still counting carbs.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Vegan Baked Oatmeal</span><br /><br />2 cups oats (I use rolled oats)<br />1/3 cup brown sugar<br />1 1/2 tsp baking powder<br />1/2 cup apple sauce<br />1 tsp vanilla<br />3/4 cup milk (I used coconut but the recipe actually calls for rice)<br />1/2 cup frozen blueberries<br /><br />Mix wet ingredients with dry then pour into a greased 8x8 pan.<br />Bake at 350*F for 25 to 30 minutes<br />Let set 5 to 10 minutes before serving<br /><br />1/6 of the pan = one serving = 33g carbs<br /><br />I was short on cow's milk this last time but I happened to have canned coconut milk. I don't use it very often and I always forget to shake it well before opening the can! I did some fancy work with a wisk and then went from there.<br /><br />The baked oatmeal turns out great and freezes well. I freeze single-servings and then throw it in the fridge to thaw at night, then heat in the microwave in the morning for quick breakfasts. Top with milk (think: porridge) or yogurt and you're good to go.<br /><br />If anyone out there has egg-free breakfast ideas, please pass them on!<br /><br />Bed is calling but I hope this finds you well.<br /><br />Moving forward, as ever, with Joy.Deedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-85721511850622418612011-05-02T21:41:00.000-07:002011-05-02T22:31:33.061-07:00"A left-winged radical at heart"<span style="font-family:georgia;"></span>This post is an extension of a conversation that was had on my Facebook wall. I had to remove it to keep things pleasant but I wanted to write about it here just so that people better understand what I meant when I posted on my wall that: <span style="font-family:georgia;">"You're</span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> right, celebrating someone's death isn't the Christian thing to do. I'm not happy that I'm glad someone is dead. Its great that some of ya can live that Martin Luther King Jr quote but I know I can't"<br /><br />The quote that prompted that was this:<br /></span><h6 style=" font-weight: normal;font-family:georgia;" class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":"msg"}"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span class="messageBody">"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that" - Martin Luther King, Jr.</span></span></h6><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">A number of my friends posted that quote from Dr. King and while I agree with the principle - that we can't fight hate with hate - I think that its far too idealistic and that Martin Luther King Jr meant a lot more about hatred then just us being mad at one son-of-a-bleep who inspired such hatred and evil in the world.<br /><br />Let me be honest and to-the-point, I'm not happy that he's <span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-style: italic;">dead</span>. I'm just happy that he can't go on leaving such destruction and death in his wake.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> I agree with the spirit of the quote - we can't fight hate with hate - but I don't honestly think that's what we're doing. The Canadian war in Afghanistan isn't about us hating Muslims, or even extremists. At least, that isn't my understanding of it. Its about putting a stop to the way awful way people are treated and the terrible way a country is run. I think its fair to say that the Extremists there hate us but I can safely say that I don't hate them. We're fighting hate with "get them to stop destroying lives, already!". I think that most Canadians don't really give a damn about extremists (of all stripes), I just think we want them to live their lives as peacefully as we live ours.</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />I think Afghanistan is a very interesting and beautiful country and I think the people that live there are even more so. I don't hate any of them! And I never hated bin Laden, my naive Canadian hope was that he would see the error of his ways and would decide on his own to stop hurting people! At least now he's no longer a threat.<br /><br />I can't truly live that quote which is why I posted my comment in such a way. I'm not proud that I'm pleased he's no longer breathing but I know I'm not the only one who feels that way!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">Facebook isn't a good place for strong opinions, in my opinion, so I took down my post. I think everyone has a right to their opinions (and you're all welcome to share them in the comment section here, if you choose) but I'm very aware of the variety of people who read my wall... I don't want them offended. It wasn't wise of me to bring up something so inflammatory there which is truly why I removed the post.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />Thanks.<br /></span>Deedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-16201123885622558212011-04-25T07:08:00.000-07:002011-04-25T07:15:53.693-07:00ten simple thingsIn the same vein as <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/">this gal</a><br /><br />Simply Ten Good Things:<br /><br />1. A long night at work<br />2. Good company through that shift<br />3. A mom and dad who are waiting expectantly for details of that shift<br />4. Six hours sleep with no interruptions (not for another hour, though)<br />5. Banana-Peach yogurt smoothies<br />6. The mere fact that I can eat both peaches AND bananas<br />7. A sister and her man-friend who ply me with iced coffees to keep me going<br />8. A nice warm shower<br />9. Porridge for supper<br />10. Another interesting night ahead of me<br /><br />Hope you can make up your own list of "ten simple things" that have made your day.<br /><br />Moving forward with JoyDeedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-24552462989480706882011-04-07T01:48:00.000-07:002011-04-07T02:00:08.735-07:00Hello!<br /><br />Thanks for all the support you all have sent me following my rant about seizures and how they're portrayed in the Bible. It means a lot that not everyone is crazy and thinks folks with seizures are full of demons. Unfortunately, there are people I've come into contact with (some of them being former friends) who believe that my seizures are a result of past sin. Its stupid really but what can I say? I'm glad to have people around me who aren't narrow minded like that! Merci Bien!<br /><br />I have some exciting news - I had a conversation with my boss earlier this evening... and she's given me the thumbs-up for a trip to Halifax this September! I can't tell you how excited I am!! I'm trying not to get lost in the thrill of it but its hard. I'm really looking forward to time with Jenny, Josh and the kids... seeing their new place, being a sneaky house-elf while she's putting the kids to bed, leaving little presents for everyone when they're asleep. I'm looking forward to it all! I miss them so much and I dearly look forward to another chance to experience the friendly atmosphere of the east coast!<br /><br />We're still determining how long I'll be gone for and whether I'll be traveling alone or with one/both of my parents. But I know that there's lots of time to figure that out. September is still five months away! I know how fast the time flew when preparing for my last trip and this time will be no different. But more than anything, these trips of mine are bathed in prayer. Prayers for safety as I travel, for a seizure-free experience altogether, etc. When God's involved, anything is possible.<br /><br />Joyfully moving forward, now more than ever.Deedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-73813596270425641032011-04-02T03:18:00.000-07:002011-04-02T14:43:08.928-07:00From my Perspective...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> 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Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style=";font-size:130%;" >I went to church two weeks ago – to a lovely Presbyterian crowd over in Agassiz. I have some friends who go there and I often tag along. It’s a good group of people with wonderful contemporary worship and sermons that actually mean something (and aren’t a history lesson on some obscure passage in Ezekiel). </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style=";font-size:130%;" >I was there two weeks ago when a fill-in pastor preached. Seems like a nice enough guy but I had a hard time swallowing the first scripture reading, from </span><span style=";font-size:130%;" >Matthew 17:14-20, which made swallowing his whole sermon difficult.<br /></span></p> <p style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style=";font-size:130%;" >When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.” </span></p> <p style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style=";font-size:130%;" >“You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment. </span></p> <p style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style=";font-size:130%;" >Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” </span></p> <p style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style=";font-size:130%;" >He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style=";font-size:130%;" >Now, some of you know that I, like the boy, I have seizures. Big, ugly seizures. And most of you know that I don’t like a whole lot of fuss made over them. They’re embarrassing enough without people falling over themselves feeling sorry for me. </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style=";font-size:130%;" >I understand that the dad in this scripture was not blessed to live in an age of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anticonvulsant_medication">anti-convulsant</a> medications, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketogenic_diet">Ketogenic diets</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epilepsy#Other">other therapies</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epilepsy#Surgery">surgeries</a> that could have helped his son. For this dad, the only hope for his son lay with a man of miracles who could heal the boy. I get that. Heaven knows my dad has been in his position... when the doctors even in our age of science don’t know how to help. And like the dad in the scripture, he ended up on his knees praying in faith that I’d be healed and made whole. But ya know, I’ve come to the conclusion that no matter how hard dad prayed, it isn’t all about conviction. ‘Cause if it were, then I’d be healed purely by my dad’s faith. And I don’t mean to put too fine a point on it, but I’m still having seizures eight years later.</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style=";font-size:130%;" >So, when ministers and pastors everywhere stand up and preach about mustard seeds moving mountains and fathers having faith the Lord can heal their sick children, I get a little pissy. I know they’re trying to underscore an important lesson but I want to stand up and shout at them “It’s not just about faith, buddy!” </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style=";font-size:130%;" >I think faith plays a part but the other side of that coin is God, in His power, has to know that the time is right for healing to take place before he’ll ever let it happen. I don’t want to sound negative but I’ve moved past the point of wanting God to heal me. Yes, it’d be nice to drive again, to go out and be social without having my anxiety overwhelm me that someone has a camera or someone is going to flick the lights in a room to get our attention. Ya, that’d be great. But I’m not going to pin my hopes on it happening. God knows I’d like to be rid of my medication, God knows I’d like to live without these seizures, God knows I’d like my family to not have to worry themselves sick about me when I go grocery shopping. But it isn’t all about faith – it’s also about God’s perfect timing.</span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style=";font-size:130%;" ><deep breath="">< deep breath ><br /></deep></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style=";font-size:130%;" >And while I’m slaughtering sacred cows, enough of this ‘possessed by the devil’ hogwash! I don’t have any more demons in me than the average Joe. And to any pastor who might be reading this... please be careful with this passage. It’s damaging enough to the poor people with Epilepsy in the room who have to sit through you discussing their condition like they’re some Biblical tragedy! There’s also untold damage done to each person in the congregation who inevitably take away from this scripture that people who have seizures are afflicted with demons, and that we need to feel sorry that Jesus hasn’t healed them yet.</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style=";font-size:130%;" >So folks, please realize that healing happens in two parts – first faith, followed by God’s perfect timing. And please educate yourselves about the conditions in the Bible that Jesus heals, not just seizures. Think about the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paralysed">paralyzed</a>, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blindness">blind</a>, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaginal_bleeding">bleeding disorders</a>, etc. I figure that God gave us science as a way of healing ourselves but at the end of the day God still wants us to talk to him... I just don’t think he wants us praying for stuff as if we’re still living 2000 years ago when there were few other explanations for things like seizures.</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style=";font-size:130%;" >The real message people need to hear is that seizures are a normal part of life for 1% of the population of the world. We’re not crazy and we don’t have to deal with any more personal demons than anybody else out there. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epilepsy">Epilepsy</a> is just a disorder, scar tissue in the brain, nothing more. </span></p>Deedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-20821334155135959412011-02-21T15:40:00.000-08:002011-02-21T15:57:09.879-08:00Hello!<br /><br />Its been a good day here... no complaints, that's for sure. Got to spend the afternoon with dad - it went well. We ran errands and puttered around the 'farm', then dad brought over his drill (gosh that thing is loud!) and we hung up some coat hooks in my hallway and by my buffet. We made little plaques for the hooks about two weeks ago. I'm particularly excited about the one by my buffet - its a home for my apron and my rag bag. Looks great! We hung these hooks higher then the last ones which is fantastic... my coats aren't hanging in the way of my shoe rack anymore. Horrah.<br /><br />I've spent the last few days creating, sewing, and have neglected all forms of housework. The dishes will be first but everything here needs a clean. And my poor plants - they're crying out for water! Shame on me.<br /><br />I work tonight... in a little over an hour. Its been snowing on and off all day, hopefully that means a busy night. We shall see.<br /><br />A few pictures from this fall:<br />We had a record number of beets this fall. And not just in sheer numbers but also in size. They were gigantic. We pickle them all (yum!) but mom tried a new technique for cooking them - she read about baking them instead of boiling them and she said its much easier and there's <span style="font-weight: bold;">way</span> less mess - no beet juice covering <span style="font-style: italic;">everything</span> within splattering distance. And the skins come off just as easily. I think this new way of doing things will stick.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28xx1qERB54c0Q469bt_IDfg0ZNqMx-kYCpeha4rCaHW6Oxuy0GhdbXKkU_B8lDrEsxc1mxYP-9nbdymzU1lT0WK4M2VjPN4dM-B6kZqUoTNs_Tk9X8vhq-C88KzMLH67Ki8XyuWCek8/s1600/Christmas+Alberta+and+McBride+trip+097.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28xx1qERB54c0Q469bt_IDfg0ZNqMx-kYCpeha4rCaHW6Oxuy0GhdbXKkU_B8lDrEsxc1mxYP-9nbdymzU1lT0WK4M2VjPN4dM-B6kZqUoTNs_Tk9X8vhq-C88KzMLH67Ki8XyuWCek8/s320/Christmas+Alberta+and+McBride+trip+097.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576294894536188850" border="0" /></a><br />We took a ton of pictures this year for the Christmas card... this is one of the funnier ones. Jill and I were just being silly and it sure got everyone laughing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLvO8Gh9FN4q0NQ1TkFXrmL_87prJQO-oXAU3jA4cbDWyaCx9GsKuc2F0IIWLEMoBgcZ8UPHSdIbjmokbFNntpvfzJT6TM5NFLUI7f_JuKN2HQhn9-qVg3pm9uNRT4JkDIBdLvtqA0hY/s1600/032.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLvO8Gh9FN4q0NQ1TkFXrmL_87prJQO-oXAU3jA4cbDWyaCx9GsKuc2F0IIWLEMoBgcZ8UPHSdIbjmokbFNntpvfzJT6TM5NFLUI7f_JuKN2HQhn9-qVg3pm9uNRT4JkDIBdLvtqA0hY/s320/032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576294890990104130" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Joyfully Moving Forward.Deedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-24777198016476446782011-02-17T22:24:00.000-08:002011-02-17T23:00:53.633-08:00Hey folks.<br /><br />Yep, I know its been a while. It seems like I've fallen out of habit of writing here.<br /><br />To catch up:<br /><br />Christmas was awesome. Jill's man-friend Mike was with us as his family is in Manitoba and Ontario. It made sense for him to join us and we couldn't have been happier. The day itself was awesome and fairly standard as far as Christmases go. I was blessed with gifts and had a wonderful time blessing my family right back! I didn't get all my Christmas projects done... in fact there's still a few waiting to be finished... but they'll get done eventually. Now that Christmas is over there isn't such pressure to finish 'em! There's one that I absolutely need to do in the next month or two - a baby karate uniform for my friend's baby gift. Her husband is big-time into that mixed martial arts stuff and asked me to make it for her. I started but its sitting there, unfinished. Shame on me!<br /><br />Work is awesome. No complaints there. I feel like I'm always learning something new. This week it was all about medium-duty vehicles and what we charge for towing them. I've committed most of it to memory except I get hung up on the Dodge vehicles and get a bit confused. I just need to sit down and write it all out about twenty times and I'll remember it then. Its the only way I can memorize - how very grade 2 spelling tests, eh?<br /><br />I've had a moderately busy afternoon and evening. I went up to The Preserved Seed today to pick up some Organic Salt. Its not easy to come by but boy is it ever good. This stuff is sea salt but the last stuff I bought from them was Himalayan Crystal salt. Its all delightful and is worth the $5 a pound I pay. I picked up some for Jenny, too. From there I went to the hospital to say hi to mom (who was on shift) and my friend Iris, a lady from church, who has been in hospital for five months now. She's in good spirits and will be moved to the Bradley Centre next week. She's looking forward to that which is awesome. Plus her husband lives just around the corner so they get to spend all sorts of time together even though they don't live under the same roof anymore. I hit up the thrift store (MCC) and picked up a few things I need for a project I'm working on for Michelle and then, finally, went home.<br /><br />Once home, I cleaned and cooked and cleaned some more. I baked up some cheese twists (recipe will follow this post) for Adam and I - we had a good visit. Once he left I busted out all those nifty new grains and flours I bought to make a batch of multigrain sourdough (recipe will follow). Auntie Gloria gave me sourdough starter last week and I've been dutifully feeding it and watching it bubble... and tonight was the night - I mixed up almost 16 cups of dough (it was almost to the top of my KitchenAid 16 cup bowl!). Its sitting on the counter, covered, where I'm hoping it will double in size over night. I'd like to bake it up tomorrow but we'll see. The recipe said it takes 12 to 24 hours to completely double... and then another 2 to 6 hours to double in the pans. Its quite a process but I'm looking forward to fresh sourdough bread! And once that was tidied up, I made a batch of dad's fudge. Its the easiest recipe in the world and makes the best fudge ever. I think he got the recipe from the Vancouver Sun last year (recipe will follow). Its cooling and tomorrow I hope to take it up to the folks at the office. Its so nice to have people to bake for.<br /><br />And now my day is done and I'm off to bed.<br /><br />Joyfully moving Forward.<br /><br />--------------------------<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cheese Twists</span><br /><br />1 cup flour<br />1 tsp baking powder<br />1/4 tsp salt<br />1/4 cup butter or margarine<br />1/2 cup milk<br /><br />Mix together to make a dough. It needs to be soft but not falling apart or sticky.<br />Press out into a rectangle (about 6x10")<br />Using a pizza cutter, cut into three long rectangle strips<br /><br />Brush tops with :<br />1 tbsp melted margarine<br /><br />Grate:<br />2/3 cup cheddar cheese<br />and spread over two dough strips<br /><br />At this point I often cut up strips of sandwich meat (whatever I have in the fridge - usually ham) and place those on the two strips with the cheese.<br /><br />Stack the three strips with the stop strip being the bare one, margarine side down<br /><br />Using a pizza cutter, cut into 10 to 12 short strips.<br />Twist each strip gently and pull slightly and place on an ungreased baking sheet<br /><br />Bake at 425*F for 10-12 minutes<br /><br /><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> 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mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="">Aunt Gloria's No Knead Multigrain Sourdough</span></b><span style=""> – makes 3 large or 4 medium loaves</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="">per 28 gram /1 ounce serving: about 70 calories, 2 g. fat, (0 transfat), 48 mg. sodium, 11 g. carbs, 1.9 g. fibre, 2.5 g. protein</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="">5 cups wheat flour, white all purpose</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="">2 cups whole wheat flour</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="">2 cups rye flour</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="">2 cups oats or oat flour</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="">1/2 cup flax, ground</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="">1/2 cup flax seeds</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="">1/4 cup wheat germ, lightly toasted if you like</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="">3/4 cup bran</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="">1/4 cup poppy seeds</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="">6 tbsp. vital wheat gluten</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="">1/4 cup brown sugar</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="">2 tsp. salt</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="">3-4 cups water</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="">1 tbsp. molasses</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="">6 tbsp. canola oil</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="">3 tbsp. vinegar<br />1 cup sourdough starter</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style=""> Mix 1/2 cup flour with your starter, and add enough water to make a thick pancake-consistency batter (sponge). Let it proof covered and get bubbly on the counter overnight. Measure out 1 cup in the morning, put the remainder back in the jar add 1/4 cup water and a scant half cup of flour, let this bubble for 2-4 hours and stick it back in the fridge for next time.</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="">In the morning, mix flours, seeds, wheat germ, gluten, brown sugar, salt.<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="">Mix wet ingredients. Add them and your sponge to your dry ingredients. You need it to be a very moist dough or even a thick batter. Add a bit more flour or water as necessary.</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="">Leave it covered at room temperature for 12-24 hours or until it doubles.</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="">Divide dough into loaves (this is easiest with a sharp knife and wet hands), shape gently, and transfer them to greased loaf pans (glass ones are good because you can tell if the bottom is getting too brown too quick but if you use glass then knock the oven temperature down by 25 degrees). Place in a cool oven and allow to rise for a second time, for 2-6 hours, until the dough is doubled or about level with the top of the loaf pan.</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="">Turn oven to 425 F. with loaves still in the oven. The bread should be done 35-40 minutes later (if it browns too fast, cover with a piece of foil). It should sound hollow when you tap on the top of the loaf.</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="">Tip out of the loaf pans onto a wire rack and allow to cool for several hours. If you cut this bread while still warm it gets quite squodgy. If you can't resist cutting and it seems way too gooey, stick it back in the pan and into the still hot oven for 10-15 minutes to dry a bit. If you want a soft crust, store it in a plastic bag; to keep the crust crisp use a paper bag for storage.</span></p> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dad's Vancouver Sun Fudge</span><br /><br />2 cups brown sugar<br />1 cup butter<br />1 can sweetened condensed milk <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Microwave on high for 10 minutes</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Take out every minute to stir</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">IT WILL BE HOT - don't burn yourself.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Mix with electric egg beater on medium for five minutes. It will thicken</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Pour into a 9x9 inch pan preferably lined with parchment on the bottom and sides but greased also works... and let cool for about six hours on a rack. Let sit overnight.</p>Deedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-87945212310010452052010-12-23T12:45:00.000-08:002010-12-23T13:00:30.240-08:00Hello folks.<br /><br />I can't believe Christmas is just a day away. Wow.<br /><br />I'm pleased to report that I'm done my 'elving' (a term I picked up from another blog I read <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/">here</a>). I didn't get it all done... the PJs for my friend's son didn't get finished nor did I made a fabulous pair of wire-work ear rings for A. I ended up buying an easy setting and a pretty bead to put in it. Less work but still looks adorable.<br /><br />I did tons of baking and have one pie left to make - a raisin one for dad. I baked up the last of the goodies for my work pals - an apple crisp that I delivered today much to their delight. I told them that Christmas is the one time of year that you get to bake for a solid month and no one questions you! Seriously - its my favourite part of the advent season.<br /><br />I'm recuperated from my 'illness'. I had a combination of strep throat and tonsillitis which was incredibly delightful! And then the antibiotics gave me oral thrush. That was almost a fate worse than death. I don't know how to put this delicately but it felt like a regular yeast infection, only in my mouth. There were moments where I wanted to scrape out the inside of my mouth! Fortunately the doctor I saw gave me a prescription for a mouth rinse that gets all that lovely yeast under control. Charming.<br /><br />I'm almost all done wrapping gifts. Only two remain! I took a page out of soulemama.com's books and sewed cloth bags for all my gifts. I have a crisis of conscience every Christmas about using wrapping paper... it all goes into the landfill and just takes up space. So I opted for reusable wrapping this year and they sure look cute, I think. I had tons of ribbon from another project which came in handy! Here's my gifts all wrapped up:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmu_T1pP2tHYpNoZBY2JC593TLiWMhXUO4NxNMGCKZB7Iu6KE23ElUw8l-u8wyOLoBot5GCODeibM9rda75LmStR-qreCJK3sD3ov5h9PX2LXNa5xCEY1MNlqlc9KKKsndQC8nrTPkLU/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmu_T1pP2tHYpNoZBY2JC593TLiWMhXUO4NxNMGCKZB7Iu6KE23ElUw8l-u8wyOLoBot5GCODeibM9rda75LmStR-qreCJK3sD3ov5h9PX2LXNa5xCEY1MNlqlc9KKKsndQC8nrTPkLU/s320/008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553984674681885602" border="0" /></a><br />Hope the season is bright for you all and that your Christmas is blessed.<br /><br />Moving Forward with Joy.Deedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-75411569371639930102010-12-10T19:30:00.000-08:002010-12-10T19:59:43.051-08:00Christmas is upon us! 15 days to go. Yikes. I have two major projects left to make plus a few little ones... and a couple extra projects I'd like to do if I can swing it!<br /><br />The two major projects are of equal importance - one is a blue crocheted bunny for my little 'nephew' Eli for his birthday. The yarn is still in skeins and has yet to be made into balls... I want to have it done by Wednesday so I can have it in the mail on Thursday. A tall order, I'd say! I'm working Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights so I'll have time to just sit and crochet. I think it can be done!<br /><br />The other project is a white karate uniform for my friend's son (yet to be born), though its really a gift for her husband who loves all martial arts. She asked me to see what I could dream up so I've picked up a pattern I can alter because, surprisingly, they don't make karate uniform patterns for six-month-old babies. I know, I was shocked. But I'm eager to do this, I just need to block off an evening so I can cut out the pieces and alter the top in the karate fashion.<br /><br />The 'minor' projects is an ongoing one that I pick up and put down whenever the mood strikes me. They're adorable crocheted Christmas tree baubles that I've been making as gifts for family and friends. A friend from school forwarded me the pattern a few weeks ago and asked if I could show her how to make them. She's due here any minute, actually. I've made about three dozen so far...<br /><br />And if I have time, I have two other projects I'd like to make. One is a crocheted angel tree topper for mom and dad's tree. I started it the other night and got the head about half done. It looks good. Its awaiting the last four or so rows and the stuffing. I've been dreaming up ways to make the body and wings that don't involve starch. If anyone has any ideas... feel free to post a comment. Right now I'm leaning towards wire - I've got some 30 gauge craft wire in my bead box that I might try experimenting with. We shall see!<br /><br />The other project I'd love to make is a repair of an old braided rug that mom's Grandma (Mattie, for those of you who know my mom's family) made. Its old and the stitching that holds it together is rotten. I've picked up some invisible nylon thread but the tricky part is trying to get the rug into my hands without mom finding out! I've sent dad on an expedition to find it but he's come up short both times. I'll have to send Jill in to have a closer look. I know its upstairs somewhere.<br /><br />All my baking is done except for a few things I plan to make for dad a little closer to Christmas. Oatmeal Lace Cookies, Christmas Cake and Raisin Pie. And if dad is really lucky he might even get a mince pie out of me, too. We shall see! All my cookies have been baked, delivered and devoured and the ones I'm sending out of province are waiting patiently for me to finish the parcels.<br /><br />But in all the hub-bub of Christmas crafting, baking, visiting not to mention the goings-ons of our regular lives, I hope we're all able to stop and reflect on the real reason we're going out of our minds with busyness. God sent Jesus down as a baby so that he could do some really rad stuff on earth... including is death for my sins. I need to remember that Jesus doesn't expect me to have everything done by December 25th, that he loves me regardless of how much or how little 'Christmas Spirit' I have!<br /><br />Love to you all.<br /><br />Joyfully Moving Forward.Deedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-44518279281407062582010-12-05T14:16:00.000-08:002010-12-05T15:08:36.944-08:00Hello!<br /><br />Hope you're all doing good.<br /><br />So... its been a while since I blogged. My life feels like it's a never ending cycle of busy, busy, busy. But when I look at my calendar at the end of the week I see very few 'booked' things! It never ceases to amaze me that I no longer have time to sit around and craft! I don't have spare time anymore. I gotta say, its a good problem to have! So beyond crafting, blogging as taken a backseat to all the things that happen that keep me out of the house.<br /><br />Work has been extraordinary. I really can't tell you how much I love my job and the people I work with. The business actually won an achievement award a few weeks ago for a business with 1 to 10 employees. There's only 10 of us but I think we do great things in the world of towing. <cheeky>*cheeky grin*.<br /><br />Last night was the staff Christmas party. It was a good shin-dig and even though I ended up on the floor in a seizure at the end of it, I don't regret going. Everyone was pro-star, taking care of me. I've received countless apologies from the people who were playing with the flashlights that triggered the seizure. But really, they're not to blame. Yes, they triggered the seizure but really its my fault for not educating everyone enough about my freaky seizures. We all learned a lot last night but whats important for everyone to remember is that, in general, I'm not breakable. Yes, I'm sore, bruised and a little off balance (I just about went ass over tea kettle into my clothes drying racks this afternoon!) but this is normal. This is my life. Seizures suck but I don't blame anyone. Accidents happen.<br /><br />Some reliable information on <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a href="http://www.epilepsy.com/Epilepsy/main_epilepsy">Epilepsy</a><br /><br />So Christmas is upon us and I've got a list of projects and baking that need to get done this week. Its a frighteningly long list but I think it'll all get done. My first priority is a pair of flannel PJs for a friend's kid and then a gift I want to make my sister. Plus I have high hopes of baking up a storm... I'm not going to overwork myself trying to get it done but I think there's hope!<br /><br />I hope your Advent season is going well.<br /><br />Moving Forward with Joy</cheeky>Deedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-14260173652001186932010-10-26T17:20:00.000-07:002010-10-26T17:38:01.173-07:00Hello folks.<br /><br />Its been a busy couple weeks in my world... and one of the first things to get dropped from my life is blogging. Sorry to you loyal readers out there.<br /><br />I've been busy working Sun, Mon and Tues nights. I think I've found a balance but it'll be nice to go back to two nights a week. The extra money has been a real treat, though. I'm paying mom and dad back for the computer and am putting money into savings for my flight to Halifax next fall... plus there's Christmas coming up sooner then I'd like. I'm grateful for the money to say the least.<br /><br />Beyond work, I've been busy getting caught up with various friends. Its so nice to sit down with a cuppa tea and hear about the goings-ons of their families. I'm super excited for Thursday and Friday! Thursday my good friend Kathy is coming for tea. She's an old PYPS friend (Presbyterian Young People's Society) and I love our visits! Friday is also fantastic because an old camp friend is coming to visit with her three daughters. I'm really looking forward to seeing both of them.<br /><br />Church is what it is. I don't know how else to describe my current situation. I've spoken with the minister at my home congregation and am going to go back there for one Sunday a month. The other three I'll spend at the contemporary church in Agassiz. I still feel like I'm trying to serve two masters but the reality is that I don't know where to go or what to do. I don't have any peace about leaving my home congregation and this contemporary church has some seriously antiquated views on women in church government. I don't want to split hairs with this new congregation or challenge what they believe... but at the same time, I don't think I can be a member of a congregation where they don't have women in any part of church gov't. *sigh* Its the feminist in me, I think!<br /><br />All the best.<br /><br />Moving forward with Joy!Deedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-62005988405018796842010-09-27T17:29:00.000-07:002010-09-27T17:59:03.485-07:00Hello folks.<br /><br />Its been a while but there's not much new here, honestly. Work, church, friends, volunteering. Nothing out of the norm... but here's an update on all four of those things.<br /><br />Work...<br />is going well. I've picked up a third shift each week (Sunday night). We're going to see how well I tolerate it. I'm currently working the second night of this new schedule. The other night dispatcher desperately needed another night off so I agreed to take on the extra shift. I hope this works out for both of us. My boss said the other day that they might be looking to hire a third dispatcher. Not sure when that'll happen but am looking forward to it because it would give us all greater flexibility.<br />We're still on rotation and that's going well. Last night (Sunday night) was really quiet. There were two tows - one at 11pm, the other at midnight which cleared at 1am. The phone didn't ring again til 8:30am. Kinda nice. I suspect tonight will be busier... but tomorrow night we're done rotation at midnight. horrah.<br /><br />Church...<br />is fantastic! The 'new' factor hasn't worn thin yet... so I'm sucking all this up while I can. Though I suspect that even when the 'newness' is gone, I'll still be thrilled to go every Sunday. The people there are so lovely and the music and message are so relevant to my life.<br />That said, I'm missing a lot of my friends at Cooke's. They're such good people but I think my time there is done. I feel like I have to justify leaving even though everyone tells me that I don't. I still feel like I'm failing them by leaving. Few people seem to understand how I feel like I'm being pulled in two different directions. I'm missing so many of the friendly familiar faces. But even with all those fantastic people, I'm still not happy there. So why should I go to a church where I'm on the verge of tears because no one seems to see that they're not letting the Holy Spirit move! He's got such great things he could do but they're so mired in tradition.<br /><br />Friends...<br />are all doing reasonably well. My good friend had her second baby the other day. A little girl - 9lbs 6oz! We're all really happy for her. Everyone seems to be pretty busy now that its fall and the kids are back in school.<br /><br />Volunteering...<br />has taken a backseat to my job over the last few months. I no longer volunteer at Parkholm and because I'm not at Cooke's anymore, I'm not volunteering there either. I'm still editing and publishing the newsletter for the PCC's Women's Missionary Society and we sent out an edition earlier this month. Its nothing fancy but its a good gig. Its nice to be in touch with all these Presbyterian women who have a heart for missions work.<br /><br />And in other news...<br />Mom is coming home from the island today. She spent some time there on a course for work. It'll be good to have her back. Dad is still hunting up north. They got a moose which is exciting (one of dad's friends did, not dad himself) and dad is staying up there for the rest of the week. Mom and Jill are heading up there on Friday to spend the weekend and bring dad home. Jill is taking her apprentice, Shelby, and they're going to trim and shoe as many horses as they can in two days. I'll be house sitting for mom/dad/Jill for two nights... feeding the chickens, picking up eggs, taking care of the horses.<br /><br />Well, that 'bout sums up my life!<br /><br />Until next time...<br /><br />Moving forward with Joy.Deedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-26263097175330676502010-09-13T19:58:00.000-07:002010-09-13T20:22:42.908-07:00Hello folks.<br /><br />Hope you're all doing good.<br /><br />Things here are pretty good. I've had a few days off which is nice but am back at work tonight.<br /><br />My main news of the past few weeks is that I've been going to a new church in Agassiz. I'm not announcing that fact to anyone but to the few people who read this blog. Its a really rad church - like my home congregation, they're also Presbyterian but nothing else about the service is anything like any other Presby church I've been to in my entire life! They have completely modern worship, the minister and a few other people actually raise their hands in worship and the sermons actually speak to me. Its not crazy-evangelical or anything but its the perfect balance. The minister at the church where I'm a member is a great guy and his sermons aren't too shabby but they're geared for the 75-year-olds in the congregation, not to my generation.<br /><br />I'm going to this new church's adult Sunday school for the next few weeks. They're doing a series on what they're church believes and who they're affiliated with. I know they're more conservative theologically then the Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC) which is who my home congregation is affiliated with... and they're affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) but that's really all I know beyond the fact that I noticed there are no women elders in the congregation. I don't know of that's a denominational thing or if that's just cause there were no willing women in the congregation. Who knows. <span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>The service really speaks to me and I feel spiritually charged when I leave! I knew I was going to love it when, at the beginning of worship on my first Sunday there, the worship team did a peppy/rock/contemporary version of "It is well with my soul". It happens to be my favourite hymn of all time, the one that has kept me at peace through all this garbage that's going on at my home congregation.<br /><br />I'm not going to make a decision about leaving my home church until I know more about what this one believes. And even then I don't think I'll leave my home church completely. I feel like my life is tied up there and I can't just walk away. At the same time, the church is dead and its hard not to cry on Sunday mornings simply because there's no children, no young people, no joy. Its sad hymns and a routine that no longer celebrates Jesus.<br /><br />I found this video on the web that really speaks to me right now. I thought I would share it with you:<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/D2Flgdwlqz0?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/D2Flgdwlqz0?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />I don't know what my future holds but I'm ashamed to say that I made the decision five years ago between being passionate about my faith or being Presbyterian. I chose being Presbyterian. But now I see I can have both. I can be joyful in Jesus and still be Presbyterian. I honestly didn't think it was possible to be both.<br /><br />On a different note:<br /><br />It started off as a bit of a chaotic night but its calmed down quite a bit. I had one completely belligerent guy who figured he could tell the drivers how to do their job, and me as well. Seriously a jerk. I treated him with the respect he wasn't giving me but in the end I had to tell him to call someone else.<br /><br />I've been working lots and its going well. We're starting Rotation with the RCMP tomorrow at midnight so things will get busy again. I'm thankful for the extra hours I've been getting. I ended up having to buy a new computer so I owe mom and dad for that... the extra hours help pay for that! And they also pay for the new lenses in my glasses. Will call the Ministry (gov't) to see if they can help me out, too.<br /><br />I should go find some supper and settle in for a night. I hope its quiet.<br /><br />Moving forward with Joy!Deedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-60897288748920988782010-09-01T17:52:00.001-07:002010-09-01T18:09:22.131-07:00Hello folks!<br /><br />Happy September. Gosh, it feels good to say that. September is my favourite month by far! It means that the weather is cooling off, the leaves are starting to change and it means that we're getting back into a routine I can count on.<br /><br />Things here are moderately okay. I've got the phones for the third night in a row. I'm pretty tired but after the pay cheque I got this week for the last pay period (where I also worked four straight nights), I'm thankful for the extra work! More work = More money. Its good to put some away for Christmas and I'm also able to pay mom and dad more money towards my new computer. I have a little extra money left over after my contribution to the grocery fund and my savings fund so I'm going to buy a dock for my iPod so I don't have to keep hauling my computer speakers around my house!<br /><br />I had a doctor's appointment last week that was frustrating. I went to get the results of some blood work and she told me that I'm pre-diabetic. This is honestly no great surprise but that doesn't make the news that my diet is changing drastically once again any easier. I really don't want to be full-blown type 2 diabetic by the time I'm 30 so I'll definitely be behaving. My doctor said that my status as a pre-diabetic is due, in part, to some of the medication I'm on (Zyprexa). We're going to look at getting me off this drug... I'll be seeing one of my specialists this fall to discuss my options. My doctor has also written me a referral to a dietitian who can hopefully help me balance a diabetic diet with my many food allergies.<br /><br />Hope you're all enjoying the beginning of Fall. Its a really blessed time of year!<br /><br />Moving Forward with Joy!Deedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-81625210305066739602010-08-24T08:11:00.001-07:002010-08-24T08:29:50.467-07:00Good Morning!<br /><br />Things here are pretty dandy. I worked last night... I still have the work phones, but only for another half hour. It was a quiet night. Much more quiet then last week Monday! Last week we were still 'on rotation' with the RCMP and we were the tow company for that big wreck on the #1 where the semi went over the rail into the Vedder Canal. It was a busy day for us following an equally busy night. I got about an hour and a half's sleep that night but I was pleased with how I managed that call. There were moments of doubt but we came through just fine. And I was doubly pleased that I didn't have to call my boss for help at 5am!<br /><br />An article about the crash with some pics of the damaged bridge: http://www.vancouverite.com/2010/08/19/driver-killed-as-truck-plunges-from-vedder-canal-bridge/<br /><br />Having survived that night shift, I'm feeling more confident. There are still huge holes in my understanding of towing, though, and I feel like I'm always pestering the guys with questions. They're generally pretty good about it, thankfully (just not at 6:30am when I've rudely interrupted their sleep!).<br /><br />I had the weekend off and went to church with some old friends who have left my church. They go to a PCA (Presbyterian Church in America) church plant in Agassiz that was a gust of fresh air. It was the best parts of being Presbyterian mixed with all the right parts of a contemporary service. The music was entirely contemporary, people even raised their hands in worship. They sang a few hymns but had made them peppy - there were no hymn books! The sermon was unmistakably Presbyterian - based entirely from scripture. And they don't meet in a church either - they rent a community centre for Sunday morning. I loved it. My friends have invited me back with them next Sunday. I'm going to have a hard time balancing this with my commitments to my home congregation, 'cause the temptation is to just leave Cooke's for what seems like the greener grass on the other side of the fence.<br /><br />Moving Forward with Joy!Deedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-91425551992821033882010-08-15T15:36:00.000-07:002010-08-15T16:46:58.795-07:00Hello!<br /><br />Its been a good day here.<br /><br />Church this morning was pretty decent. The hymns were great and we sang one that always makes me smile "Guide me, O thou Great Redeemer/Jehovah". Michelle and I made up inappropriate lyrics for it a few weeks ago and I can't help but giggle when I hear it played or we sing it in church. All I can think of are the awful words we came up with! The sermon was good - it was about how Jesus challenged the fishermen to cast their nets out into deeper water and how they were blessed with enough fish to sink the boats! He said the same can be true for us - even though our congregation is struggling right now he feels that we can be blessed if we throw our nets out into deeper water. I agree, though I'm not sure what that will look like.<br /><br />Jill and our our mutual friend Jess are coming over at 5:30. We're going to pick up some subway and then head back here to watch a movie. Not sure what we'll watch but it'll be nice to hang out with them - they both make me laugh!<br /><br />I work tomorrow thru Thursday night... it'll be a long haul but will be more money in my pocket, so I'm ok with that. Plus our main dispatcher is exhausted. The weekends take a lot out of her - which I totally get. I worked one weekend and ended up sleeping for 18 hours after I handed back the phones. No small wonder she's tired!<br /><br />I wrote this next bit earlier today:<br /><br />I've just taken my first galette out of the oven. I've never eaten one before but I saw a picture and recipe for one online and thought "YUM!" so I picked up all the various ingredients that I don't normally have on hand (Ricotta, sour cream, Parmesan) and then life got really busy so didn't have time to make it. In the meantime the sour cream went bad and the Ricotta was questionable so last night when Jill and I went to superstore to pick up a few things I bought more sour cream and ricotta. I put my first Galette together today! A galette is basically a free-form pastry filled with whatever kind of delightful filling you can imagine. You can make them sweet - like with fruit or pie filling but today's is a chedder, ricotta, parmesan and garlic base topped with Zucchini, mushrooms and some cheddar.<br /><br />And I have to be very honest here - that was the most satisfying thing I've ever eaten! Yum. The pastry was flaky and the filling was rich but not too rich - just perfect. I highly recommend it even though the whole thing takes about three hours to make. (You have to chill the flour then make the dough, then chill the dough, and the vegetables have to 'drain' on paper towel for half an hour - which I did at the same time the dough was in the fridge - and then it bakes for 35 minutes).<br /><br />The recipe is here: http://smittenkitchen.com/2010/06/zucchini-and-ricotta-galette/<br /><br />Mine isn't as pretty as her's but here's a pic just so you can see what yours is bound to look like!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3b_q3rpzHprIpiKJQmUPv0Gf-PtjIPjbokk3twrkSbaajTiutdsl8gJGc1gfgxylMOWUWncGC1WNNFPii_T1xSINshbZB_ouiyIsK5np_bvrf5UCgwaC_F0Hh91cK8Y5mXiuZurcPvL0/s1600/projects+2+083.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3b_q3rpzHprIpiKJQmUPv0Gf-PtjIPjbokk3twrkSbaajTiutdsl8gJGc1gfgxylMOWUWncGC1WNNFPii_T1xSINshbZB_ouiyIsK5np_bvrf5UCgwaC_F0Hh91cK8Y5mXiuZurcPvL0/s320/projects+2+083.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505787200462914482" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I made a few changes - I used white vinegar instead of lemon juice. I used cheddar instead of mozzarella and I added five large mushrooms to make up for one of my zucchinis that went mouldy while waiting to be used. I topped it with cheddar cheese instead of basil and added a little salt to the ricotta mixture.<br /><br />It was certainly worth the work. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Delicious!</span><br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br />Moving Forward with JoyDeedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-16576109789601918032010-08-10T17:58:00.000-07:002010-08-10T18:13:32.992-07:00Good Evening!<br /><br />Hope this finds all of you well.<br /><br />Things here are pretty good. I've got the phones again tonight - its been quiet so far but my boss just called to say that there's a big wreck on the #1 (highway) that we might be responding to shortly. Should be busy. Am saying a prayer for everyone's safety.<br /><br />'Rotation' has been a real learning curve. I've learned how to fill out the dispatch sheet better, what important questions to ask the RCMP when they call for a tow, where the different kinds of calls go (stolen and recovered vehicles go to the Ident bay, burnt out vehicles go to the yard, etc). I feel like my brain isn't big enough to learn everything I need to know! Its a challenge but I love every minute of it.<br /><br />The diapers I made for my friend were a real hit. I gave them to her yesterday and we sewed one together so she knew how to make them herself from here on out. Including the one we made together yesterday, there were 10 diapers (and they're all so stinkin' cute!).<br /><br />A pic of my friend's baby in one of his new diapers. So cute!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-zRFsboith6wjTOg-yROLeUXhjTiwMAozZxq2Udz4XD5d4zjjjtqFA4AKz1iuA2olYit3kVrMagGknrtHrSa6HkNivFYP379GtX-Qpeh-tUCEJBKPcR1sOONX54YundZrF2uChQUHBI/s1600/Projects+2+080.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-zRFsboith6wjTOg-yROLeUXhjTiwMAozZxq2Udz4XD5d4zjjjtqFA4AKz1iuA2olYit3kVrMagGknrtHrSa6HkNivFYP379GtX-Qpeh-tUCEJBKPcR1sOONX54YundZrF2uChQUHBI/s320/Projects+2+080.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503952254444378226" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Froggie Bum!<br /></div><br />Its been a glorious couple of days here, weather-wise. I think Fall is just around the corner, thankfully! We've had overcast skies and rain... totally welcome for all the people fighting forest fires and also welcome for me - I don't do well with all the sun, light and heat. I'm definitely a Fall/Winter girl! I was cheered yesterday while riding my bike in the rain when I saw the first of the leaves falling from the trees. Not a lot, but certain species of trees are loosing their leaves. Hip Hip Horray!<br /><br />I've decided what I'm getting mom for her birthday. It was a hard choice but I've made up my mind and will pick it up after I get paid on the 15th. Can't tell you, though, because she sometimes reads my blog!<br /><br />Next week I've got a long haul, I'll be working Monday through Thursday nights. I'll be exhausted but it'll do good things to my bank account!<br /><br />Hope you all have a good evening. I'm going to go find some supper.<br /><br />Moving Forward with Joy.Deedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-77300107969065406342010-08-08T23:31:00.001-07:002010-08-08T23:41:45.846-07:00Hello!<br /><br />Things here continue to move along at great speeds. I've been busy baking oatmeal molasses cookies (my ultimate favourite cookie - will post the recipe at a later date) for my pals at work and have finished four more diapers for a grand total of nine. I can't wait to show my friend, who is coming over tomorrow. I've still got more flannel for her and will give her a quick how-to so she can make the remaining diapers.<br /><br />A pic of all nine pretty diapers:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Oc8yqqCTHGbXMxtFHgIIQsCdACg7_-NVfWHs71d7qNee4qAmz8_zM5x5L5QDJb9OtAx4Qqjm1cJkdBbozOGZhGbLEGeL7ZS_25YkG7dq2v-SDaFOS7j3T7L9rPczFlfrXezNyOEAL1s/s1600/projects+2+079.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Oc8yqqCTHGbXMxtFHgIIQsCdACg7_-NVfWHs71d7qNee4qAmz8_zM5x5L5QDJb9OtAx4Qqjm1cJkdBbozOGZhGbLEGeL7ZS_25YkG7dq2v-SDaFOS7j3T7L9rPczFlfrXezNyOEAL1s/s320/projects+2+079.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503294344338325538" border="0" /></a><br />In an effort to be as cost-effective as possible, the green and light blue diapers are made of old (but barely used) bedsheets from the thrift store. All the inserts are made from scraps - either scraps from the diapers themselves or scraps from old quilts. There's four layers of flannel in each insert and there are two inserts that go with each diaper. I have a feeling she may need to triple up on the inserts, though. Heaven knows there's enough fabric left over to do that!<br /><br />I'm so pleased with my latest sewing project! We're getting together in the afternoon and I can hardly wait!<br /><br />I work tomorrow night which should be interesting. It'll be my first ever Monday shift. I don't know if it'll vary greatly from any other weekday night. We'll find out shortly!<br /><br />Time for bed. This is one tired pumpkin.<br /><br />Moving Forward with Joy.Deedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309374160733071262.post-26538123166784163182010-08-07T03:05:00.000-07:002010-08-07T03:28:34.619-07:00Hello!<br /><br />If there's one downside to working nights its that it completely up-ends my sleeping schedule. Its 3am and I'm <span style="font-weight: bold;">wide</span> awake. I thought I would do some sewing earlier (midnight to 1am) figuring that would tire me out... no such luck. I crashed shortly before 2am thinking I would drop off no problem but here it is 3:10 and I'm not anywhere close to sleep.<br /><br />So... while I'm awake I'll bring you up on whats going on in my life!<br /><br />Work is going fantastic. There's still so much to learn. I have one serious short coming and that is that even though I've lived in this town my whole life (26 years) I don't have a clue how to group jobs together so that we're not wasting gas and time. The map of my town is muddled in my head, unfortunately. I took some constructive criticism from one of our drivers after I sent him back to the same area of town twice to do a service call when I could have lumped it together with a tow he was doing there an hour earlier. A big whoops on my part! Its just something to work on and I hope to do better next time.<br /><br />My two shifts on 'rotation' went reasonably well. It was busy, particularly the second night, but still wasn't unmanageable. I managed to even get a few hours sleep in (a total bonus!). I asked one of our office gals (the one who delivers and retrieves the phones from me each night that I'm working) if what I experienced was typical of a weeknight on rotation and she told me yes, that it was average. I was relieved. I had all sorts of situations imagined that I would be up to my ears and unable to cope but those terrors never materialized. I hear that the weekends on rotations can be every bit as horrible as I imagine but since I work week nights, I don't think I'll be experiencing that any time soon (I hope!).<br /><br />I went to a friend's bridal shower earlier this evening. I'm so happy for her and her fiance. Its awesome to see them this happy! The shower was good. I only stayed for the first bit so that they could take plenty of pictures of all her gifts. While I was there I was chatting with our other good friend who was telling me that she was switching from disposables to cloth diapers for her 10 month old. Nothing thrills me more!!! She's picked up some at the thrift store just to give it a whirl but she wants to make more so that she's not washing diapers every day just to keep up (I think she only has 8 or 10). I came home inspired. I've made lots of diapers for other girlfriends but haven't made any in a while 'cause everyone already has their stashes made! I'm SO excited to help my friend make her stash. I used the Rita Rump Pocket (RRP) pattern from this site: http://handmadebyrita.blogspot.com/2007/10/classic-rrp-ritas-rump-pocket-pattern.html Total time from printing out the pattern to two finished diapers with two inserts each was 1 hour and 10 minutes! I was impressed with myself. I can't wait to make more. I've got tonnes of left over flannel from rag quilts that I've offered up... I can't wait to sew more for her! Here's a pic of the finished products:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgfrwCh7sutWnhoG5A-ObYED_lUo_Qs1XEzrcBxNVPs0zNBijeDc3du3YcQUC9bjYS6K-ixzZiMcNKGFgdoYdJabMJXiYKtIjrJLb-Fec0gay0DakbhhNyMBjxyqLKdw9FgaC0yw3fLs/s1600/projects+2+070.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgfrwCh7sutWnhoG5A-ObYED_lUo_Qs1XEzrcBxNVPs0zNBijeDc3du3YcQUC9bjYS6K-ixzZiMcNKGFgdoYdJabMJXiYKtIjrJLb-Fec0gay0DakbhhNyMBjxyqLKdw9FgaC0yw3fLs/s320/projects+2+070.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502611452722875746" border="0" /></a><br />I'll make more tomorrow (I can't contain myself when it comes to cloth diapers!).<br /><br />I'm off to A's tomorrow to hang out with her. I got her camp pics printed so we're going to put them in an album and I got a few enlarged so we can frame them. She got a lot of great pics!<br /><br />I need to get some sleep or I won't be able to function tomorrow. Morning comes soon!<br /><br />Moving Forward with Joy!Deedeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066492071969311080noreply@blogger.com0