Sundays with Sarah (30)

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Hi everyone, welcome to another end of the weekend and another Sundays with Sarah.

It's that most wonderful time of the year!!!!

...again.

Well we all love winter at some point but this year is no exception. We all LOVE that wonderful white powder that falls from the sky we call snow.

um, ok probably not anymore.

This winter we definitely have seen our fair share of the white stuff, and I am sure we all know how it can affect all of us. Like most out there that live in the northern hemisphere we call Canada where we hail the great snowy winter with mixed blessings, we all at some point in winter suffer Seasonal Affectiveness Disorder. For those with kids it becomes harder and more stressful because most of the time the kids stay indoors. This winter has been exceptionally long for most and spring doesn't seem like it will happen much. For most Canadians we generally accept that we only have 2 seasons; winter and construction. I live in Edmonton, Alberta and this year the winter freeze thaw cycle has produced over 600,000 potholes (or as I call we are now the crater capital of Canada), and we all know that its take tolls on vehicles and all nerves. So what else do we like about winter...well how about the endless grey skies, cold snaps, brown trees and most of all, the white snow now turning to slush.

So I have a few questions. First all, where is that groundhog and has someone shot it yet for lying when spring was coming. Secondly, can someone please find mother nature and give her a swift kick in the ass to wake up and produce spring?

With some places making record snowfalls this winter, we all have one question that over weighs our sanity...when will it end?

For me I hope soon cause I don't think I can stand anymore of this depressing weather.

But for those who have outlasted winter and are ready for spring, here are some great spring idea's to get ready for the beauty of green grass, blue skies and no snow.

1. Exercising

Take the family out for that leisurely walk in the neighborhood every night and spend time away from the electronic gizmos that control and run our lives. Spring is a time for change and as such I implore all of you to take up the wonderful benefits of going for a walk, riding your bike and hitting the gym with a close friend.

2. Gardening

Have you planted yet? If you don't have snow, now is the best time to start planting those seeds and watching the beautiful change of nature. If you have snow still you can still plant indoors until it is ready to move plants, veggies and other flowers outside when it permits. This year's flower of choice for many I have seen are white lilies, daffodils, and various mums.

3. Mmmm Food

Okay, for all of you out there here is a great recipe for the family and friends to start off the BBQ season.

Canadian Cedar Planked Salmon

INGREDIENTS:

24x8x1 inch untreated cedar plank

6 (4 ounce) fillets salmon

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 large red onion, chopped

1 lemon, sliced

1/2 tablespoon black peppercorns,

crushed

1. Submerge untreated cedar plank in water. Soak approximately 12 hours, or overnight.

2. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat. Place prepared plank on the grill, and sprinkle with coarse salt. Cover grill and heat plank 2 to 3 minutes, until dry. Adjust grill temperature for medium heat.

3. Rub salmon filets with olive oil. Arrange on the plank. Top salmon with red onion, lemon slices and black peppercorns.

4. Cook salmon, covered, 10 to 12 minutes, or until opaque and easily flaked with a fork.

4. Stargazing

This year astronomers have reported that this will be a great year for stargazing. Depending on where you live we are in prime rotation to start seeing more galactic clusters and even into our own milky way better. Check out NASA's page on more astronomical events.

5. The Ultimate Vacation

Ok well if you haven't planned for the Ultimate Vacation trip now is the time. There is a reason why Canada is the greatest country on earth, we have all the wonderful travel destinations. From the Teddy Bears Picnic in PEI to the wonderful Killer Whales out on the Coast of British Columbia. If you haven't reserved your campground for camping this summer, do so soon, most run out fast.

Anyways, here is to hoping that the snow goes away and the wonderful season of spring, how short it is will bloom and show its beauty before winter yet descends again on us in 6 months.

Take care.