First Snowshoe of the Season.

Hopefully by now The Canadian and I are safely in Quebec, roaming the streets and enjoying our March Break. In my previous American life I would call this vacation Spring Break but since spring is no where in sight we just simply call it March Break since that actually makes sense.

Anyway, before our departure we ventured out for our first snowshoeing adventure of the season. Now that it's March I figured it was time to finally embrace winter. Let me tell you, snowshoeing is much more fun when there is no wind and the temperatures are above freezing. 

A little bit of coffee and Bailey's never hurt anything either.

Before we set out, TC had to put my snowshoes on my feet. I'm sure I could learn how to strap myself in, but it's much funnier to just stand there like a helpless kindergartner. 

We headed out with our friend Serge and the three dogs; Odin, Maple and the Hobester. Since Maple is staying with Serge for the week we thought it would be a good idea to get rid of as much as her energy as possible. It probably won't work, but it was worth a shot.

One of The Canadian's favorite trails is just down the street but he decided it would be more fun to break trail and just go randomly through the woods. That's the beauty of snowshoeing - no trails needed. 

It didn't take long before TC found a small hill that looked like it needed climbing. Serge and I were a bit behind him and when we caught up we found him waiting at the top of the hill. We both looked up at him with our best are you serious look.

Before my look made impact he was hurling himself down the hill. Then he ran back up and did it again.

With a little cajoling from TC, Serge was up the hill and ready to slide down on his arse. 

I swear a dog was going to loose a leg. Then we'd have a three legged dog on our hands and an awfully big mess.

Even worse, what if I broke my leg on the way down? How do I get talked into these things? Actually, I can't believe I have turned into such a weenie that I need to be talked into sliding down a tiny little hill.                    Oh my god, I'm getting old.

Man down! Man down! 

Good lord, it was a miracle my camera survived as I veered directly at Odin, completely out of control. I almost dislocated a finger but the damage was so minimal I can't even remember which phalange it was now.

The walk continued with TC leading the way, weaving through the woods while Serge and I questioned if he was paying any attention to his path.

Apparently he was, much to my bladder's delight. I was t-minus two minutes from taking a pit stop which I would imagine would have been rather cold and uncomfortable.

Watching the dog's you'd think we were just starting out. I'm not sure there are any other creatures in the world that love snow more than these three. Especially Odin, he rolls around in it, nose dives through it and eats it. 

Well, now that we can cross snowshoeing off our list I think it's time for spring to show up. 

Good times had by all. Here's to hoping it was our last chance to go snowshoeing this season!

Peanut Butter Cookies With A Chocolate Spin.

The Canadian and I have a great life. We have wonderful family, great friends, steady income, a cute old house, and plenty of food on the table. We also happen to have these two animals, who are usually a lot of fun to have around. 

Every now and then TC and I head out on a road trip. Most hotels (and our friends) are okay with TC and I showing up on their door step, but they don't usually appreciate our 200 pounds of drooly, smelly canines. Because of that we leave the dogs at home when we travel.

Last time we left the dogs Maple ended up with a tooth shaped hole in her leg. I'm sure she deserved it. 

My point is, we have to beg and plead and be really, really nice to our friends if we're going to convince them to take one of the mutts while we're away. Not everyone wants to put up with Maple's spastic mannerisms or Hobie's drool. It takes a certain someone to love our dogs. 

Usually we have to bribe them with booze. This time I took a different approach. I knew the way to Serge's heart was with sweets. Serge likes to think outside of the box when it comes to baking concoctions (remember his chocolate butterscotch boston creme pie?) and this time was no different. He didn't want just plain peanut butter cookies, he wanted chocolate chip peanut butter cookies. 

It seems like an obvious combination. Yet, I've never tasted one or even heard of it. So, why? Why isn't this a normal cookie combo? There must be a reason. I asked my mom what would happen if I put chocolate chips in peanut butter cookies. She didn't know. 

Suddenly, I had a mystery on my hands. I had to get to the bottom of it. Would they crumble? Would the chocolate not bind? Would a crazy chemical reaction occur and the whole batch would implode? 

I had to find out.

I pulled up a basic peanut butter recipe on the internet and simply added a cup of chocolate chips. It's like I'm Martha Stewart or something.

The cookies were good. Not Earth shattering, but good.

Then I decided to step it up a notch.

Hold on to your hats. It's getting crazy up in here!

Oh, and I took it a step farther. That's right, I went there. I dipped peanut butter cookies in chocolate. 

I'm living on the edge people. I'll never eat a non-dipped peanut butter cookie again.

So go on, bake outside of the box. Put a spin on a staple. 

Do it for the dog.

Side note: I broke the aluminum foil. There's sentence I never thought I would say. I had to get TC to fix it.

We're off to Montreal in the morning! Maybe I'll learn some French while we're there...

I'm Going To Have A Blue Nose.

This is what happens when you take the evening off from your life and you go out with a few girlfriends. You have a glass of wine. Then you have another. Before you know it you've got a second wind and you find yourself enjoying conversation. You're nibbling on some cheese, chatting away, sipping wine and all seems right in the world. You are awesome. You can face any challenge head-on. You are unstoppable.




So what's your next logical move? Well, to come home and register for a half marathon, obviously. Say wah? Maybe you're not quite that awesome. Let's start with a 10k. No need to get ahead of ourself here.

That's right, I just paid good money to enter myself into a race in which I am sure will be the death of me. Not that I don't have confidence in myself. I mean, I did just drink two glasses of wine....the inflated ego hasn't completely warn off yet.

Here's my point. We're not going to discuss this again. Well, not much at least. I'll continue writing this blog for the next few months. But if I suddenly, suspiciously, fall off the face of the Earth on May 20 then you'll know that I have indeed succumb to the the streets of downtown Halifax during my attempt to feel like a bad ass. We should all probably start praying now. Thanks for your support.