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Hi,

I'm Louis, from Cranbrook in the East Kootenays.

I joined the group in April after coming across it on the net but didn't introduce myself at the time because I hadn't made any cheese, didn't have any equipment, and frankly I didn't feel I had much to share.

I'm recently retired and since April have taken to making cheese at home like all of you. I took a workshop on line from Chef Robert CATHERINE of Windsor, Ontario and so far I've made 4 American brick cheeses, 6 Caerphilly cheeses and, of course, Ricotta as a by-product. One of my Bricks will be ready next week.

I'm really enjoying it and, like most newbies, am dreaming of making Parmesan, Mozzarella, Limburger, Capra di Vino, etc. - you get the picture. I've been skulking around the board looking at a lot of different posts, drawing on and absorbing everybody's knowledge and experiences.

I'm also getting into wine and fermented meats, having made Sopressata and Spanish chorizo earlier this year; I find that there are a lot of similarities between all three.

I'm originally from Québec with my parents originating from France. My wife is Italian. Both our parents made fermented meats and wine but I never drew on their knowledge or experiences because I was too young, no time, finances, life in general and a variety of other excuses. Now I'm hoping to learn and share what I make with my children and friends, and if they want to, the knowledge I gain.

I'd like to know if anyone else on the Forum is from my area, possibly wanting to get together for coffee, exchange ideas, possibly collaborate, etc. I'm thinking it would be great to have a local artisanal cheesemaker's club, lol.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be part of such a great hobby and community.

Á bientôt,

Louis

Not all that close to you (7 hrs.), but I'm at least in BC.... We are in Coalmont, 19k east of Princeton, which is right on Hwy. 3.... If you are ever in our area, PM me and I'll send you my email and phone number and perhaps we can meet.... Welcome to this fascinating hobby.... 

Bob

Thanks Bob. I used to live in Osoyoos years ago so I'm no stranger to the Princeton area. In fact pre-Coquihalla, Hwy #3 was the only way we used to get to LMD. If we travel through, I'll definitely get in touch.

It got to 99*F here today (37*C).... I guess we are in for a hot spell the next few days.... 

Bob

Oooh, American Brick was my first pressed cheese.  Really loved it, reminds me I should make it again.

My first Brick will be ready in 4 days. Can't wait...

My wife and I went kayaking today at Premier lake, left at 08:15 hrs and came back at 1830 hrs. It was 41º C. Now back home and it's 32º C in the house. Looks like the whole province will be hitting record levels this week. I wouldn't want to be in your area Bob.

We hit 40*C today (104*F) and it may be a couple of degrees hotter tomorrow, which hopefully will be the peak.... This is certainly the hottest we have ever experienced.... since 2003 when we bought here it has bumped up against 100*F a couple of times.... Fortunately we have a very small house, and our AC keeps it in the mid 70's.... Not only that, but the temperature in our mountain valley plummets at night, by 10 PM it is in the low 70's outside.... This morning at 7 AM it was only 58*F, so we can actually shut off the A/C at night and open the windows with a couple of small fans just circulating the outside air....

Bob

We got to 42*C today (108*F).... 

Lytton hit 49.6*C (121.3*F), setting an all time high for all of Canada, and hotter than the record in Las Vegas.... 

Bob

Y'all stay safe and cool.  Those are dangerous temps.  Hope y'all have AC or a cool place to go.

The town of Lytton, which set all time Canadian heat records 3 days in a row (the highest was 121*F) burned to the ground last evening.... The cause of the fire is currently unknown, but it was NOT one of the wildfires in the area.... It may have been a "hot box" (failing bearing) on a passing train.... 



Over 1000 people were evacuated at a moments notice.... Here is what is left....



Virtually the entire main street of town was razed to the ground.... Within 15 minutes it went from a bit of smoke to a blazing inferno with several buildings on fire.... .... Here is the before and after.... 



Bob

What a shame.  Glad the people got out in time.

At least 2 didn't and several are still unaccounted for.... They were unable to search because it wasn't safe, and are just starting that now.... 

Bob

Oh no!