Taking stock of my summer goals

I can’t believe it’s almost August!

So far, it’s been a busy summer – I’ve been to the Calgary Stampede, Edmonton’s K-Days, and just last night, to Taste of Edmonton. So much fun!

But what about all of my other summer goals? Like reading. And training for track and field. With the first half of summer almost over, I thought it was a good time to take stock.

The weather has been kind of unpredictable, so I’ve moved some of my training inside. I don’t mind a little rain, but those big Alberta thunderstorms scare me. Running on the treadmill isn’t so bad – plus, I’m getting results. This past weekend, I shaved another second off my personal best. I ran alongside the path by Grandpa’s canola farm in UNDER ten minutes. Not bad at all.

I just finished reading my second book of the summer, and my Dad bought me a couple of comics I’m going to dive into this weekend. I was going to work on my short story, but between Stampede and K-Days, and doing chores on Grandpa’s farm and around the house, I haven’t had much time. Hopefully next week I’ll be able to start on that.

Dad and I are still planning a photography/camping/fishing trip for early August.

 I’m so fortunate, I know…

How about you? How have you been spending your summer?

Gotta jet!

- Chase Superman Duffy

Everything's coming up canola

The canola fields are in full bloom across the province – and you know what that means? Time to get out my camera and make use of those photography lessons Dad and I have been taking!

There’s nothing more breathtaking than a bright yellow field against a blue Alberta sky. But, those kinds of pictures are everywhere. Dad and I learned that sometimes to get the more unique pictures, you have to try new things.

Like, have you ever laid down in a canola field and looked up. I bet the angle for that picture would be amazing. Or, how about snapping a few shots during a distant thunderstorm (safely, of course!). You can go out at different times of day. Or maybe you just want a few close ups.

Either way, go out and have fun.

Oh, and follow a few simple rules. Canola fields belong to farmers – always remember to respect private property, whether it’s marked or not. And, safety first! There are many potential safety hazards on a farm – go with an adult, preferably the farmer if you can.

Okay, enough chatting – time to get snapping. Hey, if you want to send me any of your canola pics, that would be great. I’ll even share them on my blog! And, I’ll send you a copy of the new mystery cookbook, Tasting My Story,

Gotta jet!

- Chase Superman Duffy

Eight glasses a day - oy!

I’ve been having trouble drinking my water, lately.

I know it’s super important for everyone to drink water – especially athletes – and normally I don’t have any problem getting in my eight daily glasses over the summer. But the weather has been so strange this season that I’m not hot enough to crave it. Even when I run.

The thing is, I can see a difference in my performance – and not in a good way. I’m a bit sluggish, and I think I may have lost some muscle tone. I know, sounds strange, right? I thought so too, so I did some research – and I learned a LOT more about water than even Coach Taylor told me about.

Like, did you know that your brain is 75% water?

Water actually carries nutrients and oxygen to your brain and throughout your body – which of course, can help with a number of health concerns like making sure your kidneys are working properly, kick-starting your metabolism, and of course, curing dehydration.

Interesting, for sure, but I’m still concerned about how to do it. I mean, it’s summer, so I’m naturally drawn to juice, pop, lemonade and freezies. Mom says those are not good options for water intake (she keeps me on a strict freezie regiment) – not even watermelon counts, and it’s mostly water!

I’m just going to have to work harder at it.  So I've taken to adding flavour - cucumber slices, strawberry wedges to my cold water and that's a nice change.

Do YOU have any ideas on how to increase my water? How do you get in your eight glasses?
Gotta jet!

- Chase Superman Duffy

P.S. – There’s only a few days left of the CALGARY STAMPEDE. Don’t forget to check out the Alberta Canola Producers Commission Booth in the Ag-tivity in the City tent for a chance to win of the adventure books about ME – or a cariacuture by the illustrator, James Grasdal!

Stampeding to Calgary

My family and I go to the Calgary Stampede every year. While Grandpa mostly enjoys the 40-plus agricultural events, my little sister Amelia and I spend a lot of time on the midway rides. I know, you’re shocked.

This year, though, my whole family is going with a different mission: to support the city of Calgary. I don’t know about you, but when the flooding hit southern Alberta last month, I was glued to the news and my Twitter feed. We have family in Calgary, and even though they are okay, many others were not. It’s going to take some time for the city to heal.

The Stampede is a good start.

I’m shocked at the recent pictures of the Stampede grounds as Calgary prepared for the annual kick-off parade. It looks GREAT! I guess that’s a testament to the sheer number of hard-working volunteers that showed up to get The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth ready for today – day 1 of a 10-day extravaganza.

I know four concerts were cancelled because the Saddledome isn’t ready, but everything else is a go – including the midway. That’s pretty amazing.

Amelia and I are going to take some time to really explore the grounds this year. After looking at the pictures during the flood, I really want to take time to appreciate – and congratulate – all of the clean-up efforts. How about you?

I hope you have a chance to go this year. I have a feeling it’s going to be one of the most awesome Stampedes in history.

Gotta jet!

- Chase Superman Duffy

PS – The author and illustrator of the Chase Duffy adventure books are going to be at the Stampede this year to launch Tasting my Story. Head to the Ag-tivity in the City red barn tent for a chance to win a caricature drawing by illustrator James Grasdal, or visit the booth on July 10 to have your book autographed by the author, Dawn Ius. It’s going to be a lot of fun!