Running with Scissors

It is currently 11:09 pm.  It is Mind Boggling that I am still awake.  Not so surprising of course that I have something to say, for when DON’T I have something to say?  It is a quiet time of the day sitting here – waiting for the 6 pound roast to finish cooking for the boys Lunch Meat for Tomorrow’s Lunch.

Ok, just for the record I make my own lunch meat.  I live in a house of men, so meat must be the only commodity.

So, while working on a Magazine Ad, a Website, a Google App, and a Fitness Workbook this afternoon, (NOT Workout – that will come back round again – when things slow down for me again)  I have this strange sense to look up on MLS a house that I lived in when I was 17, in Ayr, Ontario.   I have no idea where this strange pull came from, but I followed it and located within about 2 minutes, the house that I have always believed was the ideal home.  Massive In law Suite on the Main Floor, a full attic with multiple rooms, and so much character.   This house has always stayed with me, and has been the model for every house that I dream of.   It is for sale.   Not sure where the push came from to locate the house, but maybe more things will come from it.  From this I located 1 very dear friend on Facebook, from that time period, who I have sort of followed peripherally over the years.  From there I located another great friend from that period, and a 3rd located me through one of them I believe.    SO my past has come home to roost.

The beautiful thing about getting older, is the time that is placed in between THEN and NOW, allowing for reflection, and maturing.   I am not the same person that I was, however that person directly influenced who I am today.  I am grateful, that I do remember who that person was, because it has helped me tremendously in parenting the 2 boys that I have somehow managed to raise.

Remembering, my conflicted youth, and confusion in understanding my path, has helped me to understand that it is not my job to PARENT my boys who are now 14, and 16.  It is my job to MENTOR them, to help guide them towards the path that they have ahead of them, to move forward gracefully, with dignity, compassion, and confidence.  Something I never had at that point, nor until my early 30′s.

So, today is a day of reflection of yesterday – and excitement about the path to come forward.   Our Roles do not define us, rather who we are defines how we fill our Roles.

Ok – so I am delayed in writing this, I know.  September is a month of crazy time getting kids back into routines and school.  Blessed School! Truly, Government Funded Daycare.  This was one of the hardest summers with the boys, as they are teenagers now aged 14 and almost 16.  If they don’t have jobs, then they become these people that hang around all day, sleep in, eat, play video games etc.  Alex got a job at Garden Foods at the end of summer, and is loving the entire experience of working, making money, making new friends, and learning.   Jordan should have one by next summer.

At the end of the summer, when Alex got his first job, I went to Europe for the first time. Ian had an opportunity to take me with him as he played host to a group of couples from the US and Canada, who were rewarded for sales efforts for Viessmann Manufacturing where Ian works.

Travelling with Ian, is amazing, as he is a seasoned traveller, and is full of tips, and tricks to work through the jet lag, the airplane food, the airport lineups.  Understanding that Ian has probably put on over 90,000 km this year alone, due to a recent position change at Viessmann.

So arrived in Frankfurt, Germany on a Sunday morning, and drove through the countryside to Frankenberg, a little village about 20 mins from Allandorf where Viessmann Manufacturing has it’s International Headquarters.

Driving through the countryside, was very much like driving through Caledon; green fields, farms and livestock.  Arriving in Frankenberg was like stepping back in time.

What was truly remarkable is the fact that in Germany you are not allowed to modify the structures.  If you are fortunate enough to OWN a house, you can not modify the outside or structure.  This has preserved these houses that were built after the Frankenberg fire in 1476.

There is a Gothic Church and one house that survived the fire – both built in the 1200′s.  To walk through a town that has managed to survive that long, is truly inspiring.  The Germans are fantastic hosts, with the most amazing, food, Pilsner Beers, and service.  Everything is so clean.  The Germans are industrious, and hard working, and take such pride in their efforts to move forward from their dark past.  In fact, when walking through this country, one is struck, by the innovation, and marriage of a remarkable history and modern future.

Ian warned me – not to reference the war, and I can respect that.  While it is important to remember, I don’t see any reason to focus on that while visiting.  Truly, the Germans who are working and running things, can not be held accountable for the actions of their grandparents and great grandparents.

Their population is 81.8 million – they are the most populated member state of the European Union, as well as one of the major political powers of the European continent and a technological leader in many fields.  They have the 4th largest economy in the world, and are involved with the United Nations.  They are a remarkable people, and should be acknowledged for THAT – instead of focusing on the war – over 60 years ago.

The homes I saw – were just beautiful, and the gadgets…. wow.  The Europeans view climate control very differently from North Americans.  Air Conditioning, is set to about 2 degrees less than outside.  Just enough to allow your body to find peace, but never set to the arctic temperatures that we use here. Homes are utilized for their space, and many things are dual purpose, and never cluttered. They believe in quality, over quantity.

They also use Boilers for heat, instead of forced air, making the homes less dry, and allows for bathrooms to have towel warmers on the wall, along with heat in the floors.  Reflecting on these Europeans values, makes me somewhat embarrassed with the North American mentality of waste waste waste.   We could learn so much from them.

The tour of the Viessmann Plant, which I thought would be like sticking forks in my eyes, was actually one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had.   I have often heard about the Kyoto Protocol, but never truly grasped it.

The goal was to reduce greenhouse emissions by 20% by 2007.  Not only did Canada NOT reduce it, we in fact INCREASED our emissions by 30%!!  We are the 3rd largest per capita polluters in the world!  United States and Australia are 1 and 2. The size of our country makes transportation of goods challenging, our use of Electricity is exorbitant. In fact the only province in Canada that lowered emissions was Quebec.  Ontario increased by 10 percent – but it was Alberta that went up over 50%!  Staggering when you think about it, especially when many of us, walk around with a sense of pride being Canadian.  Well our reputation is dropping.

Germany, has earned bragging rights as being a leader in reducing the greenhouse gases.  They were set to reduce their numbers by 20% by 2012, and they did JUST that! In fact, they reduced emissions by 22.4 %. Viessmann Manufacturing has reduced by 40% – using their renewable energy systems and products.  Learning about renewable energy was probably one of the most important things I took away from my trip to Europe. Biomass was the most educational for me.

Viessmann actually grow forests of  Poplar trees – because they grow so fast, then cut them down – reduce them to wood pellets – to be used for Biomass energy.

I learned that driving electric cars are terrible for the environment!  Ontario – still relies predominantly on COAL FIRED ELECTRICITY!!!  Closing one coal fired plant is the same as taking 500,000 cars off the road!  Ontario Power Generation is moving forward to this end, but the damage is being done.  Much of it, due to our own very selfish and disconnected needs.

I was so excited by the information Viessmann had to offer, as well as the products they offer as solutions to the environmental concerns.  We just need to open our minds to be less of a drain, and consider do we truly need to do as many of the things that we do.  Push the government to make the changes, understand that these things might cost us a little more – however, we have had a free ride for some time now, and it would be nice to actually have a future to offer our kids and grandkids.

So, Germany opened my eyes to the environment, making the most of what you have, step back and pause before mindlessly consuming.

That and they have FANTASTIC BEER!

So it has been a while since I posted but like everyone else – the summer seems to be a period of winding down and enjoying gorgeous days and family.  Well – ok – enjoying family might be a bit of a stretch, as you have teenagers lounging around the house – with nothing to do… sigh. Thank goodness one of them got a job and is occupied!    He turns 16 in a few months – and is already planning another occupation – DRIVING.

I just returned from a trip to Europe, my first.  We spent 2 days in Germany and 3 in Hungary.  I truly believe that I have never been so profoundly changed since this trip.  There is enough material for me to create a large number of posts.

I believe that I am going to break them down – so that the general viewer (If there are in fact any of you out there) does not go all over the map.

• Germany and it’s culture and history
• Viessmann and their passion to change the environment
• Budapest – Restoration and rebuilding
• Hungary Independence at LAST!

These will be the topics that I will try to stick to – and flesh out a little more – as these are truly the subjects that made the most impact.

Watch Closely… more to come

My father in law, will be making a trip to the Heinz Factory in Leamington in a few weeks, and I decided that I would prepare a list of item to purchase, by looking up on the internet the food items that they make. The prices are insanely cheap, and it makes sense to have some things handy for fast meals in our cold room.  Horrible Sodium levels, and preservatives I know, however this supply usually lasts us for a year – as we don’t go into it very often.

I happened across the Heinz Food Service  website – where they have prepared soups listed for restaurant purchase.  As I read through the list, I began to crave soup.  Artichoke and Chicken Florentine,  Corn and Red Pepper Chowder,  Santa Fe Tortilla, Black Forest Lentil,  Portobello and Roasted Tomato, each one makes me crave.

Of course when I read the ingredient list, I see a number of items that  are pretty much banned in my household, (BHA, BHT, sulfites, nitrates, Artificial Colours and flavours…. YUM)

SO I decided that I was going to make my own soups from the titles.  This undertaking will take some time, but I am ready.   Of course the timing is a little off as we are also headed into the summer with teenagers.  Both my boys are now teenagers, Jordan at 14 is chomping at the bit, anxious to be 30, and Alex at 15 1/2 is counting down the months and days until he can obtain his driver’s licence. Both are struggling to find part-time jobs to keep them occupied, so this summer, I will have to invest some time and energy into keeping them occupied, and driving them places to prevent boredom to settle in, which is a recipe for disaster for teens.

My boys are quite supportive of the foods that I prepare and serve, and I can proudly say that regardless of what anyone prepares for them, they will eat it.  So they will work with me on my soup journey, and in many cases actually help to prepare it with me. They have a wide-ranging palate for teenagers, eating Indian, Cajun, Chinese, Thai, British, Scottish, Irish, and plain old anything.

I find myself reflecting a lot on when they were smaller, and in turn reflecting even more when I was smaller.  Looking at them, makes me mindful of the fact that I have very clear recall of my own teenage years, because when I was 7  or 8 perhaps it becomes smaller disconnected fragments that I must try to connect.

When I posted on my Facebook page – an update about the soup, I received a friend request from a man, to whom I have some of the fondest memories of my childhood.

Mr Stewart, lived next to the baseball diamond of the school that I attended in my community.  Every Tuesday (or Wednesday?  I hate getting older and losing THOSE details!)  he would walk to the field, and wait for all the children in the community to appear and organize them into teams, to play baseball.

As an adult, I understand what an undertaking this was, and can not thank him enough for giving us this gift of his time and energy.  Mostly we were a bunch of pains in the backside, whining about not being able to play, or keep up, or feeling awful because we weren’t good enough,  but Mr. Stewart, just rallied us along, this motley crew, and over summers taught us sportsmanship and rules to playing a game,  loved throughout North America.

It was something that we as kids looked forward to and counted on, to keep us occupied during the summer, and it is something that I have carried along in my life that I have always wanted to pay forward.

It is remarkable that as a child I learned to play baseball in a group organized by a volunteer every summer for free. Mind boggling really, when you look at how much we all now have to pay to allow our children to learn the same game.

Mr. Stewart always seemed a very laid back fun dad.  I am sure that he had his moments like anyone else, but in my childhood, he was something that I could count on, and he gave me a gift of sports, and a love of baseball, which I carry on with my family of men.

Thanks Mr. Stewart, and to all the other Mr. Stewart’s out there who did the same thing, I thank you as well.  To anyone else reading this, maybe it is time to step back in time, and consider doing the same thing with the youth in our communities – volunteer, step up, get involved and make a difference to those who will be our future.

Mr. Stewart, says cream of asparagus soup is his favourite..

Tal Ronnen – The Conscious Cook -

http://talronnen.ca/recipes/cream-asparagus-soup/

1. Place a large stockpot over medium heat. Sprinkle the bottom with a pinch of salt and heat for 1 minute. Add the oil and heat for 30 seconds, being careful not to let it smoke. This will create a nonstick effect.
2. Add the asparagus, celery, and onion and sauté for 6 to 10 minutes, until the celery is just soft. Add the stock and bay leaf, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Add the Cashew Cream and simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Working in batches, pour the soup into a blender, cover the lid with a towel (the hot liquid tends to erupt), and blend on high. Add the spinach to the last batch and continue blending until smooth. Pour the soup into a large bowl and stir to incorporate the spinach batch. Ladle into bowls. Garnish each bowl with microgreens and drops of Cashew Cream.

Makes 6 servings
Prep time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

It is now 9:22 am, and the house is quiet!  The boys are off to school, Ian is in Rhode Island for the week, and the dogs are peacefully sleeping on their lazy boy chairs in my office.

I have 2 little fake dogs, Charlie and Peanut.

Peanut is always finding new impossible positions to sleep in

Charlie likes to look outside and watch things go by

Charlie loves the car – and runs out to the car for rides at every opportunity, and Peanut is just happy passing out on the couch. They have been a mated pair for 9 years, and could not be without each other.  SO we are forced to  live with little fake dogs – for the another 5 – 6 years or so…. sigh – good thing I do love them.

So this morning – I went out on this ridiculously HOT morning (Currently, it is 24 degrees and already feels like 30)  to Garden Foods.

This European like grocery store is next door to the Zehrs in Bolton, ON, and offers the very best in produce, butcher counter, bakery, organic, wheat free, and specialty food items.

The feature I most love about Garden Foods, is that you MUST walk through the produce section to get to the rest of the store.  The produce looks fresh, and enticing, bright colours, fresh herbs, fresh greens, all bursting with life and nutrition.  It is decorated in such a way that you feel like you are in a farmers market, and the smell is divine.  All food should be this delectable.   In the early morning, it is pretty quiet, except for the staff bustling around replenishing food shelves and stock.

They have just brought in Organic Atlantic Salmon from DOM International.

http://www.dominternational.com/products/organics/salmon/

I bought some and came home to do some research.  Interestingly enough, it is quiet eye-opening, when you discover the process for Salmon Production.  Antibiotics, dense populations, food additives to make sure the Salmon is the right colour of pink, hormones for increased size, etc.  Actually quite horrifying.

Organic Atlantic Salmon, is salmon that has not received antibiotics, hormones, colour enhanced food, and are allowed a larger area to populate.  It is also considered by World’s Healthiest Foods as  low in mercury – so safe to eat several times per week.

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=dailytip&dbid=116

Having said all of that – I do understand that it costs about double the price.  Let’s just get right into that one shall we?  I am going to go out on a limb here, and state a generalization.   North American’s do NOT know how to eat properly.  The main part of your meal is NOT supposed to be the MEAT.  A proper portion of Protein should be the size of a deck of cards. Fish is recommended as 3 oz which is the same amount.  Having said that, one of these fillets at about 10 – 11 dollars each should feed 3 people.  I know that there will be those of you who look at it and say – are you NUTS?

I have broken it down into portions.  The trick when eating organic meats – is stick to the portions required.  A BALANCED meal – has 3 oz of protein, 1/2 cup of carbs, and the rest of your plate is to be filled with vegetables!  If you eat the way we are meant to eat,  you will enjoy proper health, less cravings, and be a healthy weight!

++++++++++++++

Ok – so I have spent the day working and am now preparing dinner.  I pull out the Salmon, from the refrigerator.  Opening up the package, I find a nice firm fish, light scent, not fishy… ok – so MAYBE Alex will eat it without complaint… He truly dislikes fish.

I made a simple salad, of spinach, chunks of cucumber, and pecans with Rene’s poppy seed dressing.   2 slices of thin crust pizza (Vegetables, on good carbs – remember I have sons..)

Truly good salmon doesn’t need anything fussy done to it.  If it is good – broiled on a stone with simple lemon juice should truly tell me what kind of fish this is.

Placing it skin side down on the stone – 400 degrees in the oven for 15 minutes.

I pulled it out and portioned it like above – and squeezed more lemon juice and added some capers.

The fish flaked into delightful morsels, that we each ate quickly.  Light, fresh and truly spectacular.  Even Alex – said he liked it – NOT love – but liked it better than other Salmon we have purchased,  it had a lighter taste, and not as fishy.

SIMPLY FANTASTIC!

Garden Foods has it in store – now – get it while you can!   The very best salmon I have ever had, and I can truly say that as I eat it a lot.  If it is that good plain, imagine what it will do with other recipes!

The very best from Garden Foods

It is 5:00 pm, and rather than run downstairs and prepare dinner for the boys, I am sitting here posting my first blog entry.   In truth, I am not sure if they care at the moment, however as teenage boys, when the moment settles, they will inexplicably require sustenance immediately.

So I am unsure how long I have, which is a general question asked by many mothers, working and taking care of a family.

So I am posting my first entry on my new Blog.  I will be posting different things here, thoughts from the insanity that runs through my mind, nutrition facts, recipes, computer tips, household ideas, fantastic products, and of course stories of my family.

There are always stories around families.  Alex, my oldest asked me yesterday if “they” would ever run out of stories for movies?  I answered him, that mankind has not run out of stories since we began.  From the wanderer who passed from village to village verbally retelling stories to the entertainment of all, to watching movies, today, we will always have stories to tell, as long as we exist.

So hopefully my stories will not be boring, (Some will, I am sure) but others might resonate within and help you laugh at some troubling piece of your life, as we all blunder through.

Fantastic piece of advice from a friend of mine, Lisa K..  whether she knows it or not she gave me SAGE advice last week -in regards to parenting.  As a parent we offer a “Toolbox”  of resources to our children.  It is up to them to use the tools or not.  We can not force them, we can only ensure that the tools are in full working order and available.  Hopefully we all have children who take advantage of the tools.  There are many days when I truly feel that they are not even aware that tools are there… sigh.

But time will tell.

I am going to sign off with my favourite picture of my boys when they were  9 and 10.