Trillium Cake

The three-petalled trillium is the emblem and official flower of Ontario, and it is a most wonderful, welcome sight in spring. Walking the Bruce Trail not too far north of the city, I have come across woods of silver birch that are carpeted in these lovely white flowers and an occasional purple variety.

In keeping with the spring weather that has descended on our part of the world, I made a cake on Sunday for a special occasion yesterday. Four rolled fondant trilliums at each corner and more fondant ropes around the base. The filling and icing were all dark Callebaut-based... I am completely addicted to it.

Click on the pictures for bigger versions. A real trillium:



A fondant trillium (photographed by a friend):

The complete cake:



Ready for the official cutting (photographed by a friend):

OH! And for doubting Captain Luke... here is my new NIV leather-bound bible (on the right) next to my old King James mother-of-pearl bound one on the left (which is well camouflagued by the white bedspread). Next... to actually start reading them. Gulp.

Da Big Book

So... if you recall, over a month ago, I stated: "At last, I am going to read the bible."

From today's correspondence:

J: This little snake in the garden will survive our neighbour, who is definitely anti-snake. Not all the others did.

Me: Puir wee snakeys. Well, anyway, that’s my attitude until I get to the Garden of Eden bit. You know… in the bible, which I’m reading. :)

J: You started??

Me: Er, well, no not exactly. But I will be tomorrow after I buy the NIV. Honest guv. I’m going to read it hand in hand with the King James version. I have to admit I'm kind of jittery about this bible reading. [Pause] In a good way, like stage fright.

J: lol. How so?

Me: I might convert. GULP. I mean, not convert but be, you know… won over. Okay, that sounds awful. I mean I suppose it’s okay if I am, but I’m a bit nervous.

J: Not awful. Natural.

Me: Okay

J: It’s a scary thing not to be in charge.

Me: Well, it’s like this: it’s as though I want to read it with my hands in front of my eyes with a small gap in between my fingers, just a small one, as I do when I’m watching a scary movie.

J: It’s a Jesus thing.

Me: Indeedly Doodly? ARGH!!! Did you read what I wrote?? I'm turning into Flanders! It's working already!

Cap’n Luke: lol


(He is very patient, even with all the Simpsons' references. I shall report back tomorrow on my purchases.)

Intrigued, Intimidated and Excited

At last, I am going to read the bible.

I've always meant to do this. At this point in my life, I have no faith. So I am approaching this as a book first and as a major religious tome second. My mentor in this project, J, has told me I shouldn't read it cover to cover. He is leading me through it (and beside occasional distilled waters) so I am in good hands. J has a very strong faith and is tolerant of my cheeky remarks and saucepottish ways.

Another thing: I'm going to read TWO bibles. The King James version, and the NIV (new international version) at the same time. Yep, getting the lingo down here. Next stop is at the Anglican Book Centre to pick up my books. Even though I have a King James edition, I will probably buy a larger-print version to save my rapidly-aging eyes.