probably, but not likely

WE ARE GOING TO IRELAND - mid May

2012-01-27T17:17:00.003-05:00

It's booked. The deposit cheque is in the mail.

On this tour of Southern and Northern Ireland we begin in Dublin with its fine Georgian squares and lively pubs. Dublin has been home to many of Ireland's greatest authors who immortalized their country in poetry and prose: Wilde, Shaw, Swift, O'Casey, Behan, Joyce, Yeats, Samuel Beckett and more. For such a small island the literary traditions and legacies are astounding.

Venturing south from Eire’s capital we explore regal cities, Gothic cathedrals, medieval castles and picturesque villages. We then move to the northern coastline and highlands of Donegal's National Park, with visits to Derry and the wondrous Giant’s Causeway. We continue through the idyllic glens of Antrim ending our tour at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne and a visit to the Capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast, a delightful city with magnificent Victorian architecture.

As we tour the Emerald Isle we will enjoy the variety of spectacular scenery for which it is known: heather-cloaked moors, soaring cliffs, deep blue lochs and rolling green hills - about fifty shades of green!

We will also experience the magic and mystery of this historic land which celebrates its past in poems, traditional dancing and beautiful music. We will kiss the Blarney Stone (an option!), sing at a traditional Ceilidh and listen to the myths and legends. We stop at local inns and pubs to join the friendly Irish in a pint or two of Guinness or a tot or two of Irish whiskey. All of this, combined with the genuine warmth of Ireland's people, will have you singing the praises of the Emerald Isle.

Just a touch of snow

2012-01-21T14:17:00.001-05:00

A light snowfall on Thursday and again last night. Paul managed both very easily with a shovel. The snow blower still waits in the garage. I will be quite happy if it stays there all winter.

colour correct certainly changed the look of this shot but I rather like the effect so it stays

Lots of ads and lots of conversations about flying south this time of year. Several of the girls from the gym are heading to the Dominican Republic soon and although I envy them the warm days I am not a go to the beach and sand for 2 weeks kind of traveller.    Instead I've been looking at the idea of Ireland in May or a tour of the Maritime provinces here in Canada.

Thinking about it got me thinking about the size of our suitcases. They are small. I can see why we bought them for our trip to England in 2005. We were going to have to heft them on and off buses/underground for our stay in London and get them in and out of a small rental car while we toured around and stayed at Bed and Breakfasts.     I barely made due on our trip to France and Newfoundland and last year going west with my sister I lugged a very heavy carry-on so I could take my second pair of walking shoes.

Yesterday I bought a new case, on sale. It's just one size up but looks like it will make a comfortable difference.   With the Senior Tour company I plan to use I will just have to wheel the case from the van that picks us up to the weight-in at the airport and put it outside our hotel room each morning for transfer to the bus. Paul decided to stay with his small case. I won't be finding room for any of his things in my new case. *grin*

Now it's just a matter of worrying over my wardrobe.

Naan bread pizza

2012-01-14T19:18:00.002-05:00

After a few overly crispy tries I discovered the trick is to really wet down the naan bread before decorating and cooking. Tonight I pan fried red,yellow and orange pepper (chopped ) sliced artichoke hearts and sliced mushrooms in a little oil - added some ground pepper.

Laid down a little shredded Italian cheese mix, added some sliced kielbasa, spread out the nicely browned veg. noted above above then added some slices of fresh tomato. Sprinkled liberally with Italian seasoning, added more cheese and slipped into a 400F oven for about 8 minutes. Turned on the broiler for a minute or two to brown the cheese and dinner was done. Served with beer.

One for each of us. Paul did add some dried jalapeno peppers to his. He likes a bit more spice.

I buy packages of naan bread when it is on sale, separate the slices with waxed paper, pop in a bag and freeze. It thaws in minutes and has many uses.

Starting 2012 off sweet

2012-01-13T17:00:00.002-05:00

It IS all about size.

If this isn't bad enough,

take a look at this.

The small bar is considered a large size in Canada. The Australians have a totally different idea of sizing and they also have more variety. If it hadn't been eaten and enjoyed already you would have seen a Caramel mousse bar that was the same size as the Top Deck bar. Feast your eyes on these FLAVOURS some I've had the the chance to try thanks to my friend Bats. She does cater to my chocolate tooth at Christmas time.

First ingredient in the Cdn bar....milk chocolate
First ingredient in the smaller of the Aussie bars....full cream milk
First ingredient in the large Aussie bar....full cream milk.

Wonderful Christmas time

2011-12-26T11:30:00.003-05:00

We emptied our stockings, we filled our tummies, we talked and we laughed. It was such a good Christmas I'm going to do it again next year.

Look what I made

2011-12-17T17:30:00.001-05:00

I bought a new winter coat this year, it didn't match my winter hat. I looked in stores and I wasn't happy with what was available and certainly not with the prices. Being frugal does have disadvantages.

Seeing as I have a bag of yarn and all kinds of crochet hooks I decided to make my own. I checked some online sites for patterns and found a simple fool proof one I figured I could manage.

You might not notice but I did bungle it a little. The ridges aren't suppose to be there. I did - hook through the front of the stitch rather than the back when I picked the worked up after a break. When I realized what I'd done I went back to my original stitch and did a few rows to see how it would look. Looked good to me so I left it rather than pull out all the work already done. Other than not following instructions well I also lean towards fast and lazy. Fumbling alone and a willingness to try does have advantages.

Counting down

2011-12-11T13:27:00.001-05:00

The advent doll has settled in nicely

Quince fruit paste served with warm brie


along with a winter stout.

I continue decorating. This year I bought some new LED lights and they are no easier to place than the older lights. Did I really think they would be? No, but it would have been nice seeing as I fuss and bother and still am never happy with the way I place them. Adding ornaments will help.

The Christmas cards are done and the last batch will go into the mailbox today.

I served the Quince with brie last night with dinner and opened the bottle of winter stout I had purchases a week or so back. I like trying beer in fancy bottles. It was dark and thick and very tasty.

Jayne...the quince was sweet and mild. Not able to really describe the flavour but it was wonderful with the warm brie. It is imported from New Zealand. The beer is almost local.

HO HO HO

A little bit more each day

2011-12-07T12:52:00.001-05:00

A few more decorations are out. I'm actually enjoying the colour appearing here and there around the house. At this rate I'll have the table greenery out and the lights and decorations done earlier than ever before.

My friend Margaret found the brand of crackers I had been looking for and picked me up a box so that's ticked off the list.

With a little buy, return and shop again I managed to get 8 silver/grey place mats to put on the table over my red Christmas table cloth. and I got them on sale

All the gifts have been purchased and tucked away, except something for Paul. Yes he got the snow blower and yes he got the fancy new winter coat but they don't really count come Christmas morning. I stuff stockings now so most of the gifts tend to be small so I'm thinking the year end issue of the Formula 1 magazine he won't buy himself and a bottle of Bushmills.

December is a reality

2011-12-03T12:59:00.001-05:00

By the third day I guess I can't ignore the fact that a new month has started.

To be honest I am getting ready for Christmas. My advent doll is out and counting down the days. I have my Christmas CDs out but won't be playing them just yet.   I've tucked some red and green decorations out and about to start getting some colour and I have my stacking wooden Santa gracing the ledge in hallway.

With the decision made that Christmas was more about the getting together than gifting it's been easy , just taking time to pick up a few favourite small goodies. Most of my shopping is done.

I do have to track down some nice Christmas crackers even thought I've been told that they really aren't a necessity. WHAT!   It's not a sit down family meal without paper hats, bad jokes and somewhat dubious prizes.     I also have to finalize a date for dinner and a menu.   Still tossing around the idea of turkey/no turkey. Whole turkey/breast and legs only.    *sigh*

At least the weather is still mild for this time of year. We've had one morning of wet slushy snow but it disappeared quickly and didn't even require the putting on of boots.

My week in pictures

2011-11-19T16:16:00.001-05:00

Last of the leaves are raked

Stray marigold. Last blossom growing in a crack between the sidewalk and the road.

A happy man. He now has a snowblower and is ready for snow.

Dinner out

2011-11-12T18:26:00.001-05:00


Cider Poached Scallop Brulee, roasted butternut squash and lime parvee, shallow fried leek hearts. Riesling 2008

The roasted squash was thick and sweet on a pastry square, almost dessert pie like. The lime was very subtle but you could taste it. The scallop was perfect, crisp outside but tender and sweet inside.


Caramel Corn Crusted Chicken leg, charred corn slaw, manuka honey-garlic sauce. Pinot Gris 2010

yum

Crisp outside, tender inside, we both picked up the bone and picked it clean, slaw was ok, the dipping sauce first rate. The Pinot Gris was almost pink thanks to the use of the grape skins in the processing.

Smoked bacon fat confrit of black cod, grilled mango salsa, vanilla dried carrot. Reserve Chardonnay 2008

My least favourite portion of the meal. The salsa was tasty but the fish was cold and the bacon taste stronger than necessary. The carrot slice was crispy almost chip like. The Chardonnay had an oak smell, first sip was not harsh like some I've had.

Pepper Crusted Bison Striploin, strawberry relish ,arugula with almond vinaigrette, sea salt roasted almonds. Syrah 2008

Lots of stawberries

The bison was very tender without any gamey taste. The strawberries were sweet against the pepper crust. Ate all the arugula but left most of the almond brittle. The wine tasted acid-y to me. I've had nicer.

Braised Lamb neck and dried cherry raviolo, smoked portobello mushroom tartar, pickled asparagus with roasted red pepper salad. Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Tender shredded meat sandwiched between crisp - not pastry/not cracker with a good serving of mushroom underneath.

This was excellent. The crisp top and bottom were unexpected, I had been thinking soft ravioli. ( was the menu a typo? ) By the last bite I was stuffed. The wine was better than the syrah but again not a taste favourite.

Paul enjoying the bison course.

We arrived by 7pm. The first wine was served at 7:30. The owner of the winery gave us the background of each wine as it was served and the chef explained each course and what flavours in the wine had inspired it. I was too busy eating and drinking to take notes and I will admit to not picking up the nuances of flavours in wines. The amount of food was staggering and they were generous with the wine.

We finished and headed home at 10:30.

In March they are doing it again this time featuring Charles Smith wines from Walla Walla Washington. Will we go? Not sure. It was almost too much food and too much wine. I will admit to spending most of Friday recovering.

The shopping continues

2011-11-10T13:21:00.001-05:00

Saw an ad on Tuesday for 50% off the red ticket items I had purchased on Monday. I checked the back of my bill and discovered that they have a 14 day price adjustment policy.   Naturally I went back to the store. They very kindly pointed out the "on new items" only policy and I just as politely pointed out the "and on sale items" on the back of my bill.
Turns out my receipt had been printed on an old roll that should have been pulled and destroyed. They did honour the wording and I got a close to $14.00 refund.    They did remove the offending roll and dug under the counter and found more that promptly went into the garbage.

Being on a roll I headed out again yesterday having noticed the store where I got my fall coat ( on sale ) was having a sale on some winter jackets.   Bought one. Perfect for the car/grocery/mall.   Seeing as I had a voucher for a shoe store I wandered in there as well and yes, the sale shoes fit so I now own a new pair of blue suede casual shoes.

Next stop the ladies wear at the department store. Brought home a pair of plaid .. I feel 18 again .. trousers that I may or may not keep. Not on sale, no pockets and totally unlike anything I usually wear but I do have several tops that work with them.   I'll ponder.

Last stop was the grocery store where I picked a pound of lovely fresh Atlantic Salmon ( on sale ) and some asparagus from Peru ( on sale ) for supper but was disappointed not to find the Quince fruit paste they had advertised. I have a nice brie waiting to bake with the quince on top.

At one time there were quince orchards in our area but after they were hit by blight farmers went to the more profitable crops of grapes ( wine ) and peaches. I don't think I have ever had quince but I am eager to try.

Perhaps the stock will be in by the weekend.

Big night out tonight. While researching possible dinner spots for our anniversary I saw THIS and decided it sounded interesting so went ahead and booked. I'll fill you in when I recover.

New week

2011-11-07T20:42:00.000-05:00

Perfect weather for fall gardening this weekend.   That means raking leaves in case you are wondering.   I did move my Russian Sage and my lavenders. I have a purple and a white. One now lives in the front garden with the sage and the other has breathing room out back. Come spring I'll discover which one is where.

My arthritis has settled down. Probably the pills. As much as I hate being on any extra medication it's worth it for a good nights rest.     I continue to modify what I do in class at the gym and some times find it better to just head out after the warm up and use the treadmill.

Wanted to look at coats on sale today only to discover the store I visited is a B in the chain so a smaller stock -- no coats.   I did alright though. Found two tops on sale after already being marked down and a blouse on sale that fit well and suited my price range.

Paul is out with Stephen tonight sorting out a closet at the apartment. Father teaching son home maintenance. I rather enjoy the whole idea.   S. was here earlier going through boxes and drawers and he actually took stuff with him when he left. He spent some time going through his Transformer collection with a view to sell at a game/collectible shop.   He figures at this rate he'll have all his stuff out in 2 years. I think I'll be lucky if it's in 5.

and it's only November

2011-11-04T21:17:00.003-04:00

Cakes are made and happily waiting for the next cognac soak mid month.

Getting the stocking and making the cakes must have kick started my need to shop. I've been busy on line again. This time I treated myself Isn't she lovely?

I expect she will become a new tradition in my home.   Some years I find an ornament that appeals some years I don't.   Putting out things that are special keeps the Christmas spirit alive and well.

It's all good news

2011-10-25T15:56:00.000-04:00

We went to a sushi all-you-can-eat restaurant on Saturday. I'd had a taste or two before but this was the first time I had a full sushi meal.   Much wider variety than I had pictured. Love that everything is made fresh and they charge extra for what you don't eat.

We went with Stephen and Chawana.   It's official. Not that we didn't know it was coming but seeing the engagement ring just added the icing to the cupcake.

I couldn't be happier.   Paul however is a little concerned at my desire to shop shop shop for girly stuff now with Christmas coming.

I started today when I picked up a handmade Christmas stocking ( not the exact one ) from a seller on Etsy, who by pure chance lives not far from me, so Chawana will have a special one to add alongside ours.

Next up is a trip to see the Christmas ornaments in a shop on Locke St. It seems they are getting ones shaped like cupcakes. How perfect as this shop just might be their favourite place for desserts.

Tomorrow I shop for the makings for the Christmas cakes. My sister Barbara will be here one day on the weekend so we can make and bake them.

On offering today...

2011-10-20T15:54:00.000-04:00

You can click on the recipe to make it more readable, I just scanned the one I had cut from the newspaper. Far easier than typing it out and less chance of error. The photo is mine. I will be making it again but next time I will let the pears ripen a bit more. I seem to have a problem with pears. I rush. I didn't have any almond extract so I doubled the vanilla.

Yesterday Margaret and I took another bus trip with Redeemer College, this time to Niagara on the Lake to see My Fair Lady .
A back stage tour and lunch were included as well as a lecture on Monday evening. Costumes were amazing, sets inventive and cast delightful. A grand day out.

This is a fine example of what happens when you hit the take picture button instead of the turn off button. At least it's in focus.

Oct 7 - Oct 10

2011-10-10T14:33:00.001-04:00

Perfect almost summer-like temperatures and clear skies for Thanksgiving and our anniversary weekend. On Friday we headed out to Ball's Falls Conservation area for the annual craft show. We went for the historic buildings and scenery as well as the chance to see what might be tempting to buy. Good quality crafts and interesting food samples but we didn't buy anything other than lunch.

Out building and one of the many harvest displays.

Automatic washing machine .. driven by a small engine.

1911 Military Band Organ

the works

Side of the mill, the front is currently under renovation.

They still mill flour and it is for sale $3.00 a bag

The falls. At the base we could see salmon spawning in the shallow rocky stream.

The Ball family home is open to tour. I liked these birds ( pheasants? ) staring down at the dining room table and the muted wall paper.

Interesting linoleum pattern in the kitchen and pantry.

After getting lost but happily stumbling on a winery where I purchased Cranberry fruit wine, we finally found Jordon and had coffee on the patio and then dinner inside at Inn OnTthe Twenty.

Photo doesn't do justice to my dessert. Lemon tart with blackberries and blackberry sorbet.

................

Saturday Paul cut the grass, I did some laundry and hung it outside to dry and made a quick grocery visit for brussel sprouts (I never serve turkey without them) and whipped cream.

Sunday was turkey dinner at our place with my sister Barbara, Stephen and Chawana.

Monday our actual anniversary and we have been doing small chores around the-. Paul is currently outside watering the grass seed he put down on the front lawn and as soon as I post this I'm going to join him outside to enjoy this weather. Sunny 28C.

It's catch up with Elizabeth time

2011-10-04T18:47:00.001-04:00


Learned how to make Pavlova from the girl next door. She's originally from Perth Australia. Sept. 16th

Paul decide if I could take photos of food he could too. His self packed picnic in the park. Sept. 18th

British Car Day in Bronte Park. I like the reflections. Paul liked the cars. Sept. 18th


On the landing, sun coming in the side window. I like the shadow on the wall. Sept. 24th.

**************

I've been on a cleaning and recycling rampage. The Salvation Army has benefited. I've sold some items on Kijiji and I've put out my max garbage allowance several weeks running. I feel so much lighter now.

Today I went through multiple boxes and have sorted and repacked, in new rubbermaid bins - there was a 2 for one sale - certificates, school stuff, family photos, cards etc. Each new one now labelled and ready for a final sort. I found out after Paul made his feelings known that I need to let each person decide what to keep and what to toss. I apparently have the boys a little scared with my level of purging.

It's our 41st anniversary this weekend as well as the Canadian Thanksgiving. After days of wet weather we are now having sunny skies and warmer temperatures and it promises to stay this way so we can enjoy my favourite time of year ... Autumn.

Walking the streets of Hamilton

2011-09-11T14:18:00.000-04:00

Saturday September 10 2011, the day of places to go in Hamilton. We started at 10:53 am with a bus ride to the Locke St. Festival It's grown since I was last there in 2009. This year Paul decided to tag along because of the James St Supercrawl, the ships in at the harbour and the Canadian Country Music Fanfest free show all available by free shuttle bus.

Paul watching for the shuttle to the waterfront

Locke St.had lots of interesting craft booths and most of the restaurants had food stations so we looked and we ate. It was hard passing up the homemade jams and jellies but we still had miles to walk and hours to go.

Shortly after 1pm we caught the shuttle to James St. where music seemed to be the main focus. We did visit a few stores/galleries. I did shop for light things at one craft booth and then it was off to wait for the shuttle again to take us down to the harbour.

Pride of Baltimore II

We just missed seeing the tall ship arrived but we did see them stowing the sails before allowing visitors aboard.

HMCS Montreal

Short walk along the pier to view a modern Canadian vessel

parked nose to nose with a bit of Canadian naval history, The Haida

Caught the shuttle back uptown to touch base with the country music venue but they were packing up and closing down by the time we arrived. Lowest item on my "let's go see" list so no worries there. We at least visited the place so am counting it as a 4 for 4 day.

To finish off the day we walked ( oh my but my feet and legs got tired ) to the Wass Ethiopian restaurant for dinner. Seeing as it was our first visit they helped us decide what to try.

Vegetarian platter


Lamb with peppers (sizzling when it arrived at the table)

Paul had an Ethiopian dark beer and I tried a glass of honey wine. Good meal, good drinks.

Caught a bus home, walking in the door at 6:45 pm. Good day. Perfect wandering weather. Paul rode a bus for the first time in years and admitted that the shuttle bus was the way to go.

Another fine day out

2011-08-13T13:58:00.002-04:00


This one is for Jayne who has a fine appreciation for old things and history.

One good day out deserves another so Thursday we headed down to Niagara on the Lake . Took the scenic route rather than the highway and made a stop along the way, seeing a 1/2 price sale sign drawing our attention, at one of the many wineries along the way. Tasted a few of Rockway Glen's wine and bought a bottle of Riesling. It wasn't on sale but it was our favourite.

NOTL is full of lovely old homes. Shaded yards, English style gardens and wrap-around porches. Many have been converted into Bed and Breakfasts. During the Shaw Festival season the town is packed.

After a wander through the shops, time for coffee

We ate lunch at a Greek restaurant and wandered the shops, eyeing things but not buying. Stopped for a coffee, Paul hot, me iced, before heading to Fort George.

View of the Niagara on the Lake's main street from our cafe table


Entrance to Fort George.

First time I visited Fort George would have been in the 1950's on a family summer day trip. Paul and I went in 1971 and we took Stephen in 1987.

Fife and Drum demonstration

Brown Bess demo -- loading and firing

Enjoyed the demonstration of the Brown Bess. It certainly explained why we saw so many blue cartridge papers lying about.

Partial view of fort

Flag lowering ceremony with the Fife and drums playing God Save the King

Strangest sighting of the day -- a wedding shoot.

Headed home via Port Dalhousie where we stopped for fish and chips in a corner pub and then picked up the highway for a quick drive home.

photos will be bigger if you click on them : )

Been awhile

2011-08-10T17:55:00.001-04:00

Paul and my cousin Ross

View from the outside deck

The other two boats


View of the shoreline

We played tourist in our neighbourhood yesterday with my cousin Ross and his wife Pat. They suggested we take the Grand River lunch cruise . We've know about it for years but never gone.

There was heavy rain when we got up and during the 30 minute drive to the dock area but by the time we'd been entertained and we went out to board our boat ( one of three ) the sun was out and shining. I'd taken my umbrella, a waterproof jacket and sunglasses. Used all three!

The entertainment was excellent. The food typical for the type of venue but it sure was nice catching up on family news while being served a meal and cruising down the river.

We covered only short area of the long river in the Caledonia/Brantford area.

..........

Still playing with my crochet crafts. I have a full bag of yarn and really should decide on my next project. I've finished a shawl but it needs a little fiddling with so both ends are the same width .. I have tension issues.. and I've made 4 simple mug cozies and have plans to make more, this time with bottoms that act as coasters.

Photos

2011-07-18T19:20:00.001-04:00


waiting from lunch on the roof of my car

Park in the driveway, turn your back and the car roof attracts visitors. The mother wouldn't come near while I was out with my camera but she certainly chirped her displeasure. He eventually did a rather graceful slide down to the ground and hid under some bushes. 35C - no wonder he wanted shade.
...........................

basil

I like to keep fresh herbs on my window sill. The light shining through the roots is a bonus.

thyme

.....................................

Ground beef fat in a small container

Guess it's official

2011-07-15T14:03:00.001-04:00

Last night Stephen took his pillow. He has never taken his pillow before.

I thought it real with the signing of the lease Sunday, the moving in her stuff on Wednesday and the shopping for and buying a couch yesterday, not to mention shopping for a toilet plunger, broom and a dish rack, but taking his pillow off the bed and leaving the pillow case behind made me realize he has his own place now.

They met, they clicked, they found a 2 bedroom apartment in a great central older neighbourhood.

How can I not appreciate a girl who makes my son happy and brings me sunflowers, just because.

Elizabeth and Catherine in Victoria June 2011 part 2

2011-07-09T00:08:00.001-04:00

C and Emily

Wednesday June 15 - Our day to visit the Royal BC Museum to see The Other Emily . Catherine is a real fan of Canadian painter Emily Carr and was not overly impressed with the exhibit but I learned more then I knew before, probably because C. was so will versed and filled me in.

We considered wandering into other galleries but we seemed to have picked school trip day and the place was full of noisy children. We went to lunch instead at Sam's Deli sharing a sandwich and salad headed to -

Murchie's again, this time for tea (C) and hot chocolate (me).

We made our obligatory stop at Munro's "Canada's Most Magnificent Bookstore", then once more wander the shops on our walk home.

do click to see the detail larger

On Fort St. we passed a dressmaking store with this dress in the window. Every time we went by we'd pause and admire the elegant simplicity of it's design. Catherine decided it would make a perfect wedding dress.

I did have the name of the shop and the designer but I lost it so I can't credit the maker. She was a young woman who said the dress was inspired by the material. Pure romance.

We arrived home at 3:30 having left at 10:30 and having been on our feet for most of the time took the opportunity to rest until Emily joined us after work for coffee on the porch of the Moka House giving B-A a chance to ease her headache and Dom the chance to make our dinner. Italian Eggs with Spinach Marinara over Polenta. I should have taken a picture. But I did get the recipe.

Recipe: Italian Eggs with Spinach Marinara over Polenta with Dom's changes in red
My favorite way to make eggs is to poach them because of all the creamy egg yolk. If you don’t
like your eggs soft, all you need to do is cook it twice as long. Another option, after cooking the
eggs softly, place the entire mixture over the pan of polenta and back into the oven for 3 minutes

– sprinkle the cheese at the last minute.

Recipe Adapted From: Cooking Light.com Yield: 4 Servings Time: Total 15 minutes
Ingredients:

1 (16-ounce) tube of polenta, cut into 12 slices (About 1.5 cm ea)

2 cups tomato-basil pasta sauce (I used roasted garlic sauce, it mixes well with the taste)

1 (6-ounce) package fresh baby spinach

4 large eggs 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded Asiago cheese (I use old white cheddar)
.....................
1. Preheat broiler.

2. Arrange polenta slices on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Coat tops of polenta with
cooking spray. Broil 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. (I cook the polenta for at least two to
three time as long as above (6 to 9 min), it makes it crispy.)

3. While polenta heats, bring sauce to a simmer in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Stir in spinach; cover and cook for 1 minute or until spinach wilts. Stir to combine. Make 4
indentations in top of spinach mixture using the back of a wooden spoon. Break 1 egg into each
indentation. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes or until eggs are desired degree of
doneness. Sprinkle with cheese.

4. Place 3 polenta slices on each of 4 plates; top each serving with one-fourth of spinach mixture
and 1 egg.

.......................................

Thursday June 16 - Slow day. I went out for groceries and had a wander through some of the shops on Cook St. One new addition since my visit in 2008 is a fresh seafood and butcher store. The alleyway fruit and vegetable man is still there and seems to have added more flowers to his stock and there have been some changes in the fast food vendors. We spent time sat out on the balcony reading.

The girls picked us up after work and we drove to Capital Iron and then we walked to lululemon to exchange a shirt Cath. had picked up earlier in the visit for her husband. Drove to Fisherman's Wharf where Dom joined us for dinner by the water. Interesting fact: Cath. is the only one of us who has never seen a seal when visiting the wharf. It was almost cold by the time we had finished eating our fish and chips so we we headed back to B-A and D's for some decadent hot chocolate. It had lavender in it so I was told. I did appreciate the real whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top!

a real treat

.........................

Friday June 18 - In a historic house behind the legislature is the Queen's Printer. A shop filled with maps, nature books and locally made crafts. Certainly worth the visit. From there we walked to the harbour front with the idea of doing something really touristy...visit The Undersea Gardens. We arrived at the ticket booth only to discover we would have a 15 minute wait and there were no toilets in the building. It was suggested we head to the ferry terminal and then return. We headed to the Information Centre instead and after walking by a restaurant decided lunch was a much better idea.
We went to the Rebar for lunch in Bastion Square and did a little shopping at the outdoor street market.

Movie night at Emily's. We got subs and settled in to watch Narnia, Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

No photos today. Sometimes the doing is more important than pulling out the camera.

................

Saturday July 18 - The girls had arranged a treat for us in advance ordering tickets for the theatre in Chemainus.

Emily, Beth-Anne, Catherine

View from the main st

Salads- including a seaweed one

Salmon main course

Little fang with dessert

After the buffet lunch served in the restuarant right in the theatre we went in to see Fiddler On The Roof. The theatre is small so every seat is close to the stage. I knew the songs but had never seen the show before. The show was very professional with a multi-talented cast. Most played more than one instrument and all had excellent singing voices. Chemainus Theatre Festival

As was typical on our trip we headed off to the nearest coffee shop after wandering some of the shops. We all bought something at the candy store stop.

Unfortunately Catherine developed a tooth problem yesterday that while slowing her down today didn't stop her. By the time we returned home she was ready to take another pain killer and crawl into bed. I joined the others for a spaghetti dinner that Dom had ready for us.

.......................................

Sunday June 19 - Late morning wander downtown to do some

shopping with the kids. Beth-Anne and Dom waited patiently outside one of the souvenir shops while C. Em and I browsed.

We ate lunch at the Irish Times Pub. I had the Seafood club:Bacon, lettuce, tomato, smoked garlic aioli, apple chutney, grilled salmon on panini with prawn garnish that came with a side bowl of clam chowder. Tried a Lime Shandy, beer and lime juice. I'd order the meal again but not bother with the drink.

Cath. likes to read local news

After visiting and buying at the Sunday Market at Centennial Square we ended up at the coffee shop the girls frequent after yoga classes. Is there a shop in town these kids have missed? Wild was totally different with it's rustic furniture. The arms of the chairs were the perfect size for holding cups and saucers. Good coffee.

Playing with some settings on my camera ...

...so I could find the self-timer

Cath. and I left the others at a grocery store buying supplies for dinner and after getting a little lost ( first time for everything ) headed home.

Light salad meal for dinner, cantaloupe and prosciutto ham served with fresh bread, once again put together for us by the young ones. It really was nice being so well looked after. No meal planning, no cooking, no cleaning up.

Our girls holiday easily opened up to include Dom. Didn't take me long after Emily arrived to start calling us- The Four Hers and a Him.

Monday June 20 - Thanks to an online search by the girls Catherine saw a dentist this morning. His office was just around the corner from the apartment and after he checked her, took some X rays and wrote her a prescription for an antibiotic we sat in yet another coffee shop waiting for her pills. It all went smoothly and cost far less then we had expecting.

Tucked C. into bed to rest, grabbed my phone, my water bottle and my camera and headed to Beacon Hill Park. This poppy had caught my eye every time I walked by the house next door. I bought some seeds at the Moss Street Market and hopefully I'll have some growing in my garden next year.

A block away from home and into the park

One of the larger water areas.

Pretty flowers always catch my attention,

as do cute baby ducks

There are quite a number of peacocks in the park and they are tame enough to get quite close.

This doesn't begin to show the brilliant colours.

The park borders Dallas Rd where we sat earlier on our holiday. This time I took a long walk along the paved path stopping often to admire the views.

Clouds over the Olympus Mountains across the water in Washington State

Looking down the cliff to the shoreline

do click to enlarge for a better view

Whale watching boats passing. Lucky shot with the sailboats also in the frame.

Filling our faces.

Walked the park again later in the day with the others. Time for dinner at the Beacon Drive Inn. The medication seems to be working for Cath. already. Burgers weren't the best but the company couldn't have been better!

Sisters on holiday.

As impressive as the front view

More peacocks. This one gave us quite a show. What we discovered as we got closer were the ducks trying to steal it's dinner.

After much fluttering and advancing on the peacocks part, the ducks retreated.

.............................

Tuesday June 21 - Our last full day. Catherine never misses a trip to Craigdarroch Castle when visiting her girls. She is quick to notice changes and additions. I was wowed again by the wood work in the hall and staircase. Do visit the link for pictures better than I could have taken.

Now this was worth a shot. I wouldn't mind a toilet roll holder like this

We picked up a soft drink and a Rogers Chocolate treat each in the gift shop and found a bench in the shade in the Government House gardens that are open to the public before our walk home.

Neither one of us wants to leave yet but holidays can't last forever. The girls were surprised at how few tourist attractions we visited but both of us have been in the city before and this trip was about spending time together doing different things. We tried on hats at one store, C. tried on glass frames in a funky little retro shop and after rejecting ones that were more suited to Elton John bought an attractive pair that she will use with her next prescription. We laughed, we talked, we walked...oh how we walked. We shopped. We ate out, we spent time with the girls. I spent more time in coffee shops than ever before and still didn't learn the proper ordering language. We discovered that even after all these years we can live together easily.

Emily came over to help us sort and pack all the things we bought. Some for ourselves and some for family waiting our return. We managed without having to borrow any extra cases. Beth-Anne made us a curried Chicken dish for our final dinner.

Catherine and her girls were a delight and I'll happily repeat this kind of holiday given half a chance.

........................

Wednesday June 22 - After breakfast we pulled our suitcase to the front hall then headed out for a last walk around the neighbourhood. We had become quite comfortable, loving the ability to walk everywhere and the pleasant weather. Picking up a last frappaccino we sat on the balcony of Em's place and waited for Dom to come pick us up for our flight home.

It went quickly as all holidays do but thinking back there is nothing I missed doing or a place I wished we had visited. It wasn't the kind of holiday I would have had with Paul but that was the point. I am so glad we went together and that Catherine's girls were so welcoming. You too Dom.

Catherine has been to her own dentist and all is now well.

Elizabeth and Catherine in Victoria June 2011

2011-07-07T23:39:00.003-04:00

My French toast - C's porridge in back

Thursday June 9 - Flight from Hamilton to Victoria with a short stop in Calgary. Beth-Anne and Dom picked us up at the airport and drove us to Emily's apartment via the scenic route. As we got closer to Cook St. Village things started to look familiar. Emily is in Ontario thanks to her job, something we hadn't counted on when we booked our holiday. Settled in quite nicely.

Curried eggs for Beth-Anne

Friday June 10 - Beth-Anne had today off to help a friend prepare for her wedding so she treated us to breakfast at the Blue Fox, a very popular all day breakfast/lunch restaurant, as our welcome to Victoria. Catherine and I walked into the centre of the city , did some souvenir shopping and after meeting Beth-Anne mid-afternoon went to Murchie's for coffee and to shop for specialty teas to take home. Cath. and I had grilled cheese for dinner, sorted our shopping and had an early night.

.........................

Saturday June 11- Starbucks for coffee before walking to the street market on Moss St. Mmmm strawberry frappuccino. Had a good wander around, did a little shopping, ate lunch and then back to B-A and Dom's apartment (conveniently one street over from Em's) before heading off to do a grocery shop. B-A cooked a tasty pork dish served over rice. Nice balance .... she cooks he cleans up.

Little fang helping in the kitchen

Almost time to eat.


Beth-Anne,me and Catherine

..........

Sunday June 12 - Sleep in and then over to the other apartment for a fabulous brunch. Dom makes crepes according to his French Canadian grandmother's tried and true recipe, served with fresh strawberries, Quebec maple syrup and Black Forest Ham bacon. YUM.

Drove to Oak Bay to try and find the bakery Paul and I fell in love with but it was gone. Not a lot of the shops were open but we did find two bookstores to visit and while they bought I just browsed.

We dropped Catherine back at the apartment and I joined B-A and D on a run to their garden allotment and helped do some weeding and planting: tomatoes, peppers, Swiss chard and basil that had been purchased yesterday at Moss St. The spinach planted earlier in the year was ready for harvest so it was used along with the green beans with our chicken ( my recipe ) dinner. The only time I help with a dinner meal the whole holiday.

Good looking, great accent and he cooks!

.......................

Street corner near the Royal BC Museum

Monday June 13- On our own today with the kiddies back at work. We walked downtown admiring gardens, talking to strangers and wandered in and out of all the stores that caught our eyes ( there were many ). Stopped at Starbucks and I had another frappuccino, caramel this time having discovered the strawberry one had no coffee in it. There are coffee shops everywhere. No one seems to be without a cup in their hand in this town.

We walked a good 5 hours today. We must have had supper but not having written it down the memory is gone. Bet the kids feed us. We looked after our own breakfast and lunches and then let them spoil us the rest of the time.

..................

Tuesday June 14 - Having walked our legs tender over the last few days we decided to slow down today. After picking up a cold drink we headed to Dallas Road- Victoria's scenic oceanfront walk stretches from the Ogden Point Breakwater to Ross Bay- to enjoy the view and people watch.

Crows everywhere. We took over the bench.

Yes we are definitely here!

View looking left

Straight ahead

Looking over my shoulder. The large house on the left is a B&B on the corner of Cook St.

The iris in the garden at the front of the B&B


Colours I've never seen before.

Thanks to a short notice transfer Emily is back! It has been decided that she will stay at the other apartment and we get to stay put at her place for the duration of our visit. Out for a wood-fired thin crust pizza dinner at the Prima Strada Pizzeria, a restaurant that was just opening when Paul and I visited in 2008. It is just one of the many eating places within walking distance.


Just what I wanted on my holiday, my sister and both my nieces.

-links-

http://www.tourismvictoria.com/Murchies_Tea_Coffee_Specialty_Shop

http://www.mossstreetmarket.com/?page_id=283

http://www.explorevancouverisland.com/Dallas_Road_Walkway_Victoria_BC.htm

http://www.cookstreetvillage.ca/village.php

http://www.pizzeriaprimastrada.com/

more to follow

Some things change - some things don't in 22 years

2011-06-05T20:58:00.000-04:00

1989


2011

Same earrings, same chair, same candle holder, same husband.

Thankfully the shirts are gone.

Today I turned into a Senior...

2011-06-04T13:44:00.002-04:00

...at least in the eyes of the government.

The poppies in my garden usually bloom on my Birthday. This year the first few were a day or two early. Hopefully when I get outside I will find them still standing after the spectacular storm Mother Nature gifted me with this morning.   (this bud photo was taken yesterday )

Dinner tonight with my family.

Just days away from my trip west with Catherine.   I'm excited.

Changing colours

2011-05-29T16:20:00.002-04:00

The iris have started and the poppies should be next

What I did on my long weekend

2011-05-23T20:48:00.002-04:00

We went for a walk today between threatened rain storms so I could test out one pair of shoes that I thought might be worth packing for my holiday west. They are not going with me. Didn't take long to discover my older running shoes cause less stress on my hip and leg. I think it's the type/material heel construction.

Went to the mall Friday and got some good bargains on pants. Two pairs of capris and one pair of dressy long pants. Now I'll be wondering what to leave behind rather than worrying that I haven't enough to pack.

Had my hair cut on Sunday at a new salon. The place I'd been going for years and years and years closed and I had to find someplace new. Like the results so far, I'll see how it grows in. Costs the same and is only a little further away.

The sofa bed in the spare/computer room is already littered with "things to pack". I drop things there as I think of them. My suitcase is looking smaller and smaller every day.

Our long weekend is just winding down, it was a good one. Between the showers I planted some basil, a few more flowers, tried to tame the fast growing clematis, did some weeding and found homes for most of the ornaments that I like to place about in the beds.. The garden is looking good.

We had our first taste of local asparagus. We grilled it with some yellow zucchini and I was pleasantly surprised at how sweet both tasted. Just a little olive oil and sea salt so the true flavours would shine.

During a lull in the rain

2011-05-19T20:39:00.003-04:00

Bleeding Heart.

Primroses are happy with the cool wet weather


Hostas, Solomon's Seal, sedum and ground cover under my back maple tree.

The rain has been a bother but I can't complain at how it has greened up my garden. Everything is growing and lasting well thanks to the cool temperatures. The weatherman says we might have a nice sunny day on Saturday. Several days in a row would be nice. We are coming up to the first official long weekend of Summer 2011.

I decided to throw myself a Birthday party. Today I reserved a table for six - sister Catherine and Eric, sister Barbara, son Stephen, me and Paul at La Spaghett and have told Paul I would like cake and wine back here at the house after dinner. Having family celebrating with me will be all the gift I need.

Return of the missing

2011-05-13T14:03:00.002-04:00

front garden

Squirrel proofing

Water drops in the sedum


reflection

I know I posted these pictures just after Mother's Day but they seems to have wander off into the abyss taking whatever witty comments I might have made along with them.

Bet I went to fix something and forgot to publish. Must be the weather, can't have anything to do with age. I am not ready to admit to senior moments quite yet.

It wasn't me after all, it was Blogger. Is it telling that I don't think beyond my own fingers and brain?

My garden on Mother's Day

2011-05-11T16:12:00.000-04:00

Filling in with colour

Growing forks

After rain, Autumn Joy Sedum


Can you see the refection?

Some colour and green growth finally on show in the front garden. It looks like spring even if it still doesn't feel like it.

I'm not really growing forks I'm trying to discourage squirrels. I read on line that it works to keep the pests out of pots and as we all know, everything on line is true so I'm giving it a try in with my herbs. If one of the little beggars manages to die a quick death by impaling itself, I'm all set to COOK dinner.

Easter weekend treat - colour in my garden

2011-04-24T16:22:00.000-04:00

The first- hopefully the rest will follow quickly

Tiny and short lived but pretty

They came back! Last years pansies have started blooming

Pulled the pots of French Tarragon from the garage and they are doing well. Just have to keep the squirrels out of the pots.

My first

2011-04-22T16:47:00.004-04:00

before

after baking

..... ever date squares. My sister Barbara gifts me with a batch each Christmas because they are something I never make but just recently Margaret gave me some of hers to taste and I was inspired to make my own.   We shopped at the bulk barn together after gym on Wednesday and she helped me buy the right ingredients and answered all my questions. Apparently I need to learn to think less and just do.   Well I did this morning and in the process learned a few lesson.

1)   Cut the butter into smaller pieces before blending in the the dry ingredients.
2) Let them cool longer before digging in or
3)   Ask Margaret why mine seem a little overly moist on the bottom.

Stephen says we can eat them with a spoon, Paul says that's a great idea as long as I serve ice cream on the plate at the same time.

DATE SQUARES

Combine in saucepan and cook until soft:

1 lb of dates (1 1/4 lb) don't be too specific she said I'd know

1 1/2 cup of water (same amount of water) by looking

Mix into crumbs:

1 3/4 cup oatmeal (2 1/2 c) large rolled
1 1/4 cup flour (1 3/4 c)

1 cup cold butter (1 1/2 c) M uses the larger measures

1 cup brown sugar (1 1/2 c) and so did I

1 tsp baking soda (1 1/2 tsp)

1 tsp salt (1 1/2 tsp)

I use my hands to mix . I used a pastry blender

Put half the crumbs into a 9 x 9 in pan or an oblong pan. mine was 7 X 11

Add date mixture layer and top with remaining crumbs.

Bake at 250 deg for 1 hr. Yes that is right 250 deg.

They are very rich and moist and yes, I will make them again.

Oh my

2011-04-14T17:25:00.002-04:00

How many maple trees on Canadian front lawns are home to a koala bear and baby?

Probably just mine.

It was a tad chilly today but seeing as both Paul and I were working outside it seem the perfect day to install my Christmas gift. I have a very dear friend in South West Rocks, Australia who delights in sending me unusual presents. She certainly out did herself with this one.

Bats you are truly one of a kind.

Oh what a lovely afternoon

2011-04-10T16:32:00.003-04:00

First one up in my garden

Today started with black skies, thunder and rain. By noon it had cleared and now, late afternoon, it is 23C. Paul has pulled the BBQ from the garage, given it a test run, and I have steaks marinating in the kitchen.

I don't expect we will keep this warm weather so the shorts won't be coming out of the back of the closet quite yet and the electric blanket will stay on the bed, but what a nice introduction to what is to come.

Leg and hip are feeling much better. Hopefully I will get back to the gym by Wednesday.

Finally something new here

2011-04-02T16:25:00.004-04:00

Crocus

Spring colour has started.

click to enlarge

What's new with me.

My left leg and back are still not yet back to normal. Apparently as I've aged I've managed to develop a touch of arthritis in my sacroiliac joints. I'm on my second dose of anti-inflammatories and I'm not thrilled with the continuing slowness and aches. At least I can walk from one end of the mall to the other now.

I've had two sessions with a physiotherapist and when I go on Monday I'll be asking for a Do and Don't list of exercises that will work for me. I have some strengthening ones already to do at home but I want to get back to class. I miss the social aspect as well as the work out.

Having spent many an hour on the computer searching Bed and Breakfasts, routes, things to see in do on a drive from here to Savannah Georgia I decided it was just too exhausting to try and organize so I checked airline prices to Victoria BC, emailed my nieces and called their mother, my sister Catherine. C. and I fly out June 9th and return on the 22nd. A girls only holiday, something I've wanted to do for years. Paul and I spent 5 weeks there in 2008 so I'll know my way around their neighbourhood and having been, he doesn't feel slighted at being left at home.

I've done some light cleanup in the yard and garden. I've pulled dusty forgotten books from shelves. I've finally updated my blog.

Lunch time

2011-03-05T15:14:00.000-05:00

Not only does he think he can stand on the window sill and peek in, he thinks he's entitled to feast on my Hen and Chicks. There will be a bare spot in the garden come spring.

Snow on the ground but music in my ears

2011-02-27T20:03:00.004-05:00


Follow the arrow to Kathy. We exercise together at the gym.

The Bach Elgar Choir performed, Great Opera Choruses in the auditorium at the Royal Botanical gardens this afternoon. They were joined by three soloist and I was particularly thrilled with mezzo soprano Erica Iris Huang. With only a piano for accompaniment the hall was filled with voices producing incredible music.

In May they are performing Handel's Judas Maccabeus and I intent to attend. This time it will be in a local church, their normal venue.

I had gone early so I could visit the gardens but my leg just wasn't up to the wandering. I did manage a few flower snaps as I made my way to the exit.

It's all Margaret's fault

2011-02-25T13:44:00.002-05:00

It snowed today.

My friend Margaret left for the sunny shores of Cuba this morning. It always snows when she flies south and she always managed to get out just ahead of it. I get to blame Margaret for sending me outside to shovel.

I realized as I said it out loud that having a friend named Margaret and having an older sister named Margaret means I've been able to shift the blame since birth.

How handy.

Sisters and friends are good to have.

Oh dear

2011-02-24T14:25:00.002-05:00

Why is it that some cartoons fit perfectly?

Age did get mentioned at my appointment. My pulled right leg muscle seems to be taking forever to heal. I had thought a week would have been enough but apparently not at my age. I will be limping along for several more weeks.
*sigh*

Wish I had left well enough alone. I'm not at all happy with the changes I've been making with colours here on my blog so I might just go back to the old classic even if it means having to enter my -- first is last.
*sigh*
At least once I get it set and settled you won't be able to see my blunders.
*yeah*

Paul went to the BIG car show in Toronto yesterday and picked out his next sedan. Didn't win the lottery last night so it will stay on his ever expanding wish list.
I'm not picking cars, I'm picking vacations.
*sigh*

Still playing with colour

2011-02-21T13:08:00.001-05:00

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll185/JohnNLorraine/oh-the-huge-manatee.jpg

Thought I should credit the photo. Stephen emailed it to me knowing I'd get it quickly. Did you?

Playing with colour

2011-02-18T16:24:00.002-05:00

....and not sure I like this or anything else I tinkered with.

I'll be back later to play. Probably

Keeping busy

2011-02-17T17:29:00.004-05:00

Margaret's birthday gift.

I pulled out the crochet hook and made her a shawl. She gave me a lovely knitted scarf for Christmas.

I'm pleased at how well it turned out. I have a few more projects in mind.

Margaret wearing her gift on Holiday in Cuba

I've been doing some investigating and managed to identify 3 of the Limoges marks on the back of the family porcelain I inherited. In the process I've learned a lot but not, alas, the name of the pattern or the company that decorated it. When it gets passed down the notes and photos I have put together will go with it. I believe the settings came from my great Aunt's estate so they could have belonged to her or to my father's maternal grandmother. Another case when I didn't ask enough questions when I had the chance.

detail of the pattern

Now I just need to find some new dinner and side plates for every day use. The current pieces I have are starting to show wear. I've been buying mid range priced pieces so I can change when the mood strikes. I am planing on prowling through china departments tomorrow.

Paul's birthday

2011-02-10T17:45:00.004-05:00

We went out to celebrate Paul's 68th birthday on the 8th.
I spent much of the 9th suffering from a tummy ache.

Could it have been:

The bread dipped in oil and garlic

or the lobster tail with crab and hollandaise sauce served with roasted potatoes and asparagus?

Not this three chocolate dessert, Paul ate it all by himself.

Perhaps the tiramisu I managed to

scrap clean.

all better today thanks

In the wind

2011-02-02T13:03:00.004-05:00

One leg pulled up for warmth, feathers getting ruffled by the cold wind this hawk stayed put on the telephone wires at the back of our yard long enough for Paul to try some photos through the window. The colour is a bit off but close enough. We think he could be a Sharp-shinned Hawk. link
...........
We got hit with our first major winter storm last night and this morning. Paul has been out with the snow blower, Stephen has made an emergency run for more gas for it and only got stuck once ( his car has the winter tires, Paul and I just hunker down at home when the weather gets bad ) and the snowplow has just gone down the street and buried in the end of our driveway.

So far I've managed to hide indoors. My contribution was to head out to the stores on Monday to restock the fridge and cupboards.

Spring can arrive anytime now, please.

Another fine adventure

2011-01-28T19:03:00.005-05:00

Lecture and bus trip time again.
The talk on Wednesday evening giving an over view of Indian history/religion was well delivered and extremely informative. It was a perfect set up for our trip today to the Art Gallery of Ontario to see: Maharaja The splendour of India's Royal Court.

I can't begin to do justice trying to describe the wonders I saw. There wasn't a piece shown that didn't attract full attention. I came home with very tired eyes.
AGO link

Having enjoyed all three excursions ( previous trips ) I can't wait to see what they come up with in the fall.

ps... they have a great gift shop

Food photo theme continued

2011-01-23T17:02:00.005-05:00

This time it was the seeds in the red pepper that caught my eye.

We were coming very close to running out of Red Pepper Jelly
so I put together a new batch this afternoon. Every time I make it I gets easier. Probably because I've learned from previous mistakes.

Only blip this time was buying liquid Certo ( pectin ) instead of the crystals that work best in this recipe. I must remember to read labels!

Having opened the box before realizing my error, I will keep it handy and when Spring/Summer arrives and fresh fruit becomes available I think I'll try my hand at making refrigerator jam using one of the recipes in the box.

Green onion and ham

2011-01-11T12:42:00.005-05:00

Paul thought the trimmings from dinner prep was rather picturesque so being a good wife *choke choke* I rushed and got my camera. I did a little playing around with the photo now that Stephen has installed Picasa on the new computer and I'm in a learn a new programme phase.

Top bright multicolour is a shawl I made using up partial left over balls of yarn and a pattern that started with 93 stitches and worked down to one. I made some rather interesting mistakes in the first few rows and discovered that if continued they looked like they belonged.

Right muted coloured shawl was my first attempt at anything other than a scarf and started with 3 stitches and worked up to what pleased me as a stopping spot. I tend to improvise.

Left is my first attempt at crocheting after many years. A simple scarf with a scalloped edge that appeared because I hadn't figured out turning properly. Added a nice touch though.

Sunday I shopped for more yarn and another hook, I love sales, so with my supplies increasing I dug out a nice soft green bag I'd stashed away and it works perfectly as a hold all/carry all.

Girls day out

2011-01-07T13:19:00.005-05:00

Emily, Beth -Anne, Catherine, Barbara

Monday was Girls Day Out before my two nieces headed back west. C. is their mother, B. our sister. We wandered the few open shops on Locke St. and after failing to find any seats at the Starbucks ended up at the West Town Bar and Grill for our coffee and snack.

Dentist yesterday morning, tooth all fixed and then to see Tron at the theatre with Paul and Stephen. It's one of those movies that needs to be seen on the big screen. We all enjoyed it although I did find it rather loud. Ears were still ringing when I got home.

Our last VCR has finally broken down and after discovering there is nothing out there as a replacement it looks like repair or do without. Paul really relied on it during Formula 1 season and it's going to be hard to decide between programmes I like when they overlap. With this new computer I will be able to access some of the shows but I'm hoping he gets the machine up and running and then decides which way he wants to go with newer technology.

I haven't stored away my crochet hook yet having successfully finished the shawl/shrug project and having used the remaining yarn for a scarf I gave to Beth-Anne ( she had admired my colour choice ). The biggest challenge now is finding something simple enough for me to make. I did find a website with beginner patterns and online tutorials that I will watch and watch until things make sense. I really am a visual learner.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T14:01:00.005-05:00

Minimal but it suits me fine.

Before

Lots of smiles as gifts are opened.

Certainly a much better 25th this year. In some ways it's hard to believe that it was a year ago that Paul had his accident and that Christmas was far from cheerful. He still has to watch overdoing things with his back and he still has to take daily anti-seizure medication and he has to remember that not only did he injure himself but that he is also getting older and it's OK to take a bit longer getting things done.

We cooked the turkey on the 24th this year instead of spending the afternoon and evening at the hospital and we tucked in to wait for Santa with smiles on our faces thankful that it hadn't been worse.

My sister Barbara and Paul's sister Ruth joined me, Paul and Stephen for dinner. We ate and we ate and then we ate a little more and still there are leftovers. Add the cookies to the chocolate and the munchies that seem to have multiplied when we weren't looking and we'll be stuffing ourselves for days. Good thing I can go back to the gym tomorrow and start working some of it off.

I got 2 surprises this year. First a Koala bear and baby to mount in my tree sent by my dear Australian friend Bats who manages to still surprise me after many years of unusual and memorable gifts. You are crazy and I love you for it Bats.

Second surprise -- a new laptop computer from Stephen that should arrive on the 31st. Nice that I have my own on site computer expert to transfer over files, set everything up and teach me how to use the newer programmes and I'm going to enjoy a bigger screen and the faster speed.

So today as I start to put away the good china, attempt to bring some order back to my living room and plan a "how best to use leftovers dinner" I'm smiling thanks to a very good Christmas.

Not really missing

2010-12-18T13:36:00.004-05:00

.....just too lazy to post.

I've made several other soups and they've turned out well and will be more to my taste with a few easy adjustments.

I've got the Christmas turkey in the freezer.

I've got lots of wine.

I finished shopping early and have started wrapping.

The table top greenery, lights and decorations went up yesterday along with the ornament tree.

I have the everyday Christmas cloth on the dining room table, the festive salt and pepper shakers out and the Xmas burner plate covers on the stove top.

There is enough food, crackers and fancy cheese in the house to ensure we eat well and the only things I need to buy are the fresh vegetables for Christmas dinner, which will be right on the 25th for a change.

Paul and I have had our yearly physicals and passed although I did need a minor change in my cholesterol medication and we've added a daily dash of extra Vitamin D.

Stephen is back home full time having just gone through a pleasant and friendly breakup with his girlfriend. Their life styles were just too different to keep them together as more than friends and they chat and get together often. Seems my idea of relationships must be very old school.

I pulled out my knitting needles and crochet hooks and after fumbling around with some old yarn have decided I can do easy crochet work but knitting is still beyond me.

I've made a scarf and ear muff like headband so far and have pretty yarn, a new large hook and an easy pattern to make a shoulder shawl.

All is well at this point in my world.

(photo is of the Norfolk Island Pine I bought so I'd have some real greenery this Christmas)

The good, the slightly painful and the tasty

2010-11-23T19:40:00.007-05:00

I was at the mall by 10 am this morning to return a shirt we had picked up for Paul on our shopping expedition Friday. He did keep the winter boots that had been our main shopping mission. He's needed a new pair for years. I like to think I convinced him that you get the best pick early in the season but I expect it was the sale plus the extra bonus off coupon he had that made the real difference in him pulling out his credit card.

While there I was also looking for new anything-but-blue-jeans for Stephen but finding his size easily with impossible so I gave up and shopped for myself instead.

New pants - on sale less 30%
Two blouses - on sale less 30% My kind of shopping.

After lunch it was pinch and squeeze time. Had my mammogram.

For dinner I tried another new recipe:

SWEET AND SOUR SAUSAGE AND CABBAGE
4 or 5 Italian sausages
1/4 cup water
1/2 green cabbage
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 green onions - sliced

Put a small amount of oil is pot
Slice each sausage into 4 pieces
Cook til brown, stirring occasionally (5-7 minutes)
Add water and cover pot, continue cooking til sausages are done

Shred cabbage thinly -- about 7 cups
Add to sausage mix with remain ingredients. ( I put in half the cabbage, added cumin, sugar, vinegar, salt and chili stirred, added the rest and stirred again )
Add 1/2 green onions
Cover and simmer til cabbage is tender

Sprinkle some of remaining onion of each serving.

I copied this down from a magazine some time ago and made it for the first time tonight. I will make it again. I had noted down that it was good served with mashed potatoes, I served whole wheat rice.

I made soup, imagine that.

2010-11-20T19:00:00.007-05:00

My friend Margaret makes soup. She talks about her soups. I decided I should make soup. This recipe sounded easy enough for me.

OINKERS AWAY - makes 6 servings

6 slices turkey bacon, chopped
1 cup each chopped onions, celery and carrots
2 tsp minced garlic
4 cups chicken broth, divided
1 tsp dried thyme
3/4 tsp dried marjoram
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 can (19oz/540 ml) navy beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup chopped FRESH parsley - dried is fine too
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp each salt and freshly ground black pepper

Cook bacon in a large, non-stick soup pot (mine is not non-stick) over medium heat for about 4 minutes, stirring often. Be careful not to burn it. Stir in onions, celery, carrots, garlic, and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Cook and stir for 5 more minutes, until vegetables begin to soften.

Add thyme and marjoram and cook 1 more minute. Stir in flour and mix well. Add remaining chicken broth and bring mixture to a boil. It will thicken slightly.

Stir in beans, parsley, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.

Remove bay leaves. Transfer half the soup to a blender and puree soup until smooth. Return pureed soup to pot with remaining soup and mix well. Serve hot.

...........

Instead of canned navy beans I bought dried and soaked them. I learned that they almost double in size so I have left-overs that I have frozen to use in a baked bean recipe I want to try.

The original recipe called for turkey bacon to keep the fat level down. I used maple bacon and drained off the excess fat.

We all loved the soup. I served it as our main meal with slices of a hot rosemary baguette.
Next time I will add more carrots, all other amounts will stay the same.

I don't usually use parsley so when presented with the choice of fresh regular or Italian I picked Italian.

I dried the unused parsley in the microwave on parchment paper. I minute, 1 minute, 1 minute.

I removed any heavy stems, put the dried parsley into a ziplock bag, crushed it, cut off one bottom corner of the bag allowing it to easily pour in a jar for storing.

Today was drizzle more Brandy day for the Christmas cakes.
I managed to get it done and away without cutting myself a slice. Just unwrapping them filled my kitchen with smells of Christmas.

I must be planning on making them again next year. I bought my own large loaf pans.

and now serving

2010-11-17T21:41:00.006-05:00

BAKED CABBAGE-ROLL SKILLET SUPPER
the taste of cabbage rolls without the work

1 lb ground beef or pork -- I used lean beef

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 large cooking onion, peeled and chopped -- I used a portion of a sweet white onion

1 can (14oz/398mL) tomato sauce -- I used a 540mL can of Alymer accent tomatoes (Italian)
1/2 cup water -- I added as needed to cook rice

1 cup (250mL) 5 minute rice -- I used a little more than 1/2 cup of long grain rice

1 tbs (5mL) paprika

1/2 tsp (2L) dried dillweed

1/4 tsp (1mL) each salt and pepper -- or to taste

1/2 head cabbage

Sour cream for garnish

-In a large wide saucepan over medium heat cook meat and garlic stirring often to keep meat crumbly
-Stir in onions , cook til meat loses it's redness ( 5min.)
-Stir in tomatoes, water, rice, paprika, dillweed, salt and pepper. Cover and bring to boil. Set aside -- I just turned down the heat and kept an eye on the rice in case it needed water.
-Meanwhile slice the cabbage in 1x3 inch ( 2.5x6cm ) strips. Stir into the meat mixture.
-Cover tightly and heat at medium low stirring often until rice and cabbage are tender. 10-15 minutes. -- I left it longer to really mix the flavours.
-Serve with sour cream. Serves 6

As you can see I tinker with recipes. Sometimes because of preferences and sometimes to suit what is in my cupboards.
I had everything cut and measured before I started so it was an easy meal to put together.
I always drain off any fat once the meat is brown and discard.
I chopped the whole onion and I've frozen the left overs for later use in any recipe that needs cooked onion.

Variation on Tracey's winning lemon chicken dish

2010-11-16T16:08:00.005-05:00

From trace element

Serves 2
(299 cal per serve)

I created this recipe as a substitute for your typical Chinese takeaway Lemon Chicken. For the few extra cals tossing in the wholemeal flour, and using a tablespoon of olive oil, helps to give it that ‘battered’ look but without the batter! Plus it helps to slightly thicken and caramelise the lemon juice. It’s an simple recipe but all my kids and my husband love it.

210g chicken breast or tenderloins, chopped into bite size pieces
1 tablespoon wholemeal flour
1 tblsp olive oil
1 green shallot, diced
150g green beans (topped/tailed and chopped into 2-3cm lengths)
small carrot – julienned/shredded
90g broccoli chopped into bite size pieces
12g Fava nuts (Roasted broadbeans – 1/2 of 25g snack pack)
Juice of 1 lemon (about 1/4 cup)

Toss chicken pieces in flour to coat. (put both in a clean plastic bag and shake till chicken evenly coated)
Heat oil in non-stick pan or wok – stir fry chicken pieces till golden, remove from pan.
Add shallots, beans and broccoli stir fry a minute or two, add carrots strips and fava nuts. Stir fry a minute.
Return chicken to pan, mix – then add lemon juice. Stir well till coated. Serve.

Serving options:
Add ½ cup steamed basmati rice (111 cal)

...................

When Tracey posted this recipe I thought I'd give it a try. It sounded easy and certainly something my family would enjoy. I made a few changes. Served 3 with leftovers.

My recipe:

3 chicken breasts cut into chunks
5 mushrooms, sliced
handful of green beans cut in half
heads from 2 stalks of broccoli
2 green onions sliced lengthwise
1/2 carrot shaved crosswise
dried tarragon
juice from one lemon
cooked rice

I sprinkled tarragon on the chicken and browned in a small amount of canola oil in large deep fry pan. I added some of lemon zest while it was cooking.

Once cooked remove chicken and set aside.
Add a touch more oil to pan and cook mushrooms, beans, onions, carrots and broccoli
Once done...I like to leave the vegetables crisp...return chicken pieces along with the juice from the lemon, about 1/4 cup and give a good stir to mix
Serve over rice.
Salt and pepper to taste.

My exciting life

2010-11-13T13:43:00.005-05:00

Thursday I had my hair cut. The idea of growing it was not such a good idea after all.

Thursday I went to a Tupperware party. I didn't know people still hosted parties. I went to help the girl next door and yes, I bought something even though the stuff is way over priced. They do have a great warranty that they actually honour but still, $23.00 by the time I'd paid delivery charges and taxes on a potato/vegetable peeler seemed a bit much and it was one of the lowest priced items.

Friday I went shopping with Paul so he could buy PJ bottoms and I could try on tops. He found what he wanted I didn't. I did however throw some really reduced in price daffodil and tulip bulbs in the shopping cart. I planted out front when we got home and hopefully I will have some added colour come spring.

Friday I cooked rainbow trout fillets for supper served with onion, red pepper, mushroom, zucchini stir fry and warm baguette.

So far today, Saturday, I've cleaned the bathroom, finished 2 loads of laundry and have a third partway through the wash cycle. I think I will feed the boys pizza from the freezer tonight.

Stumps and stories

2010-11-09T16:00:00.004-05:00

Recovering from a muscle pull in my back has kept me close to home the last few days.

Enough I cried today. It's a lovely day for a walk.

The leaves are almost done. It's crunchy underfoot. Stumps make interesting pictures.

Thankfully I had a good pile of library books to keep me reading.

BURY YOUR DEAD: Louise Penny Latest is the Chief Inspector Gamache/Three Pine mysteries set in Quebec. Good as they come.

THE LAST TALK WITH LOLA FAYE: Thomas H Cook The first by Cook I've read and it was a page turner. I'm glad I resisted the temptation to peek at the ending.

AT HOME: Bill Bryson Prompted by his current home in England, a fun read of facts and interesting bits of history.

WORTH DYING FOR: Lee Child Still not tired of Jack Reacher and his adventures.

Bus trip #2

2010-10-31T11:34:00.007-04:00

This time Stratford On. for a Saturday matinee of Kiss Me Kate. I booked myself a ticket to the lecture and show on a last minute whim and Margaret, who loves live performances and music, joined me.

The gardens in front still look nice even this late in the year.

A brown bag lunch was included - fresh turkey, tomato and cheese sandwich, apple, huge chocolate chip cookie and water.

We had a chance to visit the gift shop between lunch and the show and afterwards I got a chance to meet The Bard himself. He wasn't giving autographs.

Some of the critics didn't like the over the top production but I loved the singing, the costumes, the staging .... everything including a fun day out with Margaret.

In the kitchen

2010-10-25T17:39:00.006-04:00

Canada's Best Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing This recipe makes 18 serving(s)

Ingredients

cups

(500 mL)

all-purpose flour

tsp

(10 mL)

baking powder

tsp

(10 mL)

cinnamon

tsp

(5 mL)

baking soda

3/4

tsp

(4 mL)

salt

1/2

tsp

(2 mL)

nutmeg

3/4

cup

(175 mL)

granulated sugar

3/4

cup

(175 mL)

brown sugar

eggs

3/4

cup

(175 mL)

vegetable oil

tsp

(5 mL)

vanilla

cups

(500 mL)

carrots

cup

(250 mL)

canned pineapple

1/2

cup

(125 mL)

chopped pecans

Icing:

pkg

cream cheese

1/4

cup

(50 mL)

butter

1/2

tsp

(2 mL)

vanilla

cup

(250 mL)

icing sugar

Preparation:

Grease and flour 13- x 9-inch (3.5 L) metal cake pan; set aside.

In large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt and nutmeg. In separate bowl, beat together granulated and brown sugars, eggs, oil and vanilla until smooth; pour over flour mixture and stir just until moistened. Stir in carrots, pineapple and pecans. Spread in prepared pan.

Bake in centre of 350°F (180°C) oven for 40 minutes or until cake tester inserted in centre comes out clean. Let cool in pan on rack. (Make-ahead: Cover with plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. Or ovenwrap with heavy duty foil and freeze for up to 2 weeks; let thaw before continuing.)

Icing: In bowl, beat cream cheese with butter until smooth. Beat in vanilla. Beat in icing sugar, one-third at a time, until smooth. Spread over top of cake. (Make-ahead: Cover loosely and refrigerate for up to I day.)

Additional Information:

Tips: Set timer for 5 minutes less than the time specified in recipe, check cake then for the following signs. If the cake is not done, return it to the oven to finish baking.

When is the cake done:
A fully baked cake will spring back when touched in the center. The cake also draws away from the side of the pan, and a cake tester (a toothpick of skewer works well) inserted in the center comes out clean. Also trust your sense of smell: the fresh aroma of butter and sugar wafting out of the oven can be the signal to check the cake.

When cakes emerge from the oven, their structure is set, but the set is still fragile. Let cakes stand in pans on rack for time specified in each recipe, usually 15 to 20 minutes. Run knife around edge of cake, then place rack over pan and invert cake onto rack to cool completely.

.......................

My friend Margaret sent me a link to the above recipe. I sent back a reply stating I appreciated her thoughtfulness but I wouldn't be keeping it. My baking skills can manage cookies.........

even when I manage to break the tick tock of my timer.and I use a mix.

But my chili doesn't come out of a can

unless you count the ones I use while making it.

....If anyone makes the carrot cake let me know how it tastes....

Nature walking - Oct 10

2010-10-12T16:22:00.007-04:00

Thanksgiving long week and perfect weather for a walk. No more than 15 minutes from our house there is a conservation area walk into Tiffany Falls that has been on our should visit list and today we finally made it.

Oct 10 1970 - Oct 10 2010.
After 40 years together we are still smiling.

From the entrance right beside the highway (small packed parking lot) you follow the meandering stream

on a well constructed path

and arrive at the base of the falls.

Along the way I took pictures: fungus on a tree

leaves in the water

We knew there was a set of falls upstream and thanks to Paul's great sense of direction we found an entrance to the wooded area from a nearby residential street.
The streams gently heads down over the escarpment rock

and becomes Washboard Falls

The water then continues downstream to Tiffany Falls.

We finished the day with a superb meal at Quatrefoil

Hamilton Waterfalls

Street Walking

2010-10-07T21:49:00.004-04:00

Margaret and I skipped the gym this morning and headed out early stopping first on Ottawa Street to wander through antique shops. She was after handmade doilies and was quite successful. I just looked at pretty things that I happily left for someone else to dust.

There is the most fantastic artist co-op that opened recently, AllSorts Gallery , where I could have spent a fortune if only my lottery numbers had come up last night.

Driving across town we finally got around to eating lunch at 3ish at the Cheese Shoppe on Locke. Fabulous sandwiches on fresh from the oven baguettes : grilled vegetable with goat cheese, chicken salad with apple slices. We shared. We were stuffed so had to pass on dessert!

Locke Street was once the place for antiques and junk shops but has now gone upscale. There are fewer shops to visit, some having moved to Ottawa St. where the rents are cheaper.

We shop well together and even seeing each other 3 mornings a week manage to find something to natter on about.

....and I did buy. I got a pair of earrings at the artist co-op on Locke : Textures

Autumn walk

2010-10-03T16:59:00.004-04:00

This is the north end of my street.
You can see why the main road is called Scenic Drive, although I doubt the shopping cart came for the view.
The trees are on the edge of the escarpment. Pretty now but it will get even prettier before all the leaves fall.

We've had 2 days of rain so all the little streams in our pocket-sized woods are full and flowing.

Lots of new growth on this fallen willow.

We seem to have interrupted their afternoon snack.
Houses and cars are nearby but you'd never know it once you get into the wooded areas. Lets hope the city respects the natural spaces and forgets about building more houses.

Unbelievable

2010-09-30T15:17:00.007-04:00

Tuesday evening I went to a 2 hour lecture on The First Emperor and his place in the history of China. Material touched on the first settlement along the Yellow River, on culture, arts, war etc right up to the time of discovery of the Terra Cotta Warriors.

The tomb of Qin Shi Huang (259 BC – 210 BC)personal name Ying Zheng, has always been know but the discovery of the extent of the material buried around it was unknown until the 1970's and continues today.

Yesterday after a stuck in traffic bus ride, typical between here and Toronto, we had time for a quick look through a small part of the Royal Ontario Museum before eating a very tasty catered lunch and entering the exhibit hall to wander and marvel at a display of artifacts from earlier periods and presentations on the lead-in to the kingdom founded by The First Emperor.

The second section contained the Terra Cotta warriors, horses, stone armour and weapons. Everything was well labelled and there were video presentations that provided a good understand of everything on display.

This is one of the generals in the exhibit. I could walk all around the figure, he was not behind glass so every bit of detail was visible.

There was a similar figure on display where I could see the great detail in the armour and in the hair. It was as if each strand had been textured.

The horses ( this is an example of what we saw ) were well sculpted with strong jaw bones, groomed manes and tails -- I wanted one!

The complex around his actual tomb mound is massive and holds not only the trenches of warriors but of a court to sustain him in the afterlife. A figure of an acrobat and a court figure were on display, as well this or a similar bird seen below, that was found along with others resting on the bank of his underground river.

I spent so much time in the first two sections that I had to do a rather fast walk through the final exhibit on the Han dynasty that came into power shortly after the death of the Emperor.

I came home with eye and brain fatigue and thrilled from the experience.

Having the lecture, the tour, transportation and lunch all taken care of made it so easy and enjoyable that I have now booked myself to go and see
Maharaja:The Splendour of India's Royal Courts in late January at the Art Gallery of Ontario, again in Toronto. The same history professor will be giving the lecture so I know it will give me good insight into what I will be seeing.

Pear Crisp

2010-09-25T13:24:00.003-04:00

Straight from Kraft to you.
I dislike cool whip so I used real whipped cream instead.
...........
1 Lemon
1/2 cup Granulated sugar, divided
1/3 cup plus 2 Tbsp. flour, divided
1 tsp. Ground cinnamon, divided
8 fresh pears (2-1/2 lb./1.1 kg), peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup cold butter, cut up
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 cup thawed Cool Whip Whipped Topping
Make It

HEAT oven to 375ºF.

GRATE enough lemon peel to measure 1/2 tsp. zest. Squeeze enough juice to measure 4-1/2 tsp. Mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 Tbsp. flour and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon in large bowl. Add pears, lemon zest and juice; toss until pears are evenly coated. Spoon into 8-inch square baking dish.

MIX brown sugar and remaining granulated sugar, flour and cinnamon in medium bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture forms coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts; sprinkle over pears.

BAKE 40 to 45 min. or until topping is golden brown and pears are hot and bubbly. Serve topped with Cool Whip.

.............

note: - I used ( 7 large ) bosc pears that were a bit firm , they didn't soften much in cooking so - I'd make sure whatever pear used is ripe
- I didn't use the almonds, personal preference
Reheated well in microwave

Cars and crisps

2010-09-20T13:12:00.004-04:00

Paul has his license back. He can now drive himself wherever he wants to go and on Sunday it was British Car Day held at Bronte Park.

I had been keeping my fingers crossed that I wouldn't have to go. There is nothing more boring - to me at least- than following P. around listening to him point out each and every feature of each and every car. He loves it and has goes every year, weather permitting. (P's photo )

To celebrate the end of my chauffeuring duties, I made pear crisp.

Oh my deer

2010-09-14T17:06:00.003-04:00

We went out for a bike ride late this afternoon and on our way back Paul spotted these three munching acorns under a tree. It's been a good year for deer and we now have a population explosion. Drive carefully at night in our neighbourhood.

The boarded up building is part of the old Sanatorium complex link ,the lands now threatened by major apartment/housing development.

------sigh------

2010-09-09T14:25:00.004-04:00

Ever feel like thyme is flying by too fast? A good knight sometimes helps.

I'm a little down in the dumps so humour me and we'll all get through it.

September 6 - Evening sky

2010-09-07T15:03:00.008-04:00

My new camera continues to impress me.

-------------------

It even works for the squished bug ( I'm told it's a winged aphid ) discovered on a page of a library book.

Into September

2010-09-02T16:20:00.003-04:00

the cherry tomatoes continue

the raspberries are finishing

some flowers remain on the lavender

while others have gone to seed

Nature in a parking lot

2010-08-25T17:08:00.004-04:00

Taking my new camera shopping with me, just in case I found a case or strap that appealed, meant I could snap the grasshopper sitting on the hood of the car.

cropped so you can appreciate the colour green and see the hairs on it's leg

When we went walking today..

2010-08-24T20:16:00.009-04:00

...I took along my new camera, a Pentax Optio W90 . (I got basic black) Having carried my full size Fuji and case around Newfoundland I was ready to try something smaller and lighter. This one fits in my pocket !

I still have a lot to learn but I'm happy with some of my pictures today.
click to enlarge
.........

Paul took this one with his camera.

Day 13 July 25 Last morning, last thoughts

2010-08-10T14:35:00.006-04:00

With our flight leaving St John's a little after 1pm we had time for a last walk before boarding the bus for the short drive to the airport. It was hard to leave.

We had an amazing time.

Our trip around the island and over to mainland Labrador covered 2650 km. The scenery was spectacular. The historic sites were interesting, informative, well presented and staffed with knowledgeable and friendly people. The hotels where we stayed, the restaurants where we ate, the stores where we shopped gave us an introduction to some of the provinces 510,900 population and we never saw a scowling face or heard an unkind word. They shared their love of the land, the ocean and the music.

We were able to eat fish every day and we got to taste caribou. We saw an iceberg and whales, moose and puffins. We saw pine forests and wood piles and gardens along the roadside. We learned that there is a difference between a true story and a factual story. We learned the words to "I'se The Bye" and sang it many times. We learned the history. We saw the evidence of glaciers and ancient rock.

I loved the cool days. The lack of humidity and pollution. I even liked the fog and the heavy rain and sudden lightning storm as we left Western Brook Pond just added drama to the incredible scenery seen during the boat ride and 3 km walk.

Newfoundland and Labrador had enticed me for years with bright graphic tourism ads and now that I've been I will add my voice to theirs ........ if you get the chance it is truly a great place to visit.

Our trip with Senior Tours was well planned, well structured covering a good overview of the whole province and well managed by Margaret and our driver Barry. We had a wonderful holiday.

Day 11 & 12 July 23 - 24

2010-08-09T13:33:00.013-04:00

Day 11

It seems our luck that fog settles when a nice clear view would be nice but undaunted we left St John's and drove to Witless Bay for our Puffin and whale watching tour. It was pretty with the fog but not good for taking photos.
Paul and I stayed topside the whole trip and rather enjoyed the pounding of the waves. We were told to use eyes, ears and nose while trying to spot whales. Noses because when whales spout there is a distinct smell.
We did see several humpback whales and one minke, not well, not like you do on TV nature shows but we SAW whales.

Puffin Island preserve

Researchers have a camp set up here to study the birds. I have no idea how they manage the noise and the smell. Murres and 'real' seagulls (variety that does NOT head inland to gather around garbage dumps ) can also be seen here. There were t'ousands and t'ousands of them.

Puffins

Gatherall's Tour

We had several people suffering from seasickness who missed a great lunch in the restaurant above the gift shop. Best cod au gratin on the whole trip.

We stopped at Petty Harbour, a 200 year old village and site of the first hydro generating station in Newfoundland. Travelled on to

Cape Spear
We didn't bother taking cameras with us when we walked up to the Cape Spear Lighthouse where we had a tour of the original recreated living quarters. The building has an equal number of windows on each side, although some are not real to help control the cold.
We were told that as ships came close enough to view the lighthouse they could identify it as British because of its shape.

Following the trail back to the parking lot took us past the new (1955) lighthouse, the fog alarm building, sound of it just about ruptured our ear drums, through the WWII coastal defence battery and out to the lookout - the most easterly point in North America. It was impressive even in the fog.

We were on our own for dinner tonight and I was determined to try a place I had read about in a guide book so Paul and I checked out the menu at Oliver's on our walk last night. It was as good as I had anticipated and in the company of 2 other couples it was a wonderful evening.

.......................

Day 12 - Our last full day.

We had a local guide for our city tour that started with a stop at

Cabot Tower, Signal Hill. The hill has a long and interesting history and there is an information centre/museum that has good displays and a wonderful movie. Worth the visit. The views were long and clear. No fog today.

Boat coming into harbour from the Atlantic Ocean.

Looking across from Signal Hill, ocean side.

Looking down into St. John's natural harbour. There are 2 others in the world, Sydney Australia and Halifax Nova Scotia Canada. On the right side on the cliffs you can see the cannons. This spot has seen battles as the French and English vied for supremacy in the late 1600s - early 1700s.

City of St. John's

Close up of The Rooms, the provincial archives and art gallery and some of the city.

Part of our tour included a stop at Quidi Vidi Brewery in Quidi Vidi Harbour. The brewery is in an old fish plant that stood empty after the Cod Moratorium, which had a major impact in the province.
After a tasting we were invited to pick one bottle to take home. Paul chose the 1892 I picked the Eric's Red, a nice smooth cream ale. Wrapped in plastic bags and clothing they arrived home intact in our suitcases. Only available in Newfoundland. Too bad. I liked it.

Our tour ended at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist. Now it was our afternoon free to explore. The bus dropped people at different points of interest. Paul went to the The Railway Coastal Museum and I went shopping stopping first for lunch at Auntie Craes, sandwiches etc made on the spot and eaten in the adjoining Fishhook Room. It was on my list of places to visit since I had started researching this holiday.

Purity brand is local and I developed a taste for these candies on the bus .. in the mix of goodies handed out by Margaret every day.. so they were on my shopping list.
I found some pins to add to my collection as well as a small handmade bowl from Devon House/Craft Council , another place on my must visit list. I did not however find a tacky piggy bank to add to my collection.

During my time shopping I also took a walking tour of the very colourful streets. This door is a fine example of the love of colour you see through out the province.

The main shopping streets, Water and Duckworth, run flat and parallel to the water. side streets like this one however and the next examples

run down hill to the harbour.

A true test for the legs.

Our final dinner was held in a banquet hall. This is our table, see the happy people. We had live entertainment and after dinner we got to....

.....kiss the cod,
swear a solemn oath, eat a chunk of baloney, drink a swig of Screech

and get our certificates. I am proud to be an honourary Newfoundlander.

When we got on the bus for the our return to the hotel Margaret had us close our eyes and she recounted our days and all the places we had seen. When told to open our eyes we were on Signal Hill in time to view the sun set over the city.

Day 9 & 10 - July 21 -22

2010-08-08T13:44:00.015-04:00

Day 9

Leaving Gander we stopped to visit the Silent Witness Memorial. It marks the crash site of American Peacekeepers returning home from Egypt via Germany and Gander, the fuel stop.

More scenery as we travelled through Terra Nova Provincial Park and arrived at Trinity on the Bonavista Peninsula. Lunch first and then the rest of the afternoon free to wander. The town is blessed with wonderful old buildings ( used in many a film we were told ) and during the summer - Theatre in Trinity Newfoundland and Labrador's history takes to the streets for the New Founde Lande Trinity Pageant, a walking tour of the town led by actors portraying a few of the more outrageous characters from the not-too-distant past.

Just two examples of the pretty houses

View back as you start the walking trail Paul and I used

note the sandy beach.

From higher up the path

We had enough time to walk some of the streets in town

another view in town

We had a snack in the park before heading back to the bus. That's Paul with the umbrella. After an afternoon of walking around without his hat he had quite a sunburn.

Our tour group - 44 in all.

Lupins grow like weeds all along the roadways and seemed especially numerous as we drove out of town.

Back down the peninsula to Clarenville where it was lobster for dinner.

................

Day 10

More towns, softer landscape now that we are on the east coast. Today we are on the Avalon Peninsula with our first stop Heart's Content, location of the North American end of the Transatlantic Cable. Cable Station Link .. do visit the link... it is really amazing what they accomplished. Heart's Content, on Trinity Bay, was chosen because of it's harbour.

Lunch in Carbonear across the spit of land on Conception Bay and then to Harbour Grace, the starting spot for many early transatlantic flights including the 1932 first female - Amelia Earhart.

DC3, served in Africa until the end of WWII and was later used transporting food and dairy products in Newfoundland.

Paul on the boardwalk in front of the SS. Kyle. She was built in 1913 as a coastal boat and served as a ferry, an icebreaker and a sealing vessel over the years. In 1967 a violent storm struck causing her to break from her moorings. She came to rest intact, "guided to its resting place at the head of the harbour by the seaman's ghost". In 1996 she was painted in original colours and has become a monument to a way of life now gone.

Around the bay and to the Atlantic coast arriving in St. John's, our home for the next 3 nights.

Day 7 & 8 - July 19 - 20

2010-08-06T16:06:00.014-04:00

Day 7

A 9 am departure saw us continuing south on route 430, the only road. We stop to see a fish gate/counting area, the only stop I didn't write down and I can't remember the name. A walk along and down a wooded path, after making sure we were well soaked in bug spray, brought us

to a wide sandy beach. We went searching for sea shells on the sea shore - still the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Next stop was just down the road at Lobster Cove Head lighthouse, where the light has marked the marine approach to Rocky Harbour and the entrance of Bonne Bay since 1897. We are still within Gros Morne Park.

In the lighthouse keeper's house there is a small but well presented museum where I got to see and smell salt cod, the resource that brought so many to Newfoundland.
history of Newfoundland Cod Fishery

We had lots time to wander around and explore the rocks and cliffs before returning to the bus.

A surprise stop for a picnic lunch at Mill Brook park had us wandering the shore again. Margaret must have been up half the night making sandwiches and organizing the cookies and fruit that filled the coolers Barry pulled from the luggage compartment of the bus. Beer and wine was a nice treat.

Took lots of photos of the shells and seaweed.

Next leg took us to the junction of the Trans Canada Highway and during a rest stop outside Deer Lake, and before heading east, I introduced little fang to a moose.

Next stop Grand Falls-Windsor. Here we visited the Salmonid Interpretation Centre on the Exploits River. We got to watch the salmon heading upstream jumping up the man made water ladder and inside after a film and a guided tour I learned more than I will ever need to know about the fish and spawning. I know I like to eat salmon.

View from the window inside the centre.

Our hotel for the night was on the highway in Grand Falls where once again we were treated to cookies and punch in the lobby.

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Day 8

Next morning we headed north on route 340 Road To The Isles.
First stop was in Boyd's Cove to visit the Beothuk Interpretation Centre. The tribe is now extinct and there is an interesting story of the last survivors. link here
Once again a sudden rain so we passed on the trek through the woods to see the mounds and a statue and spent our time in the museum/centre.
You have to be Canadian and possible from Ontario to truly understand how happy some of the people on our tour were when they discovered a table covered with Tim Horton coffee and donuts. Withdrawal had started to set in on those who visit the coffee shop on a daily basis. The outlets are far and few between here.

As you travel north causeways connect the islands at the northern end of the highway. We were lucky enough to spot some pitcher plants, the provincial flower, growing in a bog and I managed to get a few shots from the side of the road.

Twillingate : is found at the mouth of the Exploits River where it flows into Notre Dame Bay. The islands provide an excellent sheltered harbour and easy access to the rich fishing grounds nearby. In recent years, a causeway was built, which connects it to the mainland via New World Island. The town is one of the oldest ports on the island. It was a historic fishing community, but because of the decline of the fishing industry, it now relies more on the tourism industry. If you go at the right time of year this is said to be the place for iceberg sightings.

The bus dropped us at the edge of town and we took a nice slow walk in before having lunch.

After lunch Paul and I went walking the hilly area around and behind the town. The area of white in the photo ( do click and enlarge ) is a cemetery. St. Peter's is the oldest wooden church in the province and I managed a peeked inside and we visited the museum that houses an excellent book store specializing in everything Newfoundland.

We continued driving til we reached the end of the road at the Long Point Lighthouse where there is a viewing platform and walking trails. Some of us went hiking with Margaret while others stayed and viewed the lighthouse.

That's us!

We retraced the route til branching on to route 330 and headed to Gander, just under 2 hours away, for our nights sleep.

Day 5 & 6 - July 17-18

2010-08-05T16:44:00.011-04:00

DAY 5

We had been hearing about Fish and Brewis with scrunchins and it turned up on the breakfast buffet in Labrador. I tasted it and it wasn't bad. Not quite as good as the French Toast with home made Bake apple /Cloud berry jam that I developed a taste for though.

Fish and Brewis with scrunchin's.
Split cakes of PURITY HARD BREAD; allow one cake per person. In a large saucepan place Hard Bread; well covered with water. Soak overnight. Next day, using the same water, salt to taste and bring Hard Bread to near boil. DO NOT BOIL. DRAIN IMMEDIATELY. Keep hot.

To prepare SALT FISH - Skin dried salt fish. Cut fish into serving pieces; cover with cold water and soak overnight. Next day, change water and bring to a boil for 20 minutes, or until fish flakes with a fork. Drain; remove fish bones. Combine fish and prepared hard bread (Brewis). Serve with "Scrunchions" (small cubes of fat back pork fried to golden brown); use as a gravy over Fish and Brewis.

We caught the ferry back to St Barbe, getting a foggy look at our iceberg and retraced our way back down the highway. We stopped at Plum Point for lunch (restaurant in the hotel we had stayed in on our way north) then continued on, with a convenience stop or two, all the while watching for moose. As we travel south our chances of seeing them decreases and Margaret expects each tour she takes to spot more than the last. Our final count was 13.

We stopped at THE ARCHES PROVINCIAL PARK, a chance to stretch our legs, wander the pebble beach and to take photos.

Misty fog but no rain.
The Arches showcase a geological formation formed over millions of years as a result of glacial action, wind and water erosion ...

Nothing to hear but the water of the Gulf of St Lawrence breaking against the rocks.

Paul's pictures look a bit foggier than mine, we must have been using different camera setting.

Our hotel for the next two nights is in Cow Head, back within the borders of Gros Morne Park on the banks of Shallow Bay. It is home to a very good amateur theatre group. Our tour included a performance for tomorrow night but we picked up on the offer to pay the difference and add a play to our dinner tonight. The cast stopped half way through, fed us our dinner and then finished the play, S.S. Ethie, about a ship wreck in the area.

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DAY 6

When we got up this morning we weren't sure we would be taking the boat ride on Western Brook Pond ( a fresh water lake/fjord - link ) one of the spots high on my list of 'really want to see' along with an iceberg and a whale.
Weather conditions started to improved when we left the hotel after breakfast and we watched and cheered as the fog burn away. We took along rain coats in case the ride was wet and because late afternoon rain showers were predicted.

The 3 km walk to get to Western Brook Pond has flat marsh areas and hilly woodlands. It was hard not to linger, I tended to trail behind, but we had a boat to catch.

Arriving at the dock.

Low clouds on the horizon as we started the trip. The guides on board provide an amazing amount of information in their commentary and can answer any questions.

Truly beautiful, no photo can do it justice.

Waterfall

Tucked in there is another waterfall,

and yet another, thanks to the rain so far in the area over the past weeks. I lost count of how many we saw and if memory serves this one is called Pissing Mare Falls.

Clear blue sky.

The storm clouds rolling in.

It was a case of moving quickly in the hopes of missing the rain once we docked but the sky opened up 5 minutes into our walk. It poured. There were great claps of thundered and vertical strikes of lightning .. Paul was concerned about our walk through the flat open areas .. and we got soaked. Tucking our cameras under our coats and keeping our heads down we squished our way back to the bus. Not a prayer of keeping dry. The rain stopped just as quickly as it had started, done by the time we reached the parking lot.

It took 3 days for our shoes to dry. Thankfully we had both packed a second pair of good walking/hikers.

Late lunch, quiet afternoon, wine and beer party that Margaret hosted with everyone having an opportunity to say a little about themselves then dinner and our short walk next door to the theatre to see The Oracle put on by the Gros Morne Theatre Festival. Total enjoyment.

Day 3 & 4 - July 15-16

2010-08-04T14:06:00.010-04:00

DAY 3 L'Anse Aux Meadows and St AnthonyA long drive north to L'Anse (cove ) aux Meadows. It was a dull dreary day with the misty rain starting just as we reached the site. Most of us braved the wet and the mushy ground so we could walk to the site of the Viking settlement. It has been allowed to grass over but you can see the mounds that are left from the buildings. It has been determined by the finds that it was never meant to be a permanent settlement.

The reproduction of the buildings match the measurements taken, are built to style and are furnished with historically correct items. Watch your head when leaving, I bumped my head and it hurt!

The walls are peat, the rest wood, readily available on site.

The white structures on top allow light in and smoke out. On a wet day it was surprisingly warm inside with the fires burning.
Meadows link

The day gradual brightened although it did say cool as we drove to St Anthony the home of the Grenfell Mission. Dr. Grenfell came out from England, saw the poverty and poor health conditions of the fishermen and their families and over the years set up health clinics and established nurse and doctor visits to many isolated areas.
Grenfell Mission
His home is nearby and is open to visitors.
The town has one traffic light. First one we have seen since leaving Corner Brook.

A common site along the road .. when you pass a house you see a wooden box or more elaborate structure out near the road. It's for your garbage waiting pickup. Gulls can't get at the bags.

Fishing boats in St Anthony.

We drove right to the end of the road and arrived at Goose Bay. There is a light house and spectacular scenery looking out to the Atlantic Ocean.

Path over the cliffs and low vegetation looking back towards St Anthony.

I was so busy wandering taking photos of the cliffs they had to send Paul back to get me so the bus could leave for our hotel.

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DAY 4 Ferry to Labrador and Red Bay Whaling Station

Our iceberg.

This wasn't a good year for sightings and it was getting late in the season so we were lucky to see even one as we crossed the Strait of Belle Isle from Newfoundland to Labrador.
We had backtracked down the one road to St Barbe to catch the ferry after spending the night in St Anthony. ( see map in first post - as before click to enlarge all photos )
The ferry docks in Blanc-Sablon, Quebec and it is a short bus ride to L'Anse-au-Clair Labradore, site of our hotel.
Just to put it all into perspective, this shot was taken from the top forward deck of the ferry.

Our first stop after lunch was in Red Bay at the Red Bay National Historic site were the remains of several Basque fishing vessels have been found. The one centred on is the San Juan which sank in 1565 with it's cargo of whale oil on board. The photo above represents a Basque fisherman beside a whale fin.
The museum is well laid out and holds many artifacts. It was interesting learning about the archaeological survey and record made of the San Juan and to learn that it was covered and reburied on the bay floor for preservation.

They did raise and reconstruct the Chalupa, the oldest surviving model of it's type.

Red Bay.

As we drove back to our hotel we crossed the Pinware River. Sport fishermen can be seen in many of these fast moving waters fly fishing for salmon. There is a strict limit on fish size and number. The salmon you eat in restaurants is all farmed as the wild are being encouraged to repopulate.

We made a stop at Point Amour Lighthouse. Paul was brave enough to climb the narrow ladder to the top but I opted for the gift shop where I bought myself some handcrafted Labradorite
earrings.

For dinner tonight we had caribou served with traditional vegetables: turnip, potato, carrot and cabbage. These all grow well in the small gardens that you will see dotted along the side of the roads where the soil is better for growing. It was really really good.
Restaurants are allowed to hunt more animals as long as they are used on the premises as part of the menu.