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Thursday, September 5, 2013

Timeless: Cary Grant - The Leading Man

England´s Archie Leach became Hollywood´s Cary Grant. Even though he never won an Oscar (he received an Honorary Oscar for achievement) his films have stood the test of time. His most endearing quote remains, “Everybody wants to be Cary Grant. Even I want to be Cary Grant.” And it´s still true of many men who aspire to dress well and comport themselves with sophistication. As valid today as when first released, his films are sought out, bought in collections and shared at home with family and friends. Just pop the corn and pour the drinks it´s always time for the leading man that all women wanted to love and all men wanted to be, the essential Cary Grant!

Copyright © Mick Huerta 2013. All Rights Reserved.
mickhuerta@gmail.com
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Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Codroy Valley Estuary and Provincial Park

Here I drink the morning, hold it in my mouth and it tastes of salt. I turn a collar against the east wind as a dappled sky caps the scene and Marram grasses wave. Undulating, this sea grass is not like any I´ve encountered. It´s not oatlike with flat seed heads. But carries a cylindrical rolled top with ample weight to feel the wind and move to it´s wisp and whim. Firmly rooted, it hugs and fixes the dunes where the piping plovers nest. That time is gone now for the year but still best to walk close to waters edge so as not to disrupt the habitat of this bird as they are few. This is the Codroy Valley Provincial Park, it is but a spit of sand that spans the meeting point of the Grand Codroy River and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Saltwater meets sweet, a place of transition from land to sea. Although influenced by the tide, the estuary is protected creating a sanctuary for birdlife and subsequent populations of birdwatchers, photographers and naturalists. None of which were present this morning in the ragged cold. I take it all in and love the solitude on the bight, pipe smoldering in hand.

Copyright © Mick Huerta 2013. All Rights Reserved.
mickhuerta@gmail.com
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Sunday, September 1, 2013

New Pho Bo Ga La Chinatown Ottawa

Great variety, fast service and clean appearance but if you go deep into the menu your selection may be less than perfect. First thing off-putting was the waiter asked us to place a handful of loose chopsticks in the condiment caddy situated on the table. We complied but commented that the chopsticks couldn´t be very clean with all the handling. The waiter shrugged indifferently and asked for our order. We were four: two opted for Classic PHO but the remaining two... a chicken noodle soup proved a disappointment. The thinly sliced leg meat overcooked, stiff and was relegated to a serviette on the side. The spicy pork bowl was insipid. If not for condiments provided the two latter meals would have resulted in bland. As for the two classic diners, happy as larks! Two out of four, not a good score.

Lesson learnt? Go classic and all is tasty at New Pho Bo Ga La! Also, you just may want to bring your own chopsticks for cleanliness sake.

New Pho Bo Ga La
Chinatown 757 Somerset St West
Ottawa, ON K1R6R1

Friday, August 23, 2013

Sweet Brown! Update!

Kimberly Wilkins of Oklahoma City, better known as Sweet Brown, was interviewed by local station KFOR News Channel 4 after evacuating her burning apartment building. In describing the heavy presence of smoke, she emphatically stated “Ain’t nobody got time for that!” Her description of the chaos quickly went viral and she´s become an Internet sensation. With over 20,000,000 views on YouTube; she now has an agent, a Sweet Brown T-shirt line, a song with Will.I.Am, is co-host of Reality TV show, "Cheaters" and has a role in Tyler Perry's A Madea Christmas! Now that´s working your 15 minutes of fame! Bravo, Sweet Brown!

mickhuerta@gmail.com
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Image and video source: Google

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Lilies on the Pond!

Serene August in Newfoundland is Cabin Life! This is a time of simple living punctuated by playful sea otters feeding in neighbouring fresh water ponds with an outlet to the Atlantic. The children fall mum with palms of torn bread lifted to the sky. Soundlessly the Grey Jays swoop down to steal offered crumbs in full flight. Long vigilant silences are rewarded with bolder birds even taking bread from the crowns of their heads.

Morning buckets in hand the blueberry picking has been a bumper crop of indigo with exclamations of discovery at the explosion of fruit on yet another low lying bush. The picking goes fast and exciting as a not so curious mother moose looks on while munching in the bramble. Just for the sweet joy of it, we hike down to revel in the lilies on the ponds... We suspect Monet would have felt right at home on this island brimming with ecstatic beauty...

Copyright © Mick Huerta 2013. All Rights Reserved.
mickhuerta@gmail.com
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Photo credit: Rowena Ryan

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Sledding Hill Lavender Farm! Bear River, Nova Scotia

Lavender is most the distinctive ingredient in the Herbes De Provence blend. Wonderful when used to flavor chicken, salads and so many other dishes.

Lavender is finding it way

Sledding Hill is a lavender farm located ! Bear River, Nova Scotia

Friday, July 5, 2013

Seafood Chowder, Bay of Fundy Nova Scotia!

When the source is just off the back deck, you know there´s none fresher. Pictured above is the Seafood Chowder of Nancy MacKenzie of Weymouth North! A diver friend of hers whiddles into rocky spots, where big boat fishermen wouldn´t dare venture. There he finds the most surprisingly large World Famous Digby Scallops. And oh my, the Lobster joins with the Haddie to speak to the Diver Scallops and the conversation is just fine here on the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia! Then sprinkle it all with Fundy Dulse and things turn heavenly right quick... when all the magic comes together in a bowl.