Thursday, June 18, 2009

The Dog Days of Summer




Another beautifully sunny Sunday afternoon at our home in the Chatham-Kent countryside. Steve was busying himself with his gardens while I was enjoying a good read. The dogs, as usual were on hand for comic relief and a good "snuzzle".

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Hercules! Hercules!


Hercules!  Hercules! ...my cherished red bike Hercules will be getting a fresh paint job and a basket for some upcoming summer adventures.  I have yet to determine the paint colour...check back to see Hercules' new mini-makeover!

Friday, June 12, 2009

An Ode to Chatham-Kent Farming Traditions....


As chocolate artisans, we create our truffles by hand and know the "labour of love" that uncompromising quality requires.  Our new Country Market Truffle Collection features Chatham-Kent growers, producers and country cooks that work from the heart to create delicious and fresh ingredients that are an expression of the land itself and of the people who live here.  This collection illuminates and applauds these hard-working individuals who take pride in their craft and have an eagerness to pass on our region's traditions to the next generation.  

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Mary and Gary Celebrate 50 years!




My sister and I made a special cake for some very special people. Mary and Gary truly are the "salt of the earth" and this May they celebrated their 50th anniversary. This wedding cake was designed around the dress that Mary wore on her wedding day, a tea length dress with purple and pink roses. We were asked to make this cake by Mary and Gary's children who really wanted something special because the couple didn't have a cake on their wedding day. Cheers to the happy couple!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Swept Away by the Windy City







...Yes, yes it is. My first question about Chicago was answered on my arrival, it is indeed windy... But what else? I've heard plenty about the ex-mobsters, the hotdogs and deep-dish pizza but what lies beneath the usual tourist badges that this city wears. Being as I engaged in almost tourist exclusive entertainment, I went surfing the net to find interesting things you could do on your trip to Chicago.
1. Maxwell Street Market - Continuing its long tradition of offering Chicago immigrants and locals a space to sell odds and ends, the colorful flea market hosts 518 vendors every Sunday, year-round. In addition to household goods, clothing, CDs, jewelry, power tools and produce, there are several Mexican food stands offering authentic fare like enchiladas, tacos, tamales, plantains and horchata. Live blues is played at the market weekly (weather permitting).
2. City Gallery - City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower, 806 N. Michigan, presents exhibitions of Chicago-themed photographs by Chicago photographers. Chicago's most cherished landmark for over a century, the Historic Water Tower was transformed into the city's official photography gallery in 1999. Yet another example of a successful public/private partnership, City Gallery was created through the leadership of Chicago's most famous photographer Victor Skrebneski, who also helped design and restore the recently dedicated Water Tower Park which surrounds the Historic Water Tower. Marshall Field's Project Imagine also sponsored the renovation of Water Tower Park.
3. Chicago Greeter Program - Get the inside scoop on a Chicago neighborhood with a local expert. The Chicago Greeter Program offers free walking tours of the city hosted by resident volunteers. From the Ukrainian Village to Lincoln Square, the Greeter Program is a great way to learn the ins-and-outs of this dynamic city.
4. Movies in the Parks - Creating avenues for Chicago families to enjoy summer in the city, the Chicago Park District announces Movies in the Parks where more than 170 current and classic movies will be shown in neighborhood parks throughout the city, from June through September. There is no better place to be this summer than your neighborhood park. Grab a picnic basket and a blanket and enjoy the show. You bring the snacks, we'll bring the stars. All movies are free and begin at dusk.
5. Free Street Theatre - The Free Street Theatre group puts on productions in various inner-city communities throughout Chicago. Shows range from political satire to performance puppetry and admission is by donation.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Creepy Crawly Candy




Some souevenirs I brought back from my week in Chicago at the All Candy Expo.  Yes, these are candy covered bugs.  A gift (..and double dog dare) for my husband's work colleagues...these pictures make my skin crawl!