Othala Wind

Ellesmere Trip - Amazing but with Tragedy

2011-08-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

My trip to Ellesmere Island last month was truly amazing. Crazy river crossings, skirting glaciers, nearly being hit by a muskox and hiking difficult terrain. Even after a month, I was still on a trip high until the plane crash this past Saturday.

Our group stayed at the South Camp Inn - just as I had in 2005. The South Camp Inn does not feel like a hotel, but a home with very friendly people. It saddens me that several people I met at the South Camp Inn and on the First Air flight from Yellowknife to Resolute have left us. Everyone in Resolute (and lots more) must be heart-broken.

Ostara 2011

2011-03-20T20:05:00.000-07:00

With the storm moon yesterday and the snow storm that wasn't, it has been a quiet Ostara. Breakfast with the family, seeding some cold-tolerant plants like kale and swiss chard, meeting with friends for some mixed martial arts and finishing off the evening with supper out. No ritual - just the hope that Spring will arrive soon and the snow will just be a memory until fall. It has been a long winter and everyone I know is looking forward to the changing seasons. It will change...

Arctic Offshore Drilling Review

2010-12-05T13:31:00.000-08:00

The Canadian government is taking submittals on drilling in the Arctic ocean. I have decided to submit a short video showing some of the sites from Ellesmere Island and the simple fact that whale oil still saturates some of the beaches even though the Thule people have not whale hunted there for over 500 years.

Here is a Thule winter house. They would use Bowhead whale bones and seal skins to cover this shelter.

The high arctic is beautiful and I would hate to think about the long term damage an industrial accident could do to this piece of paradise.

Great Slave Berries

2010-09-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

Okay, my main reason for kayaking the East Arm of Great Slave Lake is berries. We travelled in an area that will eventually be designated a National Park (Thaydene Nene - Land of our Ancestors). There are many varieties of berries within a small area: arctic cranberries (aka lingonberries), arctic blueberries, crowberries, gooseberries, bear berries, raspberries, buffalo berries, kinnickin berries, high bush cranberries and more. For me picking berries is a primal desire - just like staring into a fire. You get that sense of comfort and joy at knowing you will be warm and/or fed.

The Arctic Cranberry

Arctic Cranberries mixed with Crowberries

Red Bear Berries with Arctic Blueberries and Gooseberries

I also came across an area where I felt a strong connection. It was a large opening scattered with rocks that seemed to be graves. A long time ago, a glacier had spit these rocks into this area and I took a video of the area because it was so amazing (my husband took the picture).

Blessed be.

Signs

2010-07-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

This week has been a magical week for signs - I'm sure related to my late friend whose funeral was yesterday. On Thursday at site, a raven came to visit me and we spoke for several seconds, then fox tails (gone to seed) danced around me - definitely magical seconds. Then came the "in your face" sign ->

My sister and I went running in Weaselhead this morning with the dogs. We took a trail I haven't been on in a while and we saw a 1 year old or 2 year old black bear! We spooked it though we were 50 m away and it ran away. We quickly left the area (mama bear was probably around) and took a wide detour back, but what a sign. My late friend was a black man and sometimes signs are simply that obvious. Especially since my brother found a crow feather at his doorstep just over two weeks ago (we found out a few days later that he had died). I think this is way of telling us he's okay, and I will have to pass this message onto his family (when you're deep in grieve, you rarely see the signs).

I also think this is the way the Goddess reminds me that death is nothing to fear and that magic is all around us. It is all good even when it is sad and painful.

Blessed be!

Farewell to a Good Friend

2010-07-10T17:27:00.000-07:00

The world lost a wonderful person Thursday. He grew up on the same street that I did and we went to the same schools though he was a bit younger than me. And though I only saw him every few years, he always had a warm smile and was one of the nicest, most accepting people I have ever met. This quality is extremely rare.

The fates decided to take him at 38 years old (died in his sleep - cause is still unknown). Just as the fates decided to take my sister with a brain tumor. This man and his family came to my sister's funeral just six years ago. Now I think my sister was waiting for him on the other side with a big smile. She knew him well and loved him as a dear friend.

I know death is not a bad thing and is a part of life, but I grieve for his family and his many friends. They will have to live without his calm and gentle presence.

I hope his family will honour his beliefs and hold an appropriate funeral or "party filled with fashion". He lived his dreams as a fashion editor, model and stylist in Calgary, but I always knew him as a friend with a gentle soul who was and is well loved.

Blessed be LP. We will miss you.

May Day and Summer Solstice

2010-06-26T15:33:00.000-07:00

It has been quite awhile since my last post and two pagan holidays have passed by along with one awesome birthday party in Vancouver. Though I didn't do a specific ritual for these days, I feel that I am in touch with the Goddess and her world every day. This morning I ran through the forest with my dogs. This afternoon my husband and I drove to a local honey store (Chinook Honey in Okotoks - I now have mead vinegar - do you?) and later I took some pictures in my greenhouse.

The first alpine strawberry (grown from seed!)

The first cucumber

Peas yet to be eaten

The wild currant tomato

Unfortunately no ripe tomatoes yet, but my husband and I have been eating peas, mustard greens, various types of lettuce, arugula, radishes and herbs (chives, sorrel and thyme). Tonight we are having swiss chard in a curry. My frozen berries stock from last summer is finally gone and I will be looking for large quantity deals.

Blessed Be!

The Best and The Worst

2010-04-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

This past week has been wonderful and cruel. One week ago, I watched bumblebees buzzing around my yellow willows and later in the day, I walked in the forest with my friend's baby and we watched two ravens doing a mating dance. It was crazy wonderful.

Less than one week later, I tried to help an ill lady who was walking down the street naked. I stayed with her till the police showed up, but I saw the worst and best in people as we walked. Three different people pulled over to see if they could help while others honked and took pictures. There is nothing wrong with a naked body and the lady has nothing to be ashamed of (even if many churches prompt shame), but the people who took pictures should be ashamed. I still can't believe they did that. However, I have to remember the young lady who saw the older lady in distress, and came running down the hill with a blanket. Though the lady would not take the blanket, I am glad there are still good people out there. By the way, all the people that stopped to help were women. Perhaps men felt uncomfortable stopping - I don't know. I also am really starting to appreciate the police. They knew the lady and showed some compassion when others did not. Understanding and compassion - it sounds easy.

Harvest

2010-04-17T16:58:00.000-07:00

Well my husband and I ate the second harvest of the season just yesterday: greens and radishes. I paired it with some goat feta cheese and chopped cabbage. Add yams and pork loin, and we had a great meal.

Spring is starting to pick up speed in Calgary. 90% of the trees are budding and my nanking cherry is starting to blossom. My greenhouse is starting to go crazy. I was away for four days, and I swear some plants grew over an inch per day. The tomatoes are starting to look happier and I repotted the alpine strawberries that I started from seed today. I understand that they will bear fruit this year and I can't wait.

Perhaps I will beat our first tomatoes from last year (June), but so far none of the tomatoes have flowered yet. Tomorrow will be more gardening plus a visit to the farmer's market. Life is good.

Blessed be!

Ostara 2010

2010-03-21T06:50:00.000-07:00

Though in my opinion, Spring has already hit Calgary early (the crocuses are out and willows budding), but officially it came yesterday.

To celebrate Ostara, my husband and I had an odd meal of curried stuffed eggs, mushroom pizza and raspberry-lemon sorbet, but it was delicious. I also enjoy some repotting and I plan to do some more seed planting today.

The dogs are getting excited about our run this morning, so off to Weaselhead we go.

Blessed be!

Early Spring

2010-03-07T19:20:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since Calgary had an early spring, but I think this is the year. February has been very mild and yesterday I saw the first sign of spring in the Weaselheader: a budding willow (pussywillow). Awesome!

Blessed Be!

Post-Imbolc

2010-02-12T06:38:00.000-08:00

I'm heading out for another morning run. This time I only have one running partner: Ellie. Amber is taking a break for at least another 1.5 weeks until her leg can be x-rayed again. If the x-ray confirms a break, she won't be running for at least two months. I did a healing ritual for Amber Tuesday night and as of Wednesday she started putting some weight onto the leg (and cries and howls when she isn't allowed to go for a walk). I hope it is just a sprain.

Calgary has had a mild January and February so far, but no chinooks. However, the fog has defined Calgary's winter. We have had more fog than I can ever remember. My friend and I went for a run Monday evening and we shortened the run due to the eerie fog and coyote screams. Yes, we're wimps. Perhaps this strange weather means something? Who knows?

Blessed be!

Cold Moon, Death, Micro-Greens and Imbolc

2010-01-31T14:05:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I started most of my tomatoes, peppers and a few herbs and flowers. This weekend I was inspired by a new book "Grow Great Grub" by Gayla Trail to start some micro-greens (as with her other book "You Grow Girl", this is an excellent read). The fact is my seedlings are popping up like crazy and I now have to turn on my second light. But I have room for one more flat, so I planted micro-greens, some radishes and oak leaf lettuce. This will be a refreshing change from cabbage salad or arugula salad - my seasonal salads (a local greenhouse grows arugula so I don't have to).

Last night's cold moon reminds me that winter is still here, but Imbolc happens this Tuesday and I view this holiday as the "promise of spring". I walked through the willows in Weaselhead this morning with the dogs and I dream about the pussy willows emerging (this area of Weaselhead is a micro-climate where the trees bud first). The magpies were having a huge meeting as they were in the same place yesterday and luckily no coyotes today (Ellie goes ballistic).

Now on a sadder note. The cold moon was appropriate yesterday as I prayed to accept both death and rebirth as a natural cycle. Death answered today as we found out our friends lost their dog Jake last week (our friends were too devastated to call us). Jake is Amber's brother and they were really close as puppies. Jake developed diabetes at 6 years old and it was caught too late. I worry about our big girl as 6 years old is fairly old for a big dog (135 lbs), but she is really healthy and runs a few times with Ellie and me each week. But here is Jake with Abby (his pack) in the background.

Jake had a good life and I know Abby (our friend's rottweiler) will miss him the most. Take care Jakey - we'll see you in time.

Blessed be.

Seed Starting

2010-01-23T06:46:00.000-08:00

It is early, very early for Calgary, but I have started a variety of seeds, mostly tomatoes, peppers and a few flowers. Technically, tomatoes are suppose to be started 10 weeks before the last frost (typically May 31st in Calgary), however I have the advantage of a greenhouse which I can heat in April.

This year is about variety. I grew five different tomato varieties last year, but this year I am growing 14. Yes, 14, here they are:
1) Galina - Cherry
2) Mennonite Heirloom - Cherry
3) Lunchbucket - Cherry
4) Silvery Fir - Early Medium
5) Costoluto Fiorentino - Medium
6) Taxi - Medium
7) Black Prince - Medium
8) Clear Pink - Medium
9) Mishca - Paste
10) Russian Rose - Beefsteak type
11) Giant Belgian - Beefsteak type
12) Scotia - Early Medium
13) Cheesemanni - Wild Variety
14) Lady Bug - Cherry

It seems like a lot and it probably is, but each variety is limited to five plants. I'll have plenty to give away. My three favourites last year were rainbow blend cherry tomatoes, oregon spring tomatoes and taxi tomatoes. Only taxi made the list this year.

I will be expanding my garden this year. More containers beside my greenhouse, added containers beside the house and I hope to rent a garden plot just 10 km from town. If everything turns out (which my aunt reminds me not everything does), I have not overbought seeds this year. With all the variety out there, it is slightly crazy to order the ordinary (i.e. what works commercially). Since my last tomato in October, I can't seem to buy tomatoes in the off-season, though there are several local greenhouses.

However, a great treat is getting fresh arugula from Hotchkiss Herbs. My favourite pesto is arugula pesto though I still highly value the traditional basil pesto. I always use walnuts instead of pine nuts to add more flavour.

By the way, ordinary tomatoes are like ordinary arctic char. The pale pink stuff that is sold in the store does not compare to the fresh arctic char like this one caught on Banks Island in 2008.

I know it looks like salmon, but I assure you it is arctic char. The sashimi was awesome (though only the Canadians on the trip had some) and cooked was even better. I can't even order arctic char in a restaurant anymore. Ice cream is pretty much the same story because of my ice cream maker. The caramel ice cream I made last week was decadent, though I reduced the fat (5 to 6% BF). I will never settle for the ordinary again (at least in these areas).

Blessed be.

Blueberry Honey Ice Cream

2010-01-11T18:40:00.000-08:00

My husband and I just had some fabulous ice cream. I improvised a honey lavender ice cream recipe. Here are the "lower" fat ingredients:
3 tbsp blueberry honey
2 egg yolks
1-1/2 tsp corn starch
1-1/2 cups of milk
1-1/2 cups of blueberries
1 cup of light cream
Whisk honey, yolks, corn starch and a bit of milk. Heat rest of milk and add to yolk mixture. Reheat mixture until the custard starts to thicken. Cool slightly and throw in whole frozen blueberries. Cool in refrigerator. Add mixture and light cream to ice cream maker, and mix.

You can't buy this wonderful ice cream - you have to make it from scratch using great ingredients. The blueberry honey is from Chinook Honey (note: it is called "blueberry" honey because the bees feast on blueberry flowers), the eggs are from Grazing Acres, the milk and cream are from Vital Green Farms, and the blueberries were found in my freezer (peak season from BC).

Well after eating ice cream, I need a late evening run!
Blessed be.

New Year (Semi-Hibernation)

2010-01-03T06:37:00.000-08:00

This past week off has been quiet, very quiet. Other than doing some interesting cooking (finding a fabulous Swedish Apple cake), a quick visit to an aunt's place and a bit of running, this has been a peaceful holiday.

I am currently reading several books including "Just Watch Me" about Pierre Elliot Trudeau. I did not realize that PET was instrumental in eliminating several archaic laws about homosexuality (illegal), abortion (doctors could be charged) and marriage (you had to cheat to divorce). At the time (late 1960's, early 1970's), the majority of Canadians (as polled) were against gays. I am saddened that in many cases, ignorance = hate. I know too many people that choose to be ignorant despite many opportunities to educate themselves. PET was ahead of his time and I appreciate leaders taking a stand when it is unpopular.

Time to head out for breakfast.
Happy New Year!

Solstice 2009

2009-12-21T16:14:00.000-08:00

It has been too long since I have blogged. And since the winter solstice always feels like a turning point in time, it is a good time to reflect. 2009 was a good and somewhat stressful year. It consisted of a friend nearly dying, the same friend having a wonderful baby, many lay-offs at work, my sister starting a new career, no Arctic trip and in general, everyone getting older. Time moves on whether we are present or not.

As I receive some seed catalogues, I am reminded that the Oak King will win tonight and he will slowly start to dominate the next six months (sorry Holly King). The winter solstice is one of my favourite holidays (next to Samhain). I love winter - probably because I feel a stronger sense of freedom when I run in the forest without a soul in sight (scheduled for tomorrow night). Tonight is a good night for rune reading and a meal out with my super-wonderful husband.
Blessed be!

Cookbook Profiles - #6

2009-11-07T19:54:00.000-08:00

I'm been kind of slow on my cookbook profiles lately, but here is another one: "Swedish Food and Cooking" by Anna Mosesson.

I made the classic "Swedish Meatballs". However, keeping to true Swedish style, these meatballs are made from elk meat. Since I didn't have lingonberry sauce, we had chokecherry jelly. I can't say enough about chokecherries - they are so, so underrated. Last week, I made a chokecherry-lemon sorbet that was fabulous (unfortunately, I only have two cups of chokecherry juice left in the freezer).

Cookbook: Swedish Food & Cooking by Anna Mosesson

My Rating: 90% (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)

Description: I love almost all the recipes in this cookbook though I haven't tried that many due to my limited cooking experience with seafood (and trying to choose more ethical seafood choices). However, I would like to make Jansson's temptation (potatoes, onion, milk, cream and anchovies) for its simplicity and potential taste, and Reindeer stroganoff if I can catch me a Canadian caribou (Canada actually has herds of reindeer in the North - imported a long time ago and now thriving - but reindeer is just a type of caribou). Cloudberry souffle would be great, but I'll have to get some jam from Newfoundland (Dark Tickle company) or Ikea. Did I mention that a high percentage of the recipes call for heavy cream??

By the way, I had a good conversation this morning with two muskrats in the Weaselhead. They didn't seem to have a care in the world (I'm extremely envious).

Samhain 2009 (aka Trick-or-Treating with a Cat)

2009-11-01T14:08:00.000-08:00

I started "trick or treating" with a black cat and ended the evening with a fairy cat.

Though I could do an elaborate ceremony to honour my ancestors, I believe my ancestors appreciate my spending an evening with my favourite (and only) niece instead. It was wonderful fun! Everyone was enthralled with her but she kept her cool and was very polite. She is an amazing little girl!

Happy Samhain!

Last Harvest 2009

2009-10-12T09:34:00.000-07:00

This is the last harvest of 2009. After keeping the greenhouse heated for the past week (hoping for warmer weather), I decided to shut everything down this morning. It is -10 deg C outside right now.

Without a doubt, tomatoes were the bumper crop of the year. I learned two things about my tomato preferences, namely stuffing tomatoes are not my thing and you can never have enough sweet cherry tomatoes. I grew taxi tomatoes, oregon spring tomatoes, burgess stuffing tomatoes, and the "rainbow" blend of cherry tomatoes. In June and July, I had the perfect amount for my husband and me, but come August and September, I had to give tons away. Next year, I will grow a few less tomatoes.

Here are the last cosmos. These are a keeper in the greenhouse. The greenhouse corn experiment worked out just okay (small harvest) so next year I will pass on the corn. I'll try squash again next year though I only had a small harvest this year (during the hot weather, I should have been watering twice a day). I might consider installing a drip system or at least cover my pots with plastic and put a grow pot in them to maintain moisture levels (see Lee Valley for grow pots).

On another subject, thanksgiving. This year I am very thankful for my dogs.

Amber and Ellie definitely love each other. Amber is more active than ever and has lost some weight - all because of Ellie. It has been almost a year since Ellie joined our pack, and she has a wonderful spirited soul that brings us joy every day.

Here is a funky picture of Amber. Don't you love the slobber across her nose.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Coyote

2009-10-11T09:30:00.000-07:00

Here is a lone coyote wandering through the Weaselhead in Calgary. Luckily I had the little girl, Ellie, on leash otherwise she definitely would have chased this coyote (and returned when the coyote was safe enough away from Ellie's pack). Though I'm sure Ellie has a bit of coyote in her (yellow eyes), she hates them and lets out a fearsome battle cry when she seems them. I know she can handle her own when it come to coyotes (she's 75 lbs) but I much prefer for her to stay with the pack.
My sister and I were able to enjoy watching this coyote slowly move along the trail. It had tinges of fall colour in its fur (though it is hardly fall - burrrr! Set a low temperature record in Waterton last night of -24 deg C.). I really enjoy seeing wildlife in the city.
Blessed be!

This Fall

2009-10-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

There will never be more than there is now. Harvest is done, the cellars are full." Excerpt from the poem "Fall" from Seasons of the Witch by Patricia Monaghan (I highly recommend this book/CD combination).

For me, this is the season of pomegranates, winter squash, apples and chokecherries. I picked berries this morning while the snow was coming down and later made my third batch of chokecherry jelly. Fall is finally in Calgary and it will be short-lived as usual. Our bodies start to crave real meals like stews, roasted meat and vegetables, and soups. Green salads just don't seem right as our blood starts to thicken. There will be less and less people on the trails and soon it will be just me and the dogs running through the forest (with my sister joining me at least once a week).

While some people are hiding out in their home, I embrace the sometimes bitterly cold weather especially when I know there is a warm bath and bed waiting for me. The forest calls to me and I have a much stronger feeling of freedom when I roam there in the winter. I tire of rules when I am surrounded by people especially when most people seem to love enforcing their rules. The Goddess has no rules and everyone is governed by their own sense of responsibility - their own not by others. I have Christian friends, Muslim friends and a family from all types of beliefs. I try very hard not to judge what they believe as it might be "right" for them.

I should stop rambling, but one of my husband's granddaughters had a school project which surveyed people to finish the following sentence, "Freedom is". I guess I am the pessimist as I said "something that no one can have". We all have obligations and "rule following" that never permits us to have true freedom. We can only taste freedom for a few moments and I hope to do this soon.

Blessed be!

Mabon 2009

2009-09-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

Though it was so warm in Calgary today (+26 deg C) that it doesn't seem like Fall has arrived, it has. I feel like the darkness is slowly wrapping us and we will gently drift into Winter. Despite my intentions of cooking a harvest meal, it was just too hot to turn on the oven. Instead my husband, sister and I headed out to eat. We had a good visit and now I just want to sleep.
First, however, I will like a candle on my porch and thank the Goddess for all she has given us. A full belly, companionship and a warm bed are the best things in life. Don't forget that.
Blessed be.

Serious Squirrel Hunting

2009-09-10T19:28:00.001-07:00

Ellie (aka Doug from Up) only stops moving for a little squirrel while hiking at Cat Creek in Kananaskis. Focus is the key and even someone taking pictures is not a distraction. The pictures say it all.

Happy Thor's Day!

Cookbook Profiles - #5

2009-08-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

I just got this cookbook a few weeks ago and am so far impressed. The title is "Kitchen Seasons: easy recipes for seasonal organic food" by Ross Dobson.

Many chefs love using petite vegetables, and since my entire corn harvest consisted of three small cobs (from three stalks), I thought tonight a "petite vegetable" meal would be appropriate.

This is "wild salmon and sorrel cakes" and "balsamic tomatoes" with petite corn and young swiss chard from my garden. I can't help loving a cookbook that uses sorrel. Sorrel are definitely underused greens. It is the only plant I chowed down on in Ellesmere Island (mountain sorrel is burgundy but has the same distinct taste), so it reminds me of a wonderful kayak trip.

Cookbook: kitchen seasons by Ross Dobson
My Rating: 90% plus?? ("POTENTIALLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"
Description: There is a lot of variety in this cookbook with seasonal fresh ingredients top on the menu. For tomorrow night, I am putting "swiss chard and white bean minestrone" in my crockpot for a hardy meal. I also plan to make "spinach and cheese curry" and "mushroom and thyme ragu with hand-torn pasta". Hey any cookbook that has a recipe for clafoutis will be tops in my world.

Cookbook Profiles - #4

2009-08-24T17:51:00.001-07:00

Here is a cookbook that you can't go wrong with: "Middle Eastern Cooking" by Suzy Benghiat. This cookbook was given to my late sister in 1994 by my husband. I am a big fan of middle eastern cooking. The recipes are generally fairly simple and the spices highlight the natural flavour of the food.

The chicken tajinie with olives and lemon was so amazing that we ate almost everything before I could take a picture (sorry!).

Whatever you do->
DON'T throw away any chicken bones or resulting chicken fat
DON'T follow any chicken stock recipes
The simplest and "in my opinion" best chicken stock is simmering leftover roasted chicken bones, the chicken fat and water for a few hours. Really - try it! Let the stock cool (cool somewhat before putting it in the fridge) and skim off the fat. Adding carrots, onions, celery, spices, etc. kind of wrecks the true flavour of chicken stock, so don't. I throw the chicken stock in the freezer so I always have some on hand.

Cookbook: "Middle Eastern Cooking" by Suzy Benghiat
My Rating: 100% (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
Description: Without a doubt, this cookbook captures the essence of middle eastern cuisine. It has some interesting history at the beginning of the book and detailed instructions for more difficult items throughout the book. Try some simple salad recipes like Yogurt and Cucumber Salad and Cabbage Salad, and some simple but wonderful main courses like Pork Afelia, Lahme Lahlou ("sweet meat") and my favourite: Chicken Tajine with olives and lemons.

On another note: Tomatoes keep on coming despite the factor that I've given away tomatoes to over seven friends. My husband and I are now eating them almost every day and I am terribly amused that most Alberta gardeners are just having their tomatoes starting to ripen now. We started eating tomatoes in June.

Cookbook Profiles - #3

2009-08-16T09:59:00.001-07:00

Here is the next installment of cookbook reviews, namely: "Natural Recipes for the Good Life" by Hedi Levine. I'm 95% sure that I bought this cookbook at the bookstore.

Yesterday was cold and clouded over. With our thin blood, the house had a chill and it was time for stew.

Stew is something that anyone can make. All you really need to meat, vegetables and some sort of liquid. Despite the fact, I already know how to make stew, I used "Burgundy Beef Stew" from the cookbook. Red wine was the "liquid" and I usually have a small bottle on hand (it has enough for two perfect glasses of wine or in this case, one perfect glass of wine with one cup for cooking).

Though it is nice to turn on the oven on a cold day, I chose a crock pot to slow cook the stew. Crock pots work well if you are inspired one moment and are lazy the next. I threw everything together after we came back from the farmers' market.

Here is the final result. I always like to add more meat than usual. Remember that stews were used to "stretch" meat as it wasn't always available or was too expensive. In Alberta, we're lucky because elk, bison and organic beef are readily available at a good price. I am definitely a believer in "eating with your region".

Cookbook: Natural Recipes for the Good Life
My Rating: 80% (Recommended)
Description: This cookbook has a wide variety of recipes from "Wheat Berry Porridge" to "Lentil Loaf" to "Arugula Stuffed Chicken". I consider this cookbook a twist on cuisine from the 70's when various grains, bean and soy products became popular. On the plus side, it does have many breakfast recipes for those trying to think past "egg and toast". This is a good starter cookbook for those who want to break out of a rut and try something new.

On another note, my husband and I saw "Up", and as my sister told me that there is a dog like Ellie in the movie. Ellie is "Doug" the dog. She's leaner but she is an avid squirrel hunter and very friendly.

Cookbook Profiles - #2

2009-08-09T16:38:00.000-07:00

Weekends are definitely a good time to make good meals, so I dove into my cookbook collection again and came out with "Clay Pot Cooking - from tandoori to tagine" by Elsa Petersen-Schepelern.

This cookbook and a clay pot was given to me by my sister-in-law and brother as a Christmas gift. For those of you that don't have a clay pot, stop reading and GO GET ONE! Because...

1) They are cheap (maybe $20 to $40)
2) Weather beautifully (I've had mine over 10 years)
3) and most importantly, it is easy to make wonderful, tasty food

I would not dream of making a chicken without this pot. However, there are a few things you have to remember about clay pots, namely:

1) You MUST pre-soak the clay pot,
2) You MUST put it in a cold oven - then turn on the heat,
3) You MUST NEVER use soap to clean it (that means no dishwasher).

Unfortunately, I have two of these cookbooks, as I inherited my late sister's copy (she got the same present that year).

Out of this cookbook, I chose to make "Turkey Pot-roast with Garlic, Pancetta and Rosemary".

The organic turkey thigh and bacon are from a local producer. The garlic and squash are from BC, the rosemary from my front porch and of course, since I have lots of tomatoes, I added tomatoes to the base recipe and used leftover sake from the fridge instead of white wine. I will cook the first season Taber corn on the side (peaches and cream).

It was a lot of food so I packed half for my lunch tomorrow.

Cookbook: Clay Pot Cooking (from tandoori to tagine)
My Rating: 80% (Recommended)
Description: This is a small recipe book and is an excellent introduction to clay pots. I've actually only made about four of the recipes as this book has significant variety from Fish Curry to Thai Chicken. Try "Poule au Pot" , "Pheasant in a Brick" or "Braised Beef with Porcini Mushrooms".

Cookbook Profiles - #1

2009-08-07T17:52:00.001-07:00

After stating many times that I have a "million" cookbooks and getting some inspiration from the movie Julia-Julia, I thought I would profile each cookbook and perhaps make something from it. I thought I would start with one of my favourites.

As you can read, this is "The Essential Mediterranean Cookbook" which is by many, many people (a huge list of acknowledgements). It was first printed in 2001 (I think this is the 2001 version) and I can't remember where I got this cookbook. The recipes are divided by region with some special sections like "meze". I always seem to have many of the ingredients for these recipes and I almost went vegetarian tonight with "Warm Chickpea and Silverbeet Salad with Sumac", but my husband is very much a meat eater so I went for something more hearty "Chorizo En Sidra" (Chorizo in Cider).

From the garden, I had tomatoes (no surprise I've been giving some away), a green onion, purple pole beans and peas. I also had chorizo sausages from a local producer (humanely raised pigs) and swiss chard (aka silverbeet) from a local grower. Add some cherries from BC, various spices, olive oil, butter, eggs, milk, yogurt and flour, and you have a wonderful meal.

The appetizer was easy to make. Mix up with yogurt (local producer), garlic, salt and some "front-porch" herbs (rosemary and thyme) and you have a tasty garlic dip for the garden vegetables.

Next cook up the sausage according to the cookbook with some improvisation as necessary and steam some swiss chard. Add a bit of butter to the swiss chard and serve. The chorizo sausage was not for the faint heart and I saved some for future pizza.

Last, make my favourite dessert "Cherry Clafoutis". This was "of Valhalla" (heavenly).

I love many things (nature, Arctic, running, gardening, reading) and cooking is one of them. I love simple recipes that bring out the "true" flavour of food (not over-sauced or over-spiced).

Cookbook: The Essential Mediterranean Cookbook
My Rating: 100%
Description: Simple, healthy and tasty recipes from various regions in the mediterranean. The recipes always turn out well. Try the "Torte de la Almendra" (Almond Torte) or "Garithes Me Feta" (Baked Prawns with Feta). You can't go wrong with this cookbook.

Blessed be.

Lammas 2009

2009-08-01T18:45:00.000-07:00

Lammas is a celebration of the first harvest, so I celebrated by making jam and freezing berries. My husband and I also had a very good meal of elk steaks, tomatoes from my greenhouse and pasta smothered in homemade arugula pesto. A blueberry-gooseberry pie topped it all off.

Wow - just took a break to watch a major wind storm blow through our area. Hopefully tomorrow it will be more settled as we're all heading to Raspberry Ridge in Kananaskis. The hike will be the true celebration of Lammas.

On another subject, I watched Ellie and Amber gently lick and nuzzle each other yesterday. It brought a tear to my eye watching their affection for each other. They are true companions and I am so glad we found Ellie.

Blessed Lammas!

Peasant's Choice

2009-07-20T16:44:00.000-07:00

As I drive home from work, I think about what I have in the fridge, greenhouse and garden. Tonight I knew that two gigantic (burgess) tomatoes were ripe in my greenhouse, but I was definitely undecided about what to make but I figured "beans" would be a good choice.

Even though I have a million cookbooks (okay - probably only 150 or so - inherited from the late sister and late grandmother), I once again picked up James Barber's "Peasant's Choice" cookbook. Within a few seconds, I had my recipe!

Mr. Barber always has simple and flavourful recipes - a cooking philosophy I highly appreciate (his influence lives on). Before I buy a cookbook, I evaluate whether I have the ingredients or can easily get them, and how difficult the recipe is. No evaluation required for any of James Barber's cookbooks - he passes with flying colours.

Tomatoes, jalapenos and a chile from the greenhouse, local beer (Wild Rose brewery), onions and cilantro from BC and a can of pinto beans. Throw in some spicy elk sausage (Wapiti Ways) and I've got a healthy meal for two.

Subtract the tortillas (carbs) and enjoy some leftover pie from last night (strawberries and gooseberries). The unripe gooseberries taste similar to rhubarb.

Here is my own "single pot" meal from last night - no recipe required (leftovers at lunch were tasty).

Cooking is good.

Three Sisters

2009-07-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

My garden theme this year is "Three Sisters". The galvanized garbage cans worked out great for the sisters (corn, pole beans and squash) and the "Three Sisters" tomatoes are great in a salad.

The cosmos also look great along with my fairy sign (given to me by my mother).

Okay, another dog picture. Ellie is now chasing a ball at the park in addition to her other play time.

Summerland for Dogs

2009-07-13T18:35:00.001-07:00

There is a place that the Vikings call "Valhalla", the Wiccans call "Summerland" and the Christians call "Heaven". The dogs call it "Ptarmigan Cirque" in Kananaskis.

It was a joy to see them so happy yesterday on the hike.

Early Mornings

2009-06-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

After their 5:30 AM breakfast, the dogs alerted us to a visitor in the backyard. A homeless person had spent the night in his sleeping bag beside my garden (see above - he was in the corner out of the wind). My husband asked what he was doing there (because he couldn't see that he was sleeping), and the man politely answered "I'm sorry, I'm lost". As the man packed up, I went outside in my flannel pajamas and offered him a bag of bottles (which he graciously accepted). I started making coffee inside but he was already gone before it was ready.

It is nothing new for some people to live on the fringe of society. Some (or really all) people have trouble coping with this strange and crazy world, and I try not to judge those who seemingly don't fit into the mold. The man left our home because he was afraid and I know many of my neighbors would scare him away because they were afraid. A friend thought I should enclose my greenhouse because somebody might decide to sleep in there. If someone wants to sleep in my greenhouse to get out of the rain or cold, I hope they do. Most people (including me) take shelter for granted along with a warm bed and food in our bellies. My greenhouse is open to all visitors.

You might find a cheery calendula in there or maybe some rabbit food.

Or maybe someone has already take up residence in the greenhouse.

Happy Solstice!

The Beauty of Summer Solstice

2009-06-20T20:02:00.000-07:00

For those that watch the passing seasons, tomorrow is the summer solstice. Though it seems like this is the last hurrah before darkness starts to infringe on our life, it is also the start of summer and the harvest that goes with it. I ate a borage flower today (see picture). It tasted like wet honey (really). I also bought strawberries, figs and cherries at the market - the start of berry season in the North (albeit BC and Washington state, not Alberta - yet).

In the spirit of the Solstice and new babies, I found a wonderful British artist: Lucy Grossmith (www.heart-to-art.com). Her art makes me think of childhood dreams - a place where I can go with my imagination. Delightful is a word that describes her art and I am considering ordering a print or two (or three or four or maybe an original). Art is a very personal thing, but I think it is easy to recognize talent. Last month, my husband, a few friends and I went to a showing of Joe Fafard at the Glenbow Museum. Mr. Fafard is another artist with tremendous talent and depth. I am sure his art is definitely out of my price range, but I circled the museum's showing of his art three times. Art reminds me of the raw beauty of nature and to delight in the little things like tonight's walk by the river with a friend, her husband and 1 month-old baby girl who coos while she dreams.

Blessed be!

First Harvest of 2009

2009-06-14T09:38:00.001-07:00

My first garden harvest of the year included sorrel, parsley, green onions, dill and "easter eggs". Yes, a kind of radish called easter eggs. Everything is growing like a weed both inside and outside my greenhouse despite the mini-snow storm last weekend. I expect the first tomato harvest to be sometime in the next week (amazing for Calgary).

I am now intrigued by what a wild garden would do. I left a few onions in the ground last year and my garden is full of self seeded onions along with dill, borage, calendula and marigolds. Several of my herbs came back including orange mint, peppermint, catnip, oregano, tarragon, lavender, chives and of course sorrel. What would my garden look like if I let everything run amok (no, I won't do this but I still like the wildness). I've heard of wild tomatoes and many other wild vegetables. Maybe next year. This is the year of the three sisters and a crazy amount of tomatoes.

Life is good.

Where is your soul?

2009-06-02T20:30:00.001-07:00

With all the challenges my friend has gone through in the past few weeks, I think about where my soul finds peace and solace: the Arctic. I am not sure if my husband and I are going this year (due to "potential" financial constraints), but I definitely want to. I could spend the entire summer kayaking and camping along the Great Slave Lake or checking out the Muskoxen on Banks Island. Moments of freedom and peace is what I find in the Arctic. Often urban life does not agree with me.

Perhaps another rune reading is in order (twice in less than a month) - will I go to the Arctic this year?

Blessed be!

Gebo

2009-05-25T19:02:00.001-07:00

Sometimes the journey of life is stormy. A friend had a baby last week and in that joy, a significant sacrifice was made. Luckily, she survived the storm, but during the turmoil I drew runes to ask if she would be okay. I do not use divination often - maybe once or twice a year, but the reading are also very interesting. I used the three norns reading - Past (Urd) / Present (Verdandi) / Future (Skuld).

Past: Nauthiz - This literally means "need" and is associated with Skuld. Skuld represents the future fate which is hidden from vision. Skuld also cuts the thread of life when it comes to an end or can represent a fear.

Present: Laguz - A feminine rune which literally means "lake" or "flooding tide". It is sometimes associated with the Goddess Nerthus. She was worshipped on an island in a lake and bestowed blessings to those she visited.

Future: Gebo - Meaning "gift". This sounds extremely positive, however with a gift comes obligation and sometimes extreme sacrifice.

Simply, I think the runes mean that my friend had a need to have a child (though not planned) and the baby girl came with a flooding (painful) tide. Her sacrifice during and after the birth and her future sacrifices she will make for this child will allow her to appreciate the gift her God has given her.

I am very glad she and the baby are okay. Her husband went through hell and I hope he recovers also. Hopefully, they will have calm waters for a while.

Blessed be.

Teeth-Staining

2009-05-16T19:27:00.000-07:00

"December 19, 1850. The dried chokeberries so abundant in the swamps, are now quite sweet." from Wild Fruits by Henry David Thoreau.

Every once in a while it is a good thing to open up a book and see what it reveals to you in that moment. I suspect, but cannot confirm, that chokeberries and chokecherries may be one in the same. Before this passage, Mr. Thoreau states that the berries are not palatable but after this passage, he thinks wine might be appropriate for the juice. Some people cannot image eating chokecherries, but after a slight frost, these berries are sweet and rich. Perfect for wine, jelly and teeth-staining. My husband and I quickly ate up the chokecherries jelly even though I made two batches. I remember picking a few pails of chokecherries in a downpour (awesome). I dream about berry-picking.

However, timing is everything and today was about planting. I planted my garden, planted all my mother's containers and I potted up some tomatoes. I found borage at my local gardening store and with that karma, a bumblebee was buzzing around inside my greenhouse (bees love borage, bees really love borage!). And Houston, we have tomatoes (did I mention I love my greenhouse).

It seems that every tree is now bursting with life. The nanking cherry is starting to bloom (bees love this also) and even the golden currant that Ellie seemingly destroyed is showing signs of life. We cannot get angry at Ellie for chewing a shrub because it helped fill her stomach when she was starving and on her own. She's not starving now and she always seems to have a big smile on face. Life is good for her now. And for us.

Beltane 2009

2009-05-01T20:16:00.003-07:00

As a pagan, I take cooking at Wiccan celebrations very seriously but I also strive for ease and joy. In my "cooking" philosophy, recipes should be simple, often improvised and made with quality ingredients. This evening for Beltane was no exception.

First, pan-fry some pork chops from the farmers' market. Then, make a simple orange sauce with orange juice, zest, a touch of sweetness (agave syrup) and cornstarch. Make sure you have some steamed greens on the side. Some french cheese and rye crackers doesn't hurt either.

While your starting to cook, cut up some strawberries and rhubarb and place in an empty pie shell. Make a custard of eggs, agave syrup, hot milk, flour and a touch of cinnamon and salt. Pour into shell. When you realize that you have made too much custard, use whatever fruit (in this case, frozen raspberries with rhubarb) you have available and make another pie. Cook in oven at 350 deg F for around 50 minutes.

Finally, eat and be merry. Drink tea with dessert. Soak in a hot bath with lots of flowers and herbs (mountain rose herbs has a wonderful blend). Share these blessings with your family and new found garden friends.

Dream about the forest, love and pain. Breathe the evening air and be glad your belly is full and you have a warm bed to sleep in. Happy Beltane!

Blessed be.

Greenhouse Pictures!

2009-04-22T19:14:00.001-07:00

GREENHOUSE ESSENTIALS 101 - by Othala Wind

1) HEAT (needed in Calgary in April, May and occasionally in June, July, August, etc).

2) LOTS OF HEAT (-7 deg C outside)

3) A FANCY POTTING STATION - REMEMBER "LOCATION / LOCATION / LOCATION" (yes, my potting station is the wheelbarrow)

4) FOUND PLANTS (i.e. if your bag of potting soil comes with moss - use it!)

5) LARGE LIVESTOCK WATERING CONTAINERS & GARBAGE CANS (i.e. super fancy large containers or as a friend would say "Deluxe")

6) ALTERNATIVES (in case we lose #1 and #2)

Class is dismissed!

Field Trip

2009-04-22T19:09:00.001-07:00

My husband and the dogs took a field trip to our property by the Red Deer River. My husband said that the crocuses were everywhere and the dogs weren't complaining.

Ellie shows us what freedom looks like.

Hiding Out in my Greenhouse

2009-04-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

Over the long weekend, my sister and I built my greenhouse. It took quite a while and we both had sore thumbs from clipping in the panes, but it is complete and I have been hiding out in it ever since. I promise that pictures will follow soon.

Nice weather in Calgary does not last forever and I believe my greenhouse plants are ready to weather the coming storm (or rather snow tomorrow night and Thursday) - the heater also helps. My plants in the cold frame should also be able to handle a bit of frost.

Blessed be.

First Robin of 2009

2009-04-05T09:30:00.001-07:00

After a long hike with the dogs, my husband and I returned to see a Robin on our front lawn. Alas, Spring is really here! Construction of my greenhouse should start in the next few days (I'll clear out the last bit of snow and ice from the area today). I definitely need a greenhouse now since I need to transplant all of my tomatoes within the next week (I have done about 1/3 before I ran out of room).

Spring is here!

First Real Sign of Spring

2009-04-01T20:02:00.000-07:00

I ran through Weaselhead yesterday evening with the dogs. With the snow storms and cool temperatures, I was surprised to see some willows starting to bud by the reservoir. Though most trees won't be budding anytime soon in Calgary, this area seems to be its own micro-climate. Perhaps the crocuses are soon to follow in a few weeks.

I can only hope. Thanks for the first sign of rebirth Goddess.

Let it snow!

2009-03-28T18:13:00.000-07:00

No Spring fever in Calgary - just Spring frustration. I really want my greenhouse up by mid-April, but with another Spring storm coming tonight, I just don't know if Spring is ever coming to Calgary. Patience is not one of my strong points. However, every tree in Calgary knows that it isn't time to bud yet - they don't get fooled by these brief warm spells. I might have to have a good chat with the Oak King tomorrow during the forest march. Moist is good, but rain (not snow) is better. About four days of really warm weather would clear the way for my greenhouse.

During this morning's run with the dogs, Ellie chased another coyote. She was gone longer than usual and both Amber and I were worried, but she came back huffing and puffing. She even rolled on her back while Amber nuzzled her with love. Again, not a scratch - I suspect she just scares them away from our immediate area. She is a big dog, but I still worry.

In one hour, I will be bathing by candlelight to celebrate Earth Hour. It is symbolic, but definitely worth doing. I suspect the glowing light with no distractions will do more for the participants soul than for the environment.

Peace by candlelight!

Ostara 2009

2009-03-21T21:46:00.001-07:00

I celebrated Ostara Friday by taking part of the day off, walking a lot in the sunshine and having a wonderful spring evening meal. Arugula (rocket) with avocado, red cabbage and green onions to start and a shrimp, collards egg omelet with lots of herbs for the main course. My husband doesn't like collards, but I hide them well and he loved it (with a bit of ketchup).

Despite the beautiful day and good meal, I had to let go of a few things to make way for spring and it wasn't easy. After a good cry, cleansing bath and a heart-to-heart with the Goddess, I was ready for spring.

Oh Spring in Calgary! Tonight is the first but not last spring storm, and up to 20 cm of snow is expected. My husband, sister and I picked up my new greenhouse anyway today. All ideas have to be planted and with a little bit of work, they become reality. I hope to make my greenhouse reality by mid-April (or earlier). Shoveling the snow from the future location tomorrow will help also.

Blessed Ostara!

Winter Storm, Time Change and Chaos Follows

2009-03-08T15:02:00.000-07:00

I could feel a change in the air last night on an impromptu evening walk with the dogs. The sky clouded over and the scent of moist air was everywhere, but I could not predict the force of the coming storm. I greatly appreciated being inside and warm while the white-out conditions wrapped around our house. My husband and I changed all the clocks around the house and quietly went to bed.

After shoveling the walk and warming up the truck, we headed out for the morning walk with the dogs. The dogs and I had a great walk though there was some trudging through the snow (drifts you know). My husband met us on the other side of Weaselhead (as usual) and we headed to the truck.

Amber always likes to run ahead as we get closer to the truck, so I indulged her and rushed ahead with her. I set up the ramp and encourage Amber to get in. As she ran up the ramp, I immediately knew something was wrong. I thought the ramp collapsed (Amber got in safety), but the truck was moving! I held onto the truck and it almost stopped but not quite before it started down a minor slope. Funny, I haven't seen my husband run like that in years.

We both tried to stop it, but it kept on going. Thank goodness it missed hitting a parked car by a few feet. The little ranger came to an abrupt stop after hitting a low level concrete barrier. Amber jumped out, my husband and I were on the ground (lots of ice) and Ellie was at our heads (she ran behind us). Amber's little "out-of-control" vehicle experience was over with no one hurt. It took a bit of work, but my husband was able to move the vehicle off the barrier and drive very carefully away from it. In the end, the vehicle only had a few scrapes on the bottom (no damage really) and I learned I could react to a situation calming and safely (I was pulling from the back of the truck).

Two people predicted this little incident yesterday: 1) a friend said that my husband should have gotten an automatic not standard and 2) my husband said that in an emergency, he could run despite his "mechanical" knee.

Is it the time change, the storm or just entertainment for me (only entertainment because nobody got hurt, the truck wasn't damaged and we didn't hit another vehicle)? Wait, maybe it was because my husband left the vehicle in neutral. I'm inclined to believe the entertainment factor rated the most likely cause for this morning's chaos. It has been a very long, cold winter and I should stop begging for Spring and enjoy the ride.

Blessed be.

Endings and Rushed Beginnings

2009-03-03T17:38:00.000-08:00

After 92 years, my husband's friend decided to leave the range yesterday. Always a cowboy, he lived at his ranch until this past week. His last week was eventful as he told the nurse about him winning the world bronco championship (while under the influence of morphine). Death seems easier to accept when you know the person has lived a long life, but grief is still there. My husband spoke to his old friend several times a week and now this has ended. I grieve for my husband, not his friend.

Sometimes winter is about death and it is no wonder that we cry for spring to return. I am trying to speed Spring along by burning candles in my cold frame to thaw the soil sooner - maybe it will work/maybe not/maybe I just need a little magic. An offering to the Goddess Eostar wouldn't hurt, right?

Blessed be Randolph - may you find your way home.

Dark Moon - Sleep before Awakening

2009-02-24T18:00:00.001-08:00

Tonight is the dark moon. Almost everyone around me is sick, tired or both. Even I have slept way more than usual but I think it is prep for the coming spring (Spring - where are you?? Hurry!!). I figure it will be another two weeks and Spring Fever will hit the majority of people in Calgary. Not that Spring will arrive any time soon, but it is a state of being.

Winter has been long this year and I feel like the dark moon tonight - waiting to emerge. I am tired of "the others" (that is everyone else except me). I have to be patient and sleep some more.

Blessed be.

Missing Camera

2009-02-21T05:32:00.001-08:00

This is one of the last picture I took with our little camera. I have already repotted many tomato and pepper plants so this picture is kind of old. This area is strictly the "tomato and pepper" area for its warmth (our back room gets very cool at night). This year I'm growing several types of tomatoes including: three sisters, rainbow cherry, burgess, sub-arctic, taxi and oregon spring - a good mixture of bush and vine tomatoes. I've also started black pansies and violas but I still waiting for them to emerge.

This morning we are heading to Lethbridge to drop of my car at a relative's. The car is still going but it will eventually need some work and it isn't worth it for me to fix in Calgary (prices are still extremely high). Ellie, Amber and I are going for an early morning run in the next few minutes (sunrise is at 7:36 AM) - hopefully, we won't see any coyotes.

Time to run in the dark.

Just Another Day?

2009-02-08T06:25:00.000-08:00

Maybe to some. Today would have been my sister's 41st birthday. Though my father is in the hospital, the rest of us will get together for supper at my house to celebrate. A small family celebration is exactly what she would have wanted with meatloaf and brussel sprouts for dinner (yuck, I think we'll do chicken and squash).

My niece, Ellie and even my sprouting tomatoes/peppers remind me about new life and my older sister reminds me about life and death. There is a balance that I am very slow to understand.

This morning a friend is dropping by for a run under the moon and I have to get ready.

Blessed be.

Imbolc - The Promise of Spring

2009-02-02T17:41:00.000-08:00

In my world, Imbolc is all about potential. The Goddess and her consort shows us the promise of Spring with the ever lighter day. In Calgary, the change is fairly radical around a minute a day. For the gardener like me, it is time to plant some seeds (tomatoes and peppers) and hope life sprouts from these tiny potentials (a seed blessing also helps).

I have decided on my garden theme this year: Three Sisters. Actually, the Goddess pointed me in that direction. I had already decided to grow the native american "three sisters" plants namely corn, pole beans and squash, but while looking at the seemingly million types of tomatoes, I came across the three sisters tomatoes. This type of tomatoes produces three shapes of fruit - quite amazing.

I have often thought about climbing Three Sisters mountain near Canmore and perhaps this summer, I will drag my non-hiking (though more than capable) sister with me. We shall carry our other sister in our hearts.

This shall be the year of the Three Sisters which makes Imbolc a critical holiday for me. It is worth believing in potential. Ellie, our beautiful not-so-little dog, has shown this to me; she really has blossomed.

Blessed be.

Chinooks, Dreams and Tomatoes

2009-01-16T05:42:00.000-08:00

It is 8 deg C outside right now and the snow is rapidly melting; Most of the rocks in our front yard are now visible. This warm wind is a gift from the Rocky Mountains and the dogs and I will enjoy its warmth during our run in Weaselhead. I plan to keep Ellie on leash when we hit known coyote territory. Last weekend she happened to be on leash with a coyote about 10 feet away. Despite her eerie battle cries, I was able to hold onto her and try to calm her down.

Last night I was dreaming about gardening. The snow was almost melted in the garden and my garden chives were starting to emerge. I knew it was too early but I was unsure how to fool the chives back into winter mode.

With the extremely cold temperatures in December, it feels like winter is almost over and I have become extremely obsessed with gardening. I bought some tomatoes and pepper seeds yesterday and some new grow lights the evening before. These seeds and future plants will have the privilege of growing in our kitchen (our sunroom is too cold right now, but will eventually be used for growing other plants). I have to jerry-rig the lights sometime today or tomorrow. Once I get this set up, I will plant the seeds - and I won't forget to bless the seeds. This Monday or Tuesday are good planting days along with next weekend (this is according to my witches calendar).

Ordering a greenhouse is next on my list of things to do (next weekend??). A greenhouse is essential if you want to grow plants that love warm nights (maybe this is why tomatoes, eggplants, etc are called nightshade plants - the "nightshade" plant is poisonous along with plants like monkshood (knowledge was power in medieval days and many monks had it), belladonna (a witch's favourite) and yew (a druid's favourite). Even tomato foliage is poisonous.

It is time to get ready for the run. Blessed be.

Coming Year - Coming Garden

2008-12-31T12:06:00.001-08:00

With 2009 just around the corner, I can't stop thinking about gardening. It is "too" early I know, but in February I have to start some tomatoes and in March I intend to buy a greenhouse.

My 2008 garden (above) was a constant joy, not only to me, but also to all the bumblebees, ladybugs and wild bees.

My husband also got to partake in some good fresh veggies.

This years question is "what to grow"? In 2008, I grew pole beans, beets, cucumber, sweet peppers, peas, arugula, strawberries, mustard greens, tomatoes, and carrots along with a multitude of herbs including sorrel, nasturiums, tarragon, parsley, calendula, thyme, basil, sage, rosemary, mint, sweet annie, cat nip, dill and my new favourite borage. Actually I am amazed how much I squeezed into my small garden. Decisions, decisions.

With a new greenhouse, I definitely will grow another batch of tomatoes and cucumber (last summer was a typical summer in Calgary - in other words, the tomatoes did not like the cool nights).

With all the cold weather in December, I feel like winter is almost done, but I am deluding myself. This is the time to plan, but also to rest and turn inward.

Happy New Year!

Coyote Chaser

2008-12-27T16:16:00.001-08:00

Sounds like a good drink for the holidays if you want trouble.

Our new dog, Ellie, has an unmistakable innocence. Though her eyes are yellow (husky-cross? coyote-cross?), she plays at home with her newly acquired play-pheasant and play-raccoon. At the park, she gets excited to see other dogs and greets them with a hope that they will play with her (many do). However, her idillic life with us wasn't always so. Before she was rescued by the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society and then adopted by us, she lived near a reserve west of Edmonton. Ellie had to fend for herself and take care of her puppies in the outdoors. She also had to protect herself and her puppies from coyotes.

This is Ellie after returning home from a walk. On the trail, she picked up a scent and took off. Within a few seconds, I heard a yelp and a coyote jumped out onto the trail with Ellie in pursuit. She chased the coyote out onto the Glenmore reservoir and then ran back to us when the coyote was far enough away. Normally, I would be extremely worried about a dog that chases coyotes since a pack of coyotes will sometimes "set up" a dog for a chase then a kill. I was not worried about Ellie. She is much more comfortable in the forest than our house. The forest was and is her life and in her world it was necessary to scare the coyote away from her pack - protecting Amber and me (though we didn't need protection). She is an amazing dog. Fortunately, she has regained some of her puppy-hood and innocence by getting more and more comfortable in our home. Scaring away coyotes is no longer a daily task.

On a very cold morning last week, my husband and I hung up this picture on a tree during our morning walk with the dogs. Bow was a wonderful dog and we miss him. There are several other memorials to other dogs on this tree. Someone several years ago decided it would be a good idea to decorate a tree in a city park - a lovely idea. We all need more of the imaginative traditions/ideas.

A Cold Winter Solstice

2008-12-21T05:57:00.001-08:00

It's -30 deg C outside and only 11 deg C inside our house. After the dogs woke us up for their morning food (5:30 AM), it seems much colder than usual. It turns out our furnace wasn't firing. After my husband tightened some connections, it is firing now, but I am waiting for a few more degrees of warmth before I return to bed (or maybe I won't return to bed).

It is winter solstice morning. The light will return and the sleeping plants will eventually wake. The dogs and I will tour the Weaselhead.

The furnace has gone up a degree - it is time to dress warm and head out with the dogs. The forest awaits.

Blessed be.

Fairies Don't Feel the Cold

2008-12-14T13:22:00.000-08:00

It is a fact that fairies or "real" dogs don't feel the cold. Ellie, Amber and I were out hiking through the snow this morning. The -29 deg C (-39 deg C windchill) did not bother them in the least. They were playing and running through the deep snow. I didn't think we would see anyone else, but we came across a man walking with his "mutt", also a rescue dog. Mutts are the best. You don't have to put coats or shoes on them to go out. Many dog owners do not realize that it takes a few minutes for a dog's paws to get accustom to the cold. During extreme cold weather, even Amber and Ellie stop once or twice at the beginning of a walk to check their paws (or wait for me to clear the snow). Fairies, however, laugh at this cold weather.

Joint Forces

2008-12-05T16:20:00.000-08:00

Today, I bought an early Yule gift for my sister so she can join me in shooting. I am the traditionalist; my sister is the modernist. She decided to go for the compound bow, while I have a long bow. Now we can go shooting anytime, but starting with my every second Friday off.

Today we shot for over an hour and I suspect over the holidays we will head out often. It is kind of additive, because practicing has a calming effect. It is really something everyone should try at least once or twice. You either love it or have no interest in it. My sister's friend tried out it once and immediately bought a bow - she shipped it back to England along with her wedding dress (easier to pack). She went for a recurve (also a traditional bow).

I just finished re-watching season one of "Robin of Sherwood" and I can't say enough about the show. It has many pagan aspects but is also great for the bow and arrow shooting (yes Robin uses a long bow similar to mine - what can I say?).

Post-Holidays

2008-11-22T19:04:00.001-08:00

It takes a week off and a bit of evening work to finish two films, two "muskox" films. For some that would be odd, but the muskox is my favourite animal and they are amazing creatures. Just a few minutes of watching an entire herd playing and chasing each other in the river and you might understand.

I did not spend the whole time working on my projects. My husband, the dogs and I headed out to a remote cabin near Drumheller. We spent four quiet days hiking, reading, cooking and eating; it was peaceful. Our newest addition, Ellie, is in her element outside (in fact being inside is new territory for her).

Both dogs had a great time! Squirrel hunting is a favourite pastime of theirs.

I also got to try my new long bow (an early birthday present). Though I had never shot a long bow before, it felt incredibly natural. My sister, a friend and I spent some time shooting arrows yesterday at an indoor range. It was great and I plan to join the local "cheaper" outdoor range soon. There is something very powerful about shooting arrows - it is difficult to explain.

Samhain 2008 (aka Trick-or-Treating with a Penguin)

2008-11-01T18:00:00.001-07:00

My Samhain ritual will likely be tonight, but last night I had the privilege of going trick-or-treating with a penguin.

It was a dark but beautiful night and there were many scary creatures out.

I visited a scary Samhain dog who was hunting for mice and had wolf eyes.

Luckily, we were able to escape to another house and avoid those wolf eyes.

Okay, scary doesn't describe Ellie, but how about mimic. Amber and Ellie are the best of friends, and they enjoyed all the strange visitors last night.

Blessed be and most of all bless our ancestors.

The Little Girl comes home

2008-10-19T14:27:00.001-07:00

This is Ellie (formerly Elsie), our newest addition to our family. She is a sweet dog with a calm disposition. Today we took her on our first walk together, and she and Amber walked a lot of it side by side. It seems Amber has quietly accepted her.

Ellie was extremely interested in other dogs at the park. The only talking she did was when she saw other dogs playing ahead. Like Amber, I think she is a people dog and dog dog. At the end of the walk, she wanted to stay in the park with the other dogs and it took me a few minutes to convince her that the family was heading home. She finally jumped in the car.

I hope she continues to settle in. Change is sometimes very difficult for a dog especially when she left a huge pack behind. Life is good and Ellie is a wonderful gift.

Ellie

2008-10-18T15:05:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow there will be a new arrival to our home, namely Ellie (formerly Elsie). My husband, Amber and I are adopting a dog from an organization that rescues dogs from the first nations reserves. Ellie came from a reserve near Edson and we spent some time with her today (will have a picture soon). She is a bit shy, but she eventually came up behind me for a pet. She likes to talk and hang out. Amber seems to get along with her, but I suspect Amber will be top dog.

This coming week, we'll make an appointment with our vet for a quick check, get her a dog license and, most of all, make her feel welcomed. Change is always difficult when you don't fully understand what's going on, but I hope she will settle in quickly.

Her foster parents are dropping her off tomorrow. She'll do fine.

Magic

2008-10-13T18:40:00.001-07:00

I guess I've been a solitary wiccan for too long. When someone says Samhain, I don't immediately recognize it. Namely because it is pronounced "Sow-win" and though I've read it probably hundreds of times, it isn't something that is brought up in normal conversation. Samhain definitely has presence in my life and I look forward to inviting those I've lost for dinner (especially Bow this year). Last night, the moon was magical and fortunately I have a wonderful camera to capture the moment. First from afar.

Then close up. Truly amazing and I hope to dream about the moon tonight.

Blessed be.

Things to Come

2008-10-11T15:55:00.001-07:00

After a beautiful week in Calgary last week and spending this past week in LA, this is what is coming to Calgary. Yes, snow has briefly flown in Calgary while my husband and I were in LA, and I can feel winter coming in my bones.

This isn't a bad thing as I love winter (bad things are when your husband "forgets" to pick you up after a run and wonders why I'm not getting us coffee at the farmer's market - did I mention he had his cell phone turned off). Winter is the time to turn your thoughts inward to find some peace and solace. I feel my blood thickening which translates directly into sleepiness. Soon, however, I will feel wonderful energy despite the ever shrinking day light. It must be the nordic blood in me.

I welcome the coming snow.

Blessed be.

Mabon 2008

2008-09-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

Calgary is deep into fall and I expect all the leaves will be gone within a few weeks. It seems impossible that tomorrow is the fall equinox. I have been so busy at work I hardly remember the summer and I am sad that my garden will go soon.

Today I harvested some sweet annie. Its smell is soothing and I know the bees love it. Tomorrow I will harvest some green beans to go with the harvest supper I am hosting for my family (my aunt is in town). I really feel the approaching Samhain and though this is one of my favourite holidays, this year I feel I have too many souls to remember. I miss Bow on warm days like today.

Blessed be!

Foraging, Pathways and Sorry

2008-09-12T15:51:00.001-07:00

Last weekend my husband and I went foraging in Brittania park in Calgary. The chokecherries were ripe and as sweet as they get. This is second batch of chokecherry jelly I've made and it is delicious.

This morning the big girl and I went for forest/urban hike. Weaselhead is still my favourite city hike and I am always amazed how few people I see (usually I don't see anyone).

In the forest, there was a bouquet of fall leaves and evergreen with this note. If I ever need to say sorry and someone needs to say sorry to me, this would definitely be the way. Obviously, there is a kindred soul who walks the same forest as I do.

Blessed be!

Not Often

2008-09-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

Not often I can pick up a book and be entertained, enthralled and find a common understanding of the world in the first chapter, then laugh in the second chapter with such quotes as: "We are made in the image of God. Yes we are - but is it so obvious which one?" or "Another person is another world."

I've read some very interesting books recently, but this one takes the cake: "The Other Side of Virtue" by Brendan Myers. Yes, Mr. Myers is a pagan, but this is not a pagan book - it is a book about living and understanding who you are. I loved the fact there was an explanation of my own "anti-Oprah" philosophy in the first chapter. Oprah was not mentioned, but there was a variation of "it is bullshit that positive-thinking will make you happy". I actually have nothing against Oprah except that too many people find false hope in her message and they seem to forget that she is an entertainer (it probably doesn't help that both my parents respect her/watch her show and don't understand why I don't want to hear what Oprah - or worse in the case of my father Dr Phil - has said) .

Did I mention that I highly recommend you get a copy for yourself? Though I have yet to get to the third chapter, this is the type of book that can't be read just once so you might as well have your own copy. Enough said - I have to finish chapter two and maybe get to chapter three before bedtime.

Oh yeah, did I mention I made bannock this morning and put butter, home-made saskatoon berry jam and chokecherry jelly on top - yum!

Mennonite Soup

2008-08-29T19:53:00.000-07:00

Cooking good, home-made soup was a way for my Grandfather to carry on a choice mennonite tradition. Though he left the church as a very young man, he and my Grandmother still cooked often the mennonite way. My grandfather is coming to Calgary for a visit soon and I promised him I would make Sorrel Soup. He is bringing the secret ingredient, namely farmer's sausage. If you have never had farmer's sausage, you are definitely missing out.

Tonight, I decided to cook a more traditional mennonite soup. The key ingredients are, of course, vegetables.

The beans and herbs are from my garden (yes, that is calendula flower). The other vegetables are locally grown - just not in my garden.

As I seemed to have lots of energy early in the day, I decided to use my crock-pot.

Here is the finished product without the traditional dab of sour cream. I made the bread yesterday. My husband and I have had an agreement for about the past two months that we would not buy bread, and only eat it at home if I made it from scratch. This has worked well, and I figured out a fairly quick method which I can prep/rise/cook after work and still eat by 7 PM.

I went wreath shopping last weekend and was hugely disappointed. Why should I buy a $50 wreath - made in china - that has very little magic in it? I have sweet annie in my garden, so I decided to make a wreath. This is my current door wreath.

Sweet annie smells wonderful and will continue to smell wonderful when it has dried. Soon I'll have to make or track down a "natural" fall wreath. Fall is just around the corner in Calgary - the leaves on some trees/shrubs have just started turning.

I'm looking forward to the dark moon tomorrow night.

Blessed be.

Marmot, Pika, Bear but no Ptarmigan

2008-08-23T20:17:00.000-07:00

Today my husband, big girl and I hiked Ptarmigan Cirque in Kananaskis. It was so amazing that some of us had a tendency to drool at the beautiful sites.

As you walk in the forest, you have to keep your eyes open for emerging sights/sites - like this mushroom pushing away the moss.

Flowers were plentiful. Here is a pretty Indian Paintbrush.

Our rocky mountains have wonderful animals. This is the remains of a hungry bulldozer (also know as a bear).

We saw and heard two marmots. With our tiny camera, this was the best picture I could get of this wonderful creature.

But the most amazing thing today was watching this Pika. It reminded me so much of the Arctic lemmings and I was able to get fairly close to this one sunbathing.

Blessed Be!

Forest Power Walk

2008-08-18T20:06:00.001-07:00

Tonight, I knew I didn't want to run, so I opted for a forest "power" walk. Our dog, Amber, was reluctant to get out of the car in case she had to run, but with a bit of patience, she perked up and jumped out of the car. I needed an escape from civilization and as we were walking I started to pick some rose hips. I use rose hips for natural decoration and for tea. The power walk soon turned into a slow but peaceful walk.

I thought about my connection with the Goddess and how it didn't seem as strong and I was missing out. I asked for a sign of her presence and got multiple signs. The first - I saw a bird fly through the forest silently. It was the size of a crow but wasn't black. I caught up to the bird which turned out to be an owl. A very beautiful sign. The second - Within a few minutes, Amber and I flushed out four ptarmigan. Two sat on a nearby tree and I spoke with them directly - less than two feet away. I warned them of the nearby owl. The ptarmigan had no fear of me.

Both wonderful signs of the Goddess's presence and I felt in awe of life in the forest. It is difficult but there must also be incredible peace. I was reminded of Eckhart Tolle's learning about finding peace and joy in just being - we only have the moment to live life.

Blessed be Goddess!

Harvest Meal

2008-08-18T16:15:00.000-07:00

There is one significant reason to grow sorrel and dill in your garden, namely Sorrel Soup (don't even try to buy sorrel from the grocery store as you need a good amount for soup and it grows easily in the garden - the variety I grow is a perennial). My grandmother use to make this soup every summer (though it appears I am the only one who remembers this). My grandfather's background is mennonite and though my grandmother was half Cree and Scottish, she cooked a variety of mennonite recipes. Sorrel soup is easy to make.

First harvest, as a minimum, onions, sorrel, dill and potatoes from your garden. Green or yellow beans are a good addition along with whatever you fancy that day. I included some nasturium leaves, green onions and pole beans. Everything here is from my garden except the potatoes and walla walla onion which I bought at the Calgary Farmer's Market from some hutterites.

The soup instructions are fairly basic: saute the onions (use butter - remember this is a mennonite recipe), add some stock (I used homemade chicken stock, but even water works), dice the potatoes and add. Cook about 10 minutes than add the rest of the ingredients (remember sorrel and dill weed are essential). Simmer for 5 or 10 minutes. This recipe does NOT need any salt for flavour, so homemade stock or water is best. Before serving add a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt.

Add a salad of leftover beet greens, garden tomatoes, nasturium flowers and green onions. I never use store-bought dressing. Making dressing is so easy. Here I used some fresh lemon juice, a splash of Udo's Choice Oil and some salt and pepper (buy the good sea salt - it makes all the difference).

As with any mennonite meal, fresh bread is essential. I used a different cooking method than usual (see archived articles under Mother Earth News for no-knead bread) and it turns out wonderful every time.

Looking at all this you would think that I have tons of spare time, but I definitely don't. On Sundays, I like to spend a bit more time cooking - prep time was probably around an hour / not bad. Tonight is leftovers which is good for Mondays after work.

Soon to be New Hobby - and an old Hobby

2008-08-15T18:01:00.001-07:00

My sister and I went to a Women's Outdoor Hunter Eduction Camp this past week. Archery turned out to be my favourite course (also took "the science of fishing" and a "walk in the wild"). I will in the next few weeks get a bow and sign up at the Calgary Archery Club to practice. The bow and arrow felt very natural to me, and I intend on possibility getting a long bow so that I can hunt birds while walking (compound bow is not that responsive and you hunt while waiting in a tree - boring).

Another harvest from my garden.

Homemade salsa!

And a beet salad with nasturisium flowers and quebec goat cheese. Yum!

Since I had to get a fishing license for the weekend camp, I'm considering heading out this evening to fish for trout or maybe early morning.

Berry Picking, Jam Making and Flower Essences

2008-08-03T07:55:00.000-07:00

I spent part of Friday at the Saskatoon Berry Farm by Okotoks. After a wonderful breakfast, I headed out to berry pick. I was totally engrossed by berry picking (some might say a touch of obsessive compulsive disorder). I wouldn't even stop to tie my shoe laces and when my two buckets were full, I had to walk back with my head down so I wouldn't see the wonderful berries on the trees. I picked about 10 pounds of huge saskatoon berries in just over an hour. Next was jam making:

Wash the berries.

Dry the berries.

Mash the berries.

Make juice to add to the berries (nanking cherries picked from a neighbor's tree - with permission of course).

The finished product - ready for the freezer.

Saturday, I made a flower essence blend.

Borage looks incredible - almost like a bird in flight.

This is the blend. Borage to help overcome depression (since Bow's death), Chamomile for healing and blessings, Oregano for love magic and Parsley to help the souls of the dead. You leave the flowers in water for approximately 3 hours in the sunlight (or in the moonlight) then mix the liquid with apple cider vinegar or brandy. I was going to order some flower essence online but with my herb/vegetable garden, I had the flowers I needed to make my own.

Blessed be.

Lammas 2008 - Farewells & Blessings

2008-07-31T19:22:00.000-07:00

After our wonderful Bow left us last week, our friend's mother also decided to leave. Bow was her favourite dog in the "pack" and I'm very glad he was there to greet her. She had been in the hospital many months, but we only visited her once. It definitely was her time and I hope it was peaceful.

Tomorrow is Lammas or in order words the first harvest of the year. I will bake bread and thank the Goddess for the many joys she has given me. I think many people have forgotten their history and way of life. I guess I'm an oddity for cooking from scratch as often as I can. Funny, my mother mentioned that her friend was a bit silly for making homemade yogurt when you can buy a huge bucket for essentially the same price as milk. Silly or connecting with her heritage (Lebanese). My mennonite relatives made bread from scratch and I will do the same (though I won't grind my wheat).

Just like gardening, cooking from scratch is serious therapy for this chaotic world. Oh, I forgot berry-picking and taking a bath. The saskatoons are ready, so I probably will be berry-picking tomorrow (if I'm lucky). My perfect day would be an awesome breakfast, run in the forest along with intensive berry-picking, light lunch by a stream, gardening in the afternoon, a lazy supper with a glass of wine, a hot bath, a great massage and a good book before sleeping. Who could ask for more??

Happy Lammas (eat some bread tomorrow!)

Running Again

2008-07-26T18:38:00.000-07:00

When I came home from work Thursday and Friday, my right knee was aching. Yes, I have previously injured this knee, but it hasn't acted up for a long time. I soon realized why it was hurting. Bow wanted to go for a run.

In his prime, Bow was my constant running partner. Most of the time he liked trailing right behind me and I knew I was safe with him (he did "scare" away a grizzly once when we were in Kananaskis). He stopped running with me about three years ago due to a bad shoulder, but he still perked up when I got my runners on. I really missed running with him and our big girl, Amber, isn't much of a runner (we run/walk once or twice a week).

This morning, Bow joined me on my run. We took a familiar trail through the Weaselhead and this time Bow took the lead most of the way, but waited for me at the top of hills. We picked some berries near the end (Bow always enjoyed foraging and berries were his favourite). When we arrived at our destination, Paul and Amber were there to greet us. Amber talked wildly (very unusual) and that's how I knew Bow was still there. It was a wonderful run.

Amber really misses the old guy. Amber loved Bow and always wanted to snuggle with him. He wouldn't have this as he always preferred to sleep alone. In his old age and with his dementia, he sometimes forgot this preference and would join Amber on her doggie bed - much to her enjoyment. She would also lick him when he was being petted (Bow loved to be petted and he would allow Amber to lick him as long as he was being petted).

Everyone in the house is still grieving. Being a pagan, I know death is natural and not to be feared, but I think the living can't help but grieve for themselves. Life just goes too fast. Seize the run (day)!

I'm Out of Here

2008-07-23T18:32:00.000-07:00

Just a few weeks ago, this was Bow's happy go-lucky attitude (this picture taken two months ago). Despite having dementia for several years, he was happy and affectionate.

This happiness disappeared very rapidly in the past two weeks. He lost his awareness and his strong spirit decided to leave. "Bow" wasn't left anymore and we released his body today at 5:25 PM with our vet, my husband and I crying.

Bow came to us about 11 years ago when we adopted him from the Calgary Humane Society with the help of a friend who home cared for the Humane Society (she said she had found our dog). The Society made it very clear that we were adopting a senior dog with special needs. Only Bow's gentle and loving personality had saved him from being destroyed because he was at least 7 or 8 years old and would likely not be adopted. Nobody ever though he would last this long. Obviously his mixed origins that included blue heeler and his spirit made him a strong dog.

Bow came on walks with us every day until the past few months when he would selectively come (still four or five times a week). Even with dementia, his body instinctively knew he would get an elk bone every night and he started bugging us a good half an hour before bed time. He would always get off his dog bed to greet me when I got home from work and he loves being petted. He's been deaf for years and he was almost blind, but still happy.

He retired from being my running partner only a few years ago. His spirit was willing but his body was showing its age. He still perked up when I put on my running shoes. Before when we ran, he would give me little tiny nips (love bites) asking me to hurry up so we could get on the trail.

We miss you Bow, but we'll catch up with you soon enough.

Return to Civilization

2008-07-10T20:33:00.000-07:00

The high arctic was amazing and I happen to catch this lone bull walking over the tundra.

We luckily hit the prime flower season and although it looks barren in the distance, it definitely wasn't. Flowers were everywhere and the smell was captivating.

This is the mastodon flower. Though it may be somewhat common in the North, our guide had only seen this flower once before. I've been told that it is called the "mastodon" flower because the mastodons of the ice age use to eat it. I didn't grab a bite so I'm not sure what the attraction was, but it amazing that this flower has lasted so long. It is definitely one of the largest flowers in the high arctic.

It was an amazing trip and I have many mixed feelings about being back in civilization. Especially since I'm back doing overtime at work. Crazy!

Returning

2008-06-21T15:57:00.001-07:00

After three years away from the High Arctic (and two years away from the north), my husband and I are returning to Banks Island. It is a balmy 1 deg C in Sachs Harbour right now and we are now prepared for this wonderful weather (it is no wonder there are rarely any bugs). Packing is complete and we are flying out of Edmonton early Monday morning.

It is strange but empowering to be in a place on the edge of civilization. People have been there intermittently for several thousand years but these people have left only a bit of evidence. Muskoxen rule this world now and I hope to film a tiny glimpse of this world. I also hope to feel the connection I felt in 2001.

Happy belated Solstice (grilled lamb, cheese bread, salad and strawberries to celebrate last night)!

Herb of the Year

2008-06-12T19:32:00.001-07:00

Calendula (also know as pot marigold) is the 2008 herb of the year. I have several blooming despite the cool, wet weather, which finally broke today. Although showers are still in the forecast in the next few days, there will still be lots of sunshine.

A happy flower like this one is needed after a long, busy day at work. Things will be very busy before holidays. I've hit three cities in just over a week: LA, Vancouver and Chicago. Soon I'll be visiting more interesting places like Inuvik, Sachs Harbour and the Thomsen River. Just give me those tundra tires and I'm set for the flight. I'll be saying hello to musk oxen, lemmings, arctic foxes, falcons, cranes, and many more. If I'm lucky, a friendly grizzly bear or arctic wolf may be in my near future.

A coworker thought lemmings weren't real - just a made-up creature. They may be strange and a bit mysterious, but they are definitely real. In 2001, I took the opportunity to "pet" an arctic lemming. After our guide caught one (with ease since they always "strike a pose" before they head down the hole), I petted it gently. It was very tame and reminded me of a hamster. I suspect a lemming would make a wonderful pet, but alas the lemming is crucial to the arctic. Cycles of lemmings reflect cycles of other arctic species such as the arctic fox (who can also be very tame and no they do not have white fur in the summer, only winter).

Arctic Dreaming (and working like a maniac). Cheers!

The Forest

2008-05-31T18:34:00.001-07:00

The forest has many wonderful things. On my late morning walk with the big girl, I grabbed a few snapshots.

A simple dandelion shows a savage beauty. I wonder why people would rather have a green lawn than beautiful flowers (dandelions) all over their yard. Unfortunately, with the city bylaw one cannot indulge this fancy.

Catch in the act! An "almost" obscene picture of a busy bee.

Just a random photo can pick up for forest light as it streams through. I am always amazed by it.

Bright, shiny and friendly. A happy leaf says hello!

Before the bee, I captured this tiny white spider crawling its way across a flower.

Maybe tonight I will walk again in the forest. I'm so lucky this place is in the middle of Calgary.

Rain Garden

2008-05-25T09:47:00.001-07:00

Gardening in a light rain is always better than not gardening!

I planted a strawberry in one of the cinderblock openings I have around the garden. Every opening is now full of some sort of plant (herbs, flowers, etc).

A close-up of my garden and the runic script I added last year "As the norns weave your fate, let the wind take you." It is amazing how a concrete wall can be "spiritually" enhanced with a bit of paint and imagination.

A chive plant given to me by my parents. Something I will use often and I hope it is happy in my garden.

An overview of my garden. I added some hemp string this morning to allow the pole beans to climb (and shade beets and spinach). Notice that I moved the cold frame and please ignore the clean-up that has to be done around the garden.

Tonight I will host my parents and sister for dinner. Supper will include: Alberta grown asparagus, organic chicken and mustard greens/herbs (from my garden), and BC grown red potatoes. I haven't decided on dessert yet, but I do have BC apples, frozen cranberries and Alberta grown oats. Unfortunately my parent's rhubarb is not ready to be stolen.

Sounds like tomorrow will be rain again. All the plants seem to love it, but I suspect the Sun God will show his face again soon. Off to find the Green Man with our big dog.

Grow!

Birds and Chocolate

2008-05-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

Even though I felt a bit under the weather this morning, our big girl and I went for a run anyway. As we ran down this long hill in Weaselhead, I noticed a plastic bag fluttering then disappearing. It seemed strange, so I walked over to the edge of the path. The plastic bag was a big white tail of a deer. The deer paused and another lady walking her dog and I watch the deer for a few minutes. So quiet that even our big girl didn't notice it.

As we approached the end of the run (actually run/walk), there were hundreds of birds swirling around me catching bugs. It was quite amazing and I thought about returning with my video camera, but some things are not meant to be recorded.

This encounter wasn't enough to boost my mood for the entire day and I relied on some chocolate (chips and hemp brownies). As I looked out of our front door this evening, the ground was moving. I don't know why, but lately birds are hanging out on our front lawn (or rather former front lawn - now it is covered with mostly rocks, shrubs, mulch and pine cones). There are so many little tiny birds that the ground does really appear to be moving.

Why birds? I'm not sure. It has been raining for several days and turned everything green. The robins are getting fat on worms and swallows are catching the little flying bugs. The Gods and Goddesses are sending us gifts through the air.

Blessed be.

Gardening Places

2008-05-19T14:02:00.003-07:00

There are micro and macro gardening spaces. I find myself attracted to both. I found this cheery little guy hanging out by one of my sage plants.

There is my expensive ($120) greenhouse. I'm thinking that I might be able to squeeze a few more plants in it. What do you think? For those colder nights, I turn on the heater (okay the heater was $85).

Tonight I need to harvest some greens from my cold frame. It is time and I really can't believe I can harvest anything in May (in Calgary anyway).

I planted six trees yesterday. These ones went behind our big rock: two yellow willows and a dogwood. This combination should be wonderful in the summer and winter. I am definitely partial to willows. Of course, I did an informal tree blessing ritual for all the newly planted trees.

This last picture is really highlighting our new little bird bath. A book I recently finished "Great Garden Companions" recommended that I provide some water for the birds and good insects. With the bumblebees finding a home in our backyard, I thought it should be close to their nest.

There is something very primal in gardening. I think this affects a lot of people. Growing plants is a part of our culture despite the farms. Anyway my sister just showed up with the chive plant I forgot at my parents' house - got to go.

Blessed be!

Gardening, Gardening, Gardening

2008-05-18T09:34:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, I can't find the camera, but my $120 4' x 6' greenhouse is packed with plants. I have many cucumber and tomato plants (bought the tomato plants, but grew the cucumber) along with lots of herbs and companion plants (i.e. sweet annie, chamomile, marigold, calendula, chives, basil, tarragon, etc.) and a few strawberries. I've planted my garden with beets, beetberry (like spinach), pole beans, arugula, mustard greens, radishes, peas, carrots and onions. I have companion plants intermingled with the veggies and in the cinder block holes around the garden. I didn't plant the cinder blocks last year, but I'm half way finished planting them this year. I'm trying several herbs, flowers and strawberries.

I spent over three hours yesterday planting and arranging my mother's annuals (a late mother's day gift). Hopefully, she'll like it since she comes back from Edmonton today. I also set up an upside down tomato plant with sage and a trailing yellow flower planted on top. I didn't have any hooks set up at my house, so she gets to experiment.

The bumblebees are out. I always debated about buying them a man-made nest which you place in the ground and have a tube run to the surface. But bees find their own way. I just saw a bumblebee crawl into a hole in our wrought iron fence - looks like a good place to shack up for the season!

Life is good!

Three Sisters

2008-05-11T12:46:00.001-07:00

When I was a kid, I always liked seeing Three Sister's mountain near Canmore. I was one of three sisters (with a baby brother) and we use to argue which mountain peak was who. It has been four years without my older sister now and I know that this is the way it is and will be in my lifetime.

My mother, sister and I planted some pansies in the park this morning. A simple gesture but something my sister would like. Just to keep the moment real, a friend's dog peed on me just before my mother and sister showed up for the planting. I got some good sniffs from several dogs after that, but those dogs restrained themselves.

The park was beautiful and my husband and I walked the dogs after planting the pansies. The trees are finally starting to bud in Calgary and I can't tell you how wonderful it is.

Spring is finally here. Everything is new again.

Post-Beltane / True Spring

2008-05-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy but I managed to do a mini-hike with the dogs on Beltane (May 1). With most of the trees budding, it is beginning to feel like Spring and I have a ton of spring greens I have to harvest within the next week. I'm calling this "the salad dilemma" because my husband is away for several days in BC and I have to eat all the greens (right?).

While he's been away, I've had some technical difficulties: the phone going awry "sometimes" and our unused security system beeping (why use the security system when you have a 140 lb dog). Thank goodness for my sister who pulled out the fuse and put it back yesterday. It reset the system and I no longer have to hear any beeping in the bedroom.

Today it feels more like Beltane. My mother and I are heading to a local plant store and I'm hoping to get some strawberry plants, and perhaps some tomatoes. If I'm really keen, I will start the fire pit and have a small barbeque by myself, of course, with greens. Life in the fast lane.

New Winter

2008-04-21T19:56:00.000-07:00

After a few days of freezing temperatures and lots of snowfall, Spring might be returning - well, maybe not till next week. It isn't that strange for Calgary to have a spring snow storm, but it is strange that it sticks around for more than a few days. I covered my cold frame with blankets and a plastic cover for the storm and am now wondering when I can take it off (maybe Friday if I'm lucky). I knew there was a reason none our of trees were budding yet.

On a more interesting front, our big dog, Amber, has taken up watching the TV. After not having a TV for a very long time, I bought my husband a fair size one for Yule. Now Amber is wondering where the kittens are meowing (seriously, they are behind the TV), and the bears I filmed last summer should have a scent, but she can't seem to smell them. She is wonderful dog and we had some "snow-storm" running closeness yesterday morning. After being sick for almost two weeks, Amber and I are back on the trail. A crow followed us yesterday for about five minutes. This is where I want to be in the world - being followed or perhaps guided by a lone crow.

Blessed be!

Post-Houston

2008-04-13T16:03:00.000-07:00

Finally back home after a week in Texas. Hurrah! I came back with a cold and a husband with a new pair of cowboy boots. I must be a good wife because at the end of the conference we flew to El Paso so my husband could get his boots at J.B. Hill. The boots are great and I might eventually get some mules for myself. El Paso is what I expected of Texas - arid with wonderful mexican food. Houston, on the other hand, was hot and humid, and we toured a fairly posh area (The Woodlands). I could live in El Paso, but not Houston (everyone drives - public transportation is minimal). We did manage to catch up with some friends in Houston and their place was beautiful.

I'm glad to get the Houston trip out of the way. Now I can focus on seeing my niece in the near future.

Dark Moon - Revealed

2008-04-05T21:11:00.000-07:00

The dark moon symbolizes the crone, but also hides what is there. Until now. My husband got a call today from his daughter who was very concerned that he and I were in league with the devil. It seems that she saw some of my books on Wicca and has now proclaimed her concerns to her father. I was afraid of this. Though most of my family knows about my religious choice (my husband is not Wiccan but respects my choice), my husband's family did not until now. Both his daughters are born-again Catholics and though I have tried to show I respect their choices, I have clearly stated that I am not a Christian.

It saddens me that my relationship with the one daughter may change (the other daughter, my relationship is strained, but she called and said that "someone" is overreacting). Fear is a strange thing. I shouldn't have to state this, but I will - Wiccans and Pagans do NOT worship the devil. The devil is a christian creation. Religion is a personal matter and if worshipping as a Catholic is fulfilling for a person, good for you. I found that as a child and young adult, I was not fulfilled being a Christian (in my philosophy, no child should have any religion forced upon them despite their parents good intentions).

In simple terms, I have a close relationship with nature. I've been tempted to get a T-shirt (from a gardening store) that says "What would nature do?". Following nature's example and reading some Wiccan philosophy, my own definitions of right and wrong have drastically changed in the past four years. Black and white have merged into grey, and what is right for one person, may be wrong for another, but these are only perceptions.

I'm rambling. Time for a dark moon bath. Perhaps now I can wear the witchy t-shirts in the light instead of the darkness.

Start me up!

2008-03-21T15:56:00.003-07:00

It all started with a t-shirt my husband gave me yesterday. Once I had my coffee in me today, there was no stopping. Spring fever hit in a big way. It started with a run and trip to the farmer's market. Then there was the local gardening store where I got more supplies.

Seeds, seeds and more seeds. I started three trays of various potential plants.

I also picked up a few cauldron pots (made in England) to provide a witchy planting theme (or really a salad greens theme).

And in the end I planted the herb of the year.

After a small seed blessing ritual, I sat down to read a book and almost fell asleep. Spring hits hard.

Happy Ostara 2008

2008-03-20T19:34:00.000-07:00

Tonight I have a "bath" altar that honours Spring and the Anglo-Saxon Goddess Eostar whose symbols were the egg and the hare. My husband and I feasted on a vegetable full omelette and bread tonight (egg part) and we just saw a jackrabbit on the way home from the bookstore (hare part). Spring is here though in Calgary we only have a taste, but a taste is enough. Life is slowly awakening and I feel like I can finally breathe.

Tomorrow, I run, collect my taxes, plant some seeds under the moon and be thankful for my family. Tonight I find peace with the Goddess.

Blessed be.

Grow Lights

2008-03-16T06:39:00.000-07:00

Just before heading out for a run, I thought I would do a quick blog. Here are my "super" expensive grow lights. Instead of spending $$$ on a special contraption for plant starting, I decided to attach a few fluorescent lights to a 2 x 4 and support the 2 x 4 with some wood. It is easily adjustable with a few books.

-23 deg C with the windchill. My mother called and assumed I wouldn't be running (we're meeting after the run). Crazy girl.

Run, run, run!

Wind

2008-03-01T09:10:00.000-08:00

This morning the big girl and I went for a run. Actually it was more of a walk since Amber wasn't keen on running today. So we walked most of the route in the gusting wind. I felt so much energy from the wind and, of course, as we started across the reservoir, a beautiful bald eagle soared above us. Even Amber noticed the eagle right away because it wasn't even 10 feet above us. The eagle was enjoying the wind gusts and just floating above the reservoir.

I love encounters with wildlife and I have yet to have a negative encounter (though a friend did temporarily piss off the bird kingdom and she and I were chased by a grouse - not my karma. My karma included a stray dog that chased off the grouse for us). Even though I live in the city, I still have wildlife, the forest and prairies front and center in my life. A few days ago I ran in Fish Creek and ran by around 7 deer. All of them looked at me but didn't run away. I definitely am becoming less of a threat and perhaps more of a curiosity. Hopefully the muskox will feel the same for our Banks Island trip.

If you want to check out an amazing encounter, check out youtube.com and search for battle at kruger. Super-amazing!

An aunt is in the hospital after her hip replacement, so I'll head for a visit today.

Blessed be!

Jumping the Gun

2008-02-24T13:26:00.001-08:00

Today I had intentions on starting some seeds, but when I looked at the timing to start the seeds, not a one was ready to plant in February. I did manage to place my cold frame on the garden this morning and hopefully it will be only a few weeks till the soil will be ready for planting. We had a taste of Spring that last few days and I have to be patient. Spring is around the corner, but so is Spring winter storms.

Moon Madness

Last week, my husband and I enjoyed the sights, but not the sounds and chaos of the lunar eclipse. Our local observatory invited people to come see the eclipse and had two professors give talks on the moon. The first Dr. Kelley was talking about the ancient beliefs about the moon - something I was definitely interested in, so we headed out of town to the observatory. We arrived grabbing the second last parking space in their small parking lot. That should have been the first sign.

Things didn't seem so bad at first. While waiting for the lecture, we enjoyed the beautiful moon and spoke to a few people. Two minutes into the lecture I realized that this was extremely boring and I think failed to highlight the emotional impact of "blood red" moon to ancient people. My husband stuck around for a few more minutes of the lecture before he followed me outside. There seemed like a lot of strange people around, so we decided to leave. By now, there were hundreds of people there and still more coming.

The slim two lane gravel road up to the observatory was now a single lane with vehicles parked on both sides, but we started down. The family in front of us came to a full stop when another vehicle was driving up. He spoke to the lady who was trying to get to the top to drop off her handicapped daughter. Sounded reasonable and we agreed to backup until we could get off the road. However, the lady behind us absolutely refused to move, so we were at a stalemate for around 20 minutes until the lady with the handicapped daughter backed up (this was not an easy task as it was very narrow and she needed a spotter). Terrible that the older lady refused to move because she just had to backup only 50 feet to get out of the way. When we left, there were still tons of people coming. I'm so glad we left - it was definitely a lesson to me. Moon grazing is not a team sport.

Great Encounter / Great Breakfast

2008-02-18T10:20:00.000-08:00

An early morning run started with a magical encounter, namely a front row seat to a coyote opera. I took the big girl this morning and as we were running towards the bridge in Weaselhead, I saw a coyote out of the corner of my eye. I stopped and held Amber very gently. The coyote approached us and stopped within about 20 feet. I let out a howl and the coyote responded with barking, yipping and howling. It was a wonderful performance and even Amber was in awe. After the performance, the star of the show sauntered away leaving me speechless. A good start to the morning.

After the run/walk, my husband and I went out for breakfast at the Good Earth cafe. Lattes, breakfast panini and a southwestern scramble (everything appropriately sized - not a huge breakfast) made a second wonderful start to the day.

I was going to post this last weekend, but here it is - our french toast breakfast. Christmas Italian Cake makes the best french toast ever.

Life is good and I think my family enjoys the little things.

Putting Together a Cold Frame

2008-02-17T20:11:00.000-08:00

After two weekends of difficulties, I finally invited my sister over to help finish putting together my cold frame. After figuring out a few things last weekend, I could have easily put it together myself if the instructions hadn't mysteriously disappeared. I'm lucky to have a sister who is handier than anyone else I know (oh to have a handy husband - just a dream because he's more hashy bashy than myself). Within a half an hour, we had it together. In the next few days, I will put it out on my garden and hope the sun melts the snow and heats the soil. I hope to start some "cold weather" vegetables in April (probably start some seeds within the next few weeks).

It has been a busy few weeks. We're paying off our mortgage this Friday (hurrah!), my husband is retiring (again), I'm starting to get very busy at work, I'm planning a trip to Houston for a presentation (oh yah, I have to have a draft in by the end of the month), my husband's friend wants to store a car in our garage until Spring (cleaning out half the garage by next week - I'm definitely not keen on this), I'm delivering flyers this coming weekend for my yearly political contribution, etc, etc. Is life ever not busy?

In truth, I'm spent a lot of time recently just being. It seems like my friends are doing the same because I haven't seen them in a while. It feels like my list of things to do just seems to interfere with the joy of just being. Usually I can't sit still and spring fever has yet to really hit though I do have lapses of the gardening variety. I know Spring is just around the corner and though I long for the smell of Spring, I love the restfulness of winter. I have to transform myself to accept the changing season (it goes way too fast) and hope that I will continue to find joy in each season.

A Blessed Imbolc

2008-02-02T19:48:00.000-08:00

Though it doesn't feel like spring, there is the hope of spring at Imbolc. It is the celtic holiday meaning "in the belly" referring to lambing season. It was a beautiful sunny winter day. My husband, my sister (post PRK surgery) and I went to the farmer's market in the morning. After a very satisfying breakfast of crepes and lattes, we walked through the market at a leisurely pace. I picked up a farm fresh chicken for supper and some blueberries from New Zealand (yes, a long way from Calgary, but worth a taste). My sister was keen on trying some chicken sausage (she doesn't eat red meat) from a vendor that only sells chicken sausage with no preservatives.

The big girl and I went for a mid afternoon run through the forest and we stopped by to give the Chickedees (spelling?) some bird seed. I called to them and they immediately came over to see what I had brought. After laughing at them, we sauntered down the trail. After the bitterly cold weather this past week (wind chill as low as -50 deg C), it was nice to stretch my legs in the sun. Even the big girl was getting cabin fever!

In my tiny world, rituals are all about simplicity. A beeswax pillar candle (bought at the market) and a dish of snow made a beautiful Imbolc centerpiece. A toast to the Goddesses Frigga and Bridget with blueberry wine from Newfoundland and a wonderful meal of roasted chicken, spaghetti squash, cauliflower, a wilted salad and a yogurt-cucumber salad made the evening rich. Some hot chai and blueberry crisp topped off the wonderful meal.

Now is bath time. A time to cleanse, relax and think about the life that is hidden under the snow.

Blessed Imbolc!

The Dirty Deed

2008-01-27T06:47:00.000-08:00

After taking another dip into that hopelessness of humanity, I now own a cell phone. I should have known something was up when I saw a raven fly over me and land on a sign at the mall (ravens are extremely uncommon in Calgary - they prefer the mountains). Within five minutes of seeing the raven, I slowed to a stop for two pedestrians at a crosswalk and was rearended by a red volkswagon (I was 10 feet back from the pedestrians, so they were safe). We both pulled over immediately and there appeared to be no damage, but I still wanted to file a police report. The lady agreed to drive to the police station only a few blocks away, but instead decided to drive off. I didn't get any information (though I was offered it). I don't think it was a mistake on my part to be "trusting" and I suspect the lady drove home and didn't tell her boyfriend about the accident (it was his new car - think a man would notice his front bumper being pushed in?? Ha!).

But the gods still protect me as I definitely do not have whiplash. My neck is feeling great this morning and I went for a long run at dusk yesterday. Thank goodness for my strong "judo" neck (all you non-judo people have necks like jelly - believe it!) and the fact I was wearing a norse pendant to protect me during travel. Yes, my car is damaged and the back bumper has definitely been pushed down (not in). I even have a volkswagon imprint on the back. The car has over 200,000 km and is definitely not worth fixing. The cop figured that it was still safe to drive and said that the damage was definitely over $1000.

I first thought this second hit and run incident was about me driving my late sister's vehicle, but after talking with my younger sister and husband, they both agreed it means I need a cell phone. I often go running in the forest alone and my sister said that even if I never get hurt, I could find someone that needs help. This is beyond true. My husband and I helped a kayaker contact her husband after she flipped her kayak in the headwaters of the reservoir and nearly drowned this past summer (I was surprised she was able to get out of her flipped kayak with all the debris). An immediate greeting from me (as she was whistling for help) and a talk to her husband helped her calm down. Though she had several scrapes, the incident really upset her (as it would me). Cell phones are neither good or bad, and I have broken down and now have one.

Though my faith in humanity briefly dipped, I now have my faith restored again. I am reminded of a recent incident in the news. A man was using an ATV along his trap line. He got into an accident and the ATV flipped and pinned his leg. After four days and eating some rotten beaver meat, he was found by a man walking his dog. The dog walker said that he had never taken this route before, but felt compelled to do it that day. Life is stranger than fiction.

Blessed be!

Winter's Day in January

2008-01-20T12:06:00.000-08:00

Our juniper loves to sleep during this weather. It has snowed for the last two days and Calgary definitely needs it.

Time for a puzzle, drinking some tea and relaxing (I ran yesterday with lovely light flakes coming down). With winter here, it is also time to dream about spring and summer. I have an empty alleyway alongside the house that has mortared stone and a wrought iron fence. This spring I will be renaming this "veggie alley". It gets quite a bit of sunlight and is an ideal place for growing vegetables and strawberries in containers. I also plan to start an early crop in my normal garden by bringing out my cold frame soon. I think this is the year for experimentation. I went shopping for seeds yesterday and this is what I got.
Of course, I'll have to plant the "Herb of the Year" for 2008: Calendula. It is a pretty flower (also called pot marigold) that is edible and used in lotions, etc.

Have fun garden planning!

Blessed be.