Neighbourhood

I forgot to mention: Horizontal Stripes made the front cover of The Current back in December. Though I spent years writing for newspapers during my undergraduate studies, I hadn't published anything in years. However, when I suddenly found myself a spokesperson for the revival of St. John's neighbourhood names at every cocktail party I was attending, I thought it time to write something about the need for a revival. You can check it out here: Won't You Be My Neighbour?

Neighbours

The morning after moving in, our next-door neighbours presented us with batches of brownies and muffins to welcome us to the street. How thoughtful and yummy! I was raised to return any container that sweets were given to you in filled with a treat that you prepared to reciprocate the gesture. I'm thinking that these jalapeno cheddar cookies would be a unique savory selection.

Abode

Big news on the Greg and Katie front... there's opportunity for another housewarming party in our future! We've bought a new house! I'm excited to share details on our new home, and second round of adventures into the world of decorating here in the coming months (we've already splurged on another large Nelson Saucer lamp!). Images of our new street via Double Photo Album (who by the way has many amazing shots of our new neighbourhood, Georgestown).

P.S. Greg's super excited about the move, and his reaction is so adorable (there's talk of joining the neighbourhood association and we've already met our new next door neighbours, who were super friendly).

P.P.S. Fun fact - my grandma was born in number 88 Circular (the red house above).

Doppelgangers

Greg and I have life doppelgangers. They live around the corner from us. Literally. We have the same names (i.e. Greg and Katie, and Greg and Katie), a similar age difference, and seemingly common lifestyle. However, another surprising connection hit home this past week when we met on the street corner while on an after work walk. Greg and Katie and their brood of kids (four to be exact) stopped to say hello and revel in the beautiful sunny evening. Before parting ways, they called to their son who was running ahead. His name is Thomas. He's precious. Once they were all around the corner, Greg and I looked at each other. We've floated the name Thomas as a potential for a future son! This moves well beyond a coincidence! In fact, I think this couple is more than a life doppelganger, they seem to be our vardoger. It is as if we can experience our life before its even happened. Image via Dalla.

Monroe

Since moving into our new house this past September, Greg and I have taken the scattered opportunity that has arisen to meet our neighbours and acquaint ourselves with the community outside our door. We've collected leaves and chatted about harvest moons, delved into the history of our street and its inhabitants, and hung holiday wreaths and admired their beauty with a neighbour from across the street.

Tonight, Greg and I were invited to attend a neighbourhood wine and cheese at our local Bed and Breakfast, Monroe House. We had the loveliest time meeting more of the residents of our road. I've now been swayed to the joys of the holiday block party. This evening filled us with the Christmas spirit, and has made me ponder holding a similar function this summer at our home. On top of the hobnobbing, the evening provided a gorgeous tour of the elegant property. I'd highly recommend staying at Monroe House if you find yourself in St. John's. Its proximity to Greg and me is a happy coincidence.

Image of lights on Harbour Drive, St. John's by Todd Baker.

Auntie

We're loving our new Saturday routine of strolling Water Street and mingling around Auntie Crae's - the smell of fresh bread, herbs, and cheese - yum!

Neighbourhood

After revealing our home, it seemed only natural to snap a few pictures of our neighbourhood.

Alberta

After deciding to pack up camp and head east, Greg and I spent time thinking about the mementos we'd like to carry back to Newfoundland and Labrador with us before departing Edmonton. We decided that we'd like to carry back memories of our weekend trips to Banff and Jasper National Parks, the mid-century modern buildings around Edmonton and the neon signs on Whyte Avenue.

Banff welcomed us on Saturday afternoons when we headed due south-west of Calgary for a break from the glitz. Jasper was our getaway for Thanksgiving 2008 and Victoria Day 2009. Scattered in gift shops around the parks are vintage and replica 'vintage' posters of the parks and the Canadian Pacific rail lines that crawl through them. To remember our weekends away, we purchased one such 'vintage' poster and framed it in an ever-popular Ikea Ribba frame. It now welcomes visitors in our foyer.

We also chose to keep guests informed, and visually stimulated, by adding to our collection of coffee table books with the Art Gallery of Alberta's Capital Modern. A flick through the pages of this picture book reminds me of the long walks Greg and I weaved during our first months together in the city. The history of buildings that I walked past daily was largely unknown to me until making this purchase. I'm always fascinated to learn more about the history of seemingly common-folk places in my very neighbourhood.

Finally, we purchased a yet-to-be-assembled picture rack that will eventually hold photos Greg took of neon signs in the neighbourhoods of Strathcona and Garneau, and across British Columbia on our summer vacation. I've long had a soft spot for neon signs and look forward to expanding on our collection as the list of our past travel destinations continues to expand.

Sweets

With our move, I've gotten out of the habit of testing new recipes during the week after work. Now that I'm back into the swing of the 9-5 world, our measuring cups and spoons, blender, wok and chopping knives beckon to me. Now that our kitchen tools have found a new home, it seems only fitting to put them to work.

Yesterday, Greg and I wandered around our neighbourhood to the curious and delightful Sweet Relic. Perched steps from a spectacular view of the industrial (by Vancouver standards) waterfront that is St. John's harbour, the coffee shop meets book and antique store is a great place to linger on a relaxing afternoon. Located on Signal Hill in the oldest home in Newfoundland and Labrador (as articulated by the historic plaque on its facade), Sweet Relic offers a great alternative to big box book stores and Starbucks' grande lattes.

While poking about the shop, I happened upon a hat box full of small recipe books organized by ingredient called Sugar & Spice by Keda Black. I've been thinking about recipes recently, and this box conjured up thoughts of chocolate and sweets and dessert recipes! For an online consortium of recipes, check out Design Sponge's 'In the Kitchen With' series. As an aside, I'll certainly be borrowing recipes from the series for our upcoming housewarming party (photos of the house and party to follow soon).

The groceteria nearby, Belbin's Grocery, also tempted my taste buds this weekend with its selection of oils, including pomegranate oil! Our neighbourhood has certainly offered up many culinary delights thus far (and I'm not even counting our proximity to the dining haunts on Duckworth and Water). All in all, I feel reinvigorated to express myself through food after this weekend. In fact, Greg and I are also joining a cheese club! The best part of this reinvigoration is that it's occurring only steps from our home, which fulfills our life goal of living, in the fullest sense of the word, in our own neighbourhood.

Windows

I have a serious soft spot for window boxes.

Here are some of the ones I'm lusting after on Flickr. I should also mention that I love coloured clapboard, which is an obvious influence from my hometown.

If you're curious to install your own window boxes, check out this compilation of options from Apartment Therapy.

Images via Jeff Wignall, Luvzdollz, ihrigmr, I Love Butter and Pikaluk.

Night

I've never worked the night shift. I head to bed around 10 pm every night. I enjoy the dark evenings of fall, but treasure long days and sunshine even more. For safety reasons, I don't spend much time outside at night. In sum, I'm not a night owl.

Whenever I catch a 5 am flight, I'm always amazed at how quiet the city is: the hustle and bustle of commerce and commuting, of living and the daily grind, is washed away. The streets are empty save for a few late night bakery delivery trucks and cab drivers. There's a calm hum about town under the moonlight.

These amazing photos by Albertan photographer Levi Wedel capture the calm of places that are normally filled with noise when the sun is shining. These are places I rarely feast my eyes upon at night.

I am particularly struck by the photo of Tim Hortons - a place associated with anti drive-thru bylaws, massive lineups for double doubles, timbits and Boston cream donuts, and roll up the rim, it seems strangely beautiful when not jam packed with customers.

J'adore

Feeling sunny, warm and positive on this chilly Monday, I would like to share some things I'm loving right now. Having an unexpected lunch with Greg downtown today put me in a great mood to forge through the week. I hope you're all having a great day!

1. Adrian Johnson's Illustrations - some of which I've printed for my inspiration board.

2. Culina Highlands - Greg and I celebrated turning a year older with two of our great friends at the restaurant on Saturday. I highly recommend the goat cheese wrapped in phyllo with red lentils and fresh greens as a main, and the olive and prune tapanade with grilled bread for a starter. Yum!

3. MGMT's - Time to Pretend - Greg and I played their album yesterday while taking a drive around some curious Edmonton neighbourhoods. I enjoyed the modern and environmentally friendly homes in Riverbend.

4. This photo of Audrey Hepburn from Now Voyager. Though I recently have had a haircut, I love her short bangs.

Saskatoon

Ten hours in the car, three fill ups, two stops in Lloydminster and one Ukrainian egg, and you have the recipe for our Family Day-Weekend road trip to Saskatoon. In sum, I thought Saskatoon was beautiful. The city is full of historic architecture, beautiful bridges and tree lined streets. You'll immediately be struck by its livability... or at least I was.

Here's my guide to Saskatoon:

Where to Stay: Somewhere on Spadina Crescent. We chose the Sheraton Cavalier, but if your preference is an old Canadian Pacific Hotel, try out the Delta Bessborough. The Cavalier has a fun water park that comes in handy if you're travelling with children, or the young at heart.

Where to Stroll: Around the picturesque University of Saskatchewan campus or along Broadway Avenue.

How to Spend an Afternoon: At the Mendel Gallery on Spadina Cresent. Check out rotating exhibits, including a current display of Joni Mitchell's photography, and sit in the conservatory to take in the beautiful flowers and forget for a moment that it is -20 outside.

What We Wished We'd Packed: Skates to glide on the outdoor rink on the shores of the South Saskatchewan River.

Where to Eat: Calories on Broadway. Though we were offered recommendation after recommendation for Calories, and found out the restaurant is the romantic brain child of our friend Eric's cousin, we didn't make a reservation before leaving Edmonton. Instead, we showed up in the restaurant's foyer smack in the middle of dinner time (6:30 pm) on February 14th, wearing the same clothes we'd driven from Alberta in and inquired about dining. With a huge heaping of luck, the waiter informed us that there was a late dining party and that we could take their reservation. We were very lucky to snag a table. We feasted on a very memorable meal, not soon to be forgotten. The meal tasted so delightful that I forgot I was wearing snow boots while all other women in the restaurant were in stilettos.

For those interested, we were presented with was a six course meal that began with lobster on shitake and a stilton puff with quince paste. We were then treated to a beef consommé. The next plate offered seared halibut cheeks, nori wrapped house smoked trout, ginger soy hollandaise, bok choy & tobiko. After swooning over these culinary delights, we feasted on the main course - black truffle stuffed PVF chicken breast, foie gras poëlé, baby beets, cassava chips & organic chokecherry reduction. The dessert was a delectable carmincello float with dark chocolate mousse on candied fruit & kirsch empress rice.

To repeat, I highly recommend Calories.

What to Drink: A Sex and Candy Martini or The Firefly at 6Twelve on Spadina.

Quirk to Discover: Read the plaque on the Wilfred Laurier-John Diefenbaker Statue on 21st Street. Their chance encounter on Laurier's visit to Saskatoon had a young, paper carrying Diefenbaker chatting with the Prime Minister for a half hour before excusing himself to ensure the day's papers were delivered. As the tale goes, Dief excused himself by remarking, "Excuse me Prime Minister, I can't waste any more time talking to you, I have papers to deliver."

Farmer's Market

Like clockwork, Greg and I head to the Old Strathcona Farmer's Market most every Saturday. A short 20 minute walk from home, the Market is sure to be a bustle of activity and a great people watching venue. A caveat in our routine - we usually show up at the Market with five minutes until close. As a result, many booths are already packed up and few vegetable vendors have stock remaining. This weekend we made a pact to arrive before 2:55 to have a fulsome opportunity to check out the wares.

The first thing we noticed is the seasonal variation of the Market. Of course we knew the ripe orange peppers and yellow tomatoes would be replaced with red potatoes and turnips, but the range of non-fruit and vegetable items has expanded exponentially since the summer/early fall version of the Market. Yesterday we found a yummy white bean soup, adorable children's plush toys, jellies and jams, and raw chocolate. We considered buying a mounted graphic photo of the Garneau Theatre. We took time to indulge in an Edmonton special - green onion cakes. Yummy!

The Market is a great opportunity to see the work of our fellow city-dwellers. You can find crystals, homemade teas, hand-carved salad spoons, magazines covering the Edmonton art scene, buskers, locally designed clothing and purses, delicious baked goods and spicy sausage. Your eyes will be tempted by jade plants for sale. Your nose will be tempted by perogies and a range of cheeses. You can purchase hand-painted wine glasses, cloth flowers, house numbers, fudge and woolen mittens. The Market is a cornucopia of delights.

I cannot think of a more relaxing and enjoyable way to spend a windy Saturday afternoon in Edmonton. The bonus - once you've milled about the Market there's a whole host of shops to poke in along the strip before heading back to Garneau.

Moving House

In my family's basement hangs a print depicting Newfoundland resettlement. The image is of a house floating across a bay to its new home - a deliberate government action to encourage urbanization. I have long thought about the logistics of floating a house across a body of water and the inevitable stress of wondering whether it would make it to its final destination in top form. While I was walking with Greg this afternoon along Whyte Avenue, I saw an event that drew my mind back to that painting and the controversial resettlement program - a house was sitting right in the middle of the street. Naturally, we took a detour down that side street into Strathcona to check out what was occurring.

The house had been removed from its foundation without even cleaning out the contents of the basement!

The house now sat on the back of a trailer ready to move to its new home.

The house was being prepared to travel down this road two blocks to its new home.

We plan to check back here in a week or so to see how the house has settled on its new foundation.

The question that remains - why would someone move a house two blocks? I cannot help but be impressed by the 'reusing' going on in this situation.

An Update from the Edmonton Journal on February 1: The trailer hauling the house broke on Friday and the movers cannot obtain another permit to move until Tuesday. Until then, the house remains mid-street.

House vs. Condo

As I settle into my lunch break today, I'm inclined to surf my daily web haunts before taking a little walk to ensure some pitiful amount of daily exercise. This leads me to Realtor dot ca. To be clear, Greg and I are not exactly on the market to purchase property in Edmonton, but we're not exactly oblivious to the low interest rates and declining property prices all across the country either. This sort of economic situation begs one to at least consider the possibility of climbing on the property ladder. The process of even considering buying real estate is complicated by my inability to know exactly what I want. Here is what I do know:

I have spent the majority of my life living in houses. I am used to space. I enjoy having a backyard. Backyards are great for gardening vegetables and growing peonies - two things I think help build quality of life. I think of houses as family places, places to make memories, places to grow into, places to make your own. This appeals to me. However, I also think of houses as maintenance-intensive and expensive. I think of weekends spent slaving over cleaning eaves troughs, mowing lawns and shoveling snow.

I do enjoy apartment living. Housework is kept to a minimum, though so are possessions. Living in an apartment makes me consider everything I buy because those things have to be placed somewhere, and with only 900 sq feet and two adults, this is a real consideration. I enjoy having to be cautious about how much I accumulate. I think it is important to love everything you use to fill a small space. However, I think resale values on condos are less certain than houses. Condos seem more appropriate to certain phases of life than others. Condos seem less of places to grow into.

I also know I want to live in a livable neighbourhood where I'm not tied to my car to fetch a carton of milk. I'd like to have nice areas to walk around. I'd like to be able to walk to catch a bite to eat. Thankfully Greg and I agree on this. We will not be buying in Leduc or St. Albert.

My search of MLS postings today reveals two distinct properties that each appeal to me in so many ways. They're polar opposites and the exact reason I find trying to make up my mind about buying real estate impossible. Which one would you choose?

Contender #1: a two storey in the architectural heritage area of Westmount with three bedrooms that is close to friends and only a short bus ride to the downtown

Contender #2: a newly renovated one bedroom condo in Strathcona with modern fixtures just minutes from Whyte Avenue and with easy access to public transit and the local farmer's market