# 11 The grape harvest has begun! : )

Yes, that's right.  Even in Alberta (move over Ontario and B.C.!!), we can grow grapes.  Planted three years ago, this year we have a bumper crop!

The grapes are tiny (about the size of blueberries) so they're meant for juice, wine and jelly rather than eating.  The juice (first time!) is marvellous - intense, fresh and perfect "as is" (no sugar needed).

Microwave 2 cups of grapes (no stems) in a large, glass measuring cup for 4-5 minutes.  Gently press the grapes with a spoon to make sure they've popped.  Strain 3 times using Bernardin jelly bags (Safeway, Canadian Tire).  

#10 HALF BROTHER by Kenneth Oppel

The "teen" book I'm sharing with my KidLit Club tonight is Half Brother (2010) by Canadian author, Kenneth Oppel.  Ben is thirteen when his scientist parents decide to raise a young chimp as a human child in their home. Can they teach Zan to communicate using ASL? Ben grows to deeply love his chimp brother and takes extraordinary measures when the project is abruptly ended. Loosely based on Project Nim, a chimp research project in the 1970's, Kenneth Oppel explores not just the controversy surrounding animal testing, but also the bigger concepts of family and making choices.  Excellent book!

Project Nim

Kenneth Oppel

# 9 Every day needs a bit of a kick start...

Yes, a cup of java, but much better... the comics and horoscope page!

Today, in BETWEEN FRIENDS, the chat over coffee goes like this:

    "I'm feeling a little lethargic lately."

  "Eat less sugar, drink less caffeine, watch less television."

  "Do you really think depriving myself of everything is the answer?"

  "- Eat MORE fibre, drink MORE water, get MORE exercise."

Eugenia Last in YOUR HOROSCOPE tells me to show my feelings, embrace change and follow my heart.  Love, apparently, will bring stellar results (yes!!) and there could be a trip or some socializing!

Hmmm... busy day! Better get out of bed... : )

#8 Pass the...

We've all heard of the health risks connected to high sodium levels in our diet.  Today's recipe is from Joanne Smith, coauthor of The Big Cook and a weekly newspaper article, "From Our Table".  It's a great alternative to salt when cooking dinner.

Salt Substitute Seasoning

2     tsp. onion powder

1/4  tsp. pepper

1      tsp. dry mustard

1      tsp. paprika

1/2  tsp. thyme

1      tsp. ground celery seed

2     tsp. basil

1      tsp. dried parsley flakes

1/2  tsp. marjoram

Combine & shake well to mix.  Can also be combined with oil and vinegar for a tangy salad dressing.

# 7 Who's George?

George is someone you need to meet!  Seriously!

If you're looking for a "no nonsense, I gotta do something about this problem" kind of cream, this is it.  A very rich moisturizing cream, it's perfect for dry, cold climates.  It lasts longer than other creams I've tried and handles (pun intended!) frequent handwashing, if you're in that kind of job.  In addition, there are no additives and it's fragrance free!  

Created by George Doherty, a Calgary pharmacist, this cream is  available across Canada. There is also a lighter version called George's Daily Moisturizing Lotion. Check their website for locations: www.georgescream.com

#6 100 Days... Why?

Good question.   Hmmmm......

self-discipline

noun

the ability to control one's feelings and overcome one's weaknesses; the ability to pursue what one thinks is right despite temptations to abandon it.

“Ironically, ‘making it look easy’ comes down to learning discipline. You have to make yourself follow the path of an organized writer until it becomes second nature, until you can’t imagine writing any other way.”

                - Write Faster, Write Better  by David A. Fryxell

I figure, if I write daily for 100 days, I can make a no-guilt, "gave it a fair try" decision.  Write or move on.  We'll see : )

#5 Oatmeal Muffins

Here's a great recipe I've modified and tried multiple times.  

1       cup oatmeal

1/2   cup all-purpose flour

1/2   cup whole wheat flour

1/4   cup white sugar

1/4   cup brown sugar

1/2   tsp. salt

1/2   tsp. baking soda

1/2   tsp. cinnamon

2      eggs

1/2   cup oil

3/4  cup buttermilk (add 1 tablespoon vinegar to regular milk)

1      cup of berries or raisins or chocolate chips or...

Mix dry ingredients.  Stir in liquid ingredients.  Add berries.

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes.  Cool in pan for 10 minutes.  Makes 12.

September 7th Update: 

I'm passing around a plate of these muffins at THE COUNTRY COOK'S weekend potluck.  Lots of tasty recipes to try this week!