Austen, kamiks, and pancakes…
How is it possible that the makers of A&E’s version of Pride and Prejudice got Mr. Collins just so greasy and smarmy – or perhaps obsequious is the right word – as is in the book? Or perhaps all of those words fit. Regardless, they definitely got Mr. Darcy just right; Colin Firth will forever be associated with such a gentleman.
And how is it that I can sit here and watch that whole movie yet again? To Siovone, if you’re reading, I miss the cucumber sandwiches!
So, what’s new? Oh, I wish I could find my battery charger…it’s been gone for weeks and I’ve had some great opportunities. First off, I’ve decided to make a pair of my own kamiks. Not bad, right? I’m not sure how much need I’ll have for them after leaving the north (what with, perhaps, the PETA-swarmed south), but it’ll be great to have them here.
Actually, I think one of the drawing points of making your own kamiks it that they are sure to be riddled with inperfections…learning by doing, right? I must say, though, that my mom has prepared me to a certain degree. Apparently my stitching is quite exact and even (though my cutting skills leave something to be desired).
For those who don’t know, kamiks are the traditional Inuit footware; most people would think they are just the sealskin (or caribou-skin) boots, but there’s more to it than that. Underneath there could be several levels of duffel – unfortunately, for those who don’t know what it is, I can’t find a satisfactory picture on the internet of the full-on boot (or a way to explain what ‘duffel’ is). Mine will go up just about the knee. I’ve included a picture of the ‘undershoes’, but I think I’ll make mine with a nice fleece or sheepskin. Those, covered by designed knee highs, form the base.
I had originally wanted a red duffel boot, but the colour I was set on never appeared at the local Co-op. When I tried to order it from Winnipeg, I found that red is only carried in the thin stuff (and, of course, the nasty dyed fur). Therefore, I’ve decided to just do a lot of decorating in red. I wish I could post a picture! Soon enough.
I think I’ll be able to get a few tanned sealskins from one of my students and, if not, I’ll be able to get some from a tannery in Winnipeg – though they would be considerably more expensive.
Anyway, new subject. My dad’s pancakes. Today, since I had the morning time, I decided to try making my dad’s famous pancakes. For the past # of years I have had to rely on the ‘add water’ mixes if I wanted something like that on the menu. Let me tell you, I real thing tastes better, but in my kitchen they just turned out dense and heavy…and left a lot of dirty dishes. Boo.
More news? At the end of next week I’ll be taking a break and heading first to Iqaluit, then on to Ottawa. Woo hoo!