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Anything but CANCER!

Obviously Ovarian cancer is what has brought us to this website and group, but sometimes we just need a break from talking about it. When you are in treatment or even past it, it can consume every part of your life and thoughts. I predict there will be many other things we have in common besides that awful disease. So for just a moment let’s forget about cancer and talk about something else.

Going to the basics:

What 3 movies could you watch over and over again and never get sick of?

The first movie you saw in the theatre?

Music can bring us back to a moment in an instant so what is the album for you as a kid, teenager, young adult, adult and now?

First concert you went to?

What is your favourite food?

Who is the last person you high fived?

And finally it’s cold in Canada right now but we can still have fun so what is your favourite activity to do in winter (even if your answer is travel somewhere warmer ??  )?

What 3 movies could you watch over and over again and never get sick of?

The first movie you saw in the theatre? ET

Music can bring us back to a moment in an instant so what is the album for you as a kid, teenager, young adult, adult and now? Shania Twain - I was a huge fan back in my teen years and still am

First concert you went to? N Sync ??

What is your favourite food? Tie between perogies and quesadillas 

Who is the last person you high fived? Likely one of my little friends I watch every day ??

And finally it’s cold in Canada right now but we can still have fun so what is your favourite activity to do in winter (even if your answer is travel somewhere warmer ??  )? Snowshoeing. I got a pair last year for Christmas and they helped get me out of my cancer funk.

Thank you @jemgirljeri - a fun topic for us.

What 3 movies could you watch over and over again and never get sick of?

Grease, Pretty Woman and anything Disney

The first movie you saw in the theatre?

Grease

Music can bring us back to a moment in an instant so what is the album for you as a kid, teenager, young adult, adult and now?

Well, you know I have the album - lots of pics from the movie on the cover .... Grease is the word.......and that is dating myself!

Currently, I am into Shania's new album "Now" - and love to do as @AmandaRoseRebs says - "blast your music and just dance"

First concert you went to?

Glass Tiger way back in the 80s

What is your favourite food? Spaghetti 

Who is the last person you high fived? a random stranger at a sports event

And finally it’s cold in Canada right now but we can still have fun so what is your favourite activity to do in winter (even if your answer is travel somewhere warmer ??  )?

Skate and travel

Thanks again for posting - nice to focus on the good stuff!

terrylee said:

What 3 movies could you watch over and over again and never get sick of?

The first movie you saw in the theatre? ET

Music can bring us back to a moment in an instant so what is the album for you as a kid, teenager, young adult, adult and now? Shania Twain - I was a huge fan back in my teen years and still am

First concert you went to? N Sync ??

What is your favourite food? Tie between perogies and quesadillas 

Who is the last person you high fived? Likely one of my little friends I watch every day ??

And finally it’s cold in Canada right now but we can still have fun so what is your favourite activity to do in winter (even if your answer is travel somewhere warmer ??  )? Snowshoeing. I got a pair last year for Christmas and they helped get me out of my cancer funk.

I forgot to answer the first question....3 movies....Any Harry Potter, Dirty Dancing, The Parent Trap

Great idea...I'm game!!
3 movies...Ghostbusters, Uncle Buck and Christmas Vacation
1st movie seen in theatre....Jungle Book (back in the early 60's)
music I like....has to be Adele right now
1st concert....The Monkees
favourite food....sushi with Thai food a close second
last person to high five...my granddaughter 
favourite winter activity...knitting, crotcheting or reading

This is the fun page / topic - if you would like to share - post here!

@jemgirljeri - skating today was fantastic - hope you have been able to get out and about!

What 3 movies could you watch over and over again and never get sick of? The Color Purple, Schindler's List, and Dances with Wolves 

The first movie you saw in the theatre? The Sound of Music

Music can bring us back to a moment in an instant so what is the album for you as a kid, teenager, young adult, adult and now? As a kid I enjoyed the music of the Partridge Family with David Cassidy, as a teenager I liked British and Irish groups like U2 and the Eurythmics, today I often listen to music by Canadian musicians like Leonard Cohen, Neil Young and Jann Arden

First concert you went to? It was Billy Joel.

What is your favourite food? Spaghetti and other Italian pasta dishes

Who is the last person you high fived? I don’t high five often but I exchanged a high five with Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi at last year’s Walk of Hope.

And finally it’s cold in Canada right now but we can still have fun so what is your favourite activity to do in winter? I admit that I mainly like to stay in where it’s warm. However, one of my favourite winter activities has always been a trip to Banff to look at the snow-capped peaks and swim in the hot springs. 

Three Movies I could watch over and over are  The Fisher King with Robin Williams,  Dirty Dancing and  Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,  Music I love Elvis, John Hyatt and Aaron Neville. My 1st concert was Sha Na Na and Dr John in Peterborough. My favourite food is Chocolate. The last person I high fived was my 3 year old grandaughter.  It is very cold here today minus 20 and windy, but I still love snowshoeing and shovelling. This is a great way to get to know our fellow comrades in OVC. Oh yeah, the 1st movie I saw in the theatre was Son of Flubber (the Shaggy Dog series with Fred McMurray )

Into recipes anyone? this is the latest, a fantastic bagel that is super fast, tastes great toasted and you add extras in.
It makes 4 regular size but I half them to end up with 8 minis
https://www.skinnytaste.com/easy-bagel-recipe/
I'm all about the add ins - try lemon (peel and a little squeeze of juice) poppyseed or try adding cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and a handful of oatmeal.

Do you have a fav recipe?

@lakelady3, @jemgirljeri @Jackie @Quiltmama @terrylee @red1976

@Flowergirl I love the recipes by Skinnytaste!!!! I used a lot of her recipes during my Weight Watchers journey. One of my most used recipes are these zuchinni muffins. I love all of Laura in the kitchens recipes. I make these muffins almost every Saturday,  individually wrap them and freeze them for the week. Grab them in the AM and they are perfect by snack time!

http://www.laurainthekitchen.com/recipes/chocolate-chip-zucchini-bread-muffins/

Thanks @red1976 ... I'll try those too... it is nice that they include the Weight Watchers points.
My go to is banana bread or muffins - same version, super easy and fast. Yum!

This is my new favourite muffin recipe! I don't like pumpkin but I love these! And they're bran, and as per previous discussions, who can't use some bran ??

http://www.kraftcanada.com/recipes/spiced-pumpkin-bran-muffins-184118?crlt.pid=camp.HJyQXdAFw4O8

Thanks @terrylee - tired this on the weekend and added dried fruit and bran buds soaked in buttermilk - so good!

Gardening is around the corner - if you are into it, what is your fav flower or veggie to plant? 
I have a peony plant that was my grandmother's -from back in the 50's... hardy plant, great big, pink blooms every year!
also love those garden tomatoes and beans!

Every year I start flowers from seed and hope for the the best! I usually end up making at least 1 trip to the green house lol

Thinking of spring bake & craft sales - something exciting to look forward to!

The nice weather seems to be starting.... excited to see the chives pop up already!
I tried these treats- they were great 
http://www.gettystewart.com/crunchy-oats-and-honey-bar-nut-gluten-free/?utm_source=Blog+Post+%26+Newsletter+Subscribers&utm_campaign=45c84c50a8-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f1fb54b0d5-45c84c50a8-196765933

still cooking good stuff
tried these 
http://greattastesmb.ca/?s=strawberry+scones&post_type=recipe 

and more great recipes - it is that time of year for Ice Cream
This one has ginger in it - leave it out if you don't like it
You will gobble all this up - it is so good
http://www.canadianliving.com/food/baking-and-desserts/recipe/no-churn-rhubarb-ginger-ice-cream
Enjoy

I found a recipe for apple fritter muffins but didn't really like denser consistency so I altered it a bit. Here's the link to the original and my version below ??

http://www.thebakingchocolatess.com/country-apple-fritter-muffins/

A P P L E  F R I T T E R  M U F F I N S

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 oil

2 eggs

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cups flour (I use half white and half whole wheat)

1 3/4 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda 

1/2 cup milk

1 large apple peeled and cup into small pieces tossed in cinnamon 

Preheat oven to 350. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon and set aside. In large bowl, beat white sugar and oil until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add milk and vanilla and beat until blended in. Add flour, baking powder and baking soda and mix until just blended. Fold in apples.

Fill each muffin cup with liner half full. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon mixture in top then top with remaining batter. You may sprinkle leftover cinnamon and brown sugar on top.

Bake 20 - 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

ooh these would be yummy - thanks 

Hi everyone - before the holiday crafting and baking begins, if you still have pumpkin left - these are fantastic - high fibre low sugar -taste yummy:
https://www.peakmarket.com/recipesearch.cfm

As always - if you are doing holiday baking at this time of year - please share your special treat recipes 
Crafts too! distractions help!

Here are some great ideas to mix up your winter cooking:
https://www.lifemadedelicious.ca/collections/top10/f/15-ways-to-transform-chicken-breasts?utm_source=LMD_Newsletter_EN&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=third_February_email_2019

It is that most wonderful time of the year... holiday baking and crafting!
Feel free to post your creations here :) . 
Those instapots and crock pots can be your best friend to help make meal prep easy.

HI everyone, This is my first time on this particular page - I'd not noticed it before, but I like it!  I hope it's not too late to play the game that @jemgirljeri posted above.  These trivia games are fun, so here goes:  

What 3 movies could you watch over and over again and never get sick of?  

     1. Titanic 2. It's a Mad, Mad, Mad Mad World 3. Anything Disney or Jerry Lewis 

The first movie you saw in the theatre?

     Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows

Music can bring us back to a moment in an instant so what is the album for you as a kid, teenager, young adult, adult and now?

     Kid: Old Country Music and Johnny Rivers at the Whiskey-A-Go-Go; Teen: CCR & Aprilwine; Young Adult: Carole         King & James Taylor  Now:  Bob Dylan, J.J. Cale, all the above, and many more

First concert you went to? 

     Aprilwine at the Halifax Forum

What is your favourite food? 

     Lasagna and Kale Salad

Who is the last person you high fived? 

     My daughter

And finally what is your favourite activity to do in each season?  

     Spring: plant a garden; Summer: Swim outdoors; Fall: Take my doggos hiking / Sit around a campfire; Winter:                 Sit in a hot tub outside and look at the stars

Any other takers?  Let's play!

LOL, just saw this game too and killing time before my next scan so here goes...

What 3 movies could you watch over and over again and never get sick of?  

   1. It's Complicated  2 Under the Tuscan Sun  3. Toss up between any of the Ocean's  or Diehards series

The first movie you saw in the theatre?

  Hate to admit it but it was the Disney cartoon version of Song of the South (in the 50's) that today is considered totally socially unacceptable.  The next was Lady and the Tramp...or maybe Bambi.

Music can bring us back to a moment in an instant so what is the album for you as a kid, teenager, young adult, adult and now?

     Kid: I don't think they even had albums when I was a kid...we'd just graduated from 78's to 45's.   Teen: Every album the Beatles and the Stones ever produced  Young Adult: The Who, Janis Joplin, anything my husband played on  Now: Anything from the 40's, 70's and 80's

First concert you went to? 

     Beatles at Maple Leaf Gardens

What is your favourite food? 

     Anything french...I studied at the Cordon Bleu in Paris in my twenties and have keep the butter and cream industry in business ever since

Who is the last person you high fived? 

     Does my cocker spaniel count? Cash does a mean high five when there's a treat involved!

And finally what is your favourite activity to do in each season?  

     Spring: Plan our veggie and flower gardens Summer: Laze around on a lawn chair in the sun with a good book and and even better margarita.  Fall: Long walks watching the year begin to go to sleep Winter: Get ready for the Christmas season.

Any other takers? Le'ts keep this going.....much more fun than stressing about another IV of dye for me today!

I'll give it a go!

What 3 movies could you watch over and over again and never get sick of?  

   1. Shawshank Redemption  2 Blood Diamond  3. Christmas with the Cranks or Christmas Vacation

The first movie you saw in the theatre?  Honestly can't remember.  Thinking maybe Smokie and the Bandit?

  Music can bring us back to a moment in an instant so what is the album for you as a kid, teenager, young adult, adult and now?

     Kid:   Tiffany and Debbie Gibson Teen: Bon Jovi's New Jersey album, Roxette, and Fleetwood Mac    Young Adult:  I remember listening to the George Straight Pure Country album about a million times one summer I lifeguarded at an outdoor swimming pool  Now: Anything!  Still love Bon Jovi, anything country, pop, classical.  Anything goes now

First concert you went to? 

     Tiffany - Saskatoon.  I still remember what I wore!!

What is your favorite food? 

     I love food!  But I must say, we holiday'd in Vietnam and that was probably the BEST food we have ever eaten on holiday

Who is the last person you high fived? 

     My oldest daughter.  Just finished her 2nd last orthodontics appointment.  Braces come off next month!!

And finally what is your favorite activity to do in each season?  

     Spring: I love running outside and am a fair weather girl, so spring let me get back to it! Summer: I love boating and camping with the family, and warm nights with bonfires  Fall:  I love the changing of the leaves, crisp mornings and HARVEST Winter: Ski holidays!!

Any other takers? Le'ts keep this going.....

What 3 movies could you watch over and over again and never get sick of? Sound of music  Its a wonderful life  Shall we dance  hard to pick just 3

The first movie you saw in the theatre? Incredible Mr Limpet I think 

Music can bring us back to a moment in an instant so what is the album for you as a kid, teenager, young adult, adult and now? As a kid I also enjoyed the music of the Partridge Family with David Cassidy, as a teenager I liked Beatles and unfortunately it was also disco era lol, today I often listen to music by Michael Buble  James Taylor  some jazz

First concert you went to? I honestly don't remember  maybe Donna summer?

What is your favourite food? Too hard to chose  dessert!

Who is the last person you high fived? Does a dog count?  Archie 

In summer I like to garden. In spring I plan my garden and start seeds. I love the colour of fall leaves. In winter I like to stay snug inside and watch the snow.  I like to read bake and my passion is amateur theatre which I have been involved in on stage and off most of my life. 

LOL!  Dogs always count! :-)  RE:  Jazz, do you like Grover Washington Jr.?  His 'Winelight" album is a total fave of mine.

@angel27 LOL!  Dogs always count! :-)  RE:  Jazz, do you like Grover Washington Jr.?  His 'Winelight" album is a total fave of mine.

OK, time for another game!  Let's call this one, "How does your garden grow?"  Any takers?!

What are your fave veggies to plant and grow?
     Carrots, Bloomsdale longstanding spinach, Cardinal lettuce, Lacinato kale, 'San Marzano' and grape tomatoes, buttercup squash, parsnips, beans, potatoes and more.  Also, while not a veggie, I love to include some 'Love Lies Bleeding' Amaranth in the garden because it's so beautiful

Fave veggies to eat or ones you wish you could grow?
      Fave to eat:  Green & yellow beans, asparagus, cauliflower, golden beets. Wish I could grow: Vidalia Onions

Do you grow any fruits and if so, which ones?
     Yes, Saskatoon berries, rhubarb, strawberries, haskaps, canteloupe & watermelon

Fruits you wish you could grow?
     Pineapples  & guavas

Least fave veggies, fruits and/or herbs? 
     I really dislike the taste of cilantro!

Fave annuals, perennials and/or bulbs? 
     Annuals: Petunias (supertunias), Borage. Perennials:; Lupins, Iris, Russian Sage, Daylilies, Hydrangeas & Peonies; Bulbs: tulips
 
Fave trees and/or vines?
     Trees: Lindens and almost all conifers. Vines: Jackmanii, Bluebird and Prairie Travellers Joy Clematis' as well as Hops

Flowers, shrubs and/or trees you wish you could grow?
     Jacaranda trees, Wisteria

Fave garden 'visitors' and why they're your fave?
     I love all the little birds that come to our baths and feeders, and the bees as well - they're really enjoying all the               flowers on my comfrey plants right now. Both are fun to watch and to photograph.  I have toad houses too but this         year I haven't seen any.

When did you first plant something that grew and what was it?
     Peas in my grandmother's garden on their farm in Manitoba; I was probably about 3 years old.  I still recall the joy of           picking fresh peas and carrots and eating them right there in the garden; then sucking on the pea pods to get all         the juice!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love gardening as well - so helps the body and the mind - just even being outdoors!
Yes, there is always a fight over if one loves or hates cilantro ;)
My fav is rhubarb!
I planted swamp milk weed again this year and have been rewarded with monarchs and catepillar visits :) <3

I live in southern Alberta and we have a short growing season for vegetables. In addition, there are few large trees here because they often struggle due to the coolness and lack of moisture. Still I have my favorite, trees, plants and vegetables, we have quite a variety of species growing in our yard.

 What are your fave veggies to plant and grow? 

 We grow carrots, tomatoes and green beans. We also plant potatoes some years or a few peas. 

 Fave veggies to eat or ones you wish you could grow?

 Asparagus, corn and cauliflower 

 Do you grow any fruits and if so, which ones?

 We have saskatoon berries and we also have a crab apple tree. In addition, we grow rhubarb.

 Fruits you wish you could grow?

 Bananas, McIntosh apples and peaches 

 Least fave veggies, fruits and/or herbs?

 I’ve never been a huge fan of onions, broccoli and spinach are also not my favourites.

 Fave annuals, perennials and/or bulbs?

 Tulips, poppies and peonies 

 Fave trees and/or vines?

 We have one of the largest elm trees in Calgary in our backyard that must be about 50 years old. It’s very rare and difficult to get such a tree to grow here. 

 Flowers, shrubs and/or trees you wish you could grow?

 Maple trees are so beautiful when their leaves turn red in the fall.

Fave garden 'visitors' and why they're your fave?

I like the bees because I know how essential they are and that they are in danger. I also like any birds that aren't crows or magpies. I love watching Robbins, chickadees and sparrows come to our yard. 

 When did you first plant something that grew and what was it?

 I will never forget the little pine tree I planted after receiving it when I was in the third grade. With my mom’s guidance, I planted it and watered it. Decades later it's still standing — a very large evergreen tree today.

 

Last summer we planted this hen and chicks succulent in our front yard. This year it made a gorgeous flower ??

Gosh, when I retired and moved out to our farm permanently I couldn't wait to work that huge vegetable garden my husband had plowed for us.  In fact the first few years the crop was so abundant that we set up a little stand and sold our organic produce, donating proceeds to the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope.  Right now we just at first harvest...radishes, some of our lettuces, endive....yum.  There is nothing like a salad made with vegetables just picked.

What are your fave veggies to plant and grow?  Heirloom tomatoes, especially green zebras, butternut squash, lettuce, endive, potatoes, garlic, radishes, eggplant, onions, leeks, and whatever else strikes our fancy each year. And of course a profusion of herbs.

 Fave veggies to eat or ones you wish you could grow? For some reason we never have success with corn.

 Do you grow any fruits and if so, which ones?  We have apple, plum and pear trees. 

 Fruits you wish you could grow? Strawberries and raspberries.

 Least fave veggies, fruits and/or herbs? Cilantro and yellow beans

 Fave annuals, perennials and/or bulbs? We have masses of lilac and peony bushes covering the 11 acres of our property. The scent in the air in the spring is just amazing.  

 Fave trees and/or vines? We have a rare European Black Walnut tree that's about 50 years old. Our arborist says he can't figure out how it's managed to survive out here.  

 Flowers, shrubs and/or trees you wish you could grow? I had planned this year to begin building rose garden.  That didn't happen but still on my agenda, hopefully next year.

Fave garden 'visitors' and why they're your fave?  We have a profusion of birds out here. Everything from robins, to blue jays, to scarlet tanagers.  My favorites though...snowy owls and ospreys.  Otherwise I just get such a kick out of the rabbits; especially as their young begin venturing out.  

 When did you first plant something that grew and what was it?  Brain fog but I don't recall.  There must be a memory buried somewhere that will surface one of these days.

First concert I went to was Phil Collin’s in Montreal. That was some 40 years ago eeekkkk!  But still remember it like yesterday 

favourite food? Depends on my mood but really love sesame crusted ahi tuna or grilled calamari

last person I high fives was my partner as we are planning a 3 week trip to Europe in May - so exciting

Wow!  @powderpuff  You pulled that one out of the vault!  ;)  
2 years ago when @Fearless_Moderator was with us all.  So hard to think she is no longer with us after being such an integral part of this community and especially for all you HGSC ladies.  She definitely had "walked that walk" and was able to encourage and advice many along the way.  She is an amazing lady.  Yes, I know I used "is" as I don't like the "was".  Is means more present and she is in everyone of us even though she is no longer here on this earth.  o:)
So, in honour of that post....here goes for me....
First Concert--Jeff Healey and Amanda Marshall
Favourite Food--Pasta of any kind! and Pizza!  (not that I can have any variation I want now but that's ok)
Last high Five-- My nephew when we found out his diagnosis and that his prognosis is to better than we thought.

@powderpuff   40 yrs ago to recall eh?  Brings back some memories for all, I am sure. Glad you can remember it like yesterday as those are great things to hold on to.
I do love me some ahi crusted tuna as well, so yummy!  Grilled calamari is yummy too
A trip in Europe! Wow!  Where or what will you two see and do?   Sounds amazing and definitely something to look forward to.  Good for you!!  <3

@Strongwoman I haven’t heard that term “pulled that one out of the vault” in quite some time, it gave me a chuckle.  Jeff Healy and Amanda Marshall…geez! Where does the time go? Pasta and pizza, love them too, but my waistline does not!  @powderpuff Phil Collin’s!  Wonder what ever happened to that guy?  Guess I’ll have to Google it…Hope your trip to Europe is wonderful, where are you headed?  My first concert was Ozzie Osbourne at the Orpheum in Memphis, Tennessee in 1981.  My favourite food is pretty much anything in the dessert category.  Can’t remember doing a high five lately. 

@HorseGirl  Ozzy eh?  My hubby is a big fan. We went to his last tour in Toronto and it was Black Sabbath.  It was fun and a good show.  Desserts are so good!