MEETING JOHN STEINBECK

“Still got a cold - no biggy.” That’s what my text said to a friend. But for all my bravado the “no biggy cold” was kicking my butt. So after popping some cold meds I found myself in bed by 8 o’clock on a Friday night. 

Last year when I retired the plan was to utilize the library. No more buying books (unless it was a Really Good Book). I can pick them up at the local library and drop them off with no increase to my general goods. But I felt crappy, the bedroom was cold and my E-Reader offered a plethora of books to buy with one click. 

And that’s how I met John Steinbeck. His book “Travels with Charlie: In search of America” was only a couple of bucks and on my reading list. Click! I had a Nobel prize winning author to read on a cold winter’s night. 

After conquering Dick and Jane books I soon moved onto Dr. Seuss. From there I devoured the school’s whole library. The magical world of reading opened up for me about the same time John Steinbeck was finishing his journey on earth in 1968. 

Travels with Charlie is about Mr. Steinbeck’s road trip across America with his poodle, Charlie. It is full of wit, humour and a keen perception  of humanity. I’m ashamed to say I’d not introduced myself to Mr. Steinbeck until I reached my 60s! 

It’s January, a good time to read. Fantasy, fiction, history or if you must romance. Grab a cup of tea, get cozy and check out a classic. The pleasure of a good book on a cold winter’s night will cure all that ails you - including butt kicking colds. 

A SECOND CHANCE

 Have you ever wanted/needed a second chance? 

A second chance at: A Challenge? A Mistake? Love? Life?

Of course you have - we ALL have! Not only is it great to receive them, it’s great to give them too.

At the Last Supper Jesus tells Peter his faith will fail. Peter says “No Way! I’m ready to go to both prison and to death.” But Jesus says “this very night you will deny me three times before the rooster crows.” Later, as Jesus is led away, Peter stays close by in the courtyard with the servants. They begin to focus on him and say he was one of Jesus’ disciples. He insists he is not - never met the man. He denies this 3 times. The rooster crows. Just then, Jesus turns and looks directly into Peter’s eyes across the courtyard and Peter remembers what Jesus had said. Feeling the full burden of shame and betrayal Peter leaves and “wept bitterly.” This is a guy who needs a second chance.

After Jesus’ death the women who had gone to prepare the body come back with an incredible story! Jesus’ is gone! The tomb is empty and these dazzling white guys said He had risen! The disciples thought this was crazy, some idle tale, but Peter ran back to the tomb. He had to see for himself, maybe a second chance was possible! 

Later, Peter and a few other disciples are fishing. Who do they see on the shore but Jesus tending a fire! After an uncomfortable breakfast, Jesus asks Peter about his love for Him. He asks 3 times wiping out the 3 times Peter denied Him thus offering a second chance to acknowledge his love and loyalty. 

As we start a brand new year maybe you need a second chance. There is mercy new each day for those. Or maybe you need to give a second chance. With wisdom, I hope you can find the grace to do so. 

Here’s to 2025 - may it be a year of joy, peace, health for you and occasionally, when you need them, a year of second chances. 

FINDING KITCHEN NIRVANA

If your idea of a good time is puttering in a kitchen, cooking, creating and testing out new recipes, then you are my people. So when my friend Sharon suggested a cooking class with Enid Grace in Hillier it sounded like a great way to spend an afternoon!

With Sharon, ready for action

                                                           

Myself and another friend, Cathy, were the first to arrive. Enid’s cooking classes are held in a renovated old Quaker Barn that also used to be a blacksmith shop. 

And there I was, in Kitchen Nirvana, stirring Risotto!

A happy little wood stove for warmth, Christmas music, fresh ingredients all laid out, wine and snacks to enjoy, and all the kitchen necessities you could want. Enid has a wealth of knowledge around cooking and baking. 

Making the Turtres

We delved into Italian cuisine in the Dolomite region, prepping dishes in several stages which Enid masterfully brought together. The small class of 7 ladies all took turns trying techniques and prepping. 

Of course….there was lots of eating too! 

Canederli in Brodo, a beautiful bone broth soup with little dumplings topped with crispy butter fried fresh sage. 

Turtres, little pastries filled with ricotta and spinach and quickly deep fried in a light oil.

Risotto with fresh squash, Enid’s homemade sausage and porcini

 and for dessert, Apfelstrudal with almond custard. 

We all brought home leftovers and lots of new tricks and tips. So if you are looking for a relaxing afternoon of creativity and fun, I recommend checking out Enid’s classes! 

You can find them here: https://www.enidgrace.com/mytable

Like me, you may find yourself in Kitchen Nirvana!

THE SIGH OF A CAT

 It’s been a rather hectic week filled with appointments; some planned, some not. My husband and both parents all needed medical care due to surgeries, complications and in my Dad’s case, a nasty fall. 

One of these situations alone can be stressful, but three?? The old adage “when it rains, it pours” fits the bill! 

When stress starts to overwhelm me and I’m feeling off kilter, out of control and anxious it’s time to refocus my mind, body and emotions.

I search out objects of peace and beauty, quiet places to pray and breathe and think of my many blessings to be thankful for in the midst of noise. 

This late blooming rose, softly summer perfumed waited for me to find.

Diamond sparkled frost on the deck glittering in the morning light

Lulu curled up on her chair beside the fireplace while I enjoy my coffee

These bring me comfort and peace and I remember my favourite scripture verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will guide you” Proverbs 3:5-6

My old cat Sasha is thin and her lush velvet fur is not what is used to be. I placed this patch of shag rug in a sunny spot.

Sasha curled up and let out a slow contented breath. 

Like the sigh of a sun warmed sleepy cat, sometimes we just need to trust and rest. 

A PARTY ON THE PORCHES!

For the past 15 years, Belleville has hosted an all out community party known as Porchfest. 

If you are not privy to what Porchfest is, here’s the Coles notes: An event that brings local musicians together playing whatever their jam is on neighborhood porches. The community wanders around and gets to listen to the music ranging from rock, pop, country, blues you name it! 

It’s kinda like Halloween for grownups- we wander from house to house and enjoy the offerings. Occasionally there is uh…. “Refreshments” and snacks to enjoy!

Porchfest 2024 had over 60 bands and/or musicians. That’s a lot of musical porches!

It was also a lot of people! 

Who were all having a great time

Along with people there were lots of dogs: big, little, fluffy, old, tired but all of them had their tails wagging and their tongues lolling. 

This year my old Dad got in the action and sang with an A Capella group. Look at those nice matching blue shirts!

Porchfest has become one of the most anticipated events each September. I love the sense of community and connection it brings. 

Besides, how can you go wrong with good music, good community fun and lots of happy dogs? 

THINGS MY MOM GAVE ME

 I don’t know if all Moms do this or if it’s just mine. Maybe it’s part of her Italian lineage. But almost every time I visit my parents, she has to give me something. 

Trinkets like this cat salt and pepper set

Clothing, books, magazine articles and most of all…Food (both of my parents are guilty of this one).

“Have a piece of pie to take home!”

“I’ve got some old bones for Lulu!”

“Could you use up this chocolate sauce?”

Inevitably I just nod and hold out my trick or treat bag to be filled. Last time I stopped by it was a folding chair and a cooler!

This past week my Mom turned 85. A bouquet of fall flowers, a lovely lunch and we checked out the local museum. Sometimes I have to give back!

But she has given me so much more than material things and food.

She has given me an example of sacrifice, creativity, a love for cats and well, life itself 

Mom and I with Dad and sisters Heather and Heidi

Perhaps in honour of this generous tradition (or maybe it’s a habit I’ve picked up), I tend to do the same thing to my children. Last time my daughter stopped in I handed over her Graduation photo, a purse and some apple cake. She came for dinner on the weekend and off went the last of the Apple Crisp too! 

Thanks for all the things you give me Mom. There are worse things I could pass onto my children!

THE BATTERIES ARE DYING

My batteries are dying all over the house. My iPad can’t seem to hold a charge for more than a day, the battery powered lawnmower can barely get through the front yard before it needs a lengthy charge to finish the back yard.  Even my Watch doesn’t want to make it through 8 hours. Clearly I’m overly reliant on a recharge.

 It’s been a long hot week in Ontario. The average temperature climbing daily to 35 degrees Celsius (95 in Fahrenheit) but this province is well known for humidity so we are also told what it feels like, which is closer to 39 (102.2 Fahrenheit) or even 40! This heat is sucking the battery power out of Everything!

Sasha 

LuLu

Even DandyLion, who tends to power down on top of me. 

Just what I need when the house is akin to a Furnace!

Six months from now it will be Feb. 3 and you can bet the thermometer will be indicating an about face. The thought of heading out the door without 2 or even 3 extra layers would be ludicrous. 

At least I hope the energy level will have increased around here. I may have to look into a new iPad, the lawnmower will not be a concern and the pets will be powering up in the closest sunbeams. 

But for now, in the thick of summer, we are running on Emergency power only. Welcome to Ontario - a weather dichotomy!