Can You Believe It? Summer Is Half Over!

I have a love / dislike relationship with the end of July. On the one hand, it means summer is half over. On the other hand, it means summer is half over and school starts soon.

Either way, it's a good time for me to check in on my Summer Goals and see what I've accomplished—and what I need to cram in before September.

So far, I've gone to the Calgary Stampede, watched the K-Days Parade, and checked out Taste of Edmonton—three of our annual family traditions. Plus, I've read four books this summer, which is one a week. Not bad!

The weather has been a little all over the map—wind, rain, hail! But I've managed to do some running, and even though I haven't cracked my personal best yet, there's still time. I'll be at my grandparents's farm all weekend helping with chores...and practicing for track. Wish me luck that I reach Superman speeds! (It's supposed to be really hot this weekend, so I also need to drink lots of water...)

Mom and I are going to the comic book store this afternoon, so I'll add a few Supermans to my growing collection. And maybe we'll head to the library so I can start on my fifth book. At the end of the day, Grandma and I like to sit on the porch and read. Sometimes Grandpa joins us, but he's always tinkering in his garage with something. One year, we made Soap Box Race Cars. That was fun! Hmmm...I wonder if he'd want to do that again?

I've also written a few pages of a new short story. I can't wait to show Mrs. Kratky what I've done so far. It might be my best story yet!

We're still planning a family vacation in August, plus, my sister and I are going to try kayaking. Dad and I are going to fish a couple nights next week, and of course, I'll be dragging my camera with me everywhere we go.

How about you? What are you planning for the rest of your summer? What was the best thing you've done so far?

Gotta jet! Have a great weekend...whatever you're doing.

~ Chase Superman Duffy

Taking Pictures Of Canola Fields? One Rule You Need To Follow!

Based on all of the pictures taken of my "cartoon Grandpa" at the Calgary Stampede earlier this month, it's clear you all like to take pictures—and what's more picturesque (aside my cartoon family, of course) than the beautiful canola fields that have started to bloom?

You can take a short trip across the province and find hundreds of picture-worthy fields—some with gnarly trees in the middle (like the one at my grandparents's farm), or old barns, or if you're lucky, spooky skies...anyone take any pics of last night's storm? Of course, safety first!

I'm lucky because I can go on Grandpa's field any time I want. I spend most of the summer training for track by running AROUND the crop—this year, I've even hit a personal best. But I realize not everyone has a canola farmer in the family, and so I thought this would be a great time to remind you that as amazing as those fields look...you can't just go IN them to take a picture. At least, not without permission.

Traipsing through those fields can ruin the crop, plus, it's trespassing. You wouldn't want someone rummaging through your bedroom just to take a picture of your prized Star Wars Lego, or something, right?

Anyway, I can't wait to strap on my camera bag and head out with my dad to take some canola field pictures—we always give Grandpa one that he can frame for the house. An entire wall in the living room is dedicated to pictures of the canola farm over the years. It's pretty cool to see how much its grown.

Have you taken a good picture of a canola field? Put it on Instagram and tag @SupermanDuffy — or email it to me at chase.superman.duffy@gmail.com. Maybe I’ll publish it on my blog!

Gotta jet! Have a great weekend—and stay safe!

~ Chase Superman Duffy

Whoop! My Grandpa Is Popular!

Another year of the Calgary Stampede has passed, and if you didn't have a chance to go, I'm sorry—it was a ton of fun. Obviously I checked out the rodeo, took a spin on a few rides (I even tried the Zipper this year!) and ate lots of great (not always healthy) food.

But I also enjoyed watching the line-ups of people who wanted a picture with my "cartoon grandpa." Seriously, it was so fun to see people stop by the Alberta Canola Producers' Commission booth, grab a copy of the Superman Duffy educational graphic novel "O" and pose for a picture with Grandpa.

My REAL grandpa would be thrilled to know people are not only learning about canola, but also about the great resources available for teachers—like the 16 books in the series. If you're a teacher in Alberta, you can order those books for FREE, just by going to this website.

Gotta jet, but scroll down to see some of the pictures people posted to Twitter after getting a snapshot with my "cartoon grandpa" — it's awesome to see so many smiling faces.

~ Chase Superman Duffy

Get Your Picture Taken With My Grandpa!

Okay, not my real Grandpa. But an almost life-size sculpture of him—at the Calgary Stampede.

Yup, it's that time of year again. My sister, Amelia and I will be digging through our closets for our cowboy boots and hats, and this weekend, we're hitting the rodeo for "the greatest outdoor show on earth."

Oh sure, we'll take a spin on a few rides (Amelia loves the teacups, but I'm more of a Ferris Wheel kind of kid), gobble down a few of those mini donuts (and a cricket pizza if they have them again!), and of course tour the exhibition booths. Especially the Alberta Canola Producers Commission booth...which is where you'll find my "fake" grandpa, AND probably my real grandpa—if he can get away from the farm.

Grandpa loves to talk to people about agriculture and canola. Once he gets going, he can really talk your ear off...but at least it's interesting to listen to. And if he IS there, maybe you can take your picture with BOTH of my grandpas. <grin>

Don't worry though, if Grandpa isn't there, there are lots of people in the booth who are happy to talk about canola. Those beautiful yellow flowers, the delicious treats that can be made from canola oil...what's not to love? (And I bet they're giving away free stuff, too!)

Gotta jet! Mom says I have to clean my room before we can leave for Calgary—which might help me find those cowboy boots. Yeehaw! Hope to see you at the Calgary Stampede!

~ Chase Superman Duffy

Oh, Canada! It's Your Birthday!

Oh, the food, the fireworks, and the fun!

Today is CANADA DAY, and as per tradition, I plan to celebrate by doing as many Canadian things as I can. All. Day. Long.

I’m kicking off the morning by eating pancakes (made with canola oil) drizzled with maple syrup, and then spending a half hour re-reading the Superman Duffy graphic novel, “O”—which is all about Canadian inventions and inventors! (The author and illustrator are Canadian too, just FYI!) Mom even got me a new Superman comic I can cram in at some point today.

After that, I’m going to shoot some hoops with my friend Sophie after a quick stop at Tim Horton’s for Mom’s favourite coffee, of course. I’ll probably snack on some Ketchup chips or maybe indulge in a Canadian chocolate bar, like Coffee Crisp, Smarties, or Big Turk.

Later this afternoon, we’re going to the park for a picnic with my grandparents (if Grandpa can get away from work on the farm), and maybe go kayaking where we are almost guaranteed to see a beaver. No, seriously. Hopefully the weather stays nice, but we are expecting some rain.

For dinner, Grandma and Mom are barbequing up some delicious hamburgers, with a side of poutine. Yum! Mom even hinted at a strawberry shortcake (red and white obviously) so we can sing Happy Birthday to Canada.

And then, my entire family is going into the city to watch the fireworks. I bet they are spectacular!

I know, it’s a pretty full day. How will you celebrate? Oh, and if you have some time, check out my Blogging From A to Z Challenge from April 2016 and learn about a bunch of things that are uniquely Canadian.

I’m proud to be Canadian and looking forward to celebrating with all of you. Gotta jet!

~ Chase Superman Duffy