If you’ve been reading my blog and/or newsletter you know that my family is in the middle of a relocation from Alberta to Ontario. (We spent five days driving across the country last week; next up is looking for a job and house.) So April was a fairly hectic month, but I still have some books and food that I’m excited to share with you. I hope you’ll leave a comment about something that you enjoyed in the past month… I’d love to hear.
Books
I’ve already written a review of one of the best books I read in April.
This month I also loved reading Bel Canto, a novel about a hostage situation in an unnamed South American country. The jacket copy describes it well: “But what begins as a panicked, life-threatening scenario slowly evolves into something quite different, as terrorists and hostages forge unexpected bonds and people from different countries and continents become compatriots.” I will add that two of my closest friends really disliked this book (they found it boring, unrealistic, and infuriating), so it’s not everyone’s cup of tea!
Picture Books
The Clever Stick is a fable-like picture book about an intelligent stick who has no way to express himself. Love the story and the sweet illustrations.
I fully expected to hate this book, but the tables are turned and Little Rabbit learns a lesson that I definitely appreciate at this stage in my life!
Food
I enjoyed the challenge of using up as much food as possible before moving. One successful new thing I tried was suzette sauce for pancakes.
Our church held a goodbye brunch, possibly my favourite meal of the day, and we all stuffed ourselves on eggs, bacon, doughnuts, fruit, and more. Definitely a hit with the kids.
That same day we met friends for a memorable meal of pizza and Caesar salad at Pasta la Vista in Airdrie.
Before we left Calgary some friends treated us to gelato at Lina’s Italian Market. I recommend this place for the array of prepared foods as well as specialty groceries.
What’s a road trip without great snacks? Some of my favourite things we took along for the drive from Alberta to Southwestern Ontario were parmesan garlic pita chips, gummi worms, and chocolate-covered espresso beans.
Activities
A highlight of the month was staying at two hotels that had swimming pools with water slides!
Bible Verses
“You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.
Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.”
– Isaiah 26:3-4