Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder

This week-end we completed 3 1/2 hour hikes Saturday and Sunday each carrying the knapsack on alternative days.  This was the first time  for me and my body feels it today!!!  What makes it all worthwhile is the incredible scenery.  I don't think I will ever tire of it.  Here are some incredible shots of the sun highlighting the trees.

We sent two days decorating a tree in our back yard.  Al tried to get a night shot but it is pretty difficult without a tripod.

You can see in these next shots how quickly the lake can freeze and how vast the horizon is.

It seems no matter where you go you will always find someone who insists in putting up lawn ornaments!

Oh well....

Hope all you snowmobilers, skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers and builders of snowmen are happy!!

Grindstone Trek

It was Sunday morning and Al and I decided to take a hike to the marina at Little Grindstone Harbour.  The sky was grey and it was snowing but this also meant the temperature was mild. Al packed his knapsack with soup and 25 lb of weights.  No he is not crazy, he is trying to get in shape for our trek in Peru this coming April.  Since this would be my first big hike of the season I went without the extra weight.

The hike took us a total of three hours return down the gravel roads and footpaths through the forest.  Once we got to the Marina we took a few minutes to have hot Red Pepper Soup I had made a day earlier.  It was delicious!

 The lake is still open,  soon it will freeze over.  I can't wait because then we can snowshoe across to Hecla Island.

In my estimation, there is no better way to spend the day, especially when there is a cold beer and a hot tub waiting at the end.

Oh and don't forget the good food!

The wine is from our personal supply compliments of Al.  Let me assure you, after years of practice he makes excellent quality wines.

This soup is one of my favorites, so I will share the recipe.  It comes from a 1999 Winnipeg Hydro Home Economists pamphlet.

ROASTED RED PEPPER SOUP

• 2 tbsp. butter or margarine
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 red peppers, roasted, seeded, cut into chunks
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice or gin
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

In large saucepan, melt butter.  Cook onion and garlic in butter until soft.  Add red peppers.  Cook 2-3 minutes.  Add broth.  Bring to boil.  Reduce heat.  Cover.  Simmer 15 - 20 minutes.  Add lemon juice,  In blender or food processor, (I used a hand blender), puree mixture until smooth.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

I had some mandarine oranges in the fridge that weren't that great so I decided to use them to make these muffins.  They turned out beautifully so here is the recipe from a 1980 Heartwarming Recipes Cookbook.

ORANGE BRAN MUFFINS

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups natural bran
• 2 tbsp. wheat germ (optional)
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp.  salt
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla
•  1 - 2 oranges, quartered (peel included)  I used three mandarins since they are smaller than naval oranges
• 4 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup raisins or nuts (optional)

Combine dry ingredients (1-7)  in large bowl.  Add ingredients 8-11 to blender ( I use a food processor).  Blend well.  Then combine wet ingredients with dry.  Mix in 4 tbsp vegetable oil.  Add 1 cup raisins (and nuts if desired).  Bake 350 F 20-30 minutes.  Yield: 1 1/2 - 2 dozen.

Hope you enjoy trying these tried and true recipes.  Until next time, cheers.

First Snowfall

Over the years I have travelled a fair bit and have had the privilege of viewing some of the most beautiful vistas in the world.  When I woke up yesterday morning, I was reminded how beautiful Manitoba can be.  People often ask, "Do you like living in the country?  Do you feel isolated?  What do you do?"  Al and I shake our heads each time we hear this because we are exactly where we want to be.

Although my camera is out of commission, Al is trying out his new waterproof, shockproof, cold proof camera during his biking and hiking trips.  We thought the best way to show you how and where we live is by pictures.....

On November 18, 2010 Al went on a bike ride around Grindstone Point.

 Shore of Lake Winnipeg 

 Al's KONA bike with studded tires for the snow

On November 19, we woke up to the first real snowfall.  The pictures look black and white because those were the only colors that day.  The snow clouds were low and there was not a whisp of wind.  

 These trails through the forest are great for snowshoeing

 The lake still has open water

On November 20, the temperatures had dropped and we woke up to a clear blue Manitoba sky and sparkling diamond snow.  

 This is the driveway to our home, the garage is on the left and the cottage further down.

 Our cottage

 We are surrounded by trees

 Winter Wonderland

 Al is getting creative with his new camera!

We hope you have enjoyed the tour.  We have lots of bird and wildlife which we will also try to capture for you.  

Cheers