The Chill Is In The Air

Winter is practically knocking at the door. It has been lurking nearby for a while now - dropping little white hints (or in some areas of Southern Manitoba BIG white hints) of what will be covering the landscape all too soon.

With the exception of the last couple of weeks, we'd actually been having a lovely Autumn. The temps had been mostly seasonal or a bit higher. Not a lot of rain and winds more or less behaved, Many of the leaves tried to stay on the trees till our Canadian Thanksgiving on October 14 - then promptly began to fall en mass.

The weather had been so nice, that I'd only had to pull out my mid season jacket a couple weeks ago. Until then, I'd been layering with a hooded fleece and a lightly lined wind breaker. Granted, there were a couple mornings that I did add a very light pair of stretchy gloves but only because it was a long wait at the bus stop! This past week, I had to pull out my heavy autumn jacket and slightly warmer gloves.

I know that these chillier days will seem downright balmy compared to the temps we will be experiencing in a month or so, but at the moment, it feels darn cold! Adjusting to the cooler temps sure doesn't get any easier as we age!

On the plus side, the nights have been cool and perfect for sleeping with the window open. Okay, I admit I sleep with the window open at least a little bit almost year round - even in the dead of winter unless there is a really brutal north wind. On those nights, I close the window and turn on the ceiling fan so the air keeps moving.

Over the last few years, I've been leaving my down blanket on the bed later into fall and saving the warmer down duvet for the real dips in temp. I'd rather throw a light fleece blanket on top than pull out the duvet sooner than necessary. That way, if I get too warm in the night I can throw one layer off.

This year, I'd also been able to resist turning on the heat in my apartment far later than usual. Even though the cost of heating is included in my rent, I tend to leave it off until I really need it. I'll put on a sweater or better yet, bake something or cook an oven meal! The warmth of the oven heats up my little apartment quite nicely!

Until about 10 days ago, I'd actually been able to leave my windows open 24/7. That may sound like a lot of cool air coming in, but in reality the air flow is somewhat limited as our windows are the crank style that only open a few inches. Not nearly as much "fresh" as I'd prefer!

A week ago Friday night was cool and even with the down blanket and the fleece throw, I wasn't as cozy as I'd like. Sure I could have gotten up and closed the window, but I knew I wouldn't have slept nearly as well.

When I got up on the Saturday morning (October 19), the apartment felt almost nippy. Perfect for my morning workout but the high for the day was only 6C and even with the windows shut, I knew I'd feel the chill after a shower. So, after my workout was done, I switched the heat from off to low and raised the thermostat from its lowest setting up to 65F. I heard the heat click on as I hit about 60F so the place hadn't been too bad.

I haven't actually kept a written record of how late I've turned on the heat over the years, but I suspect this is the latest I've ever waited! If memory serves, I think I usually give in around the first week of October!

I also relented to the down duvet last weekend, though I suspect I may have switched to the duvet a bit prematurely. I've thrown off the duvet and grabbed a fleece throw to cover me a coupe nights since! I'll leave the duvet on but I may have to turn the ceiling fan on some nights even with the window open!

The summer clothes have been moved to the back of the closet and the warmer winter clothes are now at the front. I haven't pulled out the winter coat and boots but have a sinking feeling those may be needed sooner rather than later.

My annual "squirreling" of various supplies to fill my pantry, freezer and household needs over the coming wintery months is more or less complete. I've defrosted the deep freezer and reorganized its contents. The Christmas baking is already in progress.

So, the cycle of preparing for changing seasonscontinues. Some of us are being dragged reluctantly towards it and its limitations to our lives while others are anxiously dreaming of what is to come.

A close friend continues to try and lure me to the wintery side of life but their zest for winter is bordering on the White Witch love of the snowy season. Admittedly, a promise of making a snow person (a la "Calvin and Hobbs" style), mirth and hot cocoa does sound tempting. I may take them up on that offer depending on the weather conditions of the day. I certainly won't be hibernating all winter - though a part of me would love to! I will still be running errands, doing some grocery shopping and hopefully some walking for pleasure if the sidewalks aren't too icy and I don't have to traverse snow-banks at intersections and bus stops.

We all know that winter "officially" begins on December 21, but those of us here in Manitoba know all too well that winter tends to arrive much sooner! As it is now, we are currently in what I like to call "Post Leaf - Pre-Snowbank Season". Snow will be arriving before we know it. When the snow stays on the ground for more than a few days, you might as well accept that it will be there till spring!

CBC Manitoba weather forecaster John Sauder has generously passed this information along to me. The data was gathered by Environment Canada. As you can see from #4 in the info below, the first autumn snowfall of 2 cm (almost 1 inch) or more which stays on ground for 7 days or more is roughly defined as the start of the snow-cover season.

Oh joy! Given how long and never-ending this past winter was, let's hope that Mother Nature will go gently on us this year. If we are really lucky, this will be one of those later years for our first real snow-covers! Yeah, yeah, I know - but I can dream!    

dn

Thankful For Autumn

The season of Autumn may last three months on the calendar, but in reality it's true duration is much shorter - especially here on the Canadian prairies.

Our first frost may come in late August and there is often snow on the ground before Halloween. The frost and the inevitable advent of snow make the season all too short.

So with that in mind. we should appreciate and partake in as many of the traditions of Autumn as we can while we are able.

Autumn isn't just harvesting crops, cleaning up the garden, raking the leaves and stocking the pantry for winter.

It is also about the tastes, the scents and the beauty of the fleeting season.

The seemingly endless possibilities for preparing and serving squash, pumpkins and apples. The sumptuous tastes of fresh tomatoes. Fresh potatoes, carrots and onions just waiting to add flavour to so many recipes!

Fragrant aromas and flavours emerging from kitchens as breads and baked goods come out of hot ovens!

The cool crisp air, accentuated by a wood burning fire - if not from your own home, then hopefully the scent of a neighbours wood fireplace wafting nearby!

Even shorter, is the beauty of the fall colours!

Some of our leaves were starting to turn in early September. By late September, the changing colours of the leaves was switching into high gear.

I wanted to go for at least one long fall walk in my tree lined neighbourhood and a nearby park!

There were a few days that I had other commitments and couldn't go for more than a short walk. The weather wasn't exactly cooperating for a picture taking walk either. It seemed to be cloudy, windy or both most of the week. Then there was the day of rain on Saturday (Sept 28). I thought about going on the Sunday, but after all of the rain and fallen leaves, I was concerned that the ground may be slippery in places and I really didn't want to take a fall in the fall. (or anytime for that matter!)

So, I waited till Monday morning (Sept 30). A few clouds to start, but skies were clearing. The sun was shining, temp was about 16C and the wind was light. The battery in the camera was charged and I was heading out the door a little before 10AM. I headed towards a nearby park on Wellington Crescent - taking pics along the way.

There is something about Munson Park that just draws me in - especially in the fall.

Munson Park is a long narrow strip of land that runs east/west between Wellington Crescent to the south and the Assiniboine River to the north. The park was named after J H Munson, a lawyer, who was the first to build a home on that strip of land.

Wellington can be quite busy and noisy, but the many trees and bushes along the street side of the park help to reduce the sound greatly. Yes, you can still hear some traffic sounds - especially the buses and any horns or sirens - but for the most part, I am able to block them from my senses and imagine that I am walking in a country wood. I try to focus on the natural sounds. The leaves fluttering in the breeze. The water lapping the shore. The birds singing - and yes, the sounds of the Canada Geese as they make their long journey south.

It isn't a large park as far as parks go. And it isn't as manicured or landscaped as many of our city parks. That may well be a large part of what draws me there - especially in autumn. As beautiful and picturesque as the stately homes in the area can be, the beauty within the park is more reminiscent of a walk in the country or through wooded grounds of a rustic estate.

Various packed dirt paths meander along the riverbank and occasionally veer off to meet the paved paths nearer to the Crescent.

The paved paths are okay, but my favourite ones are the packed dirt trails near the river. They are slightly uneven, but if I - as a legally blind gal with no depth perception - can navigate them, then most other people can as well. Admittedly, I haven't tried to do it in the winter or when they are wet and slippery, but in decent weather they are pretty easy to navigate! The dirt paths are also more likely to be semi covered with fallen leaves so you really get to hear that "crunch" under your feet as you walk!

I walk slowly through the park, surveying my surroundings. Admiring the beauty of the colourful foliage. I stop frequently to take pictures from various angles - trying to frame the vast contrasts in colours of the trees, shrubs, bushes, plants and grasses.

I allow myself to get lost in its' beauty, its' sounds and the scent of fall. I breath in the autumn air. My surroundings draw me into its embrace and takes me back to the days growing up on the farm or going for walks in the woods at my favourite camp of youth. Sweet memories from the past merge with the present as I roam the park.

A temporary escape from the hustle of a hurried city.

I took many photos in my 2 1/4 hour walk. Most were taken in duplicate but that way I am assured of getting the shot I wanted. I was so glad that I went when I did, because the next day (Tuesday, October 1), we had incredibly strong winds that blew a great many leaves off the trees.

Thankfully, I have my memories and my pictures of a September Morning.

I returned to the park this past Wednesday morning (Oct 9). Many more leaves had changed colours and fallen but there was still so much beauty to behold! I just had to put another slideshow/montage together to showcase the Beauty Of Autumn!

Alas, the weather is changing with cooler weather, strong winds and rain.

Mother Nature's colourful landscape is quickly fading from our outdoor surroundings now as only the heartiest of leaves remain aloft. If we are lucky, we have taken a few moments to commit the scenic views to our cameras - or at least to our memory.

Yes, the external beauty may be all but gone, but there is still much to be thankful for as we savour the scents, aromas and flavours of all this short but bountiful season has to offer.

Happy Thanksgiving!

dn

Autumn Chipper's

Autumn is here and that means it's time to bake some cookies! So why not take advantage of the flavours of the season?

This recipe is based on one from the gals at Mennonite Girls Can Cook, but of course I made my own adjustments! I reduced the brown sugar slightly, added some more spices, toasted almonds and upped the quantity of chocolate chips!

The other most noticeable ingredient difference between their recipe and mine is that I use Butternut Squash rather than canned or fresh pumpkin.

Canned pumpkin is readily available this time of year, but it can vary greatly in price. I recently saw a tweet from a Canadian cookbook writer lamenting the cost of a can was $4.99! I have no idea what brand or where they were shopping, but I suspect it was an organic store as most major grocers have it for under $3/can in the weeks leading up to Canadian Thanksgiving (2nd Monday of October).

But why spend the money on a canned product when a cheaper, fresh alternative like squash is so readily available? Why not take a little extra time now and cook up some squash to freeze for use throughout the year as a baking ingredient or a vegetable?

NOTE: When the spices are added, you can NOT taste ANY difference or notice any difference in texture! It is purely a matter of choice whether you use pumpkin or squash for this recipe or any recipe that calls for canned pumpkin.

Once it is cooked and mashed, it is a simple substitute for any recipe that calls for pumpkin. I prefer using Butternut Squash as it has less waste than many other squash varieties and also has a great texture and flavour when cooked. It is very simple to prepare either for eating right away as a vegetable or to freeze for later use in baking or as a side dish. The peel is thin and can be removed with a vegetable peeler or a paring knife. Once you've peeled, seeded and cubed the squash - give it a rinse in a colander, then place in a dutch oven or large casserole dish. Add a bit of water and a dash of salt. Cover and bake in the oven at 350 till tender (easily pierced with a fork). I generally do 2 or 3 squash at the same time but the quantity is up to you. Cooking time will vary depending on quantity but check after about 20-25 minutes. Drain any excess fluid and mash. Cool slightly and divide into individual 1/2 cup portions. I put the servings in zippered snack bags, flatten and seal - then lay on a cookie sheet to freeze before transferring to a zippered freezer bag to store in freezer for later use. Freezing and storing them flattened takes up far less space. The 1/2 cup portions are perfect for a single vegetable serving or to calculate how much you will need for any recipe.

Now back to the cookies!

I gave samples of this cookie to several people and it got great reviews!

Autumn Chipper's

1 1/2 cups block margarine, softened to room temp

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups whole wheat flour

2 cups white flour

2 tsp baking soda

1 1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp ground cloves 

1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

1 tsp salt

2 cups cooked and mashed squash or 1 15 oz can pure pumpkin 

2 cups quick oats

3 cups dark mini chocolate chips (I prefer Foley's*)

1 cup chopped almonds, toasted**

Method:

- Beat together margarine and sugars till light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and combine thoroughly.

- Combine the flours, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and ginger.

- Alternately add flour mixture and pumpkin - beginning and ending with the flour mix. Beat well.

- Add oatmeal, combine just to blend.

- Lastly mix in chocolate chips and toasted almonds.

- Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls, onto parchment lined cookie sheets and bake at 350º for 15-18 minutes.

- Remove immediately to cooling rack. Makes about 10 - 11 dozen.

- Cookies freeze well.

* Foley's can be found in small bags in some grocery stores in Canada but I prefer to buy it in quantity at Costco. A 5kg box is generally around $20 but SO worth it!! The flavour is dark, pure and intense! If you can't find Foley's, try to find a really good quality dark mini chocolate chip.

** To toast Almonds: place almonds on a microwave safe plate and set to medium high for about 4-5 minutes - stirring every minute or so till toasted. These can burn very easily so watch carefully! Allow to cool completely before adding to the cookie batter.

Enjoy!

dn

PS

Here are links to my other "pumpkin" recipes:

dn's Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cake

Pumpkin Muffins/Loaf

Pumpkin Pie Squares

Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Ice Cream (one of many variations to this ice cream recipe)

Somewhere Between A Luddite And A Techie

There was a time in our not so distant past that we had to wait for the mail to be delivered to find out what was going on beyond our doorsteps or our neighbourhood. It could take weeks, months or even years to learn of events in far off places.

A telegram, brought either good news or horrible news. The same with a long distance phone call. Both were expensive ways to communicate.

Now, we live in a world of technology with virtually instant communication. We can email, text and message almost anyone anywhere and often get a response within seconds. We can watch live coverage of what is happening almost anywhere in the world. We can get answers to questions on practically any topic just by doing an internet search.

How much we embrace technology is a personal choice, but it is really pretty hard to completely resist all that technology has to offer. Some are in whole hog and have to have all the latest tech gadgets. Some give it a wait and see how everyone else likes it. Some barely dip their toes.

My parents never owned an answering machine, VCR or a DVD player. They only got cable in the 1990's. They were truly part of a fading generation - back to a simpler time.

Some of my senior friends have jumped on the technology train and love being on the internet.

We all know of at least a couple of people who do everything on their tablets and smart phones - no cable connection, home computer/laptop or even a landline phone. For them, it is all about mobility.

On the other hand, an acquaintance refuses to get a computer or a cell but loves having some of the premium channels that cable TV has to offer! They haven't got a recording device so they try to adjust a social life around what they want to see!

To each, their own.

I've had cable TV since about 1980. I got my first VCR in 1987. My first answering machine was purchased later the same year.

It was fall 2006 before I got my first computer. (I'm now on my third one!) I got an mp3 player and a digital camera in the following years.

For some reason, I've never gotten around to buying a DVD player. I own several DVD's but just watch them on my computer. I'll probably get one at some point, but it isn't a "must have" for me.

I got my first e-reader two years ago and love the ability to adjust the font to a size I want. Not everything I want to read is available in e-editions, so I still buy some books or use my library card from time to time.

This summer, I ventured a bit further into the techie world, as I bought a Kindle Fire HD. With it, I can continue to read books but will also be able to keep in touch a bit easier via email and social media if I am travelling. (I'll write more about my experience with the Kindle's in a future post)

I've come a long way in the land of tech, but I certainly haven't embraced all of what a true techie would want! As I expressed in my last post (Unexpected Disconnect), I've no desire for a cell phone or a Blackberry. They are so tiny that I really doubt I'd be able to use one effectively without getting unduly frustrated with the screens and touch-pads. Nor am I willing to deal with sorting out the complexities of various contract and payment options for service. I highly doubt that I'd use it enough to justify the expense.

I've nothing against those who embrace the smart phone technology. It certainly has its place in our modern world.

Unfortunately, with all of the advances in technology, the art of human interactions and conversations seems to be lost on many. They don't seem to understand that most of us don't want to hear their side of a personal or business call while out in public. Or that there is real value in talking face to face with someone, sending a message with more than 140 characters or ... gasp ... writing and mailing a real letter in an envelope! This is becoming more of a challenge as some schools aren't even teaching cursive anymore. Personally, I have a hard time reading any cursive and my own cursive was always a disaster -  but I digress.

Don't get me wrong. I love being able to communicate with friends and family throughout the world with technology. I've used abbreviations, emoticons and hashtags in tweets and messages.

As much as I love my technology, there is so much more to life! Things to be experienced and learned beyond the tech gadgets. Just by turning off the technology - even for a little while.

I'm not suggesting you revert to a luddite - only that you step away from the electronics once in a while to see what is beyond your devices of choice.

So, why not give it a try? Turn off the devices while you're on the bus, in line at the coffee shop, the grocery store or in any public place.

Slow down and take the time to observe your surroundings.

Enjoy the view, the scents, the flavours and the atmosphere.

Have a face to face conversation with the cashier, the server or with someone nearby. Acknowledge the person and don't forget to say please and thank you.

You just may be amazed at how much better your day is when you step back from the tech and observe and/or have a bit of conversation with a real person. It may make their day a little brighter. You may make a new friend.

The world is truly bigger and more spectacular than our technology will ever be.

There is a happy medium between luddites and techies.

It's a balancing act - but so worth it!

dn

Unexpected Disconnect

Love them or hate them, it seems like almost everyone has a cell or mobile device for calls and texting these days.

I've never had the desire to own a cell phone. They are far too small for me to even see decently. Heck, I have enough trouble navigating my mp3 player let alone trying to figure out how to make a call or text on a cell!

I only switched to a cordless home phone about 3 years ago. Luckily, it came with talking caller ID and I can dial it without visual aids - but I do have to wear my special reading glasses or at least use a magnifying glass to read the display screen. It took a while to get used to it, but admittedly, It is a nice convenience to be cordless and the speaker phone function works quite well. The phone came with an answering machine system built into the main dock so at least I don't have to pay my phone provider for a message box.

With rare exceptions, there is nothing that important that people can't leave me a message or send me an email.

However. there was an incident about a year ago that a cell would have come in handy though.

One Saturday morning, I was doing some research online in between doing some baking. I'd been using the computer sporadically all morning and went to check another page. I got the dreaded "webpage can not be displayed"! HUH? I checked a couple other pages and same thing. I then realized that the little icon symbol for my connection (in the bottom right hand corner of my screen) was showing an error.

Okay, maybe a cord had come loose. I reluctantly crawled under the desk and checked all the cords. Nothing was wrong. I picked up the phone to call my service provider and .... NO signal! I then checked the cable - it was also gone!

OH GREAT! 

Time to check with my neighbours to see if they had service. 

My neighbor, across the hall, had full service so I used her phone to call my provider. After waiting on hold for a few minutes - then explaining the situation, I was told they would try to fix it from their end. If not, someone would be out later that day or Sunday morning. I left my neighbours number in case they needed to contact me. I also made it clear to them that the front door intercom system of our building was connected to the phone so they wouldn't get any answer if they tried to buzz my apartment.

Back in my apartment, the only connection I had with the outside world was my radio.

It was an odd feeling to be so out of touch. No phone, internet or cable.

It is one thing to be away from your devices by choice. I've gone away on day trips, weekends and even my trip to Mesa - all without my computer. Okay, I've taken my mp3 and Kindle on overnight trips - even though they aren't connected to the internet - so I did have some technology with me.

However, this was different. To have them sitting right in front of you and not be able to use them is disconcerting to say the least.

I had intended to do a fair bit of research that weekend but without internet, that really wasn't going to be possible. With the baking in progress, I couldn't head out to the library either. Instead, I spent the rest of the day working in my kitchen, doing a bit of writing, listening to the radio and reading a mystery novel. It was okay, but just not how I had planned or wanted to spend it.

Sunday morning dawned with still no service. I did see a service truck in front of our building about 11 but the guy left shortly after he arrived. I checked with my neighbour and she'd heard nothing from them.

I used her phone to call my provider and was told .. wait for it ... that the guy had buzzed my apartment but no one answered so he left!

Well duh!! Of course no one answered! I reminded them that the intercom is connected to the phone service! Apparently the guy hadn't noticed that on the report! They were able to reach him by phone and he came back. 

Turned out I wasn't the only one with issues in the area. There were several people with the same problem. The repair guy eventually found the problem and service was restored by early afternoon. But you really have to wonder about a service guy who doesn't clue into the intercom and phone being linked!

Similar situations of unexpectedly losing service, have also happened to friends of mine - One lost all service for three days and another for four! It truly is a shock to the our systems to not have our normal ways of communicating. We were all in withdrawal to some degree and feeling like we were missing something in the real world.

As it turned out, I hadn't missed a lot in the 26 hours I'd been without service. I'd listened to the news on the radio so I knew the world was still out there.

I had, however been missed! If I'm going to be away for more than a day, I usually let at least a couple friends or family members know in case of emergency.

When I finally got online again, I had at least four messages from friends and family - wondering where I was. Why was I AWOL? If I wasn't home, why wasn't my answering machine on? Why hadn't I told them I'd be away? Why hadn't I played my turn on some online games?

I wasn't absent by choice - and a little disconnect for whatever reason is a good reality check for how dependant we have all become on technology.

As much as I missed my technology, I still don't want a cell phone - but it sure was nice to be missed!!

dn

Golden Possibilities

I haven't been sleeping well for the last while. Actually, I haven't slept well in a very long time. It's not that I go to bed late - I'm generally in bed by 10ish. It's the staying asleep that escapes me. Lately, The Night Shift seems to be in overdrive!

Case in point: a week ago Tuesday. I watched a beautiful sunset from my window and then went to bed around 10. I woke a couple of times but when I woke to a massive hot flash at 3:31AM Wednesday morning. I tried to go back to sleep - but that was not to be. I tossed and turned till 4:40 when I finally gave up.

I had set the alarm for 4:45 that morning, as I wanted to go to Superstore (which opens at 6) to get groceries. I do this early wake up for grocery shopping every couple of weeks - assuming that there is enough items on sale and my pantry/fridge is wanting of enough to make the trip worthwhile.

I  REALLY don't like getting up that early by any stretch of the imagination, but I do like grocery shopping that early. The produce is fresh and the morning staff there know me and are more than willing to help me find items I need.

So, sleepily, I arose at 4:40. I've done this early morning routine so many times, I can pretty much do it on auto-pilot! Given that I'd had so little sleep, the auto-pilot mode was much needed that morning! I did my stretches and had a muffin and juice as I listened to CBC radio 1. It is local as of 5:30 and I wasn't any more alert or happy by then as Marcy said it was only 10C and a bit of light rain falling in the downtown area.

Generally I like the cooler weather - but that morning - ALL I wanted was to crawl back into bed!

Alas, the need for fresh produce won out. I finished getting ready and walked out the door at 6:00.

As I walked to the bus stop, I felt an occasional drop of rain on my jacket's hood. I also noticed that the sky was dark and grey to the west. Even so, there was the beginnings of an orange hue above and reflecting off of the buildings around me.

When I got to the bus stop, I turned to face east...

Oh my! What a sight to behold! The night sky was now alight with the beautiful colours of sunrise!

Why hadn't I brought my camera with me? If I'd have known my bus times better - or been more alert, I probably would have come back for it. As it was, my bus would be there in a couple of minutes so I decided to just admire the beauty of the sunrise.

Near the horizon was a creamy - almost white light as the sun was just beginning to poke the skyline. From there, the colours flowed into the morning sky. The creams blended into shades of yellows, pale orange, peach and amber hues. As the grey clouds from the west met the colourful eastern sky, they too were transformed into shades of orange, amber,  pinks, crimsons and violets!

The little bit of rain we had just received still lingered on the streets, reflecting the multitude of shades from the sky - as if to amplify the spectacular scene even more.

It was breathtaking!

I watched the sky in awe as I rode the bus east and its' quick turn north before it headed west. I transferred at Osborne Station but continued to admire the movie of the sky as it unfolded into a new day.

As the bus turned west onto Grant, I faced the front of the bus and was greeted with a completely different perspective.

I saw more of those dark grey clouds above and to the west, but I also saw another view...

The buildings, trees, vehicles, signposts and even the hydro poles were all glowing in the colourful sunrise that was behind us. The landscape appeared to be a rich tableau, bathed in golden hues! Otherwise ordinary scenery, suddenly appeared rich beyond belief - like something from a fairy tale of a golden land where anything is possible if we'd only believe it could be.

By the time I came out of Superstore, the grey clouds covered most of the sky. The sun had fully risen and was hiding behind some of those grey clouds. To the east, there was a narrow bluish white horizon that met that line of clouds. It was being illuminated by the hiding sun.

Our city and our surroundings aren't really bathed in gold and we often forget the wonders of nature. We forget how fortunate we are to live in a society with freedoms, a land with creative and intelligent beings who strive to make this an even better place to thrive and call home. We forget to see the simple, everyday things as we do our daily commutes and run our errands.

Now, the more cynical among us - and we all know at least one or two of those types - would have only seen the dark grey clouds that covered the western horizon.

Yes, I saw those dark clouds but I didn't allow them to dampen my day. Even though I was sleep deprived, I chose to see the beauty. I chose to see the potential for what could be.

Whether we see the sun or the illumination from it, it is always there. It can be hot, cold, cloudy or sunny and the beauty is always there if we look for it. Even if we have no money in our accounts we are rich in so many ways.

Not getting enough sleep can certainly make it harder to function the next day - and even harder to focus on your surroundings. It is easy to lose perspective and close in on one's self rather than pausing for even a minute to see the bigger picture.

It is all in how we choose to see what surrounds us.

Every day is a new beginning. A fresh chance to face the world. To embrace what life has to offer us.

If our minds and hearts are open, we can always find beauty in our surroundings, in nature and in life. A chance to expand our knowledge and our visions.

There will always be golden possibilities....

dn

Lemon Basil Garlic Hummus and Pita Chips

Today, I'm sharing my recipe for Lemon, Basil and Garlic Hummus. I'm also sharing my homemade Pita Chips recipe!

The first time I made this hummus, I added too much tahini, so it was a bit on the bitter side. The second time, I didn't add enough garlic or the zest of the lemon, which left it tasting a bit bland. Third time was the charm though! The flavours blended beautifully!

I made the Pita Chips for the first time about a month ago and I must say, they are delicious! You just have to be VERY watchful as they bake, since they can burn in a heartbeat! Some recipes, called for the pitas to be brushed with olive oil or a mix of olive oil and herbs. I found that to be a bit messy. It is far easier to spray a pan of pita wedges with Pam and then sprinkle your choice of seasonings on top. Also, some recipes don't have you open and separate the wedges. I found those chips just didn't have the same crispness as the single layer ones so it really is worth it to take those extra few minutes to separate. 

BTW, the chips aren't just for dipping in hummus! They are also great served as a side to a salad or soup.

A few weeks ago, I took my Roasted Red Pepper and CashewHummus and my newly created Pita Chips to a friend's cottage. They loved it! My containers came home empty!

I've since shared more of the chips and some of today's hummus recipe with some more friends and they all agreed - it is REALLY GOOD!

Lemon Basil Garlic Hummus

1 large lemon

2 cups garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed and drained (540ml/19oz can)

1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves - stems removed and leaves slightly chopped (the dried stuff will not do in this recipe!!)

 1/4 cup olive oil, or more to taste

 1 1/2 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)

 3 - 4 cloves garlic, peeled and slightly chopped (use more or less garlic depending on taste)

Zest the lemon - you should get about 1 1/2 - 2 Tablespoons. I zest almost to the white pith! Set aside. Juice the lemon and remove the seeds. Pour the lemon juice into a measuring cup. There should be at least 1/4 cup. If necessary, top up with water to make 1/3 cup. Add the zest, lemon juice/water and the rest of the ingredients to a food processor. Pulse for a few seconds two or three times - just to get things moving then process until smooth - about 1 minute. If it is too thick, you can add a bit more water or olive oil depending on your tastes. Transfer to a serving dish or a container with a lid and keep in fridge till serving.

Makes about 2 cups. Serve with raw veggies, crackers or pita chips.

Note: You can serve this right away, but I prefer to make this a day ahead and allow the flavours to blend together more before I serve it - it just seems to have a more balanced flavour this way.

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Pita Chips

Pitas (I use 100% whole wheat)

Pam

Seasonings*

Cut each pita in half, then cut each half in 4 wedges. Carefully open each wedge and cut/tear apart at the rounded edge so that there is a rough side and a smooth side. Place wedges, rough side up, in single layer on baking sheet. Do NOT overlap! Spray lightly with Pam. Sprinkle with a little seasoning* such as Mediterranean blend, Ranch blend, Italian, garlic herb, etc. Bake in preheated 350F for about 5 - 7 minutes.  WATCH THESE CAREFULLY AS THEY CAN BURN VERY EASILY!!! Serve warm with hummus or allow to cool and store in an air tight container for up to 5 days.

Notes: 
- The pitas that I've been buying, come in packages of 6. I usually do up the whole package into pitas as this is about enough to serve with one recipe of hummus if you aren't serving other dippers with it. There will be enough wedges to almost fill 4 cookie sheets. I use two pans and prepare one as the other is baking. Takes a little under 30 mins. to do the whole package into chips including cutting and baking. 
- As for how much seasoning to add, consider what you will be dipping the chips into. You don't want the seasonings to overpower the hummus - you want to compliment it. A little seasoning goes a long way!

* I use the Johny's Garlic Spread and Seasoning Mix that you can buy at Costco to sprinkle on the chips but you can use whatever herbs you want on the chips.

Enjoy!

dn