If One Blog Wasn’t Enough...

I decided to start another blog! I tasted so many great recipes over the years that I decided to give them their own space. The trick is to be consistent with posting and as you can see by this blog I have problems with maintaining regular entries so I decided to go easy on myself and enter a recipe once a week.

I love trying different foods and some of the best ones aren’t complicated to create. That’s what my blog will be about, easy recipes.

Here's the site;

http://angeliques-favorite-recipes.blogspot.com/

I hope you’ll enjoy looking through them and perhaps trying a recipe or two. Happy cooking.

88 Year Old Woman Wins My Heart

I watched the Rick Mercer report where he interviewed Mayor Hazel McCallion. This woman inspired me and cracked me up at the same time. I love this interview!

Loss of a Pet

Sadly during our stay in BC my grandparents lost their pet Sally. I met Sally five years ago; she and Lucy became instant friends. Sally a Sheltie mix and Lucy a terrier mix matched each other in size and were perfect playmates. They would have a system going where one would tell us they would have to go outside and of course with each outing we would reward them with a treat, but we couldn’t just give one the treat without giving the other one as well. So it went, Sally would go outside, come in get a treat and a few minutes later Lucy would do the same; the two made it so they would get double amount of treats.

Five years the dogs were separated; the distance of Ontario and BC keeping them apart. This time age had its bearing, Sally’s legs bothered her and Lucy checked her over, sniffing her intently--I believe sensing there was something more serious at hand. It wasn’t until near the end of our visit around April that Sally went suddenly blind. The veterinarian checked her for diabetes but it wasn’t so, her breathing became labored and finally my grandparents had to put her to sleep for there was nothing else they could do. The vet suspected it was lymphoma.

The house is now oddly quiet and there’s a lack of movement—the feeling of loss tangible. It wasn’t more than a week after they put her down when my grandparents got a card of condolence from the veterinarian, in it was a beautiful note called; Rainbow Bridge. We read it with my grandmother unable to keep the tears from our eyes. It’s a wonderful piece of writing that I had to share.

Rest in peace Sally.




Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion; never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together …

Author unknown

The Orangutan and the Hound

If you need to smile this is sure to please. I got this video clip in an e-mail and absolutely loved it!

When it comes to animals, I have a soft spot. I admire their traits and how they love unconditionally.

I hope you enjoy:)

Watch more National Geographic Channel videos on AOL Video

The Beginning of a New Year

Happy 2010!


There’s something to be said about starting with a fresh canvas;

2009 was painted in broad strokes, excitements, adventure, victories and defeats.

It was a year I entered two manuscripts in RWA’s Lone Star writing contest. My romantic suspense didn’t final, however my historical romance Surrender The Storm placed second in the contest. I purchased a new laptop, learned new programs, one of them being Microsoft Office Word—which I love! Writing, editing--you name it is so much easier with the program. As for adventure; my parents and I packed up and headed for Vancouver Island for the winter. For me the year flew by.

So here we are 2010, the mere number has a space age ring to it.

I have no new year’s resolutions. For me as long as I learn and grow as a writer and put my best foot forward in all I do, I’ll accomplish my goal.

Here’s to 2010!

Christmas with Our Dog Lucy

Having no children of my own, I spoil our dog Lucy and she milks for all it’s worth. We sent parcels back east to my family and wrapped up a present for their dog; Lucy knowing it was a toy tried numerous times to sneak it out of the box—when it comes to toys and treats it’s impossible to hide it from her.

Christmas eve she woke up to go outside, once indoors she stopped by the Christmas tree knowing her presents were there. She gave a whimper, but she was told she had to wait until morning.

Since we’re staying at my grandparents for the winter in their basements suite, their dog Sally comes downstairs and visits often; so naturally they had to open their gifts together.




Sally with her toy:


Lucy checking Sally's toy:



Sally wearing a big smile after opening her present:




Lucy wanting more presents:


Lucy trying out her new toy:





Lucy loving all of her presents:

Warm Wishes for the Holidays

Tis the season to be jolly and I’ll be making the best of it (grin). I have a three day schedule that starts tonight with dinner at my aunt and uncles’. Tomorrow is another gathering and feast at another relatives’ and last but not least on Boxing Day a big dinner at my grandparents.

With all this celebrating I’ll have to add another notch to my belt.

I’m grateful to have this opportunity to spend the holidays with my relatives on Vancouver Island (something I only did once before), I’ll also be thinking of my family back home in Ontario and wishing they were here with me.

I wish you the very best for Christmas and the holidays.

It’s A Long Way to Tipperary

That old World War 1 song kept surfacing from one person to another as we drove the 3800 kilometers (approx. 2200 miles) to Vancouver Island.

I can’t tell you how strained my eyes were when it grew dark and we drove around the lake head of Lake Superior. I watched sign after sign, saying watch for moose crossing; one was flashing in bright lights; seeming foreboding. My imagination was getting the best of me; I half expected a wide-eyed moose to jump out in front of us just for the sport of it..


At one point in Manitoba, we were making good timing, waking well before the sun rose from our hotel room and setting off, but things slowed considerably when a train that had to be at least two and half miles long crossed our path at turtle's pace, even our dog Lucy had to wonder what was going on.








Rain followed us throughout most of the prairies, the sun eventually came out and I actually seen the end of a rainbow in Fort Macleod, Alberta. I looked but didn’t see no pot of gold waiting there (fanciful thought I know, but it sure would have been sweet).



We got some great shots of the mountains and a beautiful church.







So now I’m home to stay in BC until spring once again touches Ontario.