4th July, Fireworks, Canada

Right now it is Monday night and there have been no fireworks whatsoever. We heard quite a few last night but I didn't think it was nearly enough for the two big areas that have displays which are basically on either side of us although we can't really see the fireworks from our windows. There are lots of other fireworks let off in the area which we can see however. In recently years I have become anti fireworks because of the fear they cause in animals and I am not just talking about domestic pets but all the wild animals in the area. Squirrels and birds to name a few and I wouldn't mind betting there are one or two foxes around here too. Plus a number of other wild animals I am not clever enough to name. In the States you will be having your own banging Tuesday night. I wish you all a Happy day. I was wrong, there are some fireworks now, it is gone 11 p.m.

We will kind of be celebrating too because we are meeting a friend at the Mandarin. In fact for the whole month of July they are celebrating our 150th birthday by serving what they consider typical Canadian foods including the dreaded Poutine - sorry but it does NOT appeal to me. However, the bacon dipped in chocolate does appeal to me. There will also be salmon cooked with Maple syrup to name another food they are serving. There are others, but I don't remember them all right now. I will say, they do a very good salmon at the Mandarin, I often have it even if I don't think it is very Oriental.

We watched an interesting programme tonight about being Canadian and how others perceive us. It was quite funny in places, but it is true many people south of the border haven't a clue about the country at all.  We are the second biggest country in the world for a start. They say we are very polite, I don't think that's very true personally, but what do I know, I am only an import even though I have been here for 42 years. They were asking non Canadians the name of our capital city and some gave Province names.

Gotta do a Maple Salmon recipe now don't I?

Maple Salmon

"This is the best and most delicious salmon recipe, and very easy to prepare. I love maple in everything and put this together one night. My husband totally loved it; he did not like salmon that much until he had this."

1/4 cup maple syrup
2 Tbs soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp garlic salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
1 lb salmon

1. In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, garlic salt, and pepper.

2. Place salmon in a shallow glass baking dish, and coat with the maple syrup mixture. Cover the dish, and marinate salmon in the refrigerator 30 minutes, turning once.

3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200° C).

4. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven, and bake salmon uncovered 20 minutes, or until easily flaked with a fork.

Servings: 4

Author: STARFLOWER
Source: Allrecipes Magazine

Have a great day