31 January 2007

27 January 2007

Nectarine Preserves

I'm going to try this in the bread machine (preserves setting - cooL!) with nectarines, orange marmelade and 1/2 the sugar and all the lemon juice... wish me luck.

Recipe: Amber Pear Preserves



Nikki - Atlanta 11-19-2006

This recipe is a true treasure and is over 125 years old. Our family has had it over 40 years and passed it on to all our friends, who have done the same.
You're in for a treat!

AMBER PEAR PRESERVES
Makes 4 half pints

4 cups under-ripe pears (always easy to find)
3 cups sugar
1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Peel and chop pears. Cover with sugar and lemon juice: let stand overnight.

THE NEXT DAY:
Place into a large, heavy pot and simmer approximately 2 hours or until pears have turned an amber color. Go by the color more than by the time. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Pour into 4 half pint sterilized jars, and seal. Place into boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure a vacuum.

Place onto rack to cool.

16 January 2007

Backyard Rink

1 tarp 40 x 100
(because i have little, if no, sense of dimension)
every scrap piece of lumber and the 3 logs in the yard
staple gun and lots of staples (i swear, that's it -- its a goddam engineering ::miracle::)

finally by Dec 30, skating..then of course the heat wave & back skating Jan 11



Jan 15 2007




the snow helped round out the edges a bit, and I had to cut alot of the tarp edges off because I had so much extra fabric (no sense of dimension, remember?) I had to use the pieces to stuff around leaks... I have no idea how I got water to stay in there...

~~~~~

And it is so worth it to skate in the wee hours of the morning under a cloudless night sky when there is absolute peace and quiet but for the scrape of your skates...

12 January 2007

Uncle Frank's Place in History

I was doing some research on the name and era that Uncle Frank's was built in... Why? Ummm, just cause... (the librarian in me coming out i guess ;-)

Anyways, I found one of those goldmine links with amazing historical pictures, all of Thunder Bay and the Northwestern Ontario area. I did a few searches and quickly found a few good ones...

http://www.nextlibrary.com/tbpl/archive/archive.html



CNR Ticket 1938



Gold Rock Mine, (~1938)




Port Arthur's Docks and C.N.R. Station 1945



New Dock at Lake Sulphite Pulp and Paper Co. (~1938)

life in a year


Georgia Nicols' Libra Forecast for 2006

The test of good manners is to be able to put up pleasantly with bad ones.
Wendell L. Willkie (1892 - 1944)

The Year 2006

In 2006, Saturn is in Leo for the entire year for the first time since 1977. (Many will see a correlation.) This will give enduring form to creative expression! (The movie Star Wars, which opened in 1977 has become part of our culture's artistic icons.)

Saturn will encourage a concrete expression of theatre and the arts at both personal and civic levels. It will also encourage a stricter more traditional methodology in schools.

Jupiter's passage through Scorpio will alter how we deal with death. In the 50s, we built schools and playgrounds for the Baby Boomers. This year we will lay the groundwork to help them die with dignity and loving support. (Death will be a big business by 2013-14.)

In many ways, new opportunities will arise out of situations of loss. "May the Force be with you."

The Envelope Please...

No one is more affected by their surroundings than you. You'd live in a pup tent rather than suffer with overhead fluorescent lighting. You have impeccable taste. You appreciate the relationships of colour, composition and texture. Your bathroom towels match. Your wardrobe is tastefully coordinated; you always know what colour is 'in'. But dahling, your antennae are finely tuned to more than your environment, you know people as well. You're a natural psychologist. (It comes from years of people watching.) Others seek your good counsel. Partnership is of course, paramount to you! You want somebody in your life. You hate fighting and loud noises; you need harmony. You're the epitome of charm, tact and diplomacy. And you always look fabulous! (Needless to say, we can take you anywhere.)

Your Shady Past

Around 1989 was a turning point. You needed to create a home for yourself. This is a major deal for your sign. (You don't do drab.) In the early to mid 90s, children became an increasing focus. Your hands were full. Nevertheless, you stepped up to the plate in 1996 (looking runway wonderful) and grabbed your career in both hands. This increased ambition might have taken its toll on relationships. C'est la vie. One does what one can. But things did improve at home that year. Around 2001, travel, publishing and education offered exciting opportunities. (You took them.) Then came 2003-04, when some heartfelt dreams came true. Last year, relationships picked up. This was important for you, because you're not a sign that can go it alone.

Which brings us to 2006

This year you will work harder than ever to create the life you've always wanted. You're testing the Dream Machine. Whatever standard of justice matters to you, you will claim it. Whatever you've wanted to own, you will buy it. That's why it's important to be clear about what you need and want. If you're working, you will earn more money this year. (This is one reason you can buy all these goodies!) Not only will you enjoy what you acquire; you'll learn more about yourself by what you do to get these things, and what you do to maintain them. Let there be no guilt! You earned the right to get this stuff. For the last few years, you've been in a strong position. You've taken your power. This strong influence continues to be in play this year. You're not the financial wizard Taurus is; be careful about going into debt so deep you're drowning. But do look forward to wonderful purchases that please and excite you. You appreciate beautiful things; and you love to tastefully decorate your living space. Enjoy your good fortune.

Is the future like the present only longer?

Your optimism holds next year; in fact, if you can believe it -- it increases! However, by 2007-08, you will start to pare down your belongings. It will feel right to do so. The opportunity to de-clutter your life will be a welcome one. At the same time, expect to travel more in 2007-08. An increased optimism plus a belief in your future encourage you to explore writing and educational opportunities. (Write that book.) Happy times with siblings and neighbours are also on the menu. Gosh.

In a galaxy far far away...

A couple of years from now, real estate investments (whether speculative or to live in) look cherry! Around that time (2008-09) everything to do with home, family and where you live will be enriched and rewarding. Nevertheless you will enter an entirely new scene around 2009-10. That will be the beginning of a new 30-year cycle for you. (Reminiscent of 1980-81.) Through all of these years and into the future -- your creativity is hot. Act now and explore whatever opportunities are at hand so that you can make the most of this promising future. Ta da!

My Mantra for 2006

Things are good, and getting better!

Be the best you can be

You have a deep sense of fair play and honesty. Because of this, you might attract selfish or overly independent people to you. It's as if they yearn to learn balance and integration from you. You're aware of your own needs separate and apart from the needs of a partnership. You're intelligent and can embrace inconsistencies. Your subtle appreciation of justice and of what is fair teaches others how to keep their own identity in the context of a relationship. You can also teach society how to be civilized. The greatest legal minds surely have Libra in their charts. Your appreciation for beauty, design and fashion create a beautiful environment for your family, your friends and indeed, the world. You teach others the serenity of a comfortable, harmonious atmosphere. Live long and prosper!

Stuff Every Self-respecting Libran Knows

Your ruling planet is Venus. Your symbol is the Scales. Libra is a Masculine Cardinal Sign. (The Cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. They're the signs of the changing seasons - the switch hitters. They initiate things. They're idea people. They make things happen. "Let's invite everyone over for dinner!" Sound familiar?) Libra is an Air Sign and it rules the Kidneys. (Drink lots of water.) Your sign rules the Seventh House, which governs Marriage and Partnerships. Even though you love beauty and are hip to fashion, I won't comment on gemstones because there's disagreement about them. (But many of you are partial to the colour dusty rose.)

Libra in the Bedroom

You're a deliciously sexy sign and you surrender easily to love. You have imagination; and you appreciate subtle nuances. (You know what a feather can do.) Air Signs are often kinky. You love drama and a great setting. You've got the boudoir thing down pat with candles, mirrors, lace, and transparent, highly flammable whatevers. (Shee!) You like lots of pillows and comfort. You have an eye for beauty. You're never vulgar; and because you like to please, you know how to satisfy. The small of your back is erotic. (The kidneys --remember?) You're all charm and gentleness but sometimes you're an animal! (Cute for contrast.) You understand the art of seduction. You tease, but you like to be persuaded. (But you can be shy to express what you want.) Afterwards, you love to sleep. And sleep. And sleep.

Lucky Days in 2006 for Libra

The days below are perfect times to go after what you want - whether it's a date, a major financial decision, or a job. Make note of these dates and use them to your advantage. These are the days when the gods are with you. (Some signs share a day.)

January
19, 20, 21
February
16, 17
March
15, 16, 17
April
11, 12, 13
May
9, 10
June
5, 6, 7
July
2, 3, 30, 31
August
22, 23, 24
September
19, 20, 21
October
19, 20, 21
November
16, 17
December
13, 14, 15

Celebrity Birthdays

Libra (September 23 - October 22) 2006

September
23
Ray Charles, 1930
24
Jim Henson, 1936
25
Catherine Zeta-Jones, 1969
26
Jane Smiley, 1949
27
Avril Lavigne, 1984
28
Gwyneth Paltrow, 1972
29
Madeline Kahn, 1942
30
Martina Hingis, 1980
October
1
Jimmy Carter, 1924
2
Lorraine Bracco, 1955
3
Gwen Stefani, 1969
4
Anne Rice, 1941
5
Bob Geldof, 1954
6
Britt Ekland, 1942
7
Vladimir Putin, 1952
8
Matt Damon, 1970
9
John Lennon, 1940
10
Dale Earnhardt Jr., 1974
11
Joan Cusack, 1962
12
Hugh Jackman, 1968
13
Kelly Preston, 1962
14
Ralph Lauren, 1939
15
Mario Puzo, 1920
16
John Mayer, 1977
17
Alan Jackson, 1958
18
Pierre Trudeau, 1919
19
Ty Pennington, 1965
20
Viggo Mortensen, 1958
21
Carrie Fisher, 1956
22
Catherine Deneuve, 1943



What does Jupiter Mean? - Georgia Nichols, Canada's most read astrologer

Apparently the placement of Jupiter in your horoscope is important to your overall personality.

Mine was in Virgo and here is what it says:

Jupiter in Virgo

You're smart and practical. If you're driving in a snowstorm, you've got a shovel in the trunk of your car. Probably chains too. And the batteries in your flashlights work. You take care of details so the big stuff flows easily. You're efficient! And you're smart. (This is one of the most intelligent placements of Jupiter.) You take pleasure in creating orderly systems. And you give good hotel. Let's face it -- you deliver the goods.


Number One case for: I work in a library. nuff said.

Number Two case for: she mentioned hotel...weird

Number Three case for: I've actually got both shovel and chains in my van. And not only do I have working batteries in my flashlight, but I've also got those huge C batteries for an emergency radio. (not in the radio, cause that drains the batteries...see? prepared.)

Try it and tell me what your Jupiter is and if it fits your personality as well



My dad is a crazy guy -- I love him for it


Uncle Frank's Supper Club sign













Cover story in the Chronicle Journal from January 10, 2007:

http://66.244.236.251/article_10360.php

The man's got moxie, that's for sure...

Pfft! And we all thought he'd be slowing down soon...geez, what were we thinking??