A new take on Pumpkin

Pumpkin Muffins, the very best indeed. So when we were at the pumpkin patch picking our that special pumpkin to carve we were told to fill up a bag with as many mini pumpkins we would like. Being that is was only one more day left until Halloween they were trying to find a way to get them off their hands. I gladly filled my bag so that it could barely close thinking of how I could add these to my fall decor, imagining how they would look sitting in a white bowl placed on my island. After chatting with the owner of the farm for a bit she gave me the idea to cook pumpkin muffins in hollowed out mini pumpkins. I was excited to try and it was a success twice over. I like those kind of recipes that are consistently successful. The best part is that as far as muffins go these ones are pretty tasty and decently healthy. I also used pumpkin puree made from our roasted pumpkin. I have never had pumpkin puree turn out so well.

I decided to document the pumpkin muffin attempt on my iphone and was pleased with how the pictures turned out.

Here is the recipe I used copied from this site.

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) whole wheat flour or unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) packed brown sugar or granulated sugar
• 2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) nutmeg
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) milk
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) pumpkin purée
• 1/4 cup (50 mL) vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup (150 mL) seedless raisins

Preparation

Whisk or stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg; set aside.

In large bowl, beat egg until foamy. Beat in milk, pumpkin and oil. Sprinkle first with flour mixture, then raisins. With wooden spoon, stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. Spoon into 12 lined or greased muffin cups, filling each no more than three-quarters full.

Bake in 375°F (190°C) oven for about 25 minutes or until muffins have peaked in centre and are golden brown. Remove from pans and let cool on rack. Turn out muffins and carefully peel off paper liners if using.

Instead of cooking them in muffin liners I used hollowed out mini pumpkins and cooked then for the same time and temperature.

The remainder of October

What else did October have in store well...

One weekend took us up to Rockridge Retreat Center in Princeton.  I helped organize a getaway retreat for 60 of our young adult members.  It was a restful weekend that included shooting stars. The drive home and the potential threat of my car stalling was not restful

Halloween weekend we found ourselves in Whistler.  During the Canucks playoffs my family and boyfriend won 5 vouchers to stay at a hotel in Whistler.  You had to be the one of the first three callers in with the number of the player who scored the Canucks winning goal if they won.  That number equalled how much you would pay for one night stay at the hotel.  Thank you Burrows.  Parking our car in the underground lot cost more that our room.  Finally pumpkin carving. 

Self-portrait and a Thankful Heart

We are only halfway into this month and I have so many highlights already. Strolling down old Fort Langly during the Cranberry Festival. This is our second year in a row and I am positive it won't be our last. There is so much to take in; the foods, the smells, the handmade items, the antiques, and of course the people. Bought 4 pounds of fresh cranberries and plan on baking with them. Spent thanksgiving weekend traveling to three different dinners and yes all of them included turkey and stuffing. I am truly blessed to have a great and loving family who loves to spend time together. I am blessed with friends who are welcomed into the family and feel like they belong. I am blessed with a boyfriend who enjoys good food, cooking good food, and good company. Kayaked in the pouring rain with my boyfriend and cousin from out of town. We had a really great adventure and when you are prepared and dressed for the weather anything can be fun. Tackled the 2.5 hour challenging high ropes course in Maple Ridge at WildPlay. I love these types of adventures. It was worth the Groupon purchase. Hiked the Baden Powell Trail in Deep Cove to the lookout were we were graced with natures beauty. Played Rumoli and laughed the entire game. Laughing like that is good for the soul and I thoroughly enjoyed the time together with my siblings and friends. October what else do you have in store? I can't wait!

It's about time

Okay so it has been way too long since my last blog. I haven't forgotten just busy, preoccupied, distracted, board, or lazy. These are all excuses that fit my lack of blogging at one time or another. Anyways I captures some spaces around my house that I enjoy and thought you might as well. That is if anyone even glances at this site anymore. Maybe I will make a few more guest appearances in the near future. I hope that it is true because blog I really do miss you. It is like a love hate relationship. I love reading other peoples blogs and am always inspired. I like writing my own and uploading pictures. But... often I don't find the time, forget, or can't think of anything worth blogging. It is a sad excuse. On a brighter note I have found a new way to bookmark my favorite things on the vast Internet. Are you ready... it is called Pinterest. If you leave a comment and bug me enough it may encourage me to blog my next entry about this great new site. Well thats all for now. Short and sweet.

Update on 27@27

Remember this...

...well the year is progressing and now it is 2011 and I only have 1 month to cram in everything that hasn't been completed.

1. Finished a quilt (should post a picture)

2. Olympics mini album haven't started but there is still Spring Break.

3. Blog updates it has been more like once a month (hang head in shame)

4. Went on some trips but never go to set up the tent yet...

5. Canvas pictures x4 should arrive this week... looking forward to adding decor to my walls.

6. Is body spray close enough? Vanilla sent from Holister.

7. Yes, I celebrated my completion of the graduate diploma by treating myself to an iPhone ... couldn't help it... now I'm addicted.

8. Yes, the garden party was a success complete with hanging paper lanterns. (another picture I should post)

9. Oh China...

10. Been swing dancing once but no dance lessons yet... I do have a potential partner now. (Curious?)

11. Weather please warm up, I love you snow but you make the ground pretty cold to sit on. Although I am remembering a sorta picnic with my roomate last August at Whiterock beach which included fish and chips, and a stack of library books.

12. Whose idea was that...that is a lot of dishes.

13. went skiing at Whistler for the first time instead. Great day.

14. still planning

15. Check mark. Family Field trip to Lynn Canyon and Fish Hatchery.

16. I would need a kite first.

17. Yet another excuse... my computer start up disk is too full to download the program. Need new computer without a cracked screen preferably.

18. Yes, done that...let's see... (come back to me on that one)

19. Still dreaming

20. Ongoing.

21. Starting a new class tomorrow. Ask me about it later. (mums the word right now)

22. Not yet but I sill have 4 weeks

23. Sometimes I surprise myself. Received 8-10 boxes of chocolates for Christmas and haven't been snaking on any of them. Giving them away to others.

24. Still sitting in my garage. Thankfully I have lots of storage in my garage.

25. Failed

26. Failed but not because I didn't try it just that tomatoes were picky about their growing conditions.

27. Been praying lots thanks to someone who has been encouraging me.

2010 Award Ceremony

So after a year of intermittent blogging it is time to wrap up the year with some highlights and of course pictures must be incorporated otherwise it wouldn't be worth the blog.

And the awards go to...

1. The saddest moment shared between technology and myself. (cracked computer screen)

2. The best way to be apart of something. (Flash Mob

3. The perfect reason to own a home... so you can decorate.

4. The best love moment capture. (The chapel bells ringing)

5. The best way to experience the Olympics. (Tier 3 Driver)

6. The cutest couple who are just too photogenic.

7. The most delicious and perhaps creative birthday celebration.

8. The best DIY project.

9. The most educational family outing. (Capilino Salmon Hatchery)

10. The best time to be a Maid of Honor. (Nicole & Alejandro's wedding)

11. The best place to experience serenity. (Hornby Island)

12. The best time to get messy and creative.

13. The most entertaining and informative tour. (Underground tour in Seattle)

14. The best time to feel the Canadian Spirit. (Athletes Village)

15. Best living in the moment. (Candid jumping shot)

Dive into a good book...

...and let your imagination soar. Oh, the places you'll go!

Beware

Summer Wedding

I had the wonderful opportunity to join a friend on a wedding shoot this summer. I had a blast trying out new lenses, testing the capabilities of my camera, stepping out and trying something new. I have never taken so many pictures in one day.

The bride and groom picked a beautiful location at Capilano Park and were graced with fantastic weather. I loved the chinese umbrellas which allowed for some shade from the sun and was a great prop. The regional park provided a great backdrop for the wedding party shoots.

Check out Cheryl's blog for her stunning photos.

Anthroplogie

Just let the love begin. There are so many things to love in this store it is just too bad that there isn't one a little closer to home. Something about the vintage chic style, the freshly painted and decorated display areas, the texture and perfectly embellished clothes makes you fall in love with every item in the store. So a made a purchase partly because I just fell in love with the store and partly because it was a must have shirt that I now treasure and love the memories it conjures every time I put it on.

From House to a Home

I moved into my place over a year ago and love the transformation it has undergone to become a home. The DIY projects, garage sale finds, treasured items I have been collecting, photographs, and house plants all add to the details of making it a home. It all makes me happy every time I step in each room.

Jump

Jump

into the wind

take a big leap

don't hold back

don't look back

just Jump

Card Making for Father's Day

This weekend has been full of creativity and I wouldn't have it any other way. My sister recently bought a Cricut Expression and it has been fun cutting out various shapes. I can see this tool being very useful in my classroom, and wouldn't mind borrowing my sisters from time to time. We both plan on setting a few days aside in the summer to create different shapes and calendars to use in the classroom. In the meantime this is a card I put together for Father's Day. It was fun turning paper strips into ruffled paper, setting eyelets without an eyelet setter, and adding a touch of medal to this masculine looking card.

27@27

Olympic Montage

A glimpse of the cities first official day of the Olympics. All photos taken Feb. 13, 2010 as Sheldon and I walked around to absorb the Olympic fever.

1. Olympic relay torch 2. Heineken House 3. Heineken on tap 4. Holland House 5. Richmond Olympic Oval. 6. Elvis Stojko 7. Mitten Mob 8. Flag wrap 9. Outdoor Olympic cauldron

SIX

I have been nervously anticipating my first passenger who needs to be transported to their destination of choice. So far all my travels in the GMC Olympic vehicles have been either mock runs with fake passenger pick ups and drop offs or route practices.

Sheldon and I managed to be placed on the same driving team based out of YVR. We of course bring our school work to read during the long waiting periods in between vehicle request. As we wait under the white tent at the staging area, located in the long term parking lot, we share stories with other driving team

members. Most drivers haven't had to pick up any real passengers yet but have some familiarity with the routes due to previous mock runs while others are newbies.

The best part about the YVR routes is the unknown tunnel. This tunnel isn't even accessible to the taxi drivers but typically for service vehicles and temporary for Olympic vehicles. It is as if we have the secret code to some video game that will allow us to jump the cue spitting us out right at the loading bay for international flights.

Today was the day to test my knowledge of the streets of

Vancouver, to welcome the Olympic guest into my vehicle and judge whether the situation warranted a lively conversation, small talk, or peace and quiet. Today I had my first passengers, all of whom arrived at the airport wanting to be dropped off at their hotel, which will be their place of residence for the next 3 plus weeks.

"Charlie 1183 this is your blue team lead. Charlie 1183 come in."

"Blue team lead this is Charlie 1183 You have been granted pass through the tunnel and are to proceed to domestic arrivals level two staging area. You are to wait for further instruction from the load zone attended upon the particulars of your passenger."

I am second in line at the domestic area waiting with great anticipation for passengers to exit through those censored doors. The loading zone is scattered with blue jackets as we chat about who the possible arrivals are and where their hotels are located. We have a rough schedule of names and locations but unscheduled passengers seem to be more frequent than the known ones on this particular morning. There is talk that a driver may have to drop off a passenger at a hotel in Vancouver, along with the possibility of a Prince arriving, and Rebecca Scott, the Canadian cross country skier.

Well, we never did receive the passenger that was headed north, nor the Prince, but Rebecca Scott did walk through those doors and I was the lucky person, okay the next in the cue, to drive her to the Olympic Family Hotel.

My head was spinning as I was focusing on the road, trying to remember what streets I had to turn onto, asking if she was comfortable, trying to make small talk without making myself look stupid, and while all making it all look natural as if I did this everyday. Things ran smoothly.

Now, being an old pro after my first drive I could relax a little. My next passengers, or should I say cargo was headed to the Athletes Village. I followed Sheldon as he drove the Netherland coaches to their accreditation center in the village. We dropped them off and took a moment to snap some pictures next to the Inukshuk, hey we can be tourists too.

NINE, EIGHT, SEVEN

I was once told by a wise person that if you want something accomplished to ask a busy person. A busy person is able to manage their schedule in such a fashion that they could probably squeeze in one more task and are more than likely able to accomplish the task opposed to a lethargic person. I am that busy person; but loving all the excitement, hype, new faces, planning, and stories that is accompanying my busyness at the moment. Right now, my days are filled to capacity as I stand on the edge of today with my hand held at my brow peering into tomorrow. Teaching, interim reports, Olympic volunteer, workshops, SFU course work, Field Study project and my to do list, along with completing the daily essentials for existent currently keep me breathless.

So when one is given the precious gift of a day they don't waste it. My volunteer shift for the Olympics has been canceled for tomorrow which means, I won't have to wake up at 4:00 am to pack a snack or second breakfast, eat a hearty breakfast, and get ready to be out the door for 5:00. It means I won't have to drive into the heart of Vancouver before dawn to the Burrard compound. It means I won't have to check in to my volunteer shift and hurry up and wait for further instruction. It means I won't have to study the streets and avenues of Vancouver from a 8 1/2 by 11 coil bound book to decipher which direction is east and west. It means that I won't have to sit and wait for dispatch to radio in the next passenger pick up. It means I won't have to eat a surprise sandwich and packaged cookie in the common area. It means I won't have to make my way home after ten hours of sitting on my tush and take a nap so I can enjoy my evening. All because I have been given the gift of a day. I plan on taking full advantage of it.

Ten

10. Volunteering as a driver and meeting some international people.

9. Passing on the spirit of the Olympics to my students

8. Going for the Gold and keeping track of our athletes success

7. Swapping Olympic stories

6. Taping the opening and closing ceremonies

5. Wearing and being able to keep the cool Olympic volunteer uniform

4. Seeing the city come alive as they believe and spread cheer during the Olympics

3. Attending the opening ceremonies rehearsal

2. Being on the lookout for my brother during his creative movement portion of the Closing ceremonies.

1. Watching as many events as I can.

Eleven

The blue cast is now in position the sets are receiving their final touches, the camera crew are plugging in, the sun is about to rise, but we won't know it, and the world is tuned in...

...3,2,1

Take One.

"Burrard this is Charlie 1183, calling Burrard"

"Charlie 1183 this is Burrard go ahead."

"Burrard this is Charlie 1183, departing for YVR, picking up two passengers for 8:15 arrival time in bay 8, over."

"Charlie 1183 this is Burrard, copy that state once you have arrived over and out."

* * *

"Burrard this is Charlie 1183, calling Burrard"

"Charlie 1183 this is Burrard go ahead."

"Burrard this is Charlie 1183, I am departing from YVR with two passengers delayed 20 min and heading to OFH (Olympic Family Hotel). Do you copy?"

"Charlie 1183 this is Burrard copy over and out."

This is only one sampling of one of many conversations I have already rehearsed with dispatch using my two way radio system. I literally have to say Charlie because we are apart of the tier 3 drivers there fore we are assigned the letter "C" but the letter "C" is a homonym for sea and see, which could be quite confusing therefore someone assigned us with the name Charlie. I kinda of like it for the time being, not that I will respond to it, unless I am holding a radio with lots of background fuzz and have an important mission to accomplish.

This is Charlie 1183 over and out.

Twelve

Fellow blue people continue to cross my path during my early morning trek into pre dawn state of Vancouver. The residents are oblivious to the cities goings on at 5:30 am and why wouldn't they. As I cross intersection after intersection with flashing green lights anticipating the next pedestrian my body shivers with excitement. The excitement steams from this passion I have for the Olympics. I like watching the events and ceremonies on TV, following along with the medal count, learning interesting facts about the host city, and imagining what it would be like if I were one of those professional athletes.

This particular morning if felt as if I were apart of a movie set with the largest organized cast getting into positions. I am still on route to my final destination driving along the final stretch of road before I make one last turn off and scope out a parking space. I peer down many of the side streets along 2nd Ave running parallel to the athletes village and already many blue jacketed personal are manning their posts. My blue count doubles with each block I pass. I have passed blue jackets on foot, on wheels, ascending and descending stairs, and disappearing into waiting tents.