Rolf Devinci

It occurred to me tonight on my way to Thursday night ball hockey that, upon reflection, the game has been my life's true sporting passion. Playing my second game in three days as a runner I could not help but be appreciative. Having begrudgingly accepted my running days were probably over after I developed a periformis injury during a game last Fall I have managed to rehab it enough that I'm back playing out. Rejoining the gym, losing twenty pounds and continuing with my maintenance chiropractic all have contributed to my resurrection. Having resigned myself to only playing goal I now feel confident that my "retirement" from playing out is premature. I'm back! I love this game. I've played it as a kid on the neighborhood streets. I had played it as an intermural sport in school and college. I've played it my entire adult life either in competitive leagues (BBHL, ECBHL, MBHL) or weekly fun competitive pickup games in rink...

A neat bottle that holds a very nice rum the Plantation 5 year is a product of Barbados but casked in France...... "Aged five years in bourbon casks....the rum was transported from Barbados to France by Cognac Ferrand to be placed in used Cognac casks to enhance the rum..." Listed locally at $31.99 (CDN) this spirit is an affordable sipper presented in a traditional netted bottle which has a cork stopper that has a resounding "pop" upon opening. It promises rum delights by provoking a typical Pavlovian response. A lovely gold color neat in the glass the initial nose of the rum offers hints of vanilla and baked spices. First mouth impressions was a sweetness followed by a pleasant heat and a smooth finish. I really like this rum neat but had to try it over ice as that is how I usually prefer my spirits. Over ice the nose seems sweeter with hints of honey and caramel. As the cubes melt the water takes the edge off the heat and accentuates the smoot...

Picked up one of my favorite chai`s this week from David`s tea. The Coco Chai Rooibos has a mellow sweet nose and produces a smooth easy drinking chai. A caffeine free brew it is..... "an incredible chai made of rooibos, coconut, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom and red peppercorns." Despite the presence of ginger, cardamom, cloves and peppercorns the cinnamon balances the "heat" while the coconut adds some sweetness to the tea. I consider the Coco Chai Rooibos a "dessert" tea best enjoyed neat throughout the day when you want something light, caffeine free yet able to satisfy the cravings of a sweet tooth.  I suspect a dash of honey would compliment this brew but I find it already perfect for my tastes with a good balance of spice and flavor. Unlike traditional chai based upon black tea this blend uses the South African rooibos plant that produces a less astringent golden beverage in the mug. It pr...

Took the snowshoes out on a cold but sunny February winter day. Headed out to the local woods for some bushwhacking mostly for the shelter from the prevailing windchill but also for the chance for solitude. There are some popular trails around but I enjoy alone time under the canopy of trees. The tradeoff was bushwhacking through the undulating terrain of alders, deadfall and shrubbery. Annoying at the best of time it is a little easier during winter as the underbrush is not as dense but still snags at your shoes and kit. Heading eastwards I was generally gaining elevation passing through dense bush into groves of hard and softwoods.Found a real nice spot that presents a potential archery range with a natural ground butt perfect for loosing some arrows. Continuing upwards I reached some plateaus and, eventually, the ridge line. With a decent amount of snow cover the effort varied from tough slogging, steep climbing and smooth trekking enroute to the summit. Eve...

Well known to us Maritimers and the mainstay spirit of a Dark n' Stormy is the Gosling's Black Seal dark rum.  An iconic Bermudian brand I was perplexed by the nose and flavor of the rum upon opening and while sipping neat in the glass. My rum palate is not refined enough to pick up the stewed fruit, spices or hints of liquorice. To me it was a nose best described as a mixed bag......indeterminate yet not unpleasant. I can sip this rum neat. Over ice I enjoyed the Black Seal more that neat in the glass as the slow melt of the cubes lent some balance to the spirit. Adding some cola definitely produced a pleasant and unique rum and coke that is quite enjoyable. I was unable to pick up a bottle of ginger beer for this post but will at my first opportunity to create the rum's signature drink.....the Dark n' Stormy. Stay tuned...... Update - Black Seal, ginger beer......the Dark n' Stormy. Rum Fact - first distilled in 1620 by plantation slaves wh...

Recently the powers that be have increased the recommended daily requirements for vitamin D3 especially for us older folks. The new guidelines recommend daily supplements of 400 to 1000 IU for adults under age 50 without osteoporosis or conditions affecting vitamin D3 absorption. For adults over 50, supplements of between 800 and 2000 IU are recommended .... "A daily supplement of 20 mcg (800 IU) should now be regarded as a minimum dose for adults with osteoporosis,” writes Hanley with co-authors. “Canadians can safely take daily vitamin D supplements up to the current definition of tolerable upper intake level (50 mcg [2000 IU])..." A definite increase across the board for everyone but there are suggestions the daily values remain too low. That said there is unanimous agreement the previous requirements were insufficient. "Pure North contends that healthy individuals need much more than 600 international units (IU), the official daily recommended amount,...