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Poetry on your palate
2007-12-10 16:16:00
This is a bit of a departure from my usual posts. I wanted to share with myreaders, one of my other true passions: cooking.At this time of year, food is never far from my thoughts. (Okay, I'll be honest, it's never far at any time of year). So, with that in mind, I thought I would share one of my favourite recipes for the season. It's fast, pretty on the plate and delectable. I invite all who visit, to do the same thing on their blogs and leave a link in the comments below. Bon Appetit!Kat's Pecan-cranberry tartlettes with orange zest1/4 lb butter1 cup flour3 oz. cream cheese(*the first 3 ingredients should be at room temperature)1/2 cup brown sugar, packed1/4 cup golden corn syrup2 tsp. vinegar1/2 tsp. vanilla (use the real thing)Grated zest of 1/2 an orange1/4 cup melted margarine1/4 cup dried cranberries1/4 cup chopped pecans.*Note, if you're not into making pastry, the frozen mini tart shells work just fine.In medium bowl, combine butter, flour and cream cheese to form a st...
More About: Poetry

James Barber Will Be Missed
2007-12-08 18:22:00
It was with tremendous sadness that I learned from an obituary in the National Post earlier this week that my favourite television chef, James Barber, The Urban Peasant had passed away in late November. Barber's methods were accessible to all. Just as Chef Gusteau in the animated story Ratatouille, believed anyone can cook, so did The Urban Peasant. Barber wrote a number of companion cookbooks to his show filled with easy to master recipes and illustrated in his own quirky manner. He also created a few children's books.A seafaring cook in his earlier life, he often spoke on camera of his cooking experiences at that time. His ability to cook with limited ingredients, quickly, inexpensively and successfully had a great deal to do with his days at sea.Not only a chef, he was a father, husband and friend to all he met. He also had a great affinity for animals and in recent years ran his own farm of very fortunate ones on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. James Barber used the simp...

James Barber Will Be Missed
2007-12-08 18:22:00
It was with tremendous sadness that I learned from an obituary in the National Post earlier this week that my favourite television chef, James Barber, The Urban Peasant had passed away in late November. Barber's methods were accessible to all. Just as Chef Gusteau in the animated story Ratatouille, believed anyone can cook, so did The Urban Peasant. Barber wrote a number of companion cookbooks to his show filled with easy to master recipes and illustrated in his own quirky manner. He also created a few children's books.A seafaring cook in his earlier life, he often spoke on camera of his cooking experiences at that time. His ability to cook with limited ingredients, quickly, inexpensively and successfully had a great deal to do with his days at sea.Not only a chef, he was a father, husband and friend to all he met. He also had a great affinity for animals and in recent years ran his own farm of very fortunate ones on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. James Barber used the simp...

13 Up
2007-12-06 19:39:00
Tagged twice for this meme. A letter to yourself at age 13. While it took some time to recollect what was going on in my life at that age, eventually some (long-buried) memories came flooding back. This will definitely reveal a bit more about me to my Blogfellows.Thanks to Elise and Michelle for thinking of me (as always).I'm now tagging: Crys at People are Awesome!Sharon at Sharon365 and Alan at Penglynn365Here's myNote To Self: Herein some warnings on romance,And other things that may perchanceBefall you in the years to come;Hindsight?s no use, but here is some:Don?t worry ?bout your lack of skillWith sports, gymnastics, neither willAmount to much when you?re my age;Your talent lies on printed page.Those platform shoes in the Sears BookMight seem ideal, but mind they?ll hookIn cables on the school gym floor;A flipped up skirt?s tough to ignore.Your skin will clear, you?ll wear contactsThe way you?ll dress and dance distractsA goodly number of the males,And when you?re done, you?...
More About: Note to Self

13 Up
2007-12-06 19:39:00
Tagged twice for this meme. A letter to yourself at age 13. While it took some time to recollect what was going on in my life at that age, eventually some (long-buried) memories came flooding back. This will definitely reveal a bit more about me to my Blogfellows.Thanks to Elise and Michelle for thinking of me (as always).I'm now tagging: Crys at People are Awesome!Sharon at Sharon365 and Alan at Penglynn365Here's myNote To Self:Herein some warnings on romance,And other things that may perchanceBefall you in the years to come;Hindsight?s no use, but here is some:Don?t worry ?bout your lack of skillWith sports, gymnastics, neither willAmount to much when you?re my age;Your talent lies on printed page.Those platform shoes in the Sears BookMight seem ideal, but mind they?ll hookIn cables on the school gym floor;A flipped up skirt?s tough to ignore.Your skin will clear, you?ll wear contactsThe way you?ll dress and dance distractsA goodly number of the males,And when you?re done, you?l...
More About: Note to Self

A New Twist On An Old Job
2007-12-05 11:47:00
An article in The Globe and Mail tickled me and I just had to put pen to paper (okay, fingers to keyboard) and come up with something to reflect this story. I give you:Santa Claws(Tips on how to be a modern-day store Santa)I?ve been a jolly SantaFor thirty years or more;When dealing with the toddlersI think I know the score.So when the bosses told meI?d have to work with pets,I thought I?d have no problems;No struggle-- no regrets,But nothing could prepare meFor what I dealt with then--Parade of beastly ?babies?Rats, ferrets, dober?men?;With scratches on my collarAnd urine on my coat,I?ve tried to keep on smiling,But it really gets my goat.Some tips they?ve tried to give me:Hot bottle for the catA squeak- toy for the puppiesAnd hang on to your hat;Please gently hold that rabbit;Don?t drop him on his back,Else he?ll no more be hopping,And owners will attack.Look out for lips, back-curlingOr hair that stands on end;Not every little ?darling?Is really?man?s best friend?.But what they?r...
More About: Twist

A New Twist On An Old Job
2007-12-05 11:47:00
An article in The Globe and Mail tickled me and I just had to put pen to paper (okay, fingers to keyboard) and come up with something to reflect this story. I give you:Santa Claws(Tips on how to be a modern-day store Santa)I?ve been a jolly SantaFor thirty years or more;When dealing with the toddlersI think I know the score.So when the bosses told meI?d have to work with pets,I thought I?d have no problems;No struggle-- no regrets,But nothing could prepare meFor what I dealt with then--Parade of beastly ?babies?Rats, ferrets, dober?men?;With scratches on my collarAnd urine on my coat,I?ve tried to keep on smiling,But it really gets my goat.Some tips they?ve tried to give me:Hot bottle for the catA squeak- toy for the puppiesAnd hang on to your hat;Please gently hold that rabbit;Don?t drop him on his back,Else he?ll no more be hopping,And owners will attack.Look out for lips, back-curlingOr hair that stands on end;Not every little ?darling?Is really?man?s best friend?.But what they?r...
More About: Twist

Bibliophiles: turn those pages!
2007-12-03 17:18:00
Michelle Hix and I have come up with the idea of an online Bookclub. Anyone interested? Please leave a comment and we'll get one started in say, January.
More About: Pages , Turn , Ages

Bibliophiles: turn those pages!
2007-12-03 17:18:00
Michelle Hix and I have come up with the idea of an online Bookclub. Anyone interested? Please leave a comment and we'll get one started in say, January.Kat
More About: Pages , Turn , Ages

T.V. Confessions
2007-12-02 21:24:00
This poem speaks for itself: I am a prime time t.v. junkie. I'm not particularly proud of it, but I admit it.Screen IdleI?m surrounded by books; I?ve earned my degree;Still I?m held hostage by flat-screen t.v.With high-minded observing I could impress--History Channel, or else PBS,The truth is more shameful--despite all my smarts--Not really watching those shows on the Arts;More likely I?m catching The Bachelor chooseFrom bevies of beauties--not minding the news.Prefer to indulge in the lives I don?t know--Some latest "survivor" the tribe has let go;That pair in The Race who just bitch their way through;Bimbo on Big Brother with nary a clue.It's true that I can?t miss a day of Brit soaps;If you need lingo lessons, I?ll show you the ropes,But I?d rather eye nothing than view violent crime;Since they cancelled Columbo, don?t give it my time.So if you?ve been thinking I?m so scholarlyCheck my PVR timers; you?ll find the real me.Kathleen Mortensen © 2007
More About: Confessions , Fess

T.V. Confessions
2007-12-02 21:24:00
This poem speaks for itself: I am a prime time t.v. junkie. I'm not particularly proud of it, but I admit it.Screen IdleI?m surrounded by books; I?ve earned my degree;Still I?m held hostage by flat-screen t.v.With high-minded observing I could impress--History Channel, or else PBS;The truth is more shameful--despite all my smarts--Not really watching those shows on the Arts;More likely I?m catching The Bachelor chooseFrom bevies of beauties--not minding the news.Prefer to indulge in the lives I don?t know--Some latest "survivor" the tribe has let go;That pair in The Race who just bitch their way through;Bimbo on Big Brother with nary a clue.It's true that I can?t miss a day of Brit soaps;If you need lingo lessons, I?ll show you the ropes,But I?d rather eye nothing than view violent crime;Since they cancelled Columbo, don?t give it my time.So if you?ve been thinking I?m so scholarlyCheck my PVR timers; you?ll find the real me.Kathleen Mortensen © 2007
More About: Confessions , Fess

Evel Knievel Rides No More
2007-11-30 23:40:00
The death today of Evel Knievel inspired me on the spot to write this piece in tribute and remembrance. I recall some of the sensational jumps (and falls) he had when I was a youth in the seventies and early eighties. Coincidentally, a lawsuit with Kanye West concerning Knievel's trademark image was resolved just two days ago.Rest in peace, Evel.Last RideSo long Evel Knievel;We loved to watch you rideAcross the tops of buses;So sorry now you?ve died.So long Evel Knievel;You?ll vault no more through flameNor fly above the rattlers,And sharks that made your name.So long Evel Knievel;You?ve broken many bones,That crash at Caesar?s PalaceProved you had some cojones.So long Evel Knievel;We watched you as you leaptO?er the Snake River Canyon;Your family must have wept.So long Evel Knievel;You?re finally at rest;Though you?ve left the earth, you?ll?Touch the sky? with Kanye West.Kathleen Mortensen © 2007

Evel Knievel Rides No More
2007-11-30 23:40:00
The death today of Evel Knievel inspired me on the spot to write this piece in tribute and remembrance. I recall some of the sensational jumps (and falls) he had when I was a youth in the seventies and early eighties. Coincidentally, a lawsuit with Kanye West concerning Knievel's trademark image was resolved just two days ago.Rest in peace, Evel.Last RideSo long Evel Knievel;We loved to watch you rideAcross the tops of buses;So sorry now you?ve died.So long Evel Knievel;You?ll vault no more through flameNor fly above the rattlers,And sharks that made your name.So long Evel Knievel;You?ve broken many bones,That crash at Caesar?s PalaceProved you had some cojones.So long Evel Knievel;We watched you as you leaptO?er the Snake River Canyon;Your family must have wept.So long Evel Knievel;You?re finally at rest;Though you?ve left the earth, you?ll?Touch the sky? with Kanye West.Kathleen Mortensen © 2007

Calling all Cat-lovers!
2007-11-29 15:31:00
And I know you're out there!Check out the Band of Cats blog for great cat-snaps, cat-lore, cat-calls, caterwauling, and a catalogue of interesting info on the felines we all love. (Oops! Sorry, Baba Doodlius.)Stop by and see the Band of Cats and all their friends -- even the Mortensen cats come round occasionally. Check them out at the purple widget in my sidebar. You'll have a howling good time!
More About: Lovers , Calling

Calling all Cat-lovers!
2007-11-29 15:31:00
And I know you're out there!Check out the Band of Cats blog for great cat-snaps, cat-lore, cat-calls, caterwauling, and a catalogue of interesting info on the felines we all love. (Oops! Sorry, Baba Doodlius.)Stop by and see the Band of Cats and all their friends -- even the Mortensen cats come round occasionally. Check them out at the purple widget in my sidebar. You'll have a howling good time!
More About: Lovers , Calling

You shouldn't have...
2007-11-29 15:15:00
A big thank you to my friend Elise for this lovely Llamalicious blogger award! If you haven't visited Diary of Elise yet, take some time to do so. You'll be captivated, I promise you. She never has one-time visitors, only full-time addicts! (Luy ya Elise!)

You shouldn't have...
2007-11-29 15:15:00
A big thank you to my friend Elise for this lovely Llamalicious blogger award! If you haven't visited Diary of Elise yet, take some time to do so. You'll be captivated, I promise you. She never has one-time visitors, only full-time addicts! (Luy ya Elise!)

I accept this award
2007-11-28 23:04:00
Many thanks to Cryssie at the People Are Awesome (aka The Bitchin' Blog) for bestowing upon me this great honour of the above award. "This, unique, award is presented to you in honor of your...well...kick ass-ness. Your posts are hilarious, informative and, all around, great to read." ( That's very nice to know.) I most humbly accept it with appreciation and luv. ***woo hoo!*** Congrats also to my ol' buddy, Baba Doodlius, Mental Poo, and Tequila Mockingbird
More About: Award , Accept

I accept this award
2007-11-28 23:04:00
Many thanks to Cryssie at the People Are Awesome (aka The Bitchin' Blog) for bestowing upon me this great honour of the above award. "This, unique, award is presented to you in honor of your...well...kick ass-ness. Your posts are hilarious, informative and, all around, great to read." ( That's very nice to know.) I most humbly accept it with appreciation and luv. ***woo hoo!*** Congrats also to my ol' buddy, Baba Doodlius, Mental Poo, and Tequila Mockingbird
More About: Award , Accept

Shine Your Light
2007-11-28 15:56:00
This Holiday Season, I think we're all thinking a bit differently. Some of us are making an effort to make our world a better place. We're thinking it's important to recognize the need to help not only ourselves, but others as well. It's a time to give gifts to each other, but also a time to acknowledge how fortunate we are and how others in the world are not as lucky. Just watch an episode of The Amazing Race and you'll see the way others have to live and see how the competitors are stunned and even moved to tears by the impoverished conditions to which they are exposed. Some of us have family fighting in war-torn countries, some of us have personal tragedies in our lives that we're dealing with even at this so-called "happy time". But this is when we should realize just how closely we are all linked; how we as a human race are basically striving for the same things: love, joy and peace.So let us as human beings strive to make a difference this Holiday Season. Change somethin...
More About: Shine , Light

Shine Your Light
2007-11-28 15:56:00
This Holiday Season, I think we're all thinking a bit differently. Some of us are making an effort to make our world a better place. We're thinking it's important to recognize the need to help not only ourselves, but others as well. It's a time to give gifts to each other, but also a time to acknowledge how fortunate we are and how others in the world are not as lucky. Just watch an episode of The Amazing Race and you'll see the way others have to live and see how the competitors are stunned and even moved to tears by the impoverished conditions to which they are exposed. Some of us have family fighting in war-torn countries, some of us have personal tragedies in our lives that we're dealing with even at this so-called "happy time". But this is when we should realize just how closely we are all linked; how we as a human race are basically striving for the same things: love, joy and peace.So let us as human beings strive to make a difference this Holiday Season. Change somethin...
More About: Shine , Light

Another one of those silly things...
2007-11-25 21:32:00
More introspective, self-absorbed stuff that seems to fascinate people. Why do I engage in these things? As an introvert, I guess I like revealing a little of myself to total strangers. That's a bit of a contradiction, I suppose, but...here goes anyway.Completely, Ridiculously RandomWhat is the single largest item in your house? It's a toss up between the couch and the dining room table.How well can you write your name with your non dominant hand? Pretty well if I were either a doctor or a pharmacist. Not so well for your average communicator. I can type well and play the piano with my left hand.What color is your bedroom? PuceWhat type of computer mouse do you use? Typically, I use a laptop which does not require a mouse, but I have a Microsoft mouse with a ball.What is your earliest memory? Anyone who knows me will tell you my memories all have to do with food. I can recall a birthday party with a cake covered in Life Savers. I think I was 3 years old.Have you ever jumped off of...
More About: Things , Silly

Another one of those silly things...
2007-11-25 21:32:00
More introspective, self-absorbed stuff that seems to fascinate people. Why do I engage in these things? As an introvert, I guess I like revealing a little of myself to total strangers. That's a bit of a contradiction, I suppose, but...here goes anyway.Completely, Ridiculously RandomWhat is the single largest item in your house? It's a toss up between the couch and the dining room table.How well can you write your name with your non dominant hand? Pretty well if I were either a doctor or a pharmacist. Not so well for your average communicator. I can type well and play the piano with my left hand.What color is your bedroom? PuceWhat type of computer mouse do you use? Typically, I use a laptop which does not require a mouse, but I have a Microsoft mouse with a ball.What is your earliest memory? Anyone who knows me will tell you my memories all have to do with food. I can recall a birthday party with a cake covered in Life Savers. I think I was 3 years old.Have you ever jumped off of...
More About: Things , Silly

You Will Rue The Day
2007-11-22 19:13:00
Lots of stuff on the net these days really surprises, but does not shock me. Generally, I am more saddened by events of late, rather than angered. It is truly unfortunate that today's young people think it's okay to get totally hammered and make fools of themselves, not just for their own little circles, but for all the world to see. Apparently, it's a good idea to take nude photos of yourself and send them willy-nilly to all on your contacts list.The invention of e-mail and the webcam is a fun, novel thing, but think twice before you play around with it. It may come back to haunt you.Net Worth(an open letter to the students of today)Quite common these days in the newsTo find stories that often bemuse;Just today, take a lookFind the posts on Facebook,Catch a contest for students who booze!It?s true! While you get your degreeAt Memorial, Western, UV?The more drink you can drain,For the public domain,You?ll go down in the school?s history.It seems more and more on the netYou don?t ...
More About: Net worth

You Will Rue The Day
2007-11-22 19:13:00
Lots of stuff on the net these days really surprises, but does not shock me. Generally, I am more saddened by events of late, rather than angered. It is truly unfortunate that today's young people think it's okay to get totally hammered and make fools of themselves, not just for their own little circles, but for all the world to see. Apparently, it's a good idea to take nude photos of yourself and send them willy-nilly to all on your contacts list.The invention of e-mail and the webcam is a fun, novel thing, but think twice before you play around with it. It may come back to haunt you.Net Worth(an open letter to the students of today)Quite common these days in the newsTo find stories that often bemuse;Just today, take a lookFind the posts on Facebook,Catch a contest for students who booze!It?s true! While you get your degreeAt Memorial, Western, UV?The more drink you can drain,For the public domain,You?ll go down in the school?s history.It seems more and more on the netYou don?t ...
More About: Net worth

Hello, Pilgrims!
2007-11-22 19:01:00
Often my mother will tell me proudly that her ancestors came over on the Mayflower. Of course her immediate family comes from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, but that's not important. Today of all days, I have to say I'm a descendant of the Pilgrims and so I too am thankful along with my American cousins. Happy Thanksgiving to all my blogger friends in the USA!
More About: Rims

Hello, Pilgrims!
2007-11-22 19:01:00
Often my mother will tell me proudly that her ancestors came over on the Mayflower. Of course her immediate family comes from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, but that's not important. Today of all days, I have to say I'm a descendant of the Pilgrims and so I too am thankful along with my American cousins. Happy Thanksgiving to all my blogger friends in the USA!
More About: Rims

Ravenous Rodents
2007-11-19 20:50:00
Rococo SquirrelsRococo Squirrels are rampantIn my backyard these days;Their pudgy arms and stocky legsBetray their greedy ways.Where once they lightly scampered roundFrom tree to tree to fence;These days they lumber heavily?Neath limbs and girth immense.Still, showdowns aren?t unusualWhen squads storm my porch-floor;Scrapping over nuts and seedsI?ve just flicked out the door.With Autumn?s end, the Sumos comeTo act out their burlesque;Rococo squirrels are wrestling yet--Or are they Rubenesque?Kathleen Mortensen © 2007 (photo on Flickr - soon to be replaced by actual shot)
More About: Rodents

Ravenous Rodents
2007-11-19 20:50:00
Rococo SquirrelsRococo Squirrels are rampantIn my backyard these days;Their pudgy arms and stocky legsBetray their greedy ways.Where once they lightly scampered roundFrom tree to tree to fence;These days they lumber heavily?Neath limbs and girth immense.Still, showdowns aren?t unusualWhen squads storm my porch-floor;Scrapping over nuts and seedsI?ve just flicked out the door.With Autumn?s end, the Sumos comeTo act out their burlesque;Rococo squirrels are wrestling yet--Or are they Rubenesque?Kathleen Mortensen © 2007(Actual shot of the Rococo Squirrels)
More About: Rodents

Is Trump Trumped?
2007-11-16 16:40:00
The Donald has been casting his net farther afield these days-- overseas in the highlands of Scotland. Trump is hoping to acquire land for his newest,"best golf course in the world". Problem is, the locals don't take too kindly to strangers - even if they have pots of money. In this poem, I've tried to get in the heads of all concerned and even dipped into Shakespeare's mind for a measure.Trumped ?Trump, ?The Donald?s? on a questHis new golf-course will be best;Only thing that?s in his path,Man of Scotland and his wrath.Didn?t help Trump said, unjust,Forbes?s land raised his disgust;Farmer, Michael can?t be bought;Now the Donald?s truly caught.His heart?s set on Balmedie,But the Heritage Agency,Sides with Forbes and pressure group;Trump may have to fly the coop,?Less he pulls Ace from his sleeve--Ancestry, if we believe;Mary, of the MacLeod clanWas his mother?that?s his plan--Win the heart and mind of Scot;Macbeth?s lady would be hot,If she knew that she?d been trumped,By such sch...