Being Green

I'll be the first to admit that Chris and I aren't the most aggressive environmentalists out there, but lately we have been trying to do our part. I realized today when I was taking out the garbage and recycling how much everyone could do if they were willing and able. I have noticed that since we got our indoor and outdoor composting bins, our garbage output has been significantly smaller. And since Ottawa has a comprehensive recycling program (paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and metal cans) we are wasting even less. I try to walk to school (when it's not -30), Chris can't wait to get his bike ready so that he can bike to work in the spring. We are trying to conserve as much energy as possible in the house; turning lights off in rooms we are not using, keeping the heat down, using energy efficient light bulbs....these are just a few of things we are trying to do to keep our earth greener.

After working at the CRD this summer, it just seems like it doesn't take much effort to help out in little ways, and if everyone did just a little bit, it would make such a big impact. It helps that we live in a city where have the initiatives for waste reduction. I hope that someday we'll see more cities implementing recycling programs, and that more people will be able to figure out ways to do their part.

Ok, that is my little "environmental call to arms". I don't mean to sound militant, it's just something that is becoming increasingly important to us.

Woo hoo!!

We finally went skating on the canal today! It was an adventure, but so much fun. I can't wait to go again. Maybe this time we will get in line to buy some beavertails (a flat doughnut with cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on top.) so we can eat them as we skate.
I also saw a cardinal today. These bright red birds are gorgeous against the white overcast sky.

Tomorrow we go for our first sushi in Ottawa. I can't wait!

Fun times with the Raines'

Last weekend we went to Winterlude, Ottawa's annual winter festival. We saw some amazing ice sculptures, ate maple pull candy, and walked on the canal.


This weekend we went to Quebec. We drove across the river and explored. We went to Parc Lac Beauchamp. We felt a little out of place, since everyone was skiing, skating or sledding. Next time we will bring our skates. It was our first time in Quebec, and driving along the river on the Quebec side was quite an experience. On the Ontario side, the houses are huge and beautiful, and on the Quebec side...well, it was quite a different story. The dichotomy was quite interesting. It makes me wonder why it is so. Anyways, now we are sitting, eating popcorn and watching The Westminster Dog Show. Those who know us know that I love dogs and Chris loves me, so he tolerates dogs. However, these dogs are amazing, since they are the best of the breeds. This, combined with the fact that we are surrounded by dogs right now only makes me want a dog even more. Yesterday we spent some time trying to figure out what would be a good companion dog to the boxer we are going to get someday. Our neighbours have two dogs, and they play together so well. Although two dogs seem like more work, when dogs are socialized well, and have a constant playmate, they are less destructive. So we decided that our good companion dog will be.....

This is a Shiba Inu. They are a medium sized Japanese dog. To me, they just look the a teddy bear in dog form. Some day.......

Good eats

We made lasagna today, and let me tell you, it was GOOOOOOOD! We added spinach, green peppers, and used ricotta instead of cottage cheese. Hmmmm, it was so yummy. It was also fun to make it together. I think lasagna is a two person job. Or maybe it's just easier to make with two people. We have also discovered a delicious little treat in our frozen section. They're called Tofutti Cuties and they are like ice cream sandwiches, but since they aren't dairy, I can eat them. They come in chocolate and vanilla flavors. Chris perverse the chocolate, but I like the vanilla ones best. The grocery store closest to our house doesn't always have them so we had to drive to 2 other stores to find them. But we did, and we bought a few boxes. They are that good. I would recommend that everyone try them!

The end of Christmas

I know, the end of Christmas in February? Well, I say it's the end of Christmas because on Friday, Chris and I went to see the Tragically Hip at Scotiabank Place. It was one of my Christmas presents from Chris. I realized a few things at the concert:
1) The Hip are amazing;
2) They make me proud to be Canadian;
3) Gordon Downie moves like a high-strung leprechaun.
We had a great night at the concert. Chris really enjoyed being at the Scotiabank Place, home of the Senators. Someday we'll go to a game there!