What happens when a writer goes mad

We all know how this one ends, don't we?

Happy Halloween!!

"Is it a Prime Minister, Mommy?"

At first it was funny. Now, as with most things children find amusing, it has worn a little thin.

Last weekend Kassie and I emerged from the house around mid-afternoon for a stroll down to the local village. A tall, white-haired man glanced up as we tripped down the front walk. We fell into step behind him, followed him just a few feet, when he turned around to gallantly clear the way for us, remarking that he is a rather slow walker these days. I was in the midst of stuffing my face with a snack and only managed an incoherent "thank you". The truth is my mind stumbled over how to properly address the gentleman. Should I have said: "Thank you, Mr. Mulroney"? Perhaps "Thank you, Former Prime Minister Mulroney"? Or simply "Thank you, sir"?

Of course, about half a block later (and after finally swallowing the tasteless lump in my mouth), I explained to Kassie that we had just been gently prodded along the neighbourhood path by none other than Brian Mulroney (and father of the host of Canadian Idol—after all, the kid is ten years old). She was suitably impressed and amazed.

However, all week long while walking to and from school, she sent me sidelong glances as we passed older gentlemen walking alone, before posing the question, "Is it a Prime Minister, Mommy?"

William Tell Overture

This is dedicated to all mothers. Dads and kids will enjoy it too!

A drive in the country and the zoo

Two weeks ago we made the trip to Granby Zoo. Granby lies 84 kilometres outside the city, and although we had trouble leaving the island—the Champlain Bridge is proving a traffic headache these days, among other major Montreal thoroughfares—we ended up enjoying the drive. The leaves had just started to turn, whereas the city, just a couple of degrees warmer, had yet to show evidence of autumn. Now it is a different story.

Here are a few of the friends we made at the zoo:

We highly recommend a visit. Summer is preferred, as you can also visit the Amazoo Water Park.

Ten things to do with leftover turkey

On Sunday we celebrated our one-year anniversary in our home by hosting Thanksgiving dinner. The leftovers are mind-boggling. Here is the list I started when I began to feel overwhelmed:

1. thanksgiving dinner, take 2 (last night's fare) — throw the previous evening's turkey, stuffing, and roast veggies in the broiling pan and sprinkle with a healthy dose of déjà vu (leftover gravy and pumpkin pie help too)
2. doggie bags for guests, neighbours, extended family, and/or the pooch next door
3. turkey sandwiches for bagged lunches
4. turkey soup
5. turkey tetrazzini
6. turkey curry (the plan for tonight)
7. turkey pot pie
8. turkey casserole, which might include just about anything along with the turkey
9. oops, that's all I got
10. ...

Anyone care to add to the list? Recipes are welcome! (I'm also planning on curried pumpkin soup tonight...I can't possibly make another pie with the leftover pumpkin.)