Helloooo my crocuses! Croci? Not sure. But you know what I mean. How’s the New Normal coming along? I have treats today: a visit from Michael Bublé, and a recipe for challah. But first, a shoutout to Maggie, who grew up in the Caribbean, where she was raised by her grandparents to believe that books are your best friends, and that is standing her in good stead in these strange times. Let’s send some thoughts to Barbara, who is making chocolate biscotti for Easter, and sorely misses her sister, who passed away December 30th (a lifetime ago, it seems). Roberta says that ironing can be meditative, as is polishing silver. I agree, and won’t we be shiny and neatly pressed when this is all over. Marcia has made friends with her sewing machine – Marcia, can you make us a few masks? Anna is wishing her grandson Luca a Happy 16th Birthday. Darlene sends love from Vancouver Island. Penny suggests we all fly the Canadian flag to show solidarity. Rita, like me, loves the Queen and can’t keep pace with her husband when they walk. Patty also loves the Queen, is warming up to Doug Ford, and tells us that her daughter is volunteering at the local grocery store where they are swamped. Big virtual hugs to every one of you.

 

Such excitement today. Darren and I had an interview with Michael Bublé over Zoom. We did it from our homes, and it turned out to be a really warm, intimate chat. So much so that I hollered down the stairs for Ronan to come say hello. He’s a big fan, and Michael was totally chuffed to hear from a 21 year old who loves his music, as opposed to everyone’s mother. They agreed to hang when this is all over. It was pretty damn adorable. Here’s a screen shot from the interview:

 

 

You can hear (and see) the whole thing on the CHFI website. We will also be checking in with Shania Twain tomorrow, whom I believe is in Switzerland. We are getting all these big names to talk to us because a) they’re cooped up just like us, albeit in bigger houses,  b) they can’t make any excuses and c) they need to connect as much as we do.

 

The great bake-off continues. Producer Gord’s girlfriend/fiancee/wife Dawn is an amazing gardener, cook and baker. Their dog Piper recently passed away, and they passed on her leftover food and treats to me, some of which Dawn made herself. The dog treats are kind of like biscotti, made from butternut squash and flour and such, and Ronan actually ate one and pronounced it delicious; although in need of a little sugar. I will get the recipe, if you’re interested, but in the mean time, here’s Dawn’s handwritten notes for Challah in a Zippy Bag. I haven’t made it yet, but Christine did, and said it was easy and delicious:

 

 

DAWN’S ZIPPY CHALLAH RECIPE

 

1 tbsp active yeast

1 cup water

3 tbsps cane sugar

1/2 tbsp salt

1/3 cup oil

3 cups flour

 

Add together in order. Smoosh together in large zippy bag.

Submerge in bowl of warm water for 30 minutes. Let rise.

 

Add another 1/4 coup of flour. Mix in and let rise for another hour (in bag).

 

Split dough into 3 parts and braid.

 

Brush top with 1 egg yolk mixed with 2 tbsps milk. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

 

Bake at 300 degrees for 40 mins til golden!

 

 

Perfect for Easter. And while we are cleaning and ironing and polishing and baking, I have to give unsolicited praise to the Dyson vacuum people. We have central vac, but it’s broken, so I dug out our Dyson, which has to be about 10 years old. Unfortunately, the carpet attachment is missing. Don’t ask me how. Both the boys have borrowed the machine in the past, but swear they don’t know where the attachment is. Sound familiar? In any case, to make a weird story longer, I called Dyson customer service – on a Saturday – and they answered right away, took my info, and said they’re sending me a new attachment right away – FREE OF CHARGE. On what planet does that ever happen? Dyson totally sucks, in the best possible way.

 

Bublé, Shania, challah AND a free vacuum attachment. IT DOES NOT GET ANY BETTER, PEOPLE!

 

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