Monthly Archive for January, 2006

Me Love Cookie in a Jar!

Published
by
Cat
on January 31, 2006
in Blog, Book and Cooking
. 2 Comments
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I know it’s old news that big, blue, huggable Cookie Monster recently declared that “Cookies are a Sometimes Food” but I still say this just isn’t right! Cookies should be enjoyed wherever, and whenever!

Now that that’s out of the way…I’d like to share what is in my opinion *the best* little cookie book going! “Gifts for the Cookie Jar” by Lia Roessner Wilson is a terrific little book full of recipes to make and give as gifts! The recipes are all for different layered cookie mixes in jars, and in fact, I made several of the recipes in the book and gave them away as Christmas presents this year! A great project for yourself, or for you and your kids, they’re fun to make, attractive and sure to please!

Move Over Elaine Benes!

Published
by
Cat
on January 30, 2006
in Blog, Humour and Parenting
. 2 Comments
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After dinner tonight, Liam was a bit on the fussy side. I suggested to my husband that he put on some music, as Liam might enjoy some “dancing” time. I am still not sure if what he does constitutes dancing, but I guess for a little one his age it is as close as you can get.

I came into the livingroom, and found Stuart sitting on the floor bopping along to the rhythm of the Beatles “Octopus’ Garden,” while Liam, flailing his arms, and doing deep knee bends, while turning in circles, made sure to stay close to the stereo. As fourteen-month-olds go, I think ours is a pretty good dancer…move over Elaine Benes!

You Are Not Alone!

Published
by
Cat
on January 29, 2006
in Blog
. 0 Comments
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After getting several e-mails from friends who read my Blogpost “Wings of Terror Butterfly Conservatory” I wanted to post a follow-up with the surprising verdict! I am not alone!!! In fact, two people that I know told me they also fear butterflies, so I looked up this strange phenomenon known as “Mottephobia” which is actually the fear of moths (I say creepily close enough thank you very much!) It seems that it is not that uncommon, albeit, irrational!

I’m kinda glad to know I’m not completely nuts (only a little) :-)

Yummy Squash Casserole Recipe

Published
by
Cat
on January 29, 2006
in Blog, Cooking and Recipe
. 0 Comments

This is a great recipe for a yummy casserole, that is a hit at our Thanksgiving and Christmas Table. The recipe comes from my Grandmother, and it was a favorite of her friend, and former landlady, Isabel.

It’s especially good served with poultry, but is a great addition to any meal. I’ve even been known to heat the leftovers, as a meal on their own!

Isabel’s Squash Casserole

3 Cups Mashed Squash (cooked)

2 TBSP. Butter or Margarine

2 Eggs (separate whites from yolks)

1 Finely Chopped Onion

1/4 Cup Milk

3 TBSP. Flour

3 tsp. Baking Powder

1/2 tsp. Salt & 1/8 tsp. Pepper

1/2 Cup Buttered Crumbs

Cook onions in the butter, until limp and lightly browned. Add cooked, mashed squash. Beat in egg yolks until smooth. Add milk. Stir in flour, baking powder, salt and pepper. Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites. Pour into a butterd casserole dish. Top with buttered crumbs, and bake 25-30 minutes in 350 oven. Serve hot!

It’s a British Thing!

Published
by
Cat
on January 28, 2006
in Blog and Food
. 3 Comments

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My husband and I are not known to argue over candy, however, I would put up a good fight anyday over Jelly Babies, and I imagine I would be met with equal resistance from my counterpart!

I was first introduced to this delectable treat about 10 years ago. Prior to this, I had never even heard of them. Indeed, many people I know have not heard of them either…Jelly Babies are a Brisith thing! To describe them is difficult, because they are not like any other candy I have ever tasted, but I suppose that the closest thing to them would be some sort of fruit gummies, with a waxy coating. I really do not do them justice in my description! Jelly Babies are extremely difficult to find, and cannot be found in any regular shop, or candy store that I know of. Ever since Marks & Spencer left Canada years ago, there was only one store that I had known to carry them on occasion, until today that is!

Today was another beautiful day in Southern Ontario, and so we headed out of town as we did last weekend. This time we ventured to the village of St. Jacobs, a small town rich in Mennonite history and country charm. The Scottish shop, as always, was on the list of places we just *had* to stop. Our last name is “Robertson,” you figure it out!

Perusing the assortment of imported treats they had available, I noticed many varieties of Cadbury’s Chocolate, Bassett’s Licorice, even Barley Sugar. I moved down the table, looking at everything closely, then, I spotted them…there on the display hanging proudly in that familiar yellow package, were the candies of my heart’s desire. I snatched them up promptly, and headed to the sales clerk.

We managed to restrain ourselves from opening the first package until we arrived home. However, after only a few short minutes, it was mostly gone. My partner in crime and I decided to “share” both packages, although I think I may have had more than my share of the first one!

Perhaps he wouldn’t notice if I hid the other package discreetly under my pillow, and plead ignorance if asked as to their whereabouts? Do you think the crinkling might give it away…?

Oh Mr. Sun, Please Shine Down On Me!

Published
by
Cat
on January 27, 2006
in Blog and Health
. 0 Comments
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I just checked out fellow Blogger, and neighbour Kathy Siebert’s blog, as part of my usual evening routine. I was intrigued by her latest post about Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) because at this time of the year, it seems to be a regular topic of conversation within my peer group. I will readily admit that I am one of the thousands (millions?) that falls into the category as a sufferer of this affliction. I recall actually being diagnosed with S.A.D. several years ago by my family Doctor, but living in a climate where we see so little of the sun in the dreary winter months, perhaps I am the norm? If not, there sure seem to be a lot of “happy” people grumbling about the gray days!

Obviously, going outside and enjoying the sunshine whenever it appears these days is a definite “to-do.” Even on the coldest days, I bundle up my son and myself, and we head outdoors for as long as we can tolerate the chilly air. My *other* neighbour always laughs at me, when after mere minutes of the sun’s appearance, I call her to inquire if she is interested in a walk to our local Tim Hortons. Frankly, I’m not sure if I enjoy the coffee, the company, or the sunshine the most!

Wings of Terror Butterfly Conservatory

Published
by
Cat
on January 26, 2006
in Blog, Humour and Wildlife
. 6 Comments

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A few years ago on Valentine’s Day, my romantic husband decided to surprise me by taking me to the Wings of Paradise Butterfly Conservatory in Cambridge. It was only a short trip from our home, and we had never gone there before, so I welcomed what I thought was going to be a very romantic outing with my sweetheart. Little did I know that not only would my Valentine’s Day be unromantic, it was downright terrifying.

When I tell people now that I am afraid of butterflies, they first smirk in disbelief, and when I don’t smile back at them, they look very puzzled indeed. Yes, my little secret is out of the bag. I am not sure when this strange phobia began, although I blame my Dad at least in part. He fabricated these elaborate stories of giant moths “flap, flap, flap” whenever my Mom or I was too afraid to swat a moth that had come into our home in search of a light to flutter around. These stories scared the heck out of me as a youngster, and reminiscing about them even now gives me the willies!

So, there I was at Wings of Paradise, camera in tow, hand-in-hand with my Valentine, and ready to take some beautiful snapshots as a reminder of our special day together. From a distance, I must admit that the butterflys were quite beautiful, but when they got close enough for me to actually see their giant wings, I hid behind Stuart in fear. I am told that one of these enormous creatures actually landed on my back. Had I known this at the time (or worse, seen it for myself) I’m sure I would have run from the place, screaming in hysterics! As it was, our afternoon was spend with me ducking at each passing insect, and getting strange looks from the other guests at the Conservatory who watched the winged creatures in awe.

Alas, I know many of you are laughing at my strange neurosis. Apparently, Nicole Kidman, popular movie star and internationally known talent, also suffers from the same strange affliction. I’m sure Ms. Kidman would agree, “give us snakes or heights any day…”

So, there you have it. I won’t be venturing back into that scary situation any time soon. By the way, I’d also like to mention that my Brother-in-Law is afraid of squirrels…but that’s another story!

Archaeology Info

Published
by
Cat
on January 25, 2006
in Archaeology and Blog
. 0 Comments

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Earlier today, I found myself in the midst of a discussion on religion versus evolution. While I am not prepared to go into the details of this earlier debate (I think I’d be here all night) I would like to mention an interesting web-site which I remember using during my studies at York University. This highly informative site full of great images, facts, and information is well worth a visit. It had been a long while since I last looked at it, and indeed I had forgotten just how wonderful it was.

Recent archaeological findings from Central Africa have caused significant changes to previous theories and thoughts on human evolution. A new species of hominid, known as Sahelanthropus has changed previous theories on human ancestry. The recently excavated skull, unearthed at Toumai, shows distinctive characteristics which date it back to the earliest human ancestors, however, its features are much more human-like than any other early hominid of its time! For us Anthropologists, this is way too exciting!

Delightful Cookbook!

Published
by
Cat
on January 25, 2006
in Blog, Books and Cooking
. 0 Comments

My neighbour told me about this great new cookbook from the authors of “Looneyspoons” and “Crazyplates.” I bought a copy of the Podleski sisters’ latest book, “Eat, Shrink and be Merry” and am just thrilled with it! The recipes are easy to follow, healthy, and the book is written in a fun, humorous style with hilarious recipe names and fun anecdotes throughout! The book itself is almost as fun to read as the recipes are to make! Thumbs up to this amazing book!

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Bea in the Tub…

Published
by
Cat
on January 24, 2006
in Blog and Pets
. 1 Comment
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Why do all cats love to hang out in the bathtub? For some reason, the fresh water in their bowl isn’t good enough…instead they need to sip running water…? Another one of life’s great mysteries!  This is a photo I took tonight of my cat Beatrice, hanging out in her favorite spot.