13 Hours of Rain

This is your last chance folks! Last chance to comment on this blog. No, I'm not ending it. Not yet, anyway. But, I'm partially changing the purpose of my blog from its original intent. Almost four years ago I wrote: "...connecting with people in real time and space is not always a reality. Therefore, I need a space for my reflections, albeit virtual. I need a potential readership for my authorship, even if this 'paperback' collects dust on a used book rack. I need a framework to be intellectual, especially since my day consists of using simple sentences when talking to my beautiful baby daughter (and it is a delight to talk to her!). And yes, sometimes, I NEED to be alone..." I started this blog as a framework for intellectual stimulation and introspective reflections. And even though I acknowledged that these words would be read by a choice few, I now realize that I've desired more kudos from this space than is realistic to expect. After all, ...

We are starting preschool in our home. No, not outside-of-our-home classes, but rather inside-our-house-with-Mommy lessons. Today we are going to make soup, lentil pea soup that is. Admittedly, my children are not extremely fond of these legumes. But in this part of the prairies, we grow lentils and peas, amongst other things. And in the county of my ethnicity, we eat a lot of this source of complex carbohydrates, folic acid, and vegetable protein (or dal ). Two good reasons to adopt more dal into my repertoire of cooking! Thus, our soup journey started with a trip to the Bulk Barn (my new favourite store). We perused the aisles, rushed past the candy (or I did), and lingered in the health food section. We collected little bags of yellow and green split peas to add to our lentils at home. Today we will attempt this recipe*: 1 tbsp olive oil 1/2 large onion, diced 1 stalk of celery, sliced 1 medium carrot, diced 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1/2 tsp cumin p...

While the Autumnal Equinox is still days away, the Fall season has begun where I live. The nights are cool and crisp, leaves are embracing colors other than green, and children (along with teachers, of course) are loading backpacks with back-to-school treasures. And I am thankful. There is something comforting about routine. While I enjoy the leisurely pace of long summer days combined with all the natural blessings of being outside, I equally appreciate Autumn when I divert my attention to formally and intentionally educating my children during their stage of preschool. In our household, we have seasonal menus. It isn't anything official, but rather the way I tend to cook. As soon as it is warm enough to sit outside (usually mid-May), our summer menu begins. Our family BBQs (or grills) as much as possible. I rarely use my oven unless I am baking muffins or cookies. For instance, yesterday we prepared Tandoori Chicken Skewers for visiting family and tonight we a...