That’s a P, not an F.  Puck.  We good?  Good.  As I sit down to write this (sure to be riveting) post, a news anchor is commenting on the “unprecedented number of intoxicated people” in the streets of Vancouver, as the start of the US v. Canada hockey game approaches.  Consequently, liquor stores will be closing four hours early.  Have no fear, the paper beers are freely flowing at On Tap for Today.

I'll be hiding these during the game. Unless it gets really cold in the condo.

While I will be rooting for the US (obvi), I’ve got nothing but love (and Barney Butter) for you, Canada.  Jaime, genius that she is, kicked off the first cross border exchange in the fall.  She had me at ketchup chips (and Nick at Mr. Big Bars).  Jessica and I had fun with another exchange in January.  The lovely Melanie at Running to Health graciously offered to send goodies from Nova Scotia, and I am so glad she did!  Check out what arrived on Friday:

I tore into this package with delight!  Melanie included Best Health Magazine, which is only available in Canada, much to my dismay.  It’s chock full of great ideas and articles and is sort of Body + Soul meets Self, meets the person at your office who gives the best advice.  I’ll be sure to share some tips from the magazine this week.

The ketchup chips did not last long.  I may have eaten them for dinner on Friday.  Whoops.  And what’s a hearty, well-balanced meal without dessert?  These maple syrup treats are delicious.  They reminded me of our high school French immersion trip to Quebec in the best possible way [Side bar: ask my brother about my claim that there was a dead penguin trapped in a frozen St. Lawrence River.  I swear to this day, it was there]. We visited a maple syrup lodge in the middle of nowhere and ate syrup that had been hardened in troughs of snow.  These treats from Melanie were delicious and no penguins (real or imaginary) were harmed in the process.

I’m excited to try out the granola Melanie picked up at her local farmers’ market (perhaps it will be mixed into tomorrow’s yogurt?) and the box of tea she included.  You know I love a good cup of tea.  I’m as determined as ever to hunt down some American Smarties so we can discuss why the heck Canadian and American Smarties are so different.  Stay tuned for more on that very important matter.  Thank you, Melanie!  If anyone else is interested in joining the package exchange fun, let me know.

The Miracle on Ice bonanza has wrapped up and the game is underway, so I will leave you with my latest cupcake creation.  I’m having fun with fondant.  And, as usual, I need to get a life.

Those are supposed to be Olympic rings, not fruit loops.  Yep… I hope you enjoyed a lovely weekend.  Go U.S.A. (…and Canada)!

Also On Tap for Today:

• I should probably change my middle name to Laundry
• For more eatable Olympic inspiration, check out Cakespy’s cookies
• Get my act together for the week ahead

What is your favorite Olympic event?  Any takers for the ski and then suddenly shoot things one?