Runner's Martinis and a blistering month of June

Between work, running (I'm baaaaack), parties and present buying, I have had a MANIC month of June. The Euro 2008 has reached an exciting climax with Germany and Spain. VIVA ESPANA! As Rich says: Spain all the way! Check my other blog for a short clip of my young friend Tomas' Spanish pride.

I was also wowed by the piano-playing prowess of Tomas and Luisa when they gave me a concert on my piano on Father's Day. See their delightful performances on video.

On Tuesday July 1st I will be proudly running for Canada and collecting my rockin' medal then having a BBQ. Richard has decided to join me for the run (YAY!) and my friend Dori has signed up her two kids at my insistence. I was a STAR** bartender at Dori's shower for her sister Linda last weekend and will be making my signature POMMARTINIS on Canada Day. You can too: Just follow the recipe below (thankyou LCBO!)

Fill the bottom of a martini shaker with ice.
Pour in:
1 oz vodka (preferably Stoli)
1 oz pomegranate liqueur (PAMA - the POM juice just isn't the same)
4 oz Cranberry-Blueberry juice (buy Ocean Spray - there is no low sugar version of this but think how many anti-oxidants you're drinking!)
Shake vigorously and pour into large martini glasses.
Top with fresh blueberries and ENJOY!

You will enjoy this refreshing drink my friends. I think it's better than a Cosmo, and I will make you one if you come over this summer (since I now keep all the ingredients handy in the fridge or on the shelf). My friend Hardish says it's the "Runner's Martini" with all the anti-oxidant properties so I hope you will mix it up for yourselves sometime soon or come over and let the expert mix it for you!

This weekend I will: run 8K at 7am on Saturday, host an intimate BBQ for my departing friend Hardish on Saturday night, and set up our swing chair on Sunday for Tuesday's BBQ and maybe even see Get Smart on Sunday night. (Richard, you're on call!)

Warren Macdonald

Had the privilege of meeting Warren Macdonald who delivered an inspiring presentation to our team at work on June 26. A double amputee, Warren still climbs mountains and inspires everyone - not just people with disabilities - to change the world by changing how we see the world. Truly a mind-shifting afternoon! Warren had special prosthetics developed to help him hike, climb mountains and even climb a frozen waterfall - truly amazing! So don't even think about complaining about that bad day, my friends...