Tinkerblue

Crew Boarding in Canmore

I get asked a lot about where the crew stay. We stay in hotels in Kamloops, Jasper or Calgary. When we are on the Banff train, we don't actually stay in Banff. The crew stay in Canmore, which is not far from Banff.

In Canmore there is no station. We detrain and board at a rail crossing. We arrive at the crossing before the train, so that we're ready as soon as it arrives. We can hear the train before we can see it.

The locomotives start to slow down, the head crew will usually wave to us, the redleaf coaches go by, and if there are guests from Calgary, and if they're awake they'll wave too.

Then the TOC (Train Operations Coordinator) lines up the crew car with the crossing, the train comes to a stop and we board. Quickly. The train can only block the crossing for a certain amount of time.

And then we're away.

Tequila Lime Coconut Macaroon Bars

Months ago I was searching Google for something, I don't remember what. I know I wasn't searching for Tequila, lime, coconut, or macaroons. I found this recipe on this blog: http://kendallandkeith.blogspot.com/2011/06/tequila-lime-coconut-macaroon-bars.html

The recipe is originally from Southern Living.

Tequila-Lime-Coconut-Macaroon Bars. They are so good. I made these on Sunday, left a few at home for Hubby and took the rest on the train. They were a hit.

Make them. They're worth it.

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
2 cups sugar, divided
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
1 teaspoon lime zest
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons tequila
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Garnishes: powdered sugar, lime rind curls

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottom and sides of a 13- x 9-inch pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil, allowing 2 inches to extend over sides; lightly grease foil.

2. Stir together 1 3/4 cups flour and 1/2 cup sugar. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or fork until crumbly. Press mixture onto bottom of prepared pan.

3. Bake at 350° for 20 to 23 minutes or until lightly browned.

4. Meanwhile, whisk eggs in a medium bowl until smooth; whisk in coconut, next 3 ingredients, and remaining 1 1/2 cups sugar. Stir together baking powder, salt, and remaining 1/4 cup flour; whisk into egg mixture. Pour over hot crust.

5. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until filling is set. Let cool 1 hour on a wire rack. Lift from pan, using foil sides as handles. Remove foil, and cut into bars. Garnish, if desired.

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/tequila-lime-coconut-bars-50400000111517/

Malbec Shoes

Malbec is a word I normally associate with red wine. A red wine from Argentina or Chile. I haven't found a Malbec that I haven't liked yet.

So of course these shoes caught my eye. You can't drink them, but they sure look pretty. They won't be coming home with me anytime soon because:
I wear black boots to work
These are $178.00
Miss Albright shoes never fit true to size so I'd need to try them on first
In 5 weeks I'll be out of work so now is not the time to spend $200 on a pair of shoes!

Miss Albright Malbec Heels

Retail Therapy on the Rocky Mountaineer

Retail Therapy on the Rocky Mountaineer.