btvancouver

Who doesn’t love a long weekend?  For me it’s a chance to ‘recharge the batteries’ with the extra day off and focus on the new week ahead. 

 So instead of getting up at 3:45am on Monday morning, I’ll be hitting that alarm button much later on Victoria Day.  I will then sit on the couch as I read the paper, sip a coffee and hold on to my son.  (It is challenging but it can be done.)  I will then line up the week of live eyes in my head and tell my 7 month old baby boy all about them as if he understands what I am saying.  (Actually, I think is starting to.)

My conversation with him will go something like this, “Guess what Daddy is doing on Tuesday?”  (drool, drool)  “I’m going to be with some CircusWest performers who are getting ready for the ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ show at the PNE Gardens later in the week.”  (blank stare)  “On Wednesday I’ll be at the Wildlife Rescue Association in Burnaby to meet some amazing people and learn about the animals that are currently be cared for.”  (half a smile, then some baby talk perhaps)  “On Thursday you know what?  Daddy is going to be going to be broadcasting live from on a boat!  Yes we will be spot prawn fishing with Steve Johansen.  We have never been able to go live while being on a moving boat before but now we can with this new COFDM technology!”  (big smile here, then the hands go in the mouth)  “On Friday……(spits up and it goes all the way down his shirt and mine)……Natalie!  We need a cloth!”

Have a great long weekend everybody!  See you on Tuesday.  I’ll have a clean shirt on. 

Greg

This just popped into my head after seeing my son in a surprise visit at work today.  I never used to think this way but the older I get the more I believe we are meant to have some sort of routine in our lives. 

As soon as my wife and I established a routine for my son, he has become much happier.  Naps around the same time.  Eating around the same time.  When it is time for bed we bathe him, put him in his sleep sac, feed him and then into the crib he goes.  He is out like a light without any fussing. 

He can’t spell it.  Will give me a blank look when I say the word but believe me though, our son knows what a routine is and is thankful for it.

I’m finding this with my life.  When I can get into a routine where I am eating, sleeping, working and relaxing around the same time I am happier.  I’m more productive.

I think I need to do a live eye on routines or perhaps write a book about it.  No, wait a minute.  That would break up my routine. 

Greg

As promised here is the recipe for a simple dessert that is sure to ‘wow’ people.

Black Forest Cake (serves 6 people)

Chocolate Sauce:
75g Butter
25g Cocoa Powder
30g Bittersweet Chocolate
150g Granulated Sugar
80g Cream

In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in cocoa powder.  Add sugar, chocolate and cream and cook over low heat until smooth.

Crème Chantily:
150g cream
20g icing sugar
1/2 tsp vanila extract

Mix cream, sugar and vanilla and whisk until stiff.

Chocolate ‘Blackout’ Spongecake:
200g sugar
150g all purpose flour
1g salt
60g cocoa powder
4g baking soda
2g baking powder
(mix all dry ingredients together)

1/2 cup buttermilk
1 egg
80g melted butter
1/2 cup brewed coffee
(mix all wet ingredients together)

Pour the mixed wet ingredients into the mixed dry ingredients and stir gently until smooth.  Pour into 8” round cake pan and bake at 350F for 30 minutes.

Other Ingredients:
1 cup of brandied cherries
1 tsp of sea salt

To Assemble:

• Using a 4 cm diameter cooking cutter, cut 6 rounds out of the baked chocolate cake.  Place each in centre of the serving plates (6 total).
• Scoop a generous serving of crème chantilly on top of the cake.
• Place three brandied cherries with some juice on top of the chantilly
• To serve, pour chocolate sauce on top and sprinkle with sea salt.
• Optional (but recommended) additional topping:  a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
  

Thanks again to Chef Julian Bond and the rest of the folks at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts in Vancouver!

Greg

Ahh yes.  It is spring break once again for many kids across the province.  This means the young ones have more time on their hands. 

We kept a bunch of them busy this morning as we hung out at The Granville Island Toy Company in Vancouver.  After the kids played with a number of toys they became models.  Here is a look at a very unique fashion show.  Check it out!

Greg

Ahhh yes.  Actually,  at Maynards’ Auction House in Vancouver the auctioneer says, “Final holding?”  Then the antique or fine art goes to the last bidder.

What a place this is over on Main Street in Vancouver.  Inside Maynards’ Auction House are items from all over the world with a combined value of around 3 million dollars.  There is a rather nice painting inside that is expected to be scooped up for $250,000. 

Each piece of art, furniture, cutlery, silverware….(okay I’ll stop now)….has a story behind it.  I spoke to the man who knows everything about every single item inside this gallery.  He has an amazing mind.   

Check out this interview here. 

Cheers,

Greg

Greg

I had the pleasure of witnessing something very special today.  It is something I will never forget.  I can still see that large gull flying away, becoming smaller and smaller above the water.

They do amazing work out at the BC Wildlife Rescue Association in Burnaby.  The staff there care for around 3,000 animals a year.  

This gull is just one of those animals who now has another chance out in the wild.  I even like this bird’s name! 

Check this out. 

See ya next time.

Greg

This is actually a great way to think if you are heading to YVR.  With Monday, March 1st expected to be the busiest single day ever at Vancouver International Airport, YVR staff are urging people to think 5-4-3-2-1. 

I spoke with the V.P. of 2010 Olympic and Paralympic planning at YVR, Paul Levy who gave us information we could all use,  not just on the busy days at the airport. 

(Insert video here)

Greg

I can see why thousands of people have been lining up to get into the Royal Canadian Mint Pavillion during the 2010 Games.  Some are waiting up to seven hours to get in and see the Olympic and Paralympic medals.  If you haven’t had a chance to head down to the pavillion on Granville Street or didn’t want to wait in line, you’ll like this! 

The people at the Royal Canadian Mint have told me the pavillion will be opening up again during the Paralympics.  A location hasn’t been decided on yet.  I’ll let you know when I find out the new location.  By the way,  the last day to see the Royal Canadian Mint Pavillion on Granville Street is Sunday February 28th. 

See you next time! 

Greg

….or are they?  I don’t know, some of those girls who play hockey on the Vancouver Angels would be tough to play against.  What a fun morning we had hanging out with the players and coaches from the Vancouver Angels.

If you have a daughter, neice, sister or know of any girl who think would like to play hockey, mark March 21st down on your calendar.  The Vancouver Angels are offering free equipment and ice time for girls ages 5 and up for the afternoon.  It’s a good test to see if the little one might enjoy the game.  Go to www.vancouvergirlshockey.com for more info.

Here is a little interview I did with the girls and coaches on Thursday morning out at Sunset Ice Rink in Vancouver.  Notice my great coaching at the end of this! 

See ya next time.

Greg

I’m still blown away by the staff and students at McMillan Elementary in Abbotsford.  Teachers and students at the school have been taking part in what they call the ”mini” Olympics.  They have found creative ways to compete in their own events.  They conduct medal ceremonies.  They even had their own torch relay.

What really impressed me was the “wax museum” area in the elementary school.  All the students had dressed up and become different Canadian Olympians.  I had the pleasure to interview some of them for our website.  Check it out here!  http://ow.ly/1aStY

See ya!

Greg