A Day Late for Cake

Yesterday was Canada Day, the day Canadians celebrate the July 1, 1867 enactment of the Constitution Act.

One thing I've never done is to be in Canada on Canada Day. One time, though, I was in Canada on the 4th of July, my country's Independence Day, because...well, it seemed like a good idea at the time.  On that 4th of July visit, a bit homesick, I watched postponed Canada Day fireworks in Saint John, New Brunswick. It's really strange watching another country celebrate its birthday.  It's also a learning experience.

It's too bad I wasn't there on Canada Day itself, because I probably missed a slice of birthday cake. Oh, by the way, the Canadian border is still closed to Americans, although "essential" travel is permitted, including transport of food.  Go into my favorite New York State supermarket and you'll find a number of products made in Canada.  But me and my fellow citizens? Not welcome.

I can't blame Canada at all for that.

This year, things are different.  We are so focused, we Americans, on within (exceeding how focused on within we normally are) that I even forgot yesterday was Canada Day, until one of my Canadian Facebook friends (I have a couple) reminded us.

Can't Believe I forgot to wear these socks

 In the United States we usually do many things on our Independence Day.  This year will be different.  Here in New York, not sure there will be any parades, although car parades are permitted with certain limits.   We could listen to patriotic speeches but it might have to be online. .  We have picnics but, in New York, we must social distance and groups can't be over a certain number of people.  So these have not been cancelled.

Fireworks?  Illegal ones everywhere.  Not me.  There is going to be one commercial display ($15 admission, a movie, food, and lots of social distancing) but we aren't going to try it.
Beer?  Maybe.  At home.
Baseball?  Not yet.  In fact, yesterday, 2020 minor league baseball was cancelled.

Cancellation has become a way of life (not to be confused with cancel culture).

I am dreaming about Canadian birthday cake today, though.  Permit me this indulgence.

I learned that 4th of July I spent in Canada about Canada Day Cake.  A white cake with whipped cream frosting, topped with strawberries, is one way the Canadians celebrate their national birthday. The strawberries should be arranged in a maple leaf pattern on the cake.  This may be served at a large outdoor festival in normal times.  Coffee served might be Tim Horton's.  We can even get it in the United States now.

I could make cake for the 4th of July, but it isn't institutionalized in the same way.  It's more of a individual pursuit, something to serve to family and friends.   Ours, also, is topped with something white.  The cake can be decorated with blueberries for the field of stars and strawberries for the stripes.  However, I've never seen an actual Independence Day birthday cake served at a festival.

Ah, well.

Happy belated Canada Day to my Canadian neighbors.  One day, Canada and I will meet again.

Let's hope.