This Month
| April 2010 |
| Sun |
Mon |
Tue |
Wed |
Thu |
Fri |
Sat |
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
|
Thursday, April 15
Chinadia Mushroom Fusion on Vegetable Noodles
by
rick3528
on Thu 15 Apr 2010 07:08 PM EDT
The August sun was blazing hot, the ground covered with wet,
sticky mud from the rain the night before, the kind of mud that sucks the boots
right off your feet. And to think just 30 days ago, I was 13,000 KM away in my
home town of Chennai, India. As I stood up and wiped the
sweat from my brow, I pondered the chronic pain in my back from hunching over
to pick string beans on a small farm in Ancaster,
Ontario. It was hard work, but it
was nice to be gulping in fresh air for a change as I had spent my first month
in Toronto,
walking on asphalt and inhaling car exhaust. I couldn’t help but feel fortunate
that my new Humber College Classmate had taken the initiative and invited me
and another international student from China out to this quaint farm to
help pick vegetables and sell them at a local farmers market.
 While much of the produce grown on
the farm was new to me like raspberries, blueberries and blackberries some of
the vegetables could have been served on my dinner table at home. The
similarities and differences in produce prompted some interesting discussions
between me and my new friends and in the days to follow, we often found
ourselves collaborating on various cooking escapades. Who knew what tasty fun
could be had with a pinch of India,
a dash of China and a
sprinkle of Canada.
Shortly
after the start of school Rick, my new Canadian friend informed me that
“Mushrooms Canada” was looking for a great new mushroom recipe in the form of a
contest. Before you could say cremini I found myself in a local grocery store
loading up on fresh Ontario Mushrooms. We spent the next several weeks cooking
with mushrooms, researching mushroom recipes, exploring food parings that
worked well with our tasty little fungus friends. We made mushroom stalk,
mushroom stew, mushroom pasta, mushroom Panini, mushroom soup, mushroom
stir-fry and at least 2 dozen other concoctions before we arrived at what we
felt was a true culinary fusion between our diverse cultures. With fresh Canadian
produce, authentic Indian spice combinations and some cooking techniques and
presentation flair straight from China we arrived at “Chinadia
mushroom Fusion”. The name Chinadia contains the letters from all 3 countries
and reflects the combined contribution to the dish. We decided to go with a
vegetarian slant to keep mushrooms as the predominant ingredient.
Regardless
of the outcome of this competition I am sure that my new friends and I will
continue to cook together and our fusion, both in the kitchen and in life will
carry on for years to come.
youtube video here
Monday, April 12
OFG Bursary Application and Budget Form – Essay Portion
by
rick3528
on Mon 12 Apr 2010 07:10 PM EDT
To support our family of 5 my step father would wake every day at 5am to go to work as a janitor at the local post office, he would finish his janitorial duties at 3pm and depart to his second job as a grounds person at Quaker Oats where he would cut grass and trim bushes until dusk, from there he would drive to his 3rd job as a night cleaner for a small office building where he would take out the trash, vacuum, and dust. By 10:30pm he would arrive at home, take a meal, wash and go to bed. I watched him perform this work routine day after day, month after month, year after year. I was often called upon by him to help out with the duties of supporting the family and this work time would account for the bulk of time we spent together. Because of these experiences he was able to instill upon me a very strong work ethic and the ability to take pride in a job well done regardless of how menial it may appear. With that being said he also instilled within me the ability to understand the great value education provides us and would often tell me that “It’s easier to work with your brain than your back.”
He was always inquiring as to what I was studying in school and took great interest in my academic performance, which he viewed as a privilege, not to be taken lightly and to be treated with the utmost respect. I imagine that he was also very envious of my opportunity to be a student because he never had the chance to advance his education beyond a grade 8 level due to family obligations on the farm.
Although he passed away years ago I know he would be very proud to know that I am the first of his children to be pursuing a post secondary degree. I think it would have brought a smile to his face to know I was studying Culinary Arts Management because he was a great lover of food and use to always tell stories about his time in the army as a cook, and how much he enjoyed it. When I think of this I think of how special this opportunity is and it makes me very aware of the tremendous achievement I am in the process of making for both myself, my stepfather and my family.
My journey into post secondary education has also been a challenging one. As a mature student in the midst of a career change while still shouldering the responsibilities of being a father of 4, there have often been times when I wonder if I will ever make it to graduation in May 2011. Making ends meet every month often feels like a circus act and I am the star juggler making my monthly appearance, never knowing what surprises life has in store for me, Such as the ever increasing cost of transportation due to the rising price of gas, or the daily race to make pick up time at my 2 year olds daycare so I don’t incur additional child care charges and exhaust financial resources I don’t have. Yet I know in my heart that this path is the right one for me and despite life’s hardships (like the 3 hours a day I spend commuting) I will find a way to persevere and complete this task set out before me, not only for my stepfather and for myself but to set an example for my children.
Thursday, March 25
The Time Sucking Machine
by
rick3528
on Thu 25 Mar 2010 12:20 PM EDT
It was quickly turning into one of the longest nights of my life. We had arrived at the hospital just after 11am and were quickly admitted as my wife's labour pains were intensifying. I remember hoping that the birth of my first child would not occur until after midnight due to the fact that we had entered a contest at Sears. "Guess the arrival date of your child and get all your purchases for free." I knew this would be a long shot because midnight was still over 12 hours away, but my son did not disappoint. As I watched the second hand cruse effortlessly past the top of the hour and carry us into the next day I let out a silent "YEA, Free stuff!" My unborn child had just acquired over 2,000 dollars in clothes, diapers, and a plethora of other baby paraphernalia. Just over 6 very long hours later, December 16, 1995 at 6:12am to be exact, my son Jack arrived and I dawned the life long mantle of fatherhood.
In December of 95, the Internet was very much in its infancy, much like my son. My personal computer at the time was a 386 DX33 with 1MB of RAM and a 100MB hard drive. In today's terms it would almost be equivalent to a cheap cell phone. I can remember contemplating how this new technology would benefit my infant son, he would have a newer, better, faster version of an Encyclopedia at his finger tips, almost instantly updated with the most current information. In conjunction with all the fantastic educational products for computers in the market place, my newborn son would be the first generation to experience learning at an accelerated rate never before seen in human history. It all seemed so simple and so relevant, I could browse the software sections of my local "computer super store" and select wonderful age appropriate titles like Reader Rabbit or Sesame Street alphabet CD's which would have him reading by 3 and preforming algebra by kindergarten.
Jack embraced this new technology and was a master of the "double click" by 2. In the beginning, his roll as an early adopter of PC learning technology was probably more attributed to my enthusiasm for the "new" than the interactive eye candy the monitor displayed. The saying "Like father like son" comes to mind. As time marched forward our collection of "Educational Computer Games grew in step with young Jack and we quickly amassed dozens of titles. I remember watching his interest level in various applications intensify and wane as he mastered one after another, out with the old and in with the new. I'm not sure at exactly which point it happened but Reader Rabbit eventually gave way to War-Craft, and Sesame Street was replaced by websites like Mini Clips and Club Penguin. The Mirage of "Educational Software" was quickly losing ground to "Computer Games". I would justify this shift in my own mind and can remember thinking, "his keyboard skills are exceptional because of the games and he is learning math and commerce by collecting gold and buying buildings." Little did I know that this was just the beginning in what would eventually morph into a mild obsession or if you like an addiction.
As Jack entered his 12 year of life it was easy to predict how he would occupy his free time. Unlike myself as a boy, who would spend copious amounts of time outdoors, tree climbing, bike riding and exploring the world, exercising both my mind and my imagination, Jack could often be found affixed to the large screen TV or computer monitor, running his electronic armies roughshod over a never ending supply of villains or honing his hand eye coordination while he "killed" countless Germans in "Call of Duty". Unlike the simple educational games on which he cut his teeth, these new games had no ending per say, Their was always another level of difficulty, and more opponents to vanquish. The tragedy in all this is what I originally saw as a wonderful new learning tool was devouring my sons time with an insatiable hunger that knows no bounds.
Jack has recently celebrated his 14th year of life and with out a doubt he is very skilled with all things computers, he can type well over 60 words a minute, can defrag a hard drive, optimize a system for enhanced performance and kill with style and grace in a first person shooter game. He would happily play "World of Warcraft" 24 hours a day if he could and can often be seen in his house coat with a mouse in his hand on a sunny Saturday afternoon. The tragedy in all this...I can't help but think about the time squandered, the countless hours lost for ever in a digital fantasy world. If that time could have been re proposed for an activity with more substance, how wonderfully talented, skilled, proficient my son could have been. An accomplished musician, a mechanical wizard, a gourmet chef? With that said my biggest regret by far would be the time I lost with my young son, stolen away by the new technology I so readily embraced and pushed him towards all those years ago.
On July 1st, 2007 at approximately 4:30am my life was blessed once again. My second sons name is Gregory and as I type this, he is looking at me with a ball in one hand and a hockey stick in the other, wondering with out a doubt, what could be so interesting that I am ignoring him and hockey for. The answer is the time sucking machine.... Deja vu? I think not, where's my hockey stick.
Lost, yesterday, somewhere between sunrise and sunset, two golden hours, each set with sixty diamond minutes. No reward is offered for they are gone forever.
~ Horace Mann ~
Monday, February 1
Change and Food Interview
by
rick3528
on Mon 01 Feb 2010 03:16 PM EST
One sunny Sunday afternoon approximately 4 years ago, I found myself driving through a small section of rural Ancaster with
my partner in life. It was a Sunday not that much different from any other Sunday except for the fact that I was about to
discover something truly wonderful. As we meandered down one country road after another we were always vigilant in our
pursuit of local discovery. Today we would not be disappointed. Tucked away on the side of the road suddenly appeared a
small, unassuming farm market accompanied by a sign that read “fresh herbs”. Fancying myself as a long time foodie and
feeling the pangs of hunger setting in as the day unfolded behind us it seemed only logical that we stop and investigate. As we
pulled into the gravel driveway and parked the car I began to wonder if anyone actually inhabited this place as there was a
conspicuous absence of anybody in a traditional position of authority that you would expect to find in a “market”. Undeterred
we exited the vehicle and I was immediately struck by the pleasantly powerful aroma of fresh herbs, Rosemary, oregano, basil,
thyme and a plethora of other fragrances. These smells were a prelude to the visual splendour of rows upon rows of beautiful,
healthy, fresh herb plants, laid out before me in long, straight, green, leafy lines. I made a B-line for the closest plants and
plucked a leaf of purple basil and savoured its fragrance. It was instant aroma therapy and at that moment I knew I had to meet
the individual responsible for this wonderful creation. No sooner had the thought crossed my mind when a tall, rustic, grey
haired man approached me. “Beautiful, aren’t they” he said with a smile. I quickly concurred with his observation and
introduced myself. He replied in kind “Stan Jackson” at which point he extended his hand and said “nice to meet you”. Little did
I know that this was the beginning of a relationship that would impact my future in a profound way.
Stan Jackson, or Farmer Stan as I now call him, is a 66 year old professional agriculturist who loves food. His first
passion in life was photography and he obtained his Masters in the subject from the University of Guelph in 1967. It wasn’t long
after he graduated that an opportunity to acquire a small farm in Mississauga presented itself and he dawned his farmer hat for
the first time. He decided to focus his efforts on vegetables and quickly indoctrinated himself in the art of sweet corn, growing
over 15 varieties. “Variety is the spice of life” he would often say to me in the years to follow. Surrounding farmer Stan’s corn
patch you could easily find all the other vegetables you might expect to find in a poly cultural farm, and never just one kind of
anything. “I grow a lot of nothing but a little of everything” he would say while sporting a charismatic smile and a knowing
twinkle in his eye. This man fancied himself as a foster parent for wayward vegetables, produce that no longer had a place in
today’s perfect, nothing short of pristine, supermarket produce section. “Some of the best tasting food is also the ugliest food”
he would say while examining a pale white Heirloom tomato, sporting the shape of an unformed gob of dough baked in an
oven. His Mississauga farming adventure came to an end in the late 70’s due to urban sprawl and a need for another “Super
Mall” this one dubbed Square One. The next chapter in his life found him in his own bakery in the Town of Ancaster, where he
further cultivated his love of food. Staying true to his style, his bakery took on the same complexion as his old farm and he
developed numerous proprietary recipes and a large clientele to consume his creations. Unfortunately as the area grew into an
affluent, upper middle class region, the powers that be concluded that rents and taxes were far too low and with the stroke of a
pen, turned off his ovens for good. Wondering what to do next Farmer Stan turned again to the great outdoors and purchased
a small 20 acre farm on the outskirts of town and dubbed it “Posh Nosh Farm” where he has delighted his patrons with some of
the best sweet corn in the Province if not the whole country for the last 10 years.
When presented with an interview assignment in my “Sociology of Food” course I instantly thought of my friend
“Farmer Stan” and invited him over for a glass of my homemade wine so I could pick his brain and discover what changes in
food this 66 year old vegetable Sheppard had experienced.
While conducting my interview I stayed true to the questions suggested by my instructor adding my own probing
inquiries to uncover additional detail, and add colour and depth in the information that was to follow. Here is a summary of
what I learned....
First off, breakfast was a much simpler affair pertaining to selection than we experience today. As a young boy Stan often
consumed some of the mainstay cereals that still dawn our supermarket shelves today, such as Cornflakes, Rice Crispies,
Shreddies and Oatmeal. What struck me immediately was the lack of sugar coated products. The milk for his morning breakfast
was initially supplied by the “milkman” or fresh from a jersey cow when the neighbours had some to spare. A breakfast of
Bacon and eggs was something that was only consumed on weekends and even then only occasionally.
Lunch was comprised of a split between homemade and canned soups, the earlier gave way to the later when his mother found
herself with a full time job working in a banquet hall. Sandwiches were also common place at the lunch table.
For dinner, Stan and his small family would enjoy beef, chicken and pork, “lots of pork” he would say. Variety was ever present
at dinner, as his father travelled to Africa for work on numerous occasions and was always bringing back non traditional cuisine
from a far off place like fried plantain or “fried bananas” as he called them. Fresh was always at the table and in season
vegetables commanded sizeable real estate on the family’s dinner plate.
On special occasions we would find Stan’s grandma in the kitchen, baking fresh breads and cakes of all kinds. These occasions
were often marked by rich stews of wild game such as rabbit, pheasant and Bob White quail. Preserves, jellies, jams and fresh
berries would adorn the table. “I loved thimble berries and could never seem to get enough of them” he would reminisce.
(Thimbleberry fruits are larger, flatter, and softer than raspberries, and have many small seeds. Because the fruit is so soft, it
does not pack or ship well, so thimbleberries are rarely cultivated commercially.) Other special treats consisted of canned
pineapple, tangerines and oranges which only appeared when they were in season.
Because refrigeration took the form of an “ice box” out of season foods were scarce during the winter months and canned and
dry goods would show up for dinner quite often. Potatoes, carrots, dried legumes and lots of stews and soups would be on the
menu.
During his childhood a trip to the grocery store would take him to the corner of his street. “Supermarkets as we see them today
did not exist, we went to the corner store to buy pretty much everything we needed in the way of food.” Stan’s supermarket
was a small family owned business where the purveyor was butcher, baker and grocer. In the summer/fall months they would
purchase fresh produce from the local farmers market to augment the produce grown in their back yard. “We would often
share our backyard harvest with our neighbors” he told me with them in turn sharing back across the fence which had many
benefits’ but the biggest one being variety.
Taking a giant leap forward in time I asked Stan to tell me what he observed as different in what the kids eat today. His answer
made me smile “Weird food” he replied “and everything is in plastic!” Packaging has changed dramatically since he was a boy,
glass, paper and metal cans giving way to plastic. He also noticed that portion sizes have changed, and he cited examples of
cheese sticks and yogurt tubes. “Cake mixes were the big processed food I remember as a kid” he concluded.
With parents that immigrated to Canada from England, dinner time was a somewhat a traditional affair. Occurring at 5 O’clock,
every day, Stan was expected to help prepare meals and set the table, “I enjoyed it” he would say, “It gave me time to talk to
my mother”. Corporal punishment was alive and well and “English dinner rules” were the name of the game. BBQ’s were a
special treat and a lot more effort that turning a knob and pushing a button like we enjoy today as they were constructed out of
brick and mortar and occupied a permanent space in the backyard.
Eating out in a restaurant was a very rare occasion for Stan as a boy, and as a rule only occurred when relatives would visit. “We
had too many good cooks in our family to go out to restaurants” he said proudly. Wine always accompanied these quasi festive
meals in the form of a homemade batch of dandelion or clover vino, and since the children were allowed to partake in a glass it
was a preference to eat at home. Fast food lacked the quality his family was accustomed to as well, so eating out was often
disappointing at best.
On the subject of fast food I asked Stan what establishments he remembered to which he replied, “Red Barn, A&W and Rocky’s,
there were very few chains like there are today”. The experience was also quite different as the food was brought to the car
and served on a tray that was supported by the car’s window.
One of the most interesting subjects we talked about was how he spent his allowance as a boy. I assumed that he would reply
with the logical response “I bought candy of course” and was taken aback to hear his response “I bought ammo for my gun”! It
would seem that Stan would spend his free time hunting for his treats which consisted of a variety of wild game like Doves, and
squirrels. “Stuffed squirrel was a favorite of mine” he recalled.
Finally I asked him to describe what he saw as the shift in today’s eater compared to when he was a child and he proceeded to
describe how today time seems to play a major factor in the way we eat, how everyone is stressed out. It was not uncommon
to spend 2 or 3 hours preparing and consuming a meal where today that would be unacceptable. He said “It’s not so much Fast
Food but that food is fast” He feels that to cook slow and enjoy food has become very much a hobby as oppose to the way of
life it once was. “Holiday cooking today is the same as everyday cooking in the past” he said with a hint of sadness in his voice.
He also observed a trend to go backward in time when it comes to meals, and he finds a humorous irony in the fact that this
trend is seen as unique and new, where he sees it as normal. His final observation was a sad one, “Convenience and gluttony
have taken the place of quality and family when it comes to eating nowadays.”
Conclusions and observations
As I watched Farmer Stan dawn his winter gear and prepare to leave my home and go back to his farm, I could not escape the
feeling that he and Michael Pollan are in many ways, very much kindred spirits, sharing many of the same observations and
ideals about our food. I also took great comfort and a strange sense of pridein knowing that I had just said goodnight to a real
live super hero, a true “defender of food” living just a stone’s throw away from my kitchen table. This brought a smile to my
face knowing that all the culinary experiences that await me as I pursue my education in this field, have food Super heroes like
Farmer Stan, working hard to put the slow back into food that has become ever faster, ever faster, ever faster still.
Tuesday, January 5
My Writing Muscles
by
rick3528
on Tue 05 Jan 2010 11:02 AM EST
Happy New Year Everyone.
Once again I find myself looking at a blank page, waiting for me to fill it with thoughts and words. I remember when I use to write in this thing religiously, almost every day. My old friend Ross once said something like "I try and light up each day of the month on my blog calendar" Translation-I try and write every day in my blog. I bought into that idea years back, and I noticed that the more I wrote the better I seemed to get at it....Like anything in life I guess.
I met an old friend over the holiday break, we sat in my van, smoked cigarettes, drank Tim Hortons Coffee and talked about old times, our lives, remember when's, dreams, failures and aspirations. He told me that he had always wanted to write a novel, so I made a blog for him. I also told him how I admire his situation from a writing perspective, with no wife, no kids, limited social network and buckets of time, he is not constrained in the same way I am when it comes to putting your thoughts on paper. He does not have to worry about what people think about his ramblings, nor what they think of him. Unlimited freedom of expression, how cool is that! Yet with such a wonderful tool at his disposal, I am yet to see his first words. I do hope he tries....
Thursday, June 4
7th annual fishing trip
by
rick3528
on Thu 04 Jun 2009 10:14 AM EDT
Its booked, the seventh annual fishing trip is booked for August 15 through the 22nd,
Were all going back to LaValley Bay Cottages again for a 4th year. So much easier going back to the same place every year. Time sure does fly, this will be our 3rd year with the boat, Jack and Kathleen are both 13 now and Victoria is 10, Makes me wonder how many annual fishing trips are left as I am sure the day is approaching when I hear the words I am not going are uttered. When we went on the first one my mom just passed and it was called a guys fishing trip. It was only a 3 day excursion and Uncle Roger was an active participant. Looks like its just me, my brothers and Jack, Vic and Kathleen this year. Have not heard from Roger or Ford for years now. Roberta came up last year with Jonathan and Greggory but it was crowded and somewhat stressful so she is not coming this time. I hope to break Bryans string for the biggest fish as he has won 3 years running now. I would love to see one of the kids land a whopper though. The garden should be in full harvest mode by the time we leave as I planted it last weekend. we should have some very tasty treats to look forward to.
I look forward to a relaxing, peaceful, fun week with my family and kids.
Saturday, December 6
My Oakville town home for sale by owner in the River Oaks Community
by
rick3528
on Sat 06 Dec 2008 10:03 AM EST
I just placed an ad on face book as I am trying to sell my town house in Oakville. Cool little interface, quick and easy to use. I also setup a couple of websites. http://www.oakvillehomeforsalebyowner.com which is a blog and a more traditional site at www.homeforsaleoakville.com. and I am shamelessly using the power of blogs to promote it.
Friday, December 5
Oakville home for sale by owner
by
rick3528
on Fri 05 Dec 2008 12:48 PM EST
Most of the comparable town houses in this area are in the $289,900 to $329,900 range I think this spacious well kept gem on a quiet street is priced to move at $280,000 just click on the picture to find out more... 
Thursday, August 7
The 6th annual family fishing trip
by
rick3528
on Thu 07 Aug 2008 02:24 PM EDT
It's once again time to go fishing and the gang is headed back to LaValley for the 3rd time in 6 years. I think we have found a great spot, Its a nice big clean lake, it has a good beach for the kids, the owners are nice and it is close (sort a) to peterborough. This year we have 4 new additions to the trip with Gregory, William, Jonathan and Roberta. Should be lots of fun and I am really looking forward to it. Just need to win the trophy back from Bryan....
Wednesday, June 13
5TH Annual Fishing trip is booked
by
rick3528
on Wed 13 Jun 2007 12:54 PM EDT
This years fishing trip is booked, August 4th to August 11th at La Valley Bay Cottages. If it sounds familiar thats because it is. We went there last year. I think we even get the same cabin. Hard to believe its the 5th year for this family event. Looks like we will have a paired down group this year as I have not heard from Ford in almost a year. Looking forward to getting the trophy back from Bryan and getting out in the boat this year. Maybe we can convince the women to join us this time around..... Here is a map in case anyone forgets where the place is.
Thursday, May 3
restaurantica.com restaurant reviews by real people
by
rick3528
on Thu 03 May 2007 08:06 AM EDT
How do you select a place to eat? I've been doing some research on a site called Restaurantica. The idea behind it is simple, yet very useful when trying to decide where to go out to eat when your hungry. Thousands of restaurants, sorted by type and location and here is the best part. Tons of reviews by real people. Its nice to know that adding a little variety to my dining experience does not have to be a culinary journey of chance. So next time you go out to eat check out Restaurantica.com first and of course, don't forget to add to the collective afterward and post your review of "your dining experience." Great way to start a meal, "I'll be reviewing your restaurant this evening on Restaurantica.com What's your name?"
Monday, March 26
The paradox of our time.
by
rick3528
on Mon 26 Mar 2007 02:55 PM EDT
Better late than never. This one is a pearl of wisdom from the immortal George Carlin...enjoy! The paradox of our time in history
is that we have taller buildings but
shorter tempers, wider freeways,
but narrower viewpoints. We spend more,
but have less, we buy more, but
enjoy less. We have bigger houses and
smaller families, more
conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees
but less sense, more knowledge,
but less judgment, more experts, yet more
problems, more medicine, but less
wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much,
spend too recklessly, laugh too little,
drive too fast, get too angry,
stay up too late, get up too tired, read
too
little, watch TV too much, and
pray too seldom. We have multiplied our
possessions, but reduced our
values. We talk too much, love too seldom,
and
hate too often.
We've learned how to make a
living, but not a life. We've added years to
life not life to years. We've been
all the way to the moon and back, but
have trouble crossing the street
to meet a new neighbour. We conquered
outer space but not inner space.
We've done larger things, but not better
things. We've cleaned up the air,
but polluted the soul.
We've conquered the atom, but not
our prejudice. We write more, but learn
less. We plan more, but accomplish
less. We've learned to rush, but not to
wait. We build more computers to
hold more information, to produce more
copies than ever, but we
communicate less and less. These are the times
of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small
character, steep profits and
shallow relationships.
These are the days
of two incomes but more
divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are
days of quick trips, disposable
diapers, throwaway morality, one night
stands, overweight bodies, and
pills that do everything from cheer, to
quiet, to kill. It is a time when
there is much in the showroom window and
nothing in the stockroom. A time
when technology can bring this letter to
you, and a time when you can
choose either to share this insight, or to
just hit
delete.
Remember, spend some time with
your loved ones, because they are not going
to be around forever. Remember,
say a kind word to someone who looks up to
you in awe, because that little
person soon will grow up and leave your
side. Remember, to give a warm hug
to the one next to you, because that is
the only treasure you can give
with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to
your partner and your loved ones, but
most of all mean it. A kiss and an
embrace will mend hurt when it comes
from deep inside of you. Remember
to hold hands and cherish the moment for
someday that person will not be
there again.
GIVE TIME TO LOVE, GIVE TIME TO
SPEAK, and GIVE TIME TO SHARE THE PRECIOUS THOUGHTS IN
YOUR MIND.
Life is not measured by the number
of breaths we take, but by the moments
that take our breath
away.
George
Carlin
Sunday, December 17
Project Cycle
by
rick3528
on Sun 17 Dec 2006 09:43 AM EST
Who hasn't experienced this once in a while???? 
Saturday, September 16
It's all about time
by
rick3528
on Sat 16 Sep 2006 06:22 PM EDT
Yes it is....Life goes on. I have a new one. New car, new house, new dog, new dysfunctional family, new job, new body, new passions.....new life..:) Once you are lost, happiness can be found in a new life........ It's been hard but I have found my sight again, I have found my muse in a sense :) A quote I stumbled across months ago, and up until now I did not understand what it meant...... "In order to find yourself you must completely loose yourself"
~unknown~
I think I am starting to find myself......finally To be born of your eye.
To live on your cheek.
To die on your lips.
~Unknown~
All comes down to decisions doesn't it?
Friday, July 21
Hi Roberta
by
rick3528
on Fri 21 Jul 2006 10:43 AM EDT
Have fun.
Rick
Monday, June 19
Self Censorship-Look ma no posts
by
rick3528
on Mon 19 Jun 2006 01:29 PM EDT
I have looked at my web log quite often over the last 8 months and though about what to do with it. Since my separation from my wife I have often wanted to write and write in this blog but for obvious reasons resisted the temptation. Not because I have nothing to say but because I felt it important to be in the right frame of mind when typing it in here for all the world to see and judge. (oh the vanity) When I started posting to it in 03 it was the Stay at Home Dad web log and the content for the most part was of a family nature, vacations, pictures of kids, etc. My motivation for publishing varied but was generally confined to several main reasons, to share my life and to save those moments that might otherwise slip through our fingers and be forgotten forever. Omitted were the dark and terrible things we all say and do from time to time. These things tend to be remembered without recording them. Matrimony itself also has a filtering effect on content. The "what will people think" factor, carefully scrutinizing every word before it's published. This idea of what others think also spills over and can make me very critical of myself and my ability to communicate my thoughts through the written word. Before I can blink I find myself not writing at all, and like any muscle that's not used on a regular basis, my pen grows fat and lazy.
I think its time I cast off these shackles that oppress my creativity and post more often, or in other words stop caring so much about what others think.
Wednesday, June 14
Time to Fish!!!
by
rick3528
on Wed 14 Jun 2006 01:43 PM EDT
Well hello! This years fishing trip proved to be just a tad more difficult to pull together. It can be a bit tricky booking a vacation for multiple people. Timing, location, cost, facilities are some of the more important factors. I have to admit I do find it a bit stressful at times and if I don't put on my "anti disappointment cape" I can set myself up for a bit of frustration. With that said.......The 4th annual fishing trip is booked and only 2 weeks away. After 2 failed attempts to procure a cottage for the week I finally have success!!! This years fishing trip will be hosted at LaValley Bay Cottages on Lake Baptiste, 157 O-AT-KA Rd., RR#1 Maynooth, ON. (Off Hwy 62 North to Baptiste Lake North Road then follow the LaValley Bay cottage Signs all the way in.)We take over July 1st, check in time is 3:30pm and we do not have to vacate the premises until July 8 at 9:30am. A customary worm picking with the kids will take place at Scotty's the night before. From what I have read it looks like there should be some fish to catch. The lake has Bass, Walley, Pike, Pan fish and some Muskie. Last years trophy winner (me) will hopefully have someone who can challenge and provide some competition. The cottage looks rustic but clean, and I like to rough it a bit anyways. As far as I can tell we will have the same crew there as last year and may also have a visit from Paul and his girls. I think we have bought a boat this year too which should be fun. Just have to find some water ski stuff... The garden at Scott's is doing well and if were lucky we may have some fresh produce to feast on. At the very least I see a couple of fryers stuffed with fresh herbs and lemons for dinner on the first night. Can't wait! I am trying to find a fishing map of the lake and if I can I will put it up. Happy fishing.
Monday, May 22
Strikes a cord
by
rick3528
on Mon 22 May 2006 10:31 AM EDT
The evil that men do lives after them;The good is oft interred with their bones.
~Shakespear~
Friday, May 12
People are unreasonable
by
rick3528
on Fri 12 May 2006 12:06 PM EDT
People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest person with the biggest ideas can be
shot down by the smallest person with the smallest mind.
Think big anyway.
What you spend years building may
be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People really need help but may attack if you help them.
Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have
and you might get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
- unknown
Friday, April 21
Quotes I like
by
rick3528
on Fri 21 Apr 2006 01:04 PM EDT
This one strikes a cord with me.
The moment when you first wake up in the morning is the most wonderful
of the twenty-four hours. No matter how weary or dreary you may feel,
you possess the certainty that, during the day that lies before you,
absolutely anything may happen. And the fact that it practically always
doesn't, matters not a jot. The possibility is always there.
~Monica
Baldwin~
Emerson is so succinct
The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand,
nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual
inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else
believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship.
~Ralph
Waldo Emerson~
LOL..
The truth will set you free. But first, it will piss you off.
~Gloria Steinem~
West Oak Public School Grade 5 Field trip to Queens Park
by
rick3528
on Fri 21 Apr 2006 07:57 AM EDT
Back in February I had the pleasure of volunteering to help out during my sons grade 5 field trip to Queens Park. It was a lot of fun, the kids got to sit in on a session of the Legislative Assembly, meet Ted Chudley their MPP and Dalton McGuinty the Premiere Of Ontario. They also were able to experience the passing of a bill in a mock house sitting where they played the rolls of the MPP's speaker, pages etc... Check out the picture. Can you find me? 
Sunday, April 9
Fishing Trip update 06
by
rick3528
on Sun 09 Apr 2006 07:53 AM EDT
The Wychwood Resort on Sturgeon Lake
was a huge disappointment. For the last 3 years I have booked this trip well in
advance. This year was no exception as you can see by my previous post. I
called the Wychwood on March 8th to book and my information was
taken down? I was told I would be sent a confirmation letter and was required
to send back a deposit of $100 bucks, to which I agreed. I called them on the 7th
of April to inquire as to the whereabouts of said letter only to find out the
cottage was now unavailable. Lucky I called to follow up. Would have been a huge dissapointment had another month passed before I found out. I can’t understand
why I did not receive a phone call from the Wychwood Resort to follow up. They
do not take credit card deposits either. So if your looking for a cottage rental
on Sturgeon Lake
in the Fenelon Falls, Kawarthas aera for Vacation, be
careful about choosing the Wychwood Resort! And Vendors who sell to the public and have
websites, you should beware the weblog!
Back to the drawing board for me..
Tuesday, March 28
Losing Weight
by
rick3528
on Tue 28 Mar 2006 05:39 PM EST
When I started my weblog I weighed in at a whopping 230 lbs. I kind of let myself go thinking now that I was married and had kids it was OK. Being a stay at home dad all those years turned me into a much better cook but the downside was obvious. The middle picture is me after joining the Oakville YMCA and working out for about 12 weeks, almost every day for at least 2 hours each visit. It worked a bit and I lost about 20 pounds. It was grueling hard work and with the extra exercise I found I was always starving and ate accordingly. I gained almost all the weight back by April of 2004. I weighed in at 220 lbs in October of 2005. The 3rd picture is of me, is recent, March 2006. Since I separated from my wife and started to eat like a bachelor, the pounds started to fall off. My personal trainer guy at the Y said exercise is good for you and will help you loose some weight but if you want to really drop the pounds you need to eat less. I kept myself to under 1200 calories a day for the better part of 3 months and Voila!! I still exercise too.  Skinny and Single. Who would have guessed it.
Venison Sausages
by
rick3528
on Tue 28 Mar 2006 03:17 PM EST
Last week my room mate Paul came home with 50 pounds of
Venison meat. Yes that’s right 50 pounds! What do you do with that much meat? I
started asking friends if they liked Venison. Lots said no, Some said yes, but
my friend Steve the musician had the best answer. “Yes! I had some Venison
Sausage years ago and it was the best dam sausage I have ever eaten!”
Considering Steve is about as close to being a vegetarian without actually
being one as you could get I had to give this comment the credit it deserved.
The seed had been planted; it was time to make some sausage!
I started my sausage research online and looked at over 20
deer sausage recipes to get an idea of what exactly to put into the mix. Paul
and I then proceeded to look for meat grinders and decided upon the Waring Pro
Electric 300 watt Meat grinder with sausage attachments. The Cadillac of meat
grinders.
Now that we had our equipment
and an idea of what goes into a sausage I though it a good idea to speak to a
butcher or 2 or 3…..Most of the big department store butchers were not very
helpful. I did however meet a great 9 fingered butcher at a place called
Fantasy Fruit Market in Oakville.
9 fingered Frank was a fantastic help. He has over 25 years of experience and
comes from South Africa.
“We use to eat Spring Bok back home all the time! I love game.” he provided
me with his secret sausage spice, instructions on processing, 10 lbs of hi
grade beef fat (Deer is very lean and you need to add some fat to your sausage
mix for moisture), a cook book and even his secret sausage recipe (he
reluctantly told me about the vinegar as I was leaving). To boot he gave me a couple of pounds of his
own product to sample and ALL FOR FREE!!!
After a great deal of debate Paul and I decided to make 3 separate
recipes, partly because we had no clue and partly because “boys will be boys”
and it was fun throwing the spices into the pot. A couple of tips for any wanna
be sausage makers out there:
Making sausages is long hard work.
Freeze the meat before grinding, frozen chunks work best.
Only grind 2 times otherwise you end up with sausage pate.(use the coarse grinding attachment)
Grind all the meat and fat first then mix them together with
the spices and freeze it.
Be Clean. Raw meat can be a breeding ground for bad things!
Get a friend to help you, a tough job to do alone.
Clean your equipment often, a clean grinder works best.
Don’t lick your fingers or the bowl.
The recipes below are more a guideline and have no specific
measurements. A hand full of that a couple of shakes of this. Remember better
too little than too much. 300 grams of spices for every 10 kilos of sausage
meat is about right. (Thanks for the tip Frank)
Check out the photos click here. 
Garlic Pepper and Herb Venison Sausage
(very tasty)
10 pounds Fresh Venison cleaned and cut into cubes
2.5 pounds of Bacon (look for fatty bacon)
1 large onion
Big handful of Corn Meal
Generous pinch of salt
50 gram bag of Garlic Pepper and Herb spice mix.
25 grams of Franks Secret Spice.
Chili Mustard Seed Venison Links.
(These turned out awesome!!)
10 pounds Fresh Venison cleaned and cut into cubes
2 lbs of salt pork back
.5 lbs of beef fat
1 large onion
Handful of dried red chilies (the more the hotter)
2 tablespoons of Chili garlic sauce
Big handful of quick oats
¼ cup of garlic chopped
Generous sprinkle of Mustard seed
3 second Squirt of white vinegar
Venison Sausage with Garlic and Tarragon
(Smells delicious tastes better)
10 pounds Fresh Venison cleaned and cut into cubes
4.5 lbs of Beef Fat
.5 lbs of salt pork back
1 large onion
Tarragon leaves (lots)
Parsley
Vinegar
Salt
Worcestershire sauce
1 egg
2 cups of cracker crumbs (we used whole wheat Triscuts)
Garlic powder Each recipe makes about 8 feet of sausage coil. Bon Appetite! 
Monday, March 13
Can You Raed tihs
by
rick3528
on Mon 13 Mar 2006 03:26 PM EST
This mkaes me think of a speed reading course I took. The faster you read this the less you notice the spelling.
Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer
in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is
taht frist and lsat ltteer is at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a
toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae
we do not raed ervey lteter by itslef but the wrod as a wlohe.
Wednesday, March 8
Fishing time is booked
by
rick3528
on Wed 08 Mar 2006 01:53 PM EST
Tuesday, March 7
March
by
rick3528
on Tue 07 Mar 2006 09:14 AM EST
March, the month of spring. Rebirth, growth, warmth. So far this winter has to have been one of the mildest on record. Eh, good riddance. Winters should be cold dam it! With a couple of snow storms for good measure. Oh well. Still haven't been up to posting much. I noticed my readership falling off too. Like I actually had one. LOL
I've been playing my guitar a lot more lately, bought a Van Morrison CD and have been working on Brown Eyed Girl. Almost got it.
Bought Jack a guitar. What a Fiasco. But he has one now. I'm going to try teaching him first before I send him off for lessons. I think Victoria will need lessons for her keyboard though as my piano skills are......weak.
I went to see my daughters grade one performance of "Bugs" Complete with singing and dancing and a grand finale. Took a bunch of pictures with notes. Check em out.
TTYL
Wednesday, February 8
When Harry Met Sally
by
rick3528
on Wed 08 Feb 2006 02:13 PM EST
Always loved this scene...Hate to think it true though......
Sally: We are just going to be friends, OK?
Harry: Great, friends. It's the best thing...You realize, of course, that we can never be friends.
Sally: Why not?
Harry: What I'm saying is - and this is not a come-on in any way, shape, or form - is that men and women can't be friends, because the sex part always gets in the way.
Sally: That's not true. I have a number of men friends and there is no sex involved.
Harry: No, you don't.
Sally: Yes, I do.
Harry: No, you don't.
Sally: Yes, I do.
Harry: You only think you do.
Sally: You're saying I'm having sex with these men without my knowledge?
Harry: No, what I'm saying is they all want to have sex with you.
Sally: They do not.
Harry: Do too.
Sally: They do not.
Harry: Do too.
Sally: How do you know?
Harry: Because no man can be friends with a woman that he finds attractive. He always wants to have sex with her.
Sally: So you're saying that a man can be friends with a woman he finds unattractive.
Harry: No, you pretty much want to nail them, too.
Sally: What if they don't want to have sex with you?
Harry: Doesn't matter, because the sex thing is already out there, so the friendship is ultimately doomed, and that is the end of the story.
Sunday, January 29
Welcome To The Family William
by
rick3528
on Sun 29 Jan 2006 10:36 PM EST
Have not been up to posting for a while with the turmoil in my personal life. I should start by saying this has been the newest New year in a long time for me. New Car, New House, New Single Life, New friends and a new body to boot. I now weigh 190lbs. I have also signed up for a running clinic and will run a 10K race in May. The latest "new" addition to life came Friday Night in a cute little package. His name is William Scott Oliver MacCormack and he weighed in at 8lbs 6ozs.
  William, Mom, Dad and Kathleen are all happy, safe, healthy, and loved.
My kids were reluctant to make the trip to meet there new cousin at first but after explaining to them that it was Williams very first birthday and he has not made any friends yet they agreed. I love the way real life has a way of simplifying things like the "Where do baby's come from" talk.
My Daughter is completely in love with little William. She wants to go visit again tomorrow and not come back 
My son was very happy to meet his "boy, not a girl" cousin and was very affectionate and gentle with the new baby.
I am so happy for my little brother, his lovely wife and Kathleen, the new Big Sister. Congratulation's!!! The kids and I look forward to many happy times together in the future.
The proud papa..... 
and Big Sister...
I think a new addition to my family is just what the doctor ordered for this weekend. It was a real treat to get to meet William and the memories that he brought back for me were rich, thick, and full of happiness. Sharing them with my kids was very..cool.
Welcome to the family William Scott Oliver!
 See all the pics click here.
Tuesday, January 17
Fishing trip update
by
rick3528
on Tue 17 Jan 2006 09:26 AM EST
The Kawartha Board of Tourism just sent me a TON of stuff. There are lots of interesting options. Egan Houseboats looks kinda cool. You can rent a 40' house boat (sleeps 8) for about 1800/week during the summer divide by 4 and it works out to 450ish. This option allows us to fish a lot of water. Plus we will have our own boat as well. They are located at the bottom of Pigeon Lake. Thoughts?
Thursday, January 5
4th Annual Fishing Trip 2006
by
rick3528
on Thu 05 Jan 2006 01:15 PM EST
Well it's that time of year again. Time to start thinking about a location for the 4th annual fishing trip. Keep in mind we will have a boat this year.
If you have any suggestions please post them to the comment area.
more to come.....
Sunday, November 20
Thanks Scott
by
rick3528
on Sun 20 Nov 2005 11:43 PM EST
Just wanted to say thank you for being there for me.
I love you
like a brother.... :)
Ten Rules for Being Human
by
rick3528
on Sun 20 Nov 2005 11:38 PM EST
I like #7 a lot...
by Cherie Carter-Scott
| 1. |
You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it's yours to keep for the entire period. |
| 2. |
You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called, "life." |
| 3. |
There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial, error, and experimentation. The "failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiments that ultimately "work." |
| 4. |
Lessons are repeated until they are learned. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can go on to the next lesson. |
| 5. |
Learning lessons does not end. There's no part of life that doesn't contain its lessons. If you're alive, that means there are still lessons to be learned. |
| 6. |
"There" is no better a place than "here." When your "there" has become a "here", you will simply obtain another "there" that will again look better than "here." |
| 7. |
Other people are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects to you something you love or hate about yourself. |
| 8. |
What you make of your life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours. |
| 9. |
Your answers lie within you. The answers to life's questions lie within you. All you need to do is look, listen, and trust. |
| 10. |
You will forget all this. |
Tuesdays with Morrie
by
rick3528
on Sun 20 Nov 2005 11:15 PM EST
 More times than I care to admit I have heard the U2 song lyrics "I still haven't found what I'm looking for" run through my head. Have you ever felt lost? Wondered "what am I doing here?" Asked yourself "Is this all there is?" I am guilty of asking these questions many times over the years.
A new friend of mine must have sensed my troubled sole (or not) and thrust this silly little book into my hands about a week ago and said "read this". It sat on the table for 5 days until I finally decided to pick it up. "Stupid title" I though as I started to read page 1. After I turned the first page I was hooked, a very quick read.
"Tuesdays with Morrie" Is a lesson about life love and how to live. It's a true story about a university professor who is in his seventies and is dying from Lou Gehrig's disease and his favorite student "Mitch". Mitch finds his old prof 16 years after graduation in the twilight of his life suffering a slow certain death. The two proceed to meet every Tuesday for the remaining days of Morrie's life where Mitch receives the last class his favorite teacher will ever give.
"No books were required, yet many topics were covered, including love, work, community, family, aging, marriage, forgiveness, and finally, death. The last lecture was brief, only a few words. A funeral was held in lieu of graduation."
and a couple of my favorite parts...
"The most important thing in life is how to give out love and how to let it come in. We think we don't deserve love, we think if we let it in we'll become too soft. But a wise man named Levine said it right. He said 'love is the only rational act..'"
This part made me remember my mothers last night and the feelings I had as I helped her sit up in the hospital bed hours before she passed away.
"I leaned over, locked my forearms under Morrie's armpits, and hooked him toward me, as if lifting a large log from underneath, Then I straightened up hoisting hm as I rose. Normally, when you lift someone, you expect their arms to tighten around your grip, but Morie could not do this, He was mostly dead weight, and I felt his head bounce softly on my shoulder and his body sag against me like a big damp loaf...Holding him like that moved me in a way I cannot describe, except to say I felt the seeds of death inside his shriveling frame, and as I laid him in his chair, adjusting his head on the pillows, I had the coldest realization that our time was running out. And I had to do something."
This is one great book. It's funny how clear life's mysteries become when faced with your own mortality. Morrie's clarity is startling and his wisdom profound. Get this book, read it and then share it with someone you love. .
"When you learn how to die, you learn how to live."
Mitch Albom also wrote "the Five people you meet in heaven" Both books were made into movies.
|
Recent Visitors
rick3528 - Sun 23 May 2010 07:19 AM EDT
funlol - Sat 08 May 2010 11:06 AM EDT
HELLOOOOOOOOOOOO - Sat 10 Apr 2010 01:27 AM EDT
kevin123 - Sat 03 Apr 2010 08:47 AM EDT
Ruby - Sat 03 Apr 2010 02:02 AM EDT
|
