Why Doesn't Canadian Butter Spread Like It Used To?

There was a time when pulling butter out of the fridge was no big deal.  A quick swipe across a piece of toast and breakfast was underway.  Then many Canadians started noticing something strange.  Their butter had become harder, even after sitting at room temperature for a while.  Suddenly spreading butter felt more like carving a block of cheese.

So what happened?

The great Canadian butter mystery first made headlines in 2021 when consumers began sharing their frustrations on social media.  Home bakers, chefs, and ordinary families all seemed to notice the same thing.  Butter was firmer than they remembered.

The finger was quickly pointed at dairy farmers and a supplement called palm fat, which is sometimes added to the diets of dairy cows.  Palm fat can help cows meet their energy needs and maintain milk production, particularly during the winter months.  Some experts suggested that changes in cow feed could slightly alter the composition of milk fat, making butter firmer.

However, the issue turned out to be more complicated than a single ingredient.

Researchers found that while feed can influence the fatty acid profile of milk, factors such as seasonal changes, genetics, processing methods, refrigeration temperatures, and consumer expectations also play a role.  In other words, there was no simple answer to why your toast was suddenly fighting back.

The dairy industry responded by launching studies and reviewing feeding practices.  Farmers emphasized that Canadian butter remained safe, high quality, and produced under strict regulations.  Nevertheless, the controversy highlighted how little most of us know about the journey from farm to fridge.

Another factor may be modern refrigeration.  Newer refrigerators often run colder and more consistently than older models. Butter stored at 2°C or 3°C will be significantly harder than butter stored at 5°C or 6°C. Small temperature changes can make a surprisingly big difference when it's time to butter your morning toast.  I had the same fridge for 15 years so I don't buy this argument.

For those of us who simply want spreadable butter, the solution may be easier than solving an agricultural mystery.  A butter dish on the counter, a dedicated butter keeper, or simply taking butter out of the fridge 15 to 20 minutes before using it can help.  They say this but it doesn't work for me.  My Canadian butter is hard even if I leave it out overnight!

The butter debate may never completely disappear.  Like many topics involving food, farming, and consumer habits, opinions vary.  But one thing is certain: few things unite Canadians quite like a discussion about hockey, the weather, and why their butter suddenly became so difficult to spread.

And if you've ever torn a hole in a perfectly good piece of toast while trying to spread cold butter, you're certainly not alone.

I came across this video.  If you are interested, it's a good segment about Canadian butter:  

I wrote a blog on this September 14, 2024 about butter.  There is a huge difference in Canadian and American butter.  I have not gone to the US since the President started calling us the 51st state.  I've purchased all my grocery in Canada.  

My next door neighbour who was born in the US but has lived in Canada for over 50 years, gave me 3 pounds of US butter after a quick stop at her favorite US quilt shop.  She said it was a "super butter sale"!  It's packaged in 1/4 pound blocks, just like the Kirkland US butter I bought before at Costco in Bellingham.  I will update this blog if I see a difference in spreading it.  In 2024 butter from the US still spread much better than the Canadian butter I was forced to buy when the US/Canada border was closed during COVID.  

I already love the individually wrapped quarters and thank her very much.  I just put the US butter in my butter dish!

More Scam alerts!

It’s easy to ignore the calls that never leave a message. What’s harder to ignore is when those same callers hide behind the names of charities, community events, or causes that people genuinely care about.

When the Phone Rings

My phone rings constantly, but these days I never answer unless the number is in my address book.  If it’s important, they’ll leave a message.  Most of these mystery callers never do, which tells me everything I need to know.

In a way, I consider that a small victory.  I don't have to sit through a sales pitch, listen to a questionable investment opportunity, or hear about the latest "limited-time offer" that somehow expires the moment I hang up.  The silence of an empty voicemail says more than the caller ever could.

What really bothers me isn't the sales calls.  It's when callers claim to represent a charity, fundraiser, or popular event that people genuinely support.

Most of us want to help worthy causes.  We donate to organizations that support children, veterans, health care research, animals, and countless other important programs.  We buy tickets to community events because they bring people together and support local groups. When someone uses those causes as a marketing tool, or worse, as a scam, it erodes trust.

The unfortunate reality is that every questionable phone call makes people a little more skeptical. They become less likely to answer, less likely to donate, and less likely to support organizations doing good work.  The real victims are often the legitimate charities and events that rely on public goodwill.

These days my rule is simple: if I don't recognize the number, I let it go to voicemail.  Genuine organizations can leave a message, send a letter, or direct me to their official website.  The people who don't leave a message are usually telling me all I need to know.

So my phone will probably keep ringing.  I'll probably keep ignoring most of those calls.  And honestly, I'm perfectly happy with that.  The people who truly need to reach me know how to leave a message.

This just showed up on social media:

Matt Damon & David Letterman make cameos in the premiere episode of The Gilded Age

 

Some television shows entertain us for an hour each week.  Others transport us to another world.  For me, The Gilded Age has done exactly that since the very first episode.  The Gilded Age just released the first episode of Season 4.

Created by Julian Fellowes, the master storyteller behind Downton Abbey, the series brings late 19th-century New York to life with stunning detail.  Set during a period of enormous wealth, ambition, and social change, the show explores the clash between old-money families and the newly rich industrial titans who were reshaping America.

What keeps drawing me back, however, is not just the lavish costumes or magnificent mansions.  It is the writing and the acting.  Fellowes has a remarkable ability to create characters who feel real, even when they live in extraordinary circumstances.  The social rivalries, family tensions, and personal ambitions are as compelling today as they would have been in the 1880s.

The cast consistently delivers outstanding performances.  Whether portraying society's established elite or the determined newcomers trying to earn acceptance, the actors bring depth and humanity to every role.  Even seemingly minor characters have stories that make us care about what happens to them.

Like many viewers, I've found myself becoming invested in the triumphs, disappointments, romances, and rivalries that unfold each season.  The series reminds us that while fashions and social customs change, human nature remains very much the same.

In an era filled with endless streaming choices, The Gilded Age stands out as a beautifully crafted drama that combines exceptional writing, talented performances, and fascinating history.  For anyone who enjoys rich storytelling, it is television at its finest, and I look forward to every new episode.

After I watched the first episode, I saw this online:

Matt Damon and David Letterman are officially in their Victorian era.

Fans of The Gilded Age spotted The Odyssey actor, 56, and the Late Show alum, 79, in a surprise blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo during the season 4 premiere episode on Sunday, November 1st.  

In the six-second appearance, Damon and Letterman can be seen wearing full period attire as they walk across the street between the Van Rijn home and the Russell home in New York City.

Speaking with Vulture.  My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman showrunner Isabel Richardson emphasized Letterman’s longtime goal of appearing in the background of productions, and how it fit into a future episode of his interview series centered around Damon, who started his career as a background actor.Damon’s history meant it “could be the perfect opportunity,” she told the outlet. He also “unequivocally chose this idea as his favorite” when presented with it, as it was “by far the silliest, most ridiculous idea.”

Damon’s history meant it “could be the perfect opportunity,” she told the outlet. He also “unequivocally chose this idea as his favorite” when presented with it, as it was “by far the silliest, most ridiculous idea.”

I rewatched the beginning and this scene is 8 minutes in.  I didn't know they were in the show until I read the article above.

A beautiful tribute

I saw something I'd only ever seen on a tv show.

I saw a picture of two firetrucks and a bunch of Firefighters on the overpass.  Ladders up with a big Canadian flag hung between them. Lights on and Firefighters standing on top of the trucks.

There were random cop cars pulled off to the side waiting.

I had no idea until tonight why though.  I know they do it for fallen comrades but I didn't hear of any Firefighters dying recently.

So I Googled it.

The body of one of four of the fallen Canadian Armed Forces members who died in a fire at CFB Wainwright was escorted through Calgary.

Calgary Police Service members, along with Calgary firefighters, RCMP and local military acknowledged the motorcade that carried the body of Pte. Aidan Goulding from the medical examiner’s office to a local funeral home.

Thank you for your service may you rest in peace. 🕊️

Halloween, Chocolate Bars, and a Lesson in Manners

 

Last night, we were invited to our daughter's home for dinner and an evening of Halloween fun in her neighbourhood.  It was a real treat for us.

She lives in a family-oriented subdivision filled with young families, while we live in a gated community where trick-or-treaters never come to the door.  Every year, we miss seeing the excitement on children's faces, so it was nice to be part of it again.

My daughter prepared a wonderful dinner while my son-in-law took charge of answering the door.  The first trick-or-treater arrived shortly after 5 p.m.  When the door opened, the child looked up and announced, "Give me some candy."

The parents were standing on the sidewalk and didn't hear the comment.  It was a memorable start to the evening.

Their family is known for handing out full-size chocolate bars, a tradition that makes their house quite popular.  Before long, my granddaughter, who is a university student, dressed in costume and took over candy duty.  She loves greeting the children and seeing their costumes.

From my seat nearby, I had the perfect view of the parade of superheroes, princesses, ghosts, and creatures making their way from door to door.  As the evening went on, I couldn't help but notice something interesting.

Only about 30 percent of the children remembered to say "thank you."

That may sound disappointing, but I chose to look at it another way.  It was encouraging to see that many children are still being taught the importance of good manners.  A simple "thank you" costs nothing, yet it can brighten someone's day.

One of my favourite moments came later in the evening when a Surrey police car pulled up in front of the house.  The officer sat there for several minutes working on his computer. Curious, I grabbed a full-size Mars Bar and walked it out to him.

I said, "thank you for all you do".  He looked surprised, smiled, accepted the chocolate bar, and said, "Thank you."

A small gesture, but it reminded me that courtesy works both ways.

The officer wasn't there for long.  He soon headed off to wherever he was needed next.  It made me think about the people who work while the rest of us are celebrating.  Police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency personnel spend nights like Halloween keeping our communities safe, often missing time with their own families.

They deserve a huge thank you.

The weather cooperated beautifully.  It was cool and clear, perfect for trick-or-treating.  As darkness settled in, fireworks began lighting up the sky.  Fireworks require permits and are otherwise prohibited, but judging by the spectacular display coming from the park beside my daughter's home, you wouldn't have known it.

As we drove home later that evening, I found myself reflecting on the night.  Halloween is about costumes, candy, and community, but it's also a reminder that simple acts of kindness still matter.  Whether it's a child saying thank you, a family opening their door to hundreds of visitors, or an officer accepting a chocolate bar with a smile, those small moments are often what make the evening memorable.

And in the end, those are the treats I remember most.

Just some of the illegal fireworks that went on until late in the evening:

Al Quiring: The Man Behind the Tow Truck

 

Al Quiring is one of those local legends whose work speaks for itself. While many people know him from television, those who have met him on the side of the road know him as someone who shows up when help is needed most.

If you've ever driven British Columbia's mountain highways, you know how quickly conditions can change. Snow, ice, rockslides, and accidents can leave motorists stranded in some of the most challenging places imaginable. For decades, Al Quiring has been one of the people answering those calls for help.

Many Canadians were introduced to Al through the hit television series Highway Thru Hell, which follows the demanding and often dangerous work of heavy rescue towing in B.C.'s Interior. Viewers watched as Al and his team took on seemingly impossible recoveries, pulling transport trucks from ditches, rescuing stranded motorists, and reopening vital transportation routes.

But television fame only tells part of the story.

To many people throughout British Columbia, Al is simply a local guy who has spent years helping others when they needed it most. Whether it's a family stranded during a snowstorm, a truck driver stuck on a remote highway, or a motorist facing an unexpected emergency, Al has built a reputation for being there when the situation looks hopeless.

What makes his story resonate with so many people is that it isn't about celebrity. It's about service. Tow truck operators rarely receive recognition for the work they do, yet they are often the first to arrive when someone is scared, stranded, or in danger. Al Quiring helped shine a light on that profession and showed viewers the skill, dedication, and courage required behind the wheel of a recovery truck.

His success on television brought him fame, but his commitment to helping people is what earned him respect.

A journalist visiting Quiring Towing described Al preparing to visit the widow of another heavy-recovery operator — a man who had repeatedly left birthdays, holiday dinners and family gatherings to help Al with difficult jobs. Al said he wished he could somehow give her back all of that lost time with her husband.

And suddenly, Al’s story looks different.

Because towing is a profession built around recovery. Trucks can be recovered. Loads can be recovered. Highways can reopen.

Time cannot.

That may help explain why one of the most revealing Al Quiring moments came decades later with the next generation beside him.

The Quiring business has now reached its fourth generation, and in a 2026 episode Al spoke about trying to pass what he inherited from his late father on to his own son. Watching them work together, he said:

“Working with family, you can’t put a price on that.”

Then came an even simpler line:

“That’s what I live for.”

Years earlier, Highway Thru Hell had already shown three generations — Al, his father Bob and his son Cary — working the same recovery together. Now Bob is gone, and Al is becoming the link between what the Quirings built before him and whatever comes after him.

That may be the most interesting change in Al Quiring.

A younger Al built his reputation by knowing exactly when to take control.

The older Al seems increasingly aware that legacy eventually requires the opposite — knowing when to let the next person take some of it.

And after a lifetime spent recovering enormous machines from impossible places, perhaps Al has learned that the most valuable thing isn’t what you manage to pull back.

It’s recognizing what you still have before time takes it away.

In a world where headlines often focus on negativity, Al Quiring's story is a reminder that everyday heroes are all around us. Sometimes they don't wear capes. Sometimes they drive a tow truck and answer the phone when someone needs a hand.

The Dream That Never Sailed: Whatever Happened to the "Cruise for Life" Promise?

A few years ago, while travelling, we met a couple who had taken a leap most of us only dream about.  They had sold their house, downsized their lives, and were preparing to spend their retirement sailing around the world on one of the new "cruise for life" programs.

To them, it sounded perfect.

No property taxes.  No lawn to mow.  No winter weather.  Just a cabin overlooking the ocean and endless new destinations.  They spoke of waking up in a different country every few days and spending their remaining years exploring the world from the comfort of a floating home.

At the time, I thought they were incredibly brave.  The couple told us the name of the ship they were going on, but I don't remember it.  I often wonder what happened to them.

Then a cruise line collapsed.  I don't know if that was the ship they invested in.

The Cruise That Captured Headlines

The program was most likely Life at Sea Cruises, a company that launched an ambitious three-year residential world cruise.  The concept attracted people from around the globe, including retirees, remote workers, and adventurers looking to exchange life on land for life at sea.  Some passengers reportedly sold their homes, stored or sold their belongings, and made permanent lifestyle changes in preparation for departure. 

The itinerary was extraordinary.  The voyage promised visits to hundreds of ports in more than 100 countries over three years.  For many, it wasn't simply a vacation. It was a new way of life. 

But there was one major problem.

The company never secured the ship it needed.

How Did It All Go Wrong?

According to reports, Life at Sea Cruises struggled to acquire the vessel that would operate the voyage.  The company planned to purchase a ship but ultimately failed to complete the deal. Investor support reportedly weakened, funding became uncertain, departure dates were repeatedly delayed, and eventually the entire project was cancelled. 

Passengers were left shocked.

Some had already travelled to Europe to begin the journey.  Others had rented out or sold their homes.  Many were waiting for refunds while trying to rebuild plans they believed were already settled. In July 2024, the company filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy after the cruise never launched. 

A Lesson About Dreams and Risk

Cruising is often marketed as carefree travel, but residential cruising is something very different.

When someone buys a two-week cruise and a company fails, the disappointment is significant.  When someone sells their house, cashes out investments, and reshapes their entire future around a promise of life at sea, the consequences can be life-changing.

The couple we met embodied that dream.  They weren't looking for luxury.  They were looking for freedom. The cruise represented a chance to simplify life and focus on experiences rather than possessions.

Unfortunately, when the company failed, it showed just how vulnerable people can be when a business model looks exciting but hasn't yet proven itself.

And, then I hear about this World Cruise:

This world cruise ship disembarked all their passengers in Cambodia as they couldn't afford the fuel!

I went online and searched world cruises and found this:

There is currently only one active residential cruise line in the world where you can buy a cabin and live on the ship full-time: The World (operated by ResidenSea). 

https://aboardtheworld.com/