Despite the prevanence of American football on Canadian airwaves, did you know that football was first introduced to North America in Canada by the British Army garrison in Montreal? Did you also know that Canada has its own unique football league – called the Canadian Football League (CFL). The game played here is a tad different than its newer American counterpart – to name but a few differences:  there are only 3 downs; the field is both longer and wider; the end zones deeper; motion is allowed on the scrimmage line at the snap; there is a 3 minute warning.

The championship game, called the Grey Cup (named after Governor General, Albert, the Early Grey) is traditionally held on the last Sunday in November. Yesterday’s game between the Toronto Argonaults (which, incidentally, were founded in 1873, and is the oldest existing professional sports team in all of North America) and the Calgary Stampeders was the game’s 100th. Yes, 100th. After the Stanley Cup (1892), the Grey Cup is the oldest trophy in professional sports. It has been stolen and held for ransom, been broken several times and survived a fire. It has history indeed.

Traditionally Canadians host Grey Cup parties to watch the game and we used the evening to do just that … though for just the two of us – with beef rouladen and homemade egg noodles on the menu.

1) flank steak; 2) onions, dijion, dill pickles, s&p and smokey bacon

3) to make the rouladens, roll the ingredients inside and tie off; 4) here they are

5) sear the beef and then, 6) braise in good red wine and beef broth for about an hour

7) while you can make noodles tout suite in a KitchenAide, it’s nice to also do it the old fashioned way; 8) flour, salt and a couple eggs in a well

9 & 10) mix with fork gradually incorporating flour then knead with hand

11) the final noodle product dries on the rack; 12) once beef is done, set aside, reduce broth and make a gravy

13) perfect for a Grey Cup Game (served with a Californian pinot noir)

14) we also recently bought a Soda Stream to make home made sodas (so far we’ve made lemon rosemary and lemongrass/ginger – delicious!) and, 15) our new Butterly Stool arrived, designed in the 1940s by Sori Yanagi, who sadly passed away in 2011

The Argonaults won by the way and I won the $20 family pool, which I kindly donated to my nephew.

1) Yanta takes in the view at our condo in Vancouver … note: the dining room chairs have not been stolen; they are being made in Bangkok and are currently on route! … as is the missing rug in the livingroom which is also on route from India

I’ve known Yanta Thims since teaching her swimming lessons back in 198x. She jokes – but only really half-jokes – that every job she’s had is thanks to me. Granted, it’s true. I hired Yanta as a Leader Guard, promoted her to supervisor, and, after I left the city’s employ, met with her to encourage her application to that world renown international humanitarian organization I was working for at the time. She did apply and joined me there too … and quickly rose through its ranks to be the lead guru in her particular skill set. And she’s just finished a year creating a new company for them to boot!

Yanta and I could write a bible-sized novel on our history. History that spands three decades from our crazy days (daze?) as lifeguards on the pool deck; to teaching many an Instructor School; to coordinating many company reorgs; to the Amazing Race; and to that epic of parties – the now mythical Moulin Rouge Party – G and I created and hosted well on a decade ago that shall forever live as THE party of the century. She remains a dear friend and it was so nice to have her in Vancouver for a week before I headed out travelling.

Since then I’ve found myself in Toronto for a short visit with Lady Sarah, Phil; Blee and the Keg Girls before dashing to London for a celebratory dinner with my folks and a visit with Lady Kay, my grandmother, who recently turned 101. I’m now ensconsed at Blue Mountain (and yes, there has been snow!) for strategic planning meetings [rolls eyes]. I shall be – gladly – flying home to see G on the weekend.

2) looks like I’m giving advice to Lady Kay in London; 3) Blee and a very pregnant Lady Sarah in Toronto

4) mom and papa celebrate; 5) my suite at Blue

6 & 7) the view of Westin Trillium House and the slopes at Blue

8) weeks ago we made home-made pasta with raosted pumpkin filling; 9) served with a sage butter sauce … OMG it was SO good. Can you say ‘restaurant quality!’

10) for the appetizer – oysters, shucked by yours truly (which was actually a first for me)