The Land That Ugly Forgot The Bewildering, Beautiful and Blithe Happenings Around Vancouver, BC

1Jan/114

Linear Conference

It's the close of the holiday season, and the weather certainly has not been frightful around these parts. We've had it generally mild and bright, and these birds were out making the most of basking under the chilly but blue skies at this apparent hot spot for bird meetings. I didn't park my car under them despite the satisfaction I'm sure they would've gotten out of it.

2Dec/102

A Drip is Born

Here's the life of a water droplet born from gravity and the need for a new rubber washer in the faucet.

27Nov/104

Springboard

The curve to these daisy petals remind me of springboards, making it appear as though you could jump off these ends into a sea of blue.

13Nov/104

Bubbles… Without Soap

They've shared how they get the caramel inside the Caramilk bar, but how the heck do they make Aero chocolate bars so hole-y? Deliciously holy and heavenly, indeed.

9Nov/100

Orange Delight

Fooling around with the macro lens, some natural light and an orange lily.

17Oct/104

These Lions Ain’t So Dandy


When I was living where I had yards, weeds were the bane of my gardening existence. I'd collect an entire yard waste bag full of them every week and curse the lawns around me for letting theirs go to seed and float onto my lawn to spur more. Now with apartment living can you believe I actually went out in search of a dandelion in bloom to retrieve and bring home to photograph?!

1Oct/102

Feeling Ducky


I turned the focus beep off on my camera but the clunk of the shutter didn't make it any more comfortable for Duck or myself, being in such close proximity to one another. I had visions of getting attacked by a duck for getting too close - we've all seen versions of those home movies. When it got up and hissed I decided to take my leave.

29Sep/107

Dragon Flying To and Fro

Back at the local lagoon to check out the dragonfly action. And there were two of them at least so there was some action going on. I'm not sure if this is the same one front and back. I didn't catch their names to verify.

28Sep/102

Gluten Free Lemon Souffle Against the Clock

Timing is of the essence when serving a souffle. Even more so when taking a picture of one since the impressive puff over the top of the ramekin lasts a short minute once you remove it from the oven. I wasn't expecting my baking attempt to be a rousing success in the first place since gluten free stuff usually isn't when I make it, but this time I even impressed myself! I wasted more than the valuable minute fetching the camera to take a hurried shot of the product after I removed them from the oven, so they fell flat for the photo. The visual was great when piping hot from the oven though, and they're flat-out delicious (no pun intended). Recipe follows below so you can impress company at your next dinner party - or just yourself if you're in the mood for baking.

Gluten Free Lemon Souffle

1/2 cup sugar
finely chopped rind and juice from 2 lemons
2/3 cup whole milk
1/3 cup half-and-half cream
3 large egg yolks
1 tbsp sorghum flour
1-1/4 tbsp cornstarch
4 large egg whites

Preheat oven to 400C.
Butter the base and sides of 4 individual ramekins and sprinkle each with sugar, tipping and turning the dish to coat the inside and sides evenly.
Slowly bring milk and cream to almost boiling then remove from heat.
In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and 1/4 cup of the sugar until pale and thick.
Sift the flour and cornstarch into the yolk mixture and whisk until smooth.
Slowly pour the milk mixture from the pan into the bowl, whisking until smooth.
Pour all back into the pan and stir constantly over low heat for about 5 minutes until it is thick and smooth. Set aside to cool.
In a clean, large bowl whisk the egg whites to form stiff peaks. Add a few drops of lemon juice and whisk again. Gradually whisk in the remaining 1/4 cup sugar until mixture is glossy and thick.
Add in lemon zest and juice, then whisk in 1/3 of the egg white mix. Now carefully fold in the rest of the egg whites until evenly mixed.
Spoon into the prepared ramekins by filling to the top then tap on the counter to remove air bubbles. Smooth the surface with a knife.
Place dishes on a baking sheet and bake in middle of the oven 15-18 minutes or until risen with a slight dip in the middle.
Sift some icing sugar on top and serve immediately.

4Sep/102

Honda S2000 Sporting a Sunset

Most people take pictures of their pets or kids. This is an important part of my family. Photo snapped at Crescent Beach at sunset.