The bet is on

Years ago we met a couple with many differences between one another. What they did to challenge each other was betting. Every dislike became an obstacle and every opinion was put to the test. The offers were made, rules exchanged and the bet was on. I will add that it was fun to watch, to anticipate the final result and as a couple we couldn't resist the temptations of "having a bet".

In secret I will tell you that ladies should take advantage of this opportunity. In theory most of the time we are right and this is a way to cash in on that. Men on the other hand love challenges, competitions and games. They love battle so this is one way they can have their way.

Yesterday, a simple disagreement turned into a game. I argued that some people have an energy (or something?) about them where they can get electrocuted numerous times and it will keep happening to them over and over again. He said that he had only heard of 3 and I was certain that I was aware of a person who had been hit by lightening 7 times.

The bet was on. He made a phone call to his friend who looked it up online. It was a big deal and no one wanted to be wrong but this evening the "genius" husband of mine needed to take a hit. Some times there are days when I know more than him and lucky for me that day was yesterday.

My prize was a gift that he would buy me, a wrapped up surprise for no reason at all. And as he shops for it, with a happy heart he will think of me and the time that "I WAS RIGHT". Let me gloat in my glory just this once because I never know what the next bet will bring.

Win or lose, hope.

The Hype

Recently, on one of our dates we went to a restaurant where we overheard a conversation. A gentlemen passing by was raving about the atmosphere in the place we were at. He talked about the Italian family that owned the place and how they managed to combine their traditions, language and food in a way that worked together in the experience as a whole. After hearing this I realized that it was the lifestyle of this family that brought people in and it was their devotion to others that created this hype.

As people, we want to be entertained. To laugh, to eat and to enjoy time so anybody that can give us that we want to be around. We will choose you over everything else because the moment becomes personal instead of surface-like. This is what every good restaurant has, a feeling that you can't explain but you know you are part of. I believe this a great example of hospitality and it put me to a challenge with our recent guests. Enjoying people on the other hand is easy, so together we had a lot of fun.

Camping

Eating

Playing

Working

Dancing

Strolling

Different people do different things. Different ways. Different norms. I recently talked to someone who felt best when they were completely left alone. Help me understand this area more by sending me your comments on the way you feel most comfortable as a guest.

Thank you.

Enjoying, hope.

Everyday Italian

Growing tomatoes is a luxury that I can't explain. The taste always explodes with flavor, the kind that even Giada would love. In the rare times that I watch her show I am amazed at her expression for food. Its as if flavor takes you back to those Islands, to a place that most of us won't ever see but will only believe in the things that her pretty little mouth tells us. I believe Giana, I trust her flavors and I am always interested in her travels because most of every one enjoy Italian.

This week I marinated some home-grown tomatoes using a recipe from "The secrets of Success Cookbook" by Michael Bauer. This week the Breakfast Boats in a Great way to start your day, sailed into Lunch with Brushetta on the side instead of the eggs to create an Italian Creation. Thank you Larissa for sharing your brilliance.

Marinated Tomatoes

8 Roma tomatoes, peeled
(submerse in boiling water for a minute)
1 cup (or more) Extra-virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
8 (or more) basil leaves, torn into pieces
1 tsp sea salt, or as needed
1/2 tsp cracked black pepper (or more)

Balsamic vinegar to taste

-Cut peeled tomatoes in half lengthwise and cut each half into eighths. Add 1/2 cup of the olive oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Adjust seasonings as needed. Gently squeeze the tomato mixture with your hands to distribute the flavor and release juices. Cover and set aside in a cool place for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours before serving.

Rock my world

Ikea opened up near our town about a year ago. It turns out that people have a love-it or hate-it approach and in our case we are the "lovers". What we enjoy about the store is that it has free child care for kids that are potty trained and tall at least 37 inches, we have two that meet this requirement. They also have great frozen cakes that I am recommending to all of you who would rather "buy" than "bake" a cake. They are quite delicious. Lastly, I think that their decorating ideas are simply genius.

These reasons lure me back to the store time and time again, sometimes for a free break from the kids, other times for inspiration but mostly for cake! This time was a business trip, "Genius" needed some kind of light system for work and I wanted my usual sweet-treat.

If any of you have been there you will notice that they have a certain way about directing you through the store, they basically make sure you follow the route so you would not miss a single item. During this trip we enjoyed the familiar walk around the store, sipping on our shared cup of coffee. Towards the end, in the floral department I came across these rocks for 99 cents.


Even though the rocks are beautiful, the simple bag captured my attention. Woven bag, heavy rocks and a decorative touch at a price that was nice was exactly what I needed to stop my doors from closing when I wanted a breeze inside my house. With a "sale" a reason always follows.


Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever had good ideas from things that were too cheap not to get? I know that for me that's when my mind works best, when things come to me. Today was a sale.

FOR SALE, Hope.

Bathroom Break

My sister left just, yesterday. I tidied the house back to order to await another set of guests coming on Thursday. Since the bedroom was already done to the best of my budget I put some finishing touches to the bathroom.

I don't like to cut curtains because I never know where they will be hung next, but a great alternative in this case was to tie a knot. This creates a better bathroom length that is both neat and out-of-the-way for daily shower use.


Glass canisters have recently become very popular and are fairly cheap to come by. I Love to place everyday items in them because they are both decorative and functional. Placing plates underneath gives them a place of their own but its also a detail touch that I love.

Tags are a great way to take away the guess-work for guests. This is another idea I use to my advantage because I don't always want them going through all the drawers, especially in the kids bathroom where they are not under constant watch. I also think it looks cute so that helps.


Lastly, I made up a basket of things that the guests may need during their stay with us. Shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and body wash are a must but I also included things like face wash, toner, creams and water. Mints are always a hit too, I need to make a note-to-self though.

I also want to add some fresh flowers to the space. I find that in spaces that don't have windows, like this bathroom it brings in life and light that a window typically does. I like to choose Lavender when its in season because of its aroma.

All-in-all
Completed, hope.

Thursday Throw-down

It has definitely been a busy week. There was a few set backs, a couple overwhelmed moments and at least one break down. But as always a new day awaits and I had just enough in me to pull myself together. Its amazing how much a new day brings and how one days struggles are another days triumphs. Yesterday was that day for me.

In the midst of planning meals for my friends with newborns, baby shower preparations, financial observation and the await of my sister coming I promised that I would post the guest room up on the blog. Unfortunately with the tightness of time, nothing was getting done and I had one screwed up cake to fix on Thursday.

Luckily Thursday was on my side. Some would say luck, I would say faith. It was one of those days when everything goes right to a point where there is enough time. Early that morning, after picking up some paint for the canvas art I was attempting I stopped by "Good will". My recent adventures there have been unsuccessful but yesterday I found everything I needed for the room.


There were two jewelry stands and light shade that went well with the theme. I was excited. Ya, accessories do that to me. After I put the room together, the best I could with out "Genius's" help I called my friend for a nail polish shade of pink that was worth the hassle.


My sister loves pink, she is a girl so why shouldn't she? Realizing that, I had felt the need to supply her with the things that comfort us by giving her a gift. I think that everyone could use a new brush, a new bottle of polish and a new night shirt. I felt that I was right on....I just needed balloons and some tissue that sparkled to throw the pink over the top.

We are leaving in just a few hours to pick her up. "Genius" helped out with scheduling a bike ride with our kids in the "Bridge pedal of Portland". It's 37 miles, doing that with two kids would take him all day so that freed up some alone time for my sis and I. As I crossed the last thing off my list I felt my body relax and I found that deep breaths are best taken when there is nothing in the way to hurry them.

I know this is a little long, I had a lot to say and a lot to get off my chest.
Thursdays, hope.

Hospitable Heart

August came to us in a heat wave that awakened the city. Every where I turned people were having a good time outdoors. In this last month of summer break we have been catching up on our wasted time. We have been at swimming holes, sat on picnic grounds and pedaled on biking trails. We have been traveling to near places, dining on outdoor patios and taking walks along the rivers bend. We have also been having company over for many late night sittings but this week would be the first time this summer that someone will be staying for a few days. Family is coming to town!

I was excited because for the last few months Hospitality has been on my heart and I searched for ways that I could be more hospitable. Realizing that I only have a few days to put my vision into action I found a scripture to encourage me and push me forward.

"He must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self controlled, upright, holy and disciplined...."

Breaking it down I knew that being hospitable was to go above and beyond what is expected of me. I decided that I wanted to finish my daughters room which was doubling up as a guest room to let the person know that we were expecting them, not fitting them in. In order to do that I needed to transform her bland walls, hang up some pictures, add accessories to a shelf and pull everything together with curtains.

I have a bed.

I have a light.

I also wanted to let the person know that I find them important and I wanted to put together a small gift of things that they enjoy or may need during their stay with us. To make them feel welcomed and thought of during their visit.

Finally I wanted to free up my schedule to have time with them. This was a little tricky but its amazing how flexible life is when you want it to be. Of course that does not mean it will be easy but it is possible.

I knew that for these things to happen I needed that scripture. I needed to love what is good and to know what that was for me. I needed to be self controlled and disciplined to be the good host that I wanted to become and having my sister over would give me the practice I needed for my vision to become a lifestyle.

Today is a starting point, a blank canvas of a room will hopefully become the expression of my heart. I will keep you posted with my attempts and perhaps my determination will not fail me this time.....

If you enjoyed this post check out Hospitality Redefined.
Hosting, hope.

Far from Family

Everyone has there own, particular family and after my recent visit to Canada I was able to see them for who they were. Living across the country I am only able to view them through a kaleidoscope of telephone calls, internet and holidays that twist around endlessly but hold the same matter. A matter made of existence, of titles and past memories. It was wonderful coming back, being part of the matter and turning with it instead of looking at it change.

Its always best to start with my dad because if you could partially understand him, the rest of my family would make sense. The best way I found to describe him over the years was that his heart speaks volumes and it needs to because he is man that speaks Russian, understands English and occassionally talks in picked up slang. Don't let that fool you for he is a person with character who believes that actions define lives. Through the years I have seen him work endlessly as a truck driver to make ends meet and each week we would celebrate his return on the weekend with food and friends. Life's a party, live it up.

My sister, D took his "confusion with language" and made it hers. She is the one who can bring a storm of chaos one day and tears of compassion the next. To her there is always words, always. She never forgets, never lets go and never holds back. With her good times are made better and bad times made intense. Because of this she is the one who stands up for the weaker, the one who believes everyone should have a voice of expression and your problems become hers. Her heart is always for the just and right with a love that surrounds people.

My brother, E is his right wing because of there differences. They are the classic example of opposites attracting. One loves people, one can do without. One loves to be surrounded, one can't be around. One craves attention and one will let him. Watching them interact is a moment. They fill each other out on their similarities, thrive on the differences and laugh hysterically the whole time. Just for L.O.L's. He keeps everyone smiling with his personality, interested in his every move.

My little sister, A is the typical sweet heart. Every family needs one. The kind who will be thoughtful enough to pack for you if you can't, to remember for you if you forget, to be reliable when you aren't and to pick up slack when everyone won't. She is the one you go to for comfort, for peace, and for love. Everyone needs her.

My mom is structure. She really holds every one together and her way of doing that is by believing in better. The best of her children, the best of herself and the best for their lives. She is always striving to a better place for better. The road she takes always is a road to change, to hope and believe that things will be what we make them to be. She has taken my dad's vision and instilled it into us, the love for people, a life for celebrating and a heart for giving.

Have you ever watched your family? Seen the core? For me differences in family are special because I need to live with them, have a relationship with them and build memory of them to last a lifetime so I might as well understand them. Understanding leads me to acceptance. Acceptance is for peace on my part because at the end of the day they are still a part of me.

Family, hope.

Pink Personality

No shower can be complete without a cake. I made this little bird out of fondant and black pipe cleaners from the craft store. My kids, who were watching me decided to be creative themselves and show off their "personalities".

A Crazy straw? or, A halo?

A smart villian? or, A bat with glasses?

It will be exciting to see Corrinah, to see her personality and be a part of it. Until she is here though we will vouch for her, her likes of all things girlie and pink along with her preference for bubbly birds. Bubbly. Yep, that would definitely suit the little "Corrinah".....

Bubbly, hope.

Corrinah Style

So after the shower, we were sitting in her home going through the clothing. Color coordinating the different shades of pink, hanging up all the little dresses, folding everything (even socks) and feeling every soft item on our cheeks. Just for the sake of all things Cozy and Pink I guess.

She had a lot of things. There was mixture of new and used, all in good condition but in a variety of styles. She lifted a velvety, soft cream and embroided outfit. It was pretty, sort of in a Victorian style that had its own definitive look. "Umm.....I am not sure that it's Corrinah's style." She said. I agreed. I guess a girl is just born with it.

If you are wondering what "Corrinah's style" is, here are some pictures of a pillow that I made to match the theme of her room. This little birdie is pink but don't you worry it has friends. Pink, Blue and purple birds sit on a branch that circles the entire room. It is simple, cute and fun. That is Corrinah for the reason that each child is born unique, they are born their very own.

My own, hope.

Baby Corrinah

I have this amazing friend which I met when I was just 18 years old. She was one of those ladies that had a personality you couldn't help but notice, so liking her came easy. She had a way about her that encouraged the people around her with welcoming arms and I noticed that I was influenced by her words, by her actions in my daily life. To say the least I admired her more than anyone prior in my life because of her love for people and compassion for every walk in their life.

Children were one of those passions. She has been the one who was there when I delivered my kids, the one who listened to my frustrated stories on motherhood and the one who has also seen them grow up to the characters they are today. In the midst of this, her heart beat sorrow and soul prayed for one of their own.

Prayers were heard in the heavens above and before their tenth anniversary they were granted their miracle. Naturally they conceived a baby girl but supernaturally were they given that privilege. Two weeks ago I hosted her a baby shower at my home for "Baby Corinnah".

Do you know any people like that? The kind that amaze you and you can't help but want to be around them, in hopes that with enough time you might inherit just a piece of their goodness. Just a little bit....that's what I am hoping for. Who are your hopes set out on?

Amazing, hope.

Hook Up

As the seasons change it is common for people to change or freshen up their space. One change that I make going into summer is using the coat hooks for summer towels and swim apparel. I find that this way the towels and swim suits always have a place to dry and I am not doing a load of laundry each and every time. This also Eliminates the searching that was done before and frantic cries, helping us leave earlier. More time spent out doors to me means heat exhausted children who let me nap ...That's another thing, Always, ALWAYS be able to nap when you want to because a rested you is a better you.

Better, hope.

Basket-case

I was reading an organizing article that had over 50 tips to make some ones life a little easier. Most of the tips were very helpful but I found that my mind could only put one to action so I skimmed through to find it. There it was, near the end. Pushing me and my abilities even though it could not have been any more simple or straight forward.

Tip #3: Baskets

Have a basket at the end of the stairs with items you place in throughout the day to avoid going back and forth. At the end of the day just take the basket up and distribute the items to there proper places.

I love this idea because even if you are not organized this is something where you don't need to shuffle anything around or put labels on. I love the simplicity of it and because of that I am introducing it to my kids by taking it up and letting them put away their items. I really believe that almost any one can put this into effect right away and feel a sense of relief. Come on now....take a deep breath of relief just because you read this.

Organized, hope.

A Pound of Mound

Tip #2: My mound

Very seldom do I bake a cake for our family. Usually this kind of "fun" waits until holidays, potlucks or parties but I have come to realize that enjoying homemade doesn't need to have a Whole foods label. Any time I bake, I trim the mounds from both the half's of the cake and place them in the freezer for a better time. One cake turns out level and perfect and the other one has a more rustic appeal. Either which way I always have something on hand that is both easy and delicious because sweets are always a must in my home.

Here is a very versatile cream recipe that is light in texture but rich in flavor. I love that the cool whip needs to be frozen, just makes it that much more simple. It goes well with many cakes but I have to say I love it filled into puff pastry squares after they have cooled (also very easy, girls).

Quick n' easy
Cool Whip cream:

8 oz. Butter , softened
8 oz. Cream cheese, softened
1 can Condensed Milk
8 oz. Cool whip, Frozen

Beat butter until light, add cream cheese and beat until incorporated. Add Condensed Milk and also beat until incorporated. Divide Cool Whip into 6 sections and add into mixture. Once all of it has been added in beat an extra minute.

Whip up, hope.

Breakfast Bananza

I hope you have been enjoying the recipes I have been posting. It seems that its all I have been doing recently, cooking and creating. I am sure that you want some variety by now so since I have missed a couple posts and need to do some catchup I have decided to devote this week to tips that I use in my home to make my life that much more simple. Enjoy.

Tip #1: Breakfast

Crepe Stack with Cottage cheese and Apricot Preserve

Breakfast for me seems to always be rushed, even now when its summer. In between planning for the day, parks, chores, play dates, appointments and last-minute messes all before nap time at 1:00, becomes overwhelming the minute I rise out of bed. Of course I try to use my time efficiently and depending on the day ahead I plan my meals accordingly.

-Parfaits for the times when I am extremely rushed. It could be thrown together and eaten all in 10 minutes and simple enough to eat on the road as well.

-Cereal when you just don't want to get out of bed and deal with the day just yet because sometimes spilled milk and crushed crumbs are WORTH IT.

-Oatmeal for the days when I do have it together and want to give my children the proper amount of nutrition. I love to throw in some frozen berries to prevent burns on those anxious little mouths.

-Scrambled eggs for the late mornings when breakfast falls into lunch. Protein is key when I want to boost them up before the chaos ahead. French toast is also an option when I need to get rid of the stale bread in my pantry (Its amazing what Syrup can cover).

-Pancakes, Waffles or for us its "Crepes". It takes some time but we love them right off the skillet with butter and jam. I make them when I want stock up my freezer. I usually double up on the recipe and place the extra ones in the freezer between wax paper. Pancakes or waffles just need to be toasted and the crepes can be quickly thawed out on a skillet. Great for kids.

-Breakfast boats are for special days. Days when good mood shines into my house and I am willing to wait for the dough to rise, to play with the kids as they make their own and be okay with mess that we make together.

-Lastly, is my favorite time because its my husbands time to take over this morning meal and I can say I look forward to it every week. I must say that I do love a man in the kitchen.

I realize I missed many breakfast favorites like bagels, sausages, bacon and more so Help me out, send your tips for all the days in between these and let me know if this is something that you think about when you start your day or if I am totally alone on this one?

Morning, hope

Satisfying Salad

Picnics are a big summer thing that almost always requires a cooler. If you are at all like our family you understand that there is something about the outdoors that draws hunger near. Thinking too much into this I try too pack an assortment of both healthy snacks, fresh snacks and a little of junk food. After I made this particular salad for the fourth of July I realized that this salad provides most of what is healthy so that the little ones can have something decent to eat before they reach for the chips.

The "some-what" veggie Salad

1 can peas or 1 cup fresh
1 can diced carrots
2 potatoes, boiled, peeled and diced
4 eggs, boiled, peeled and diced
1 cup pickles or 1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup hot dogs of preference, diced
1 cup green onion, chopped
Fresh dill, chopped
Mayo, Salt and Pepper

In a big bowl combine the ingredients and dress with Mayo. Salt and Pepper to taste. This salad will taste good for a couple days so don't throw away any left overs....if there is any left.

Some-what, hope.

"Christmas in July"

Cherry filled Cupcake with a Dark Chocolate Butter Cream

Cupcakes are not for children anymore. Toppings like coconut, dark chocolate and raspberry bring a level of maturity to the common "Betty Crocker" box. I have even encountered fillings such as custard and fruit cobbler which puts it in a different level if compared to the average bite. When ever I do come accross a cupcake I have the need to buy at least one...or two and each time I do I come home craving more. I usually end up baking up a storm. This time I drove around and distributed them to family and friends as a mid-day snack. This was a lot of fun because as it turns out a cupcake can put a smile on any face. Of course I started thinking about Christmas cookies. Like Cupcakes they are a simple treat that everyone loves and I wonder why we wait for Christmas to bake a batch? Why should it only be once a year? And why can't we have "Chrismas in July"? For so many years at the peak of off season advertisements sold us to the idea of "why not"? So this just gives us another way to "bake in the sun".

Why not, hope.

Curry Creation

About four years ago Trader Joe's used to have recipe cards available. They were simple, quick and always a delight to make. I think I tried about 5 different recipes and just as I was getting excited about them they changed it up, don't you just hate when that happens? An awareness happens the moment something is taken away and you realize that it will never be the same again. This happened with Trader Joe's and the thing that drew me in was replaced with store samples. To this day I have a bitterness about it and refuse to try them. Regardless of this past, I think that it's time I move forward, to let it go and spread the word about it.

The heart of "Joe" is a unique grocery experience, where produce is always at it's peak, guaranteed with customer satisfaction and a wine selection like no other. Where the people come first, where kids are paid attention to and a knowledgeable staff that wants to help. I do love going there and one of my favorite recipe cards was their "Curry Chicken Sandwich". Of course I made a few minor touches of my own so feel free to do the same.

Curry Chicken Sandwich

2 cups water
3/4 cup bulgar wheat
1 can Trader Joe's Chicken
2/3 bottle Thai Yellow Curry Sauce
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup diced onion


Combine all in a large pot.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat.
Simmer for 10-12 minutes.
Add fresh diced onions and
Finely chopped cilantro.
Serve in a pita pocket with
Cilantro and Sour Cream.

I go there a whole lot, so much in fact that I think I tried most of everything their at least once so by trying this recipe and giving me enough feedback I will try to recreate their "recipe card" idea and continue from where they left off. Tell me what you think.

Favorite, hope.

Cherished Childhood

Almost everyone has those embarrassing child photos somewhere. Lurking in a box, in a old photo book, or in your parents attic. They are out there weather we like them or not. I did not. I just wasn't one of those "cute" kids, so the thought of even putting, no....hanging it on the wall didn't even come up until I was at a friends house. She was one of those people that just come from a good looking family, have beautiful kids and live in a chic little house with plenty of character and style. I love her and her home because it had everything my place didn't and it offered me a different kind of palate. I would sit and admire her tasteful style on her couch. I would wonder how 10 different patterns of floral could work so great together in her home but not in mine. I would makes notes of changes that I needed to make for my space to look little more interesting. As I sat there in the middle of the colors... and textures... and stuff I noticed three great wedding photos of her parents, his parents and theirs. I fell in love with it. I loved the thought and charm that was put into it and it sparked this decorating idea.

Here is how:

• Take a frame. I used a really nice frame to create interest for my mediocre pictures.

• Take a scrape of fabric. I don't even know why I have an obsession to buy pieces of fabric, and worse to keep them without any reason. By using it justified my obsession.

• Take a couple similar photos with similar styles or colors to join them together. I scanned and reprinted his in "sepia" to match mine.

• Take your creativity to a whole different level, be as creative as you want but learn with each attempt. I have yet to master this so be my guest.
  

Attempting, hope.

Made in Canada

After 3 weeks of clouds and wind the weather finally soared over 60 degrees. Almost any kind of good weather deserves to be celebrated over here and we went downtown to do that. Now I am a girl from Canada who grew up by the Great Lakes, who is used to temperatures of 90 degrees, to humidity, to sun shine days and occasionally hot summer thunderstorms. Seven years later since I moved down here I am still a Canadian at heart and a full supporter of all they have to offer.

Some people look for "Oprah's Book Club" but I look for the small and many times missed sticker of "Made in Canada". There is a certain kind of pride that goes with it, just to know that America can't make everything and does use their sister country for something. I am sure I gleam just a little bit when I find it and no marketing is required for me to fork up hundreds of dollars.



Times of relaxing does not mean being a bum. Its comfortable, its quality and its luxury to a line that sells athletic wear. I personally love all of their clothing but they really do know what the ultimate "hoodie" should be. Without a doubt that's my favorite thing there. Ironically enough, Oprah's heard of them too :) http://www.lululemon.com/ MADE IN CANADA.

Spa treatments are also desired by almost every women, being pampered is always a treat. For all of you that do it at home, need to try "Lush". Besides being organic they give great demonstrations of their products and even keep the kids interested. This week I am trying their face care products and right now their blueberry mask has won me over. It really is like nothing out there so sign up for their monthly specials at http://www.lushusa.com/shop MADE IN CANADA.

Their are those days when you want to stand out, to be noticed and to be complimented but this time they keep it on the inside. So sneaky of them....those Canadians! Sadly you can only view the beautiful clothes online but fortunately enough I have family there who know what to get me if they want to literally "send their love". I kid you not when I say that anytime I wear anything from there, it just screams attention and what girl wouldn't love that? So if by any chance you happen to go to the sister land be sure to stop by "Le Chateau". http://www.le-chateau.com/en/index. MADE IN CANADA.

Canadian, Hope.