Say Hi to Coileen!

This is my new puppy. We got her a few weeks ago and she's very quickly become an important part of our family.

We named her Coileen - it's pronounced Kaylynn - and she's a miniature schnauzer. She comes from Delisle SK from a breeder we knew when we lived there - Kate McMillan.

Coileen is learning a lot and my goodness she's a smart puppy! We cannot get over how quickly she learns. We take her everywhere and she's a very happy addition to our loving home.

It's August!

Time flies when you're having fun and I've certainly enjoyed the summer so far. I love to cook and living in the Okanagan has given me a panarama of good fresh fruits and veggies. I have a small garden which works to give me lettice, onions, spinach, tomatoes, potatoes, peas, broccoli, cabbage and several types of greens.

I frequent the Farmer's markets in Vernon and Enderby and enjoy the organic array of locally produced veggies. I've already made my pesto, but the basil continues, and so I'll make some more before summer ends. I also want to make parsley pesto. I made peach salsa today and will make another batch - it's so good, I think Christmas presents will be in order! It contains peaches, onions, hot peppers, garlic, cumin, cayenne pepper, vinegar and honey. Very tasty.

We attended the Grindrod Garlic Fest today and what do you know......I've added 10 varieties of garlic to my pantry. Didn't even know there were that many! I really enjoyed seeing the producers from Salmon Arm and Tappen, as well as Enderby, Keremeos and Trinity Valley. It was great.

I also bought a case of blackberries. They're so good, I've frozen some already, but made a pie today -recipe off the internet! And will make jam tomorrow. I've also made some vinegar, as I really like the fruit vinegars in my salads all winter.

Life is Good and we are really enjoying all the fresh tastes from the garden and orchard this summer. Hope you are too.

Canada Day 2010

It'll soon be Canada Day! I am a very proud Canadian and so we celebrate with flags, red and white decorations around the house and all sorts of Canada Day celebrations. There's a parade in Enderby each year on Canada Day and I wouldn't miss it! The community goes all out and gets into the spirit of Celebration. Everyone is dressed up in red and white and waving flags and it's so heart warming to see.

We don't have many Canada Day traditions in our household, but maybe it's time to start some. There's contest going on that the Globe and Mail began to choose Canada's dish - there's perogies, poutine, smoked salmon, and a few others - none of which is Canadian to me.....

So if I was to start a new tradition for Canada Day, what would it be? Cooking red and white - strawberries, yogurt, white cake, not a lot of choices come to mind. I'll have to think on that one.

As for other traditions......... I like spending the day reflecting. I think the Olympics in Vancouver/Whistler this year, really brought the country together in many proud moments. It's so refreshing to see people in crowds finally singing our National Anthem - I used to be one of the only ones singing. And people are not afraid to show their pride and display the flag, red clothing, etc etc.

So......tell me what you think are truly Canadian traditions, foods, events. I'd like to hear it.

This is my first post on my brand new blog. I started a blog last summer, to showcase my latest recipes using wonderfully fresh Okanagan fruits and veggies. Somehow, that got lost and so here I am again. I love to cook and create things - whether they be handmade or in my garden. I'm at Etsy with my quilting - I create quilted and wearable art as well as many home fashions.

Stay tuned, I intend to post photos and recipes as the summer progresses. Ain't Life Grand?? That's actually the name of one of our real llamas and she's a beauty. But it's also my philosophy for living. Life IS grand and I love my life.