The stonemasons never showed up.
• Monday morning in Provence
• South of France
• Forecast for a cobalt blue sky and 28C
• There must be a national holiday soon
Who could blame them?
Author Archives: nutmeg
50 Facts from 1963
Imagine an era before email, Facebook, e-checks, iTunes and SMS – 1963.
In celebration of a simpler time, and those readers who might be nearing their 50th birthdays, Nutmeg put this list of 1963 facts together.
Alberta Whisky Cake Spirited Passion
Kamla McGonigal still has her notes from ten years ago when she first envisioned a uniquely Albertan dessert, one that visitors would want to take home and share with others. Her desire was to create a specialty food item like smoked salmon (BC) and maple syrup (Quebec & Ontario) that one immediately associated with the region.
El Camino de Santiago Then and Now
Why would anyone subject themselves to a seemingly endless march through unfamiliar territory and with no creature comforts?
Penance? Belief? Reflection?
Challenge? Escapism? Adventure?
What do you think?
Letters from the Fete de Village
Cowboy culture runs deep in parts of Provence and throughout the Camargue. Although, the customs have Spanish roots, the Provençal character is what thrives today. White horses, black bulls, traditional costumes, processions and convivial atmosphere all surround several days (and long nights) of events. The program is built around a celebration of the patron saint of the village church. However, most of the activities have nothing to do with religious orientation.
Every Provençal village hosts a variation of these festivities. Consistent elements of which, are captured in the ABC list below. If, you missed Nutmeg’s 2012 post you can see it here.
Camino de Santiago ABCs
You have watched “The Way” the 2011 movie staring Martin Sheen, written and directed by his son Emilio Estevez.
OR
You have a friend who has walked the Camino and now you are thinking of walking to Santiago de Compenstela.
Where to start? What to carry? What footwear? Which route? It is confusing.
The following is not a checklist but rather a few things every potential pilgrim should know about the long route to the renowned cathedral. Given the nature of this trek there are a few extra letters (C,P and S) in this ABC list. 
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Foodie Pages Delivers Artisanal Food to Canadian Mailboxes
Nutmeg knew immediately that there was an interesting story to be told when she stumbled across Foodie Pages a company founded by Erin Maynes. This brilliant concept brings specialty Canadian food and culinary related products to your mailbox. Erin’s vision was to use the power of the Internet to create an online farmers’ market, a “place” where consumers can buy directly from some of Canada’s creative food producers and specialty farmers.
Symons Valley Ranch a Fresh New Food Experience
In June, the City of Calgary just barely survived a “100-year” flooding event, and possibly the worst natural disaster in Canadian history. In response to this terrible occurrence resilient Calgarians rallied. They pumped water from their basements, tossed furniture into dumpsters, and helped their neighbours dry out precious belongings.
Then they partied!
Despite incredible obstacles, the 101st Calgary Stampede proceeded as scheduled – spurred by this outlook “Come Hell or High Water.” This year there was more to celebrate than usual – diets be damned, bring on the beer and corn dogs!
Now it is the middle of July, the middle of Calgary summer, and the city may just have a minor liquid induced hangover. There is a cure!
Canmore Underground Discovery Tour
Quarry Lake with a sweeping Bow Valley view is perched above the Town of Canmore. It is a popular recreational location in summer months for picnics and wedding photos. The lake is the result of a successful mine reclamation project on a site that was at one time known as Canmore Creek #3, a strip mine.
Nutmeg is fairly confident that the buffed athletes who swim in the lake waters when participating in the annual Canmore Triathlon and families who enjoy leisurely summer picnics on the rocky shores have no idea of the lake’s history.
The Fabric of Provence
It was a solo visit for Nutmeg. Ginger had no interest in the Souleiado fabric museum in Tarascon. The display provides a historical overview of their fabrics and methods of textile printing. The lighting in the small museum could be improved, and the information provided could be more explicit. The history of Indian fabrics in Provence is long, with imports starting in the late 16th century. These brightly coloured and heavily patterned cloths were cherished when they first arrived. French production of Indian patterns started in Marseille in 1648. Initially, the output was of poor quality in comparison to the imports. However, as designers and printers mastered the trade, their capabilities expanded and the quality of products improved over time.
