Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Mi Vida Loca
I'm often surprised at how my life turned out the way it did. I constantly mention on the blog how I never ever imagined living in the rural north and being married to a farmer. Everything just seems so odd to me, yet somehow it all makes sense.
Instead of joining the throngs of commuters in Toronto's rush hour traffic every day for work, my means of transportation for work is by foot. Instead of all the shopping I used to do (pretty much whenever I felt like it, because the school I taught at in Toronto was downtown and near all the shops), I only shop once in a blue moon. I no longer get my daily fix of Tim Horton's iced caps or hot chocolate (remember, coffee puts me to sleep!). 
I have to travel 74 minutes for my Timmie's and therefore only have it if I'm headed to "the city".
Since I left the city and married a farmer, my life also includes being a Chef at Home. I'm constantly trying new recipes. Most of the meals I prepare are from scratch. Hubby's used to country living and this is something I've had to adapt to. This said, I've been able to broaden his horizons as well. I've introduced him to travel, arts, culture, international cuisine...and I am proud to say that he enjoys these new-to-him things. The photo below is of the supper I made tonight. I had absolutely no time and no idea of what to cook for Hubby, The Student and myself, and I came up with this baked salmon, potato salad and Caesar salad dinner. If you want the recipe, I'm including it at the end of the post.
Likewise, Hubby teaches me new things on a daily basis. Life on the farm offers so many valuable lessons. Hubby is also full of interesting tid bits like...
Upon seeing the sunset tonight (above photo), he said, "Oh! The sky is telling us that we should be expecting rain in a day or two." I'm thinking, "Wow! Who says these things!?" Apparently, one can tell by the sky what kind of weather will be brought on. It's actually really interesting.
Little One on our daily walk up and down the highway. Look! No cars in sight! I think I counted five vehicles in total as we walked. Mind you, we went right before ferry traffic! Yes, that's Little One inside that odd UFO type contraption! Hey, it's got a bug screen and UV filter! Gotta keep Little One safe in there!
Baked Salmon Recipe
If you're like me and have little time to slave in the kitchen but want to prepare wholesome dishes for your friends and family, this is a time saver! This salmon dish takes less than 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish! It's quite possibly the easiest dish you'll ever make.
INGREDIENTS:
*Salmon fillets (one 3 oz serving per person)
*Garlic (minced)
*Soy sauce
*Maple Syrup
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Marinate salmon fillets by spreading minced garlic over fillets (however much you like). Pour soy sauce over fillets, and then pour maple syrup over fillets. Make sure fillets are covered with mixture. I used the maple syrup that we made on our farm. YUM!
Place fillets flat on a baking sheet. If the fillets have skin on, place skin side down. Bake for 20 minutes. Depending on your oven, it can sometimes take just a little more than 20 minutes, but be careful not to overcook. There you go. Presto! Add a salad and a side dish and you've got dinner in less than 30 minutes!
Instead of joining the throngs of commuters in Toronto's rush hour traffic every day for work, my means of transportation for work is by foot. Instead of all the shopping I used to do (pretty much whenever I felt like it, because the school I taught at in Toronto was downtown and near all the shops), I only shop once in a blue moon. I no longer get my daily fix of Tim Horton's iced caps or hot chocolate (remember, coffee puts me to sleep!). I have to travel 74 minutes for my Timmie's and therefore only have it if I'm headed to "the city". Oh, I don't really miss the city. I'm a very social person and I just miss my friends and family. I also miss the restaurants, cafes, museums, art galleries, theater, etc. I miss having my girls' days with my friends. I miss just hanging out with the girls over Thai, Indian or Japanese food. I miss dinner and movies. I miss Gavie's Gal and the other girls we hung out with.
I no longer eat out at restaurants on a regular basis and I no longer order in whenever I'm not in the mood for cooking. Oh, how convenient it was to live in the city and be able to eat whatever you want, whenever you want...or order your favourite meals and dine in the comfort of your own home. Of course, when I was a single gal, my routine often included teaching, eating out with friends, going for a few drinks at Happy Hour, taking the dog out for a walk, going to bed, and doing the same thing pretty much day after day.
My life is so different now. Hubby likes to say that I am now "frugal". I've learned to make due with what we have and live modestly. Oh, we do splurge and spoil ourselves once in a while, but in general, we are very careful to live within our means.
Since I've had Little One, I've put teaching ESL on hold for a year. She is now six months old and is keeping me very busy! I'm talking so-busy-I-sometimes-forget-to-eat-on-time-or-need-to-schedule-bathroom-breaks busy!
Since I left the city and married a farmer, my life also includes being a Chef at Home. I'm constantly trying new recipes. Most of the meals I prepare are from scratch. Hubby's used to country living and this is something I've had to adapt to. This said, I've been able to broaden his horizons as well. I've introduced him to travel, arts, culture, international cuisine...and I am proud to say that he enjoys these new-to-him things. The photo below is of the supper I made tonight. I had absolutely no time and no idea of what to cook for Hubby, The Student and myself, and I came up with this baked salmon, potato salad and Caesar salad dinner. If you want the recipe, I'm including it at the end of the post.Likewise, Hubby teaches me new things on a daily basis. Life on the farm offers so many valuable lessons. Hubby is also full of interesting tid bits like...Upon seeing the sunset tonight (above photo), he said, "Oh! The sky is telling us that we should be expecting rain in a day or two." I'm thinking, "Wow! Who says these things!?" Apparently, one can tell by the sky what kind of weather will be brought on. It's actually really interesting.Here are some slices of my life...
Sunset from our living room window from last night.
Getting Little One ready for a walk. Funny...When I lived in the city, I absolutely hated dandelions! I think I was brainwashed into thinking that they were unsightly. I remember wanting our front yard to have the greenest lawn possible...perfectly manicured, with no dandelions. Now, I think they're beautiful. Odd, isn't it?
Little One on our daily walk up and down the highway. Look! No cars in sight! I think I counted five vehicles in total as we walked. Mind you, we went right before ferry traffic! Yes, that's Little One inside that odd UFO type contraption! Hey, it's got a bug screen and UV filter! Gotta keep Little One safe in there!Baked Salmon Recipe
If you're like me and have little time to slave in the kitchen but want to prepare wholesome dishes for your friends and family, this is a time saver! This salmon dish takes less than 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish! It's quite possibly the easiest dish you'll ever make.
INGREDIENTS:
*Salmon fillets (one 3 oz serving per person)
*Garlic (minced)
*Soy sauce
*Maple Syrup
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Marinate salmon fillets by spreading minced garlic over fillets (however much you like). Pour soy sauce over fillets, and then pour maple syrup over fillets. Make sure fillets are covered with mixture. I used the maple syrup that we made on our farm. YUM!
Place fillets flat on a baking sheet. If the fillets have skin on, place skin side down. Bake for 20 minutes. Depending on your oven, it can sometimes take just a little more than 20 minutes, but be careful not to overcook. There you go. Presto! Add a salad and a side dish and you've got dinner in less than 30 minutes!
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About the Blog Author
City girl moves to the country, falls in love, and marries a farmer. She tries to incorporate her city ways with her new country lifestyle and blogs to keep in touch with friends, family & students who live far, far away :) Can this city girl go country? Watch as she learns all sorts of exciting things about life on the farm and in a small rural community. *UPDATE* We are now parents! Our baby girl was born on Nov. 11, 2008 (at 28 weeks gestation- 12 weeks premature, but she's quite the trooper)!!!
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17 comments:
I Love that first shot, C... and for some reason the picture of the stroller on the highway cracked me up!!! I can just picture the two of you on there... it's so open, spectacular really.
I think it's a wonderful life that you have out there. So many different aspects of life that you just don't get in the city. And an amazing space for your precious one to grow up in.
Yum on the recipe... will have to try it!
Karen:
LOL! I KNOW!!! I was actually cracking up while I took the photo! Just the thought of Little One and me out in the open highway with no one around for miles seems so funny. It's like a scene out of a movie.
If you, Little G, Liamster and the hubster ever want to come up for a visit (and lots of time on the beach!), mi casa tu casa! :) Oh, there may be a chance that we're in TO in a few weeks. Not sure yet.
I'm glad you're loving your new life in the country!
The sunset pictures are beautiful.
I love LO's bug/UV screen. Very cool.
I'm so glad that country life is working out for you.
HAHA! "Right before ferry traffic!" You're not only a country girl now - you're an Islander! On Manitoulin, even in the middle of the winter, if I'm driving with my family and we see more than three cars in a row, we all say "Well, the ferry must be in!" And, yes, I love dandelions too; they're so cheerful... and clever... they always seem to duck just before the lawnmower passes over them. Speaking of ducks... Word ver; "ducks"!! E.
hi c! what a cute picture of you 3 together! gosh, she's so cute cute cute!
thanx for the salmon recipe. yes - it's super easy. i've done something similar to that, but i used lawry's 30 minute marinade (the teriyaki ginger)instead. i think i'll be trying your recipe soon - with the maple syrup you sent us a while back.
btw, that's a neat contraption - is that something you attach to a bike? (the podlike thing that little one is in)<----bad grammar i know.
it's interesting how much our lives can change over the years.
word ver:
aflansiv
WTF!!!!
You live a beautiful life C =) Much simpler than city life where life can be quite hectic.
I think your life sounds wonderful - I'm sure lots of city folk would trade you in a second...
Tracy:
Thank you :) Some days take more getting used to things than others though! All in all, I'm truly very happy living where I live. I do sometimes miss some aspects of city life. I miss my friends and family the most though. I am glad to be able to raise Little One here though. All the fresh air, clean water, the beaches, the fresh produce...truly special. Of course, when she is older she will be going to university in the city! We'll cross that bridge when we get there though! She's only 6 months old! LOL!
Jinxy:
The bug/UV screen is pretty neat, isn't it? I am now looking for a bug/UV "tent" for her when we hit the beach. I've seen them before. They're not that big. Just big enough for the little one to hang out in or nap while at the beach.
Esther:
Tee hee! I laughed when I read your comment! The ferry traffic joke is probably something that we laugh at but when people who don't live in these parts hear it, it isn't so funny! We also joke about "Hey! Look, ferry traffic!" when we see more than three cars on the highway.
It was sooooooooooooo nice seeing you and A today! I really enjoyed hanging out and oooohh...the cheesecake and carrot cake were deeeeeeeelish!!!
See you soon! Hey, I forgot to give you the $$$ for the Pirates tickets!!! I guess this means I'll be seeing you soon!
Canine:
I can't believe LO is already 6 months old. That is half a year! I'm so sad! :( LOL! She's doing more and more new things every day. I kind of want her to stay a baby for a bit longer! LOL! I'm so selfish.
Teriyaki ginger salmon! That sounds good!!!
The pod-like thing that LO is in is actually her car seat (that attaches onto her stroller base) and then I bought a UV/bug screen that fits over the car seat. It looks like some sort of spacecraft, but she's bug free and protected from the sun! LOL! On the flipside, I wish I had something like that to ride in...and someone to push me! Hahaha!
Louann and Don Mills Diva:
So true! I sometimes miss the city, but when I go back I always miss the country. It's weird. Now that I've been here for 5 years, I can only last in the city for a week (max). It's too busy for me now. I hate traffic and crowds now. It's funny since I've lived in the city my entire life.
Hi - I used to teach ESL! Now I live in a little fishing town. I make it back to the city just often enough to get my culture fix, and then I scurry home.
Susan:
Thanks for popping by! I agree with you. Now that I've been living on the Island for almost five years, I sometimes miss the city but only stay long enough to get my fix. I'm always really happy to be back on the Island though! It's funny, but as soon as I cross the bridge, a huge sigh of relief washes over me! LOL!
Ha, Love the baby buggy!!!!!
Jimmy:
LOL! Actually, when I took the photo (while we walked down the highway!) I thought of you. I remember seeing a photo of Ab & Em in a buggy! That was so cute! How are the girls doing, btw?