Monday, February 18th - Happy Islander Day - or whatever it's called in your province

Good Monday morning from the gently rolling hills of Wheatley River. I'm house sitting here later in March but an unexpected trip came up so I'm here for 10 days or so. Charles was planning to fly to Ontario last Wednesday to visit family, but due to the storm, he didn't get out. So instead, they decided they would both drive. I came out here on Friday afternoon and they left on Saturday morning.

It's such a treat to have a whole house again, not just one little room. Having a full kitchen at my disposal is also really appreciated. I brought what food I had in town and then went shopping and picked up more things to cook. I'm a happy camper at the moment!

My duties while here include monitoring the wine that's in the vats, looking after 8 ducks and one very large dog. Not too bad a gig.

Last Wednesday we had a snow day. I had finished all my cards on Tuesday so didn't have to go anywhere. It was predicted we would receive 20 to 30 cms of snow in town but in the end it was only 19, but enough to make a royal mess of things.

Thursday I went out to Fort Augustus to cook dinner for the VanGaals. I had asked Brenda earlier in the week if Bernie had any great plans for Valentines. I didn't want to intrude. She suggested that Bernie was hoping I was coming out to cook. So that's what we did. Our menu included a mixed salad, roast pork tenderloin with mashed sweet potatoes and carrots and parsnips for vegetables. Dessert was heart shaped chocolate brownies topped with ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce. All in all not too bad a night. Some wine and Grey's thrown in and it was pretty much perfect.

I stayed overnight then went into town early to do a couple of errands. Then it was back to the Shamrock Club (after a sandwich at Brenda's) for a double basket weaving class. We missed last week due to freezing rain so we did a four hour class this week, instead of the usual two hours. I finished my second basket just in time to head out to Wheatley River.

Saturday was mild and rained for a good part of the day. It did melt some of the ice that was hanging around but it's still pretty slippy in spots. It did turn cold overnight but fortunately it wasn't an issue for travel on Saturday evening. I'd been invited to the Bairds for supper on Saturday along with the VanGaals. We had a lovely evening along with Jackie's parents. When I left to come home it was still slightly above freezing so my apprehension about icy roads was unfounded.

Sunday morning was cold but very sunny. It really was a lovely day. The sun came streaming in the windows for most of the day. Brenda and Meghan had gone down hill skiing out at Brookvale and stopped in for tea on their way home.

I built a fire in the wood stove and settled in for a movie on Netflix, after making myself some supper. I'm going to enjoy my time out here, I can tell.

Monday, February 11th - a lovely winter visit,i spite of the temperatures

After many days of frigid temperatures, it looks like we may get a ton of snow - 20 to 30 cms on Thursday.  Too bad it didn't arrive in time for Tristen's visit this past weekend.

Last week was fairly busy leading up to his arrival. I visited my friend Donna in Montague on Monday afternoon and stayed overnight. She had just gotten out of the hospital and was happy to have someone arrive with food, and to cook supper. We had a lovely visit before calling it a night.
On Tuesday I came back into town to start my card shop visits for the week.

On Thursday I went out to the VanGaals to make supper but I didn't stay over as Tristen was arriving at 11:30. As per usual, that late flight was delayed, finally arriving at 2:00 in the morning. But at least he got here.

Friday morning was quite slippery as the result of some freezing rain, which unfortunately cancelled our basket weaving class. Later in the day it turned to rain and temperatures were well above freezing. Tristen and I took advantage of that to head out to Patti Lane. I had trimmed some trees in the woods a number of years ago and the stack of branches was still there in a pile. My goal was to move those branches out to the middle of the lot so I could burn those at some point later on, without setting fire to the rest of the trees. There were also quite a few branches that I'd trimmed this summer. So Tristen and I set about moving all the branches out to one big pile. All I need now is a nice dry day without wind so I can go out and burn them.

Biscuits and jam before heading out to the woods

By the time we finished that we were both soaking wet, and just a little bit cold. I had it on good authority that Brenda had made cinnamon rolls that morning, so we called her a nd asked her to put the kettle on. While we enjoyed our hot beverages and warm cinnamon rolls, we discussed what to do for supper. It was decided that Tristen and I would go back into town and get changed into dry clothes and head back to Fort Augustus with pizza. On our way out, we stopped at the second hand store and pocked up a board game. We chose Clue, as neither of us had ever played it.

After our pizza, we played a game of clue before heading over to watch some TV. Tristen had also bought a jigsaw puzzle and he worked on that.

We were out fairly early on Saturday morning. The whole point of being there overnight was so that Tristen could go out to the woods with Bernie in the morning, but it was just really cold and Bernie had another project he was hoping to get finished that day.

I had contacted the owner of the mini home we're in the process of purchasing and had him leave me a key. Tristen and I drove over there to view it. He was pleased to see that he'll have his very own room when he comes to visit.

Back to town to grab a bite to eatm -  some fresh steamed mussels -  and then off to the movies. We had the pleasure of seeing The Lego Movie 2. It was actually quite cute.

Sunday morning was quiet, with not a lot to do. Tristen worked on a second puzzle he had and I read my book. Finally noon arrived and we headed out to Island Hill Farm. That's always one of Tristen's favorite places to visit when he comes to the island. It was extra special this time with a visit with Celery (our rabbit) as well as the new born baby llama. It was another very cold day but not so bad inside the barn with the warmth of all the animals.

After returning to town and getting changed into clothes that didn't smell quite so strongly of goats, we went for supper. We had our meal at Mr. Sushi. Unfortunately we both left our phones at home so weren't able to take a picture of Tristen using chop sticks.

After supper we went back to my room to watch some TV. There was a movie on that was of some interest, along with popcorn.

Monday morning I was surprised to wake up to Tristen having packed up all his stuff. It was an early morning visit to the Culinary Institute for breakfast. I'd heard that it was good and it was indeed.
I had a few errands to run so we drove around completing those until time to take him to the airport.
I waited till he was safely on board and headed back out to Iona.

I spent a fair bit of time there, taking some more detailed measurements than what I already had, and just contemplating what needs to be done. I still really like the layout and I think we're going to be very comfortable there, once we finally can move it, and move in.

On the way out and back, I was amazed at the state of farmers fields. The winds have been strong for a few days and it was like driving through a sandstorm in places along the Transcanada. I stopped at one spot and saw that what looked like sand hills along the side of the road was actually 4 to  5 inches of sand on top of the snowbanks. Then it was on the news last night about the amount of topsoil that's being blown off fields. Not a good thing for farmers. It's just really disturbing to see all the bare fields and high winds in the middle of February. However, that could change significantly in the next couple of days.

February 4th - live and local from...

...9 Euston Street. Feeling a little lazy this morning, so doing this post in my jammies from the comfort of my room!

What a busy week I had last week. Tuesday was spent out in Mermaid helping my friend Helena learn to make guacamole. We tried three different versions and then did a taste testing when they were all finished. They varied somewhat in flavour but all were more than edible! I was even sent home with some as well as a container of home made chicken soup. Much appreciated.

Wednesday and Thursday were card days followed by "Thursday Thursday" supper at the VanGaals. The Bairds joined us and I managed to push them slightly out of their comfort zone with a dish that contained a totally foreign starch - soft and creamy polenta, topped with chunks of Italian sausage in a tomato type of sauce.

Creamy Polenta with Sausage and Tomato

I made this one cold snowy night when I got home from work and was absolutely starving. It was very quick to put together and really tasty. Polenta is something most of us non-Italians are not really familiar with. My understanding is it often replaces mashed potatoes. It's a nice change from the ordinary and very quick and easy to make.

Ingredients:  (for 2 servings)

• 2-3 hot Italian sausages
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 - 14 oz tin diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and onion - do not drain (if you just have plain tomatoes, saute some diced onion and garlic, and add to tomatoes with a bit of fresh or dried basil - to taste)
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp chopped fresh oregano (or 1/4 tsp dried)
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

Putting it all together:

Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat.

Add sausage and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes.

Transfer to a cutting board to cool slightly.

Add tomatoes to pan and simmer for a few minutes  until a bit of the juice has reduced.

Add sausages to tomatoes and continue simmering

While this is simmering, mix the milk with 1/2 cup water and put into a saucepan with the oregano and salt.

Bring just to a boil and slowly whisk in the cornmeal

Continue whisking until thick and creamy - similar to mashed potatoes - I found this took  about 30 seconds

Remove from heat and spoon into the centre of serving bowls.

Top with some of the sauce and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and parsley (if using)

I stayed ovenight at the VanGaals after we watched our program, following supper.

I was going in to the Bairds to make some squares that Lloyd had made before Christmas. Jackie had asked for the recipe, so armed with glace cherries, I arrived bright and early  on Friday morning. I left them cooling on the counter and headed back to the VanGaals to hang out till noon. Our basket weaving class was starting at 12:00 this week instead of 1:00. Those of us who were finished our baskets helped others get caught up so that this coming week we can all start on the second basket together. 

I dropped in to visit Cooper at the Rosa's for a little bit then it was off the the Rec Centre for Trivia, which Brenda was presenting. Unfortunately neither of us captured the Queen. But a pleasant evening was had by all. Then it was back to the VanGaals to spend the night before heading back to town on Saturday morning. 

Saturday evening I met up with them  as well as two other couples at The Old Dublin Pub for Winterdine - sweet potato soup, strip loin steak with fries and cheesecake.  Again, another very enjoyable evening.

I was asked by Sharyn how to make corn beef hash. Lloyd and I had made it for Pat before he went out west, when we were staying at their place. Apparently he quite enjoyed it. So I suggested to Sharyn that I could come out on Sunday morning and show her how to make it after church. Our friend Mary Leah joined us and we enjoyed a nice breakfast together.

I was back into town soon after as I was attending a bluegrass concert over at the Carriage House at Beaconsfield, (where I'd been the Sunday before.) Within walking distance, it's one of the advantages of being in town. People ask if I'll be sorry to be leaving town once I finally get moved, but in reality I can't wait. I much prefer the country. 

The concert was lively and very enjoyable but I left quickly when it was over, to go home and get ready to go out for dinner, yet again!

Our friends Charles and Laura invited me to come out to celebrate their friend Geraldine's birthday. We had celebrated her husbands birthday just before Christmas. Once again, a lovely evening was had by all. 

I'm expecting this week may be a tad quieter, although Tristen is coming down to visit this weekend. He's arriving on the late flight Thursday night and will leave again on Monday morning. Brenda and I were hoping to go to Halifax this past weekend but in the end plans changed and we stayed here. This coming weekend we're volunteering at the Heart and Stroke Gala on Saturday night. I'll find something for Tristen to do while I'm out. 

It would appear Lloyd's run into a bit of an obstacle on his travels. We'll see how that turns out - norockerforlloyd.com