Boil, boil, toil and trouble

As you know I like to make things on my own. Things that most people would rather buy because it costs more to make it, takes lots of time or is of better quality bought from a store. Things like bread, mittens, cheese and jam. I could say that I love the process and that home-made is so much better then store bought. That I can put love into these things as I make them. And sometimes this is true. I think that we have lost something by separating our selves from the process of creation. I feel closer to the Creator while I am creating. But sometimes the process is fraught with mistakes, the end product is spotty at best and I am putting in more swear words than love.

Well, now I have a new way to explore the world of do-your-self. My brother in law bought me a beer making kit for Christmas. And you can imagine how excited I was. Of course I was 2 days post-partum, so it took me a while to get working.

But once started this project had all the highlights of my other at home projects. Plus a few surprises. The first day involved a trip to the hospital!

Little did I know that cutting a hole in the top of the fermentation bucket could be such a sacrificial gift on the part of my long suffering husband.

I learned a lot, had a lot of fun and laughs. But I also got very wet, spilt beer all over the carpet, used some words I should not have and got very confused.

But last night was the moment of truth.  And you know, it was worth it. (Well, maybe if we forget the hospital visit).

We gave the human sacrifice the first glass!

I am already researching my next brew. Any requests?

Only in Saskatchewan...

... Do the words "not freezing"="warm"

We are all a little bit Irish

I love St Patrick's day. We all need a little fun half way through lent. While maybe you have more fortitude then I do, but I sure like an excuse to let loose a bit.

But St. Patty's day has more for us then Guinness stew and green beer. With St. Valentine and St. Nick, he is one of the last widely recognized saints. And I think that saints still matter. I believe that when our loved ones die they are not gone, separated form us forever. Nor do I believe that their spirit comes back in another form. I believe that they live on, closer to us then they ever could be while on earth. That is what the saints are. 

I like knowing that I have a whole bunch of people who care about me and are there to back me up even if I can't see them. Just like my grandparents had a lot to teach me in how they lived, so does St Patrick. Here is a little of his wisdom.

As I arise today,
may the strength of God pilot me,
the power of God uphold me,
the wisdom of God guide me.

So while you savour your Kilkenny today say a little hello to St. Pat, and ask him to look out for you, because today we are all a little bit Irish.

The Spring is On It's Way

I am ready for spring.
Last year I had more fun in the winter then I did this year. We went out snowshoeing and for family walks. We went sledding tons. And I am sure you remember our rink!  But this year I'm ready for spring. I'm tired of mittens and hats and coats. Tired of the wind slapping me in the face. Luckily the weather is cooperating. This week most of our snow is starting to melt. Of course this means the whole town is in a giant mud puddle. But it has got me excited about my garden. So in a leap of hope and faith I have started my seeds. I think starting spring seeds is the ultimate show of hope. Hope that the winter really will be over one day. One day the ground in my backyard will be soft enough to actually dig. So little seeds, I have great hope for you.

Here's to spring on the prairies!

Gratitude

I am doing something different for lent this year.  I figured that with a new baby I needed something simple and easy. I also needed something easy to remember. I don't have much room in my brain these days.
I got this idea from my moms group so don't think that I am creative or anything.
All you have to do is get a recipe box and some index cards. Now every day you take one card, write the month and day in one corner and on the top line write one word or phrase that you are thankful for.  That is it. Put the card at the back of the box and repeat tomorrow.
You can make your box pretty or add nice dividers for the months. But it is really that simple. And it can keep going for years. 
I love it. Now every day I force myself to be thankful and it has sort of infected my whole day. I keep seeing more and more good things in my life. It is hard to be grumpy when all you see around you is blessings.