Mutant Strawberries!
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Mary Mary Quite Contrary
Well the hot days of summer are here and that can mean only one things...schools out. I remember those carefree days. Cycling to the convenience store to get candy...Nerds, Fun Dip, Fizz, Hot rocks....
There is one lovely new treat thoughout in Southwestern Ontario. It is the height of strawberry season. Lots of great ripe juicy plum strawberries. Not be adulterated with icing sugar or dipped in chocolate but to be consumed straight off the vine in its natural juices. Anyone who you that strawberries aren't sweet hasn't eaten the real deal. This is how fruits and veggies were meant to be enjoyed. In its seasonal glory not imported for the convenience of each round consumption (which are tasteless and sour). As my red stained hands type this entry, more of the nectar of the gods is being savoured in a lovely Sangaria and later to be made into jam. MMMMMMMM!
There is one lovely new treat thoughout in Southwestern Ontario. It is the height of strawberry season. Lots of great ripe juicy plum strawberries. Not be adulterated with icing sugar or dipped in chocolate but to be consumed straight off the vine in its natural juices. Anyone who you that strawberries aren't sweet hasn't eaten the real deal. This is how fruits and veggies were meant to be enjoyed. In its seasonal glory not imported for the convenience of each round consumption (which are tasteless and sour). As my red stained hands type this entry, more of the nectar of the gods is being savoured in a lovely Sangaria and later to be made into jam. MMMMMMMM!
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Missing Link
Nothing could bring out the most basic instinct than a lost in normality. Consider the following, the ATM ate my bank card today. How do I react, madly punching the buttons in the futile hope of the machine rejecting the above mentioned card. But really, what kind of fool thinks the ATM is going to do this. This Fool!
After awaiting an agonizing three hours, first for the bank to open (wow, those banker hours are great!) and second for my morning clinic to be finished, I finally get to the branch office and licky split, the teller issues me a new card. I check my balance and everything is in order. Anxiety relieved.
Now, why all this fuss over the lost of bank card. It's not like there's much to take from the account anyway. Sometimes I just can't account for where my money goes. Just a plain reflection on the financial materialism that dominates my life. In my good old student days, this was a passing thought.
After awaiting an agonizing three hours, first for the bank to open (wow, those banker hours are great!) and second for my morning clinic to be finished, I finally get to the branch office and licky split, the teller issues me a new card. I check my balance and everything is in order. Anxiety relieved.
Now, why all this fuss over the lost of bank card. It's not like there's much to take from the account anyway. Sometimes I just can't account for where my money goes. Just a plain reflection on the financial materialism that dominates my life. In my good old student days, this was a passing thought.
Saturday, May 28, 2005
The Dark Side
Small creatures coming at me from every direction. Actually, more little additions to ever increasing ocean of Milton. At this rate, they'll have to build a whole new school in this town. Also sadly, missed two 3AM deliveries this week.
Best delivery yet, mother was involved in motor vehicle accident on the highway...arrives unharmed relatively in the morning...goes into labour on arrival and has baby girl by the late afternoon...best of all, father's beer breath nearly knocks out the nurse and myself.
Watched the new star wars flick. Best of the new films but this isn't saying much. Nice blending of technology...proto-type X-wing flyers, appearance of the Death Star. The birth of Darth Vader as a Frankenstein creature was particularly noteworthy as was the climatic battle with Obi-Wan. The down side...the worse birth scene in cinematic history. One moment they announce that Padme needs an operation and next you see her pushing out the twins. Also lost opportunity for Lucas to explain the significance of the names Leia and Luke. Worse of all, the transition from troubled and tormented youth to cold blooded lethal killing machine is quite abrupt. Anakin goes from trying to apprehend Palpatine/Darth Sidous to killing younglings (toddler Jedi) in about zero to 60 seconds. Well at least there was some Yoda philosophy: "fear of losing those you love is the path of the dark side." No fear in losing the memory of this film.
Very funny political caricature in the local paper. Stronach's defection to the Liberal party is portrayed as a defect of Princess Leia (Stronach) defection to Darth Vader(Martin). Luke (aka Harper) has a light saber in his back. Not sure why the vilification of Stronach is so strong...suspect that this may be because she is woman in Canadian politics.
Best delivery yet, mother was involved in motor vehicle accident on the highway...arrives unharmed relatively in the morning...goes into labour on arrival and has baby girl by the late afternoon...best of all, father's beer breath nearly knocks out the nurse and myself.
Watched the new star wars flick. Best of the new films but this isn't saying much. Nice blending of technology...proto-type X-wing flyers, appearance of the Death Star. The birth of Darth Vader as a Frankenstein creature was particularly noteworthy as was the climatic battle with Obi-Wan. The down side...the worse birth scene in cinematic history. One moment they announce that Padme needs an operation and next you see her pushing out the twins. Also lost opportunity for Lucas to explain the significance of the names Leia and Luke. Worse of all, the transition from troubled and tormented youth to cold blooded lethal killing machine is quite abrupt. Anakin goes from trying to apprehend Palpatine/Darth Sidous to killing younglings (toddler Jedi) in about zero to 60 seconds. Well at least there was some Yoda philosophy: "fear of losing those you love is the path of the dark side." No fear in losing the memory of this film.
Very funny political caricature in the local paper. Stronach's defection to the Liberal party is portrayed as a defect of Princess Leia (Stronach) defection to Darth Vader(Martin). Luke (aka Harper) has a light saber in his back. Not sure why the vilification of Stronach is so strong...suspect that this may be because she is woman in Canadian politics.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Born to mow
With the return of spring, there have come new responsibilities with the new home...Yard or lawn work. Now, having grown up entirely in apartment buildings and condos, this is a new concept. Must like the previous winter experience of shovelling the snow.
The mower works much like a little car...engine, engine oil, gas, spark plug and ah yes, the blades. Nevertheless after spending countless nights discussing with neighbours, friends and co-workers, the pros and cons of self-propelled versus push mowers, key start versus pull start, rear wheel versus front wheel (yes indeed this was key point in the decision), mulching versus bagging, emissions testing standards of the various brands and finally, the maintenance package. Well today, the new mower was charged up, gassed up and fired up....Worked like a charm. Now have discovered new calling in life after medicine...Lawn mowing. Actually the procedure is reminiscent of other surgical procedures I perform but that is a another log entry.
For now, the sweet smell of fresh cut grass gently passes through the house as the evening sun sets whilst I enjoy a little margarita on the deck. Ah, the simple pleasures of spring.
The mower works much like a little car...engine, engine oil, gas, spark plug and ah yes, the blades. Nevertheless after spending countless nights discussing with neighbours, friends and co-workers, the pros and cons of self-propelled versus push mowers, key start versus pull start, rear wheel versus front wheel (yes indeed this was key point in the decision), mulching versus bagging, emissions testing standards of the various brands and finally, the maintenance package. Well today, the new mower was charged up, gassed up and fired up....Worked like a charm. Now have discovered new calling in life after medicine...Lawn mowing. Actually the procedure is reminiscent of other surgical procedures I perform but that is a another log entry.
For now, the sweet smell of fresh cut grass gently passes through the house as the evening sun sets whilst I enjoy a little margarita on the deck. Ah, the simple pleasures of spring.
Monday, April 25, 2005
A small town no more
My silence for this month is broken. Why the delay...Actually more like lack of time. It was been raining babies. A new record established this month: 56 babies in a month. Not bad for an obstetrician unit that is nearly 2.5 years old. Still lots of growing pains. Need more staff and more equipment!
April showers have arrived and everything is growing. Since this is my first year at this new home, the joy of discovery is everywhere. Daffodils, crocuses, lilies, chives, and soon the blooming of the magnolias. Gosh, it's so exciting. Each day I survey the back and front yards for new signs of life. Next weekend, a new purchase....A lawmover and the start of new chapter in my life...yard work.
The end of April is also the end of the tax season. EEK! Enough said!
April showers have arrived and everything is growing. Since this is my first year at this new home, the joy of discovery is everywhere. Daffodils, crocuses, lilies, chives, and soon the blooming of the magnolias. Gosh, it's so exciting. Each day I survey the back and front yards for new signs of life. Next weekend, a new purchase....A lawmover and the start of new chapter in my life...yard work.
The end of April is also the end of the tax season. EEK! Enough said!
J. Brown finally took possession of his now home this week. Gigantic home in which he and his girlfriend will occupy. Currently, they have enough furniture to occupy one and half rooms let alone the three and a half bathrooms. Gosh I hope they like to clean. J. Brown and family invited myself and my parents for housewarming dinner and "prayer" ceremony. Most unlikely event for us to attend given currently religious persuasion. However, the evening was quite illuminating in the study of parental dynamics in traditional indian culture.
J. Brown's dad was clearly the patriach/elder of the clan. Leading both the prayer and yes the hymns sung. Most mercifully, I was called to a delivery in the middle of the prayers. J. Brown's mother spent most of her time in the kitchen. Also, I saw new side of J. Brown...very deferential to parents both mom and dad, even in his own home! Wow, makes me realize the total non-traditional upbringing I had. Strangely now feel very grateful to my own parents for encouraging and fostering my independence.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
return to sender
Saw a lovely picture from my sister's blog site....yeah, that picture of the siamese girls is on the wall of my office. I love it...her art is never ambivalent. Lots of my patients walk by the photographs but never without a comment.
Spring is sprung. Bought a few plants for the garden as well as hunting for a lawn mower and a BBQ. It seems that a little cabin fever has set in too. Dreaming about weekends at a cottage or on a boat. Spring weddings and of course, that fine Canadian tradition of the garden/BBQ party. But really it is all about getting outdoors even if it is the backyard. All hail the long days of summer!
Spring is sprung. Bought a few plants for the garden as well as hunting for a lawn mower and a BBQ. It seems that a little cabin fever has set in too. Dreaming about weekends at a cottage or on a boat. Spring weddings and of course, that fine Canadian tradition of the garden/BBQ party. But really it is all about getting outdoors even if it is the backyard. All hail the long days of summer!
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Milestones
What to look forward to when you are turning 30s, 40s or 50s: I attended a 40th birthday bash this weekend. Sadly, I was on call and could not imbibe as much as I desired. The event was smashing nevertheless. The birthday girl was throughly beeming from a day at the spa/hairstylist (arranged by her husband), dressed stylishly (cash provided for by husband) and standing in her newly renovated kitchen with food catered from a lovely Italian restaurant (also arranged by previously mentioned husband). The kitchen...cherry wood cabinets, granite top counters, two islands (with two sinks), dual built in ovens, cooktop with 6 burners, and two dishwashers. Some girls have all the luck. I really shouldn't speak too quickly...she does have to take care of four children in the morning.
Evening included a slide show that was entertaining as the highlight was Sven, a blow up male doll who seems to be making the rounds at all the 40th birthday parties. Finally, when it came down to the toast of the evening, the best line came from the birthday girl herself. She declared that when my husband turns 40th, he can do anything he likes...you can bet he has started planning for this occasion already. In the wee hours of the morning, the party finally wrapped up with two guys strumming classical guitar tunes.
Evening included a slide show that was entertaining as the highlight was Sven, a blow up male doll who seems to be making the rounds at all the 40th birthday parties. Finally, when it came down to the toast of the evening, the best line came from the birthday girl herself. She declared that when my husband turns 40th, he can do anything he likes...you can bet he has started planning for this occasion already. In the wee hours of the morning, the party finally wrapped up with two guys strumming classical guitar tunes.
Friday, March 04, 2005
Something about trees over broken stone is positively fascinating. Nature reclaming what is hers perhaps. Here are stones from a civilization older than our present left crumbling in her wake. What do you think will left when ours has passed on? Will what we build this day last as long as the Mayan's?
Spectacular setting. A few elements make for the perfect vacation. One is the beach which should be set by a gorgeous turquoise sea. The sea littered with coral reefs perfect for snorkeling or diving. Second would be ancient ruins, the older the better. Finally, perfect sunny skies...300 days of sunshine at least. Tulum, Mexico is one of those rare gems which combines them all.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Back to Square one
Well it hasn't been more than 3 days since I returned from Mexico...does the feeling of vacation last for more than this? More relaxed and more focussed? More (god forgive this expression) more productive. Actually yes to all the above.
Tonight, Desi and I shared our pics from our recent trip. No picture really captures the exact memory of the event but even so....the warm thoughts of vacation linger on. Outside, there is over a foot of snow but somehow it does really matter right now as I slip away dreaming of the warm waters of the Caribbean.
Tonight, Desi and I shared our pics from our recent trip. No picture really captures the exact memory of the event but even so....the warm thoughts of vacation linger on. Outside, there is over a foot of snow but somehow it does really matter right now as I slip away dreaming of the warm waters of the Caribbean.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Palancar Reefs of Cozumel
Wow...although I dived many times before, the beauty of the sea never ceases to amaze me. The hues of the coral, the dazzling colour of the marine life and just the pure splendor of the reefs. The ones in Cozumel were made famous by J. Cousteau and are considered second only to the Great Barrier Reef. And what a pleasure to be diving in warm waters. Each day, there were two dives and by noon I was sunny myself with a margarita by the pool or on the beach. Not a bad way to spend your vacation.
There are many wonders in the underwater world. Both great and small. Sometimes when you drift across the reef, your eye catches the tiny creatures dancing the sand...seahorses. Other times, the sea turtles float above your head. Almost half expect them to start speaking like a surfer dude. The other magic of diving is the silence broken occasionally by the sound of your breathing much like Darth Vader. It is also probably the closest I will ever get to experiencing flying. Now that I have returned from this dive trip, it is time to plan the next.
There are many wonders in the underwater world. Both great and small. Sometimes when you drift across the reef, your eye catches the tiny creatures dancing the sand...seahorses. Other times, the sea turtles float above your head. Almost half expect them to start speaking like a surfer dude. The other magic of diving is the silence broken occasionally by the sound of your breathing much like Darth Vader. It is also probably the closest I will ever get to experiencing flying. Now that I have returned from this dive trip, it is time to plan the next.
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