Elk Water

We had the most delightful time with the family at the lake again this year. It started with the facts that Jimmy and I did not get lost on our way (as we did last year), we were much better organized and so only had a couple stops on the way out (one year - maybe one year we can figure it out so that we have no stops) and as I was a year into Structure I was able to take Monday, the first off!  The only down point was that Dad wasn't able to join us until Sunday (but when he did . . . he came in with his smile flashing - oh yes he did)!

And it was a fantastic weekend indeed. The lodge mom rented was lovely, the boys were full of giggles and snuggles, and the weather was indeed beautiful for the end of June. We ate like kings (Kimmy put together the most yummy of menus), we found a reason to have ice cream every day, we hiked and played soccer, roasted hot dogs and went for drives.

So alas - you don't really care about my ramblings as much as you want to see the photos especially when they include my adorable nephews so here you go.

Summer Cruisin Continued

I promised you some more photos from our Mother's Day cruise in the mountains and here they are - finally!

We headed out through Kananaskis trying to avoid all the Canmore and Banff popularity. As we came around a corner I was looking out amongst the escape of trees and noticed something strange. Jimmy was already driving slow as it was a gravel road that was quite curvy. I quickly squealed to Jimmy to check it out - there was a man buck naked squatting down amongst the trees. We couldn't really tell what he was doing - but regardless - it shouldn't have called for him to do it naked - should it? Not really something I could take a picture of - but I am sure you have the mental image regardless.

Our adventure continued, alternating between gravel and pavement for a while. We had just crossed back onto pavement and so stopped to put the top down. The sun was shining and it was gorgeous out. This little critter slowly strutted his stuff across the road and so we were able to pull over and get a picture. Not sure exactly what it was but we are leaning towards a mink? Beautiful coat regardless!

We had packed a picnic lunch and were looking for a nicy, sunny spot to sit and enjoy the outdoors. We finally decided at Upper Kananaskis Lake that it was now or never. We could see these dark clouds rolling in over the mountain pass and knew the weather was not going to hold out. The wind was picking up blowing across the still frozen lake so we huddled in our sweaters and enjoyed a very quick 'picnic'!

You can really see the weather in this pic! Chilly!!

When the sun was shining, the mountains were exceptionally stunning! 

Such a great first topless cruise of the season.

Catching up

Whew a busy couple of weeks. But I am finally at home, catching up on shows and looking forward to a delightfully quiet weekend.

Toronto was absolutely fantastic and the Madonna concert was certainly a once in a life time experience! Julie and I had so much fun relaxing, lots and lots of chatting, some eating, a fair amount of walking and plenty of people watching. We lounged on the beach, we updated our fall wardrobes, we bought some shoes (one of the things I love about Julie is the fact that shoes are always purchased) and handbags - a beautiful satchel style one that I cannot wait to use - and had a couple of coffees. Oh how I loved every minute of that weekend!!!!!

After a 7 hour layover at my house in Calgary - Jimmy was whisking me back to the airport to head down to Fort Worth again.

And now here I am - after a week of spreadsheets and data validation, of demos and bad hotel meals - home I am. YAYE!!!

But all was not lost this week - I did squeeze in a visit with my dear friends down south and a chance to meet their new little one - the precious guy that he is!!!!!

Looking forward to lots of fun this weekend. Will be sure to fill you all in :)

Weekend of Family Fun and Frolic

I am dreadfully behind on some fun little pics for the blog. These are some that mom has been asking for and they definitely represent one of my most favorite weekends from the summer.

My side of the family met in Cypress Hills for a weekend get away. We planned the meals and packed games. Ensured our swim suits were handy and we had plenty of snacks. We stopped for pastrys and planned our ice cream walks. And alas had a weekend full of giggles, full bellies, splashes, exploring, picking berries, fire works, mini golf, bbq'ing and coffee.

Why are good byes so hard sometimes?!

What a terrific weekend but oh how I wished it was longer than two blissful days...

It was the most lovely of days: gorgeous weather, delicious Mexican, a little cowboying and swimming. Checking out this and that and sharing my new reality with Jimmy!

Alas cannot wait for the next four sleeps to zoom by!

--- 1 ---

Pizza on Friday has quickly become a little tradition for Jimmy and I.  It is the perfect way to end a crazy week. Especially since we both love it sooo much. Tonight rather than take out and relaxing at home with a movie it was this little pizza shop in Inglewood that I have been wanting to try for a while - Without Papers. Jimmy arranged the date out and I loved every minute of it. After another successful week at the office we headed directly over their and lucked out with a little table for 2. The Hog Wild and Hutch were our selections and both were equally delicious. (And we just might have come home for a little ice cream treat for dessert . . . )

I would highly recommend this restaurant - the staff were great, the ingredients so fresh and the atmosphere hopping. I would also highly recommend trying to nab a table earlier than later on a Friday night - especially if you land with a group larger than 2 and are starving.

--- 2 ---

Over dinner Jimmy told me that when he was researching pizza joints, he came across one which is owned by a guy who fell in love with Neapolitan style pizza while travelling. I cannot wait to travel through Italy. It is one of those countries that I dream of living in for 6 months or maybe 8 or even a year. I do hope that one day I get an international opportunity for work.

I dream of sitting at a table like this, enjoying a delicious meal of pasta and fresh cheese with bread . . .

Overlooking a view like this . . .

If Jimmy and I make this dream come true will any of you come visit???

--- 3 ---

It is pictures like the outdoor space above that gets me so excited about creating an outdoor oasis for ourselves in our own back yard. I would love to have a little outdoor fireplace, a cozy hot tub, a big huge rustic table for entertaining and a lovely little island for the bbq.

The backyard on the show Parenthood is gorgeous. I love the mix and match chairs and the big wooden table. The whimsical lights. It certainly emulates the feel I would like to replicate in our backyard.

We need a cool gate - it sets the tone I think.

A bbq island is a great way to set up an outdoor buffet, tuck a little fridge and plug in a blender to make a delicious watermelon lemonade.

I love the idea of a fire in the backyard but not necessarily a fire pit. So why not a fireplace? You can still roast marshmallows and make smores, enjoy the warmth and make banana boats . . .

--- 4 ---

If I had a Pinterest account, I guess all of this would be detailed there. But I must admit, I haven't jumped on that bandwagon yet. Not really too sure I understand it - do you? It looks like you just pin pics to categories. But don't you want to add some words - a little context - have the recipe for the watermelon lemonade?? Maybe I am just too chatty for Pinterest. That must be it!

--- 5 ---

Since i piqued your interest around the watermelon freeze, I figure I better not make you wait any longer. Here it is from one of my favorite blogs: Smitten Kitchen

Watermelon Lemonade

from Smitten Kitchen

Makes enough to fill two glasses with ice cubes; we quadrupled it to fill a pitcher. We already need more.

1/4 cup (2 ounces) fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup (4 ounces) fresh watermelon puree, strained through a coarse strainer to remove seeds
3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) simple syrup*
3/4 cup (6 ounces) cold water

Stir it all together and serve over ice. Garnish it with a thin watermelon or lemon wedge, if you’re feeling fancy.

--- 6 ---

Watermelon is my favorite summer fruit. I love how refreshing it is - so juicy and cold. I could have watermelon every day! Definitely what makes a summer picnic extra delightful.

--- 7 ---

I would like to try my hand at jam this summer. I had pineapple jam in Bali and it was incredible. Maybe I should try to make some watermelon jam? Bet that would be yummy!



For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

The Camp

Brent took us up to The Camp again this summer. I must say, the camp is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to visit when we go home to Nova Scotia.  There are a few others that can be included in this list: the cape, the beach, the wheel . . . so I was quite excited to take a trip up Brown's Mountain.

It was my first trip up during the day. The trees were a rich green and the ferns so lush. You could breathe it all in! It was the perfect afternoon to listen to Brent's tall tales, snap a few photos and enjoy the sunshine.

If you are dying to see the inside of the cabin, you can check out these pics I took last time.  Thanks Brent for the perfect afternoon!

A tale of things to come

So . . . I am back - finally!! Hee hee

It has been such a fun month though that I can't possibly wish to trade a moment of it for anything else.

Sneak preview of some posts to come:

Nova Scotia in all it's beauty (i love spending time with family and friends)

A little PEI (and some raspberry cordial of course)

Dallas and all my drawling friends (they are quite a delight . . . it is true!)

Wedding plans (eep . . . no we don't quite have a date yet and I am not positive on the colors but I am thinking about bachelor buttons . . . )

Road trips to the Gorge for a little Dave Matthews and Ben Harper (sigh . . . I do enjoy them)

And last but not least . . .

A new house (for the grown up painting of course)

gourmet hot dogs

So I had my first fancy schmancy hot dog the other day. The kind you load up with something other than ketchup and mustard. Honestly - not a drop of ketchup on the hot dog . . . . and it was delightful. More delightful than I imagined it would be. It could have had something to do with the delightful company. Or the fact that I was starving. Maybe the mountain air helps. Regardless, I would recommend it. Ranks up there with hot dogs at a ball game on a hot sunny day! Yum!

A breath of fresh air

Good Friday proved to be the perfect day to escape the city and its daily routine. We gassed up Zinny, and were off. Without a plan nor an end destination in mind, time granted us permission to stop wherever we wished. And stop we did . . .

We saw swans and bovines:

We witnessed geese skating

We made our way to the Rafter Six Ranch (they filmed Gunsmoke there you know . . . )

We drove through Canmore and took the long route home via Ghost Lake. The colors were spectacular.

We wondered over His handiwork