Banff Residents, US/Canada, Diamond Jubilee

I was sent a link to this video which absolutely fascinated me, can you imagine having elk rutting and fighting on your golf course, and what about the silly idiots who provoke the animals and end up being chased by them. People are so incredible stupid aren’t they. I will never forget the guy who got out of the car in an African safari park in order to get closer to the lions. He got closer OK, he didn’t live to tell the tale. http://youtu.be/5Rh-ok8kKbI if you want to see it, pretty horrifying. Someone has added music.

I was also fascinated with the way the cops were riding around on the upright scooters. I have seen one of those here, I think they are very interesting and wouldn’t mind trying to ride one. Friends in the UK when riding on them for pleasure, but obviously they are not pleasure vehicles in Banff where this video was made. I should put it on my bucket list.

It appears that Mr. Harper and President Obama have been having talks about US/Canada border problems of which there are many, we usually cross at the Peace Bridge and we see trucks lined up for miles waiting to get through. Hopefully their new rules will ease such congestion. The article gives 6 things we can expect when the formal announcements are made. Not a lot which affects the average traveller. I am not sure whether it will now be easier to buy a car in the US.  Prices in the States are usually lower than we can find in Canada. We get ads on our TV programmes which come from Buffalo, just across the border, showing deals for vehicles which are much better than anything available here. I just realised this picture was taken in Hawaii, must be nice.

Production has begun in many countries for medals and coins to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. From the article, I like the look of the Australian coins best of all although I do like the look of the Canadian Emblem. It does look very Canadian with all the maple leaves of various colours from spring to fall.

Caribbean Grilled Lamb Skewers with Long Beans

By The Food Gal
WebMD Recipe from Foodily.com

¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon cumin seed
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon curry powder
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Freshly ground black pepper
2 jalapeno peppers, minced
3 pounds boneless lamb loin or well-trimmed leg, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 pound long beans, tips removed, left long or cut into 3-inch segments (or substitute green beans)
2 teaspoons unsalted butter

Put 12 wooden skewers in a pan of water to soak for at least 20 minutes.

Instructions

To prepare the lamb marinade, whisk together ½ cup of olive oil, lime juice, lemon zest, garlic, cumin, chili powder, curry powder, 2 teaspoons salt, cayenne, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and jalapenos in a medium bowl. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, cayenne, and lime juice.

Put lamb cubes and marinade into a large glass baking dish and toss, rubbing marinade all over lamb. Thread 4 to 5 pieces of lamb onto each skewer. Place skewers into baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 and up to 4 hours.

While lamb marinates, preheat a grill or broiler to medium-hot and prepare beans. Sauté beans in remaining ¼ cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until they are tender and begin to blister. Stir in butter, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. When butter just begins to brown, transfer beans to a warm serving platter and drape with foil.

Grill lamb, turning skewers every few minutes, until medium rare (internal temperature of 130 degrees), about 6 minutes. (Alternately, skewers can be broiled until medium rare.) Transfer skewers to a plate and let stand for 5 minutes.

To serve, place long beans to the side, and lay skewers across them.

Have a great day