School's OUT for summer

I love school – honest I do – but for the next two months, I’m not even going to think about homework, or getting up early for class, or studying for tests. It’s finally summer! Yay!

And boy, do I ever have a lot of great things planned.

Of course I’ll be training for track and field. This is my favourite time of year to start running around Grandpa’s canola field. By mid July, the bright yellow blooms will be out in full force, creating the perfect backdrop for my morning runs. As long as I can outrun some of the bees – but Grandpa says they won’t bother me since they’re busy pollinating his canola flowers.

I’m also go to catch up on my reading. Our teacher gave us a list of great books. Whatever I can’t find at the library I’ll buy with my allowance money. I love going to the bookstore, especially when I have lots of time to browse.

Dad and I are just finishing up our first photography class, and I think he’s planning a “guys only” camping trip so we can practice our new skills. I can’t wait for that. We might even go fishing. It’s been a while since Dad and I went camping.

I’m also working on a new short story. My Language Arts teacher says I should finish it over the summer so she can take a look at it in the fall. She’s a big fan of my writing.

The rest of the summer will probably be spent hanging out with my friends and family. Mom says we’re going on a vacation this year, but we haven’t decided where (I vote Disneyland), and I probably have a list of chores Mom needs help with, like painting the fence, mowing the lawn, and weeding her garden. I don’t mind, though - she lets me eat her peas.

Sounds like a busy summer, right? How about you? What are your summer plans? Whatever they are, make it one where a part of every day is doing something you enjoy – even 10 minutes of reading or writing or practicing hoops can create good feelings about this time off!

Gotta jet!

- Chase Superman Duffy

Is it possible THIS Superman is the BEST Superman?

My Dad and I went to see Man of Steel this week – you know, the new Superman movie?

I didn’t really know what to expect, since I’ve seen all of the other movies, plus I’ve read the comics, and well, Superman’s my idol. (Faster than a speeding bullet!) I’ve never watched any acting by the guy who plays Superman in Man of Steel, so I didn’t even know if he could pull off such an important role.

But guess what?

He totally did!

Sure there are some changes to the characters from the old comic books, Superman gets an updated (super cool) costume, and yes, this movie is a bit darker than the previous Superman films, but once Clark Kent accepts his mission as a super hero, he turns into that inspiring awesome Superman I love. Plus, there’s all kinds of action.

Man of Steel is Superman done right.

Except...well, Dad pointed out that Superman doesn't seem to have a lot of influential women around him. It made me think of my Mom and Grandma. I can't imagine doing anything without their love, support and advice - not even being a super hero!

So, have you seen Man of Steel? What did you think?

Gotta jet!

- Chase Superman Duffy

A berry delicious time of year

It’s that time of year again!

No, not THAT time of year. Berry time! <grin>

I was in the grocery store with Grandma picking out some things for the great Father’s Day feast this weekend, and there were berries everywhere – strawberries, raspberries, blueberries…oh my!

Which got me thinking that it was about time to whip out my trusty Berry Delicious Smoothie recipe – the canola oil gives this treat a special energy boost. Perfect for my spring training.

Gotta jet! I’m slamming my smoothie and then heading out for practice before the weekend of celebration kicks off. Hope you’re doing something fun with your “father figures” this weekend.

- Chase Superman Duffy

P.S. I’ve included the recipe below. If you’re Gordon “Lightening” Smith, or any of my other competitors, close your eyes!

BERRY DELICIOUS SMOOTHIE

1 medium banana

1/2 cup blueberries, 125 mL

1/2 cup sliced strawberries, 125 mL

1/2 cup green tea, cooled, 125 mL

1/2 cup cranberry juice, 125 mL

4 ice cubes

2 teaspoons canola oil, 10 mL

Blend it all until it's smooth.

My super Dad - and Grandpa!

It feels like just yesterday that I was munching down on some of Grandma’s special crepes in honour of the two amazing women in my life for Mother’s Day. And in just a couple of weeks, we’ll be getting together for another great meal – this time to celebrate the importance of Dads.

Or I guess, more accurately, celebrating “fatherhood.” Which is a pretty big distinction, because I won’t just be hanging out with my awesome Dad – I’ll also be thanking my Grandpa for his role in my life.

Honestly, I don’t know what I’d do without either of them. From fishing to the value of working hard, and everything in-between, my Dad and my Grandpa have been more than my relatives – they’ve been mentors and friends. I lean on them both for a lot.

Yeah, I know it sounds kind of cheesy, but did you know my Grandpa taught me how to tie my shoes? Or that he showed me how to do simple math by counting the tiles on the ceiling when Grandma thought we’d gone for our daily nap? He’s the reason I’m passing math, I think.

My Dad may not be a farmer, but he works hard – and he’s taught me the importance of chasing after what I want. Not to mention helping me with my tough science homework – Dad’s a science wizard!

Of course we’ll throw a special Father’s Day lunch. But I’m kind of stuck for gift ideas. Mom and Grandma loved their handmade canola soaps, bath bombs and salts. But I can’t do that for Dad or Grandpa. And, I don’t have much money.

Mom says it’s not about the money – it’s the thought that counts. So I was thinking…maybe Grandma could help me bake something? Grandpa has diabetes so whatever I make can’t have too much sugar. But what if I found something nutritious AND delicious? Or maybe I could give them "job certificates" – promises of things I could do that they could cash in whenever they want:  clean the inside of the van; sweep the sidewalk after the lawn’s been mowed; or…anything, really!

I bet there’s a special recipe at Grandma’s house. She has tons of old cookbooks lying around. I should call her right now and ask! Maybe she can give me some more ideas of what I could do for Dad and Grandpa…

Gotta jet!

Oh – in case my baking adventure doesn’t go so well,  any other ideas?

- Chase "Superman" Duffy