Happy to be Canadian

Send us Fan MailYou might wish for blue skies and tailwinds but Susanne is trying to capture the beauty of the headwind this bicycling season.  Join her on this breezing tale to find out just how much we are blown about by something we cannot see. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailTo celebrate one year of podcasting, Susanne is rebroadcasting her first podcast episode that was lost in a shuffle from podcasting hosts.While out campaigning in the federal election, Susanne comes across a vivid reminder of the days when muscle cars were family cars and kids roamed the back seats like stalking tigers. Join her to discover what is important to salvage. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailWhen Susanne meets a barn quilt painting workshop participant whose father hybridized Amaryllis in Holland over 75 years ago, she embarks on a discovery of the flower that leads her to her own back yard. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailA kitten was left in our garden many years ago.  Since then, he has a comfortable forever home but he spends many days wandering through the flowers and along the paths just like Susanne on a Spring day.  Find out how that turns out on this week's episode. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailSnow storms that blow enormous flakes onto the grassy ground where they soon melt and welcome sunshine that brings cyclists onto the roads in March are all part of early Spring in southwestern Ontario.This week Susanne notices nature's determination and foibles as a long winter ebbs into the warm days we have waited for, for months. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailSusanne loves walking (and cycling) through local cemeteries, finding forgotten stories and wondering what certain inscriptions might mean.  Join Manfred and her as they discover a swashbuckling tale told be the early settlers. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailSusanne faces the challenge of bicycling over 100 km from her home along the north shore of Lake Erie to visit all four ports in Elgin County. It's a test of will and a little tailwind wouldn't hurt. Find out where Manfred will be waiting for her. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailWhen some porch chairs with creative innovations are separated in the spring weather, Susanne and Manfred have to figure out where like sitting best, or do they. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailWhen Donna Sue Grove's mother bought a farm with a run down barn in Ohio at the turn of the 21st century neither she or her daughter had any idea how they were about to changed to rural landscape across North America.  In this week's episode Susanne recounts the unlikely barn quilt movement and reveals her favourite pattern.  (Don't tell anybody, the other patterns will be jealous.) If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailThe week before St. Patrick's Day has Susanne yearning to know about Ireland.  Join her as she captures the mythology and heart-breaking realities and stereotypes of Ireland through sunshine and in shadow.  If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailSusanne's Scottish ancestors may or may not have spoken Gaelic when they landed in the colony of Canada in 1854.  Somehow she's drawn to the language either by blood memory or wishful thinking. Join her as she attends an introductory Gaelic lessons and finds out how much she is missing. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailFrom snow storms to once in a lifetime opportunities, travel with Susanne and her daughter Kate as they take on one of the seven wonders of the world.If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailMaple Syrup making has changed significantly over the centuries, but a day in the forest in the 1970's is vivid for Susanne.  Join her this week as she recounts this truly Canadian experience. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailMore than 50 years after the first efforts to orbit and land on the moon, there is another NASA-led enterprise to circle the moon.  And this time, a Canadian is scheduled to be on board. Susanne remembers the success of the Apollo missions and recounts what heroes look like in this episode. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailWhen Susanne finds a letter from 1965 address to her Grandfather she is taken back to a terrifying afternoon when the grandkids were terrified of an attack but one of them was brave enought to make a run for it.Join her as she remembers a simpler time when bad news took 10 days to be received. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailA photographic family tradition has stretched over 130 years and across the North American continent. Susanne shares a family tradition that still gives their family joy. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailEpisode 37.  This is something different.  It is a short excerpt from a longer historical fiction piece that I am writing.  It is based on the true exhumation of the largest skeleton of mastodon that happened near my home in southwestern Ontario in 1890.  There are an interesting cast of characters and the outcome is beyond anyone's imagination.  This story occurs as the bones are put on display for the first time in Shelburne, Ontario in May 1890.Let me know what you think.If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailWhen all of Susanne's great Aunts moved to the United States looking for work in the 1930's in made a big shift in her family's history.  Today, with the uncertainty between the United States administration and Canada, those relationships may be fragile but are worth protecting. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailKnowing a little bit about food handling safety procedures can make you uneasy when you are making sausages at home.  Join Susanne and she and her family try to make venison summer sausage with a meat grinder and a thermometer. Oh, and scalloped potatoes are involved. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailThe Night Before Christmas was first published over 200 years ago.  Reading it is one of Susanne's favourite Christmas traditions.  Please take a few minutes, sit back with your family and remember this charming rhyme that has remained popular for two centuries. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailAfter the hubbub of the holiday passes, memories and meals are mixed with loss and laughter to create another Christmas surrounded by family and pets. Susanne reflects on Christmas 2024 and many other memories get thrown into the mix. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailYears of worry ended in nine seconds when all the stars aligned for the new cupola to be installed during the major reconstruction project of the Crazy 8 Barn in Palmyra, Ontario.Let Susanne take you through the anguish and the joy that rebuilding history can be. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailCan you imagine finding a heritage home filled with the gigantic fruit of an Osage Orange tree?  Well, Susanne did and you can find out here how that adventure turned out. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailYou can conjure up that old Christmas feeling anytime if you have an old Victrola and a group of rangy kids.  Hear how Susanne and her friends and family brought an old snowman back to life on every summer vacation. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailWhen the Tamarack trees turn gold in the cool days of November, Susanne recalls the days when private pilots were plentiful and friendships were formed through flight and food. You'll hear about a little yellow airplane and how it changed the lives of many local residents. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailArtists from around the world collaborated to make one of the most cherished Christmas animation movies from the past half century.  It was one of Susanne's favourites.  Find out how it came together, and watch out, there's singing.If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailWhen harvest rolls around, we want to show our appreciation.  One autumn Susanne and Manfred created a Corn Queen to honour the bounty of the harvest.  This week you'll hear how they accomplished it. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailSusanne has plugged the combine while harvesting corn.  Listen where she wanders to as she reflects on the dangers that have faced farmers in the past and how they coped with them. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailSusanne takes you into the combine with her as they race against the weather and the setting sun to finish up a soybean harvest. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailSusanne re-imagines how her family could have come together to make a safe landing spot for her parents who were trying to get home in their small aircraft before dark.  It's a unique look at rural families who flew private aircraft from their own farms in the 1960's.  If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailCreating stories and fairy tales comes naturally to children as Susanne realizes when 11 year old her grandson describes his new experiences making his first stop-motion animation film. It's where the real stars are created. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailWhen Robert Redford died last week, Susanne thought about the lessons she had learned from the movie star who "wasn't her guy".You'll also find out why she chose the jaunty theme music for this podcast.So join her as she re-enters that golden age of film making with Newman and Redford. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailWhen a grandson's graduation gift flies out of sight, Susanne and family are on a misadventure to the soybean field.  Will they find the misguided gift or return with only scratches and  bad memories?  Find out by listening to Doomed Maiden Voyages. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailManfred and Susanne delight over the beauty of the barn swallows that take up residence every summer in an old dairy barn on their farm. Follow the turns and tales that have kept these beautiful little birds housed here for almost one hundred years. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailSusanne has been on some surprising horse purchasing adventures with her daughter. Hi ho ..... If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailSusanne makes a shattering discovering about the rebranding of Pyrex and its offspring. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailSusanne is surprised when she answers her cell to  hear Manfred shouting that she is one fire.  Follow their frantic efforts to squash the fire in the field. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailCoyotes populate southern Ontario and when we are outdoors we see them often, but not as often as they watch us.  Listen as Susanne is surprised by a voice from the darkness. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailDo you ever wonder why you love or loath foods that were popular in your family when you were a child?In this episode, Susanne tries of her dad's favourite treats, one that she found repulsive in her childhood. Will her taste buds have matured?  Will she still find this food yucky?Listen to find out. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailOver the years, Susanne has had some delightful brushes with real and suspected Ukrainian heritage.  She has learned that all is not as it first appears but also treasures the remarkable tastes she encountered. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailWhen a local club hosts a Frog Legs Supper, Susanne remembers a frog fishing fiasco from a childhood vacation on a Northern Ontario lake. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailWhen Susanne and her cousin travel to the islands of the northern shore of Scotland, they are lambasted by ferocious winds as they visit an ancient village from Neolithic times. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailWarm summer days have Susanne reminiscing about a 70 year old neighbour who drove his motorcycle to work in the local tobacco fields in the 1960's. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailRural mailboxes are a source of pride for most country folk. So when Canada Post eliminated the Rural Route designation in mailing addresses, it reminded Susanne of how that simple abbreviation "RR" had shaped a bit of her image of herself. And you'll also find out about a long-forgotten neighbourhood crime spree!If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailStarfish keep appearing in Susanne's life.  They are mythical creatures that shine through childhood joy, farming surprises and loves and losses. If you've ever wondered about how one could end up in a farmhouse in Ontario, you'll want to listen to this episode. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Susanne discusses the unique stories that Barn Quilts tell about farmers' brand loyalty and their property histories.You'll even get to find out which tractor brand is her favourite and her crazy reason why. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailAn unknown lifetime fact is revealed to me as I travel with my Dad between medical appointments.  It was surprising and reassuring at the same time. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailThis week I introduce you to the life lessons I learned while flying ex-military training aircraft in formation flight at small airshows in the 1990's.  Let me tell you one thing, it's a unique way to learn to handle stress. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailI arrive in a Newfoundland bar at the end of Canada's attempt to avoid a constitutional crisis in June 1990 and discover that it's important to tackle our big ideas.  Whether they fail or succeed, is immaterial. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

Send us Fan MailWhen three generations start to purge a household, it is surprising who becomes the hoarder and the lover of all things old and sentimental.Find out who takes Lady Grace's tattered top home at the end of this episode. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and InstagramMy website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com