Embracing the Summer Whirlwind: Canada Day Celebrations, Stampede Preparations, and Culinary Escapades

It’s truly astonishing how quickly time flies, especially when summer arrives with its whirlwind of activities. Just two days have passed, yet it feels as though weeks have evaporated since I last shared an update. How did it become July already? If the calendar didn’t confirm it, I honestly wouldn’t believe it. This past weekend was a blur of festivities, culinary creations, and the unique energy that only a Canadian summer can bring, marked by national celebrations and the burgeoning excitement of our beloved Calgary Stampede.

The Canada Day Whirlwind: A Day of Feasts and Festivities

The undocumented 48 hours began with a spectacular Canada Day, July 1st, a day that felt like a marathon of preparation and celebration. My morning was dedicated to shopping and cooking for a grand barbecue planned for 60 guests. This wasn’t just any barbecue; it was an elaborate affair destined for a picturesque farm situated just outside Airdrie, a location that promised stunning views and ample space for merriment. The sheer scale of the food preparation alone was a testament to the festive spirit, involving countless ingredients and hours in the kitchen, ensuring every dish was perfect for our large gathering.

Amidst the cooking frenzy, a delightful six-hour interlude offered a much-needed break and more celebration. This segment of the afternoon was split between two charming family events. First, a visit to my sister’s brand-new home, where we indulged in the simple pleasure of Dilly Bars, savoring the sweet, creamy coolness on a warm summer day. It was a wonderful opportunity to see her new place and enjoy some relaxed family time. Following this, we headed to a lively backyard Canada Day potluck party. For this event, I contributed a batch of my signature maple cupcakes, a quintessentially Canadian treat, only to realize upon arrival that I had completely forgotten my camera! Despite the minor oversight, the party was a huge success, especially for the kids.

My son, W, found himself in absolute “little boy heaven.” The hosts had ingeniously set up a rec room packed with entertainment – 19 kids reveling in air hockey, various video games, and the ever-popular Rock Band Wii. The joyous chaos and laughter were infectious. Meanwhile, my husband, Mike, was in “big boy heaven” across the field, engrossed in a three-hour soccer game, a perfect way for him to unwind and enjoy the day. Around 7 PM, I made a strategic retreat, needing to catch up on some work. However, my escape was short-lived, as I had to return in my pajamas close to 10 PM to round up my enthusiastic boys and bring them home from the evening’s extended celebrations.

Hectic July 2nd: From Dunk Tanks to Dinner Disasters (Almost!)

The energy of Canada Day barely had time to subside before July 2nd dawned, bringing with it another packed schedule. I was up at an ungodly 5:30 AM to head to the CBC pancake breakfast, a beloved local tradition. The highlight (or perhaps the most memorable moment) of this event for me was taking a dunk in the infamous dunk tank. And yes, the thought crossed my mind: why don’t they make dunk hot tubs? Dressed in a denim skirt, which I’m fairly certain rode up over my head as I plunged into the cold water, it was a hilariously refreshing, albeit slightly embarrassing, experience that perfectly encapsulated the fun-loving spirit of our community.

The rest of the day was a whirlwind of final preparations for the large farm dinner, all while navigating the delightful chaos of three young children – two three-year-olds and a four-year-old – who were guests in our home. Surprisingly, this arrangement worked out quite nicely! There were miraculously fewer skirmishes than there would have been demands on me to entertain or, more critically, to remove forks from electrical sockets had W been on his own. Their presence provided a welcome distraction and some much-needed collaborative play, allowing me to focus on the last-minute culinary tasks.

I finally departed for the farm around 4 PM, armed with what turned out to be far too much food for the gathering. And did I mention the minor incident involving their smoke alarm? A testament to the sheer volume of cooking, perhaps! The journey home, close to midnight, proved to be an adventure in itself. I drove through a hailstorm, only to realize I had forgotten my wallet. To add to the saga, I was almost out of gas, necessitating an impromptu drive back towards Airdrie to scrounge up $6.50 worth of fuel using only the loose change I managed to find in various nooks and crannies of the car. It was an exhausting, but ultimately successful, two days.

A Well-Deserved Culinary Break: Thi Thi Subs and Pudding Perfection

After such an exhilarating and utterly draining couple of days, the thought of cooking tonight was absolutely out of the question. Not even a little bit. Besides, my kitchen was already in full swing with preparations for other major events. I was in the midst of making 100 pavlovas for a demo at the Stampede on Sunday, along with various other dishes for our upcoming Stampede party tomorrow. So, technically, I was still cooking, just nothing edible for immediate consumption, which only amplified the need for a break from traditional meal prep.

For dinner, we opted for a local favorite: authentic Vietnamese subs from Thi Thi downtown. Let me tell you, these are truly, unequivocally the best in town. The combination of perfectly crusty baguettes, tender grilled chicken (or your protein of choice), crisp pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and a hint of spicy chili creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply unmatched. Each bite is a delightful explosion of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, making it the ideal quick, satisfying, and incredibly delicious meal after a long day.

To conclude our meal, we indulged in the last remnants of a lemon buttermilk pudding cake I had created for an article exploring desserts affected by gravity. This particular cake is a marvel of culinary science and delight. As it bakes, it magically separates into two distinct layers: a light, airy sponge cake floats atop a wonderfully zingy, custardy lemon sauce. Many versions of this cake can be overly heavy and laden with sugar, but my recipe is a lighter, more refreshing take, using just the right amount of sweetness to complement the vibrant citrus. Its bright, tangy flavor and unique texture make it an absolutely perfect summer dessert. It also has the added benefit of being a fantastic make-ahead option; it can be prepared in advance, chilled, and then served beautifully in a bowl, perhaps garnished with a medley of fresh, seasonal berries.

The Calgary Stampede Spectacle: Sounds and Sights of Summer

As I sit here, penning these thoughts, the distinctive sounds of Bon Jovi are clearly emanating from the nearby Calgary Stampede grounds. Specifically, “You Give Love a Bad Name” – I can hear every single word, a testament to our proximity! And now, the magnificent burst of fireworks lights up the night sky, a spectacular display that marks the official start of “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” Living so close to the Stampede grounds offers some truly unique perks. We can actually see the fireworks from our roof if you’re adventurous enough to climb out W’s bedroom window (a fact that will undoubtedly make his teenage sneaking-out escapades significantly easier a decade or so from now!).

This proximity also means that we’re just a short walk away from all the Stampede’s vibrant attractions – the thrilling rides, the irresistible aroma of mini donuts, and the strategic vantage point of Scotsman’s Hill, where we can watch the adrenaline-pumping chuckwagon races unfold. While all of this Stampede excitement is undeniably a lot of fun and truly captures the spirit of Calgary in the summer, to be perfectly honest, I’m already looking forward to our next adventure. We’re heading to Tofino next weekend, a much-anticipated escape to the serene west coast.

Anticipating Tofino: A Coastal Retreat and Creative Endeavors

The thought of Tofino, with its rugged coastline, ancient rainforests, and tranquil beaches, fills me with immense anticipation. It will be a welcome change of pace from the frenetic energy of the city and the Stampede. And yes, my laptop will absolutely be joining me on this trip! I’m also considering bringing my HD camera, not just for personal memories, but to capture some inspiring content for my GoodBite projects. Tofino’s natural beauty and culinary scene will undoubtedly provide a wealth of material, from foraging for local ingredients to showcasing fresh seafood recipes against a stunning Pacific backdrop. It’s an opportunity to blend relaxation with creative work, a perfect balance for the busy summer ahead.

This summer whirlwind, from the joyous chaos of Canada Day to the iconic spectacle of the Calgary Stampede, reminds me of the incredible vibrancy of life and the importance of savoring every moment, whether it’s a massive barbecue with friends, a quiet moment with family, or a delicious, fuss-free dinner after a long day. As we transition from one exciting chapter to the next, I look forward to sharing more culinary adventures and life updates from our coastal retreat.

One Year Ago: Broccoli-Cheese Soup and Upside-down Caramelized Onion Pan Bread

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