Hooray For Dominion Day, Eh?

Yesterday was Dominion Day. Fireworks, weeny roasts in Riley Park, visits to the zoo, torrential flooding...all the good stuff. I was able to participate on Google Earth. Not quite as much fun as swatting mosquitos on Lake Windermere but the best I could do from the other side of the world.
Not really nostalgic but are some things that you can't get here.

Moose, for instance. Look as hard as you like in Herdsman Lake you won't see one. They either hide very well in the reeds or have purchased expensive homes in the surrounding suburbs and stay indoors.

Beaver. Okay, okay, Let's not go there. I realise I have made a mistake. I mean the little buggers that build log pile houses in the middle of ponds. I miss beaver.

Butter tarts. Now there is a fine Canadian tradition. Never mind the damn maple syrup and the pea soup and such - butter tarts got the seal of approval from the Prime Minister and who am I to debate tastes with a statesman. Whether you are a Liberal or a Conservative you vote for butter tarts. If you are a Social Credit supporter you don't deserve tarts...

Canadian Club whiskey? Moosehead beer? Common enough in the bottle shops and no different wherever you encounter it. Goes well with moose roast and butter tarts. There are a number of Canadian drinks that are unusual, however - there is a famous Canadian cocktail that involves clam juice, tomato juice and a horrified expression. I have always regarded it as a liquid college prank, but you may wish to try it. Do it where I can't see you.

Steer clear of Nanaimo Bars. Indeed, steer clear of bars in Nanaimo...neither experience will leave you healthier or happier. Nobody ever emerged from Nanaimo the same...

Finally, remember Edmonton. I do. Spent a month there one week. Wonderful city - combines the sophistication of Menangatang with the aesthetic appeal of Pompeii. They voted it as provincial capital so that they could send the politicians there - rather like baiting a rat trap. Don't get any rats there, though. There are certain places rats won't go to.

Can you tell I'm from Calgary, eh?