Miscellaneous Updates

Thanksgiving

Autumn is well underway as we are in the middle of October now, and the overnight lows are dipping to zero or thereabouts. And the weather was lovely for our small family Thanksgiving Dinner, which we had last Saturday on October 8th.

It was just my mother and I, and my brother and his girlfriend; it was perfectly cosy and an overall nice evening.

I made a ham and some veggies, and we played Crokinole, an old-fashioned really fun game on the board I found at a garage sale the week before. The board was a lucky find and was for my brother, who'd been looking for a board for ages.

Life, Work

The trees are bright yellows and oranges and reds,  and though I got out with my real camera last weekend, I was disappointed with my shots (hence, I am not posting them here). I do plan to get out again this Sunday, as I take a day off of hike-leading.

Why did I decide to take a day off? Because, well, I started a new job! It's pretty awesome - I have full-time gainful employment, at least until January, and it is a job I really love. I'm working in Archives at the school board where I am responsible for old files, but more interestingly, for preserving important files and archival information. It's not all about just keeping student records, but about the school and community history. I am very excited about this job and really hope it extends beyond January.

Health

On the health front, I am making some positive changes. I'm overweight, and have decided that I'm okay with this. BUT - I am not ok with feeling unhealthy, bloated and heavy. I do believe that food is medicine or poison, and I know I've been over-consuming stuff that is heavily processed and totally unhealthy. So, here are some steps I'm taking:

1. No drinking wine (although it has health benefits, it's been leading me to make poor food choices)
2. Eat more vegetables and whole grains
3. Eat less or NO crappy food-like products

An orignal garagfe sale find. This vase has character.

Sounds simple, but these are a series of habits that will have to be gradually altered. Harnessing the power of Jack Canfield and Tim Ferris, I think I've got the tools to succeed.

Leisure

My summer was full of good stuff - every weekend was garage sales and hikes. Seriously, I have our Garage Sale Saturday down to a fine art. Every Saturday morning I would go to the Tim Horton's on rue Principal, where on the median at the corner of Wilfred-Lavigne and rue Principal ,people post their garage sale signs. I'd take photos of the signs, come home, type them up along with directions to the streets (Aylmer has a lot of streets and crescents and impasses....). Then we garage-sale ladies would meet up and take two or three cars around to the sales!

However, now that the weather is chilly and the mornigns are dark, garage sales are likely done for the year, until spring, but I had a few good finds this year and am very happy overall. I scored some nice clothes, a crokinol game board for my brother, a few baby play pens for my bro, too, and other good stuff.

While my Saturdays were packed with garage sales, my Sundays I dedicated to leading hikes in Gatineau Park. I had a great time doing this, and though I am not doing one tomorrow, I plan to get back into it next week, and for a few weeks until winter.

The hikes are great - they get me out in nature, get me socializing with a wide variety of people, let me make friends even. I really value these hikes, which I organize as an event organizer in a Meetup.com group. I even got some of my dog-park people involved.

Lola

And that brings me to Lola, the other main occupation in my life and who keeps me busy! We get out for a walk every day, and although I am now working I really want to try to get her out at least twice a day. I'd also like to get back to the dog park - I was taking her every morning around 7:30 or 8:00, and we met a good group of regulars with whom I socialized and made connections. I haven't been to the park in a while - about a week - and I won't be able to go on weekday mornings at our usual time, so I'll have to establish a new routine, maybe after work around 5 pm....sigh.

Jardins Lavigne dog park

The dog park, though, is gorgeous. It is, of course, and off-leash park. It isn't fenced in but is surrounded by woods, and there are trails through the woods, too. And there are creeks and places for the dogs to get wet.

 I feel so fortunate to live in Aylmer - close to Gatineau Park, very close to the super-amazing dog park at Jardins-Lavigne. I'm lucky enough to have employment close to home, and to have many other amenities here. So, I'm in a good place - literally and figuratively!

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Garage Sales in Aylmer

Ah, 'tis the season! Yep, spring is upon us in full swing, and so, too, are the garage sales.

I know it sounds lame to some, but for me, it's a nice social outing with friends, that costs next to nothing. We have it down to an art and trek around Aylmer in a two-car convoy. First, I usually go to Tim Horton's and take pictures of the garage sale signs before getting a cup of coffee to go. I do that around 6:30 or so. Then, back home, I look up the street names on Google Maps, so that I can more easily find the sales. We five of us meet up at one person's house, plan our route and hit the sales!

This week wasn't awesome, but at least I scored a Squatty Potty! Hilarious, but true. Someone had a stash of about six or seven of these, brand new, and for $5, one of them is now mine.

Totally Yummy, and Easy, Green Thai Curry. And a great way to get your veggies!

I grew up in a bland household. Let me explain - the people were fun enough, and even spicy, but the food? Well, the food was standard 1970s Canadian fare, and definitely NOT spicy. Think, Shepherd's Pie, meat loaf and minced meat over mashed potatoes. All good food, and still among my favourite comfort foods, but definitely not really flavourful.

My own palate developed quite differently to that of my family. Early on I discovered that I really, really liked a wider variety of different foods, saltier and spicier and more exotic. I frequently ate at the falafel place, and loved going out for Indian. Of course, this was in the 90's, and although Montreal was a fabulous, eclectic city even then, there was not as much choice as now, and the food wasn't quite authentic. Still, it got my taste buds hopping.

Living abroad in Japan, I truly became appreciative of food. Japanese food is not spicy, but has a lovely, delicate combination of flavours. But I digress. Let's get back to spicy.

Living abroad, and travelling to all the spicy countries of South East Asia, I really came into my love of exotic spicy foods. Among my favourite is this, Green Thai Curry. And, you can make a pretty good one on your own,  at home, even in Ottawa (or, Aylmer!).

I don't make my own paste, and of course, the curry paste is THE key ingredient here. I have always (even in Japan) used Mae Ploy brand. This is really important because I have tried Thai Kitchen and others more easily found at your local grocery store, but they just don't cut the mustard. Or, well, the curry. Mae Ploy is essential, and can be got easily and cheaply at the shops in Chinatown on Somerset street. The big T&T probably has it, too, but I haven't checked since I live much closer to Chinatown. Anyhoo, the tub of curry paste cost my $3.50 at one place. I crossed the street and saw it again for $2.99.  You only need a tablespoon, and it keeps well in the fridge for ages.

You also need a can of coconut milk. I like Aroy-D, but any brand should be fine, as long as it's think and creamy, and not just coconut water.

I love this as chicken curry, made with tasty chicken thigh, but I've made it with beef and pork as well. For veggies, this time I just used some mixed frozen Asian style veggies I had in the freezer. You can use any veggies that you like - they absorb the curry flavours and are delicious. If I had had time and felt like spending money on fresh veggies, I would have bought some red, yellow and orange bell peppers (very yummy and they add good colour), mushroom and eggplant (aubergine). I would probably not put cauliflower in this, but try whatever and see how it goes!

Also, the measurements of meat and vegetables are flexible - put no meat and all veggies, or leave out the veggies for a soupier dish. Put extra in for a thicker dish. Serve over rice.

Ok, well, here's my recipe, it's super quick, super yummy and super spicy.

Green Thai Curry 

Ingredients:

• 1 tbs Mae Ploy Green Curry Paste
• 1 can coconut milk, divided
• 1 tbs oil (I used coconut oil, but use olive oil or whatever, just to fry the onion)
• 1 medium onion
• 200g chicken thigh (or any meat you want), cut in bite sized pieces
• 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed Asian style vegetables (or whatever you want)

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a pot or large pan, add onion and saute until tender (5 minutes or so).
2. Add half the coconut milk and the curry paste (only 1 tbs, or to taste), stirring to mix the paste into the coconut milk. 
3. Add the chicken and fry until the meat is sealed/ mostly cooked (the sauce should be boiling/bubbling)
4. Add the rest of the coconut milk and then add the defrosted or fresh vegetables.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and let it simmer gently on low heat until the vegetables are tender and the curry paste is creamy and smooth (not lumps of paste!).

Serve over jasmine or basmati or any rice you want!

The Magic of Early Mornings

I am a morning person, always have been. Even in my teen years, when bodies need a lot more sleep and kids tend to sleep until noon if permitted, I was up not later than 8:00 a.m. on a weekend morning. Okay, now, that hour seems really late to me, but, again, I was a teen back then. I remember one summer morning waking up, and it was just about 8:00, and I freaked. It was SO late. I jumped out of bed, and got busy taking clothes to the dry cleaner, etc.

Throughout my twenties and thirties, my body continued the morning trend. Even the few years I worked early or late evening shifts (in my late twenties as an ESL teacher, and again later in my late thirties), even though I'd go to bed at midnight, I was up and raring to go by 8:00. I wanted to enjoy my hours, to get things done - gym, errands, socializing. When living and working in Japan, I was up by 5 or 5:30 a.m. and out for a bike ride or run by 6:00. It was magic, those early mornings then. The sky bright, but the roads fairly quiet, with just the odd farmer or elderly walker. There was a feeling of peace that permeated the air and saturated the mind.

And here I am in my forties, and I'm still a super early bird. It's 5 a.m. as I lie in bed with my second cup of tea and type this blog entry. It's still dark outside, and it's rather cold for this time of year, early April. But still I look forward to the morning ahead. Will I take Lola, my lovely puppy, for a pre-dawn walk, where we will be about the only souls about as the sky turns light? Or should I hit the gym, where the morning crowd is a small and friendly one? I've already made friends among the morning gym folk, for we morning people are a special lot! We are rare birds :)

There really is a magic to early mornings, to the time right around dawn. The quiet, the coolness, the birds as they come awake and start chirping, the lack of human activity. I welcome this bit of peace into my world, into my day, and a little bit of exercise really makes me feel good all day long, too.

Aydelu Bingo in Aylmer

So, becoming a true middle-aged suburbanite, I've also gotten into playing bingo at the local bingo/ event hall - and I have such a ton of fun!

Every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 6:45 there is a bingo. The winnings aren't super high - only one or two slim chances at $1000 or more - so hard-core bingo-goers may be less interested, but boy do I love the night out!

I have been several times, and tend to go as a group as a ladies night out with my mother, aunt and friends. It's a social night for me, fun to just be there, as I'm not a real gambler. But a lot of folks I notice go solo. They are regulars, and this is their fun, too.

For newbies who want to go, it can be a little overwhelming with the amount of choice and what cards to buy, etc. Well, after many visits, I finally figured out the answer to this problem - buy a $20 package from the window that says "Bar Tickets". Seriously, go past all the tables selling cards, walk into the hall, turn left into the hall, and look to the left. Go to that window, say you want the $20 package and, if you want, a $2 jackpot card. That will give you everything you need to play every game for the evening.

The cards as you walk in are fine, of course, but I'd say they're for the pros. If you look around at the other players, you will see folks with tons of cards (more than I would be able to keep track of!), and the know which cards/games have the larger prizes, so they buy tons. Me? I go for the fun, the socializing, and a bag of potato chips. So, I get the package, and play a few cards for every game.

Ok, something else that can be overwhelming is - what the heck do I do with all these cards of multiple colours? A four-pack stuck together, another pack stuck together, a bunch of loose ones....! How cow!! Well, at the window where you get your cards you will also see a printed white sheet. Take one - that sheet tells you what colour card is for each game.

It can still seem confusing - so, honestly, I ask someone to help me get things in order, explaining that I am new/ don't come often. Folks in Aylmer in general, and at the bingo hall in particular, are really helpful and enjoy getting you into the spirit. Most folks at the hall are regular or frequent goers and will be super-happy to get you organized, and to give you pointers during the games. And, it's just nice to talk to some new peeps.

So, get your game on and head down to the Aydelu bingo hall, which is right next to the skating arena (near the bowling alley) at 94 rue du Patrimoine!

(Also see the website here http://www.aydelu.ca/bingo-photos_fra.html)

Recovering from Awful, Awful, Awful Cold

Did I mention that the cold I have / had was, well, AWFUL?!?

It started on February 7th. I remember, because that's the day that Denis and his girl, Katherine, came for a visit. I thoroughly enjoyed the company, and they cheered my tired spirit. Then the next day, I felt even worse, then worse, then - WHAM! - by Monday the 15th, I barely made it in to work, then finally booked Tuesday and Wednesday off because, frankly, I was that damn sick with a cold-induced sinus infection. I couldn't function at all. I couldn't even drink a glass of wine!

I thought I was getting better on that Wednesday, then - WHAM! - I was feeling deadly again by Thursday when I had to go to work.

I love being a supply teacher;lots of good points for sure, such as wonderful kids, and good work hours,  but, one of the drawbacks is, if I don't work, I don't get paid. Yep, that's pretty fair for sure. But. when you're sick, and haven't really had enough work for the year already, and spring break (unpaid) is upon you - well, calling in sick is definitely not an option high on the list.

Add to that the little problem of a scarcity of doctors in the Outaouais, so my lack of access to medical care, I did all the self-care I could do at home. I took sinus medication, ran a humidifier at night, even bought a nasal irrigation system (which helped incredibly). I took as much rest as I could, drank several litres of water per day, and really did take care of myself. And then I did call Info-Sante, to ask where I could go to get my issue seen to.

The woman was really nice, and did her best to locate a clinic  for me. She finally gave me three numbers in Gatineau, and the third one I called actually had a receptionist who answered the phone, and - wonder of wonders - booked me an appointment with Dr. Anya.

So, that clinic was the Centre Medical du Portages, and you can see some info here: http://www.sante.gouv.qc.ca/en/repertoire-ressources/ressource/?nofiche=29324


Dr. Anya was professional and kind, took me right on time, and agreed to send me for blood tests, even though he was not required to, as I am no a regular patient. I do hope to be accepted as "his" patient. I will ask after I return to get my blood work assessed.

Anyhoo - what it comes down to is, I'm feeling much better, though still tired and not all that physically strong. And, I finally, finally, went to a doctor and am going to have blood tests done! Yay, me. I have not seen a doctor at all in close to five years, and have not had a check-up in about ten years. All in all, a good day today.

here: http://www.sante.gouv.qc.ca/en/repertoire-ressources/ressource/?nofiche=29324

51 cm, of Snow, Holy Crow!

We had a record snowfall here in the Ottawa Valley (yep, I'm including Aylmer in 'Ottawa Valley') yesterday - 51 cm (that's just over 1 foot and 8 inches of snow). That was, the radio said,. one quarter of the total snowfall over all of last winter.

It took me ages to shovel out my driveway. I did an hour yesterday. and another 2.5 hours this morning (well, that is including shovelling the back deck and shovelling off the hot-tub...). The biggest drain on my energy and time was all the super-heavy., hard-packed snow pushed into my driveway by the city plow. And, annoyingly, it passed again AFTER I'd shovelled, so out I went to shovel yet again, when a super nice, plow-owning neighbour, came to my rescue and pushed the snow away for me. Yay for neighbourliness!

On the bright side, Lola did have a ball in the snow.

Dentist! Aaarg!

I will admit it - I had not been to a dentist since my return to Canada at the end of 2010. That's five years without a dental visit. Why? Well, because I have been barely employed and dental is not covered by our Medicare system. And yet, I'm paying taxes through the nose. So, resentment aside, I just did not prioritize the dentist.

I mean, after all, I do take good care of my teeth. I use an electric toothbrush, I floss regularly, I don't generally consume sodas or other tooth-rotting items.

And,yet. About a month ago I developed sensitivity in my lower left molar. Anything cold would send a shiver of pain through me. I tried Sensodne first. And finally caved and called around to various dentists to check prices. OUCH and double OUCH. It is SO expensive. But, alas, I had to swallow the bitter pill, and opted for an appointment at a near-by dental clinic, the Dentisterie Aylmer.

It's a nice, clean clinic with friendly staff. But, honestly, prices were my main concern. I got a full exam - no, actually, a nearly complete exam as I refused the panaoramic x-ray which would have raised my bill to $170 instead of the $100. (I had to argue to NOT get this). But still a pretty full check-up. And this check-up revealed a lot of problem issues - the main one being severe gingivitis.

Oh, no! How can I conquer this?? The assistant / hygienist was explaining that laser cleaning was the only way to fix this. Laser cleaning, which would happen over four visits, cost almost $300 per visit. Uh, huh. The dentist himself when he came in to see me, knowing I am unemployed, said a good, deep cleaning with ultrasound would help a lot. That would be two visits, at about $200 each. By far more affordable! I will call today to make the appointment.

Other issues - the 'filling' in my broken front tooth needs to be replaced - almost $222. And the dentist suggests removing my left upper wisdom tooth - another $120 dollars.

Other things that need seeing to but are not pressing - removing and replacing the fillings in my back molars, maybe four of them, at $1300 a piece. Hahaha. I do NOT see that happening anytime soon.

And finally, getting a crown for my discoloured root-canal tooth at another $1200 to $1300. That I might do, for cosmetic reasons.

Anyway. My impression of this dental office? I really liked the dentist himself, although he spent only 10 minutes with me. He seemed genuine, and not out for a buck. The assistant, however, seemed out to get as much income for the clinic as possible. Suggesting the laser cleaning and implying it was necessary, Also, at first, she really did not want to let me refuse the $70 panoramic x-ray. She tried scare tactics, saying that without the x-ray they couldn't do a real exam and couldn't see cancer in the jaw. Really, honey?? I'll take my chances at this point.

So anyway, if you have insurance, I'm sure this clinic is delightful, and I will go back for my cleaning, but I will also keep an eye out for other alternatives in future.

My Plant Garden

On Saturday, June 6, Aylmer Horticultural Society hosted their annual plant sale. I swung by after exhausting myself at garage sales and picked up three new perennials for my back corner garden.

I had no idea about the plants I was buying until I looked them up when I got home. I bought a "pulmonaire", which is, apparently, lungwort, and grows well in the shade. I bought a persicaria virginiana, aka Painter's Palette, which will have colourful foliage, be good ground cover and have nice flowers in fall. And, finally, I got an "Onagre", which I discovered is the French name (since I'm in Quebec) for Oenothera biennis. Which is maybe also the common evening primrose!

My little corner garden

I planted them on Sunday, but that was before I knew my pulmonaire was a shade plant and good ground cover, so I will replant when the mood takes me!

I also separated a couple of my smaller hosta plants, and dug up a few day lilies, and replanted to fill in bald spots and replace weeds.

Now, I am not at all an experienced gardener, and just basically do everything willy-nilly, but it seems to be working out pretty well. At least, I'm very happy with it!

Today's Garage Sale Fine - June 6

Today the Wychwood area of Aylmer had their neighborhood garage sale. My mother and I spent two hours just in Wychwood!

We did really well - found a basket for my crochet, two now-hard-to-fine grapefruit spoons, and.... garden gnomes!

And, best of all, we didn't buy anything we didn't need/ truly want.

Garage Sales Rock!

Living in the burbs has many advantages. I'm close to real nature, I don't have to deal with tons of traffic, I still have access to the city, I get to know my neighborhood and the local shops, and - we have a ton of great garage sales every Saturday. Maybe Aylmer is one of the best places for regular sales.

I usually find something good or, at least, fun, but even if I don't make any purchases I at least enjoy the morning out, driving around, learning my way around Aylmer.

But Saturday, I did have one good and unexpected find. I pulled up at a yard sale with had mostly kids' stuff. We often don't even stop for such sales, as I have no need for baby or kid things. However, I was there, I figured I'd at least take a quick look. And how fortunate that I did, for it was there that I found this young lady:

She is a head on which to model and display my crochet hats and scarves! I paid $4 for her; What a find.I'm trying to decide on a name for her - I'm leaning toward Gisele...

The Great Glebe Garage Sale

I don't often venture out of my quaint town of Aylmer, as I work, shop and play locally. But the third Saturday of every May brings an event that gets even this quiet spinster out of the confines of suburbia - it's the day of the Great Glebe Garage Sale.

Although it sounds like just a garage sale, it is so much more. The lovely, trendy neighborhood of the Glebe becomes, for this one day, a veritable festival of market stalls, hot dog stands and live bands in addition to the many, many homes that host their garage/ yard sales.

I went again this year with my friend, Sarah. We arrived and began walking the streets at 7:00 a.m., and got back in the car to make our way back home at 4:30 p.m. It was a great day with lots of walking, chatting, and, of course, bargain hunting.

My half mannequin wearing a shawl I made

I scored a few treasures: a cute peek-a-boo doll, two living room lamps to replace the really old ones my mom had and which she loathed, a new pair of Merrell hiking boots (super comfy and stylish!), a mailbox that we've been wanting, and, a dress form to display my crocheted shawls and tons of yarn with which to crochet said shawls! All this for under $45. I'm very, very pleased with the day's purchases.


Anyway, any time one ventures into "the city", one should be prepared for the confusing traffic and the crowds. And for the Great Glebe Garage Sale, one much be even more prepared! Here are some tips we've learned if you plan to spend the day at this Mother of All Garage Sales:

• have a rolling basket to carry your purchases
• wear comfortable (very comfortable!) shoes
• dress for the weather, and probably in layers so you can adjust as the day goes on
• don't drink coffee right before going - toilets are sparse
• have a plan for when you get separated - Sarah and I waited for each other at each intersection
• wear bright colors to easily spot one another
• have your cell phones

everything can be bargained!

And, Parking! The Glebe is a traffic nightmare on this day, with roads being blocked by illegally parked cars, cars slowing/stopping to gawp at the yard sale items, pedestrians aggressively hogging the streets and preventing cars from easily moving. So, basically, park away from the fray.

Two years running, we parked a bit away, but not all that far away, and so we made a couple of trips back to unload. We were enough out of the centre, and really close to Queen Elizabeth Drive, that we had a clear and speedy escape route when we were ready to leave and so avoided the whole nightmare. Well worth the extra walking such parking involved.

Here's a map of the Glebe and where we parked.

My Little Vegetable Garden

This weekend is the long Victoria Day weekend, which is also the weekend for planting. And so, plant I did.

Very early yesterday morning (Saturday), I went to the garden centre at Loblaws on du Plateau, where I purchased some small plants for my garden, a few annuals for my flower pots, some black earth and some compost. In total, I spent $30, with the annuals costing almost half of that. 

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Yesterday afternoon, I turned my earth, weeded my garden patch, put down a bag of black earth and some compost, and was ready to plant.

I had bought six tomato plants, six celery plants and six onion plants, but as my garden is small and I really wanted to avoid last year's mistake of over-crowding the space, I only planted three tomatoes, four celeries and all six of the onions (since the onions don't require much room!)

Dexter's Haircut

I've been using the groomer who works out of Zooelie for about two years now, and I really like her. She is great with Dexter, who is blind and can be a bit temperamental.

Doesn't he look gorgeous?

Before

After