Hungry To Know About Knowing Hunger?

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It was only last week that I “challenged” readers out there to try on writing a blog post as a guest here. Take your passion and share it with the world, said I.

Well, fortune has struck and my sister-in-law Joan Skelton has taken on the challenge.

Joan resides in the bustling city of Kamloops, BC, where she has happily settled into retirement after dedicating years of her life managing the parts department of a Honda dealership.

Besides her professional background, Joan possesses a remarkable talent for expressing her creativity through crocheting and needlework that she shares with friends and relatives. In fact, I’m proud to own a treasured pair of beat-up, weathered, let’s call them “antiqued” running shoes, thoughtfully handcrafted by Joan on my 60th birthday.

However, it’s Joan’s unwavering compassion for those facing the hardship of inadequate food resources that truly sets her apart. In today’s heartfelt post, we delve into Joan’s inspiring endeavours to support individuals and families in need of sustenance.

With my thanks, I’ll let you take it from here Joan.

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Sometimes it can be challenging to find volunteer opportunities that truly fulfill our desires to make a positive impact in the community.

Personally, I’ve explored various volunteering experiences, but I had yet to discover something that consistently brings me a sense of fulfillment.

Until… I began volunteering at the Kamloops Food Bank.

I had also been involved, for almost 30 years, in organizing Christmas Food Hampers for the company I worked for. This was always the best part of my Christmas, seeing our team put together up to 100 well-stocked hampers per year to distribute to struggling families.

After retiring, I wanted to do something meaningful on a more regular basis, and in the spring of 2018 I answered the callout for volunteers to help at the local Food Bank’s annual spring food drive.  

I arrived to find an army of volunteers and staff unloading vehicles from The Rotary Clubs, arriving from all over the city with the day’s total of approximately 50,000 lbs of non-perishable food. Another large group was sorting and boxing up the donations.

I was stunned!  

I had always contributed to the cause but had never seen it in action.  

After about 4 hours of work, fun and camaraderie I was hooked. Before I left for the day I approached one of the staff members and asked if I could sign up to be a regular volunteer.  

That was over 5 years ago and I’m still there.  

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I am still impressed and moved by the love and dedication of and for the staff, volunteers and clients.  

Our Executive Director is an amazing, compassionate, enthusiastic, and efficient woman who has poured her heart and soul into this non-profit agency.  

She has transformed it from an almost failing venture, where the struggle to meet payroll was constant, operating out of a humble shack and a trailer, with just one old truck, to a flourishing Food Bank with two spacious buildings/warehouses, completely free from debt, and three refrigerated trucks.

As a result of her dedication and ingenuity, we are now able to serve not only our own community but also nine other Food Banks in neighbouring areas, along with supporting 52 agencies and schools.

Our impact has grown exponentially, reaching over 7,000 individuals in need. Furthermore, her innovative ideas have been adopted by Food Banks nationwide, making a positive difference in countless lives. It’s also worth noting that many free meal programs in our city rely on the provisions from our well-stocked warehouse.

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Let’s walk you through the daily happenings at our Food Bank.

Not only grocery stores, but drug stores, health food stores, and big box stores including Costco and Walmart send us all of their items that would otherwise be disposed of.

Back at the warehouse, volunteers descend upon the perishable foods first, sorting useable items and getting them into trays, coolers, or freezers and then out to the client services area.

In order to get all of the good food from the stores, we must take everything and determine what we can pass on to our clients. All produce and bread items that are not fit for human consumption are binned and picked up by 6 local farmers for feed.  

Non-perishable items are boxed up and moved into the sorting warehouse to be processed.

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Each item is inspected to confirm it is suitable for human consumption. No open bags, leaking jars, heavily dented cans, severely outdated items (there is an official guideline), harmful products, or other defects and restrictions. From this we bag up the non-perishable hampers that go to our clients.

Client services runs from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm six days a week.  Clients get one non-perishable hamper per month but can come in weekly for fresh produce, meat, dairy, breads, baking, deli and extras which include everything from hygiene, pet food, condiments, chocolate etc, etc, etc.  

We also have a Baby Bank with diapers, formula, baby food, baby hygiene etc.  

There is an army of local quilters and needle crafters that make baby blankets to give away.

Many clients leave with 30-70 lbs of groceries weekly depending on their family size and their preferences.  

Clients come through one at a time and choose from what we have to offer,  so their own personal preferences are respected.  

Many times we can offer gluten free, vegetarian, Halal, lactose-free, high protein or other specialty items; maybe even a frozen birthday cake on their special day.

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Several people have asked me “how do you know that someone who comes to the Food Bank really needs to be there?”  

Well, we can’t be 100% sure of them all.  

We understand that requesting personal information such as bank statements or pay stubs can be difficult for individuals.

In order to assist them, we aim to create a compassionate and respectful environment.

Many people facing hardships may be dealing with various challenges, such as mental or physical health issues, limited work opportunities, or experiencing homelessness. Additionally, there are individuals who are seeking refuge from war-torn regions or escaping persecution. We strive to approach each situation with empathy and understanding, recognizing the unique circumstances of those seeking assistance.

So when people asked me about people maybe “scamming the system”, I ask them “if 2 out of every 20 people who come to the Food Bank don’t need to be there, do you know what you have?”. Their answer is “that’s 10%” to which my answer is “no,  you have 18 families who will not go hungry this week”.

Karma will take care of the others. 

I am blessed.  

I do not go hungry.  

I have a home.

I have freedom and I have time to give.

That is why I volunteer.

Joan gives two blue thumbs up in front!

8 Great Reasons Why You And Everyone Else Should Write A Blog

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Let me introduce you to … YOU!

Last week, guest blogger and good friend, Jim Ferguson, mentioned the fact that I’ve been posting these blog posts for over a decade now… 11 years in fact.

Some posts you might like, some you might hate. Me too! (not that MeToo)

For many, blogging is a short-term, “this is kind of a neat idea” concept that fizzles after a few months, or for the more persistent, a few years.

So you might ask – and I’ve asked myself many many times – just why would a person do this activity week after week, with no real hope or attempt at monetization? What’s in it for the amateur? Is it vanity and ego? Boredom? Knowledge seeking? All that and more?

In this age of social media and bite-sized content, writing a blog may strangely seem like an antiquated practice.

However, beneath the surface lies a treasure trove of benefits that can enrich your life.

Yes, really.

But first… did you know:

70 million individual blog posts are published each month

On average it takes 4 hours to write a blog post

There are approximately 600 million blog sites in the world as of 2023

Blog posts that feature an image every 75-100 words get 2x more shares

An average reader spends 52 seconds reading a blog post

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Whether you’re a budding writer, a hobbyist, someone searching for their deeper thoughts, or just someone looking for a creative outlet, here are some weighty reasons why you should start your own blog.

• 1. Getting to Know You:
• This one is my prime reason for writing a blog. It’s the equivalent of a diary made public.
• A blog can be a canvas for introspection and self-discovery. Pour your thoughts onto the digital page, exploring your dreams, fears, and innermost desires. By documenting your life journey, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of yourself, and your readers will often also find solace and connection in your reflections.
• Blogging provides a creative outlet for self-expression. Through writing, you can articulate your thoughts, feelings, and ideas in a distinct and authentic manner, which can be incredibly empowering. The mere act of writing regularly will drag you mysteriously into self-reflection and introspection, leading to personal growth and a deeper understanding of yourself.

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• 2. Channel Your Inner Comedian:
• Are you a comical observer of life?
• Well, a blog provides the perfect platform to unleash your inner comedian without standing in front of an audience!
• Write humorous anecdotes, hilarious observations, and satirical commentaries. Let your humour shine through, and maybe… just maybe… you’ll end up being the next online sensation, garnering fans from around the globe.
• 3. Share Your Expertise:
• Are you endowed with a special talent or skill that sets you apart?
• Whether it’s cooking, gardening, or underwater basket weaving (yup, it’s a thing!), a blog is an excellent way to share your expertise with the world. You never know whose life you might positively impact with your knowledge, and who knows, you might even become an influencer in your niche.
• 4. Therapeutic Outlet:
• Life can be overwhelming, and sometimes, it’s hard to find someone to talk to about your feelings. Writing can act as your therapeutic outlet, helping you release stress, anxiety, and pent-up emotions.
• So many people have trauma of one sort or another in their personal story (eg. abuse, addictions, poverty, mental health struggles) that could be understood more fully by a deeper introspection brought about in the writing process.
• Enter the blogosphere – a digital therapist’s couch where you can pour your heart out, hopefully without judgment. Let your emotions flow through your fingertips, and you’ll be amazed at the cathartic effect it can have on your well-being. Others love to hear that they’re not alone in their troubles or lack of perfection. The Facebook’s and Instagram’s give us the impression of everyone else’s amazing life – it ain’t real, but it can sure feel like it sometimes.
• As you gain positive feedback and recognition for your writing, it can boost your confidence and sense of accomplishment.
• 5. Intellectual Challenge:
• Writing a blog challenges your intellect in ways you might not expect.
• It compels you to research, fact-check, and refine your ideas. It’s like a puzzle – you must piece together words and ideas to create a compelling narrative.
• Through the process, you’ll find yourself discovering new perspectives and grow as an individual. Blogging challenges your intellect, encouraging research, critical thinking, and the development of new perspectives.
• Regular blogging requires strong self-discipline and time management skills, which can spill over into other areas of your life, making you more organized and productive. Score!
• 6. Influence and Change:
• Blogs have the power to shape opinions, spark discussions, and even drive change.
• If you decide to write about social issues close to your heart, you may sees your words resonate with like-minded individuals. Blogging can be your contribution to making the world a better place, one post at a time.
• 7. Creative Expression:
• In a world of structured assignments and office monotony, a blog is a breath of fresh air.
• It’s a canvas for creativity, where you can experiment with different writing styles, play with language, and delve into the realms of imagination. Embrace the freedom and let your creativity find itself. The Muses sit in silence until you give them a chance to come out and play.

• 8. Connect and Build Community:
• Blogging isn’t just about publishing words; it’s about building connections.
• Engage with your readers through comments and discussions. Create a community around your blog where similar folks can come together, fostering an environment of support and camaraderie. By sharing your thoughts and experiences, you can connect with “soul mates” and build a supportive community around your blog.
• 9. Legacy for Future Generations:
• Is immortality something that appeals… a chance to live on beyond the grave (or the smokestack)?
• Your blog will stand as a digital time capsule, a testament to your thoughts, experiences, and wisdom.
• Future generations – your children, grandchildren, and beyond – will have a glimpse into the person you were and the world you lived in. They will come to know more of your personality, your likes, your loves, your troubles, and delights. It’s your chance to leave behind a lasting legacy.
• 10. Embrace the Unknown:
• Lastly, blogging is an adventure into the unknown.
• Like a ship sailing on uncharted waters, your blog can take you on unexpected journeys. It’s an exploration of yourself, the world, and the boundless possibilities that await. Blogging can give you a sense of purpose as you share your passions, knowledge, and experiences with the world.

Sorry, did I say 8 reasons? Guess I’m not a great Numbers’ Guy… My bad!

So, why should you write your own blog? Maybe YOU tell ME…

The reasons are as diverse as bloggers themselves. From humour and self-discovery to intellectual growth and legacy-building, a blog will transform you, I guarantee it.

It’s a place where you can be unapologetically yourself, share your stories, and connect with others who resonate with your words.

Wanna try it out once to see what you think before jumping in with both feet?

Like Jim Ferguson, who posts here about his life and experiences living on both sides of the Canada/U.S. border you could “guest post” on my page… Joan, you could write about volunteerism and food banks, Jessica, you can tell us about life as an American in South Korea, Florence, you might relate experiences as a teacher or grandmother living in Northern Ireland. Anyone else is welcome too! Send me your “stuff” by e-mail or FB Messenger: 1000 words or less and not TOO political or unruly, let’s go for fun and/or informative 😉

Try taking some time to introduce yourself to you and open a page that can boldly take you where you’ve never been before… yup, it’s scary and exciting!

So, are you ready to meet you?

Mother Earth’s Garden Tour With Jim

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Once again, I am stepping up to the Man On The Fringe plate, am filling in as the MOTF EBUG (Emergency Back-Up Goalie for those needing the explanation), am taking one for the MOTF team… well. you get the idea. No more cliches needed.

Larry has asked me to submit some MOTF fodder for you to ponder and as always, I am happy to give the lad a much-needed mental break. After all, he’s been at this blog writing gig for over a decade now and his little gray cells could use a holiday for a week.

Let’s dive into this week’s blog topic.

How many of you in the “MOTF-verse” consider yourself to have a “green thumb”?

I know that our supreme blog-meister Larry falls into this category of humans. What about you? Are you a back to the earth person? Maybe you are a hippie from the 1960s who is all about growing plants and conserving the environment (I am of that ilk myself).

If you fall into this “green thumb” category, do you plant flowers? Are you a vegetable gardener growing your own food? Maybe you are an herbalist who lives to grow your own medicinal herbs. I have been involved with all these endeavours at one time or another.

Let me share a brief version of my story…

My wife Deb and I lived on a 5.4-acre farm out in Oregon until a year-and-a-half ago when we sold the farm and moved back to Michigan to be near family who needed us in closer proximity. Our dream when purchasing the farm was to establish a holistic wellness centre on the property with classes, retreats, meditation walks, “the whole 9 yards”!

The property was stunning with spectacular views in two directions looking down into the beautiful Willamette Valley.

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It was nestled on top of a ridge at about 700 feet of elevation, and we always had a refreshing breeze blowing through the apple orchard and across our meadow. Two-thirds of the property consisted of forest and the rest was meadow and field.

The forest was a green thumb’s gold mine with wild mushrooms, usnea aka “old man’s beard” hanging from the tree branches, trees of many varieties, and many other medicinal wonders. It wasn’t unusual to wander through the woods and come upon turkey-tail mushrooms growing out of a log or on a tree. When you have time, look up the medicinal benefits of this amazing mushroom. Wow!!!! Of course, the poison oak was thick, so one’s zeal to go mushroom hunting was often tempered by not wanting to get poison oak and to be scratching for a month…😊

It really was a holistic wellness centre just waiting to happen. Larry will confirm this (Editor: Yup!) as he and Maureen came to visit us for a few days a year or two after we bought the property in October 2013. As you no doubt can appreciate, sometimes life gets in the way of our dreams, and we eventually had to sell the property and move to Michigan. I’m sure this has happened in your life as well.

But… back to the farm… Deb and I immediately set to work learning and experimenting. We read books on gardening, attended lectures, watched videos on-line. We discovered the best companies where we could purchase organic seeds and start-ups. We enlisted the help of Deb’s sister who lived a few kilometres away and she was as eager as we were to develop the gardens and wellness centre.

Being a medical provider, one of my interests was in developing a medicinal herb garden for personal use and to be a teaching garden for the wellness centre. I was about to start a 2-year fellowship in Integrative Medicine with Dr. Andrew Weil and his colleagues at the University of Arizona, so the stars were aligning for a great venture.

Deb was a “back to the earth” girl from way back so she was eager to plant vegetables, culinary and medicinal herbs, and flowers. She created the “signature” garden in front of the house with both gorgeous flowers and equally gorgeous herbs. Spectacular!

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We cultivated a roughly 30 metre x 40-meter section of our meadow and got down and dirty with the herb planting. I tilled the area with my tractor, placed close to sixty posts and put up fence to keep out the pesky deer that were everywhere. It was finally ready. It felt good to be working with the earth and when I would jump in the shower at the end of a day of work on the land it was rewarding to see the dirt washing down the drain.

As I was proceeding through my fellowship, I was further inspired by Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, one of our faculty mentors, who is a world-renowned herbalist, researcher, and physician. She taught the section on medicinal herbs and tips on developing a “kitchen pharmacy”. She is owner and proprietor of Medicine Lodge Ranch outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico where she has a wonderful wellness centre. That is exactly what I had been dreaming of for our 5.4-acres.

I was also exposed to a lot of new “green” concepts around mind-body medicine. For example, did you know that there is research suggesting that “earthing” or having direct body-to-earth contact may have health benefits such as reducing inflammation and stress, improving sleep, and improving one’s energy and vitality?

The research still needs to be fleshed out further – however, given the amount of time Deb and I spent in direct contact with the dirt and water I can honestly say that my personal experience was quite therapeutic. Deb would concur. Plus, Deb’s been walking around barefoot for decades and is one of the happiest people I know. Coincidence?  Hmmm… 😊

Another concept I learned about in my fellowship was Shinrin Yoku, or Forest Bathing, a concept that came out of Japan over 40 years ago. Shinrin Yoku is all about spending time in nature and how it can have tremendous therapeutic benefits such as improved mental and emotional health, stress reduction, enhanced immunity, lower blood pressure, and more. This has been studied with positive results and it is free and easy to do. Just turn off the television and get back to nature! Who knew that Joni Mitchell was so smart when in the late 1960s she urged us in the song Woodstock to get back to the garden. Joni, no doubt, is a “green” advocate from way back. I am not surprised this practice originated in Japan. The Japanese are renowned for their beautiful, peaceful, and manicured gardens. Exquisite!

Just when you thought you had heard it all there is more. There is lots of research showing how greenery in hospitals can have a healing effect on patients improving recovery times and reducing hospital stays. Green is Great!

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And… back we go to the garden (thanks Joni)…

Deb and I planted culinary herbs such as oregano, rosemary, dill, basil, sage, fennel, parsley, thyme, and more. We planted medicinal herbs such as hops, lemon balm, lemon grass, lemon verbena, St. John’s Wort, valerian, astragalus, elecampane, motherwort, meadowsweet, echinacea, comfrey, bee balm, lavender, Oregon Grape root, elderberry, chamomile, peppermint, spearmint, calendula, arnica, and so many others. My colleagues at the medical clinic where I worked were very upset (tongue in cheek) when I told them we were not going to grow medicinal marijuana as they were hoping. We had many volunteers to help with the marijuana harvest but in the end, it wasn’t on our radar…😊

Oh and… there were hawthorn trees and dandelions and plantain all over the property. They are well known for their medicinal properties.

I could do a whole separate blog on what the medicinal benefits are for the above herbs as the benefits are extensive.

Remember… the pharmacopoeia here in N. America included many of the above herbs as part of standard medical care for many years and it was just in the past century with the growth of the pharmaceutical industry that this has changed. There are centuries of direct experience with these and so many other medicinal plants here in North America by First Nations peoples demonstrating benefit and they have a long track record of safety if used properly.

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Soooo… to wrap up… a year-and-a-half later we are in Alpena, Michigan where we bought a property on a double-sized town lot and the back yard is now all planted with vegetables, medicinal herbs, and flowers. The Oregon farm experience and the “green dream” of a wellness centre was amazing. One of the first things Deb and I did as summer approached at our new home was to order our seeds and start-ups, build raised beds, roto-till a section of the yard for planting, get several truckloads of excellent growing soil, and finally to get everything in the ground.

We are already eating spinach and beet greens from the garden and we are also enjoying some of the herbs that have begun to sprout up. Tulsi Basil and mint teas are amazing! Patience is needed in the “green thumb” business, right! We now await the gradual growth of more of the medicinal herbs and for our fruit trees and berry bushes to yield fruit a couple of years down the road.

With my Integrative Medicine training and working on a clinical herbalist certification as I type this, we have learned to develop an effective yet simple “kitchen pharmacy” with many common vegetables, culinary herbs and spices, and medicinal herbs that can be used for MANY simple and basic medical issues that come up – coughs, colds, flu, cuts and scrapes, etc.

There is nothing like vegetables right out of your own garden. We made sure to NOT use any chemicals or pesticides, so we are all-in on organic produce. At the heart of all health efforts is healthy nutrition and so that is where we start with all our efforts.

Our next plan is to share what we have learned with neighbours and friends and the community at large so others can learn and decide if developing their own simple “kitchen pharmacy” might be in their future. With soaring medical costs, I think there will be great interest in this endeavour. I see a “green revolution” on the horizon…😊

Happy trails.

Peace,

Jim Ferguson

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Bye Buy Baby Bye Buy…

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Some have Christmas in July… I have Financial Review in July… welcome to Buy or Bye July!

I hesitate to think what this might say about my inner Judeo-Christian vs consumer/capitalistic views.

Anyway, here we are already at the halfway point of another year, WTH!!

Given this fact, it’s a great time for us to review and reflect on financial successes and failures in our personal money affairs. How is your personal “business” performing? Is your future looking bright or cloudy? Does money management leave you feeling calm and in control, or full of inner turmoil?

Practically speaking, our day-to-day life and lifestyle is hugely impacted by the moolah… cheddar… brass… bread… the clams we have in our pockets and under our mattresses. What we can spend depends immensely on what we save, and invest.

I follow the Fiddler on the Roof approach:

Perchik: Money is the world’s curse.

Tevye: May the Lord smite me with it. And may I never recover!

I was out kayaking on Okanagan Lake this beautiful summer morning and shed some inferiority tears as we paddled past some fortunate souls’ lakefront mansions… people who don’t appear to have any difficulties or concerns in the money realm. Sadly, I’m just a poor boy from a poor family, you know, Freddie Mercury-style.

I tend to concentrate my investment efforts in stock markets, so of course, this is where I’ll direct my focus today.

With its unpredictable nature, the stock market is both exciting and challenging, and 2023 has been no different. Let’s take a look under the hood of 2023 so far and perhaps explore some valuable lessons learned along the way.

• Embracing Volatility: A Rollercoaster Ride

The first half of 2023 has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride for investors. The stock market experienced significant volatility due to various factors, such as economic recovery, inflation concerns, and geopolitical tensions… thanks Comrade Putin!

It’s easy to become unhinged and irrational but this turbulence teaches us the importance of staying calm amidst market fluctuations and not making impulsive decisions driven by short-term emotions.

All of the major North American and British stock indices are up, but by an astonishing variation in amounts:

DOW 30 up 3.8% (U.S)

S&P 500 up 17.0% (U.S.)

NASDAQ up 39.0% (U.S.)

TSX 60 up 3.9% (Canada)

FTSE 100 up 1.1% (U.K.)

• Sector Performance: Shaping Investment Strategies

The first half of 2023 presented varying performances across different sectors.

Tech giants like Apple and Amazon in the U.S., and Shopify and Lightspeed in Canada played a significant role in driving the market. Apple’s stock price experienced a gain of approximately 49% during the first half of the year, while Amazon’s stock price increased by approximately 52%. The strong performance of these companies powered the NASDAQ Composite to new highs, with a gain of an eye-popping 39% for the first half of the year.

• The Canadian Housing Market: A Consideration

While not directly related to the stock market, the Canadian housing market has been a significant factor influencing the overall financial landscape. Despite some cooling measures implemented by the government, housing prices (and interest rates) continued to rise, posing challenges for potential homebuyers. Investors with exposure to real estate investment trusts (REITs) or companies tied to the housing market may have experienced mixed results, depending on their specific holdings.

• Lessons Learned: Patience and Long-Term Perspective

With each of these regular “money blogs” I write, I typically share my personal returns with you so you can experience my alternating bouts of glory and shame… last year’s numbers were mostly shame. Any number I see with a minus sign in front does not make me smile.

Like a timid February groundhog, I slipped above ground, chirped out my negative results, and then disappeared red-faced back into my dark warren, hoping for a better day.

And the better day I wished for has arrived…

In the first six months of 2023, I’ve got a bit of some lovely glory to parade, so this groundhog will lounge about in the sun and bask for just a few minutes. Here goes:

My RRSP gain for the last six months was 33.4% and my TFSA trailed well behind at 3.0%. (For non-Canucks, these acronyms represent the main retirement accounts available in Canada).

Remember me mentioning the strength of Apple and Amazon (above)? This explains my hearty RRSP performance, which is largely in American stocks, while my TFSA is concentrated in Canadian shares which have barely budged so far this year.

I hope if you’ve checked your investment or retirement funds, you matched or bettered mine… please send me some of your magic fairy dust!

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from the market’s ups and downs over many years is the importance of patience and adopting a long-term perspective. Timing the market consistently is virtually impossible, and attempting to do so can lead to missed opportunities and unnecessary stress.

Instead, focusing on fundamental analysis, identifying quality companies, and staying invested for the long haul really is a more reliable strategy. Let’s save the Vegas approach for when we’re actually in Vegas, OK?

Staying focused on long-term goals and being patient can help us weather the fluctuations and achieve financial success, and a lower stress period of retirement.

Tech giants like Apple and Amazon, along with the strong performance of the NASDAQ Composite, have demonstrated the potential for significant gains in the technology sector. However, it’s important to maintain a diversified portfolio and consider the performance of other sectors as well. Do your homework or hire someone you strongly trust to do it for you.

Remember, investing is a journey, and half a year is just a snapshot. By remaining vigilant, adaptable, and committed to learning from our experiences, we can continue to grow and thrive as investors in the stock market world.

To be a “Wealthy Barber”, we really just need to avoid nasty haircuts… being financially bald is NOT a good look for any of us!

HO HO HO… Merry Christmas to you in July… Bye Buy Baby Bye Buy!

In the realm of stocks, Apple takes flight,

AI's innovation, a futuristic light,

Canadian banks, pillars of financial might,

In 2023, stock market's sweetest flight,

Investment joys, a rewarding sight.

Three Weeks of Eats, Pray, Love

It’s summer… let’s travel!

But not just any travel… this will be an Epic-curious virtual blog adventure my friends.

Over 21 days we’ll hit 7 cities in 7 countries… each with a unique culinary culture that will teach us – hands on – the diverse joys of European cooking… and… eating.

It will be like joining the old CBC radio host Otto Lowy on The Transcontinental, a fictional train trip across Europe sampling the delights of Classical music, except you and I will replace Lowy’s music with the food flavours of Europe.

After this trip, you’ll have a full week’s worth of culturally-diverse cooking and eating to impress yourself and any of your adventurous foodie friends. Your kitchen will never smell the same and that’s a good thing all you Martha or Martin Stewarts!

From the bustling streets of Paris to the sun-kissed shores of Greece, and from the enchanting canals of Venice to the historic cities of Budapest and Dubrovnik, this epicurean adventure promises to get flour on your hands, tantalize your taste buds, and immerse you in rich cultural experiences.

So, ALL ABOARD as our 21-Day Gastronomic Odyssey begins…

Summer School is now in session…

Paris, France: A Feast for the Senses (3 days, including travel):

Our foody fun commences in the city of lights, Paris.

After a delightful train ride, we step into the coeur of French cuisine. At Le Cordon Bleu Paris, we immerse ourselves in the art of crafting delicate pastries like croissants, pain au chocolat, and Tarte Tatin.

The aroma of freshly baked baguettes fills the air as we learn the secrets of making the perfect crust and master the art of French patisserie. Indulging in these delicacies begins our immersion in a world of culinary excellence.

Zurich, Switzerland: Alpine Flavors and Swiss Chocolate (3 days):

From Paris, we board a train that winds its way through the breathtaking Swiss Alps, leading us to Zurich.

Here, we uncover the secrets of Swiss chocolate making at Confiserie Sprüngli. We delight in the process of crafting exquisite pralines and truffles, savoring the velvety smoothness of Swiss chocolate.

In the cozy ambiance of a traditional chalet, we learn to prepare the iconic Swiss cheese fondue, a dish that epitomizes Swiss gastronomy. We dip crusty bread into the molten cheese, savoring the rich flavors and embracing the warm hospitality of Switzerland.

Venice, Italy: Canals, Cicchetti, and Venetian Charms (3 days):

Leaving Zurich behind, we embark on a scenic train journey to the magical watery city of Venice. Viva Italia!

Stepping off the train and onto a vaporetto, we glide along the canals, embracing the romance and beauty that define Venice.

In the charming surroundings of the Venetian School of Cooking, we learn to prepare Venetian specialties. We create flavoursome cicchetti, small bites of culinary perfection similar in nature to Spanish tapas, pairing them with local wines from the Veneto region.

We discover the secrets of Venetian seafood dishes like sarde in saor (marinated sardines) and fritto misto (mixed fried seafood), as the gentle sound of gondoliers’ songs floats through the air.

Vienna, Austria: Imperial Elegance and Viennese Delicacies (3 days):

Leaving the romantic canals behind, our train takes us to the majestic city of Vienna.

Stepping into the opulent world of Austrian cuisine, we find ourselves enchanted by the aromas of Viennese pastries and the elegance of the city’s coffee houses.

At the famous Demel Bakery, we immerse ourselves in the art of strudel-making, delicately stretching the dough and filling it with an array of flavors, from apple to cherry and poppy seed.

The rich flavours of Wiener Schnitzel and Tafelspitz, accompanied by creamy potato salad and tangy horseradish, transport us to the heart of Viennese culinary traditions.

Budapest, Hungary: Spice, History, and Hungarian Delights (3 days):

Our train journey next whisks us to the vibrant city of Budapest, where the flavors of paprika and goulash await. We step into the bustling Central Market Hall, a treasure trove of colorful produce and aromatic spices.

Under the guidance of skilled Hungarian chefs, we learn to create hearty dishes such as chicken paprikash, a symphony of tender chicken simmered in a rich paprika-infused sauce.

We explore the vibrant Jewish Quarter, savoring langos, a crispy fried dough topped with garlic, sour cream, and cheese. The intricate flavors of Hungarian cuisine and the city’s rich history create a captivating culinary experience.

Dubrovnik, Croatia: Adriatic Delights and Coastal Charms (3 days):

We’ll jump the rails next along the picturesque coast to the stunning city of Dubrovnik. With the Adriatic Sea as our backdrop, we dive into the world of Croatian cuisine, embracing the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean.

We visit local fish markets, selecting the catch of the day for our culinary creations. In the kitchen, we learn to prepare grilled octopus, black risotto with cuttlefish, and brodet, a flavorful fish stew infused with aromatic herbs and spices.

The enchanting aroma of Croatian pastries, such as rozata (caramel custard) and krostule (twisted fried dough), fills the air as we indulge in the sweet side of Croatian gastronomy. Dobar tek !

Athens, Greece: A Mediterranean Culinary Odyssey (2 days):

And finally, our last whistle stop lies before us as we stare wistfully out the train windows – next stop? … the vibrant city of Athens. As we approach the historical Greek capital, our anticipation for culinary delights grows.

In Athens, we’ll participate in a cooking class that highlights the rich Mediterranean flavors and age-old traditions of Greek cuisine. From moussaka to spanakopita, we’ll learn to create authentic dishes using the finest local ingredients. Cooking schools like Greek Kitchen Lab and Cooking Athens will guide us through the nuances of Greek gastronomy.

So quickly, our 21-day culinary odyssey comes to a close, and now we can reflect on the countless flavors, cultural experiences, and lifelong memories we’ve gathered along the way.

From the elegance of French patisserie to the richness of Swiss chocolate, from the rustic charm of Tuscan pasta-making to the enchantment of Venetian cicchetti, and from the imperial Viennese delicacies to the bold spices of Hungarian and Croatian cuisines, our taste buds have been on a remarkable journey through seven countries.

The train travel allowed us to witness the ever-changing landscapes, captivating coastlines, and picturesque cities.

Each destination has not only revealed its culinary treasures to us, but also unfolded the stories, traditions, and warm hospitality of its people.

Through the art of cooking, we’ve connected with the soul of each country, embracing the diverse flavors and immersing ourselves in their unique cultural tapestry.

You may have noticed that we bypassed a whole slew of countries with fabulous foods… areas like Germany, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, the Scandinavian lands. This leaves us a fabulous opportunity to return for another sumptuous journey next year and fly the rails of deliciousness.

As we bid farewell to this extraordinary gastronomic adventure, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the enriching experiences and the lifelong friendships forged along the way.

Bon voyage and bon appétit!