Shake, Rattle & Roll

Walk right in, sit right down….

Can you actually believe that Dr Hook is still alive? Better yet – still performing?

Lucky for us, he joined CCR for a concert a few weekends ago in southern New Zealand and put on one hell of a show in the middle of a vineyard.  It might have been all the white wine, but let me tell you - those boys can still rock!

I was so excited to hear the songs of my childhood (thanks to my hippie parents) that I called my mom in Canada on a cell… can’t wait to see that phone bill!

This past weekend was the Wanaka Show; an A&P event (sort of like a community fair) that brings thousands of tourist into town.  The event was amazing - tons of food booths (you know with those steak sandwiches to die for and that will probably kill you), plus tons of agricultural events and activities for the kids.  I did my best to seek out the good deals at the retail stands, but the 30 degree sun got the best of me and the only way to survive was the Pimms tent!! What’s Pimms you ask? An amazing, thirst quenching, alcoholic cocktail that is a must try… recipe at the bottom of the post.

I apparently enjoyed the Pimms a little too much and while leaving the event I saw a sign for “Alpacas”. Forgetting that I have never even been on a horse before, I thought it would be really cool to ride one.  Did I mention there were actually no real animals there? Instead, I throw my leg over a wooden alpaca sign. Having no balance the sign, with me on top of it, fell over onto the ground.  Campbell didn’t know whether to help me up or run off in embarrassment.  Just waiting to see if I’m mentioned in this week’s paper under “citizens of disgust”.

Life is certainly keeping us on our toes these days.  Between the earthquakes in Christchurch and Japan and the “Moon Man’s” predictios for more in the weeks to come - I have been missing Canada strictly for the reason it never moves.  Not since 2000 have I thought about stocking up on canned food in case of emergency.  Probably the only time (other than 3am) I would consider canned spaghetti a necessity!  However, being prepared is all we can really do; worrying doesn’t help in the least.  Taking the “Eh Before Nay” approach to life, we’re just embracing it and whatever will be, will be.  That being said, enjoy the Pimms recipe. I guess it’s my version of the saying “when life hands you lemons…”

PIMMS

Ingredients:

2 1/2 ounces Pimm's liqueur

6 ounces ginger ale

1 slice oranges, and or 1 slice lemon

1 slice cucumber (spear)

mint (to garnish)