The Benefit of Understanding the Effects of the Food We Eat

There is a movement out there gaining momentum, urging us to pay attention to what we eat. We've been hearing it quietly for years but perhaps haven't paid to much attention to it.

Sometimes the message is relayed by organizations/people we recognize as experts.

The last couple of weeks I took part the Canadian Diabetes Association - Kawartha Branch - 2009 Celebrity Challenge. During this event I learned about the shocking increase in diabetes diagnoses and a great number of the patients could delay or even PREVENT the disease if they watched their diet, exercised and checked with their doctor.

Last night I watched Jamie Oliver's "Ministry of Food" as he motivated participants to learn how to prepare fresh food from scratch and share that knowledge with co-workers, friends and family. I realise that this was a re-run - but I hadn't seen it yet. His message: Obesity is an epidemic which can be helped with knowledge and some basic skills that seem to be lost in our world of processed and pre-prepared foods.

Sometimes the message is in a more person form - your own health.

Early this year my dear husband became very ill. His condition was eluding a diagnosis, worsening weekly and after a few visits to the emergency department (like many, we don't have a local family doctor) we decided we needed to look for another approach. Although the medical field doesn't like you to self-diagnose, there are times when you feel that it may be your only option. The side-effects from the prescribed drugs were about as bad as the original symptoms. There were many possible illnesses that could explain what my husband was going through. Knowing this, helped us push for more tests.

During the last four months, while we were looking for a diagnosis from the doctor, my husband was also seeing an RHN - Registered Natural Nutritionist. She worked with us to determine foods that were causing distress, foods that would aid in healing and supplements that would help heal and aid in the digestive process. "Carol" is a wealth of information and has helped Don immensely. He still has a way to go, but he is getting stronger every week.

The more I researched on the issues Don was dealing with, the more I realized how many people are having the same experiences. I cant tell you how many case studies I read where people suffered for months, even years before they made the connection of how foods made a huge impact on their healing process.

The benefit of understanding the effects of the food we eat is that we can change our future outlook.

This isn't a commercial or a recommendation for products. It's just a simple message: if you're having health problems, take a serious look at what you're eating. Talk to a nutritionist. Eliminate food with preservatives. It can make a world of difference!

Opportunity to Learn - Volunteer

I was speaking with some friends last week and the conversation came around to boring work days. They are a few years older that I am, therefore a bit closer to thinking about retirement. They started talking about the things they wanted to do and were quite taken aback when I said that I wasn't planning on retiring. I happen to like my work and look forward to it every day (ok, most days ... LOL).

Being employed in a technical field, I find that each day I learn something new. I enjoy a challenge and learning is just part of my regular work day. Speaking with them reminded me how lucky I was to be in the position that I was challenged to research & learn regularly. As with most jobs there are repetitive tasks, but something almost always crops up that I have to find a solution to.

Not only does my job provide this opportunity, but so does my chosen hobby! This week is my second shot at learning how to create a TV show from all of the footage that we shoot for FOCUS. Last week I helped pull together a clip for the web from a previous show. The process was interesting, creative and it was very exciting to see the finished product.

The opportunity to learn ensures that I look forward to my work, my day. I believe I think more creatively and am generally optimistic as my mind is open to ideas, thanks to the ongoing learning process.

If your job doesn't offer the opportunity, why not seek out a hobby that does (volunteer some spare time). All it costs is your time and enthusiasm and you and the community will benefit.

Check this website for an organization that might interest you: http://www.charity-charities.org/volunteering/Canada-volunteers/ON.html

2009 Diabetes Celebrity Challenge - Lasting Impressions

There were thirteen of us in all that participated and we were challenged to live with diabetes for two weeks. On the final night of the challenge and we told our stories of the experience.

There were silimarities in experiences amongst the participants such as difficulty scheduling meals around hectic lifestyles and incorporating more exercise. It was facinating to hear the different stories of how the experience of got us to thinking of the implications of diabetes on the lives of family, community and the rest of the world.

Jonathan wrote about the increase in diabetes in developing countries, Betsy talked about the financial burden on diabetics, particulaly on low income families. The two student participants, Callie and Michelle relayed their stories of trying to incoporate a schedule into a lifestyle that resists one. My focus, after reading all that I could was - what can we do to prevent this?

We were presented with the costs of our two week treatments. If I had a health plan, which I don't - some of it would be covered. For me though it would have been about $100 out of pocket for two weeks and all I was doing for my diabetes was testing blood glucose once a day and taking a medicines for blood pressure, cholesterol and arthritis. Anually it would be about $2,500 plus a gym membership, a visit to the foot doctor, quarterly trips to the Diabetes Education Centre and family doctor (if I had one), parking, transportation, time away from work ... perhaps another $1000.

The other profile costs were also provided and the costs skyrocketed from $7,000 to over $13,400 anually although was for a relatively low number of insulin units (5-10) per day. Many people with Type 1 Diabetes take more insulin per dose/per day.

I read the warning signs, tested my blood glucose and I'm good right now. I am over 40, stressed and overweight. I don't exercise regularly, don't drink enough water, but I do eat very healthy most of the time. Am I likley to be diagnosed with diabetes in the next year - no. Could I be at risk later - certainly.

The common thought last night was that we can do something to help prevent or postpone this from happening to us. Eating healthy, losing weight and getting active can go a long way to providing us a diabetes free future along with a whole range of other issues.

Although we have now finished the challenge - I know that I'll be thinking of this for a long time and will be doing what I can to keep up a healthy lifestyle.

Find out what you can do to help ensure your healthy future - knowledge is power!

Diabetes Month - Gaining Awareness

Canadian Diabetes Association - Kawarthas Branch is celebrating Diabetes Month with a Celebrity Challenge. A group of local people will be living the next two weeks as diabetics to see and report back on the experience.

During this time we will test our blood glucose levels, eat according to the guidelines, get active, take placebo meds and for those who have a profile that requires insulin, give a placebo injection to their pillow. Everything must be documented so that we can report on our experiences.

I was a bit nervous when I arrived as I am afraid of needles. I was pleased to find out that my profile simply required diet and exercise (we'll come back to that word - simply later).

The group of people selected was strategically divided into categories based on our regional diabetes profile. Some were labeled as Type 1 diabetes, many more as Type 2. The Type 2 profiles varied from management by diet and exercise to management including insulin.

Our Dietitian talked to us about the importance of a proper balance of all of the food groups, but most importantly the method to measure our carbohydrate intake. We weren't to avoid carbs, as they are needed, but we need to know how much we take in to ensure the body can manage the sugar created by these carbs.

The next demonstration was how to work with our glucometers and test our blood glucose. There is a bit of finesse needed to make sure you have your blood sample ready before your meter times out, as TVCogeco Producer Marcus Ferguson found out, but after a few tries all was well. These new meters are very smart and they can provide a reading very quickly once you know what you are doing.

The final demonstration was for the few who would be required to do the placebo insulin injections. They were provided with an injectable pen and needed accessories, saline solution and a little green pillow that would accept the injection.

After all training was done we left the meeting ready to assume our role as diabetics for the next two weeks.

Now, I was thinking that diet and exercise was going to be fairly simple as I have already made many changes recently due to my husband's health issues. We don't eat prepackaged food any longer. I make almost everything from scratch now and seldom use a recipe. Sounds ideal until you have to calculate carbohydrates. I can guess - but that might mean a trip to the hospital for a diabetic. I have some homework to do obviously.

Also - I was surprised to find out that even though a person may manage their diabetes by diet and exercise, they would also be taking a host of medications for other issues such as high blood pressure, arthritis, high cholesterol etc.

Read all about our experiences here: http://cda-celebritychallenge2009.blogspot.com/

The incidents of diabetes in on the rise.
Currently, over two million Canadians have diabetes and that number is expected to reach three million by 2010. It's important to recognize the warning signs and get tested, as you can avoid or prolong other health issues if you manage your diabetes properly. http://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes/what/at-risk/

Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour

This past weekend we were on the road shooting interviews for an upcoming FOCUS episode on the Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour www.agp.on.ca/studiotour . This year is the 25th anniversary of the event and we selected 8 locations in the city of Peterborough to visit. We knew that we need a bit of time at each location so we didn't go outside the city. Our visits we're just a very small sampling of the talent out there.

Our trip lead us through the studios of

• Rob Brown, furniture
• Suzanne Paleczny, painter
• Victoria Wallace, encaustic and acrylic media
• Wendy Trusler, mixed media
• Bronson Smith, modern primative wood painting
• Maura Joy Lustig, encaustic media
• Scott Walker, pottery
• Anne Cavanaugh, drawing, painting & mixed media
• Sandy MacFarlace. fine jewellry
• Sharon Taylor, watercolors, mixed media

I have taken these types of tours before, but not in the Peterborough region, so I was really looking forward to the outing. We had a great opportunity to see the work rooms, learn more about the artists inspriation and techniques in some cases.

I posted a tweet while we were out on the tour and I got a reply back asking what encaustic was. This wasnt a quick answer - so here's what I found out yesterday.

Encaustic

I've never hear of this medium before although it dates back to the ancient Egyptians.

"Encaustic painting, also known as hot wax painting, involves using heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added. The liquid/paste is then applied to a surface — usually prepared wood, though canvas and other materials are often used." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encaustic_painting

Victoria Wallace was explaining the method of image trasferral to us and showed several examples that demonstrated how small changes could affect the look of the finished piece.

Out next visit was to Wendy Trusler who aslo works in encaustic medium. Her examples of this work were completely different, not just in subject matter but in the way she applied it.

Another two stops down we visited Maura Joy Lustig and she was doing a live demonstration of encaustic. Her equipment setup is similar to Wendy's, but her method of application is different again.

As is was admiring the encaustic works I realized that there is something very different about this medium. It has a depth, a luminosity that I've not seen in other mediums. Some peices were almost jewel-like I would say.

Thats one of reasons I love a studio tour, there always something new to see!

Now, this tour only runs for a single weekend out of the year, but artists typically participate in other tours as well. Visit www.agp.on.ca/studiotour for the a list of the artists websites for more information on open studios, scheduling a studio appointment or possible workshops.

Bad, bad blogger!

Thats me! I'm chiding myself for not posting blog updates for the past few weeks.

I'm not usually negligent, but I do prioritize and then sometimes leave things off to the side way too long. I've been so caught up with other aspects of my day to day life that blogging about what I've been up to just wasn't up near the top of the list.

Have you ever asked someone how they were doing, or how are things going? Then have you ever had the thought (however minute) "Why did I ask that?" We'll that is what I havent been blogging about (grin).

We (my Producer, Marcus and I) are now in the midst of shooting multiple episodes of FOCUS to get the season started and hockey season is now underway so there will be lots to blog about soon. This season on FOCUS we'll be covering a wide range of stories including local events, organizations and persons of interest. You can view the upcoming schedule at http://www.tvcogeco.ca/.

TVCogeco presented me with a FLIP camera to capture behind the scenes footage during our shoots and other events we attend! For example, when we're not in the middle of game time I'll be capturing things like local talent singing the anthem. You'll be able to view and share this video with friends and family from TVCogeco's NEW website at http://www.tvcogeco.ca/.

Take a moment and visit the NEW AND IMPROVED www.tvcogego.ca. There are many new features including community event posting and photo galleries. Full details on how to contribute your's can be found on the site.

Well, that's about it for now. More to come soon, I promise.

Covering the Last Laker's Home Game of the Season

It has been an exciting summer here in Peterborough. Although the weather hasn't been the nicest - we've had a great season of concerts with the Festival of Lights and the Lakers are fighting for a chance at the Mann Cup.

We've had great games here this year and the TVCogeco crew has enjoyed bringing you all the action on Cable 10.

Did you know that Peterborough fans provide the largest spectator audience to any of the teams. Not by a small margin either - we have, on average almost 2000 more fans per game show up! http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/attendance.html?leagueid=832&seasonid=4236 Now if that isn't proof that "Peterborough Rocks", what could be!

Last week, I had the privilege of delivering the game ball to centre field on behalf of TVCogeco's staff and volunteers. I would have loved to run out there with the whole crew - you'd be surprised how many volunteers show up every game to help bring the game to you on Cable 10. There is a significant commitment from every one of the crew to ensure that each game is covered through the season, so you know its fueled by a love of what we do.

On Monday night , I was pinging Twitter's server by the minute to catch the game's results and thanks so some fans and the Examiner's posts - I was able to get some details.

Tonight's game is bittersweet. The Lakers are down 3-2 against Brampton in a fight for a chance at the 2009 Mann Cup. A Laker's win would force a Game 7 and put them one step closer to that chance - but unless we travel to Brampton - we wont see that game.

Tonight I'll be in the end corner with the camera rooting on our guys in the hopes that there WILL BE a Sunday game.

Let's pack the place and show Brampton what team spirit really looks like!

Day Trip - a pre-taste of "The Taste of Danforth"

I don't often head to Toronto, but a co-worker was coming to town and we had scheduled a lunch meet-up for Aug. 6th. It's been less than a week since the strike was over and by all reports I was a bit worried it might be a stinker of a visit.

The weather reports promised the day to be beautiful - so I decided to take a chance and plan an outdoor picnic. Tiina and I both telecommute (we work from our home offices) so a day in the sunshine and fresh air would be perfect. I looked at the tourism websites and decided on Ashbridges Bay.

For picnic goodies, I thought "greek" might be a nice treat. My sources on Twitter provided me an excellent food guide. @greekfood made several excellent suggestions: "Finger foods: dolmades, taramoslata, some pita bread, tzatziki, gigantes beans (canned r good), a village salad, cheese. Oh, and don't forget the spanakopita & tiropita, go to Athens Pastries on Danforth for that, and get some Loukoumades from there too".

So the first stop in Toronto, after I did the Don Valley Parkway Creep, was to stop for desserts. No it wasnt because its the most important part of the meal ... really!!! The bakery just happened to be open before the restaurants. I wanted a selection of small treats and ended up buying quite a bit more than expected - they all looked so good!

The lovely woman at Athens suggested I just try the restaurant a few doors down - The Greek Grill. She said it would be a healthy sized lunch.

After reading through their sizable menu - I decided on ordering a large Chicken Souvlaki dinner - it had everything! Tzatziki, pita, greek salad, potatoes, rice and lots of juicy pieces of chicken souvlaki. I added an "extra" chicken stick to be sure there was enough and a Spanakopita as an special treat.

I have to say - there was more enough food to feed the two of us. I knew Id be taking extra desserts home, but I didnt expect to have so much lunch left over. We had a great feed and there still was lots of rice & chicken. Its was an amazing lunch deal and such a great choice for a picnic on the beach.

The location was a great pick as well. The air was fresh and the park itself was pretty clean. We found a table under a big tree near to the beach to enjoy our feast. I couldnt imagine a nicer way to have a "business lunch" ;-)

Enjoy the rest of your stay in Toronto Tiina!!!

A great big thankyou to Sam (@greekfood) for his wonderful suggestions.

Growing

My dad was a gardener and I think that's an understatement really. Mom and Dad had a corner lot that was perfect for us "kids" to play on when were were younger, but as we moved on - became just something that had to be mowed. I understand the feeling because my dining room table is feeling way too large these days.

Dad began the process of turning that large expanse of a lawn into a beautiful garden oasis. It sure didn't happen overnight and many times it was experimental. He wanted it as natural as possible so that it would flourish.

We talked about the reality of gardening his way vs the instant garden. It took time and patience to do it his way, something that many of us can't accommodate in our day-to-day lives. With everything we need to do in a week, we often feel we just need to get the job done.

When we moved to our new home here in Peterborough, there were a few things that needed to be changed inside, but it was the outside I really felt compelled to change. Our front garden faces south and required watering regularly as it was anything but drought resistant. I was determined to have it re-made as quickly as possible.

I think the first thing I did was dig out the hostas and relocate them into the shade of the backyard. Then I cut down the weeping pea shrub. I'm sure the previous home owner (who still lives in the neighbourhood) drove by shaking her head. I know that she put a lot of time into the garden and I did appreciate her efforts, but I needed to build something sustainable for me.

During this process though, several things happened in our family but the most significant was the passing of my father. With his passing, many of the activities that I associated with him faded in interest. My flower and vegetable gardens withered and I was absent from the yard for a good long time. It hurt to participate in something he loved to do.

It is true that time heals and we have begun to slowly re-find the joy in those activities. Last year we found a few plants we thought might do well and I haphazardly placed them in the garden. I really wasn't up to it, but felt the poor neighbours deserved something to look at rather than a pile of dirt and a mess of weeds.

Last fall we watched as most of the plants I practically dumped into the garden start to flourish. This little bit of progress encouraged a bit more gardening and we added a few shrubs. Nothing creative, but it moved us along.

This spring, we transplanted a few more plants from family gardens. Our yard is slowly being transformed and in the process - so are we.

I had started out building that instant garden but circumstances altered my plan and rather than be annoyed, I actually recognized it as a blessing. Thanks Dad.

Peterborough Lakers Lacrosse

Oh what a season it has been! I have been enjoying the games so much and I havent shared - shame on me. Please note: I AM NOT a sportscaster, expert etc ... just a spectator enjoying the heck out of the game.

Admittedly when I started I knew very little about lacrosse. Covering the weekly games has been and continues to be an ongoing education.

Yesterday's game sure was no dissapointment. Both teams are at the top of the ranks, each with their strengths. There were penalties, scuffles and lots of back and forth scoring. These players put every effort into the game.

At the end of the 3rd period, Lakers were tied at 9-9 with the Chiefs. I think I can say safely say that the Memorial Centre patrons were sitting on "pins and needles" as the final seconds ticked by on the timeclock. Now we are into overtime!

There were several near scores (probably a sportscaster wouldnt have counted this - but hey - I'm a mom and effort counts) and the spectators were getting worked up. Finally, a goal and Peterborough scores 10-9 whoo hoo - lets celebrate! But wait for it ... I learned yesterday that they play out the full 10 minute overtime period - boy - thats taking anticipation to the edge!

Well after a very hard played game by both the Lakers and the Chiefs, Peterborough wins 11-9 and you had to see the last goal to beleive it. I was ont he camera so my view was rather restricted - what I think I saw was the catch, and then the ball rolling the last few inches into an empty net .. WOW.

I hope I can catch this game on a rerun so I can see what I missed!

Getting It All Down on "Paper"

Virtual paper that is.

I did say that things were picking up - and they did. A week and a half ago things really started moving. It all began with the start of the Laker's Lacrosse season and didnt slow down enough for me to put my (virtual) pen to paper.

Peterborough Lakers Lacrosse

I have never been a "sports" person but there is just something about being at a live game that grabs you. It all started with Pete's hockey - and then last year we covered a few lacrosse games. This year, when the option came up to crew for lacrosse - I just couldn't miss out.

It is such a fast moving sport. I still have to read up on the rules and penalties, but even without knowing any of that info - its still a rush. Just watching the movement of the ball is challenging. I lose its location frequently. It looks like they're passing forward and it silently passes backward. There's a rush on a particular player - and he doesn't have the ball ...

Last year for the first game we were trying to cover the game on gray cement. Thank goodness for the contrast of the green carpet or I'd never know where the ball was.

Peterborough's Lakers have won 3 home games so far and they were edge of the seat games. Last Thursday was the third game against the KW Kodiaks. I was afraid to blink at one point as the goals were being score one right after another.

I look forward to my Thursday evenings! Come on out and cheer them on - but if you can't make it down to the Mem Centre, you can catch it on TVCogeco Cable Channel 10!

http://www.peterboroughlakers.ca/

Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre

That same week I got a chance to cover my first lone shoot. Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre was releasing Buttercup back into the wild. A wonderful woman named Caren rescued her last year. The young snapping turtle had been injured, probably by a car and a couple of kids were kicking her when Caren happened to pass by. Thanks to the wonderful volunteers at the Trauma Centre - Buttercup was mended and healed nicely over the winter and is now back home, helping to keep the waterway clean.

To find out more / volunteer - visit: http://www.kawarthaturtle.org/

Healthier Eating - It all starts with opening the mind to new possibilities

I met two wonderful ladies from ECO Transitions (Louise and Kamlesh) at the Green Expo a few weeks ago. They were there promoting their healthy eating workshops and information sessions for parents, caregivers and kids.

We talked for a bit about how we ate as children vs kids today, and how it has affected the current generation. I felt my kids were lucky as they grew up with a massive vegetable garden, but I didn't get overly adventurous on my vegetable choices. My friend Muriel kept trying to introduce Kale and other greens to me. I tried to prepare it once and failed badly, so I stuck to the choices I knew the kids would eat. Thankfully, my kids were not picky eaters so they did get a variety.

Louise challenged me to try Kale again. She even emailed me a salad recipe that I havent tried yet. I needed an ingredient and was waiting for the new Joanne's location to open (it opened last Tuesday!). I have prepared it twice though as a side dish. two different ways, and both times there were no leftovers. Amazing!!! I imagine with a bit more training I might find a whole new range of vegetables we'd love to enjoy.

http://www.ecotransitions.ca/

Things are picking up!

A blog is a great thing if you have something to say - something going on. This past few weeks have been lacking - so why bore you all as well!

Just thought I'd let you know I hadn't forgotten my committment to blog. Coming up in another week is the new season for Paterborough Laker's Lacrosse and I'll be there with bells on!

See you there! First game - Thurs. May 28th vs. Brooklin (8 p.m.) at the Memorial Centre!

http://www.peterboroughlakers.ca/

Peterborough YWCA Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

Although the weather reports were a pointing to rain, we were blessed with fair skies and a breeze for the event.

The breeze played havoc with the registration tents and I hope that there weren't too many injuries when the tent took to the trees.

Originally, the organizers had thought they might have about 120 participants and thought that 150 pairs of shoes would suffice. To their great pleasure, there were over 200 registrants and this left the organizers seeking out additional footwear.

The men had a chance to do a bit of supportive networking before the event and a bit of stretching to help ensure that they got a safe send off.

Now picture this - over 200 men (most in high heels) walking down the center of town. What do you think the pace would be? I was (and am still amazed) at how well they walked - and how fast! (Now I was running along side with the TV camera - so I didn't get any still shots, but my friend Kerry Halme sent me these shots to share with you.)

I very seldom wear high heels, and seriously doubt I could have made that mile. These wonderful men walked at a pace that had me running just to keep up with them! Some company teams had a coach cheering them on and there was lots of support from the onlookers. I think the walk time from start to finish was something like a half hour - truly amazing.

The Holiday Inn hosted an after walk event to help them all recover and we left them eating and celebrating the end of a very successful event. It was hoped that the event would bring in at least $10,000. I just hear on the radio that the event raised over $50,000.

Congratulations to ALL of the dedicated volunteers, sponsors and participants of the event. You've all done yourselves proud.

Read more about the YWCA Crossroads Safe Haven Campaign here: http://www.ywcapeterborough.org/capital-campaign.html

Peterborough Green Expo 2009 and CNIB Tech Fair

At the end of a broadcast season, you might think we don't have much going on. To be honest, I was starting to think it was going to be a bit quiet for me, but lo and behold - there's plenty to keep me occupied!

This past weekend we visited the Green Expo and saw some really different exhibits. We saw much of what you would expect - green lawn care, services and products for a greener home and workplace and local city/county initiatives. I picked up brochures and business cards for many products that I'll have to follow-up on.

Peterborough Green-Up was there with several displays. Today (April 30, 2009) is the launch for this year's Peterborough Moves program. Information was available at the Expo, but you can find out more about this program at http://www.peterboroughmoves.com/.

Some of the exhibits I wasn't expecting though. Once such display was Leading Lady Image Consultants (http://www.theleadinglady.ca/) with their green line of Rocia cosmetics and skincare.

There was representation from local farmers and By The Bushel Community Food Co-operative (http://www.bythebushel.ca/). I didn't get too much time to find out all I wanted to know about this organization, so I will follow up soon. They did have some literature available but I would have loved to see a "sample weekly basket". I know it would very depending on the season and availability what the basket held, but it would be helpful.

Kawartha Country Winery (http://www.kawarthacountrywines.ca/) had a lovely display of their products and I know we'll take a road trip this year to their winery. I have tasted their wines at Fiesta Buckhorn (http://www.fiestabuckhorn.com/), a local food and wine festival a couple of years ago and still remember their Black Currant wine being my favourite. There was no surprise when she told me that it was an award winner!

The other display that I was excited to see was Green St. e-bikes (http://www.green705.com/). I have been talking about getting an electric assist bike ever since we moved to Peterborough. Over the past few years I haven't seen anything that really got me seriously thinking about it until last weekend. At present you dont need insurance or a license - but the Ontario government's trial period on this is due to end in October, so things may change. I'll be watching http://ebikernetwork.org/ and the links posted to find out more. We'll have to wait and see if this is the year I get the bike of my dreams!

The students from Fleming culinary programs and Kenner Collegiate were hard at work in and out of the kitchen with their lunch of local flavours. We were speaking with the chefs before things got rolling and the kitchen at that time was quite warm. I didn't get a chance to eat as we had to tape and run, but I did see lots of people enjoying their tasty lunches.

Today we visited the CNIB Tech Fair held here in Peterborough and got a chance to see some of the amazing technology available - both low and high. From hand magnifiers and stand cameras that can scan pages as fast as you can turn pages to talking GPS systems, Bluetooth Braille keyboards, we got a chance to see it all. One of the most amazing items was a simple USB drive called a "System Access Key. Simply by plugging it into a USB drive on computer makes that system "Accessible" without software or hardware installation, Amazing!

Compassionate Men Where Red High Heels

Yes - compassionate ... and brave! Over 150 wonderful men will participate in Peterborough YWCA's Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event at noon on Friday, May 1st, 2009. They'll be walking down George St in red high heels in support of YWCA's Crossroads Safe Haven Campaign for the new shelter. Pictured here are some on the participants and sponsors. Please dont miss the chance to support & cheer them on. We'll see you downtown next Friday!

http://www.ywcapeterborough.org/capital-campaign.html

When weather hits - I might smile

When the weather hits you just know that some of us are excited (even if just a bit). Weather enthusiasts look forward to bad weather just like the sunshine.

I became a CanWarn volunteer several years ago. I took the training session and then enthusiastically watched the daily weather announcements so that I could put into practice what I learned. Its very much about being in the right place at the right time. I did live in Dufferin County at the time, a very good location for seeing weather action. I however lived at the bottom of Hockley Valley, a beautiful forested paradise. Unless I happened to be out and about, it was impossible to see anything unless you were in the thick if it.

A few years ago we relocated to the Peterborough area and after we were settled I started to look for ways to get involved. I was thrilled to find out that Environment Canada expanded the number of locations that they hosted their training session this year. I was prepared to travel to Toronto or Orillia if I really had to, but it was wonderful to have this training available in my own backyard.

This session featured weather snapshots and video from surrounding locales rather than the US mid-west. Geoff Coulson, Warning Preparedness Meteorologist for Environment Canada did a wonderful presentation citing details about recent regional events that really enhanced the training. It was almost like going to one of the sales conventions from years ago - the anticipation is rising and we're ready to spring into action.

I hope that you'll forgive me, but I AM hoping for a bit of inclement weather. I'm not wishing for anything significant - just enough to confirm that I understood the material.

A lull in the whirlwind

Hockey is over for the year, most of the station's programming has completed its filming for the season and here I am once again wondering how I'm going to keep busy til next "season".

Now is the time that staff take their vacation time and summer students/interns fill in where needed, so the volunteers arent called on as much.

For months, we're running on empty (and lovin' it) trying to fit things into schedules that are already jam packed ... and now that I can actually sit back and enjoy a hot coffee, I realize I'm bored!

I actually thrive on a packed schedule. I'm more creative, more focused and less grumpy, as my daughter pointed out. I guess thats because I have to be!

I used to look forward to gardening in the spring and summer, but it just doesnt hit the spot now.

Maybe its a blessing that I won't be retiring!

Celebrating National Volunteer Week April 19-25th 2009

Volunteering at TVCogeco has been one of the most rewarding projects I have been involved with. I love a challenge and there is always something new to learn. It continues to be a fabulous way to get to know my new home.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7Si1hVuCZo

Embracing Social Media

OK - you'd thing a web developer would have delved into everything web, but to tell you the truth I really didnt see a reason to do it. I figured it was more of a time waster. I let the SEO people do their thing and I concentrate on building the structure and content.

I do have a Facebook account for keeping up to date with my peeps, but other than that I didnt do much else.

That is until one SEO company we're working with started to push us into participating...

So here I go head first. Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace and now a blog. Geeze - I hope I can post something useful once in a while.