Sugar High

Growing up in the boonies, my Halloween experience was so much different than town or city kids. One year I went into a town to do trick or treating so I know from first hand experience both the subtle and obvious differences. As a country kid, you needed your parents everytime. They drove you from house to house because walking was out of the question. (It would take you an hour to reach 2 houses). Also, you knew everyone's house you went to. There was no fear of poisoned candy or homemade treats. In fact, one of the best spots handed out homemade caramel corn! The best candy is of course in the country. We took around pillowcases stuffed with goodies because people handed out an insane amount of sugary goodness. Full size chocolate bars, cans of pop, and very large treat bags. So unnecessary. So awesome. We don't do fun-size here.

But, there was a downfall, because you knew everyone a visit was in order. There were pictures taken, 10 minute long conversations between parents and your driver often received treats themselves in the form of cold beverages. Also, the time between houses took all night long. You had to make sure to visit family and friends who often live far away from each other. But you can't risk offending anyone, so you stopped in to everyone. Luckily, the kids are so jacked up on sugar and candy that staying up past your bedtime wasn't an issue.

Halloween as an adult is very different of course. You curse the delicious candy that is leftover in your house as you munch. Instead of wearing a snowsuit underneath your costume, you pride yourself on how much skin you can show and be tough about it. (Even though it's snowing). And, it's the weekend before for the grown ups that has them dressing up in ridiculous clothing they would normally never wear.

Love this new picture idea. Horsemanning - just in time for Halloween! Thank you Ellen Degeneres for introducing this to me.

Do a Little Dance...

I have a confession to make. My family is well known in this area. For what you ask? No, we do not have a reality show. We do not have our own clothing or perfume line. We are not even involved in a small town scandal. But, we are well known for a certain dance move that I will refer to as "The Dee Jig"

It's a simple yet seductive move that attracts men and women alike. My brothers and I didn't realize what a phenomenon it would turn into, but everytime we turn around people are begging for it. You can do it at anytime and I fully suggest it. The jig can be performed for any occasion and can capture a happy, sad or angry moment. Caution should be given though, as it can generate a lot of attention.

The move in all it's glory.

No woman can resist it.

The Dee Jig had truly humble beginnings. It all originated with the head of the family. You had to be quick to notice when it was happening because it did so in a flash. But, when moving between rooms in the house, Dad would throw his head back, open his arms, bend one knee and begin to do the jig as if holding an imaginary towel. Yes, this is how it began.

If you are truly a lucky person, you will be able to see the move performed by the originator himself. But that is rare, and is as sought after as a unicorn, or bigfoot. A bonus of living in a small town area is the possibility that you will have our whole family at an event where dancing will take place. Having my brothers and I perform this move is requested often, but of course, happens once in a blue moon. We don't want to overdo it.

Dance as if no one is watching.

A butcher, a baker, a candlestick maker

I do not claim to be an expert in any of the above mentioned professions. But, over the Thanksgiving weekend, I tried my hand at one of them. Guesses anyone?

Nope, I didn't go out, find a turkey and have it for lunch. Maybe next year. And no, I did not learn the ancient art of wax candlestick making. I made a dessert. Maybe to a lot of you that sounds underwhelming and not a big deal. But I am no baker. I love to cook, yes, but cooking is different than baking. Baking is more of an artform. I found a delicious sounding recipe from "Oh She Glows" here. I couldn't resist, and I don't even normally like pumpkin desserts! (I know, I know, I'm a freak).

Making desserts is so much more stressful than a main dish. First of all, the amount of dishes that I am able to use and dirty up is amazing. I really do a number on the kitchen. Secondly, you can't test the goods! The reason I like cooking is because you get to taste test throughout the process, make sure it's seasoned enough and worthy of serving. With desserts, it's all about presentation, so cutting a sliver out of that cake or pie is deemed taboo. So, I had to leave it in the fridge. (Well hide it actually so it wasn't eaten before the lunch. It's everybody for themselves in this household). And then came the big moment. Serving it to my family hoping that it was edible. Success! This dessert was really quite tasty. I would love to make it again! Even though I did cheat a little and it wasn't completely vegan. I used butter in the pecan topping and chocolate chips instead of grated chocolate.

Not bad for a rookie eh?

Other highlights of the Thanksgiving festivities:

-The weather was amazing! Warm, sun shining with the beauty of fall colours. Magnificent.
-Grandpa made a dig at the empty spot beside my other single cousin and I. Well played sir, well played. Grandpa 1 - Single ladies 0

-Euchre was played, and won by my team! Undeafeted champs of 2011.

-I was once again, somehow, deemed the family drunk. Even though I was clearly sober at that point.

-We all got to stare at our cute little baby cousin and maul her.

-Leftover turkey to boot! Turkey sandwiches here I come.

Happy belated Thanksgiving to my fellow Canadians!