Pictures from our Italian Holiday

Italy was a magical trip for Sally and I. We touched down in Vienna before heading via train on a whirlwind tour of Venice, Florence and Rome.

Vienna was magical. I still can't believe the impracticality of essentially living on water.

Florence brought the Renaissance to life. It helped that I had boned-up on it before I left and read 'The Agony and the Ecstasy'.

Rome was simply too vast to explore properly on one trip. As a Catholic, St. Peter's Square is the centre of my universe. Although, the Jesuit Church across town was a must-see.

I appeared much younger then. Maybe it was the jet lag after a the long flight from Toronto. Probably the beer.

Venice is really a magical city. Who can really explain why they built the city on sand in the bay. It works

The softness of the light even at mid-day echos the simplicity of the decoration.

The Grand Canal on our way back to our hotel...far from the action...affordability was an issue.The hill country outside Florence. We imagined this was what Michelangelo saw.

St. Peter's Square in Rome had a powerful influence.

These pictures were taken with our trusty Pentax Optio (http://pentax.ca/).

Tips for Cooking Jamaican Style

Here are some cooking tips that I have picked up along the way. Hopefully they can be helpful to you too.

• Jamaican nutmeg can be used to spice up various meat dishes, from red meat to poultry


• Lemon or lime juice can be used to marinate poultry and fish and enhance the flavour


• Putting water beneath your meat when barbequing or cooking in the oven will keep your meat moist and tender


• Allspice is a great flavour enhancer for all stews and gravies


• Your meat should be room temperature before putting on the bbq


• Marinating your steak in a dark ale or lager makes a tasty steak


• Boiling ribs with a little salt and a bunch of carrots, before putting them on the bbq, makes them extra tender and greatly reduces bbq cooking time


• Pouring flour over a greased pan, will ensure your cake or muffin comes out smooth, with no greasy edges
  

The real story of a Hero (as told by Mike)

This story was posted by a young man who I am proud to say is part of my world. He started blogging recently. He had a lot of material to get out, he said.

This story is different however. It stopped me dead.

It is about his reaction to a friend who is heading off to Afghanistan with the Canadian Armed Forces as a proud and confident Canadian soldier. Please check out the full story here: http://lifeofalord.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-met-hero-today.html

His story reminded me that the freedom we enjoy in Canada is earned and defended by the brave actions of young men just like Dan. I don't know Dan, but I owe him a great debt for overcoming his fears and choosing to fight for Canada.

Thanks for sharing Mike.

Pictures of Wasaga Beach, Series 2

I received a tremendous response to the post last week with pictures of our Wasaga Beach. Most wanted to move here right now. While winter limits the access, these pictures taken in the spring show that we still enjoy our Wasaga throughout all the seasons.

The receding ice leaves behind incredibly smooth yet complex 'sandscapes'

Or if you prefer a more 'industrial wasteland' look

Yes, this is the main beach area where the crowds are massive in the summer months.

The early spring sunsets are just as spectacular.

Yes, that is an ice dam about 100 metres off-shore.

This is Tia, our 4 1/2 lb. tiny Yorkie with the huge personality in full stride. She loves Wasaga Beach as well.

These pictures were taken with a Pentax 'Optio' (http://pentax.ca/) at Beach Area 1, the Main Beach Area for sun and sand in the summer. For more information, go to our official web site http://www.wasagabeach.com/