Grain Elevator Rugs on CBC Calgary Television!

Sharon Johnston has done such a wonderful job of promoting our show in Calgary.  She has arranged gallery shows, demos, advertising and news coverage.   I have admired Sharon's elevator rug so many times and have enjoyed the hooking bag she created as a gift to me from all of you, and now at long last, I have seen her face!

Click here for a CBC Calgary TV news report aired on Feb. 18th, but be sure that you slide the bar to 14:29 minutes into the news program (so you don't have to watch all of the news).

The show has had wonderful success, thanks to many able volunteers, and to the Galleria Inglewood for providing the space!

--Rita

Abigail's "Best Porkchops Ever!"

Photo Credit: "Center Cut Pork Chops - Bone in" by Artizone on Flickr

Photo Credit: "Juniper Berries" by Wayne-K on Flickr

To continue the tradition of posting good recipes on our blog, Patti has recommended recipes on Abigail's B&B's blog in Victoria.  Here's a pork chop recipe that looks really good.  The chops should be brined the day before.

Lynne's Oatcake Recipe

Patti collected this recipe from Lynne after a recent hook-in. She said they were "GREAT cookies!"  They're healthy, too! They are made with oats and quinoa flour, which is high in protein. They include coconut oil, which, like quinoa flour, you can buy at most health-food stores.  Coconut oil got a bad name in the 70s because so much hydrogenated coconut oil was used in processed foods.  However, the virgin oil from health food stores is fine in moderation; in fact, one study found that non-hydrogenated, virgin coconut oil may have anti-viral properties.

photo credit:"oats" by Nico Paix on Flickr

 

Lynne's Oatcake Recipe

 

3 cups oats

1 cup white flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup quinoa flour

3/4 c sugar

1/2 c brown sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup coconut oil (comes in a jar)

1/4 cup water

1 tsp vanilla

 

Mix all ingredients.  Roll to 1/4 inch.  Cut with a glass.

Bake at 375 degrees, 15 minutes.

Makes about 3 dozen.

 

Optional date filling (or spread)

 

Mix in saucepan:

1/2 lb dates, pitted

2/3 c water

1/4 c sugar

 

Cook til thick, stirring frequently.

Remove from heat.  Add 1 tsp lemon juice. Cool.

 

Our Rugs on Display in Calgary, Calgary Herald

The travelling exhibit Grain Elevators: Vanishing Prairie Landmarks was featured last week in the Calgary Herald. It's currently on display at Galleria Inglewood in Calgary (follow the link for photos).  The exhibit was initiated by our group, but included artists from other prairie locales. Be sure to click on the Herald's link with photographs of the rugs (next to the tab "Story")! 

Note the diversity of colours, techniques, and representations of the elevators in these rugs!

photo by Sharon, who visited the gallery.  Love the border collie in that bottom rug! Rita says, "That dog is my daughter's Boston Terrier, Cooper. They had just moved from Phoenix. Cooper loved the tall clover along the walking trail. He would jump to see over it."

The colours are beautiful and unexpected in this one. It reminds me of Van Gogh's "Starry Night"

The level of skill and artistry represented in this rug is amazing. It projects such strength and a sense of plenty.

I love the oranges and blues in this one. Contrasting colours really make it come alive. Go Loreburn!

This rug's creator, not originally from Canada, chose depict the fictional town of Dog River AKA the real Roleau, SK, in the hit show Corner Gas!

Look at how many shades and colours were used in this one. I love that the little girl's clothes echo the grain elevator colours.

Swan River, Manitoba

A ghost on the prairie.