This is the first image I took when we arrived at Stratford. Beautiful little town. The day was perfect – we walked around checking out the sites. This is a photo of some street performers…

Here are some of my impressions of Stratford…

I’m calling this one “Duck, duck, duck”… (anyone that attended the PPOC Convention in Edmonton in 2001 will remember Darcy Cooper saying that again and again in the Trade Show!)

We walked along the beautiful river. This is Tanya and Nelson enjoying the walk. Tanya was wearing a pedometer and at the end of the day she noted that we walked over 13,000 steps!

On this walk Tanya noticed a woman wearing the exact same shirt that Nelson was wearing! We walked by and this woman started talking to Nelson. We learned that she was visiting from the US and Nelson had purchased his shirt in Arizona on a golf trip. How cool is that? Of course, I had to take a photo of the two of them!

We came across “Art in the Park” and stopped to look at the art pieces – and this stone carving artist caught my eye. He does beautiful work!

Next we walked to the largest theatre in Stratford – we didn’t go into it (a performance was going on) – but we did go to the gift shop.

On the way back downtown we stopped in a quaint coffee shop called Sputnik. Awesome photo opportunities – check them out!

I enjoy finding unique signs (if you checked my last blog entry you should have seen the “Pita Wabbit” sign.) Here is another great one!

After an iced vanilla coffee at the park – we saw this couple down by the water. I had to take a photo.

A few more random images…

We headed back to Woodstock and Tanya prepared another fabulous meal – with Nelson showing his expertise on the BBQ!

The weather continued to be gorgeous and we ate on the deck. When it got dark, a fire was lit in the Chiminea and Nelson brought out his guitar and I enjoyed listening to him! Perfect end to a perfect day!

I’ll be posting images from the jam night next – stay tuned!

Later.
Marlene

Back to cooking for her. This past winter I did something I’d never done before – I enrolled in the local Arts Council “Healthy Cooking Classes”. They were taught by Walter Zogar – a seasoned chef himself. He made the classes fun – and I came away with some fabulous recipes!

Anyway, I digress. You can read Patty’s version of my cooking on her Blog.

That’s me in my kitchen – caught unaware – but what did I expect – she is a photographer after all!

We ate on my deck – a bit chilly – but warmer than the house! It looks tasty, doesn’t it?

After lunch, we went inside, I turned on the fireplace and we talked and talked. I don’t know which one of us talked more! Again – she inspired me to do certain things I’ve been meaning to do – or too scared to do!

Patty made herself comfortable on my loveseat (it was cold in the house!) and I picked up her camera and took this shot of her. Beautiful lady, don’t you think?? Inside and outside! I love this photo!

So, as per Patty’s request – here is the recipe! (Thanks, Walter!)

ORZO WITH CHERRY TOMATOES, CAPERS AND LEMON

Cooking tip: This simple pasta dish lends itself to variation. Try it with different herbs, and silvers of spinach or replace the tomatoes with sauteed mushrooms.

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 garlic clove, minced (I use two – I love my garlic!)

In a frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomatoes and garlic and cook until the tomatoes are tender, about 3 minutes. Set aside.

In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup Orzo (I found it at Superstore in the Pasta section) with 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (I use chicken and the low-sodium variety), over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until the pasta is al dente (tender), about 7 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, until almost all of the liquid is absorbed, about 3 minutes.

2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
2 teaspoons capers, drained and finely chopped
1 tablespoon pine nuts, finely chopped
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Add the above ingredients to the Orzo and toss gently to mix. Add the tomato mixture and toss until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Spoon the pasta into warmed individual bowls and serve immediately.

P.S. I would love feedback from anyone that might have tried this recipe!

THANKS once again, Patty for the inspiration you are. I can’t wait to photograph your family!

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The cars started lining up shortly after 4:00 pm on Monday, October 22nd – the day of my 30th Anniversary Client Appreciation Wine & Cheese Party! Kyle was at the end of the driveway directing traffic. And they kept coming…

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Barb spent days collecting negatives for those clients that RSVP’d. My gift to those in attendance was all their film negatives!

There were displays throughout the studio and spilled into my home – which was open to everyone.

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Frieda Wiebe, a former employee, looks at 5 family photos taken of Ed & Peggy Wiebe and family on their 25th, 35th, 40th, 45th and 50th anniversary!

Joyce Loewen, also a former employee, talks to Art and Linda Wiebe from Winkler Photo Studio, during the evening.

The food was plentiful as was the wine and punch!

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Holly, Allyssa and Janelle, the serving girls, did a great job! And they got into the spirit of the event by dressing in clothes from the 70′s!

Luke was also helping – but he always seemed to be in the background – cool outfit, Luke!

Friends dropped by…

Fred, Adi, Michele and Richard

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Michael did a bang-up job as the bartender! Thank you Michael!

Barb Dyck, RNG (you must ask her sometime what that stands for!) was kept busy handing out Gift Bags and Negatives to those that came – there was quite a line-up for awhile!

Oh yes – one of the portraits on display was of the very first family I ever photographed!

One of the features of the event was the introduction of Redfox Designs. These are Fine Art Images that have been photographed by me and are available for purchase for your home or office! We had two Door Prizes of the Fine Art Images – congratulations to Jonathan and Laurie!

We also offered two other door prizes for attending the party and the winners were Marisa and Lori.

This is my baby sister, Janie Thiessen, who made it all happen! Barb and I spent over a year planning this event – but Janie was the person that did all the running around, phone calls, food ordering, organizing… what can I say?? Thank you Janie!

And now I want to thank all my former clients that have supported me over the past 30 years in photography. I can’t believe it has been 30 years! I have seen so many wonderful people during that time. It’s hard to believe – 30 years…. I tell people I just just 2 years old when I started!

Just a reminder – if you didn’t make it to the party – you can still get your film negatives! Just give us a call and Barb will get them ready for you to pick up – just $30 per session.

Thank you… thank you!