August in Canada

Returning to Fresno after a week spent in the rolling green hills of Saskatchewan is always a tough thing. Don’t get me wrong, I like Fresno. I really do. But home is where the heart is, and my first home will always be Saskatchewan. Each visit is guaranteed to leave me feeling refreshed and relaxed. The prairies are one of my favorite places on earth. The expansive, deep blue sky stretches endlessly, making it feel as though you’re living inside a giant snow globe. The horizons are so clear and crisp, you can literally see for miles across the fields of crops and trees. The pace is slower, everyone waves to you while driving on the gravel roads (even strangers), there’s always a familiar face at the local cafe, friendly conversations are had while filling up at the gas pump, a fresh, homemade cookie is offered at the shoe repair store, every summer meal is sure to include a bounty from the garden and is enjoyed outside....it may sound like some Norman Rockwell painting, but it’s the small place on earth where I was privileged to grow up and where I love to return.

Oh, the weather outside is frightful...

It’s ugly here in the Golden State. Ugly, as in 45 degrees and raining. And the forecast is even calling for snow on the valley floor for Saturday morning! What the what? I’ve lived here for over eight years and have never seen a single flake. And although I grew up with white winters, I will be completely amazed to see it here in Fresno. I often chuckle to myself whenever the weather goes crazy here. People (native Californians) go nuts over the mention of temperatures dipping below 50 F and gusty winds and the possibility of snow. The mere fact that the local news channel has a “Storm Warn” system to alert us of impending “extreme” weather (ie. one 5-minute thunder storm per year and the occasional 20 mph wind) seems laughable. I would love for the people of California to experience a good, old fashioned Saskatchewan storm rolling in after a hot summer day in August. The blackest of black clouds appear on the horizon, the air turns frighteningly still and heavy, lightening flashes in the distance and the rumble of thunder creeps in, closer and closer. The angry wind arrives suddenly as the temperatures drop and the full force of the storm descends upon you. Sometimes there is rain, other times it’s just a dry electrical storm. I was always deathly afraid of the wind as a kid, which was unfortunate considering how windy it got in the spring and summer, but living in California has erased that fear. Mostly because it’s never windy here. And when the weatherman calls for wind, I know it’ll just be a nice breeze. And snow in Fresno....I’ll believe it when I see it!

Now, I’ll be the first one to admit that I am now completely climatized and become freakishly cold when the mercury falls below 70 degrees. My plans for tomorrow’s possible snow fall involve tucking myself inside our cozy house with lattes and scrabble games and movies and my book. But I can still pretend to be unfazed by this California winter storm like any other tough Canadian girl, right?

{People & Places 2010}

I'm back...

I know. I know. What good excuse can I offer after a near three-month hiatus from my blog? Three words: Netflix Instant Watch. I blame Netflix for turning my brain into mush, holding me hostage on the couch night after night, feeding my addiction with endless episodes of Dexter, Prison Break and Pushing Daisies. Damn you, high-speed internet and streaming video technology.

I admit, copious amounts of television programs were consumed these past few months, and although this may sound like my summer was wasted away in a state of complete and utter laziness, I’ll have you know that it was not a total right off. July was a flurry of birthday parties (including a totally rad ‘80s-themed party for Jeremy’s 30th!), a visit from my little brother, a few day-trips to the coast, barbeques with friends and a lovely night out with my hubby to celebrate our 8th anniversary.

Jeremy's 30th - celebrating '80s style!

In August, we spent 10 gloriously relaxing days in Canada visiting family and friends. Even though I haven’t lived in Saskatchewan for eight years, slipping back into the quiet country life I grew up in was effortless. Jeremy and I always joke that visiting my parents’ house is like going on a little retreat. It is truly peaceful. I love walking out onto their balcony, looking out toward the rolling hills, the clear horizon stretching as far as the eye can see, and breathing in the silence; complete, enveloping silence. Over the past eight years I have slowly (and often begrudgingly) made Fresno my home. And I love Fresno now, I really do. However, there’s nothing quite like returning to your childhood stomping grounds, so familiar and comfortable, welcoming you right back.

Dining al fresco - what an amazing view of the prairies!

So in two short paragraphs I’ve summed up a sample of highlights from the lazy days of my summer. Now it’s back to business. Autumn arrives this week, and I have no excuses. My no-brainer Netflix pastime is waning. Productivity abounds. Fall decorating projects, new recipes and a stack of books beckon. Forget January 1, autumn is my favorite time of year to make resolutions and set goals. And as I step back into the blogging world, I resolve not to let another three months slip by without a word.