Toews on the Run

Shades of Green on our Menu

    

 chard, tatsoi, cabbage, leeks, lettuce greens, broccoli, kale, green beans

In September we went with our daughter and family to the Common Ground Country Fair in Unity, Maine. I came home inspired to dig up my back yard, with the dream of replacing lawn for garden space to grow my own organic food. That noble thought, more like a fantasy, lasted all of half an hour. Unpacking our gear for camping, which had been part of the fun (albeit chilly, and in somewhat primitive conditions) I made several trips to our basement: where our road bikes are stored, kayaking vests are hanging and running shoes sit waiting on the shelves. All representing outdoor activities, just like gardening, but considering summer's short season and the many markets in our area selling fresh, locally grown food (the closest one being five minutes away via the the back farm road) - there really was no contest. 

The following week I shopped at the market in Mahone Bay - I went a little crazy. But look at those glorious greens. 

I'm stretching the 'leafy greens' category to include the leeks, cabbage, green beans and broccoli in my display, but these are all more than a pretty picture; they're worth their weight in building the immune system, and pack a wallop when we talk vitamins, minerals and fibre. Take your pick and eat them - daily - for any meal. I know of one person who mixes spinach into their cooked oatmeal - maybe a bit out there but who says salad isn't breakfast fare?  Chopped greens are yummy tossed into a creamy squash soup or thick tomato-veggie pasta sauce - or steamed greens with balsamic vinegar, touch of salt, few toasted walnuts and a dollop of goat cheese? Delicious.

 

A green smoothie - delicious any time of day. Mine are different every time; here's the ingredient list in this glass of goodness:  Russian kale, banana, chopped apple, lemon slice, 4 slices of cucumber, Tbsp. of ground seed mixture (flax, pumpkin, sesame, sunflower), 1/4 cup raw cashews, splash of fish oil, 2 ice cubes, enough cranberry juice and water to blend into thick, smooth drink. Not only refreshing - it makes my body feel like it's been given a wonderful treat.

In reality, healthy whole food eating isn't really an option. We need it to ward off viruses from without and the potential -havoc-raising free radicals from within. And for those of us who run and bike and swim and work hard and live busy, full lives - we need all the help we can get to protect our bodies from illness and help them recover from the stresses of exercise and every other thing we deal with in a day.

The market bins are still heaped with squash, pumpkins, cabbage, pears, apples, turnips....and I love eating all these and more of the seasonal produce. But greens must stay on the menu if I want to be nutritionally balanced and protected - plus it prolongs the far-fetched memories of gardens and all true pleasures of summer.

Cycling Tip to Tip

Cycling 925kms in seven days may not be everyone's idea of a fun time. But sharing an activity we both love to do (even on non-ending hills), viewing close-up Nova Scotia's back road beauty, meeting new friends - and the blessing of glorious weather - made this tour a favorite on our list of vacations. Fifty-some other cyclists participated in this event which was (well) organized by Velo Cape Breton. Riders registered for either hotel accommodation or camping - about an even split, we were part of the second group.

July 26-August 1--- our route in a nutshell:

- started in Yarmouth in mist and fog, which had some bearing on our (first) wrong turn with us hardly out of town! Sunshine by afternoon, scenic ocean route along St. Mary's Bay. Camped in Digby.

- few drops of rain while we ate our cooked cereal. Sunshine before pit stop in Annapolis Royal. From there to Wolfville was the flattest part of the tour - overnighted at Acadia U.

- Hilly, beautiful ride in sunshine - bakery stops, Windsor and Summerville, spectacular views with cooling breezes on # 215 along Minas Basin. Longest ride (171kms) - stopover, Truro.

 - hot ride through the interior on #326 to Amet Sound. Welcome lunch stop, Rushton's Beach. Route 6, still hot alongside Northumberland Strait. Ocean dip and collaborative gourmet camp meal - Caribou-Munroes Provincial Park. Beautiful evening,sleeping bag feels sooo good.

- stop in Pictou to watch tall ships sail out. Get back on track after wrong exit off rotary, wind way through New Glasgow, climb over Fraser Mountain. #245 has stunning ocean vistas,  windy lunch stop by Arisaig lighthouse. Make camp at Whiddens campground - Antigonish. Treat ourselves to dinner out at the Bistro. Rains about an hour but tent is up, all is well.

- take route 4 along St. Georges Bay. Canso Causeway to Cape Breton (irritated driver laid on the horn as he passed us, the only 'jerk' we encountered). Hot ride to St. Peter's on the Bras D'or Lake, pitch tent at Battery Provincial Park - group dinner (fabulous spread) at Bras D'Or Lakes Inn.

 

- final ride to Sydney. First half (over 50 kms) is mostly trees, but good roads. Overcast and warm with full sun closer to Sydney. Plenty of long gradual climbs to get in a good final workout:) Camped overnight in Jacques and Micheline's beautiful yard/park. Mission accomplished.

Highlights - impressions - thanksgivings.....

- my padded bike shorts were great. No sore bum, or "diaper rash" some other riders had to deal with. My biggest discomfort was a sun-burned bottom lip.

- how much food can one fairly small person scarf down? LOTS, copious amounts. Having enough available food and drink (mostly water :) were our consuming priorities - and our only purchases above our tour registration.

- one develops a keen eye for potholes, ridges, rocks, etc. on the road. And an appreciation for new pavement, where it's safe to fly down the hills and use to your advantage for the next uphill climb.

- overall, campers chose that option for reasons unrelated to finances - a motley mix of a variety of professions and careers

- yeah for the SAG van that transported our gear and supported us with food and drink in addition to our own lunch stops!

- about half the group were from Quebec or French-speaking. For the most part, experienced cyclists; some of them were very fast and fit. (Derryl's name - The French Freight Train)

- chocolate milk is a wonderful recovery drink - I did leave a little bit in the litre carton for Derryl

- drafting in a group gives you a break but can be a scary thing - and all you see is the pavement and the tire in front of you. Not my idea of touring.

- maybe some year I'll be able to ride and snap photos simultaneously - so I get more scenery shots and less eating ones

- the fabulous weather had a huge bearing on the pleasure of this trip - yet I'm hooked on cycling/touring so I'm certain I'll have less than ideal conditions to deal with another time

- there are more courteous drivers than otherwise

- what a wonderful blessing to have health, strength and the ability to be physically active. We are truly "fearfully and wonderfully made" - our bodies were designed for activity. Many on the tour had never cycled these distances for this many consecutive days - myself included, with a two-day, 100km/day trial ride in June. But pacing, fueling and a good night's sleep had us energized and ready to go every morning. It wasn't a race: for the stats record, my overall average speed was 23.7kms/hour.

- meeting new friends, eating with them, playing hard with them - building relationships for future connections, the first of which will be this September in Baddeck.

- thank you God for safety on the road and a country and province of peace and freedom

More pics of tip to tip

Papa On the Run

I have a running partner who is my best friend. He's been my coach, my mentor and supporter. We're so close, we share the same bed. With such an intimate relationship, we understand the joys, challenges, disappointments, pain and pleasure of our sport: and empathize in the frustration of injuries and interruptions to our passion; something both of us have been working through for the last couple of years, give or take a few months.

This past spring Derryl enjoyed a diversion from anxiety about a gimpy ankle, occupied instead by another kind of 'run'. That of watching our three Toews grandkids for several consecutive Monday nights.  Off they'd go to a playground, or to the Halifax waterfront, to the Dairy Queen for ice cream or Ardmore Teahouse for french fries. His reports of those evening were always filled with humor, delight and an undertone of having as much fun as the kids, though admittedly exhausted by bedtime with teeth to be brushed, stories to be read, drinks to be delivered and reminders to the littlest one to be quiet. One night out, however, was almost crazy enough for him to consider staying in for a change and having a 'quiet' play night at home...

It was a beautiful evening so the harbour waterfront was the destination. But first a quick stop at the Home Depot for something for tomorrow's job. Once in the store, the three scattered like calves let out of the barn (to use an analogy from my farm background). Papa's frantic "come back here, stay with me", was wasted breath. He managed to round up the troops just before an elderly gentleman tripped over the blond-haired two-year-old as she raced down the aisles aiming to keep up with her brothers. A sprint to the til and a fast exit before somebody got hurt or lost made the quick shopping stop even shorter.

The waterfront is a great place to be on a spring evening. There are boats to see, plenty of  interesting places to run - and there's water. Like, just down there, on the other side of the boardwalk where that same little blondie is walking along the beam. Another sprint for Papa, with a shot of adrenalin this time, thankful that his water rescue skills weren't called upon.

Oh boy, maybe it's time to start wrapping this night up and go for ice cream. But not before everybody has to go the bathroom. Little blondie's wishes are to use the girls' bathroom but Papa is firm - they're all going together and it won't be in the ladies room.

By now Papa's endurance is being tested - the warm evening has attracted a shop full of customers and his task is to keep his eyes on three in particular. Finding a table within view from the order counter, he instructed them to sit and wait for Papa to get them their ice cream. Which they did. 

Licking their cones, loving this evening with their Papa, these three did him proud when another customer complimented on how well-behaved those kids were. And he had to agree. Curious, active, but yes, well-behaved.

So just like the end of any other 'run', Derryl has found himself a little winded after some of these evenings. But after a recovery period, ready to go again, with the idea of just maybe trying a different route!

Wingin' it Without a Plan

The following is a post I wrote for another blog I occasionally contribute to. If you're interested in my running game, read on....

The registration is confirmed; barring injuries or other hick-ups,  May 17th I’ll be toeing the line at the Bluenose Volkswagen half marathon. I’m a ducks-in-a-row kind of person - I love the predictability, call it security, of having a workout schedule all plotted out. Speed intervals, hill repeats, short tempo runs, a weekly long run - plus a cross training mix of strength and pool work, cycling,  stretching, yoga - in varying distances and effort intensities, this has all worked for me before. A tough interval regime or an easy recovery run, it’s part of the plan: I’m ready for it.

This time around, however, on the backside of a two-year contest between injury, recovery and adjusted expectations, my training program is more like a poetic dance than a choreographed performance.

My goal is to run this half marathon in what I’m going to call a respectable time. Even setting that range holds more mystery than I’m comfortable with. Placing in my age category is now out of the question, but wouldn’t it be great to beat my slowest time?! Here’s how the non-plan is going to date.

One pretty dependable positive: depending on the distance and intensity, my previously very cranky knee is happy with running three times a week or every other day. Yahoo, yippee and hallelujah. That translates into less swelling, less pain. On a strategy confirmed by a very good running friend I decided to gradually build up my mileage and build on speed after that. So since January, the 5, 8, 10 kilometre distances have increased to the same in miles. The longest to date, 19.5 kms on a rolling route while visiting family in Maine, was an even split time - happy with that.

Speed work has been tricky, as I’ve been trying to save my minimal runs per week for building up distance. Laps at the indoor track with the repetitive curves creates a potential for ITB trouble. So it’s to the pool for interval work. Wearing a flotation belt, I've run a ladder workout, one up to five minutes, repeating the five and back down again; 15 seconds for recovery. Working at about 81% effort (I set my alarm on the odd numbers too :)  it’s a good workout and with the warm-up and cool-down, the time passes quickly in an otherwise very boring setting! I'll do a repeat of that sometime soon plus I found a good pool strengthening workout to help keep the core strong. Here’s hoping I’ll get on the road for some intervals soon - it’s still a wait and see approach.

Sometime this Easter weekend the full 21 km is in the plan. In the four remaining weeks, my goal is a long one with 10-12 kms at race pace (I wonder what that’s going to be?!), a couple long ones with an hour at a steady-state, and the rest with a close eye on how much and what kind of running to include. Cycling, poolwork and the stretching/yoga routines will round out the program.

I think another name for give-me-a-detailed-plan is control freak. Gotta let it go this time, which isn't a bad thing. Foremost I’m thankful for the gift of health and healing that’s allowed me to again enjoy this running game. I’m learning perspective. I’ve been drawn back to the pleasure of the passion of this sport. And with that thought, I’m headed out the door - not following what might be written in a program or concerned that I’m adding up junk miles. I’m just going for a run.

Winter Campout

"I'm not camping in the winter, and I doubt if I'll ever go back-country camping either, so it doesn't matter if this sleeping mat and bag are a few ounces heavier than the others. Getting into tenting is one thing but I'm not giving up everything that's comfy and warm."'

Last summer. We were at The Adventure Outfitters in Halifax; Derryl was answering the sales clerk's questions as to what kind of camping we were wanting to do. We did buy a tent, sleeping bags and gear - which introduced us to a new style of camping, and surprise- it was a lot of fun. And another surprise, over the season, our waterproof tent passed muster in more than one torrential downpour. The summer's highlight (sans sous la pluie) was with Renee, Damien and kids in Ellsworth, Maine- at the last camping spot of their vacation. Earlier that week, while hiking near Camden, ME, they had come across a Ski Shelter (cabin) available for winter camping. Just what Damien had been looking for to introduce his family to winter camping.

"We have to ask Nana and Papa to come here with us." This is the story we were told - shifting any pressure of our agreeing to come along on to the members of the family most difficult to refuse. We were in. Fast forward to February '09, we showed up at the trail head at the Camden Hills State Park.

"How is all that going to fit in our back packs?" we wondered when we opened our car doors and trunks.

Every camping trip like this needs a Damien - he had sent us a list of essential gear(and the optional, depending on space) and creatively wedged stuff in every possible pocket - and a Derryl, whose strong back helped Damien with the lion's portion of the load. Renee and I divvied up the rest, except for the kids personal gear, which they packed in themselves. Honestly, my left hip was not happy about it, but it's often grouchy - I was just happy my knees were okay were the whole thing. And we all were stretching ourselves so complaining just wasn't a good idea.

Including our rest stops when the kids needed a break (at least they were the ones who requested them), it took us close to two hours to trek up to the cabin - a major hurdle overcome. Checking out our digs, I was certain we were going to be just fine: a short walk to the outhouse, plenty of cut firewood, a flowing stream for our water supply. And after we unloaded all the food, I knew we were not going to be suffering one bit.

We all loved it. The necessities of life became very basic. Keeping a fire going in the stove (the kids took care of fueling the fireplace which had a tendency to smoke us out), fetching and filtering water, preparing meals (thanks to the Tougas' planning, we feasted gourmet, e.g. pasta c/w sun-dried tomatoes and olives), washing up the few dishes (we each had a bowl and cup and about as many utensils). And the rest of the time? Playing in the snow, hiking, watching Damien's (somewhat successful) attempts at making candles, playing Uno (Brienne won hands down), Celine finished her book, Derryl read a magazine that had been left there, the kids cooled off from the very warm cabin by chasing each other through an open window and circling back in through the door, we drank lots of tea (snacking was also encouraged to reduce our pack weight for the trip out), kids created families with stories using filmy feathers that had escaped from down sleeping bags. 

We did see evidence of the outside world: four cross-country skiers stopped in to warm up and say hi. And we waved to a couple snowmobilers driving past one afternoon. Did we miss the world of emails, internet and phone? No withdrawals that I could see. How about no running water and an outdoor biffy? Heating water (and melting snow) added moisture to the hut -  and middle-of-the-night jaunts to the shack out back held their magic under a sky punched with stars. Derryl was even treated to an owl's eerie lament one night. Were we cold? On the contrary. It must have been a little chilly the second morning when Laurent woke up at 4:00 and reported "the fire's out". Coals were still glowing and thankfully Derryl made a move so I could stop feigning sleep and snag a few more zzz's before daylight.

The hiking (whoops, we're supposed to call it exploring) was a pleasure because the grandkids love adventure and are curious (and informed) about nature, they're physically conditioned yet they knew they weren't on an endurance trial, and I was secure that everyone's safety had been considered after seeing all the precautionary supplies Damien had tucked in his pack.

Will we do this again? Oh yes, especially if we can go along with the Tougas gang. Maybe not for 4 weeks like Brienne was wishing for, but we're in, we're totally in.

 

Report Card on Nutrition Plus

A report card review for my Natural Nutrition studies. Yesterday I mailed off my third test: they are open book, which doesn't necessarily make their writing a runaway, but does significantly help this mature student who is somewhat terrified just thinking about writing a test (a.k.a. my final exam!). So far I'm on track with an average well over the percentage required, so I'm counting on that to help me out.

To date I've read through a couple texts: a tome of close to 1000 pages, Staying Healthy with Nutrition, and an Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology. Some days it takes a while to get into the head space of a student, e.g. reading about the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system. To help me 'get it', and because it's good to know, I'm giving you a quick lesson.

We all experience those "fight or flight" situations. That's when the sympathetic nervous system kicks in, and when that is excessively stimulated, the nervous system draws on:

- the B vitamins - thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, cobalamin and others - which are found in whole grains, brown rice, legumes and dried beans, most nuts, organ meats, egg yolks, fish, variety of veggies, etc to make the myelin sheath that envelopes the nerves and acts as insulation - a nerve protector, if you will

- minerals like calcium - broccoli, cauliflower, legumes and beans, many nuts and seeds, milk, dried fruits, etc. and magnesium - dark green veggies, most nuts, seeds, legumes, soy products, whole grains, some seafood, etc. that facilitate nerve conductivity

- and -  EFAs, Essential Fatty Acids - like salmon, halibut, cod, walnuts, sesame seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds -the brain-building blocks (count me in) and essential for transmitting messages.

We all have STRESS sometime and if your meter is working overtime or you have high blood pressure, heart disease or ulcers, you want to be especially vigilant in supplying your body with the above nutrients.

Class dismissed- if you're interested, read up on the parasympathetic division. Interesting stuff.

Great nutrition options for our sympathetic nervous system, especially for us type A personalities! Fresh produce paired with nuts, seeds, beans and brown rice.

Actually, learning how we are created with such intricate design, it never takes me long to get immersed in the lesson of the day. There's some material that I probably won't ever use - I hope so, or count me out for that exam - and there's definitely some I find especially intriguing:

---we each have more than 2.3 million sweat glands

---the double-layered membrane surrounding the brain is called dura mater, meaning "tough or hard mother"

--- some of the lymphocytes which "police" the body cells are called "natural killer" (NK) cells.  Less "picky" than those that recognize and react only against specific tumor cells, these attack the "bad guys" before the immune system gets enlisted. I want a whole whack of these NK guys! 

And the power of suggestion through reading:

...why water is essential to our basic needs; I had a glass in every room

...what causes a person to have the hiccups - altered my breathing and got myself started

I'm convinced more than ever that what we eat and how we think and feel have such powerful effects on our health. That's important to me; enough that I really want to 'get it' so I can share it with others.

Now, back to the books, Eating Alive, Preventive Nutrition.

A Reflection in My Season's Mirror

I was prompted by Renee's request to post something to share this season. First, come take a look back, as I needed to do to move forward into this last busy and happy month.

My Mom left me quite a legacy when I think of the Christmases of my childhood. They were truly magical times including large family gatherings and heaps of food (overdose on sweets). Mom was busy for weeks. I think she loved it, though I don't know how she did it: even sewing dresses for my sister and I and for herself too. I especially remember a very glitzy-looking one that would hold its own even in that heavenly place where she will be celebrating a Christmas beyond my imagination. Thinking back, I don't think she went overboard, unless you consider the countless hours of effort that I fully appreciate only now. That was her Christmas style. Thanks Mom - for all your good-ness.

Remembering fun winter times with Mom

I left home, got married and December was still a flurry of activity. Both of my kids had their birthdays (I know, not their fault), Christmas parties for every class and club they belonged to: when Christmas finally arrived, we traveled to be with family or had a gang in for Christmas  - it's no wonder someone in the clan was sure to be sick a day or two. How much can an immune system take?!

Now, I'm in a different space on two fronts - my children are deciding, in their homes, what they will value and celebrate for their kids, and my husband and I moved across the country, now living away from community and family that framed our 'normal.'

Christmas music and decorations showed up this year early as usual. I resisted running for a place to hide until January 1st, knowing that come Christmas week, I'd be feeling all warm and contented with my children and grandkids together around our table and sleeping under our roof. And I knew that I'd get into the excitement of the season when I was ready.

Christmas feasting - 2007

Weeks have marched on and everything Christmas has been 'in my face'. I've been flip-flopping between 'I should be getting more done' and 'is there something wrong with me that I can't get motivated to make decent lists, never mind to go shopping'? Sewing machine and flannel fabric waiting to fit small children have been homesteading on my dining room table for many days. Bags of nuts and dried fruits have been shuttling their way from one kitchen counter to another.

Is it my age? Am I lazy? Am I a scrooge? Or is it really bad, am I depressed??!!

I think it happened today. It wasn't the dump of snow (now almost melted) that inspired it. I'm certain it wasn't CBC's morning talk show about what people are doing, buying (not buying). It just showed up.

I was at the small library at our church, for which I was making a display to publicize that it is there and waiting. I chose some appropriate books for the season, plus a few others. Skimming through a children's book, Give it With Love, Christopher, by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by Bartholomew,"whatever it is, give it with love..." jumped off the page at me. That phrase has been filling my heart with the scent and sense of the season all day.

Today I played my first Christmas CD.

On Sunday Derryl and I are joining the Lunenburg Striders in a 5km Santa run in support of  Christmas Daddies . Hats with bells and something to give are ready in the closet.

Next weekend we are traveling to Moncton, NB to visit new friends and to attend a Christmas production  which Trevor Dick and our son, Brad (and the rest of the band) are accompanying. I love live Christmas performances - I let them pull me in with all senses.

We have another framework of friends here - running friends are hosting a winter solstice party. The subdivision we live in has a Christmas get together, another evening we go caroling around the loop. I still have room on my calendar to host my own party, which will inspire the decorating detail.

In amongst all the socializing, that fabric will take shape, my family's favorite non-traditional fruitcake, chock full of all those nuts and dried fruits, will get under cordial-soaked wrap. And if I'm on a roll, some blackberry jam will be in jars. 

When Christmas gets here it will be a full house - an infrequent blessing - with busy days starting at 6:00 a.m. for some of the wee gang who get an early start every day, not just Christmas morning! It will be great. I won't try and have everything great - I'll be happy if everyone feels at least one part was special to them. My freezer is well-stocked, I have a 'running' list of possible recipes, I live 20 minutes from fresh lobster from the wharf. My dessert menu is short but for sure baked apples will be on it. I feel on track.

So it's not only about bulging giftbags. It's my time, my efforts, my busyness in the planning - all given, and prepared with love. That's how my Mom did it.

What am I Up To?

In Maritime terms, I'm CFA - Come From Away. In my Prairie roots terms, I'm transplanted. I've been acclimatizing for a year and a half - getting oriented, organizing the yard and house, adjusting to Derryl settling in, helping him with house renovations and in setting up his business/work life.

As the months rolled by, I felt like I was beginning to flounder, as the question "what do I want to do here?"  was rumbling around in my head and heart. 

If I had my druthers?  I'd train for and run ridiculously long distance events while traveling the world to raise funds and awareness for worthy causes. An alluring but impossible dream with osteoarthritis and other 'nigglings' threatening mutiny. Something more realistic. The gamut of my thoughts have been all over the place...... Now's the ideal time to do something totally different from before or I look for something that I'm experienced in; follow my fitness obsession to a less extensive level; I wannabe a writer but would I have any wannabe readers; I tout the philosophy of preventative health but what credibility do I have beyond passion and some life experience?!

More questions. What do I think is important?  What (other) desires and abilities have I been wired with?  Some short, non-simple answers - life with purpose and of honor to my God, and living a healthy and whole-some lifestyle, within the possibility of my whole-person potential. Could my learning more about all this be something other people might benefit from? I think so.

Fast forward: I now have a stack of books and worksheets on my desk, the beginning of my studies, through CSNN , for a diploma as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. It is fascinating, interesting material that I'm slowing munching my way through. Such a satisfying feeling today to send off my first of many tests! This wasn't on the exam but an interesting bit of medical trivia: a symptom of niacin-deficient field workers of the 18th and 19th centuries were bright red necks from sensitivity to the sun, thus the term redneck. Some 'symptoms' are everywhere - in one definition or another!

I don't know what this is all going to look like at the completion of my effort. But one thing is certain, it'll be an empty frame if I don't ever start. Solomon, the wisest of men, said "Whoever watches the wind will never plant. Whoever looks at the clouds will never harvest." Heaps of thanks to Derryl, who supports my "planting the seed" and to my daughter and son's families who through their first-hand experience with food and environment sensitivities, have contributed greatly to my interest in this notion of staying healthy with nutrition!

So this is my latest - more changes, challenges and choices. Thank God for such a full life!

Who wouldn't be interested in nutrition with all these healthy options? Lunenburg Market  2008

October Highlights

 I love October. It's a time of harvest and splendid color, a focus on being thankful and a celebration of our marriage commitment of love and life. It's been a full month spending time with friends, exploring new sights, and relishing the familiar. Before we moved to Nova Scotia, I thought its specialties were lobsters, scallops and more food from the sea. That's only part of it. The bounty of the fields begins with asparagus in spring and the horn of plenty is still spilling out squash and turnips, leaving little room for the mammoth cabbages that grow on these hilly slopes. It's a delicious land of veggie extravaganza - and fruit: apples, peaches, berries of every kind, cherries, pears and on and on - even grapes, the closest vineyard Petite Riviere Winery is just down the road from us. Nova Scotia's climate and soil is not best suited for the vintage/robust red varietals but there are some very nice whites, with the signature wine, L'Acadie Blanc, being grown only in Nova Scotia. October 4th, we joined a group for a cycling winery tour in the Annapolis Valley, riding on beautiful, hilly back roads (vineyards are strategically planted on slopes!), stopping at: Grande Pre ,  Gaspereau  and Blomidon . What a great day, tasting and touring with friends.

In August, at a cycling event in PEI, we met Catherine and Gerard from Moncton, NB. They have a cottage on Cape Spear, where we rendezvoused on Thanksgiving weekend. More cycling, on quiet country roads along the Northumberland Strait, stopping at Murray Corner (almost within view of the Confederation Bridge and PEI) at the New Underland Farm Cafe for lunch. We were the sole patrons, sitting on a sunny deck, eating gourmet food that was grown in the cook's garden or a nearby farmer's. Can this food picture get any better? Yes indeed. Supper was our Thanksgiving feast - roasted free range turkey purchased from "Kenneth down the road", Hubbard squash and cranberry sauce from Indian Market Farm by our place -  and a Jiggs dinner! I'd heard about this Newfie recipe but had no idea what or how good this boiled dinner could be. This is basically how I observed its creation. In the bottom of a large stock pot, Gerard placed a layer of corned beef chunks (can substitute with salt beef), then put about one and a half cups of dried peas (I'm guessing) into a cloth bag, tied it shut and set it in the pot along with enough water to fill it about three quarters full. As this was cooking, chunks of carrots, turnips, potatoes and cabbage were added at the appropriate times for the whole lot to be done at the same time, about three hours in total. This was so delicious. The pease pudding (from the bag) was mushy and flavorful (not too salty either!) without the other veggies being overcooked. One serving of everything would have been plenty but at the end of the day I was over-stuffed.

How does a couple celebrate 35 years of marriage? A trip to Portugal or Italy or San Fransisco would all be appropriate - however, with our budget and mindset, we agreed on a weekend close to home. The weather cooperated with activity-friendly temps so October 18th we drove to Hirtles Beach and hiked Gaff Point . Part of the 5 km trail was in spooky-looking woods - scrubby, gnarly trees drooling wispy lichen - other sections ran parallel to the ocean, where we watched seals and birds and drank in the warm sea air. Such wonderful tranquility - a relaxing part one of our weekend.

 

After a satisfying pasta feed and a good night's rest we were geared up for part number two: participating in a duathlon sponsored by our local BridgewaterTriathlon Club . First we ran 4 km, then biked 28 km (so thankful for no wind or rain - it was about plus 6 Celsius), then ran another 4 km. As you can guess, that last run was a killer because muscles were tired and balked at the confusion of being put through paces they thought they were finished with after the first run. However, we had a blast - it was about giving it all we had and having fun. And we learned we have much to learn in the transition zone, especially Derryl, who hasn't attended a multisport event before, never mind participated in one. We had some good laughs at ourselves!

Supper at home wasn't going to be an option (for me) but no worries, Derryl had part three all figured out.  We headed to the (Annapolis) Valley, where he got his wish of the harvest, to pick apples. Fifty pounds later, and another half hour drive, Derryl's surprise destination was Cocoa Pesto Bistro . I love this place - I splurged on roast duck, Derryl had ribs, their signature dish. It was all grand and love-ly. It was a perfect ending to a full month.

Thai Carrot Soup for VeganMoFo

Here it is as promised: a vegan recipe for Dawna's October VeganMoFo, It's my take on a spicy carrot soup I enjoyed last week at a nearby favourite local coffee/cafe/book shop. If you've got plans for a spooky or busy evening, consider starting the fun with a bowl of this orange goodness.

 Thai Carrot Soup

 6-7 carrots, cut into chunks
 4-5 celery stalks, cut into chunks
 1 onion, cut up
 4 large garlic cloves, cut into pieces
 half of good-sized sweet potato, cut into chunks

 Cook veggies in 3-4 cups water until tender. (I used soymilk 'whey'- the water leftover when I made some tofu.)
 Use a hand blender to thoroughly mix until smooth: add the following, continuing to blend well.

 1 can lite coconut milk
 1-2 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil
 4 Tbsp. peanut butter
 1/4 tsp. or more cayenne pepper
 1/2 tsp. or more ground ginger
 2 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger
 2 Tbsp. Braggs liquid aminos

 Taste and add more spice if you want to turn up the temperature.
 Heat through and enjoy. Makes about 4 hearty servings.

 (I used my pressure cooker for this and had it done in half an hour.)