Sunday, Feb. 25
4 short hours later I woke up a few minutes before the wake up call. Finished the last little bits of packing and got our stuff down. We left the hotel just after 6am, got checked in and now I’m writing during the flight to Miami. Keith is two rows ahead of me. Think he’s probably going through the accounts making sure we kept on budget.
Some other funny/memorable things to remember from the week:
- Teasing Brad about his girlfriend whom apparently he doesn’t want to go out with anymore.
- Teasing Jessica and Julia about Bradley, which one of them he’s into. I’m convinced it’s Jessica as there seem to be an inordinate number of pictures of her on his camera …
- The expression on Jessica’s face when she found out how old I am after relating Keith’s story of Brad inquiring of Keith for Julia’s age and then my own. Keith told him he wasn’t my father and Brad should ask me himself. Apparently Brad got quite embarrassed at that and went all quiet. Later, when Keith told me this story we laughed when imagining Brad’s reaction if I told him I was old enough to be his mother!
- Spilling Sprite on Julia by accident when we had pizza on the roof at the hotel. Laughing hysterically at this for no particular reason.
- Playing/singing Ring-Around-A-Rosy with some of the kids one evening before leaving. Little Esther loved this and wanted me to play that with her every night.
- The fact that it took Julia and I at least one full day to realise there was a TV in our room.
- When Julia was trying to find the outlet to recharge her camera battery, she accidentally unplugged the lamp, thus leaving us in the dark in our room. She tripped over her luggage attempting to turn the main light back on. Only then did I notice a switch over the night stand and we found out it was another switch for the main light.
- Finding out that I really am as crabby as my mother says I am. Particularly at breakfast when people are all chatty and stuff. Yeesh.
Hopefully things will move quickly in Miami, particularly as I don’t have any bags. Just hope customs isn’t a problem. We land at 11:10 and my flight out to Grand Cayman is at 12:30. Fingers crossed. Looking forward to seeing Steph. Hope she’ll recognize me!
11pm – Phew! What a relief. It all worked out great.
Arrived early in Miami but the gate was still occupied … by the time we did get into our gate, I was 5 minutes behind schedule (my own personal, highly stressed one, that is).
Passport control was fast and painless. Customs was fine except for the part where I apparently misunderstood the guard when he said straight ahead and ended up standing in line with a bunch of drug lords waiting to get their bags searched. Finally, one of these guards came up to me and after asking a couple of questions realised that I was in the wrong line and had just wasted about 20 minutes of my life. From there I pretty much ran up to the proper concourse only to get stuck at security because my sunscreen bottle was too big (by 15ml). I swear – I thought I was going to lose it. It took me 5 minutes for this woman to understand that I was happy to let her go through my items but that she needed to identify for me precisely which items were too big. In the end (and after some explaining about doctor recommended soaps and creams) there was just a half empty bottle of sunscreen that had to go. Thanks for wasting my time, you stupid cow!
Then I had to practically race down the concourse, stopping for a pee break but skipping any last minute purchases for water or lunch. I made the plane. I was probably one of the last people to get on the plane. Talk about a stressful start to my vacation.
Flight left on time and we arrived a few minutes early. Steph was there waiting for me from the top of the lookout area. After some quick questions at customs there, I was out of there we were on our way!
Quick drive home to drop off my bags, change and then off to pick up Zac and head out for a late lunch. Started things off on the right foot with a Cayman Colada (rather like a pina colada, not quite sure what the difference was) and lunch at Rackam’s. From there heading to Calico Jack’s for another drink and stick my feet in the ocean! Hung out there until the sun set. Wow …
Quick drive (literally about 30 seconds) home for a dip in the pool, before a hot (yes, hot water!) and then for a sushi dinner. Very yummy. Home for more chatting and now to bed.
Lunch at a pub, drinks on the beach, swim in the pool, sushi, catching up with a good friend. This vacation is off to a good start. Feeling tired, happy and suddenly relaxed. Something I haven’t felt in a long time.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
Travel Update #9
Saturday, Feb. 24
Pencas, 211-3671, pencas.com
Our last day in Panama. We were able to sleep in this morning but all I could manage was until 7am. Shower, breakfast and then Julia and I took a walk to the pedestrian shopping area. The walk along Avenida Central was pretty interesting. We saw some great stuff – women getting manis and pedis on the sidewalk, fruit, veg, herbs, flowers for sale. 3 pineapples for $1!!! After looking around a whole bunch of shops for skirts (apparently jeans are in this season) I finally found a cute little top for $5.
Keith met us there and we sauntered over to the Indian market where Julia picked up a couple of fun souvenirs for some friends. We also stopped at a stall to have a slice of fresh pineapple. Delicious! On the way back to the hotel Keith dropped us at a grocery store where I was able to buy some coffee and Julia was not able to buy her cookies, ha.
Met with the rest of the group at 12:30 to spend the rest of our last day with them. First we visited the Kuna craft market, where plenty more shopping was done by the group. I did buy myself a two more molas and am happy with them. Think I’ll make a nice triptych with the one I have at home.
From there we went to the Miraflores Locks. I love that place. The museum part is really cool, the movie interesting (short and sweet) and then my favourite – watching the ships pass through. I could sit and watch them all day. It was really hot and sunny. I put sunscreen on this morning but didn’t reapply before heading out this afternoon. Should’ve. Got a bit of burn. Oops.
After that we drove another 15 min. past Paraiso to the Gamboa Rainforest. We stopped at a resort hotel up there. Unfortunately there were no more tours for the day. But we spent about 30 minutes or so just chilling on the terrace and enjoying the view.
Catherine and Jessica went down to the pool (apparently forgetting that we were not paying guests) to dip their feet in the pool. When Duncan and Dave went down to bring them back up I knew something was up. One or both of them would surely end up in the pool. And I was right! Duncan threw Catherine in, fully clothed. It was funny. When they came back up, she had the nerve to complain and act surprised! I mean, hello, pool, hot sun, no bathing suit, obviously somebody was gonna end up wet.
After that we had to head back to the hotel for a quick change before going back to Pencas for our last dinner. I like that place.
Anyway, after dinner we did a few last minute errands – grocery store for Jules & Bob (Maria cookies), then to Wendy’s for Bradley, dropped Bob, Catherine and Paul at the Hard Rock Café (t-shirt shopping) while the rest of us headed for Baskin Robbins and yet MORE ice cream. Don’t think I’ve eaten so much ice cream in one week in all my life!
Finally back to the hotel. And … a last swim (thanks to Keith!). Julia and I had a laugh when on our way up the stairs, David tried to stop us by asking if our room had been done that day. We barely slowed down to say yes and he told us that his hadn’t. By this time I was halfway up the next flight of stairs and called down to him “Oh well” and kept going! Julia found this completely hysterical and couldn’t run for laughing so hard. At the top the guy who was about to close the pool let us in and we had a lovely 10 min. swim.
After that we dried off and started packing. Keith dropped by while we were doing that. The three of us chatted for a while. I finally managed to get all my packing done into the one carry-on bag. Sweet! After Keith left Julia and I chatted, I finally remembered to take a picture of us in our room and then we turned off the light around 1am. Did remember to get a wake up call for 5am. Ugh.
Pencas, 211-3671, pencas.com
Our last day in Panama. We were able to sleep in this morning but all I could manage was until 7am. Shower, breakfast and then Julia and I took a walk to the pedestrian shopping area. The walk along Avenida Central was pretty interesting. We saw some great stuff – women getting manis and pedis on the sidewalk, fruit, veg, herbs, flowers for sale. 3 pineapples for $1!!! After looking around a whole bunch of shops for skirts (apparently jeans are in this season) I finally found a cute little top for $5.
Keith met us there and we sauntered over to the Indian market where Julia picked up a couple of fun souvenirs for some friends. We also stopped at a stall to have a slice of fresh pineapple. Delicious! On the way back to the hotel Keith dropped us at a grocery store where I was able to buy some coffee and Julia was not able to buy her cookies, ha.
Met with the rest of the group at 12:30 to spend the rest of our last day with them. First we visited the Kuna craft market, where plenty more shopping was done by the group. I did buy myself a two more molas and am happy with them. Think I’ll make a nice triptych with the one I have at home.
From there we went to the Miraflores Locks. I love that place. The museum part is really cool, the movie interesting (short and sweet) and then my favourite – watching the ships pass through. I could sit and watch them all day. It was really hot and sunny. I put sunscreen on this morning but didn’t reapply before heading out this afternoon. Should’ve. Got a bit of burn. Oops.
After that we drove another 15 min. past Paraiso to the Gamboa Rainforest. We stopped at a resort hotel up there. Unfortunately there were no more tours for the day. But we spent about 30 minutes or so just chilling on the terrace and enjoying the view.
Catherine and Jessica went down to the pool (apparently forgetting that we were not paying guests) to dip their feet in the pool. When Duncan and Dave went down to bring them back up I knew something was up. One or both of them would surely end up in the pool. And I was right! Duncan threw Catherine in, fully clothed. It was funny. When they came back up, she had the nerve to complain and act surprised! I mean, hello, pool, hot sun, no bathing suit, obviously somebody was gonna end up wet.
After that we had to head back to the hotel for a quick change before going back to Pencas for our last dinner. I like that place.
Anyway, after dinner we did a few last minute errands – grocery store for Jules & Bob (Maria cookies), then to Wendy’s for Bradley, dropped Bob, Catherine and Paul at the Hard Rock Café (t-shirt shopping) while the rest of us headed for Baskin Robbins and yet MORE ice cream. Don’t think I’ve eaten so much ice cream in one week in all my life!
Finally back to the hotel. And … a last swim (thanks to Keith!). Julia and I had a laugh when on our way up the stairs, David tried to stop us by asking if our room had been done that day. We barely slowed down to say yes and he told us that his hadn’t. By this time I was halfway up the next flight of stairs and called down to him “Oh well” and kept going! Julia found this completely hysterical and couldn’t run for laughing so hard. At the top the guy who was about to close the pool let us in and we had a lovely 10 min. swim.
After that we dried off and started packing. Keith dropped by while we were doing that. The three of us chatted for a while. I finally managed to get all my packing done into the one carry-on bag. Sweet! After Keith left Julia and I chatted, I finally remembered to take a picture of us in our room and then we turned off the light around 1am. Did remember to get a wake up call for 5am. Ugh.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Travel Update #8
Friday, Feb. 23
After a long, hard day, I was lucky enough to end it in the pool, by myself, under the stars. Now that was a treat.
This morning started off early. Can’t believe it’s been a week since we left our various cities to meet here. It’s flown by. Anyway, we were all at work just after 7am and many of the team worked non-stop until 6pm. I finished up in the house and all the rooms turned out very well, if I do say so myself. Julia and I sorted through Shirla’s room and tried to put thing back into place, as much as possible. Same for the kitchen and bathroom. I did a good cleaning of the place again and by the end it really did look like a nice little home. Certainly a big difference from our first day.
While we were waiting for the VBS-ers to get back, I had a chance to talk with Stan and Bob. Stan was busy cleaning the public bathroom floor (the one Bonnie and Catherine painted). We teased him a little about that. But really, what a nice guy. And Bob too. The little chat we had was the most I heard him speak all week. My first impressions of them haven't changed. They are both nice, hard working, genuine and honest people.
When Julia came back from VBS, Bob took her, Catherine, Bonnie and me up to the roof for a look at the work the guys did. So impressive. There was also a great view and we shot a few fun pictures from there.
For dinner tonight Shirla and some of the local ladies made us a wonderful goodbye dinner. Arroz con pollo y ensalada de papas (Rice with chicken and potato salad). Not exactly a light meal, especially when followed by a (belated) birthday cake and ice cream, but tasty! Shirla also made another batch of the lime and sugar cane juice. Think I’m addicted to that now.
Shirla and the ladies made a lovely (and long) presentation to thank us for all our work on the church and her quarters, as well as the efforts made with the kids. It was quite amazing. They also presented each of us with a Panama beaded bracelet and a Kuna style glasses case. Catherine also bought us these bright yellow t-shirts (hideous) with a huge Salvation Army crest on them. This is even after she asked me if I wanted one and I am positive I was clear in my “no”. It even has my name on it! Honestly, why would you do that?!
Anyway, we finally did manage to pack up, get everyone in the van (after about a million of the kids jumped in and out for half an hour telling us they were coming back to Canada with us) and headed back to the city by about 8pm.
Looks like Julia and I will do a shopping tomorrow morning, with or without the group, we’re not quite sure, but we’ll surely end up on our own, that I know! It will be nice to walk along the main drag and also the pedestrian shopping area. Must remember to pick up some of that Duran coffee again.
I’m such an idiot sometimes, it’s amazing I get around as well as I do. Tonight when we got back to the hotel I ran up to the room to change and figured Jules would be up in a minute or two. But by the time I was ready to head up to the pool, she still wasn’t back yet, so I thought I’d call Keith’s room to see if she was there. No answer. On my way up to the pool I stopped by the room and knocked. No answer. Oh well, I went up and had my swim (all by myself!) and on the way down again tried at the door – still no answer. As I came down the stairs I saw that Catherine and Jessica’s door was open and also that Dave was sitting in the hallway. Asked them if they’d seen Julia and/or knew which room Keith was in. Nobody knew anything. In fact, Dave thought Keith was on the 4th floor, but I was pretty sure he was on the 5th. Anyway, no luck with that motley crew so I tried to call again from my room. Still no answer. Had my shower, got into my pj’s and started writing. As I’m doing this Julia finally appears. She tells me she’s been with her Dad. All cool, no sweat. Until I mention that I tried to call them and knock on the door and all that jazz. Only to discover that I’d been calling and knocking at the wrong room! Oh man, thank god nobody answered the phone or the door at that room! Julia and I had a good laugh at that. Heh. Another classic Stef moment.
After a long, hard day, I was lucky enough to end it in the pool, by myself, under the stars. Now that was a treat.
This morning started off early. Can’t believe it’s been a week since we left our various cities to meet here. It’s flown by. Anyway, we were all at work just after 7am and many of the team worked non-stop until 6pm. I finished up in the house and all the rooms turned out very well, if I do say so myself. Julia and I sorted through Shirla’s room and tried to put thing back into place, as much as possible. Same for the kitchen and bathroom. I did a good cleaning of the place again and by the end it really did look like a nice little home. Certainly a big difference from our first day.
While we were waiting for the VBS-ers to get back, I had a chance to talk with Stan and Bob. Stan was busy cleaning the public bathroom floor (the one Bonnie and Catherine painted). We teased him a little about that. But really, what a nice guy. And Bob too. The little chat we had was the most I heard him speak all week. My first impressions of them haven't changed. They are both nice, hard working, genuine and honest people.
When Julia came back from VBS, Bob took her, Catherine, Bonnie and me up to the roof for a look at the work the guys did. So impressive. There was also a great view and we shot a few fun pictures from there.
For dinner tonight Shirla and some of the local ladies made us a wonderful goodbye dinner. Arroz con pollo y ensalada de papas (Rice with chicken and potato salad). Not exactly a light meal, especially when followed by a (belated) birthday cake and ice cream, but tasty! Shirla also made another batch of the lime and sugar cane juice. Think I’m addicted to that now.
Shirla and the ladies made a lovely (and long) presentation to thank us for all our work on the church and her quarters, as well as the efforts made with the kids. It was quite amazing. They also presented each of us with a Panama beaded bracelet and a Kuna style glasses case. Catherine also bought us these bright yellow t-shirts (hideous) with a huge Salvation Army crest on them. This is even after she asked me if I wanted one and I am positive I was clear in my “no”. It even has my name on it! Honestly, why would you do that?!
Anyway, we finally did manage to pack up, get everyone in the van (after about a million of the kids jumped in and out for half an hour telling us they were coming back to Canada with us) and headed back to the city by about 8pm.
Looks like Julia and I will do a shopping tomorrow morning, with or without the group, we’re not quite sure, but we’ll surely end up on our own, that I know! It will be nice to walk along the main drag and also the pedestrian shopping area. Must remember to pick up some of that Duran coffee again.
I’m such an idiot sometimes, it’s amazing I get around as well as I do. Tonight when we got back to the hotel I ran up to the room to change and figured Jules would be up in a minute or two. But by the time I was ready to head up to the pool, she still wasn’t back yet, so I thought I’d call Keith’s room to see if she was there. No answer. On my way up to the pool I stopped by the room and knocked. No answer. Oh well, I went up and had my swim (all by myself!) and on the way down again tried at the door – still no answer. As I came down the stairs I saw that Catherine and Jessica’s door was open and also that Dave was sitting in the hallway. Asked them if they’d seen Julia and/or knew which room Keith was in. Nobody knew anything. In fact, Dave thought Keith was on the 4th floor, but I was pretty sure he was on the 5th. Anyway, no luck with that motley crew so I tried to call again from my room. Still no answer. Had my shower, got into my pj’s and started writing. As I’m doing this Julia finally appears. She tells me she’s been with her Dad. All cool, no sweat. Until I mention that I tried to call them and knock on the door and all that jazz. Only to discover that I’d been calling and knocking at the wrong room! Oh man, thank god nobody answered the phone or the door at that room! Julia and I had a good laugh at that. Heh. Another classic Stef moment.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Travel Update #7
Thursday, Feb. 22
Hate to go on and on about this, but more hot, sweaty, dirty work. This morning was fairly unproductive by my standards. Julia and I only cleaned 1 bathroom and Shirla’s office and finished the ceiling tiles in the bathroom. I got a couple of loads of laundry out on the line, most of which dried in about an hour. (Ha - Julia did Bob's laundry yesterday! Poor man was running out of t-shirts.)
After lunch (more tuna, thank god I love tuna! good thing Bonnie has taken over doing lunches for this group as I am far too filthy to go anywhere near a food prep area), I got the floors cleaned in the house and finished putting down the floor tiles. Keith has just about finished cutting the smaller pieces. I have vowed not to do any cutting with stuff like exacto knives (the scar on my finger reminds me why). Felt a little more productive after getting that done. Took more pictures of the work in progress.
The roof is about half painted now and all the electric work seems to be done. I’m still curious as to how they plan on finishing the bedroom window with the a/c …
We had a fairly early evening, all of us in the van by 5:30, back to the hotel just before 6 and then off to Mi Ranchito for dinner with Major and Mrs Mendez. Yummy! And I was able to present Major Mendez with another computer (2 others gave to Shirla, plus the other 3 that went to Africa in January). He seemed very appreciative and happy. (Must remember to take a picture of Shirla’s office with the computers up and running.) Keith told me on the way home that Mrs. Mendez looked at her husband after I gave him the computer and told him “that’s for me!” Apparently she hasn’t had her own computer at the office! She just shares with the other people working there!
Tomorrow we’ve got a long day because the Team has decided that it will be our last work day. I’m not quite sure how (so many small things to do) nor do I think it’s fair for Shirla (she's expecting us til Sat). With all that is left in front of us I don’t know how it will get done.
5:45am wake up tomorrow. Time for me to get to sleep.
Hate to go on and on about this, but more hot, sweaty, dirty work. This morning was fairly unproductive by my standards. Julia and I only cleaned 1 bathroom and Shirla’s office and finished the ceiling tiles in the bathroom. I got a couple of loads of laundry out on the line, most of which dried in about an hour. (Ha - Julia did Bob's laundry yesterday! Poor man was running out of t-shirts.)
After lunch (more tuna, thank god I love tuna! good thing Bonnie has taken over doing lunches for this group as I am far too filthy to go anywhere near a food prep area), I got the floors cleaned in the house and finished putting down the floor tiles. Keith has just about finished cutting the smaller pieces. I have vowed not to do any cutting with stuff like exacto knives (the scar on my finger reminds me why). Felt a little more productive after getting that done. Took more pictures of the work in progress.
The roof is about half painted now and all the electric work seems to be done. I’m still curious as to how they plan on finishing the bedroom window with the a/c …
We had a fairly early evening, all of us in the van by 5:30, back to the hotel just before 6 and then off to Mi Ranchito for dinner with Major and Mrs Mendez. Yummy! And I was able to present Major Mendez with another computer (2 others gave to Shirla, plus the other 3 that went to Africa in January). He seemed very appreciative and happy. (Must remember to take a picture of Shirla’s office with the computers up and running.) Keith told me on the way home that Mrs. Mendez looked at her husband after I gave him the computer and told him “that’s for me!” Apparently she hasn’t had her own computer at the office! She just shares with the other people working there!
Tomorrow we’ve got a long day because the Team has decided that it will be our last work day. I’m not quite sure how (so many small things to do) nor do I think it’s fair for Shirla (she's expecting us til Sat). With all that is left in front of us I don’t know how it will get done.
5:45am wake up tomorrow. Time for me to get to sleep.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Travel Update #6
Wednesday, Feb 21
Back to Paraiso. Really starting to feel like home there.
By the way, must mention that breakfast at the hotel is really quite substantial and good. There is fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, toast, eggs (of one type or another), plus some kind of meat, potatoes, cheese, plus coffee and juice. Can’t believe we’re really paying $40 for the room, including breakfast. What a deal. And no bug bites!
At work things are moving along nicely. The rooms that Julia, Keith and myself have been working on are looking good. By the end of today the bedroom was just about finished. A few more tiles on the floor and 1 ceiling tile are all that’s missing. The light is up too. Tomorrow there will be some touch ups to do in there.
Next, the kitchen – 2nd coat of paint is done, ceiling is done, light is up. Tomorrow we’ll clean the floor and lay the tiles.
Bathroom – will have to see with Keith what needs to be done there. For sure more paint in a few areas, plus clean the floor and lay tiles. Probably light is still to go up in there too.
Our roofers opened up the part of the slanted side roof over the office and public bathrooms and fixed it up. This provides more light in the church. Looks great.
We had dinner at the church tonight. I prepared an easy spaghetti dinner for about 8 adults (roofers had already left) and 4 kids (Shirla’s grandchildren). Amazingly I made exactly enough pasta! A little too much sauce (could’ve just used 2 bottles) but oh well. Did well on the bread, mushrooms and carrots. Still some soft drinks left and bread. Not too bad for a meal on the fly.
Tonight when we got home, after a quick clean up, Keith took David, Julia, Stan, Bonnie and me for a drive out to see the Presidential Palace. We also found this little Lover’s Lane type park (actually called Plaza de Francia, memorial to the French who died on the first attempt to build the Canal) and walked there for a bit, interrupting plenty of amorous looking couples. (Bonnie and Stan never did disappear on us, so maybe it wasn’t.) Then we drove over the Bridge of the Americas and found ourselves back in North America, ha ha. On the way home Keith stopped so I could buy some deodorant. We stopped in the Casco Viejo, quite a rough and poor area, especially at night. That was a fun little experience. Some lady apparently didn’t get the correct change while we were there and came barging back in, pushing, shoving and shouting to let us all know.
It was a nice way to spend the evening, little walk, little drive, and some laughs too. A good end to the day.
Back to Paraiso. Really starting to feel like home there.
By the way, must mention that breakfast at the hotel is really quite substantial and good. There is fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, toast, eggs (of one type or another), plus some kind of meat, potatoes, cheese, plus coffee and juice. Can’t believe we’re really paying $40 for the room, including breakfast. What a deal. And no bug bites!
At work things are moving along nicely. The rooms that Julia, Keith and myself have been working on are looking good. By the end of today the bedroom was just about finished. A few more tiles on the floor and 1 ceiling tile are all that’s missing. The light is up too. Tomorrow there will be some touch ups to do in there.
Next, the kitchen – 2nd coat of paint is done, ceiling is done, light is up. Tomorrow we’ll clean the floor and lay the tiles.
Bathroom – will have to see with Keith what needs to be done there. For sure more paint in a few areas, plus clean the floor and lay tiles. Probably light is still to go up in there too.
Our roofers opened up the part of the slanted side roof over the office and public bathrooms and fixed it up. This provides more light in the church. Looks great.
We had dinner at the church tonight. I prepared an easy spaghetti dinner for about 8 adults (roofers had already left) and 4 kids (Shirla’s grandchildren). Amazingly I made exactly enough pasta! A little too much sauce (could’ve just used 2 bottles) but oh well. Did well on the bread, mushrooms and carrots. Still some soft drinks left and bread. Not too bad for a meal on the fly.
Tonight when we got home, after a quick clean up, Keith took David, Julia, Stan, Bonnie and me for a drive out to see the Presidential Palace. We also found this little Lover’s Lane type park (actually called Plaza de Francia, memorial to the French who died on the first attempt to build the Canal) and walked there for a bit, interrupting plenty of amorous looking couples. (Bonnie and Stan never did disappear on us, so maybe it wasn’t.) Then we drove over the Bridge of the Americas and found ourselves back in North America, ha ha. On the way home Keith stopped so I could buy some deodorant. We stopped in the Casco Viejo, quite a rough and poor area, especially at night. That was a fun little experience. Some lady apparently didn’t get the correct change while we were there and came barging back in, pushing, shoving and shouting to let us all know.
It was a nice way to spend the evening, little walk, little drive, and some laughs too. A good end to the day.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Travel Ban Lifted
On March 12 I read the following article in The Gazette.
Tripoli - Libya yesterday backtracked on a decision to ban women under 40 years old from leaving the country unless accompanied by a close male relative. A statement said the foreign ministry "strongly denies reports it issued a ban on Libyan women under the age of 40 from travelling without "Mahram" - someone such as a father, brother or uncle. The official Al-Jamahiriya newspaper reported the ban on Wednesday, denouncing it as a "flagrant violation of women's rights to freedom on movement."
I have a hard time believing the government would even suggest such a ban in this day and age. What kind of stupid asses would even dare put that out there as media fodder? Are these cavemen that are running the country? Makes me want to spit on the idiot who dreamed up this fool idea.
Tripoli - Libya yesterday backtracked on a decision to ban women under 40 years old from leaving the country unless accompanied by a close male relative. A statement said the foreign ministry "strongly denies reports it issued a ban on Libyan women under the age of 40 from travelling without "Mahram" - someone such as a father, brother or uncle. The official Al-Jamahiriya newspaper reported the ban on Wednesday, denouncing it as a "flagrant violation of women's rights to freedom on movement."
I have a hard time believing the government would even suggest such a ban in this day and age. What kind of stupid asses would even dare put that out there as media fodder? Are these cavemen that are running the country? Makes me want to spit on the idiot who dreamed up this fool idea.
Travel Update #5
Tuesday, Feb. 20
National Holiday – Mardi Gras
Another long, hot, sweaty and busy work day. Julia and I helped Keith put up the remaining ceiling tracks in the bedroom and bathroom this morning and then also got the bedroom painted (lilac, Shirla’s choice) and I managed to about half of the kitchen painted (white). Also managed to get paint in more places than I can count. How do I do that?
The guys worked hard on the roof again and were in need of a 3pm quitting time (they started at 6:30am). They’ve been working hard and fast and it shows. Think Keith took them back to the hotel for a swim and dinner on their own.
Sounds like there were a few less kids (due to Mardi Gras? It really is a Nat. Hol. All shops are closed, businesses, etc.) at VBS today but that it was more organized.
We took Shirla out to Mi Ranchito for dinner tonight. Bit of a mix up in our reservation and so we ended up at Pencas, just down the road, same owner, basically same menu. I enjoyed the "ceviche de camarones y fillete de corvino a la plancha con vegetal del dia" (aka shrimp ceviche and grilled corvino (local fish) with salad). It was simple, but nice.
Back to the city, dropped Shirla at her daughter’s in town and then home to the hotel. Shirla's daughter is a translator. She's well educated, married, couple of kids. She works, her husband works. I really thought they would live better than what we saw tonight. Even the worst areas of Montreal are nothing compared to where these people live. Shocking. My own little home is a palace in comparison.
Must remember to mention that for break this morning we had ice cream bars! Yikes, ice cream, twice in 2 days! Better watch out for next week and the bikini! But maybe all the physical labour will work off all the extra calories ... ?
National Holiday – Mardi Gras
Another long, hot, sweaty and busy work day. Julia and I helped Keith put up the remaining ceiling tracks in the bedroom and bathroom this morning and then also got the bedroom painted (lilac, Shirla’s choice) and I managed to about half of the kitchen painted (white). Also managed to get paint in more places than I can count. How do I do that?
The guys worked hard on the roof again and were in need of a 3pm quitting time (they started at 6:30am). They’ve been working hard and fast and it shows. Think Keith took them back to the hotel for a swim and dinner on their own.
Sounds like there were a few less kids (due to Mardi Gras? It really is a Nat. Hol. All shops are closed, businesses, etc.) at VBS today but that it was more organized.
We took Shirla out to Mi Ranchito for dinner tonight. Bit of a mix up in our reservation and so we ended up at Pencas, just down the road, same owner, basically same menu. I enjoyed the "ceviche de camarones y fillete de corvino a la plancha con vegetal del dia" (aka shrimp ceviche and grilled corvino (local fish) with salad). It was simple, but nice.
Back to the city, dropped Shirla at her daughter’s in town and then home to the hotel. Shirla's daughter is a translator. She's well educated, married, couple of kids. She works, her husband works. I really thought they would live better than what we saw tonight. Even the worst areas of Montreal are nothing compared to where these people live. Shocking. My own little home is a palace in comparison.
Must remember to mention that for break this morning we had ice cream bars! Yikes, ice cream, twice in 2 days! Better watch out for next week and the bikini! But maybe all the physical labour will work off all the extra calories ... ?
Monday, March 12, 2007
Travel Update #4
Monday, Feb. 19
Forgot to write about this yesterday - while Julia and I were swimming on Sunday morning, Keith reminded Jules of the days when she and Kathryn used to imitate my mom! I was very intrigued by this and Julia had to compose herself before even doing this! (getting better all the time!) So, she dunks under water, comes up with all her hair in front of her face and then kind of swoops it back into a sleek high chignon - and THEN walks about (still in the pool) very elegantly. Well, I nearly fell into the pool from laughing so hard. Wish I'd had my camera with me. Apparently Kathryn and Julia, when they were kids, never saw my mom without her hair pulled into a bun, and always thought her really elegant because of it. And for whatever reason, when they stayed in hotels with pools, came up with this imitation of Gigi. Man, I'm giggling again just thinking about it. V. funny.
Anyway ... early wake up this morning – 6:45. On our way by 7:30 and on the job by 8am.
We all had another very productive day. Julia, Jessica and I got all the base coat of paint on in the three rooms. Already they look brighter, cleaner, newer. A huge improvement.
The guys removed and replaced another huge chunk of the church roof. It’s quite amazing how quickly and efficiently it’s all going. Thanks in great part to Keith’s planning, I’m sure.
Keith and I had a little slow down in our attempts to put up the rails for the ceiling tiles. He ended up going back to the hardware store (apparently 4 times in all today!) and eventually we did manage to get the tiles in the hallway up! And by the end of the day got the rails up in the bedroom as well (nearly in the dark, except for Stan’s cool extension cord with attached lamp). I also measured each wall in the rooms with Stan as my helper. He’s so funny. What a nice, regular guy. His wife, Bonnie, is due in tonight so I’ll meet her tomorrow.
Julia, Jessica, Catherine, Dave and Ken (wrong name - he's called Duncan) started with their Vacation Bible School (“VBS”). This first day went well with about 35 local kids attending. Sounds like they had fun. Hope they take lots of pix.
During that time I chilled in the storage shed (looks like a curling rink from the outside) with the guys – Stan, Paul, Bob and Brad (the roofers). Stan and Bob seem like very good people. Quiet, unpretentious, normal. Brad is still young (18, I think) and acts it but seems to be working very hard and full of energy. Paul is a bit harder to get a handle on. David, our electrician, kept working all day. Not too sure if it’s going well for him or not.
Dinner tonight was cooked entirely by Major Shirla. Wow – a great fresh green salad (could’ve eaten just that myself), a nice rice dish with pigeon peas and pig tail cooked in coconut milk, as well as some chicken with apparently a delicious gravy. Shirla also made this fantastic juice. Kind of pulpy, which I don’t usually like, but this was yummy, sweet and super refreshing! Maybe because I was so sweaty, dirty and thirsty.
We left there by 8:30 and on the way back to the hotel stopped for ICE CREAM! Mmm … I had two (oh man!) scoops. One Swiss Miss Mix (had to) and the other peanut butter chocolate. To die for. Wait until I tell Cecilia I had ice cream in the middle of winter. (OK, so it was about 30C out so I think that makes it OK.) I didn’t even get cold!
Had a most refreshing and much needed shower tonight. Feels perfectly lovely to sit in bed all fresh and smelling pretty. Tired out. Time for bed.
Forgot to write about this yesterday - while Julia and I were swimming on Sunday morning, Keith reminded Jules of the days when she and Kathryn used to imitate my mom! I was very intrigued by this and Julia had to compose herself before even doing this! (getting better all the time!) So, she dunks under water, comes up with all her hair in front of her face and then kind of swoops it back into a sleek high chignon - and THEN walks about (still in the pool) very elegantly. Well, I nearly fell into the pool from laughing so hard. Wish I'd had my camera with me. Apparently Kathryn and Julia, when they were kids, never saw my mom without her hair pulled into a bun, and always thought her really elegant because of it. And for whatever reason, when they stayed in hotels with pools, came up with this imitation of Gigi. Man, I'm giggling again just thinking about it. V. funny.
Anyway ... early wake up this morning – 6:45. On our way by 7:30 and on the job by 8am.
We all had another very productive day. Julia, Jessica and I got all the base coat of paint on in the three rooms. Already they look brighter, cleaner, newer. A huge improvement.
The guys removed and replaced another huge chunk of the church roof. It’s quite amazing how quickly and efficiently it’s all going. Thanks in great part to Keith’s planning, I’m sure.
Keith and I had a little slow down in our attempts to put up the rails for the ceiling tiles. He ended up going back to the hardware store (apparently 4 times in all today!) and eventually we did manage to get the tiles in the hallway up! And by the end of the day got the rails up in the bedroom as well (nearly in the dark, except for Stan’s cool extension cord with attached lamp). I also measured each wall in the rooms with Stan as my helper. He’s so funny. What a nice, regular guy. His wife, Bonnie, is due in tonight so I’ll meet her tomorrow.
Julia, Jessica, Catherine, Dave and Ken (wrong name - he's called Duncan) started with their Vacation Bible School (“VBS”). This first day went well with about 35 local kids attending. Sounds like they had fun. Hope they take lots of pix.
During that time I chilled in the storage shed (looks like a curling rink from the outside) with the guys – Stan, Paul, Bob and Brad (the roofers). Stan and Bob seem like very good people. Quiet, unpretentious, normal. Brad is still young (18, I think) and acts it but seems to be working very hard and full of energy. Paul is a bit harder to get a handle on. David, our electrician, kept working all day. Not too sure if it’s going well for him or not.
Dinner tonight was cooked entirely by Major Shirla. Wow – a great fresh green salad (could’ve eaten just that myself), a nice rice dish with pigeon peas and pig tail cooked in coconut milk, as well as some chicken with apparently a delicious gravy. Shirla also made this fantastic juice. Kind of pulpy, which I don’t usually like, but this was yummy, sweet and super refreshing! Maybe because I was so sweaty, dirty and thirsty.
We left there by 8:30 and on the way back to the hotel stopped for ICE CREAM! Mmm … I had two (oh man!) scoops. One Swiss Miss Mix (had to) and the other peanut butter chocolate. To die for. Wait until I tell Cecilia I had ice cream in the middle of winter. (OK, so it was about 30C out so I think that makes it OK.) I didn’t even get cold!
Had a most refreshing and much needed shower tonight. Feels perfectly lovely to sit in bed all fresh and smelling pretty. Tired out. Time for bed.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Travel Update #3
Sunday, Feb. 18
Agenda: church, Paraiso, Colon, Sabanitas
Started the day with a rooftop swim at 8am. What a fantastic view! A perfect way to start the day. Managed to get some semblance of warm water in the shower. Buffet breakfast and all on the road by 10am.
Church started spot on 11am. It was nice, temperature wise, not too hot or humid, good breeze blowing through. But I still got sleepy during the service. Funny congregation though. There were something like 20 kids and about 6 adults. Odd. There was even a real Kuna Indian, in her full native wear, nose ring, wrist and ankle beads, mola, etc. How surreal to see her singing the Salvation Army songs.
Julia & I took care of lunch again. A few more than expected but we managed well enough even if a some of us ate a little lighter (not that it would do us any harm).
Left Paraiso by 1:30pm (drove over the Centennial Bridge, crossing from South to North America) and arrived at Sabanitas just as the girls were finishing lunch. On the drive to Sabanitas, I was excited and anxious to get there. I think I spent half the drive sitting on the edge of my seat.
We arrived at the home and I think I was out of the van before Keith had turned the motor off. Marlene was there in the kitchen and recognized me at once. She threw her arms around me with a great big smile and laughed. She showed me briefly the new kitchen and laundry room before taking me into the dining area to see the girls. There they all were finishing their lunch. They said hello and seem quite shy and giggly. When I asked if they remembered me, Hiam (I think) said immediately, “Doctora”! I laughed, they laughed and we were off to a good start. Several of the girls are new and naturally shy with a strange group of “gringos” around.
From there Marlene gave Catherine, Jessica, Julia and me a tour of the place. Catherine seemed very interested in how Marlene manages the home, the girls and all of it by herself. I think we all wondered the same thing. Marlene just kind of laughs it off and shrugs saying that she gets some help from the home league women and the older girls help too. Her energy and enthusiasm is addicting.
Outside the rest of the group was touring the small house where our group stayed two years ago and then outside to interact with the kids. Swinging, kicking the soccer ball, playing on the see-saw. Pretty soon all you could hear was laughter and all you could see were smiles on everyone’s faces. I think everyone in our group enjoyed seeing the home after hearing so much talk about it.
After about an hour of playing, we got all the kids together for the gifts. Each of the girls got a nice bag or box filled with goodies. The two newest girls didn’t quite know what to make of it all, but never said a word when we didn’t call their names. We had extras for that very reason so it all worked out beautifully. (Two newest are Monica, younger and Diana, older.)
Spent another hour or so with the girls going through their gifts, playing with stickers, hair accessories, eating candy and gum, etc. Yanis and Yamilka told me they’d dyed their hair a couple of times and were thrilled with my shock (ok, a little bit of pretend shock). They said they loved the colour of my hair and were very pleased when I told them that I loved their own colouring. Jaludi (Khaled) was there and looked exactly the same. Adrian showed up too and apparently told Marlene, his grandmother, that he was so happy! Man, I could’ve stayed there all day. Never mind one day, I could’ve stayed all week.
So after a couple of hours spent with the kids we had to leave. It was heartbreaking. I suddenly realized that this was all the time I was going to spend with them. Considering last time was everyday for 2 weeks, these 2 hours or so were a terrible tease for me. I tried very hard to hold back and keep my emotions under control as we left, but as we turned the van out of the driveway onto the autoroute, I couldn’t hold back any longer. It was horrifyingly embarrassing to sob like that in front of 10 strangers. Luckily, Julia was sitting beside me and put her arm around me. Really, that was all I needed. Phew – what would we do without old friends?
Anyway, as always, my high emotion was over quickly but I admit I did feel to be on the verge of tears for a good part of the rest of the day.
After Sabanitas we headed up to Colon for a drive by and walk at the park. We drove up the main drag in Colon, showed everybody the atrocious living conditions. Some of the buildings have had a new paint job and look quite nice. Others look worse than ever.
The city was gearing up for another night of Carnaval festivities. A number of groups dressed in matching t-shirts were getting ready for a concert or parade, it looked like.
Up by the park the road was closed off and there were these guys dressed up as some kind of devils, running around trying to whip people! Really whip them! And occasionally the managed to. Some of the smaller kids were really terrified by all this. I did ask a policeman what was meant by it all but all he could tell me was that “it’s normal, it’s tradition”. Some help. Must remember to look that up for more info when I get home.
After hanging out there for a bit and getting our pictures taken at the Caribbean entrance to the Canal, we piled back into the van and returned to Panama City. Had a swim before a pizza dinner on the deck with the group. That was great. Got a bit silly (must’ve been the sugar) and laughed a bunch.
Julia downloaded her pictures to Keith’s computer and also looked at Keith’s pix. I shot a few cool long exposures of the city and of Julia at the pool.
Not a bad way to end a random Sunday in the middle of February, swimming under the stars … (started and ended the day in the pool)
Agenda: church, Paraiso, Colon, Sabanitas
Started the day with a rooftop swim at 8am. What a fantastic view! A perfect way to start the day. Managed to get some semblance of warm water in the shower. Buffet breakfast and all on the road by 10am.
Church started spot on 11am. It was nice, temperature wise, not too hot or humid, good breeze blowing through. But I still got sleepy during the service. Funny congregation though. There were something like 20 kids and about 6 adults. Odd. There was even a real Kuna Indian, in her full native wear, nose ring, wrist and ankle beads, mola, etc. How surreal to see her singing the Salvation Army songs.
Julia & I took care of lunch again. A few more than expected but we managed well enough even if a some of us ate a little lighter (not that it would do us any harm).
Left Paraiso by 1:30pm (drove over the Centennial Bridge, crossing from South to North America) and arrived at Sabanitas just as the girls were finishing lunch. On the drive to Sabanitas, I was excited and anxious to get there. I think I spent half the drive sitting on the edge of my seat.
We arrived at the home and I think I was out of the van before Keith had turned the motor off. Marlene was there in the kitchen and recognized me at once. She threw her arms around me with a great big smile and laughed. She showed me briefly the new kitchen and laundry room before taking me into the dining area to see the girls. There they all were finishing their lunch. They said hello and seem quite shy and giggly. When I asked if they remembered me, Hiam (I think) said immediately, “Doctora”! I laughed, they laughed and we were off to a good start. Several of the girls are new and naturally shy with a strange group of “gringos” around.
From there Marlene gave Catherine, Jessica, Julia and me a tour of the place. Catherine seemed very interested in how Marlene manages the home, the girls and all of it by herself. I think we all wondered the same thing. Marlene just kind of laughs it off and shrugs saying that she gets some help from the home league women and the older girls help too. Her energy and enthusiasm is addicting.
Outside the rest of the group was touring the small house where our group stayed two years ago and then outside to interact with the kids. Swinging, kicking the soccer ball, playing on the see-saw. Pretty soon all you could hear was laughter and all you could see were smiles on everyone’s faces. I think everyone in our group enjoyed seeing the home after hearing so much talk about it.
After about an hour of playing, we got all the kids together for the gifts. Each of the girls got a nice bag or box filled with goodies. The two newest girls didn’t quite know what to make of it all, but never said a word when we didn’t call their names. We had extras for that very reason so it all worked out beautifully. (Two newest are Monica, younger and Diana, older.)
Spent another hour or so with the girls going through their gifts, playing with stickers, hair accessories, eating candy and gum, etc. Yanis and Yamilka told me they’d dyed their hair a couple of times and were thrilled with my shock (ok, a little bit of pretend shock). They said they loved the colour of my hair and were very pleased when I told them that I loved their own colouring. Jaludi (Khaled) was there and looked exactly the same. Adrian showed up too and apparently told Marlene, his grandmother, that he was so happy! Man, I could’ve stayed there all day. Never mind one day, I could’ve stayed all week.
So after a couple of hours spent with the kids we had to leave. It was heartbreaking. I suddenly realized that this was all the time I was going to spend with them. Considering last time was everyday for 2 weeks, these 2 hours or so were a terrible tease for me. I tried very hard to hold back and keep my emotions under control as we left, but as we turned the van out of the driveway onto the autoroute, I couldn’t hold back any longer. It was horrifyingly embarrassing to sob like that in front of 10 strangers. Luckily, Julia was sitting beside me and put her arm around me. Really, that was all I needed. Phew – what would we do without old friends?
Anyway, as always, my high emotion was over quickly but I admit I did feel to be on the verge of tears for a good part of the rest of the day.
After Sabanitas we headed up to Colon for a drive by and walk at the park. We drove up the main drag in Colon, showed everybody the atrocious living conditions. Some of the buildings have had a new paint job and look quite nice. Others look worse than ever.
The city was gearing up for another night of Carnaval festivities. A number of groups dressed in matching t-shirts were getting ready for a concert or parade, it looked like.
Up by the park the road was closed off and there were these guys dressed up as some kind of devils, running around trying to whip people! Really whip them! And occasionally the managed to. Some of the smaller kids were really terrified by all this. I did ask a policeman what was meant by it all but all he could tell me was that “it’s normal, it’s tradition”. Some help. Must remember to look that up for more info when I get home.
After hanging out there for a bit and getting our pictures taken at the Caribbean entrance to the Canal, we piled back into the van and returned to Panama City. Had a swim before a pizza dinner on the deck with the group. That was great. Got a bit silly (must’ve been the sugar) and laughed a bunch.
Julia downloaded her pictures to Keith’s computer and also looked at Keith’s pix. I shot a few cool long exposures of the city and of Julia at the pool.
Not a bad way to end a random Sunday in the middle of February, swimming under the stars … (started and ended the day in the pool)
Thursday, March 08, 2007
More pictures! and another update
In case you haven't already noticed, my Grand Cayman pictures are up!
And here's the next travel log entry:
Saturday, Feb. 17
Up early (7am) this morning and enjoyed a nice buffet breakfast at the hotel.
First stop for the day was Paraiso where we decided to work a partial day instead of going to Sabanitas. Little disappointed not to see the girls but it worked out better this way for everyone.
Worked from about 10:30am to 5pm. Got a lot done in a relatively short work day. The guys (have got to try harder to remember their names, so far only can remember Stan) managed to remove and replace about 1/3 of the roof! In Major Shirla’s quarters we (Julia, Catherine, Jessica, me) emptied her bedroom, kitchen and bathroom and also tore down the ceilings in the three rooms and cleaned the walls, top to bottom. We got covered in bat "guano" (now known as ceiling glitter). Phew! But now all ready to start with the painting on Monday (we were pretty much told that it would be frowned upon if we did any kind of work on Sunday).
Julia and I made lunch for the crowd. Ham and cheese, tuna, chips, apples, bananas, cookies. Made sure that all drank lots of water.
After dinner at TGIFriday’s we dropped a few of the crew back to the hotel and headed off to the area for the Carnaval parade (got a little bit lost, but a few quick questions at a gas station set us right again). Parked the van and then followed the crowd and the noise only to find a 1-hour wait just to go through security. We did wait for about 20 minutes but then after taking another vote some of the group decided to stay and others to leave, myself included. So a bunch of them stayed and the rest of us went back to the hotel. Julia, Keith and I were all set to hit the pool only to discover that it closed at 10pm (10:30 when we got there). Oh well. Julia and I hung in her Dad’s room for a chat and got to send off a few quick emails.
In bed now can hear the sounds of Carnaval! Drums, steel drums, even fireworks (possibly over the bay area?). The beat of the drums makes me want to dance - it’s awesome. Would’ve liked to stay out all night at Carnaval but with church ahead of me and what I’m sure will be an emotional afternoon with the girls in Sabanitas, I think it’s better for me to rest up.
8am wake up call tomorrow. Julia and I are going swimming before breakfast!
And here's the next travel log entry:
Saturday, Feb. 17
Up early (7am) this morning and enjoyed a nice buffet breakfast at the hotel.
First stop for the day was Paraiso where we decided to work a partial day instead of going to Sabanitas. Little disappointed not to see the girls but it worked out better this way for everyone.
Worked from about 10:30am to 5pm. Got a lot done in a relatively short work day. The guys (have got to try harder to remember their names, so far only can remember Stan) managed to remove and replace about 1/3 of the roof! In Major Shirla’s quarters we (Julia, Catherine, Jessica, me) emptied her bedroom, kitchen and bathroom and also tore down the ceilings in the three rooms and cleaned the walls, top to bottom. We got covered in bat "guano" (now known as ceiling glitter). Phew! But now all ready to start with the painting on Monday (we were pretty much told that it would be frowned upon if we did any kind of work on Sunday).
Julia and I made lunch for the crowd. Ham and cheese, tuna, chips, apples, bananas, cookies. Made sure that all drank lots of water.
After dinner at TGIFriday’s we dropped a few of the crew back to the hotel and headed off to the area for the Carnaval parade (got a little bit lost, but a few quick questions at a gas station set us right again). Parked the van and then followed the crowd and the noise only to find a 1-hour wait just to go through security. We did wait for about 20 minutes but then after taking another vote some of the group decided to stay and others to leave, myself included. So a bunch of them stayed and the rest of us went back to the hotel. Julia, Keith and I were all set to hit the pool only to discover that it closed at 10pm (10:30 when we got there). Oh well. Julia and I hung in her Dad’s room for a chat and got to send off a few quick emails.
In bed now can hear the sounds of Carnaval! Drums, steel drums, even fireworks (possibly over the bay area?). The beat of the drums makes me want to dance - it’s awesome. Would’ve liked to stay out all night at Carnaval but with church ahead of me and what I’m sure will be an emotional afternoon with the girls in Sabanitas, I think it’s better for me to rest up.
8am wake up call tomorrow. Julia and I are going swimming before breakfast!
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Travel Update #1
Over the next week or so I'll be providing lots of interesting (or not) details about my working vacation in Panama and about my relaxation vacation in Grand Cayman. Here's the first entry.
Friday, Feb. 16
Was up bright and early this morning despite not really needing to be. Honestly, I could’ve gone to the gym and been back with time to spare, but I suppose it was better that I didn’t and just concentrated on the last minute packing.
Stupid Videotron was acting up again and I couldn't send Why a last minute email.
Dad drove me to the airport. There was a little problem using the machines for check-in but that got sorted (machine wouldn't print my boarding pass). Then I got caught with excess baggage (1 bag weighed 55lbs and the other 59 lbs) so had to pay $60. Oh well, small price to pay to make sure that the girls get all their gifts.
Flight to Miami was on time. Only complaint being Albert & Annabelle, two small children in the row in front of me. These brats had two volumes: shouting and screaming. With the added bonus volumes of whining and crying just about every time I closed my eyes.
Transferring in Miami went fine. It was cold there, only 15C! I was quite shocked and still bundled in about 4 layers of clothing.
Arrived in Panama on time. Keith was just walking in the arrivals door as I walked out with both my bags. Perfect timing. The rest of the group showed up from Toronto about an hour or so later. All their luggage came through as well. Met the rest of the team. Dave Pearo gave me a big hug and said “here’s a hug from your Dad”. I’m pretty sure I saw and spoke to my father more recently than Dave did .. whatever.
On to our home for the next week, the Hotel Costa Inn, and to bed around 1am. Hotel is pretty basic but clean and neat (phew). Sharing a room with Julia, so we should have some laughs. It was a long day. Feeling tired and excited to start our work in Paraiso and of course, to see las ninas at Hogar Dr. Eno.
Friday, Feb. 16
Was up bright and early this morning despite not really needing to be. Honestly, I could’ve gone to the gym and been back with time to spare, but I suppose it was better that I didn’t and just concentrated on the last minute packing.
Stupid Videotron was acting up again and I couldn't send Why a last minute email.
Dad drove me to the airport. There was a little problem using the machines for check-in but that got sorted (machine wouldn't print my boarding pass). Then I got caught with excess baggage (1 bag weighed 55lbs and the other 59 lbs) so had to pay $60. Oh well, small price to pay to make sure that the girls get all their gifts.
Flight to Miami was on time. Only complaint being Albert & Annabelle, two small children in the row in front of me. These brats had two volumes: shouting and screaming. With the added bonus volumes of whining and crying just about every time I closed my eyes.
Transferring in Miami went fine. It was cold there, only 15C! I was quite shocked and still bundled in about 4 layers of clothing.
Arrived in Panama on time. Keith was just walking in the arrivals door as I walked out with both my bags. Perfect timing. The rest of the group showed up from Toronto about an hour or so later. All their luggage came through as well. Met the rest of the team. Dave Pearo gave me a big hug and said “here’s a hug from your Dad”. I’m pretty sure I saw and spoke to my father more recently than Dave did .. whatever.
On to our home for the next week, the Hotel Costa Inn, and to bed around 1am. Hotel is pretty basic but clean and neat (phew). Sharing a room with Julia, so we should have some laughs. It was a long day. Feeling tired and excited to start our work in Paraiso and of course, to see las ninas at Hogar Dr. Eno.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
I'm home
All the pictures, details and stories coming soon. I promise!
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4:19pm
Update:
Panama 2007 is ready for your viewing pleasure.
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4:19pm
Update:
Panama 2007 is ready for your viewing pleasure.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
One more 'do-do'
That's right - one more sleepy-sleepy and I'll be on my way! This time tomorrow I'll be arriving at the airport getting ready to cause havoc with my two big hockey bags. My excitement has been building steadily.
It's a good think I have work to keep me occupied today because otherwise I'd be packing, unpacking and repacking over and over and over (like I haven't already done 100 times).
Updates may be a little sparse over the next two weeks but I'm pretty sure I'll have a few opportunities to logon.
Until then, keep safe (says she who nearly slipped in the same spot again this morning), keep warm (am so never going to Siberia because that's what it felt like when I was walking to work going against the wind) and you know ... be good (or whatever comes close for you).
It's a good think I have work to keep me occupied today because otherwise I'd be packing, unpacking and repacking over and over and over (like I haven't already done 100 times).
Updates may be a little sparse over the next two weeks but I'm pretty sure I'll have a few opportunities to logon.
Until then, keep safe (says she who nearly slipped in the same spot again this morning), keep warm (am so never going to Siberia because that's what it felt like when I was walking to work going against the wind) and you know ... be good (or whatever comes close for you).
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Black Wednesday
It would seem that Black Wednesday attitude has permeated far beyond my own personal little world.
I was surprised to be feeling more hopeful this year and not nearly so blue as I have felt on previous Black Days (i.e. Valentine's Day). Not sure why exactly, but I was not going to question a more positive attitude. (I'm even wearing a touch of white amidst all my black.)
However, people have pissed me off and generally been just plain mean to me for no reason other than they must be celebrating Black Wednesday too. OK, people, listen up - if you're going to celebrate Black Wednesday, the first rule is to just stick to yourself. Don't go being mean to other people for no good reason. It's just bad karma and will come back to haunt you. Got that? Right then, on to today's escapades so far.
This morning at the gym I did my warm up, then signed up for the next available elliptical trainer. I had to wait 5 minutes but that was fine. 5 minutes go by, I see the guy using the machine is still going but give him an extra 3 minutes because I figure he must be finishing up soon, right? Wrong. 3 minutes later I asked if he was going to be done soon. He tells me "3 more minutes". Well, you know what, this is not OK anymore. This means that my workout is going to be at least 6 minutes shorter. Anyway, I decided to just go and lean against the wall until the machine was free. I had no intention of starting an argument at that time of the morning. Well, a moment later one of the gym instructors asks me if there is a problem. I explained the situation. The instructor went over to look at the sign up sheet, came back and then had a quiet word with the guy using the machine. That didn't go over too well. He got all huffy, stomped off, stomped back to wipe it down and then got up in my face and practically spits at me, "you're not supposed to sign up in advance, you know!" I backed up, kind of surprised, and immediately felt guilty - FOR NOTHING!!! The person who had signed up in advance had crossed off their name after this guy had started, I guess. So I mentioned (politely) that I had only just put my name after his about 5 minutes ago (closer to 10 now). He goes off all red in the face, sputtering away. So much for exercise making you feel good. I got on the machine, did my workout and the short lived stress I felt pretty much disappeared. I have no idea what the hell that was all about but now, nearly 3 hours later, I've got a hundred comebacks ready for this guy.
Then, on my way to work another ass managed to totally deflate my now lessened good humour. It's snowing here today, we're expecting about 15-20cm of snow (little in comparison to other areas). Visibility isn't great right now, but the roads are still pretty good for driving downtown. I was crossing the last street before getting to work when I slipped on some ice hidden under the freshly fallen snow. Luckily I didn't fall on my ass but I did come down hard on my knee and took a second to get my balance before trying to stand up on the ice. This took way too long for the car that was stopped beside me though. I'm sure he saw me fall. But instead of waiting patiently for me to get out of the way, he started honking at me! So the next thing you know I'm scurrying out of the way so this asshole can get to where he's going that is so much more important than maybe leaning out of his window and asking if I'm alright. Well, that's when I said "enough!" to myself. He probably never heard me but I flipped him the bird (OK, inside my mitt) and shouted "asshole" as he passed me by.
Man. My good mood from exercising is completely gone and now I'm all full of rage. And I have nothing good to say about anything.
Black Wednesday hits again.
I was surprised to be feeling more hopeful this year and not nearly so blue as I have felt on previous Black Days (i.e. Valentine's Day). Not sure why exactly, but I was not going to question a more positive attitude. (I'm even wearing a touch of white amidst all my black.)
However, people have pissed me off and generally been just plain mean to me for no reason other than they must be celebrating Black Wednesday too. OK, people, listen up - if you're going to celebrate Black Wednesday, the first rule is to just stick to yourself. Don't go being mean to other people for no good reason. It's just bad karma and will come back to haunt you. Got that? Right then, on to today's escapades so far.
This morning at the gym I did my warm up, then signed up for the next available elliptical trainer. I had to wait 5 minutes but that was fine. 5 minutes go by, I see the guy using the machine is still going but give him an extra 3 minutes because I figure he must be finishing up soon, right? Wrong. 3 minutes later I asked if he was going to be done soon. He tells me "3 more minutes". Well, you know what, this is not OK anymore. This means that my workout is going to be at least 6 minutes shorter. Anyway, I decided to just go and lean against the wall until the machine was free. I had no intention of starting an argument at that time of the morning. Well, a moment later one of the gym instructors asks me if there is a problem. I explained the situation. The instructor went over to look at the sign up sheet, came back and then had a quiet word with the guy using the machine. That didn't go over too well. He got all huffy, stomped off, stomped back to wipe it down and then got up in my face and practically spits at me, "you're not supposed to sign up in advance, you know!" I backed up, kind of surprised, and immediately felt guilty - FOR NOTHING!!! The person who had signed up in advance had crossed off their name after this guy had started, I guess. So I mentioned (politely) that I had only just put my name after his about 5 minutes ago (closer to 10 now). He goes off all red in the face, sputtering away. So much for exercise making you feel good. I got on the machine, did my workout and the short lived stress I felt pretty much disappeared. I have no idea what the hell that was all about but now, nearly 3 hours later, I've got a hundred comebacks ready for this guy.
Then, on my way to work another ass managed to totally deflate my now lessened good humour. It's snowing here today, we're expecting about 15-20cm of snow (little in comparison to other areas). Visibility isn't great right now, but the roads are still pretty good for driving downtown. I was crossing the last street before getting to work when I slipped on some ice hidden under the freshly fallen snow. Luckily I didn't fall on my ass but I did come down hard on my knee and took a second to get my balance before trying to stand up on the ice. This took way too long for the car that was stopped beside me though. I'm sure he saw me fall. But instead of waiting patiently for me to get out of the way, he started honking at me! So the next thing you know I'm scurrying out of the way so this asshole can get to where he's going that is so much more important than maybe leaning out of his window and asking if I'm alright. Well, that's when I said "enough!" to myself. He probably never heard me but I flipped him the bird (OK, inside my mitt) and shouted "asshole" as he passed me by.
Man. My good mood from exercising is completely gone and now I'm all full of rage. And I have nothing good to say about anything.
Black Wednesday hits again.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
From -32°C to +32°C
This morning's windchill has brought the temp down to -32°C. Pleasant, no?
Thankfully it's already Tuesday and that means by 8:30pm Friday (3 more 'do-do') I will be in +32°C temperatures. What a relief! If everytime it got this cold I knew I would be in the complete opposite 3 days later, I might be able to deal a little better.
Or not.
Thankfully it's already Tuesday and that means by 8:30pm Friday (3 more 'do-do') I will be in +32°C temperatures. What a relief! If everytime it got this cold I knew I would be in the complete opposite 3 days later, I might be able to deal a little better.
Or not.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Friday, February 09, 2007
The Final Countdown
This time one week today I will be about halfway to Miami, on my way to Panama.
The final pieces pulled together this week. I've done a preliminary packing of the two hockey bags I'll be taking and it's looking good for space (and still under the baggage weight limitations). Also finally got my passport so now I can sleep again. This weekend I will do what I can to finalize one of the bags. The second one I know there is no point worrying about until next Thursday night, after I do the last bits of laundry.
7 days ...
The final pieces pulled together this week. I've done a preliminary packing of the two hockey bags I'll be taking and it's looking good for space (and still under the baggage weight limitations). Also finally got my passport so now I can sleep again. This weekend I will do what I can to finalize one of the bags. The second one I know there is no point worrying about until next Thursday night, after I do the last bits of laundry.
7 days ...
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Is it? Could it be?
Yes! It's my passport!!!
You cannot imagine how relieved I am to finally have this little booklet in my hands.
As soon as I get back I will be starting the process of obtaining a Canadian citizenship card so that I can, without any problems, travel using my Swiss passport.
What this little book has put through these few weeks ...
You cannot imagine how relieved I am to finally have this little booklet in my hands.
As soon as I get back I will be starting the process of obtaining a Canadian citizenship card so that I can, without any problems, travel using my Swiss passport.
What this little book has put through these few weeks ...
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Biscuits
To go with the zuke soup, I felt I needed some homemade bread. But on a cold Sunday morning the last thing I wanted to do was spend all day baking bread so I found a recipe for some biscuits, which I thought would be fast, easy and tasty. I didn't know I could be so wrong.
I'd had this package of Bisquick mix in my pantry for ages now and had exactly enough to make one batch of "rolled biscuits". FYI - that is the last time I buy pre-mixed baking stuff like that. Sure they were fast and easy to make. But vile to taste. I ate one and threw the other 9 in the bin. Blech.
Bisquick Rolled Biscuits
2 cups Bisquick
½ cup milk
Heat oven to 450F. Mix ingredients until dough forms; beat 30 seconds. If cough is sticky, gradually mix in enough Bisquick baking mix (up to ¼ cup) to make dough easy to handle. Turn onto surface well dusted with Bisquick baking mix; gently roll in baking mix to coat. Shape into ball; knead 10 times. Roll ½ inch thick. Cut with 2 inch cutter dipped in Bisquick baking mix. Bake on ungreasted cookie sheet until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Makes 10-12 biscuits.
Drop biscuits:
Do not knead dough. Drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Makes 10 biscuits.
Following that catastrophe, I opened up my Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook and found the perfect Sunday recipe. Here you go:
Nun’s Puffs recipe
½ cup butter
1 cup milk
¾ cup all-purpose flour
4 eggs
1 tablespoon sugar
Honey (optional)
Heat oven to 375°F.
Generously grease twelve 2 ½-inch muffin cups, including the edge and around the top of each cup; set aside. In a medium saucepan melt butter; add milk. Bring to boiling. Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously. Cook and stir until mixture forms a ball that does not separate. Remove from heat; cool for 5 minutes.
Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating for 1 minute with a wooden spoon after each addition or until smooth. Divide dough evenly among prepared muffin cups, filing cups about two-thirds full; sprinkle with sugar.
Bake in a 375° oven about 30 minutes or until golden brown and puffy. Remove from pan. Serve immediately. If desired, serve with honey.
Nutrition fact per puff: 137 calories, 10g total fat (6g sat. fat), 94mg chol, 114mg sodium, 8g carbo., 0g fiber, 4g prot.
Note from me: Super easy to make. Came out looking impressive. The taste however was a little rich for my liking. Soooo eggy. It was kind of like eating a quiche, or some freshly scrambled eggs. You can really only eat one before feeling slightly ill. I know this because I ate two.
I'd had this package of Bisquick mix in my pantry for ages now and had exactly enough to make one batch of "rolled biscuits". FYI - that is the last time I buy pre-mixed baking stuff like that. Sure they were fast and easy to make. But vile to taste. I ate one and threw the other 9 in the bin. Blech.
Bisquick Rolled Biscuits
2 cups Bisquick
½ cup milk
Heat oven to 450F. Mix ingredients until dough forms; beat 30 seconds. If cough is sticky, gradually mix in enough Bisquick baking mix (up to ¼ cup) to make dough easy to handle. Turn onto surface well dusted with Bisquick baking mix; gently roll in baking mix to coat. Shape into ball; knead 10 times. Roll ½ inch thick. Cut with 2 inch cutter dipped in Bisquick baking mix. Bake on ungreasted cookie sheet until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Makes 10-12 biscuits.
Drop biscuits:
Do not knead dough. Drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Makes 10 biscuits.
Following that catastrophe, I opened up my Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook and found the perfect Sunday recipe. Here you go:
Nun’s Puffs recipe
½ cup butter
1 cup milk
¾ cup all-purpose flour
4 eggs
1 tablespoon sugar
Honey (optional)
Heat oven to 375°F.
Generously grease twelve 2 ½-inch muffin cups, including the edge and around the top of each cup; set aside. In a medium saucepan melt butter; add milk. Bring to boiling. Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously. Cook and stir until mixture forms a ball that does not separate. Remove from heat; cool for 5 minutes.
Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating for 1 minute with a wooden spoon after each addition or until smooth. Divide dough evenly among prepared muffin cups, filing cups about two-thirds full; sprinkle with sugar.
Bake in a 375° oven about 30 minutes or until golden brown and puffy. Remove from pan. Serve immediately. If desired, serve with honey.
Nutrition fact per puff: 137 calories, 10g total fat (6g sat. fat), 94mg chol, 114mg sodium, 8g carbo., 0g fiber, 4g prot.
Note from me: Super easy to make. Came out looking impressive. The taste however was a little rich for my liking. Soooo eggy. It was kind of like eating a quiche, or some freshly scrambled eggs. You can really only eat one before feeling slightly ill. I know this because I ate two.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Zuke soup
The other weekend I bought some zucchini and only used 1 of the 4 in the package. Figured the best way to use the leftover slightly wilted zukes was to make a nice batch of soup.
Curried Zucchini Soup
1 large apple, peeled and chopped
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
1 tbsp margarine
6 cups chicken broth
1/3 cup rice
4 cups chopped zucchini (not peeled!)
2 tsp curry (more if desired)
Salt & Pepper, to taste
½ cup evaporated milk
In large stockpot, sauté apple and onion in margarine. Add broth, rice, zucchini, curry, salt & pepper. Boil until rice is soft (about 45 minutes, dependind on the type of rice you use). Let cool. Purée. Return to heat and add evaporated milk.
Note from me: I generally find I don't need to add salt if I'm using curry in a recipe. Also, I just whatever milk I have in the fridge, generally skim. I love this recipe!
Curried Zucchini Soup
1 large apple, peeled and chopped
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
1 tbsp margarine
6 cups chicken broth
1/3 cup rice
4 cups chopped zucchini (not peeled!)
2 tsp curry (more if desired)
Salt & Pepper, to taste
½ cup evaporated milk
In large stockpot, sauté apple and onion in margarine. Add broth, rice, zucchini, curry, salt & pepper. Boil until rice is soft (about 45 minutes, dependind on the type of rice you use). Let cool. Purée. Return to heat and add evaporated milk.
Note from me: I generally find I don't need to add salt if I'm using curry in a recipe. Also, I just whatever milk I have in the fridge, generally skim. I love this recipe!
Monday, February 05, 2007
The joys of home ownership
Have spent the better part of weekend staring at my ceiling. Here's why.
Because I don't have enough other things to worry about right now!
Because I don't have enough other things to worry about right now!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Passport Problems
Please, can I have my passport? Pretty please? With a cherry on top?
It's been over a week since Passport Canada charged my credit card for my new passport but still nothing in my mailbox remotely resembling a pick-up notice from Canada Post. Argh! Am losing all kinds of sleep because of this.
16 days and then I'm away!
It's been over a week since Passport Canada charged my credit card for my new passport but still nothing in my mailbox remotely resembling a pick-up notice from Canada Post. Argh! Am losing all kinds of sleep because of this.
16 days and then I'm away!
Monday, January 29, 2007
Two Scoops
You know how sometimes you could kill for a little bit of sweet but there's nothing in the house? Yeah, me too. So this next recipe is kinda like cinnamon raisin toast, except it's a homemade muffin that freezes great and takes no time to defrost in the microwave! Think this is the last recipe from my big cooking day last weekend. Later this week I'll get to what I made yesterday.
Two Scoops Raisin Bran Apple Muffins
(this link takes you to ALL-BRAN* Bran Flakes Apple-Raisin Bran Muffins, but it's pretty much the same recipe)
A dusting of cinnamon sugar adds an extra-sweet touch to these large, fruit-filled muffins.
Makes 12 large muffins
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
3 1/2 cups Raisin Bran cereal
1 1/2 cups skim milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tbsp molasses or liquid honey
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup finely-chopped unpeeled red apple
Topping:
1 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon for topping; set aside.
In large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg; set aside.
In medium bowl combine cereal, milk, oil, molasses and egg; beat well. Stir in apple. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moistened. Portion batter evenly into 12 large lightly-greased muffin-pan cups. Sprinkle with reserved cinnamon sugar.
Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and top of muffin springs back when lightly touched.
Two Scoops Raisin Bran Apple Muffins
(this link takes you to ALL-BRAN* Bran Flakes Apple-Raisin Bran Muffins, but it's pretty much the same recipe)
A dusting of cinnamon sugar adds an extra-sweet touch to these large, fruit-filled muffins.
Makes 12 large muffins
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
3 1/2 cups Raisin Bran cereal
1 1/2 cups skim milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tbsp molasses or liquid honey
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup finely-chopped unpeeled red apple
Topping:
1 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon for topping; set aside.
In large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg; set aside.
In medium bowl combine cereal, milk, oil, molasses and egg; beat well. Stir in apple. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moistened. Portion batter evenly into 12 large lightly-greased muffin-pan cups. Sprinkle with reserved cinnamon sugar.
Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and top of muffin springs back when lightly touched.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Say it with me "Rutabaga"
Or just say turnip. Because it's the same thing. For some reason, I love turnip. Now I know lots of people don't but I do so you're going to get two recipes today! I made both of these last weekend.
This did come from a Canadian Living magazine but it must've been quite a while ago because I can't find it on their web site. This is delicious and the colour is fab! Thanks to my Momma for passing it on to me.
Rutabaga Sweet Potato Puree
Serves 8
1 rutabaga (about 2 lb/ 1 kg)
3 sweet potatoes (about 2 lb/ 1 kg), peeled and cubed
3 cloves garlic
1/4 cup butter, melted or extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt (I only use about half this because I find the mustard has enough salt)
1/4 tsp pepper
2 tbsp minced fresh parsley
1 green onion, minced
Peel rutabaga; cut into 1-inch cubes. In pot of boiling salted water, cover and cook rutabaga for 5 minutes. Add sweet potatoes and garlic; cook until rutabaga is tender, about 10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
In food processor, puree about one-third of rutabaga mixture with butter, mustard, salt, pepper and reserved cooking water until smooth; scrape back into pot. Puree remaining vegetables; add to pot, mixing to combine. (Make ahead: refrigerate, uncovered, in airtight container until cool; cover and refrigerate for up to 2 dyas. Or freeze for up to 1 week; thaw in refrigerator. Reheat to serve.) Stir in parsley and green onion.
Per serving: about 165 calories; 3g pro; 6g total fat (4g sat. fat); 26g carb; 4g fibre; 15mg chol; 696mg sod.
This next one isn't exactly the way my mom does it, but it's close enough (the only difference is the flour). I always make sure to come home from Christmas dinner with some of this in my "leftover-goodies" plate.
Rutabaga and Apple Combo
Serves 6
1 large Rutabaga; peeled and diced
3 tbsp Margarine; divided
1 1/2 c Peeled; sliced apples
1/4 c Brown sugar
1/8 tsp Cinnamon
1/3 c Flour
1/3 c Brown sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cook, drain and mash rutabaga. Add 1 tablespoon margarine. Toss sliced apples with 1/4 cup brown sugar and cinnamon. Arrange alternate layers of mashed rutabaga and sliced apples in greased 2 quart casserole, beginning and ending with rutabaga. Mix together flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons margarine until crumbly. Sprinkle over top of casserole; bake for 1 hour.
Note from me: I just used the remaining turnips that I had and enough apples to cover the layers I needed. Oh, I didn't use cinnamon because I don't like it.
This did come from a Canadian Living magazine but it must've been quite a while ago because I can't find it on their web site. This is delicious and the colour is fab! Thanks to my Momma for passing it on to me.
Rutabaga Sweet Potato Puree
Serves 8
1 rutabaga (about 2 lb/ 1 kg)
3 sweet potatoes (about 2 lb/ 1 kg), peeled and cubed
3 cloves garlic
1/4 cup butter, melted or extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt (I only use about half this because I find the mustard has enough salt)
1/4 tsp pepper
2 tbsp minced fresh parsley
1 green onion, minced
Peel rutabaga; cut into 1-inch cubes. In pot of boiling salted water, cover and cook rutabaga for 5 minutes. Add sweet potatoes and garlic; cook until rutabaga is tender, about 10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
In food processor, puree about one-third of rutabaga mixture with butter, mustard, salt, pepper and reserved cooking water until smooth; scrape back into pot. Puree remaining vegetables; add to pot, mixing to combine. (Make ahead: refrigerate, uncovered, in airtight container until cool; cover and refrigerate for up to 2 dyas. Or freeze for up to 1 week; thaw in refrigerator. Reheat to serve.) Stir in parsley and green onion.
Per serving: about 165 calories; 3g pro; 6g total fat (4g sat. fat); 26g carb; 4g fibre; 15mg chol; 696mg sod.
This next one isn't exactly the way my mom does it, but it's close enough (the only difference is the flour). I always make sure to come home from Christmas dinner with some of this in my "leftover-goodies" plate.
Rutabaga and Apple Combo
Serves 6
1 large Rutabaga; peeled and diced
3 tbsp Margarine; divided
1 1/2 c Peeled; sliced apples
1/4 c Brown sugar
1/8 tsp Cinnamon
1/3 c Flour
1/3 c Brown sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cook, drain and mash rutabaga. Add 1 tablespoon margarine. Toss sliced apples with 1/4 cup brown sugar and cinnamon. Arrange alternate layers of mashed rutabaga and sliced apples in greased 2 quart casserole, beginning and ending with rutabaga. Mix together flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons margarine until crumbly. Sprinkle over top of casserole; bake for 1 hour.
Note from me: I just used the remaining turnips that I had and enough apples to cover the layers I needed. Oh, I didn't use cinnamon because I don't like it.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Dal
I should totally be making this dish more often. I've had it in my collection for ages and have made it a couple of times before. Each time I say the same thing - I should make it more often! I cut this out of The Gazette, credit to Jennifer Warren.
Indian-Spiced Lentil Stew (aka Dal)
Serves 4
Serve with warm nan bread, or apparently bananas, if you have them (I have never tried this though). Have a big bowl for lunch, or a smaller bowl for supper before your main. Easy, fast and tasty!
1 tablespoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon salt (I actually skip the salt because I find the lentils pretty salty)1 clove garlic, crushed
1 cup soy or regular milk
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 medium onions, chopped
1 1/2 cans diced tomatoes, not drained
1 can lentils, drained
In a small bowl, combine curry powder, cumin, turmeric and salt (if you're gonna use it). Add garlic and milk, stirring to ccombine well; set aside. In a large saucepan over low-medium heat, heat oil and sate onions, stirring occasionally, for about 12 minutes, or until soft and just beginning to brown. Stir in milk mixture and cook until it thickens and bubbles, about three minutes. Stir in tomatoes, using a potato masher to mash tomatoes into smaller pieces. Stir in lentils and heat gently, uncovered, for about 15 minutes.
Approx. nutritional content per serving: 290 calories; 15g protein; 5g fat; 15g carbohydrates; 13g dietary fibre; 990mg sodium.
Indian-Spiced Lentil Stew (aka Dal)
Serves 4
Serve with warm nan bread, or apparently bananas, if you have them (I have never tried this though). Have a big bowl for lunch, or a smaller bowl for supper before your main. Easy, fast and tasty!
1 tablespoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon salt (I actually skip the salt because I find the lentils pretty salty)1 clove garlic, crushed
1 cup soy or regular milk
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 medium onions, chopped
1 1/2 cans diced tomatoes, not drained
1 can lentils, drained
In a small bowl, combine curry powder, cumin, turmeric and salt (if you're gonna use it). Add garlic and milk, stirring to ccombine well; set aside. In a large saucepan over low-medium heat, heat oil and sate onions, stirring occasionally, for about 12 minutes, or until soft and just beginning to brown. Stir in milk mixture and cook until it thickens and bubbles, about three minutes. Stir in tomatoes, using a potato masher to mash tomatoes into smaller pieces. Stir in lentils and heat gently, uncovered, for about 15 minutes.
Approx. nutritional content per serving: 290 calories; 15g protein; 5g fat; 15g carbohydrates; 13g dietary fibre; 990mg sodium.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
A couple of good 'uns
Yesterday I did my fair share of complaining about various recipes that I tried out this past weekend. Today I will not complain. Today I will praise (mostly).
Both recipes are brought to you by the good folks at Everyday Food
First up: Mushroom Ragout
Serves 4
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add 1 small minced shallot; cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes.
Raise heat to medium. Add 1 1/2 pounds small white mushrooms, halved; season with coarse salt and ground pepper. Cook, covered, until mushrooms release their liquid, 5 to 6 minutes.
Uncover; raise heat to high. Cook, tossing, until liquid evaporates and mushrooms are brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
Add 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme and 1/4 cup dry red or white wine, or water. Cook until skillet is almost dry, 1 minute. Serve hot.
I could've eaten the whole bowl of this in one sitting. Yes, it was that good. But I do so love a good mushroom dish ...
Next up: French-cut green beans with dill butter
Serves 4; Prep time: 15 minutes; Total time: 30 minutes
2 tablespoons butter
1 pound French-cut green beans
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1/4 teaspoon dried)
Coarse salt and ground pepper
To prepare beans, trim both ends with a paring knife, or snap off. Cut beans in half into approximately equal-size pieces, then carefully split each bean in half lengthwise with a paring knife.
Bring 1 tablespoon butter and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a large skillet. Add beans. Cover; cook over medium-low heat until tender, 16 to 20 minutes.
Toss with remaining tablespoon butter and dill. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
Per serving: 86 calories; 5.9 grams fat; 2.1 grams protein; 8.1 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams fiber
Note: You can substitute a 10-ounce package of frozen beans for fresh beans; cook according to package instructions. (which is exactly what I did)
Personally, this wasn't a great dish. It is just green beans. With some butter. And some dill. Big woop. I skipped the whole butter and water deal, just steamed the beans and tossed them with a teaspoon (maybe two) of butter and the dill. That's it, that's all.
Both recipes are brought to you by the good folks at Everyday Food
First up: Mushroom Ragout
Serves 4
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add 1 small minced shallot; cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes.
Raise heat to medium. Add 1 1/2 pounds small white mushrooms, halved; season with coarse salt and ground pepper. Cook, covered, until mushrooms release their liquid, 5 to 6 minutes.
Uncover; raise heat to high. Cook, tossing, until liquid evaporates and mushrooms are brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
Add 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme and 1/4 cup dry red or white wine, or water. Cook until skillet is almost dry, 1 minute. Serve hot.
I could've eaten the whole bowl of this in one sitting. Yes, it was that good. But I do so love a good mushroom dish ...
Next up: French-cut green beans with dill butter
Serves 4; Prep time: 15 minutes; Total time: 30 minutes
2 tablespoons butter
1 pound French-cut green beans
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1/4 teaspoon dried)
Coarse salt and ground pepper
To prepare beans, trim both ends with a paring knife, or snap off. Cut beans in half into approximately equal-size pieces, then carefully split each bean in half lengthwise with a paring knife.
Bring 1 tablespoon butter and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a large skillet. Add beans. Cover; cook over medium-low heat until tender, 16 to 20 minutes.
Toss with remaining tablespoon butter and dill. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
Per serving: 86 calories; 5.9 grams fat; 2.1 grams protein; 8.1 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams fiber
Note: You can substitute a 10-ounce package of frozen beans for fresh beans; cook according to package instructions. (which is exactly what I did)
Personally, this wasn't a great dish. It is just green beans. With some butter. And some dill. Big woop. I skipped the whole butter and water deal, just steamed the beans and tossed them with a teaspoon (maybe two) of butter and the dill. That's it, that's all.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Why is it so difficult?
While I like to call myself a vegetarian, I suppose I'm not really a true vegetarian. I still eat fish (lots of it) and eggs (the occasional one). I am constantly on the lookout for interesting new vegetarian dishes that are easy to make, can be frozen and reheated without losing any goodness. This is harder than it sounds. And my Sunday cooking extravaganza brought this home to me yet again (*sigh*).
Here are two recipes for veggie burgers. The first comes to you from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food.
Lentil-Walnut Burgers - Here's what's wrong with this recipe (you can click on the link because I can't be bothered to type out two crap recipes): while the ingredients sound good on paper, once they are mixed together, fried in 3 Tablespoons of oil (why this is necessary in this day and age, I don't know. Well, actually I'd say it's to give some taste to these dry, dry, dry burgers), you then basically have to slather them in the yogurt-cilantro dip just to give the burgers enough juice to swallow. I swear, without the dip they'd just get stuck in your throat. Talk about D-R-Y.
I'm not a chef by any means, but listen up food editors, test kitchen chefs, etc. it is possible to make vegetarian burgers that taste like food, not like fried cardboard. Any questions? See me.
Recipe #2 I pulled from The Gazette ages ago. It's been sitting in my recipe binder since then and after I type it out here I will be binning it.
Veggie Burgers (from John Ash's From the Earth to the Table)
Serves 4
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup finely diced carrots
1/2 teaspoon minced seeded serrano chili (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup chopped roasted eggplant, including skin
1 cup chopped firm cooked red potatoes
1 cup coarsely grated zucchini, squeezed dry in a clean tea towel
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons whole-wheat flour
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup soft whole-wheat bread crumbs
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Saute onions and garlic in 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat until just beginning to colour. Add carrots, chilies, ginger and cumin and continue to cook until carrots just begin to soften. Stir in the eggplant, potatoes, zucchini and cilantro and cook for two to three minutes more, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat, cool and then gently mix in flour, egg and bread crumbs. Season to taste with salt and pepper and shape into patties. Saute patties in remaining olive oil until golden brown on both sides, or grill on a well-oiled barbeque.
Approx. nutritional content per serving: 260 Calories, 6g protein, 15g fat, 29g carbohydrates, 5g dietary fibre, 350mg sodium.
Problems with this recipe (for me, anyway): if I have to roast an eggplant, peel and boil potatoes and let all that cool down before I even get to assembling these patties, already this is taking too long. Now I understand that I could've substituted any of the vegetables or even added nuts, but I like to do things the way they're written the first time around, you know. So I did. And I hated this. Honestly, by the time I got around to smushing the mass of mush into patties (it says it serves 4, but is that for 4 HUGE patties or for 8 miniscule patties? I don't know. I made 6 medium sized patties), I was kinda grossed out by the look of them. The chunks of potato and the eggplant skin were turning me off big time. I tried this without any kind of dressing. Then nearly spat it out. Luckily I had some salsa and sour cream on hand and this made the whole thing edible.
My major issues here are why make something that really needs a dip or dressing on it before it becomes palatable? Why not make a great tasting burger that can stand alone, without having to rely on additional dips, salsa, etc.? For the record, I have a great recipe for mushroom burgers that - oh my gosh - are great by themselves! They are great hot. They are great cold, out of the fridge at 2 in the morning. Would you believe it's a Weight Watchers recipe? Yeah, it's true. I've been making this recipe for years and still love it, love it, love it. Here it is:
Vegetarian Mushroom Burgers
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups chopped mushrooms
1 cup + 2 Tablespoons seasoned dried breadcrumbs
2/3 cup low-fat (1%) cottage cheese
½ cup chopped onion
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 ¼ ounces shredded mozzarella
2 ounces chopped walnuts or almonds
1 tsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Dash salt and freshly ground pepper
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Preheat oven to 325ºF.
In large bowl, combine all ingredients except oil until thoroughly blended. Shape mixture into 6 patties.
Spray large non-stick skillet with non-stick cooking spray; add oil and heat 1 minute. Add patties and cook over medium heat until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Turn patties over; cook until other side is slightly browned, about 3 minutes longer. (Patties can be prepared to this point and frozen for later use.)
Place patties in a non-stick baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
Per serving: 242 calories, 13g protein, 13g fat, 21g carbohydrates, 112mg calcium, 783mg sodium, 81mg cholesterol, 1g dietary fibre.
Notes from Stef: instead of seasoned breadcrumbs, you can use plain ones (homemade) and add your own spices. I find I can skip the addition of salt altogether here. If you find the mixture too dry and the patties don’t stick together, add a tablespoon or two of water to the mixture until the consistency is thick enough so that the patties don’t fall apart. It says to make 6 patties, but I prefer to make them a tiny bit smaller and get 8 patties out of the mixture. I usually cook the burgers a little longer in the pan and then skip baking them in the oven. If you’re going to freeze them after frying them, let them cool slightly and remember to separate the layers with a piece of wax paper or parchment paper.
Here are two recipes for veggie burgers. The first comes to you from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food.
Lentil-Walnut Burgers - Here's what's wrong with this recipe (you can click on the link because I can't be bothered to type out two crap recipes): while the ingredients sound good on paper, once they are mixed together, fried in 3 Tablespoons of oil (why this is necessary in this day and age, I don't know. Well, actually I'd say it's to give some taste to these dry, dry, dry burgers), you then basically have to slather them in the yogurt-cilantro dip just to give the burgers enough juice to swallow. I swear, without the dip they'd just get stuck in your throat. Talk about D-R-Y.
I'm not a chef by any means, but listen up food editors, test kitchen chefs, etc. it is possible to make vegetarian burgers that taste like food, not like fried cardboard. Any questions? See me.
Recipe #2 I pulled from The Gazette ages ago. It's been sitting in my recipe binder since then and after I type it out here I will be binning it.
Veggie Burgers (from John Ash's From the Earth to the Table)
Serves 4
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup finely diced carrots
1/2 teaspoon minced seeded serrano chili (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup chopped roasted eggplant, including skin
1 cup chopped firm cooked red potatoes
1 cup coarsely grated zucchini, squeezed dry in a clean tea towel
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons whole-wheat flour
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup soft whole-wheat bread crumbs
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Saute onions and garlic in 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat until just beginning to colour. Add carrots, chilies, ginger and cumin and continue to cook until carrots just begin to soften. Stir in the eggplant, potatoes, zucchini and cilantro and cook for two to three minutes more, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat, cool and then gently mix in flour, egg and bread crumbs. Season to taste with salt and pepper and shape into patties. Saute patties in remaining olive oil until golden brown on both sides, or grill on a well-oiled barbeque.
Approx. nutritional content per serving: 260 Calories, 6g protein, 15g fat, 29g carbohydrates, 5g dietary fibre, 350mg sodium.
Problems with this recipe (for me, anyway): if I have to roast an eggplant, peel and boil potatoes and let all that cool down before I even get to assembling these patties, already this is taking too long. Now I understand that I could've substituted any of the vegetables or even added nuts, but I like to do things the way they're written the first time around, you know. So I did. And I hated this. Honestly, by the time I got around to smushing the mass of mush into patties (it says it serves 4, but is that for 4 HUGE patties or for 8 miniscule patties? I don't know. I made 6 medium sized patties), I was kinda grossed out by the look of them. The chunks of potato and the eggplant skin were turning me off big time. I tried this without any kind of dressing. Then nearly spat it out. Luckily I had some salsa and sour cream on hand and this made the whole thing edible.
My major issues here are why make something that really needs a dip or dressing on it before it becomes palatable? Why not make a great tasting burger that can stand alone, without having to rely on additional dips, salsa, etc.? For the record, I have a great recipe for mushroom burgers that - oh my gosh - are great by themselves! They are great hot. They are great cold, out of the fridge at 2 in the morning. Would you believe it's a Weight Watchers recipe? Yeah, it's true. I've been making this recipe for years and still love it, love it, love it. Here it is:
Vegetarian Mushroom Burgers
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups chopped mushrooms
1 cup + 2 Tablespoons seasoned dried breadcrumbs
2/3 cup low-fat (1%) cottage cheese
½ cup chopped onion
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 ¼ ounces shredded mozzarella
2 ounces chopped walnuts or almonds
1 tsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Dash salt and freshly ground pepper
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Preheat oven to 325ºF.
In large bowl, combine all ingredients except oil until thoroughly blended. Shape mixture into 6 patties.
Spray large non-stick skillet with non-stick cooking spray; add oil and heat 1 minute. Add patties and cook over medium heat until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Turn patties over; cook until other side is slightly browned, about 3 minutes longer. (Patties can be prepared to this point and frozen for later use.)
Place patties in a non-stick baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
Per serving: 242 calories, 13g protein, 13g fat, 21g carbohydrates, 112mg calcium, 783mg sodium, 81mg cholesterol, 1g dietary fibre.
Notes from Stef: instead of seasoned breadcrumbs, you can use plain ones (homemade) and add your own spices. I find I can skip the addition of salt altogether here. If you find the mixture too dry and the patties don’t stick together, add a tablespoon or two of water to the mixture until the consistency is thick enough so that the patties don’t fall apart. It says to make 6 patties, but I prefer to make them a tiny bit smaller and get 8 patties out of the mixture. I usually cook the burgers a little longer in the pan and then skip baking them in the oven. If you’re going to freeze them after frying them, let them cool slightly and remember to separate the layers with a piece of wax paper or parchment paper.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Where did the weekend go?
Apparently all the cooking I haven't been doing over the last little while caught up with me. I spent the better part Sunday morning, afternoon and early evening cooking up all kinds of meals, soups and veggies for the coming weeks. So much in fact, that I have run out of plastic containers to store them all.
Before I get to the stuff I cooked yesterday, I still need tell you about one of my favourite curry dishes. Why sent me this recipe in 2000 (oh my god - I cannot believe it was that long ago!). Meant to post this last week after making a batch, but kept forgetting the recipe at home. I love this dish. It's so easy, it smells wonderful, it's filling and tastes better every day. Haven't been able to find the equivalent online. (Maybe Why can help out ...)
Chick Pea Curry
2 onions, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 Tbsp oil
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp paprika
1 Tbsp ground cumin
1 Tbsp ground coriander
2 x 439g cans chick peas, drained and rinsed
440g diced tomatoes
1 tsp garam masala
Heat oil in a medium pan. Add onion and garlic to pan; cook over medium heat, stirring, until soft. Add chili powder, salt, turmeric, paprika, cumin and coriander. Stir over heat 7 minutes. Add the chick peas and undrained tomatoes; stir until combined. Simmer, covered, over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the garam masala. Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Delicious wrapped inside a warm flour tortilla (or also a pita).
Note from me: I also like to add mushrooms to this. And by the way, the quantities for the tomatoes and chick peas don't have to be exactly those indicated. I usually use one can of chickpeas and 1 big can of the tomatoes and it all works out fine.
Before I get to the stuff I cooked yesterday, I still need tell you about one of my favourite curry dishes. Why sent me this recipe in 2000 (oh my god - I cannot believe it was that long ago!). Meant to post this last week after making a batch, but kept forgetting the recipe at home. I love this dish. It's so easy, it smells wonderful, it's filling and tastes better every day. Haven't been able to find the equivalent online. (Maybe Why can help out ...)
Chick Pea Curry
2 onions, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 Tbsp oil
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp paprika
1 Tbsp ground cumin
1 Tbsp ground coriander
2 x 439g cans chick peas, drained and rinsed
440g diced tomatoes
1 tsp garam masala
Heat oil in a medium pan. Add onion and garlic to pan; cook over medium heat, stirring, until soft. Add chili powder, salt, turmeric, paprika, cumin and coriander. Stir over heat 7 minutes. Add the chick peas and undrained tomatoes; stir until combined. Simmer, covered, over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the garam masala. Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Delicious wrapped inside a warm flour tortilla (or also a pita).
Note from me: I also like to add mushrooms to this. And by the way, the quantities for the tomatoes and chick peas don't have to be exactly those indicated. I usually use one can of chickpeas and 1 big can of the tomatoes and it all works out fine.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Have I told you yet that I love you?
Cashmere, that is. I recently purchased my first cashmere sweater (yes, first, and I still can't believe it's taken me 37 years to start wearing cashmere). I feel like I've been wearing 100% polyester all my life and suddenly nothing else will do but cashmere.
Here's why:
it's soft (it feels "like butter")
it's warm (especially in horribly cold places like Montreal)
it's light weight (doesn't add 10lbs to me when I wear it)
it's dressy (can wear it to work)
it's casual (can wear it with jeans)
So, I think I need more cashmere in my wardrobe. Like, underwear too maybe, if that were possible (is it?). Or how about sheets? Definitely a shawl, a blanket, more turtleneck sweaters, mittens, gloves ... I could go on.
Here's why:
it's soft (it feels "like butter")
it's warm (especially in horribly cold places like Montreal)
it's light weight (doesn't add 10lbs to me when I wear it)
it's dressy (can wear it to work)
it's casual (can wear it with jeans)
So, I think I need more cashmere in my wardrobe. Like, underwear too maybe, if that were possible (is it?). Or how about sheets? Definitely a shawl, a blanket, more turtleneck sweaters, mittens, gloves ... I could go on.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Monday, January 15, 2007
Who Farted?
I don't know which one of the five guys immediately surrounding me it was, but one of them might be interested to know that the other people at the gym may not appreciate his stench making abilities. Some people (i.e. me) have a pretty weak stomach first thing in the morning and find the hideous odour of farts quite nauseating. Honestly, try working out another muscle - like the ones in your butt and hold in those foul farts.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Spa Therapy
Last Friday I was lucky enough to take the afternoon off work and indulge in a little spa therapy (even better, it was at someone else's expense!). The people at Spa Diva treated me f-i-n-e.
And how did I indulge myself you may ask? By having a 50-minute facial, followed by a Chocolate Body Wrap.
Can you hear me laughing??? I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to get this kind of treatment!
When I first found out that the facial was 50-minutes, I thought for sure I’d be bored after about 10. I can now safely tell you that this was not the case. Quite the opposite in fact. I wish it could have been longer, I wish the facial-lady could have done more wonderful things to my face. Who knew?! Looks like there’s a new area of the touchy-feely business for me to get hooked on.
Following the heavenly facial, I was bundled off for my chocolate body wrap. I’ve had a body wrap before (seaweed) and found that to be pretty decadent (if a little fishy/sushi smelling). I loved the way my skin felt after the wrap. This chocolate wrap was great too. Imagine having somebody exfoliate your body from shoulders to ankles with sea salt, then slather you in melted chocolate, wrap you up in plastic, cover you with a heavy heated blanket and let you simmer for 15 minutes. I kid you not – if I could have licked the stuff off me, I think I would’ve. It smelled that good. After 15 minutes you rinse it all off and then go home smelling like chocolate! All I did for the rest of the day was sniff myself. And soft skin? My, oh my, oh my! My skin has never felt so smooth, so soft, so ... so ... I don’t even know how to explain it other than "soft" but that just doesn’t come close to how soft my skin was. Do you get the idea?
Suffice it to say it was a great afternoon. I need more afternoons/days/weekends like that.
And how did I indulge myself you may ask? By having a 50-minute facial, followed by a Chocolate Body Wrap.
Can you hear me laughing??? I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to get this kind of treatment!
When I first found out that the facial was 50-minutes, I thought for sure I’d be bored after about 10. I can now safely tell you that this was not the case. Quite the opposite in fact. I wish it could have been longer, I wish the facial-lady could have done more wonderful things to my face. Who knew?! Looks like there’s a new area of the touchy-feely business for me to get hooked on.
Following the heavenly facial, I was bundled off for my chocolate body wrap. I’ve had a body wrap before (seaweed) and found that to be pretty decadent (if a little fishy/sushi smelling). I loved the way my skin felt after the wrap. This chocolate wrap was great too. Imagine having somebody exfoliate your body from shoulders to ankles with sea salt, then slather you in melted chocolate, wrap you up in plastic, cover you with a heavy heated blanket and let you simmer for 15 minutes. I kid you not – if I could have licked the stuff off me, I think I would’ve. It smelled that good. After 15 minutes you rinse it all off and then go home smelling like chocolate! All I did for the rest of the day was sniff myself. And soft skin? My, oh my, oh my! My skin has never felt so smooth, so soft, so ... so ... I don’t even know how to explain it other than "soft" but that just doesn’t come close to how soft my skin was. Do you get the idea?
Suffice it to say it was a great afternoon. I need more afternoons/days/weekends like that.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Julie/Julia Project
You may have noticed from the links to the right here that I have recently read Julie & Julia. It was light and entertaining. It was also quite an ambitious project for anyone to take on, let alone an amateur cook. Well done, Julie. You rock!
My mother’s own copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking has been in her kitchen as long as I can remember. I have picked it up to skim through a couple of times over the years. But I have never, ever been remotely inspired to take on the entire book. Not in a lifetime, let alone a year! You’ve inspired me to maybe, perhaps “borrow” my mom’s copy for an extended period of time to see what’s in there that does interest me and advancing my own skills in the kitchen ...
Dinner party anyone?!
My mother’s own copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking has been in her kitchen as long as I can remember. I have picked it up to skim through a couple of times over the years. But I have never, ever been remotely inspired to take on the entire book. Not in a lifetime, let alone a year! You’ve inspired me to maybe, perhaps “borrow” my mom’s copy for an extended period of time to see what’s in there that does interest me and advancing my own skills in the kitchen ...
Dinner party anyone?!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Yes, they really are that good
Here we are. Last cookie for this year. Or is that last year? Whatever – it’s the sixth and last type of cookie/bar/candy/thing that I made for Christmas 2006.
Don’t really remember if I saw this being made on a cooking show or just read about it. Whichever it is – I like to say that these are now my signature Christmas cookies. (Chocolate chip being my rest-of-the-year signature cookie). They do take a little bit of time to make. But other than that they are surprisingly easy and un-fussy to make. Really – they are to die for. My brothers have been known to steal them right before my eyes, while I’m preparing their own individual bag-o’-cookies (you know who you are, Muddler). Married men have proposed to me after tasting these cookies (well, they’ve proposed to me at other times too, but maybe those are stories for another post).
May I introduce you to ...
Brutti ma Buoni (translation – Ugly but Gooooood)
4 egg whites
1 cup granulated sugar (250 mL)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (50 mL)
1 teaspoon vanilla (5 mL)
2 cups coarsely chopped Toblerone chocolate (500 mL)
2 tablespoons icing sugar (25 mL)
Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC).
Line 2 rimless baking sheets with parchment paper or foil; grease foil. Set aside.
In large heatproof bowl over pot of gently simmering water, cook egg whites with sugar, whisking occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until opaque. Remove from heat. With electric mixer, beat for about 7 minutes or until cool, thick and glossy. Fold in flour and vanilla; fold in chocolate.
Drop by heaping tablespoons (15 mL) onto prepared pans. Bake in top and bottom thirds of oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until light brown, rotating and switching pans halfway through. Let cool on racks. Sprinkle with icing sugar. (Make-ahead: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.)
Yield: 24 cookies
There you have it. Hopefully next year I will not wait until 2 days before Christmas to start my baking.
Don’t really remember if I saw this being made on a cooking show or just read about it. Whichever it is – I like to say that these are now my signature Christmas cookies. (Chocolate chip being my rest-of-the-year signature cookie). They do take a little bit of time to make. But other than that they are surprisingly easy and un-fussy to make. Really – they are to die for. My brothers have been known to steal them right before my eyes, while I’m preparing their own individual bag-o’-cookies (you know who you are, Muddler). Married men have proposed to me after tasting these cookies (well, they’ve proposed to me at other times too, but maybe those are stories for another post).
May I introduce you to ...
Brutti ma Buoni (translation – Ugly but Gooooood)
4 egg whites
1 cup granulated sugar (250 mL)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (50 mL)
1 teaspoon vanilla (5 mL)
2 cups coarsely chopped Toblerone chocolate (500 mL)
2 tablespoons icing sugar (25 mL)
Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC).
Line 2 rimless baking sheets with parchment paper or foil; grease foil. Set aside.
In large heatproof bowl over pot of gently simmering water, cook egg whites with sugar, whisking occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until opaque. Remove from heat. With electric mixer, beat for about 7 minutes or until cool, thick and glossy. Fold in flour and vanilla; fold in chocolate.
Drop by heaping tablespoons (15 mL) onto prepared pans. Bake in top and bottom thirds of oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until light brown, rotating and switching pans halfway through. Let cool on racks. Sprinkle with icing sugar. (Make-ahead: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.)
Yield: 24 cookies
There you have it. Hopefully next year I will not wait until 2 days before Christmas to start my baking.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Molasses Spice Crisps
These cookies are a little fiddly to make, but absolutely worth it! They taste great and I will even drink a whole glass of milk just to dunk them. Thanks to Martha.
Molasses Spice Crisps
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup solid vegetable shortening (this makes my heart jump every year)
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
¼ cup unsulfured molasses (what is this unsulfured business? I just use whatever molasses I can find at the grocery store. Seems to work fine.)
Pre-heat oven to 375º. Line baking sheets with Silpats (I just use parchment); set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and salt; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine shortening and 1 cup sugar (Careful here! This is the first year I’ve ever actually remembered to only pour in 1 cup of sugar. In the past I usually dump the whole 1 ½ cups in and then have to get more sugar out later …). Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg and molasses, and beat to combine. Add dry ingredients, and beat on low to combine.
Place the remaining ½ cup sugar in a small bowl. Using a 1 ½ inch ice-cream scoop (any old teaspoon or tablespoon does fine too – don’t bother going to some fancy-shmancy cooking shop to spend $20 on a teeny-tiny ice cream scoop), form balls of dough. Roll dough balls between the palms of your hands until smooth. (Do all the cookie rolling first, then all the cookie in sugar rolling.) Roll in sugar. Place about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake until the cookies are set in the center and begin to crack, about 12 minutes, rotating the baking sheets once after 5 minutes. Transfer the baking sheets to a wire rack to cook, 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to rack until completely cool. Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.
Makes approx. 50 cookies (using a small spoon)
Molasses Spice Crisps
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup solid vegetable shortening (this makes my heart jump every year)
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
¼ cup unsulfured molasses (what is this unsulfured business? I just use whatever molasses I can find at the grocery store. Seems to work fine.)
Pre-heat oven to 375º. Line baking sheets with Silpats (I just use parchment); set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and salt; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine shortening and 1 cup sugar (Careful here! This is the first year I’ve ever actually remembered to only pour in 1 cup of sugar. In the past I usually dump the whole 1 ½ cups in and then have to get more sugar out later …). Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg and molasses, and beat to combine. Add dry ingredients, and beat on low to combine.
Place the remaining ½ cup sugar in a small bowl. Using a 1 ½ inch ice-cream scoop (any old teaspoon or tablespoon does fine too – don’t bother going to some fancy-shmancy cooking shop to spend $20 on a teeny-tiny ice cream scoop), form balls of dough. Roll dough balls between the palms of your hands until smooth. (Do all the cookie rolling first, then all the cookie in sugar rolling.) Roll in sugar. Place about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake until the cookies are set in the center and begin to crack, about 12 minutes, rotating the baking sheets once after 5 minutes. Transfer the baking sheets to a wire rack to cook, 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to rack until completely cool. Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.
Makes approx. 50 cookies (using a small spoon)
Monday, January 08, 2007
Chocolate Bark
In the past I’ve usually made 2 or 3 kinds of chocolate bark. Thanks to my lazy ass this year, I only made one type. This was it. Thanks to Canadian Living.
White Chocolate and Cranberry Bark
1 pound (500g) white chocolate
1 cup (250ml) each dried cranberries and pistachios, shelled
In bowl over saucepan of hot (not boiling) water, melt chocolate, stirring occasionally. Stir in cranberries and pistachios. Pour onto foil-lined baking sheet; using palette knife or rubber spatula spread into 12- x 9-inch (30 x 23cm) rectangle.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until hardened. Break into pieces.
Makes about 32 pieces.
Note from me: this year my budget advised me to just use the chocolate I had at home (semi-sweet). This worked fine too.
P.S. This is also good for breakfast – it has fruit, nuts and milk product!
White Chocolate and Cranberry Bark
1 pound (500g) white chocolate
1 cup (250ml) each dried cranberries and pistachios, shelled
In bowl over saucepan of hot (not boiling) water, melt chocolate, stirring occasionally. Stir in cranberries and pistachios. Pour onto foil-lined baking sheet; using palette knife or rubber spatula spread into 12- x 9-inch (30 x 23cm) rectangle.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until hardened. Break into pieces.
Makes about 32 pieces.
Note from me: this year my budget advised me to just use the chocolate I had at home (semi-sweet). This worked fine too.
P.S. This is also good for breakfast – it has fruit, nuts and milk product!
Friday, January 05, 2007
Better than I thought, I guess
Have been making this cookie for about 5 years or so and while I think it’s an OK cookie, I always get lots of compliments on it, which is probably why I keep making it. Anyway, thanks to Martha for this.
Cranberry Noëls
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
½ cup sugar
2 Tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon salt
2 ½ cup flour, sifted
¾ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
½ cup pecans, toasted
1 ½ cup coconut, finely chopped (Note from Stef – I omit this because it doesn’t friggin’ stick!)
Directions:
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add milk, vanilla and mix until combined. In separate bowl, mix salt and flour together. Gradually add flour and salt mixture to butter mixture. Stir in cranberries and pecans. Divide dough into two balls. Form each ball into a log. Roll logs in coconut. Roll logs in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Chill several hours. Slice and bake in pre-heated 375ºF oven for 10-12 minutes. Cookies will not spread or turn brown.
Off for an afternoon of Spa Therapy at Spa Diva. Will let you know how the facial and chocolate body wrap (!) feel next week.
Cranberry Noëls
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
½ cup sugar
2 Tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon salt
2 ½ cup flour, sifted
¾ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
½ cup pecans, toasted
1 ½ cup coconut, finely chopped (Note from Stef – I omit this because it doesn’t friggin’ stick!)
Directions:
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add milk, vanilla and mix until combined. In separate bowl, mix salt and flour together. Gradually add flour and salt mixture to butter mixture. Stir in cranberries and pecans. Divide dough into two balls. Form each ball into a log. Roll logs in coconut. Roll logs in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Chill several hours. Slice and bake in pre-heated 375ºF oven for 10-12 minutes. Cookies will not spread or turn brown.
Off for an afternoon of Spa Therapy at Spa Diva. Will let you know how the facial and chocolate body wrap (!) feel next week.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Icebox Orange Pistachio Cookies
This is a new recipe I tried this year. I like it. Like the citrus flavour and like the pistachios round the edge. Turned out better than I thought (i.e. the nuts stayed on the cookie). A keeper. After tasting one of these, Grandma said to me "Oh, Stephanie! What would I do if you were a bad cook?!" Well, Grandma, I don't know - what would you do? Probably tell me that I was a bad cook.
Icebox Orange Pistachio Cookies
¾ cup regular Becel margarine
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 tbsp finely grated orange rind
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup corn starch
1 tsp salt
⅓ cup finely chopped toasted pistachios
Frosting:
2 ¼ cups icing sugar
¼ cup orange juice
1 tsp melted regular Becel margarine
Orange rind (optional)
Beat the margarine with the sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg, orange rind and vanilla. Stir together flour, cornstarch and salt. Add tot eh margarine mixture and blend on low speed until just combined. Divide the dough in half and roll each piece into a log, about 1-inch (2.5cm) in diameter. Roll the logs in the pistachios to coat. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap; freeze for at least 30 minutes or until ready to use.
Preheat over to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice each log into 30 rounds. Place cookies about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake, in batches, for about 10 minutes or until golden on the bottom. Cool completely.
Blend the sugar with the juice and margarine until smooth. Use a knife to spread a thin layer over each cookie. Garnish with orange rind (if desired).
Makes about 5 dozen cookies.
Note from me: I just bunged the orange rind straight into the frosting and swished it over the cookies with a pastry brush. Turned out fine.
I did try to find this online but so far no luck.
Icebox Orange Pistachio Cookies
¾ cup regular Becel margarine
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 tbsp finely grated orange rind
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup corn starch
1 tsp salt
⅓ cup finely chopped toasted pistachios
Frosting:
2 ¼ cups icing sugar
¼ cup orange juice
1 tsp melted regular Becel margarine
Orange rind (optional)
Beat the margarine with the sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg, orange rind and vanilla. Stir together flour, cornstarch and salt. Add tot eh margarine mixture and blend on low speed until just combined. Divide the dough in half and roll each piece into a log, about 1-inch (2.5cm) in diameter. Roll the logs in the pistachios to coat. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap; freeze for at least 30 minutes or until ready to use.
Preheat over to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice each log into 30 rounds. Place cookies about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake, in batches, for about 10 minutes or until golden on the bottom. Cool completely.
Blend the sugar with the juice and margarine until smooth. Use a knife to spread a thin layer over each cookie. Garnish with orange rind (if desired).
Makes about 5 dozen cookies.
Note from me: I just bunged the orange rind straight into the frosting and swished it over the cookies with a pastry brush. Turned out fine.
I did try to find this online but so far no luck.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Happy New Year and all that jazz
I made it through, so I guess that’s a good thing.
Thanks to my brother, The Muddler, for providing me with a great little book at Christmas. Mighty Girl (aka Margaret Mason) published a book recently called No One Cares What You Had for Lunch. Basically, it’s 100 ideas for your blog. How cool is that? So, in an attempt to focus myself, in the coming weeks I’ll be providing you with the cookie recipes I did manage to bake this year. The list is a little shorter (by about half) than what I have made over the last few years. I’m starting off with the last batch of cookies I made. It’s also the batch of cookies that I screwed up by forgetting to add the flour. And then I overcooked them. Talk about a double-whammy. They tasted like cardboard and I dumped them in the bin. Ah well, guess there’s always next year. Thanks to Canadian Living for the recipe.
Italian Amaretti
2 cups (500 mL) unblanched almonds
2 egg whites
1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (25 mL) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp (15 mL) almond extract
1 tsp (5 mL) baking powder
Preparation
Line rimless baking sheets with parchment paper or grease; set aside.
In food processor, chop almonds until in small pieces with some powdery granules. Set aside.
In large bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Beat in sugar, 2 tbsp (25 mL) at a time, until ribbons fall from beaters when lifted. Stir in almonds, flour, almond extract and baking powder.
Drop batter by level tablespoonfuls (15 mL), about 2 inches (5 cm) apart, onto prepared baking sheets. Using fingertips, shape each into neat circle.
Bake in centre of 350°F (180°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until cookies are light brown and crisp on top. Let cool on pans on racks for 2 minutes. Transfer to racks; let cool completely. (Make-ahead: Store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks.)
More Information
Tips: Because batter is sticky, dust hands with icing sugar when shaping into circles.
Dark baking sheets are not recommended for these delicate cookies as they cause overbrowning.
Nutritional information
Per Cookie: about 54 cal, 1 g pro, 3 g total fat (trace sat. fat), 6 g carb, trace fibre, 0 mg chol, 8 mg sodium. % RDI: 2% calcium, 1% iron, 2% folate.
Thanks to my brother, The Muddler, for providing me with a great little book at Christmas. Mighty Girl (aka Margaret Mason) published a book recently called No One Cares What You Had for Lunch. Basically, it’s 100 ideas for your blog. How cool is that? So, in an attempt to focus myself, in the coming weeks I’ll be providing you with the cookie recipes I did manage to bake this year. The list is a little shorter (by about half) than what I have made over the last few years. I’m starting off with the last batch of cookies I made. It’s also the batch of cookies that I screwed up by forgetting to add the flour. And then I overcooked them. Talk about a double-whammy. They tasted like cardboard and I dumped them in the bin. Ah well, guess there’s always next year. Thanks to Canadian Living for the recipe.
Italian Amaretti
2 cups (500 mL) unblanched almonds
2 egg whites
1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (25 mL) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp (15 mL) almond extract
1 tsp (5 mL) baking powder
Preparation
Line rimless baking sheets with parchment paper or grease; set aside.
In food processor, chop almonds until in small pieces with some powdery granules. Set aside.
In large bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Beat in sugar, 2 tbsp (25 mL) at a time, until ribbons fall from beaters when lifted. Stir in almonds, flour, almond extract and baking powder.
Drop batter by level tablespoonfuls (15 mL), about 2 inches (5 cm) apart, onto prepared baking sheets. Using fingertips, shape each into neat circle.
Bake in centre of 350°F (180°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until cookies are light brown and crisp on top. Let cool on pans on racks for 2 minutes. Transfer to racks; let cool completely. (Make-ahead: Store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks.)
More Information
Tips: Because batter is sticky, dust hands with icing sugar when shaping into circles.
Dark baking sheets are not recommended for these delicate cookies as they cause overbrowning.
Nutritional information
Per Cookie: about 54 cal, 1 g pro, 3 g total fat (trace sat. fat), 6 g carb, trace fibre, 0 mg chol, 8 mg sodium. % RDI: 2% calcium, 1% iron, 2% folate.
Starting off the year on the right foot
Not that I have anything against left feet but I wanted to start off 2007 with some good karma on my side. Over the past couple of years my family has either ended the year or started the year by serving dinner to women at an emergency shelter. This year, due to some unavoidable circumstances, I ended up serving brunch on New Year's Day with a work colleague. It was a different kind of experience in several ways, primarily because my family was not with me. But it was still a good experience and it was certainly interesting to see my colleague’s reaction to this type of environment.
Two women in particular were a sight to see. One must surely have been in her 50’s but was made up and dressed like an 18-year old punk rocker, complete with shaved and dyed hot pink hair, piercings in her ears, eyebrows, cheek, lips, nose. The other was perhaps the same age, but more "normally" dressed. She was however covered in bruises, had two black eyes and huge bruise marks on her arms. There were two, if not three other women who seemed to be going through some withdrawal symptoms and from my limited knowledge of addicts, looked very much as I would expect an addict to look.
But what I take away from these couple of hours is more than just some random anecdotal quips. We served approximately 30 women on Jan. 1. These are women, all of them, had no other place to go on New Year’s Day. I was there by choice. Each of these women was pleased to be served, smiled – despite their less than fortunate circumstances, wished me a happy new year and said thank you. This alone makes my measly 2 hours of service worth more than anything. Some of the women even came back up to the counter to wish us a happy new year before leaving the cafeteria. I don’t know on what other occasion people have been so thankful for so little.
I feel privileged to be able to give back a little something in my own community.
Two women in particular were a sight to see. One must surely have been in her 50’s but was made up and dressed like an 18-year old punk rocker, complete with shaved and dyed hot pink hair, piercings in her ears, eyebrows, cheek, lips, nose. The other was perhaps the same age, but more "normally" dressed. She was however covered in bruises, had two black eyes and huge bruise marks on her arms. There were two, if not three other women who seemed to be going through some withdrawal symptoms and from my limited knowledge of addicts, looked very much as I would expect an addict to look.
But what I take away from these couple of hours is more than just some random anecdotal quips. We served approximately 30 women on Jan. 1. These are women, all of them, had no other place to go on New Year’s Day. I was there by choice. Each of these women was pleased to be served, smiled – despite their less than fortunate circumstances, wished me a happy new year and said thank you. This alone makes my measly 2 hours of service worth more than anything. Some of the women even came back up to the counter to wish us a happy new year before leaving the cafeteria. I don’t know on what other occasion people have been so thankful for so little.
I feel privileged to be able to give back a little something in my own community.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
B.O.
You all know it. You've smelt it. You've smelled of it. There are times when it is unavoidable. There are times when it is.
At the gym I believe it is mostly an avoidable occurrence. You get up in the morning and put on your deodorant. If you go to the gym you make sure that you're suitably covered in this department because hey, the people around you have no desire to smell your sweat. If, for example, you work all day and then go to the gym, I would suggest applying your deodorant once in the morning before work and again before beginning your work out. I'll tell you why. There is no excuse why I should have to smell your nasty B.O. in a gym when I'm a good 2-3 metres away from you. Honestly.
And while you're at it. That towel you keep wiping your sweaty brow with, you know how it's kinda grey, brown and just not terribly clean looking, well, you can buy these kind of towels for less than $2 and wash them. In fact, they wash very well and can be used over and over again. And if you wash the towel every week it's possible that it will remain white for a long time to come. I know it's a lot to ask - doing your wash and all, but I'm assuming here that you wash the socks you're wearing and your t-shirt too. You could throw the towel in the same load of laundry. Although, given the smell coming off you, maybe you don't wash your t-shirt and socks and that would explain the crunchy brown towel and the vile stench of B.O.
P.S. You can shower for free in the locker room, but I suppose if all you have to dry yourself is that mangy dirty towel, you might be happier changing into your clothes still sweaty.
At the gym I believe it is mostly an avoidable occurrence. You get up in the morning and put on your deodorant. If you go to the gym you make sure that you're suitably covered in this department because hey, the people around you have no desire to smell your sweat. If, for example, you work all day and then go to the gym, I would suggest applying your deodorant once in the morning before work and again before beginning your work out. I'll tell you why. There is no excuse why I should have to smell your nasty B.O. in a gym when I'm a good 2-3 metres away from you. Honestly.
And while you're at it. That towel you keep wiping your sweaty brow with, you know how it's kinda grey, brown and just not terribly clean looking, well, you can buy these kind of towels for less than $2 and wash them. In fact, they wash very well and can be used over and over again. And if you wash the towel every week it's possible that it will remain white for a long time to come. I know it's a lot to ask - doing your wash and all, but I'm assuming here that you wash the socks you're wearing and your t-shirt too. You could throw the towel in the same load of laundry. Although, given the smell coming off you, maybe you don't wash your t-shirt and socks and that would explain the crunchy brown towel and the vile stench of B.O.
P.S. You can shower for free in the locker room, but I suppose if all you have to dry yourself is that mangy dirty towel, you might be happier changing into your clothes still sweaty.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Girls Night
Girls Night tonight with Cecilia and Sina. Am looking forward to much cackling, giggling and snickering.
On the menu:
Salad with homemade dressing, pasta with a shrimp and spinach rose sauce, crusty bread, and a surprise dessert that Sina said she'd pick up from M&M. And of course, a little vino to get the party started.
Gonna be a good night!
On the menu:
Salad with homemade dressing, pasta with a shrimp and spinach rose sauce, crusty bread, and a surprise dessert that Sina said she'd pick up from M&M. And of course, a little vino to get the party started.
Gonna be a good night!
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Nightmare
It had been a while since my last nightmare. But thanks to last night's new episode of CSI: NY, I am back to square one.
Watched the show from 10-11pm, went to bed, fell asleep within about 30 mins. and then woke up at 12:30am in a start from the terrifying dream I had, sweating like a pig, heart racing.
The opening sequence of the show showed a deaf mother getting up to go check on her baby in the middle of the night, going back to bed and then feeling some vibrations on the floor. As she was walking down the hall to get back to the bedroom, all you see is a brief glimpse of a dark shadowy figure crossing the hall behind her (hello nightmare). Well, of course, by the time the mother comes back out to investigate the vibration she felt, her eldest daughter is dead on the floor. The show ended with a happy ending - they found the killer.
That wasn't good enough for me. I had to go and dream about that opening sequence. I had my own version though. I'm at home, it's the middle of the night, I get up to go to the bathroom, as I'm reaching for the bathroom light, I notice there is the shadow of someone standing in the hallway of my building, in front of my front door. As I switch on the bathroom light suddenly some guy with blond curly hair up in a pony tail on the top of his head, charges into my apartment. I'm too scared to scream and wake up as he swings to hit me. It took a while before I was able to fall back to sleep. Go figure.
Think I will have to start taping these shows and watch them on Sunday afternoon or something.
Watched the show from 10-11pm, went to bed, fell asleep within about 30 mins. and then woke up at 12:30am in a start from the terrifying dream I had, sweating like a pig, heart racing.
The opening sequence of the show showed a deaf mother getting up to go check on her baby in the middle of the night, going back to bed and then feeling some vibrations on the floor. As she was walking down the hall to get back to the bedroom, all you see is a brief glimpse of a dark shadowy figure crossing the hall behind her (hello nightmare). Well, of course, by the time the mother comes back out to investigate the vibration she felt, her eldest daughter is dead on the floor. The show ended with a happy ending - they found the killer.
That wasn't good enough for me. I had to go and dream about that opening sequence. I had my own version though. I'm at home, it's the middle of the night, I get up to go to the bathroom, as I'm reaching for the bathroom light, I notice there is the shadow of someone standing in the hallway of my building, in front of my front door. As I switch on the bathroom light suddenly some guy with blond curly hair up in a pony tail on the top of his head, charges into my apartment. I'm too scared to scream and wake up as he swings to hit me. It took a while before I was able to fall back to sleep. Go figure.
Think I will have to start taping these shows and watch them on Sunday afternoon or something.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Something weird going on
Is it possible that the elliptical trainers at the gym are, I don't know, calibrated differently or something? This morning I worked out at level 8 for 30 minutes. I worked hard. My heart rate was up in my cardio training zone (approx. 165), I had on average about 80 rpm, I was sweating buckets, my legs were tired and hurting by the end. However, after all this, I only burned 427 calories. I have burned that many calories on other machines while working at a lower levels and not going as fast. What is up with that?
Think I will stay away from that machine from now on. Hmph. Am so going back tonight to do the muscle toning class.
Think I will stay away from that machine from now on. Hmph. Am so going back tonight to do the muscle toning class.
Friday, December 08, 2006
More Where is my Head?
Good thing it's Friday. On my way to the gym this morning I was practically falling asleep on the metro. At the very last second I realised we were already at my stop and I made it out of the doors just before they closed. It is entirely possible that I made some kind of "wha ...?!?!" sound when I realised where we were.
Think maybe I should sleep in tomorrow. Yeah, until like, 7am.
Think maybe I should sleep in tomorrow. Yeah, until like, 7am.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Where is my head?
Apparently not on me.
Seems I left the house this morning without my exercise pants. This I did not realise until I was unlocking my locker at the gym when I suddenly pictured them hanging over the back of a dining room chair. Bugger.
I exercised anyway, albeit at a very low pace, wearing my t-shirt and my black pants that I'd worn for work. Not much sweating or burning of calories this morning (only about 350) and I will be heading downstairs at lunch to pick up a new pair of exercise pants so I can at least do the muscle toning class is proper attire.
Seems I left the house this morning without my exercise pants. This I did not realise until I was unlocking my locker at the gym when I suddenly pictured them hanging over the back of a dining room chair. Bugger.
I exercised anyway, albeit at a very low pace, wearing my t-shirt and my black pants that I'd worn for work. Not much sweating or burning of calories this morning (only about 350) and I will be heading downstairs at lunch to pick up a new pair of exercise pants so I can at least do the muscle toning class is proper attire.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Last Reminder
Eric, Marc, Cecilia - I need your Christmas wish lists by the end of tomorrow. No list, no present.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Giving until it hurts
Saturday I volunteered my services at the Montreal Santa Shuffle, organised by The Running Room for The Salvation Army.
It was sunny. It was windy. It was cold. It was so very, very cold. Talk about giving until it hurts.
The reason I helped out in the first place was because I (mistakenly) thought I had to raise money to participate in the run. Because I had already hit up a lot of friends and colleagues for donations to the Panama project I'll be involved in in Februrary, I decided not to take part in this "fun run". As it turns out, I could've just paid the entry fee and run the race. As it also turns out, I would've been outside for less time had I run.
But noooo ... I volunteered to help and ended up standing outside, at the windiest corner, cheering people on and directing them on the path, for over an hour. Despite having 5, if not 6, layers of clothing on, I was still cold. Even after an hour of cardio work at the gym following the race, I was cold to the bone. When I finally did warm up it was about 6:30pm - thanks in part to a lovely fire at my parents' place and a delicious curried shrimp dinner.
Next year I'm running. And so are my lazy brothers ;)
It was sunny. It was windy. It was cold. It was so very, very cold. Talk about giving until it hurts.
The reason I helped out in the first place was because I (mistakenly) thought I had to raise money to participate in the run. Because I had already hit up a lot of friends and colleagues for donations to the Panama project I'll be involved in in Februrary, I decided not to take part in this "fun run". As it turns out, I could've just paid the entry fee and run the race. As it also turns out, I would've been outside for less time had I run.
But noooo ... I volunteered to help and ended up standing outside, at the windiest corner, cheering people on and directing them on the path, for over an hour. Despite having 5, if not 6, layers of clothing on, I was still cold. Even after an hour of cardio work at the gym following the race, I was cold to the bone. When I finally did warm up it was about 6:30pm - thanks in part to a lovely fire at my parents' place and a delicious curried shrimp dinner.
Next year I'm running. And so are my lazy brothers ;)
Friday, December 01, 2006
Good Sleep
Must've been having a good sleep last night as I didn't hear my alarm until 5:23am - a whole 8 minutes after it went off. Good thing tomorrow's Saturday and I can sleep in! With any luck I'll sleep until 7am! What a treat!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
What a great movie
Saw the movie Stranger Than Fiction over the weekend. What a great movie. What a great story. What a great Will Ferrell. What a great soundtrack.
The only downside to this experience was the audience. There were about 20 people in the theatre (a plus) but about 6 of them clearly thought this was a comedy in the style of some of Will Ferrell's previous movies. It wasn't that kind of ridiculously juvenile comedy. Why were they laughing like it was some Saturday Night Live skit? They completely missed the subtle and charming comedy. I would like to see this movie again but think I will wait until I can see it in the comfort of my own home. This kind of behaviour is why I have been known to say "I don't like people".
The only downside to this experience was the audience. There were about 20 people in the theatre (a plus) but about 6 of them clearly thought this was a comedy in the style of some of Will Ferrell's previous movies. It wasn't that kind of ridiculously juvenile comedy. Why were they laughing like it was some Saturday Night Live skit? They completely missed the subtle and charming comedy. I would like to see this movie again but think I will wait until I can see it in the comfort of my own home. This kind of behaviour is why I have been known to say "I don't like people".
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Why doesn't my butt hurt?
On Monday night I did a muscle toning class at the gym. Tuesday morning I felt like someone had taken a hammer to my butt - I thought for sure I would see bruises - that's how much I hurt. Wednesday I felt mildly better but decided I'd try another of these muscle toning classes. It was with a different teacher and was at a more advanced level. It was a great class - it challenged me and a couple of times I didn't think I'd be able to do the whole set of repetitions. But I made it through and was quite proud of myself. This morning I expected to have a repeat of Tuesday morning's soreness but I don't. In fact the stiffness from yesterday is completely gone. Dare I say it? I feel good. Huh.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Dr. Elder
Our family's pediatrician, Dr. John Munro Elder, died last week.
What I remember about him: he always smiled; he always gave us a plastic ring after the check-up; he had a fish tank in the office with cool fish and a deep sea diver; the chairs in his office were white wicker.
What I remember about him: he always smiled; he always gave us a plastic ring after the check-up; he had a fish tank in the office with cool fish and a deep sea diver; the chairs in his office were white wicker.
Monday, November 20, 2006
More crap from my kitchen
Ugh. What is the matter with me? Or what is the matter with the recipes I'm choosing recently? After last week's disaster I thought I'd try this before feeding it to a big group. It's OK. It's not fabulous. It doesn't make 28 shrimp cakes (using their suggested size). To tell the truth - the best thing about this recipe was the pineapple relish. It's sweet, fresh and delicious.
So I'm back to square one. And at this point I think I'll make my favourite mushroom burgers (recipe to come soon). I can make a whole pile of little mini burgers. They also taste great cold.
Decided.
So I'm back to square one. And at this point I think I'll make my favourite mushroom burgers (recipe to come soon). I can make a whole pile of little mini burgers. They also taste great cold.
Decided.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Adventures in Babysitting
Babysitting my niece Darcy was pretty much a snap last night. We played for a while, had dinner, played some more and then to bed. No attitude, no problems.
The kid's a riot. While she was wrapping up her dolly in her blankie she demanded that I sing "Rock a by(e?) baby". So while I sang she rocked the baby. Six times of that song was enough for me. Then we played the drums (mom's tupperware collection), pulled Barbie apart and then put her back together again, coloured with markers, played with Play-Doh and made a puzzle.
For dinner she ate 3 bowls of pasta. I was shocked after the third bowl she asked for "mo' pas'a, peez". There was none left! Instead I decided that we could share an orange. Well, so much for sharing. All I got were 2 little segments. She ate the rest faster than I could get them cut up.
Later we played one of her favourite games, hide & seek. For Darcy though this really consisted of me counting, her crouching on the floor beside the mirrored hall closet with her blankie beside her (not on top of her - beside her). I wish I could have a video of this. Her little bum up in the air, plumber's crack for all to see and her eyes squeezed shut.
As I put her on the toilet (who ever would've thought I'd be writing about a kid going to the bathroom ?) I didn't quite get the potty seat on right, so Darcy sort of slipped around and nearly fell in the toilet. I did grab her in time and joked that she'd nearly got soaked in the toilet. Well - she thought that was funny. She told me I was "silly, Auntie 'Tef" and "you funny". At least she didn't cry!
She went to bed without any problems. Even got into her pjs (backwards the first time) all by herself.
It was a fun night. Hopefully she enjoyed herself a little too.
The kid's a riot. While she was wrapping up her dolly in her blankie she demanded that I sing "Rock a by(e?) baby". So while I sang she rocked the baby. Six times of that song was enough for me. Then we played the drums (mom's tupperware collection), pulled Barbie apart and then put her back together again, coloured with markers, played with Play-Doh and made a puzzle.
For dinner she ate 3 bowls of pasta. I was shocked after the third bowl she asked for "mo' pas'a, peez". There was none left! Instead I decided that we could share an orange. Well, so much for sharing. All I got were 2 little segments. She ate the rest faster than I could get them cut up.
Later we played one of her favourite games, hide & seek. For Darcy though this really consisted of me counting, her crouching on the floor beside the mirrored hall closet with her blankie beside her (not on top of her - beside her). I wish I could have a video of this. Her little bum up in the air, plumber's crack for all to see and her eyes squeezed shut.
As I put her on the toilet (who ever would've thought I'd be writing about a kid going to the bathroom ?) I didn't quite get the potty seat on right, so Darcy sort of slipped around and nearly fell in the toilet. I did grab her in time and joked that she'd nearly got soaked in the toilet. Well - she thought that was funny. She told me I was "silly, Auntie 'Tef" and "you funny". At least she didn't cry!
She went to bed without any problems. Even got into her pjs (backwards the first time) all by herself.
It was a fun night. Hopefully she enjoyed herself a little too.
Roasted Tomato & Mushroom Casserole
Made this earlier this week. Thought it might be the dish I bring to our potluck at the office but nooo ...
The bread stays soggy and wet and quite frankly that is not terribly appetizing to me. I couldn't possibly serve it to 50+ people.
This weekend I may try some shrimp cakes with pineapple relish to see if that'll be my item. Anyway - here's the recipe. Maybe somebody can improve on it.
Roasted Tomato and Mushroom Casserole
2 cups each halved grape tomatoes and quartered button mushrooms
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 Tbsp ReaLemon Lemon Juice (I just used fresh squeezed)
1 Tbsp Corn Syrup
1 tsp each dried thyme and basil
8 cups cubed focaccia bread
8 eggs or 2 cartons/250ml each Naturegg Break-Free Liquid Eggs, well shaken
1 can Nestle Carnation 2% Evaporated Partly Skim Milk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 cup shredded Asiago cheese
2 Tbsp finely chopped green onions
1. Preheat the oven to 375F. Toss the tomatoes with the mushrooms, oil, lemon juice, corn syrup, thyme and basil. Place mixture on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 30 mins., stirring twice. Remove from oven and cool.
2. Toss the cubed focaccia with eggs, milk, salt, pepper, roasted vegetables and any juices from the baking sheet. Place the mixture into a well-greased 9x13-inch glass baking dish and cover with foil. Let stand for 15 mins.
3. Bake the casserole for 35 mins. or until centre starts to set and edges turn golden. Sprinkle evenly with cheese and bake uncovered for an additional 15 mins. or until cheese melts. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Makes 12 servings
The bread stays soggy and wet and quite frankly that is not terribly appetizing to me. I couldn't possibly serve it to 50+ people.
This weekend I may try some shrimp cakes with pineapple relish to see if that'll be my item. Anyway - here's the recipe. Maybe somebody can improve on it.
Roasted Tomato and Mushroom Casserole
2 cups each halved grape tomatoes and quartered button mushrooms
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 Tbsp ReaLemon Lemon Juice (I just used fresh squeezed)
1 Tbsp Corn Syrup
1 tsp each dried thyme and basil
8 cups cubed focaccia bread
8 eggs or 2 cartons/250ml each Naturegg Break-Free Liquid Eggs, well shaken
1 can Nestle Carnation 2% Evaporated Partly Skim Milk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 cup shredded Asiago cheese
2 Tbsp finely chopped green onions
1. Preheat the oven to 375F. Toss the tomatoes with the mushrooms, oil, lemon juice, corn syrup, thyme and basil. Place mixture on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 30 mins., stirring twice. Remove from oven and cool.
2. Toss the cubed focaccia with eggs, milk, salt, pepper, roasted vegetables and any juices from the baking sheet. Place the mixture into a well-greased 9x13-inch glass baking dish and cover with foil. Let stand for 15 mins.
3. Bake the casserole for 35 mins. or until centre starts to set and edges turn golden. Sprinkle evenly with cheese and bake uncovered for an additional 15 mins. or until cheese melts. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Makes 12 servings
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Zero Emissions Trip
Read in the paper the other day about this Vancouver guy, Tim Harvey, who completed an around-the-world, zero-emissions trip in 893 days. Guess he took the scenic route, eh?
This guy cycled, rowed and sailed his way around the world. Pretty cool, I think. But it took a little more time than your standard 2-3 week holiday. He left Vancouver in June 2004 and just got back! It's an incredible story and something I could only dream of doing.
Check out his website here.
This guy cycled, rowed and sailed his way around the world. Pretty cool, I think. But it took a little more time than your standard 2-3 week holiday. He left Vancouver in June 2004 and just got back! It's an incredible story and something I could only dream of doing.
Check out his website here.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Hershey Recall
For me this is just another reason to stay clear of Hershey chocolate. I'm a chocolate snob and would much rather munch on a variety of gourmet chocolates, preferably Swiss of course. Hershey Canada has recalled a wide range of chocolate products nationwide and closed its Smiths Fall plant after salmonella bacteria was detected in the candy produced there.
Yvette - in your Christmas package I sent a 4-bar pack of Reese Peanut Butter Cups - you need to check the date codes. If they range from 6417 to 6455 - THROW THE PACKAGE OUT!!!
Here's a listing of the products affected by the recall:
Oh Henry!, Reese Peanut Butter Cups, Eat-more Dark Toffee Peanut Chew, Lowney Bridge Mix, Lowney Cherry Blossom (Dad - stay away from these for now!), Glosette Peanuts, Glosette Almonds, Glosette Raisins, Hershey's Creamy Milk Chocolate with Almonds, Hershey's Creamy Milk Chocolate, Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate, Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate with Almonds.
If you really need to you can contact Hershey at 1-800-468-1714.
Yvette - in your Christmas package I sent a 4-bar pack of Reese Peanut Butter Cups - you need to check the date codes. If they range from 6417 to 6455 - THROW THE PACKAGE OUT!!!
Here's a listing of the products affected by the recall:
Oh Henry!, Reese Peanut Butter Cups, Eat-more Dark Toffee Peanut Chew, Lowney Bridge Mix, Lowney Cherry Blossom (Dad - stay away from these for now!), Glosette Peanuts, Glosette Almonds, Glosette Raisins, Hershey's Creamy Milk Chocolate with Almonds, Hershey's Creamy Milk Chocolate, Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate, Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate with Almonds.
If you really need to you can contact Hershey at 1-800-468-1714.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Catcallers beware!
Ever felt like you can't take one more man (and I use the term loosely) shouting after you "Hey baby, what's your name?" or some variation?
Fear not - HollaBackNYC is a blog started by a group of men and women in New York City last October, that has inspired more than a dozen sister sites across the United States and Canada. Many women say street harassment is a national problem - and they're not going to walk on and ignore it anymore.
We've all experienced this in one way, shape or form. Maybe my attitude has changed (or maybe it's just because of my age) but I do find these occurences happen less often now. Not to say they don't happen. They do. It's never a comfortable situation but at least now I'm old enough not to be intimidated by this kind of behaviour. I have even had my wits about me to respond to a few of these morons. My most memorable experience was actually walking up to one offender and asking if he would speak that way to his mother, wife, sister or daughter. The other guys standing in line (they were queuing up to buy football tickets) all sucked in their breath and looked away, suddenly finding the cracks in the pavement very interesting. As you can imagine, he had no response other than to look down abashedly. "Yeah, that's right, look away, you coward", I said to him. It was quite empowering to walk away that morning hearing the guy's friend say to him "You stupid bloody prat. You couldn't just keep your mouth shut, could you?" Maybe it was the power suit I was wearing, or the high heels - whatever it was something gave me the power to meet that confrontation head on. Score 1 for me.
I say go for it ladies. Check out the various sites in San Francisco, Boston and Texas. And for us Canadian women there is HollaBackCanada.
Fear not - HollaBackNYC is a blog started by a group of men and women in New York City last October, that has inspired more than a dozen sister sites across the United States and Canada. Many women say street harassment is a national problem - and they're not going to walk on and ignore it anymore.
We've all experienced this in one way, shape or form. Maybe my attitude has changed (or maybe it's just because of my age) but I do find these occurences happen less often now. Not to say they don't happen. They do. It's never a comfortable situation but at least now I'm old enough not to be intimidated by this kind of behaviour. I have even had my wits about me to respond to a few of these morons. My most memorable experience was actually walking up to one offender and asking if he would speak that way to his mother, wife, sister or daughter. The other guys standing in line (they were queuing up to buy football tickets) all sucked in their breath and looked away, suddenly finding the cracks in the pavement very interesting. As you can imagine, he had no response other than to look down abashedly. "Yeah, that's right, look away, you coward", I said to him. It was quite empowering to walk away that morning hearing the guy's friend say to him "You stupid bloody prat. You couldn't just keep your mouth shut, could you?" Maybe it was the power suit I was wearing, or the high heels - whatever it was something gave me the power to meet that confrontation head on. Score 1 for me.
I say go for it ladies. Check out the various sites in San Francisco, Boston and Texas. And for us Canadian women there is HollaBackCanada.
Monday, November 13, 2006
New Pictures
Took a couple of pictures of Darcy last night. They are up here. Hopefully there will be time for a few more during the week.
Friday, November 10, 2006
I Need to Loosen Up
This morning I went to get my vaccinations updated for my visit to Panama in February. I thought I might be late for work so I sent an email off to my team yesterday afternoon to let them know I might not be in until 9am (15 minutes late - shocking, I know!).
The Travel Clinic opened at 7:30am and I figured it would be a good idea to be there early because I really didn't know if there would be a line up or what. As it turns out, I was 10 minutes early and the first one in line. By the time they did open, there was only one other couple in line. By 7:40am I was out of there and back 7:58am I was at work, at my desk. So much for being late.
Next time I go for breakfast and force myself to come in late.
The Travel Clinic opened at 7:30am and I figured it would be a good idea to be there early because I really didn't know if there would be a line up or what. As it turns out, I was 10 minutes early and the first one in line. By the time they did open, there was only one other couple in line. By 7:40am I was out of there and back 7:58am I was at work, at my desk. So much for being late.
Next time I go for breakfast and force myself to come in late.
Darcy's coming!
Nick, Sue & Darcy will all be at my parents' place tomorrow. Sue & Darcy are staying for the week so I'm hoping there will be lots of photo ops.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Open Houses
Went to a couple of open houses in my area last weekend and this weekend. This week I found a couple of beautiful condos. One of them was spectacular but about double what I could ever afford. The other was a little over my budget but otherwise perfect except for the fact that it's two blocks away from the train tracks. With the condo being up on the third floor and nothing to block the noise from the freights going by, it suddenly wasn't quite so attractive to me.
What a drag.
What a drag.
Monday, November 06, 2006
The Menu
My friend Vivienne came over for lunch on Saturday and as she is as much of a foodie as I am, I thought it would be fun to treat ourselves to a gourmet menu. So thanks in great part to the Barefoot Contessa, we had a scrumptious meal of Saffron, Zucchini and Herb Couscous, Swordfish with Tomatoes and Capers and for dessert a killer Double Chocolate Pudding. (Still trying to decide how this pudding compared to Martha Stewart's Chocolate Pudding 101, which has been my standard in the past.)
Even better - I knew there would be enough leftover to invite my parents for dinner so they could eat the rest up for me. Dad even went home with the last serving of the chocolate pudding. I slept much better knowing that!
Even better - I knew there would be enough leftover to invite my parents for dinner so they could eat the rest up for me. Dad even went home with the last serving of the chocolate pudding. I slept much better knowing that!
Salon passion chocolat
Made it to the Salon Passion Chocolat yesterday afternoon. All I have to report is that I ate too much free chocolate.
So, yeah, that means it was good. Very, very good.
So, yeah, that means it was good. Very, very good.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Decisions, decisions ...
So do I spend my gift certificate from Banana Republic (which has finally opened downtown!) on a darling little blouse, pay a little extra for a cute skirt or pay a lot extra and splurge on the most divine black cashmere turtleneck sweater ever?
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