Happy Summer!!

I don't want to hear one person say, 'it's too hot' because, while I agree with you, it won't last for long. Before you know it, we will be raking leaves and prepping for winter. And I don't know about you, but we are already into August, and while I feel we've been on stand-still, 8 months have already flown by. So, let's enjoy the heat as much as we can.

Like most of you, finding new ways to enjoy the outdoors because of travel restrictions has been challenging, but I have to say, it's been nice exploring my immediate surroundings as I was too busy to do so. Just visiting a farmer's market is refreshing because my pre-Covid work life was so hectic that I normally passed a market and said, 'I'll come back when I have time'. It's almost like we needed to put on the brakes to see what is important.

When looking up observational dates for August, I noticed it is 'Happiness Happens Month'. Like this couldn't come at a more appropriate moment, right?  I think it's a good idea to find ways to create happiness in my world. I know we are going through a crisis that doesn't seem to go away any time so and for this, extra efforts on finding happiness are needed....who is with me?? 

 We also celebrate:

• Aug 3 -  Happy Civic Holiday
• Aug 15 - National Relaxation Day
• Aug 18 - Chef Appreciation Day
• Aug 21 - Senior Citizen's Day
• Aug 30 - National Toasted Marshmallow Day

• Buying or selling a home during the pandemic: what to expect
• CMHC tightens mortgage insurance rules starting July 1

If you are a Leo:
Your horoscope for 2020 says that, at the beginning of the year, the Sun, who is the king of the Zodiac, seems to be ruling your sign. The union of major planets is seen to be positioned in the sixth house. This means that major changes could be expected. But along with changes, come newer challenges as well. Challenges could either be in terms of finances or on the work front. But what’s important to know is that nothing is lost.

Keep calm and try not stressing over things unnecessarily. A peaceful mind shall help you fight through this stage. But for that, you need to accept your limitations and then strive to better yourself. The year seems to be good for you, and there is nothing major that you need to worry about at all.

If you are a Virgo:

The transit of Mars from June 29 to the end of the year isn’t as eventful as it might seem if you don’t start planning your finances properly. It is good to spend money on yourself, but go easy as you might exhaust your entire income on things that may not be as important as you think.

Once you execute due discrimination, you’ll realize how much you can save for the future. Start keeping aside little of your income every month for expenses that might not be foreseen.

Source - Ganesha Speaks website

Corn season is here and what better way to eat it?

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Garlic Butter, Fresh Lime & Cotija Cheese

Corn

• 8 ears corn
• Garlic Butter, recipe follows
• ½ cup grated cotija cheese
• 4 fresh limes, quartered
• 2 Tbsp chopped chives, for garnish

Garlic Butter

1. Preheat grill to medium. Peel back the husks of the corn without removing them. Remove the silks and recover the corn with the husk. Soak in large bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. Remove corn from water and shake off excess. Place the corn on the grill, close the cover and grill for 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Unwrap corn and brush with the garlic butter. Sprinkle with the cotija cheese and squeeze with lime. Sprinkle with chopped chives, to garnish.

1. Combine butter, garlic, habanero, and chives in a food processor and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside until ready to use.
 

Courtesy of Bobby Flay