AGING DISGRACEFULLY

Little biddy num-nums!

2012-02-16T23:13:00.003-04:00

It started off simply enough .....

and then this was found ...

so the chef went to work and mixed and colored and baked and colored .... and elicited the help of a very pretty Japanese girl.

The table was a riot of colors and sweetness ...

and by the time she was finished, she had created 80 "little biddy num-nums" in most vibrant, happy colors (and taste).

Lucky for me, cake mix and fluff are pretty low in calories. And lucky for me, I lost 4 lb my first week at Weight Watchers; so, I could use some "extra points" and try them out tonight with my tea.

Lucky for me they were delicious!

Lucky for me, I have a pretty creative daughter who likes to share!

My sad Valentine's Day :(

2012-02-15T13:40:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, I presented the girls with little Chinese take-out boxes containing chocolate kisses and caramel hearts and hot lips (my favorites). I sent my away-daughters Valentine cards containing cinnamon hearts and money for a big, decadent latte. I dressed in red for work and wore the little heart earrings that I've worn for 26 years (the cheap little ones I love because I bought them on my trip to London and it reminds me of high teas at 4 pm and Kensington Palace and pints of bitter at The Friends Pub). And then I made spaghetti with tomato sauce & meatballs and strawberry parfaits for dinner.

But alas, alack, alow! I didn't get any valentines in return! None in the mail; none on my dresser! No kisses, no hugs!

And I refrained from using my stun gun or my amazing choking powers on the ungrateful little wretches!

But that wasn't unusual; and I know that they love me. But what really made me sad was the fact that I couldn't console myself by eating any of the chocolate-that-I-always-buy-for-myself-because-I-deserve-it. I didn't buy any chocolate-that-I-always-buy-for-myself-because-I-deserve-it. I was not allowed to eat real chocolate!

Exactly how I reacted!!!!

You see, last week I decided that I'd had enough of my muffin top and my mood swings and my ill-fitting clothes and my lack of motivation. And I went back to:

Twelve years ago I became a life-time member after successfully losing 25 pounds. It's taken me 12 years to put it all back on. So, let's see how long it'll take me this time to get it off again!

I love the organization and support of WW. (And me and Jennifer Hudson? We're like this - we're like "tight" man! ..... Well, she's tight because of her abs and butt; and I'm tight because of my pants and shirts!) I like having an organization that will hold me accountable and help me through the difficult times. I'm fine with meal planning and drinking all that water, etc etc. But what is hard for me is not having something sweet 'n' chocolatie after a meal; and although there are a myriad of low-points chocos out there, I can't eat a lot of artificial sweeteners because they give me headaches and/or interfere with my sleep.

But it WAS Valentine's Day!
And I ain't got no man!
And my kids are mostly still in the take-and-not-give phase!
And TV viewing was lousy last night.
And my book-club book is tedious!

So I did what I had to do: I ate 2 of these

Yum, yum, yummy!

And I had a large cup of delicious tea. And I reminded myself that in a few months, I'll be even hotter than I am now. I know: hard to believe!

But ya know -- that was sweet enough for this Valentine!

Valentine Love

2012-02-14T00:01:00.000-04:00

My favorite subject in high school was literature, and my favorite part of literature, prose. When I first read this poem, I fell in love with it. Then a little later, my first boyfriend Lloyd gave me a Valentine's card 42 years ago with the poem on the front.

We were very much in love; and yes, I still have the card.

And after all these years, this is still my favorite poem. I guess it's because I really am a romantic at heart.

I'm linking up today to Ricki Jill Treleaven Art @ Home for more favorite love poems. So, I'm gonna scoot over there now and get me some more love.

Happy Valentine's Day!

A souper surprise!

2012-02-10T11:58:00.002-04:00

I love freezer soup!

You know ..... the small leftover portions of soup that the kids won't touch with a barge pole and you just can't bring yourself to throw good food out so you freeze it in an unmarked plastic container to take to work sometime in the future for your own lunch.

Everyone does freezer soup, right?

So, the night before, you take your individual-sized soup out of the freezer and pop it in your thermal lunch bag to thaw.

"What kind of soup is it?

Who knows! It's been frozen for anywhere from 2 to 4 (or 6 or 8) weeks.

It's soup! Warm, comforting, delicious soup."

At noon, you pop the top and stick it in the microwave to heat. Then you take it out and lift the lid off and begin to eat.

Yummmmmmmm!

Ohhhhhh! What's that? A bean?

What kind of bean? Wow, I love those kinds of beans!

Ummm! There's a carrot .... and some onion. Hey, I put celery in this one. Celery's good!

Lentil soup! How come no one finished the lentil soup? We all love lentil soup! Oh well, one up for me, y'all!

Oooo! Lookie there! It's a piece of chicken (beef/ pork)! Whooo hoo! Times are high at my house! Real meat!

What's that little yellow thingie? Ahhh, corn! And do I detect a certain southwest flavor?

Num num nummies!
Slurp, slurp!

Soup is good!

Soup is always good!

But sometimes the best soup is ..................

I'm a dreamer

2012-02-07T23:12:00.002-04:00

I'm supposed to be an empty-nester. This little house was chosen because it was the perfect size for me and my plans. But things don't always turn out the way you think they will. So, I host international students and have a daughter living in my basement.

Ahhhh! The best laid plans of mice and men!

I adjusted to this change in plans. I love all my children; and I have loads of fun with them. But I still dream of being an empty-nester.

I dream of:

my house remaining clean when I clean it
my refrigerator still having the same food in it at 5 pm as it did when I left for work at 8:30 am
I dream of smaller loads of laundry being washed once a week

I dream of the freedom to walk naked through my house & to eat when and if I want
I dream of being sooooo bored because the chores are all done, the cooking is all done, and no one wants me to pick them up or drop them off
I dream of one spare room being a library/TV room -- the perfect place for my daybed

I dream of the other spare room being a sewing/craft room - perhaps I'd start another quilt or get around to finishing my hooked rug (the one begun 32 years ago!!)

I dream of the basement being the seldom used spare room
I dream of becoming "the crazy cat lady" (I'm half way there ...... Guess which half?)

But I don't dwell on my delayed dreams. After all, God wants to give me the desires of my heart. So, I say a little prayer for tomorrow, and I come up with a happy alternative today -- be it snuggling alone with a glass of wine and a good book or baking cookies and choosing the perfect film to watch with the girls.

Notice I said delayed dreams? Cause I can still see in my mind's eye ----- me, my house, a comfy chaise lounge .... and a hunky octogenarian slipping off my support hose so he can rub my feet!

Ladies and gentlemen, I know how to dream!

Sunday with Shef Sandy!

2012-02-05T21:47:00.004-04:00

Today was meal prep day for the week. (Well, not all the meals, of course. We can eat chicken nuggets and/or grilled cheese some nights, right!) And my little Japanese daughter - who's never seen or tasted any of this food - is my new cooking sidekick!

On today's "Sunday with Shef Sandy" we prepared:

a deep, dark, delicious, warming chili with a healthy dose of minced jalepenos (minus 8 temps call for heat)
a lovely help-clean-out-the-fridge soup with minced bacon, chopped ham, black beans, rice, veggies and a dollop of tomato sauce
Ambrosia for dessert; and these yummy double chocolate banana muffins for school lunches (and sneaking while I blog!)

And then there was this new dish for dinner: Chicken Adobo. I found the recipe online looking for crockpot recipes.

Easy recipe:

Marinate 3-5 lb of chicken (4 thighs for me) in 1/4 cup soy sauce, lots of minced garlic, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (or regular), 2-4 bay leaves, salt and pepper. Marinate for a good long while: 7 hr for me; recipe says overnight. When ready to bake, the chicken gets baked on a bed of shredded carrots (1-1.5 cups) and an onion sliced in rings. Pour the marinade over this, cover with foil and bake for an hour to 1.5 hr (or cook in the crockpot on low for 7-8; high for 4-5).

I served this with rice and a simple spinach salad. And it was absolutely delicious! The chicken was tender and infused with flavor; and the carrots and onions had a sweet 'n' sour flair.

A definite YES recipe!

Pyjama Party Tonight!

2012-02-03T23:27:00.001-04:00

Yup! It was a wild Friday night here in Bridgewater with the first International PJ Party of 2012!

Japan, Korea and Canada were represented. Refreshments were served: hot buttered popcorn, brownies and rhubarb spritzers. And on the venue for the evening? Ponyo.

I love that little movie; and I had such fun.

Well, perhaps we didn't rock the house like Annette. But it sure was fun to be with my girls.

.....

(PS -- I can so still move-it like some of those "Funicello-ians". I just don't because I don't want to displace a hip joint!)

Groundhog Day Musings

2012-02-02T10:26:00.000-04:00

February 2nd - Groundhog Day. I never pay much attention to Punxsutawney Phil, Wiarton Willie or our very own Shubenacadie Sam. I figure that we will get as much winter as we will get.

But it's a fun exercise and a good excuse to wish you an especially good day.

What I do like about February arriving is that it means January is over and done with. I like the fact that February is the shortest month and that the middle of the month brings Valentine's Day .... and that, of course, is another great excuse to hang red hearts all over the house and eat something chocolate. (Did you also know it's Condom Day? Not much call for those in my house!)

The 21st is Pancake Day as it's known in our house. That brings back such sweet memories of my childhood and looking for the "prize" in your pancake. Would it be a toothpick? (I'd marry a carpenter.) Button? (I'd marry a tailor.) Money? (I'd marry a rich man.)

And while I was reading through your posts this morning, bj at Sweet Nothings got me thinking of molasses cookies; and that brings back sweet memories of my childhood and being at my Nanny's house next door. Nanny always made the best molasses cookies: big, flat discs that were full of gorgeous tangy, spicy ginger/cinnamon/cloves flavor ... and even better when you sandwiched two of them together with butter! I think I'd better make those very soon!

Before the 22nd comes (Ash Wednesday) and Lent begins and I do something foolish again this year like giving up cookies or chocolate or ice cream!

Snort!

2012-01-31T20:57:00.001-04:00

I wish I could correspond with you my friends ..... but this is me these days. Nose and eyes streaming; can't breathe unless my mouth is open; mouth drying out which causes coughing.

We'll talk soon, I hope!

A good thrift day!

2012-01-30T07:50:00.000-04:00

I may have posted about my desire to clog, but the dance I've been doing lately is that of a Whirling Dervish. I've been busy trying to prepare for an overlap of students: Natsumi arrived Saturday night and Mariana left Sunday. Cleaning, packing, goodbye festivities, last minute shopping, airport runs, special Farewell/Hello meals and gifts. Phew!

I was so pleased to have Saturday morning to myself. After I dropped Molly at work, I treated myself to a special coffee and then went thrifting.

First stop, "Frenchies"!

I found this huge popcorn bowl for $3. That should last me a whole movie, huh!

Then I headed to "The Daisy". And the thrifting Gods were smiling on me -- half price on all houseware.

This vintage dresser scarf was 75 cents.

This enormous turkey platter was $1.50. Wow!

4 vintage English dessert plates were $2.50 for the set.

And these 2 Jean Pare "Company's Coming" cookbooks were $1 each. These cookbooks are great; simple, clear, pre-tested recipes.

When I added them to my growing collection, I found that I already had the Slowcooker cookbook. So, I shall add my duplicate to my extras pile and host a give-away soon.

I also found half a dozen clear glass tumblers for 50 cents each, 2 novels for #2 daughter and 2 brand new-in-the-package sleep masks for #3 daughter.

I came home a happy woman, rejuvinated (momentarily) and ready to continue whirling. And I spent less than $25 (latte included)!

Where else can you get therapy that cheaply.

Shattered Dreams!

2012-01-25T10:21:00.001-04:00

As a child, I was quite ordinary: ordinary looking, ordinary hobbies, ordinary report cards. There was nothing extra-ordinary about me. Except for some of my interests perhaps.

We had a davenport similar in style to the one on the left ..... except our's was a hideous red and grey Naugahyde. Do you remember Naugahyde? Think 1950's pleather! Anyway, my parents kept their record collection under there, and I would spend hours in the living room playing old 78's (Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy singing "I am calling you..hoo..hoo.hooo, hoo..hoo.hooo") and a quite eclectic collection of 45's (Elvis "Just tell her Jim said Hello", Skeeter Davis "The End of the World"; Jimmy Dean "PT 109").

Then there was my favorite 45: Frank Ifield's "She Taught Me How to Yodel". I was positively enraptured by what his voice could do! I would practice for hours and hours on end; but despite all my trying, I simply couldn't get the hang of yodelling. The only thing I was successful at was giving my Mom a headache and earning myself a swat with the dishtowel. Shattered dreams!

I did, however, grow up with a love of every kind of musical genre. I liked it all -- pop, rock, country, disco, funk, you name it. I even took a few modern and jazz dance classes.

In the 1980's, I found Bluegrass; and while falling in love with the music, that wasn't what enraptured me. It was the clogging that was happening on the sidelines. I would sit agog watching the dancers -- their upper bodies ram-rod straight while their feet and legs clomped around the stage. OMG! I had to learn to do that!

I did eventually find someone teaching classes. I signed up, and every Tuesday evening, I would surreptiously take the bus to Dartmouth and join the group. Sadly, that only lasted 2 classes before the instructor closed things down because of a family move out of the province. Shattered dreams!

Next came marriage and babies ... and divorce and working full time ... and aging .... and a lot of dreams put on the shelf.

Alas, alack, allo!

To think of what I might have been!

Well, let's take a trip back to the mid 80's and see what I might have been!

In the immortal words of Marlon Brando:

"I could have been a contender!"

War Horse!

2012-01-23T10:13:00.003-04:00

I went to the movies last night with a friend. We started out to see "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close". I read the book a few years ago; and as I love the books of Jonathan Safran Foer, I wanted to see what they'd do with the movie (despite the lukewarm reviews). However, checking the theatre listings in Saturday's paper does not necessarily mean that they're the same on Sunday. We were half an hour too late!

Does your theatre do that? Don't they realize what this does to people over 50? Isn't life traumatic enough for us what with our skin sagging, memory lagging, energy dragging?

"Damn you, Dover Boys!!!"

So, we went to our movie pick #2 - War Horse. I'm not a horse person nor am I a big fan of animal movies in general. I like animals; but when I go to the movies, I prefer to be wooed, blown up or attacked by aliens. I simply can't take much more reality in my life! But this movie has gotten a lot of hype; so off we went.

People! What a great movie this is! Outside of the battle scenes, the scenery in England and France is breathtaking. I thought the acting was excellent; I could literally feel the fear on the faces of those young men in the trenches getting ready to attack. It didn't take sides -- British or German. And it gave an insight to a side of WWI that I'd never even considered before -- the hundreds of thousands of horses that were used and subsequently died carrying soldiers and toting guns, etc.

(No animals died in the making of this movie!)

Yup; I cried! But it wasn't sappy -- well, not overly sappy anyway. I highly recommend this movie.

Fluffy Friday

2012-01-20T20:52:00.001-04:00

You know, this is only the 3rd snow day we've had this winter on the South Shore. We've yet to experience a real snowstorm this season. Driving wasn't great today, but the snow still hasn't amounted to much. But it sure looks pretty out there! Fluffy!

I stopped into Frenchies on my way home (my sole concern being to get off the road until the salt truck could make its way through, of course!)

The comforter had what I thought was blue ink across one of the lime green bands; the cashier gave me 10% off and told me Lestoil would take it out. Oxy worked wonderfully.

2 yellow Petal Plates @ $1 ea

Twin comforter for $4.50

I'm slowly collecting Petal dishware ---- verrrrrry slowly! (Still too expensive online for my tastes.) Aren't they pretty! Sort of a poor woman's Fiestaware. Who knows: perhaps someday I'll have a whole place setting!

Snow calls for homemade pizza, n'est pas? I didn't tell the girls about the hot salami! Mruhahahahaha! (maniacal laughter while rubbing hands together.)

Snow also calls for something sweet. I tried this recipe today.

Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread

1/4 cup brown sugar (for swirl) 1 tsp cinnamon

2 Tbsp cinnamon (for swirl) 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats 1 large egg

1/2 cup whole wheat flour 1/4 cup canola oil

1 cup unbleached white flour 1/4 cup honey

2 1/2 tsp baking powder 3/4 cup skim milk

1/2 tsp baking soda

Oven to 350 deg F. Combine swirl ingredients; set aside. Combine dry in large bowl; combine wet in another bowl & mix well. Add wet to dry, mixing only until just combined. (My mixture was quite thick.) Pour (or spread) 1/3 batter into well greased loaf pan; top with 1/3 swirl mixture. Repeat 2 more times, ending with the swirl mixture on top. Bake for 40-50 min until tester comes out clean.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

This was such a lovely bread! It wasn't too sweet, so it would be perfect for a coffee party or even for breakfast. And because of the large flake oats, it had a very nice chewy texture. I'd give this one an A+ rating!

Please Note: This bread has the added benefit of helping to restore "cultural balance" if you've perhaps caused a diplomatic situation through surprise, shock and/or burning tongues and mouths!

The U.N. might be interested in this recipe!

Breakfast for Dinner

2012-01-19T22:16:00.001-04:00

Breakfast for dinner + a good book + being alone =

Yum, yum, yummy all the way around!

I'm dating again!

2012-01-17T20:05:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Kerry at PassiveAggressiveNotes.com, I've found out that my perspective on dating and relationships has been all wrong!

True ... My phone is silent most weekends. And there has been quite a noticeable lack of male companionship and candlelit dinners in my life. But when it comes exercising my still intact "MoJo" (Oh! Behave!), there's apparently been an overabundance of opportunities that I've been totally unaware of until now!

Just check this out and you'll see why.

(Note that this video does contain strong sexual inunendo.)

All these missed chances -- right here -- under my own nose! And I've been blind to them to date!

But not any more!

I didn't just fall off the turnip truck yesterday (although there's something resembling turnip stuck to the kitchen floor)!
Moss will no longer grow under this rolling stone's feet (nor on her bathtub grout)!
I know when to "Carpe Diem" (or carpet shampoo-em)!
I've got a libeto (as well as a Swiffer), and I know how to use it!

So this Saturday, Sandy's got a date with a tall, dark bald-headed guy:
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My dream man! He's good-looking AND he cleans!

"Oh Shemar!

It's okay if you're a little dirty!"

Age-Activated Attention Deficit Disorder

2012-01-17T11:13:00.001-04:00

I thought this video was very appropriate to my age group. That's what my days are like. The only way I can be productive these days is to make a "To-Do" list and constantly remind myself to stick to the task at hand and not travel down those rabbit warrens.

The joys of aging!

Be gentle with us please young people! We are the future you!

Sing: "The sun'll come out ... tomorrow!"

2012-01-15T09:13:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was the story of "Sandra and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day"!

The phone woke me from a lovely sleep;I'd somehow left my purse and camera at the potluck in Mahone Bay the night before

When I went to collect it, the lady's doggie kept circling me and barking and then jumping up on me -- he was a fairly big doggie and those were clean grey sweat pants, Charlie!
My sore shoulders were aching; I think that addled my already-addled brain.
The girls and I spent an hour looking for the house where their get-together was being held. My cell phone went dead; none of Mariana's friends were answering their text messages; no one on the (wrong) street knew of a Ms Blahblah who was hosting the get together. We finally came home.
I was gonna comfort myself with Kraft Dinner. (Is KD a comfort food in your house?) Molly ate it before she went to work.
I should never have substituted all those chocolates instead ..... but I did!
I lay there on the couch with a heating pad under my shoulder, feeling bloated from that 50 lb of not very good chocolate and I napped 'cause TV viewing was soooooo crappy ...... and woke sitting bolt upright with a start. Ouch shoulder!
Finally, I knew what to do! I'll make chicken nuggets and brown rice and put oodles of plum sauce over it all. Another comfort food! The brown rice was still chewy, the nuggets weren't crispy and there wasn't enough plum sauce for oodles!
I thought I'd watch a nice movie that would make me cry so I could release some of those pent up frustrations. And finally after false starts with 2 crappy movies, I found one! It didn't make me cry, but it did relax me and the guy got the girl and they kissed in the end and lived happily ever after! Ahhh! (No crying, Sandy, because that isn't you!)

To bed with a prayer that tomorrow will be a better day.

It's Sunday! That's a better start already!

And breakfast this morning WAS comfort food. Oatmeal, hot toast with oodles of butter (Success!) and tea.

And the oatmeal came out perfectly. It wasn't an amalgamated glob of oatmeal but rather every large flake oat was defined and cooked to just the right chewy consistency: the dollop of butter and the brown sugar melted into the hot cereal and the milk/cream mixture was just right. And look -- those are alligators in my swamp!

When the girls were little, I cut their toast into little squares (alligators) then hid them in the swamp (oatmeal). They loved it and ate every drop.

I'm a happy girl again! When grown-up-girl life gets too much for you, revert to little-girl life. Perhaps it's just a temporary reprieve, but whatever works, right!

Alligators in the swamp have changed my perspective this morning. Now I'm off to church to see God about this shoulder! (And I may even mention my lack of kissing and happily ever afters.)

Sweet 16

2012-01-13T17:48:00.001-04:00

January 12th was Elly's 16th birthday .... and my first attempt at Korean food. When I began looking online for recipes and techniques, I began to get pretty excited. (New foods do that to me! Heck ..... Let's be honest here: FOOD does that to me!) But Korean food looks so darned interesting and tasty and fun to make.

So, please join me as I make 2 dishes.

1. Jeyuk Bokkeum (Korean Spicy pork)

The ingredients you see at the top right left are what's in the jar at the top left: Gochujang or spicy red pepper paste. It's used in a lot of Korean food and you can add as little or as much as you like depending on how spicy you like your food. I erred on the side of caution this time around and just used the minimum that the dish called for. I mixed together Gochujang, soy sauce, minced garlic and a little sugar (lower right pic), then marinade thinly sliced pork tenderloin and veggies for 24 hours. Fry (and adjust the spice or sweetness level to your liking).

2. Gung Jung Ddukbokki (Royal Palace Rice Cakes)

Ddukbokki are a little trickier to make, or at least to make them as delicious as the street vendors do. Aren't they interesting! These little tubes of compressed rice which get softened by immersing in boiling water (off the heat). While this is happening, you stir fry veggies, make a sauce of soy sauce, honey, minced garlic and sesame oil, add ddukbokki and sauce, simmer for a few minutes; and sprinkle with sesame seeds to serve.

It was delicious! There were 7 of us round the table: Canada, Korea, Brazil and Japan were represented; and we all enjoyed the meal. Elly gave me top marks on the Jeyuk Bokkem and a fair mark for the ddukbokki. I'll keep trying.

This was followed by Elly's favorite dessert -- New York cheesecake.

I made the cheesecake the night before, so it had the required day to "cure". It was a very decadent recipe -- 5 pkgs cr cheese, 5 eggs plus 2 egg yokes, 1/2 heavy cream. But man! What a divine cheesecake! I can honestly say (especially as the other six round the table said it first), it was probably one of the best cheesecakes I've ever eaten. It was lush and creamy with subtle hints of the orange and lemon zest. I served it with a homemade blueberry sauce and whipped cream.

I got top marks from the Birthday Girl (and by the looks of it, the Whipped Cream Queen)! What a fun night with family and friends. I can't wait to try my next Korean recipe.

BTW - I'll post the cheesecake recipe in the next day or two. Trust me: it's so worth the 5 million calories!!!

International Thank You Day

2012-01-11T17:11:00.000-04:00

It's International Thank You Day; so I couldn't let my busy day pass without saying a big "HOLLA" to the things that I am most grateful for at this moment.

Props to my God and Father who always comes through for me (even if sometimes it seems a bit late, God? Huh! Come on; you have to admit that you do keep me waiting sometimes.) And especially thank You for loving me even when I'm often such a rotten kid.

Love and gratitude to my wonderful parents, my fantastic children and my sweet, sweet international kids. You keep me moving, you keep me laughing, you keep me motivated, and you keep me grounded.

But besides those most crucial people, I'd like to pass on my gratitude to just a few other key people who make my life more enjoyable:

Thank you to the Aztec's for chocolate.

Thank you to Mr Sealy for your posturepedic.
Thank you Winnifred for always wanting to go dancing with me.
Thank you to the remote starter on my car for being with me on these winter mornings.
Thank you Dollarama for carrying one dollar magnifying glasses (and to that huge stack of great books I've yet to read).
And Thank you to my followers and to the other bloggers that I like to read. I appreciate you!

What or whom are you most thankful for?

Delicious Sundays!

2012-01-09T00:44:00.001-04:00

I love Sundays! I find them quite delicious!

Sundays usually begin with church! I love getting dressed up and I sometimes even wear a hat. (How often do most people get to wear hats, huh?) We're a small church and I love the people there who are like family to me; they truly have seen me through thick and thin over the past 18 years -- held my hand, prayed, cried, laughed. And I especially love to worship God and just hang out with Him.

Sundays often include an afternoon nap. THAT is quite delicious.

And then there's the Sunday meal! The anticipation of Sunday food is delicious in itself! There was a prime rib and roast veg in the oven. And the slow cooker contained a Bolognese Sauce for freezing; it's one of those recipes that's better after a few days.

As if the kitchen didn't smell delicious enough, there were also double chocolate zucchini muffins. Now those were really, really delicious!

Sundays mean catch-up calls to my parents and 2 daughters.

And there's the delicious return of regular Sunday night television. My daughter and I curl up together on the sofa to watch "Once Upon A Time". And I curled up in bed for Masterpiece Theatre's "Downton Abbey - Season 2". (I needed my tissue box handy tonight.)

About the only negative thing I can say about Sunday is that it's followed by Monday.

Happy Healthy New Year

2012-01-06T08:03:00.002-04:00

Life is slowly returning to it's normal flow. My 21 yr old daughter is busy with college projects; both my international students are back; there's a backlog of laundry downstairs and long hair is once again clogging up the sink and bath strainers. Ahhhh! Home!

One of the advantages of students arriving or coming back from vacation is that they do sometimes bring you back a gift from their foreign country. I love receiving things from other countries! And so far, I've found that when it comes to presentation and packaging, the Koreans are tops.

Look at this beautiful box: green and gold; paisley and embossing. I thought Wow! This must contain some precious object.

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And it does. But not the type of precious object I expected.
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Lying there resplendent in their gold lining are 3 bottles of Super Omega3 capsules. (When Elly first arrived, her Mom sent me a jar of very expensive night cream.) And from what I've heard, the Koreans produce some of the best pills, herbal remedies, vitamins and beauty products that can be found on the globe.

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As you may already know, Super Omega3 contains essential fatty acids and have a plethora (isn't that a great word!) of health benefits, among them - lowering the risk of colon cancer, reducing the risk of psychotic disorders (That's a relief 'cause I sometimes wonder about myself!) and improving heart health (another concern of mine).
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To buy a quality product like this in Nova Scotia would be fairly expensive, and I think there's probably a 3-4 month supply here! But what impresses and delights me most is that my student's Mom thinks about my overall health and skin care. What thoughtful gifts indeed!
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This is a great addition to getting back on track with my health and exercise regime; next purchase for me will be some super green supplements for my morning smoothie.
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Do you take supplements? What do you take and how often? Any recommendations?
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10 Reasons to Have a Happy New Year!

2012-01-05T10:09:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite bloggers is 'MA' from ON THE BRIGHT SIDE; Ma's posts are always upbeat, informative and fun.

Today Ma gave us "10 Reasons to have a Happy New Year" (found here Thursday, January 5th, 2012).

But because I adore Christmas and all things Christmas (including holiday specials, relatives being here, mall Santas and Xmas trees), I decided I would tweak her 10 reasons to more accurately reflect how I feel -- that although I'm always sad to say goodbye to Christmas, I am also always happy to greet a new year.

So, here are MY 10 reasons to have a Happy New Year.

Reasons To Have a Happy New Year

10. Although the TVHoliday specials are over, regular programming is about to commence! Excitement people!

9. Winter is a perfectly acceptable season for wearing funny hats. I have a black velvet hat that is very "Cat in the Hat" like; I love it! And one of my daughter's favorite gifts this year was one similar to this: mighty hard to be a grump with a pig on your head, huh!

8. Although we sad to say farewell to children who are leaving us again, they are going back to school to continue to grow up and to move on with their own lives.

And some foreign daughters are coming back to their Canadian homes to spend a little more time with us.

7. Mall Santas arehistory; but fan-tabulous winter sales continue. Thrifters rejoice!

6. As we undecorate, it gives us an opportunity to re-evaluate if we really need all that Xmas decor that we have. (Remember the 365 items challenge I spoke about yesterday?) And our once-beautiful but now dried up Xmas tree can continue to serve Planet Earth.

5. Only three moremonths till Spring! That means 3 more months of trying out new soups and stews, hunkering down with good books ('cause you can't do much outside!), warm sweaters, wooly socks, and those wonderful, inevitable snow days.

4. Our new Xmas gifts come out from under the tree and we get to use and enjoy them: find the perfect place to show off that new blue glass cannister; excitedly crack open the spine of that new George RR Martin book; wear those sexy purple leopard print undies.

3. Yes, leftover turkey is finally gone; but there's the anticipation of the day when you will happily thaw and bake that delicious turkey pot pie waiting in the freezer. Not today; but I know that someday in the not too distant future, I will salivate at the thought.

2. Sledding, skating & ski season is here. It's so much fun to dress like the Michelin man, head outside with friends and spend a few hours falling down a lot - and laughing at yourself. And there's the extra added bonus of hot chocolate, glowing cheeks and falling asleep easier!

And the number onereason to have a Happy New Year...

1. You're stillhere! Yes, you've made it through another Christmas and beaten old man time to greet another year -- one full of unsullied days and untold opportunities!

Now troops -- onward and upward!

Feels like winter!

2012-01-04T12:40:00.004-04:00

This is how I feel this morning!

Elly flew back from Korea late last night; and although bedtime was at 2:30 am, it was closer to 4 am before I nodded off. (Over-tired?)
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Still, mature, loyal employees (who don't get paid otherwise) rise to the occasion. After waking late and a quick shower, I walked outside to this:

Minus 10 degrees on the thermometer and minus 19 degrees with wind chill. There's only one way to deal with lack of sleep and a cold car: I stopped by Tim Horton's for maple oatmeal -- "With extra milk and a dollop of butter, please!"

Maple or fruity oatmeal! Both so delicious!

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A crappy start to the day means that extra care needs to be taken during the day to ensure as much joy and happiness as possible for the remainder.
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Well, I've made it through until noon. So I guess the next move to getting through my work day means a good lunch. Lunch makes me happy! And today that mean the joy of Subway -- a healthy, hot sandwich that someone else has prepared and no dishes to wash!
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Gotta run! Successful survival is calling!

Damsel in De-Stress

2012-01-03T07:36:00.003-04:00

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As I said to a fellow blogger this morning, we bloggers all seem to be on the same wavelength. (Perhaps there's been a massive Vulcan mind meld!) January makes us want to clean!

Kim's at Homesteader's Heart has a new motto --"Git 'er Done"
Shelagh at at Alice in Paris loves Art and Tea wants to clean and organize

Crystal at Mrs Happy Homemaker has a 52 week de-cluttering challenge

and my favorite one:

Garden Of Daisies is challenging us to toss out or donate 365 items this year -- 31 items a month.

I know that a lot of these urges are normal for this time of year. With Xmas behind us and the un-decorating that's happening, we naturally want (and probably need) to clean our homes. I spent yesterday morning at my bathroom -- washing walls, laundering curtains, organizing drawers and cleaning all surfaces. (A job I've put off for 3 months.)

And with the diet that some of us have maintained over the holidays (and our body in major rebellion), our thoughts naturally turn to getting back on track with diet and exercise.

But there's also a mental de-cluttering that seems to happen at this time of year. The return to normal day-to-day life from Xmas mode is a welcome relief. For over-achievers, the bake-off/best decorated/largest gift/happiest family competition is over. We can be our regular selves again! OR we can become "new and improved" (or a reasonable facsimilie thereof) with our New Year's resolutions and lists etc. (Personally, I only make NY's resolutions when I want to be disappointed in myself!)

This cleansing of home, body and mind is good at any time; January just seems to bring it out in us en masse!

I did some mental de-cluttering just before Xmas by letting go of something that had become very stressful. And I'm continuing this month to let go of things that just don't meet my needs anymore.

The three go hand in hand: Cleaning my house makes me feel physically better. If my house is clean, I can think clearer. If my mind is more alert, I sleep better, make better decisions and feel better physically ... so I can tackle more home jobs and have a cleaner house. So for me, January is a very welcome, very good month.

Just call me a Damsel in De-Stress!

Start as you mean to End

2012-01-01T20:50:00.012-04:00

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I spent a relaxing New Year's Eve watching movies. With popcorn in hand, I saw the quite lengthy 2011 version of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo". (Well done Hollywood!)

Later at home, with Kir Royale in hand (see pic), I re-watched the 2009 Swedish version - my second time. You don't have to bother with subtitles in the 2011 Fincher movie. It also does a wonderful job of clearly and accurately telling the story and doesn't stray too far nor too often from the original book written by Stieg Larsson. It easily holds your interest and keeps you glued to your seat. However, it's a little more more raw and, therefore, slightly more violent than the 2009 Oplev film.

After watching both, my preferance is still for the Swedish version of the film. I like that it sticks to the original story; and in my opinion, Noomi Rapace's portrail of Lisbeth Salander is more true to her character as Steig Larsson presents her. She's socially inept, disconnected from the people around her and gives little or nothing of herself away. She is a product of her upbringing and a definite survivor! (And, of course, it helps that I can watch the next 2 films based on Larsson's next 2 books in the Millennium series.)
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We had rain last night. But my new year began today clear and warm. After a wonderful church service thanking the One who loves me and provides for me, I had tea on the deck -- 5 degrees celcius (41 deg F). January 1st!

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And just to cross all my "t's" and dot all my "i's", I took a page from the ole South and cooked black-eyed peas and greens (well, green beans) to ensure prosperity and luck for 2012. .
And as I like to start the new year as I hope to end it (warm weather, worship and good food), I'll go back to relaxing on the couch in my warm, comfy home ..... and I'll finish watching the Millenium Series films.
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Have you seen either or both of these films? Read the books? What did you think?
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Goodbye 2011

2012-01-01T00:58:00.000-04:00

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Happy New Year everyone! It's 2012!
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2011 was a good year for me (once that cast came off and I could walk again). I was blessed with health, a warm home, a good job and great kids -- international ones included. I was fed well (too well!); got to spend time with my family; got to laugh lots with good friends. I had many opportunities to dance; I swam in the ocean; read so many good books and even got some kisses and hugs. (But ALL by children, family and friends. Dang!)
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I look forward to a new year -- full of hopes, dreams, optimistism at the mysterious unknown, and wonderful possibilities -- as well as the many, many opportunities to screw-up!
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So CHEERS! Here's to 2012!

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And to the possibility of it holding some hunk like this guy ... looking at and speaking directly to ME!

A Tasty Christmas Day

2011-12-30T15:30:00.001-04:00

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We're heading into the last of 2011. Today was a time for me to tidy and clean and reflect on what a Merry Christmas I've had: my kids at home; delicious food and sweets, lots of wonderful gifts, some great sale shopping in the city, visits with friends-- all the makings of a great Christmas.
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This morning I tucked the rest of our Christmas turkey into turkey pot pies; this turkey was a most delicious one. I cooked it a little differently this year (a la Jamie Oliver). So I wanted to share the recipe with you.
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Christmas morning while the youngens' still slept, I put some festive music on the CD player, poured myself a glass of apple cider and began. I chopped fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, sage, marjoram) with a handful of dried cranberries; this was kneaded into a generous lump of soft butter. Using a soup spoon, I loosened the skin from the turkey breast (much easier than it probably sounds). The herb/butter mixture gets inserted under the loosened skin and gently worked around the top and down the sides. (As the turkey cooks, this will baste the meat and keep it moist.) I stuffed the cavity of the turkey with half an apple, orange, lemon, onion and more herbs. Skewer it firmly closed and roast as usual. .
Here is the beautiful result.

I let it rest for an hour or so. When I carved (and those nibbly bits dropped off), I can attest to the fact that it was soooo delicious and moist and fragrant.

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I pre-made the dressing a week ahead and froze it. We are a bread stuffing family here; but I added a little cooked ground turkey for flavor, generous portion of bread cubes, and some chopped onions, apples, cranberries and herbs, as well as melted butter and chicken stock. (I also pre-made and froze a mashed potato, cream cheese, sour cream, chives casserole.) I thawed these 16 hr in the fridge; and after the turkey was cooked and while it was resting, I cooked these for an hour in the oven.
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The dressing was very good but does need some further tweaking.
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But overall, this was the best Christmas dinner I've ever made! And my guests all agreed that this was the best Christmas turkey they'd ever eaten! High praise indeed!
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These new recipes will definitely all become part of my Christmas dinner menu for future.
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Hmmmm! What'll I'll prepare for New Year's?
In spite of the delicious turkey, I think I'm ready for beef again!

Thursday at the Market

2011-12-22T21:08:00.016-04:00

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The potato casserole, dressing and Xmas Bombe are prepared and in the freezer; the cranberry sauce has been made; Rugelach and Gingerbread are finished and stored for the big day; girls are tired of being "Xmasie" and just want a regular day where they sleep until noon. So, today I did something I've wanted to do for years.....
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I went to the Farmer's market in Lunenburg which I never get to go to because I'm working. What a wonderful time of year to visit the market! It is full to the rafters with Christmas -- smells, tastes, sounds, signs!
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After visiting a bread stall (where I got a big fat pretzel), I visited Grand Pre Winery's stall (where I got 3 tiny samples of wine -- red, white and dessert). Yeah! Sure! I know it was only 9:30 AM. But if bread and wine are good enough for Jesus (who's birthday is very soon, ya know), then they're good enough for Sandy! And I'm sure that big fat pretzel soaked up any alcohol I might have imbibed!.
There were gorgeous displays of local cheese. (The Gouda was very gooda!) There was fresh haddock, salmon, lobster and sole; there was grain-fed, organic beef, pork and chicken. There were at least 4 different stalls selling breads and fruit pastries. There were several tables of jams and jellies and pestos and dips and pickles etc etc etc. -- with sampling! Be still my heart! Sampling! (I bought a Red Pepper Pesto and spiced mixed nuts. The middle Eastern pesto with dates & spices was divine too. Oh for goodness sake! It was all divine!)
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There was one lovely booth full of fragrant Spanakopita, Mini Quiche, Tourtiere, Meat Pastries and such -- so lovely and fragrant and enticing that I bought their variety box for Xmas Eve dinner. With a green salad and a bottle of red, won't it be ducky, darling, delicious!.
There was greenery everywhere, and the smell of pine and fir was intoxicating.
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And then there was this .....
The German Cake Lady! Have you never had traditional German baked goods? They are so good! (But a little pricey too! As much as I wanted that Chocolate Hazelnut Torte, I couldn't bring myself to pay $28; but I did get a sample!) I settled for a small plate of cookies -- Cinnamon stars, Almond stars, Linzer Torte & Sand crescents.
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Why, even Santa and Mrs Claus were there playing harp and mandolin. When I asked if I could take their picture, Santa insisted that I come and sit on his lap and have my picture taken. (Ya know; Santa looks remarkably like Dr Abriel from Mahone Bay. Isn't that strange!)

Santa "Ho, ho, hoed" and said that it was probably a long, long time since I'd sat on Santa's lap: and I said yes, and that I hadn't been a very good girl since then!
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But he said not to worry; he'll be here Saturday night!
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PS: Santa did not say what he would bring me. But if he remembers my letters from the last 14 years, there'll be a 6' tall package named Carlos under my tree and 2 tickets to Guada la Hara in my sock!
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Ghosts of Christmas Past

2011-12-21T00:54:00.013-04:00

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Today is cookie making day for the girls and I. So, while we create enormous amounts of delicious and hugely fattening goodies that will immediately be transferred to my butt, thighs and abdomen (but I'm smiling while it happens), here are a few memories of Christmas from my youth.
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My earliest Xmas memory was the year (circa 1963) I received my Tammy doll (instead of the Barbie I'd asked for which my Mom thought was too racy for a little girl). I loved Tammy dearly, and we had many years of happy play in her house at the bottom of my wardrobe.

I remember a few years of transister radios and Nancy Drew books .... and many, many nights hiding under the covers with a flashlight, my earplugs and my latest book.

I remember the Xmas my older brother built my excited anticipation daily by telling me about the wonderful gift he had for me under the tree. In the early hours of Xmas morning, I snuck out of bed by myself & without even looking at what Santa had brought, I found his gift, opened it ..... and discovered it was a potato! I was broken hearted! I crawled back to bed and cried and cried. .......... I remember sneaking back out to the tree, finding my gift to him, opening it ..... and eating every Turtle in the box (all 6 of them)! I then rewrapped his gift and went back to bed and cried some more. ..... But only after I'd washed off all the evidence, of course!

I remember my Nanny always gave us flannel pyjamas, homemade mittens and our own individual little bags of candy --- every year! And I remember the year she made my dream come true and bought me a flannel nightie instead! Tres chic!

I remember the Christmas dinner table. Few of the dishes matched, and not everyone could have a knife. But there'd be Mommy and Daddy, 4 sibblings and me, and my Nanny and Poppy ..... my Mom's wonderful turkey and savory bread pudding ..... tube-shaped cranberry jelly ..... and my Nanny's gorgeous Xmas pudding with caramel sauce.

So many happy childhood Christmas memories!

How about you. Do you have some favorites that come to mind automatically when you think of the Christmas' of your youth?

Christmas Menu: Breakfast

2011-12-20T08:58:00.018-04:00

Yesterday was my last day of work until next year. So am I a lady of leisure? Not quite. There's menus to be planned and cookies to be baked and gifts-from-the-kitchen to be assembled and spit'n'polishing to be done.

In our house, we pretty much have the same menu for Christmas. But I do like to try change things up periodically with different variations of our basic menu. Last weekend, I got out my Christmas binder food book and began perusing. 'Cooker-girl' (as 8 yr old Molly used to call herself) was right in there with me. 'Texting shlumping-on-the-sofa-'cause-I'm-a-struggling-student-who's-home girl' (as I sometimes call Libby) has always been the type who's only interested in eating food - not making it. And 'Brazilian Beauty' is so agreeable about everything ("I don't know!" "Whatever you want!") that she's happy just to eat something yummy!

'Cooker Girl' is a joy to cook with; she's adventurous and learns quickly. But this mild-mannered child also has some dictator tendencies that only arise in the kitchen. "I'm not sure if I want that this Xmas, Molly". "NO Mom! We're making that this year!"
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So, here's what Molly and I have decided on for Christmas breakfast this year:

Mimosas - Berry or Campari or just simple orange juice? Unsure as yet.

Soft-boiled eggs and glazed sausage & bacon - You simply fry 'em up, leave about 2 Tbsp of drippings in the pan, add 1/4 cup ea of apple juice & apple jelly, stir and add back the sausage and bacon to coat.

Scones (served with real butter!) - Something simple with raisins and almonds perhaps.

Fruit Salad - Strawberries, mandarin oranges and bananas.

The fruit salad recipe never changes. I found this wonderful recipe years ago that's different and delicious; so it's our standard special occasion breakfast fare. Here's the recipe.

Will You Please Make that Fruit Salad?

2 or 3 bananas

1 large can or bottle of mandarin oranges

2-3 cups strawberries (or a large can of fruit cocktail)

1 small pkg instant Jello lemon flavored pudding

Put the dry pudding mix in a large bowl; add the juice (only) from the mandarin oranges and stir. It will be thick. Slice the bananas and stir them into the thickened pudding. (This will keep them from turning brown.) Add strawberries (or fruit cocktail) and stir. If it seems very thick, stir in a little of the reserved juide. Place in the refrigerator to cool and thicken slightly.

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas to Me

2011-12-19T07:59:00.009-04:00

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In between dropping babies at the airport and picking other babies up at the bus station, I did manage to get some Value Village shopping in. I had raided my coin piggy bank and came up with $78! And surprisingly, Value Village was not crowded nor was it picked over. What up wit dat?
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Xmas was 50% off so these were $3 total. This cute Noah's ark is a box with the roof opening (this now houses the remote for the DVD); 2 side plates to add to my small but still-growing collection of Petal dishes (a cheaper version of Fiesta ware); and another Mr and Mrs Claus for the hallway shelf collection.

I love this Argyle print sweater ($6)

Both these items are brand new, tag-on. A gorgeous shawl sweater (expensive at $15) and Northern Reflections pants ($8)

This jacket was $10. La-la-love it!

The shops are full of bling and glitter clothing (usually worn by skinny, long legged women that don't really exist in real life 'cause really! Have you ever seen anyone who looks like that in your neighborhood?). Anyhow, I've had my eyes peeled for something similar for New Years (and all the other black-tie events I attend.) My peeled eyes did the trick on Sat because I found 3 pieces: on the left, a long sleeve chiffon beaded top ($8); and on the right, a shrug ($3) over a sleeveless chiffon top with built-in bling broach ($6). Now that I've got the clothing, I expect the invitations to be flooding my inbox -- at any time -- now!

After little sleep (due to a 3 AM wake up call and 2 cuties snoring/snuffling in the other bed) and this full day of successful shopping, this Mama put her feet up once she got home.

But what's this on my aching feet? Why it's my brand new pair of Naturalizers picked up for $13 at Value Village!

.I do believe I was in the right place at the right time!

Tea and Thoughts

2011-12-16T06:42:00.002-04:00

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It's Dec 16th at 6:45 am. I'm sitting here with my tea and rice crispies listening to the quiet of the household and checking Facebook for updates from my youngest. She's on her way home for Xmas!
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Outside is still darkness interspersed by a few Xmas lights; soooo pretty! And it only adds to my sense of joy and excitement. My baby will be home soon!
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Soon Libby's laughter will ring through the house! Soon, there'll be lots of hugs and kisses (she's very affectionate). Soon, there'll be non-stop talking at the dinner table. Soon, there'll be more dirty glasses and bowls than I thought possible! And yes, because we are so much alike, soon, there'll be minor squabbles and bickerings that will be forgiven and forgotten almost as quickly as they started.

I've been thinking about that here in the dark and the quiet: about how we love them so deeply and ache to have them near and pine for the days when they were younger and the house was full of them and get so excited at the prospect of seeing them again! But after they're here for a few days, we find ourselves thinking about when they'll leave and we can return to the "NEW normal" we'd come to know while they were gone. And there's this little struggle that happens inside between wanting them near and wanting them gone. We are such strange creatures.

But because I've lived a few years on this earth, I know that life is constantly changing and there really is no "normal". There is just grabbing the joy that comes your way and running with it for as long as possible.

Besides Xmas here hasn't been "normal" for a lot of years. The faces and the numbers at my Xmas table are always changing. My tall, slender, creative daughter is not coming home this year :( And my little almond-eyed beauty with the wonderful sense of humor leaves today for Xmas in Korea.

So I gladly welcome my loud, messy, affectionate daughter and her intrusion into life here at our little home. She can join the nerdy, introverted, messy daughter downstairs, the soft-spoken, messy Brazilian daughter upstairs, and the long-suffering, outspoken, nut-case of a mother who tries to keep this all together. .

FAMILY! There's no telling what it will look like; but ain't it grand!

The Fab 4 - Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

2011-12-13T15:19:00.001-04:00

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A little foolishness for Beatle lovers! Enjoy!

Dishin' around the Xmas Tree

2011-12-12T07:01:00.019-04:00

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When I was little, I dreamed of Lennox Xmas dishes. At that point, they were the only ones I'd ever seen, and even then, they were only in glossy magazine photos.
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I still don't have Lennox. But I do have a lovely selection of much cheaper festive tableware. So for Dawn (and anyone else out there who likes to peep in other peoples' cupboards, here's what I have.
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I have 2 sets of these 4 salad plates that are used for every day. My toast and maccaroni taste much better on these pretty plates.

I also have 2 sets of these 4 bowls for everyday use. Just imagine chowing down on your black bean soup and being greeted at the bottom by Santa or Frosty!

If you're having dessert at my house (which would NEVER happen, right?), you have a choice: you can choose to sing for your supper with a chorus of "Deck the Halls"or

"All I want for Xmas". (The trip to Paris would be my first choice!)

And for an après ski (or in my case, après le pelletage [shovelling]), you can have your shortbread on this little square plate and your hot chocolate in this cute cup!

If you're staying for dinner, I have 4 of these plates which I thrifted.

The first dishes I ever bought and still my all-time favorite set are these ivy patterned set; they come out on Xmas Eve and Xmas Day. And like all my dishes, these were very inexpensive. And I also love my stemware. Arby's (the fast-food beef sandwich chain) offered these many, many years ago for an extra dollar or two with your meal, a different glass or dessert cup each year. And I've been fortunate enough to pick up extras at thrift stores.

The Holly set are a great match for my Xmas dinner dishes. The snowy scene ones are really pretty as well and almost always hold my wine and/or egg nog.

Perhaps some day, I'll own a piece of Lennox. But until that lucky day when I find it at Value Village, I'm quite content with my other pretty pieces.

So how about it! Do you have a love for festive dishes?

Sing with me: "There's no Plates like Home's for the Holidays"

2011-12-10T17:40:00.013-04:00

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Friday was a cleaning and cooking day -- soup, chilli, pitas.
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That evening, I had the luxury of being by myself. So, I finished my Xmas decorating and got the Xmas plates (and bowls and cups, etc etc) out of the jelly cupboard. Now we can eat in the spirit of the season.
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Then I wrapped the children's gifts and put them under the tree. I don't label them: I have a color and wrapping paper code for identification. Xmas Eve, they'll be taken out from under the tree and put in a neat stack with their Santa socks on top. Besides, they're good little girls and not snoopers at all.

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Then I relaxed in front of the television and opened up this wee little bottle of raspberry wine. Jost (pronounced Yowst) is a Nova Scotian winery on the Northumberland Shore (facing Prince Edward Island); I bought this bottle on my summer tour with my parents.
It was absolutely delightful! A deep raspberry flavor with a hint of spirits at the end. Quite yummy. I probably spent too much for is seeing as it was just 2 glasses; but it was a lovely treat after a day of cooking and cleaning and wrapping.

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Especially with the soft glow of fairy lights on the tree and candles behind the nativity..... and tootsies soaking in a eucalyptus bath! Ahhhh!

Oh Tannenbaum, Oh Tannenbaum; how lovely are your branches!

2011-12-07T07:29:00.006-04:00

Ahhhh! Christmas is coming out in full force at the little brook house in Bridgewater. The entrance is hosting Santas and Snowmen galore. My latest acquisitions are the row of 4 tiny Santas on the top "Family" shelf (all 4 for $1 at The Daisy) and Mr & Mrs white Snowman on the bottom shelf (both for $1 at The Daisy). I love The Daisy! The big snowman shown on the right was bought at Value Village last year for $9.99; he lights up and changes color. .
The main highlight is, of course, the tree. Molly and I picked out a beautiful Christmas tree last Sunday. Lunenburg County Nova Scotia is the Xmas tree capital of the world, so we can get one for a really good price. My fat beauty cost me $25. Look at her! Isn't she gorgeous!
And here are some of my old friends on the tree: the peasant couple from Austria; Ernie and Snoopy were early Xmas gifts from my husband; the little wooden bird was made by an old gentleman in Dartmouth & I've had it for 30 years; 2 of the 12 wooden ornaments that my sweet German daughter Nadine sent me last year; my gilded pear and strawberry; and my new ornament from my trip to PEI this summer with my parents..

Elly and Mariana helped Molly and I to trim the tree. I think it was their first time! Elly had a bad case of butterfingers -- she broke 4 old fashioned glass ornaments (but thankfully the plain ones) and got a few shards in her toes! She then volunteered to only put on the unbreakable ones! But they had a lot of fun and did a great job.

O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,

wie treu sind deine Blätter!

Du grünst nicht nur zur Sommerzeit,

Nein auch im Winter, wenn es schneit.

O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,

wie treu sind deine Blätter!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy leaves are so unchanging;

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy leaves are so unchanging;

Not only green when summer's here,

But also when 'tis cold and drear.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy leaves are so unchanging!

Christmas Wanderings

2011-12-05T16:01:00.001-04:00

My Saturday featured a trip to picturesque Mahone Bay for their 2-weekend Father Christmas Festival. The weather was lovely and warm (6 deg F). We went to a local craft show, wound our way in and out of lovely little shops (where I bought a little icicle garland for my tree), and then had a long, relaxing, delicious lunch at The Biscuit Eater (carrot soup, vanilla latte and pecan shortbread)..

There was such a happy, carefree, festive feel everywhere we went. Here are just 3 of the many beautiful Santas to be found. There was an old fashioned brass band playing Xmas caroles outside the bake shop. Santa himself was selling Xmas trees next door. And there were 2 horse drawn wagons that passed us carrying people on a mini-tour of the village.

The highlight of the day for me was -- as is every year at this time -- the Suttles & Seawinds barn which is set up as a old-timey shop selling all sort of tasty treats (and their tasty free samples!) from local artisans as well as a few from other parts of the province. A different winery is featured each of the 4 days: I bought icewine to give as a gift. There were home-made chocolates and wonderful cookies & squares; plum puddings, peanut brittle, jams, jellies 'n' chutneys. And my favorite bakery, Julian's of Chester, had a display of wonderful breads; Diana and I went halves on one of his Xmas stolens -- the one with the yummy chunk of marzipan in the centre!.

Upstairs in the barn was an enchanted forest for the kiddies; and outside the Suttles shop, they had these gorgeous little gnome homes. So cute!.

After a short rest period at home (because enjoying oneself is sooooo tiring!!), the girls and I joined about 60 others at a turkey dinner for the international students and their host families. Dessert is pot luck, so there was a wonderful variety of goodies to choose from. Then Santa showed up!

I didn't sit on his lap this year, but I did press my luck and ask for some extra special gifts. (I pointed out the money he'd save on wrapping paper and ribbons by simply putting my living, breathing, 6' hunka-hunka gift in a body bag.)

Santa laughed at me!!!

Regardless of rude Santas, I just love this time of year!

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Hope

2011-12-03T07:15:00.010-04:00

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Just catching up on some posts this morning when I found this story posted by Joanna Goddard at A CUP OF JO under Have a good weekend (Getting mugged in NYC). It really touched my heart. I know muggings don't usually work out the way it did for Julio Diaz; but it give us hope.
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March 28, 2008
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Julio Diaz has a daily routine. Every night, the 31-year-old social worker ends his hour-long subway commute to the Bronx one stop early, just so he can eat at his favorite diner.
But one night last month, as Diaz stepped off the No. 6 train and onto a nearly empty platform, his evening took an unexpected turn.
He was walking toward the stairs when a teenage boy approached and pulled out a knife.
"He wants my money, so I just gave him my wallet and told him, 'Here you go,'" Diaz says.
As the teen began to walk away, Diaz told him, "Hey, wait a minute. You forgot something. If you're going to be robbing people for the rest of the night, you might as well take my coat to keep you warm."
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The would-be robber looked at his would-be victim, "like what's going on here?" Diaz says. "He asked me, 'Why are you doing this?'"
Diaz replied: "If you're willing to risk your freedom for a few dollars, then I guess you must really need the money. I mean, all I wanted to do was get dinner and if you really want to join me ... hey, you're more than welcome.
"You know, I just felt maybe he really needs help," Diaz says.
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Diaz says he and the teen went into the diner and sat in a booth.
"The manager comes by, the dishwashers come by, the waiters come by to say hi," Diaz says. "The kid was like, 'You know everybody here. Do you own this place?'"
"No, I just eat here a lot," Diaz says he told the teen. "He says, 'But you're even nice to the dishwasher.'"
Diaz replied, "Well, haven't you been taught you should be nice to everybody?"
"Yea, but I didn't think people actually behaved that way," the teen said.
Diaz asked him what he wanted out of life. "He just had almost a sad face," Diaz says.
The teen couldn't answer Diaz — or he didn't want to.
When the bill arrived, Diaz told the teen, "Look, I guess you're going to have to pay for this bill 'cause you have my money and I can't pay for this. So if you give me my wallet back, I'll gladly treat you."
The teen "didn't even think about it" and returned the wallet, Diaz says. "I gave him $20 ... I figure maybe it'll help him. I don't know."
Diaz says he asked for something in return — the teen's knife — "and he gave it to me."
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Afterward, when Diaz told his mother what happened, she said, "You're the type of kid that if someone asked you for the time, you gave them your watch."
"I figure, you know, if you treat people right, you can only hope that they treat you right. It's as simple as it gets in this complicated world."
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Produced for Morning Edition by Michael Garofalo.
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Ho Ho Rabbit Rabbit - Dec 2011!

2011-12-01T00:10:00.003-04:00

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Rabbit Rabbit everyone!

It's finally here! December -- one of my favorite months.

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With surprise (and even greater relief) that I find December is not as chock-a-block full of observances as some of the other months. But that's because there's more than enough to do in December with preparing for Christmas. Still, if you find that you need a break from holly hanging, gift wrapping and ho-ho-ho-ing, there are lots of other things to observe.

On the serious side, December is World Aids Month and National Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention Month; as well, Dec 2nd is the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Day. .

We associate December with the usual Xmas food. But it's also Quince & Watermelon Month, Root Vegetables & Exotic Fruits Month and Tomato & Winter Squash Month. Dec 7th is National Cotton Candy Day, Dec 26th National Candy Cane Day and Dec 28th & 29th National Chocolate Day. (I think I'll start practicing for that last day beginning ... say, Dec 3rd --- just so I'll be ready!) .

AND ...Dec 16th is National Chocolate-covered Anything Day. Indulge in a chocolate something that you've never tried before: bacon? I'm up for that one. Profiteroles? Yummy! Chocolate-covered fruit? So healthy (well it can be!). .

December is Spiritual Literacy Month. I'm a born-again Christian; and Jesus is the reason for the season. But I think that we all need to believe in something; and we need to know what we believe. Did you know that experts say that it's better for your health to have a spiritual belief in a higher power?

Dec 1st-7th is Cookie Cutter Week and Recipe Greetings for the Holidays Week; AND Dec 4th is National Cookie Day. I'm sure there will be a lot of cookie making throughout the whole month. (I'm looking forward to using my snowflake cutters again this year as well as the girls making their cut-out gingerbread hobos, Donald Trumps and street-walkers. I have very creative kids!)

Dec 1st is Chester Greenwood Day -- otherwise known as Earmuff Day. I used to have these gorgeous and oh-so warm silver Fox fur earmuffs in the 70's that I just loved. My cat ate them in the '80's. (Obviously a surreptitious member of Greenpeace.)

Dec 5th is Bathtub Party Day. Huh? What's that about? Well, seeing as I do like to observe as many occasions as possible, I'll participate. But I'm tellin' you! After I have a party cleaning my bathtub and surround, I'll pour in the bubbles, turn on the ocean wave music, pour myself a glass of vino and have my party --- for 1 and 1 only! What kind of gal do you take me for? (Yeah, I know! A lonely, single one. Sigh .....)

Dec 6th is the birthday of Saint Nicolas. When the girls were young, we always had a little party for him. These days, I think he and I will get enough sweeties this month, therefore, no celebration will be had!

Dec 9th is World Choral Day. One of my favorite things to do during this season is listen to local chorales; and we have some lovely ones!

Dec 12th is Poinsettia Day. Do you have yours yet?

Dec 14th is National Salesperson Day; and with the crowds of frantic shoppers, these people need their own day, poor things. Perhaps I'll go round with a box of chockies this year.

Dec 14th is also Monkey Day? And Dec 15th is Cat Herders Day? I don't know; December can be a strange one!!!

Dec 21st is Crossword Puzzle Day. I love crossword puzzles!

Dec 21st is also Humbug Day. I'm an optimist; so I'm going with the British hard candies and NOT the Ebenezer Scrooge version.

Dec 22nd is National Haiku Poetry Day. Anyone up for it?

Dec 23rd is Festivus Day -- a day for those who wish to take part in the beauty of the Christmas season without partaking in the pressures and commercialism.

Dec 24th is Christmas Eve -- a day of excitement and anticipation, Xmas Eve services and favorite old-timey Xmas movies in our house.

And Dec 25th is Christmas Day - a celebration of the birth of the Christ child, a day of family, food and fun.

Dec 26th is Boxing Day; and this is when the real relaxing begins for me.

National Whiner's Day is Dec 26th as well. That's for the ungrateful people who didn't get what they wanted for Xmas.

Dec 30th is (appropriately) Falling Needles Family Fest Day. Many trees are taken down in observance of this day. But not mine! Not yet!

Dec 31st is a big day as well. Not only is it New Year's Eve, but it's also Make up your Mind Day. (Ya know: What will I wear? Where will I go? What should I bring? Should I kiss ___ at midnight? Should I add that to my resolution list? Scheesch!)

Dec 31st is also World Peace Meditation Day.

Now there's a resolution for you!

Happy December everyone. May your preparations be happy and stressfree; and don't forget to breathe deeply and enjoy muchly!

Black Friday Rebuttal

2011-11-29T07:52:00.012-04:00

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Remember how I said I was jealous of Black Friday shopping? Well, I'm taking it back. You're right, my friends. No bargain is worth what happens on Black Friday. After all the reports of macing and fights and just general bad behavior, I don't want to be in the middle of that. And I've seen the cartoon that's making the rounds about people rushing and fighting for things that they want on Friday the day after they've given thanks for what they already have! Hmmmm! Cause for reflection.
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So, as is any woman's prerogative, I'm taking it back. I've decided to create my own Black Friday celebration:
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Beautiful black, starry nights (relative easy for me to find and dirt cheap)

Delicious black bottomed cupcakes or Black Forest Cake (not difficult to find but will cost me a little coinage)

A darling little black dress (To find the right one can be quite difficult and certainly expensive)

And this beautiful, delicious, darling black man - Shemar Moore! He makes me drool more than any of the above! (Definitely hard to find because there simply is no one equal to Shemar Moore. And cost? Well, there's any dignity I may have claimed to have as well as my virtue and my good Christian name. But something are worth the risk! Sighhhhhh!)

However, as an poor, aging Canadian living in rural Nova Scotia, THIS is probably the only Black Friday I'll be taking part in for a while:
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Ah well; I can always sweeten the pot and throw in a cruller!

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Xmas on the Lahave

2011-11-27T20:29:00.007-04:00

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Christmas has arrived in Lunenburg County. I spent the afternoon wandering Lunenburg taking in the Xmas craft fair and the other good things that beautiful little town has to offer. Then this evening, it was off to "Christmas on the LaHave".
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In spite of our warm temperatures lately, it cooled off considerably when the sun went down. Molly and I met with friends downtown and warmed ourselves with cheesie popcorn and delicious apple cider while waiting for the Xmas parade. There were several musical guests to entertain us as we waited, and our singing and dancing helped us stay somewhat warm..
The parade finally made its way to us shortly after 6 pm. There were over 40 floats with Santa, of course, ending the parade and then getting off his float to mix and mingle with the little ones.Also included in the parade were the Fireman's Band, a group of gorgeous little tappers all dressed in white, a couple of local hockey teams, and more dressed and decorated doggies than I've ever seen. It was such fun!

The finale were fireworks over the bridge.
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Ahhh! Warm again, here at home in my jammies; and soon to be huddled under a blankie on the sofa waiting for "Once Upon A Time" to air.
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A fine end to a fine weekend; and a lovely official start to my Christmas season!
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Black Friday jealousy!

2011-11-25T00:01:00.001-04:00

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Yes, United States of America! This Canadian girl is extremely jealous of your post- Thanksgiving, Black Friday sales.
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I realize that October is too early for post-Thanksgiving Black Friday sales in Canada. But gosh, golly, gee! We need a day for super-duper bargains up here.

I don't mind battling crowds or waiting in long lines. It's all part of the hunt, right? And it gives me time to recharge my batteries and plan my maneuvers for the next epic battle.

So why?
Why can't we Canadians get in on the stupendous pre-Xmas shopping savings without having to get in a car/train/airplane and travel to your lovely country to leave our colorful money in your tills?
Why can't we stay in our own lovely country and spend spit for merchandise up here?
And why don't our stores honor more than one coupon and have multiple discounts? Huh?
Why?
Why?
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But no :(
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We Canadians don't have a Black Friday.
No; we'll be having a Blue Friday because on the 25th, we'll all be crying in our much superior Canadian beer while you guys go out and pay - like - a nickle for 51" plasma screen or "I-Phone, the Next Generation"!
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Why, even our cutest little export is getting in on the fun!

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Bloody Americans!

(Wish I was with you today.)

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Typing in a Winter Wonderland

2011-11-23T12:08:00.002-04:00

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It's our first snowfall of the year. 10-15 cm (5-6") are supposed to come down, so school is closed. I drove to work alone this morning just as the snow was starting: it was quiet on the streets, not quite fully daylight, and the snowflakes were light and fluffy. It was magical!
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I love being at work when it's snowing heavily. I'm by myself with the radio, a cup of hot chocolate and my emergency supply of soup and granola bars. I'm only 5 minutes from work, so by mid-afternoon when I slowly head back home, the snowplows and salt trucks will have done their job and the driving should be fine.
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In the meantime, I type and sing and sip and think of earlier days when the girls were little and we'd have snowdays. And with the festive season closing in, I was reminded of one of our favorite Christmas albums by Raffi.
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Snows are a falling on Douglas Mountain.

Snows are a falling so deep.

Snows are a falling on Douglas Mountain.

Putting all the bears to sleep.

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Enjoy!

Canadians are so friendly!

2011-11-21T21:32:00.000-04:00

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Check out one of Canada's national symbols.

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I think he's probably on his way to work ............ as a Walmart greeter!
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Ain't he cute!
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A Birthday Celebration

2011-11-20T19:57:00.017-04:00

My lovely little Brazilian girl turned 17 yesterday. A Mama has to treat all her children alike, right!
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So she started her day with a Canadian style breakfast in bed(room);

... balloons and presents (those fuzzy jammies will come in handy in another month!) . .... and an afternoon spent with friends and an evening out celebrating 2 Brazilian and 1 Mexican birthday. A full and happy day for her!.
But there was more birthday fun to be had. Today when all the family was together, we had a celebratory Brazilian dinner. I made "Feijoda" and "Pao de Queijo". The Feijoda is a typical Sunday meal that every household in Brazil would serve. It's a combination of bacon, pork tenderloin and different kinds of smoked sausage, sauteed with onions, garlic (and a touch of heat), lots of bay leaves, and then mixed with black beans. I cooked it yesterday then slow heated it in the oven today; the result was this rich, dark, delicious blend of flavors that I loved!

The Pao de Queijo are cheese rolls made with cassava (tapioca) flour. Cassava flour was bizzaar for me to work with as the moment it touched the heated milk/butter mixture, it became a glob! Beat in eggs and cheese -- strenuous work! Cool, roll (with floured hands) into balls and bake. They were crispy on the outside and chewy (I say spongy) on the inside. Strange texture for this Canadian woman and I imagined them doing funny things in my digestive system!But Mariana adored her meal and said I cooked everything perfectly -- just like her Grandma would make it! That is high praise indeed!
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And every birthday needs a cake. When she worked yesterday at Dairy Queen, my daughter Molly made Mariana an ice cream cake. You know, every international student that I've had stay with me has never had DQ ice cream cake before! ... a situation I always remedy (much to their pleasure).Isn't she beautiful! And such a sweet, happy girl!

Just one problem. Now she wants her birthday every day!

Not your ordinary Xmas slippers!

2011-11-17T07:46:00.000-04:00

Are you aging?

Are you up and down at night, feeling your way in the dark for one of your frequent nocturnal trips to the bathroom?

Do you sneak downstairs in the dark to root out that last piece of chocolate cake before the kids find out it's still there?

Are you tired of stubbing your toes and whacking your hips on sharp corners?

Well say no more! I've found the perfect Christmas gift for us.

These LED slippers($40) allow you to easily move around dark areas without turning on any lights. Two powerful LED lights will illuminate up to 20-25 feet ahead and because of their build-in weight sensors, they automatically turn off when you remove the slippers. Ingenious!

So now, I'm waiting for the release of the matching night cap with lights. Aren't you tired of clocking your head on the cupboard door? So far though they haven't developed this idea.

But I did find this little beauty! Yes, I admit that it has it's drawbacks. It does require you to put the hat on your head and strap it under your chin. But it spins, people! It spins thereby giving you peripheral vision as well as straight ahead vision! Now you can catch the kids running back to their rooms when they hear you coming. Or your husband sneaking that forbidden cigarette in the laundry room.

Technology! It definitely has it's plusses!

Wedding in a blaze!

2011-11-15T15:35:00.000-04:00

This is beautiful White Point Beach Resort in Liverpool Nova Scotia -- just a short 40 minute drive from my house. Or I should say this was White Point. Saturday afternoon the main portion of the resort (the most prominent part of the lower picture) burned to the ground. No one was harmed, and the hundreds of tame bunnies that roamed freely on the resort were fine as well.
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But I guess even fire cannot quench true love. I thought the following was a wonderful story.
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(Taken from a local news feature) "Nancy Rogers was lacing up her wedding dress and putting the finishing touches on her makeup when word came of a fire spreading through the lodge where she was to be married.
The 32-year-old bride-to-be walked out of her cabin at White Point Beach Resort at around 2:30 p.m. Saturday to see smoke pouring from the hotel's main hall.
And even though flames were shooting 20 metres into the air and black smoke could be seen for several kilometres, Rogers and her fiance, Michael, decided to plow ahead with the ceremony she had been planning for months.
"We decided that the most important thing was that we wanted to get married and we were only an hour late," she said Sunday from her home in Halifax.
"It was definitely a memorable day."
Rogers and some of her 45 guests, including a woman from Russia who lost her passport in the fire, were evacuated from their rooms and some of the cabins that dot the resort's white-sand beach.
She said it wasn't until after the ceremony that she realized how bad the fire was and that all of her wedding gifts and flowers had been destroyed.
"It was completely engulfed and everything was up in flames," she said. "We lost all of that stuff, but that's not important to us. We got the most important things."
The couple's wedding pictures include some that show the burning resort in the background, as well as fire trucks."
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Isn't that a wild story! What wedding pictures those will be!
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Reports so far say that the fire was not intentional; and the owners state that they will rebuild which is not just a relief for that little community but for those of us who love it as well. This is where all the overnight orientations for the international students are held. Also, my girlfriends and I have had many evenings eating at their first class dining room and drinking wine in front of the fire in our cabin later. It's a really special place.
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Sprinkles, Sprinkles everywhere!

2011-11-13T20:00:00.010-04:00

Today my kitchen was a beehive of activity. Mariana and Elly asked if they could cook some treats for the family. Ahhhh ......... duh! Of course!
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So, I showed them where to find all the extra goodies they needed and how to turn on the oven, and I made myself scarce! (I was upstairs playing Santa!) When I immerged several hours later, there was a lovely smell coming from their vicinity. Emmmm! I quickly barefooted it downstairs to check on their progress. (Perhaps they needed an official tester?)
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The kitchen was amass with sweetened milk and Nestles Quik, crispy biscuit-like fingers and Nutella and ........ sprinkles! Sprinkles, sprinkles everywhere -- and me barefoot! As well, dishes and bowls and cutlery were piling up all around as my busy little beaver bakers were laughing and having a great time.
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I left them to their culinary creativity and I took on the role of bottle washer. (Other than 2 soup spoons and most of the forks, there was another piece of silverware to be found!) Oh dear, what a grown woman will do for a sweet treat!
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Elly is usually quite serious in whatever she does, but Mariana is gradually convincing her to be silly. "Be a child again, Elly!" "I think Mariana is drunk! Hahaha" "No, I'm just very happy. I'm a happy Brazilian". Time for a picture! "When you're rich and famous bakers, what will you call your bakery Elly?" I jokingly asked her.

"Host Sisters Bakery!"

I tell you, it was bringing tears to my eyes, listening to them and seeing them together today. Two very brave, very sweet little teenage girls from different parts of the planet, speaking their disjointed and mis-pronounced English, making jokes and being so proud that they're host sisters! And so comfortable FINALLY in their new home. You can see why it's so easy to fall in love with these kids.

This is why I do this - for moments like these!

Well, and the Pepera and Briga Deiro!

Awfully good with tea!

Thank you.

2011-11-11T00:01:00.000-04:00

A Red Letter Day - Rednesday Nov 9.11

2011-11-09T08:33:00.000-04:00

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Today I'm feeling very pensive. Everywhere I look, I see touches of red.
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When I rose this morning at 6:45, the sunshine was streaming in my bedroom window and making a magnificant backlight to the leaves that are still on the trees.November 9th and there are still leaves on the trees! Their colors are dull and muted, but they seem to be holding on until they absolutely have to go!
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Without realizing it, I myself added splashes of red to my outfit: the red in my earrings and shirt; the poppy on my coat and my favorite tote bag containing the all-important water bottle, lunch and personal papers; my morning tea in front of our local "Breakfast Television"; and the local newspaper for mid-morning break..
Friday Nov 11th is Remembrance Day. I sometimes go to the cenotaph for the laying of the wreath and the service; if I can't make it, I always turn on the TV and observe the 2 minutes of silence. My grandfather served in WWI; my uncles in WWII; I know young people who have served overseas. I think they do a brave and honorable thing when they fight for our country and our continued freedom.
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Rednesday may be the last day I see the sunshine (and perhaps the leaves on the trees) for a while: we are in for heavy rains and winds the next couple of days.
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But for today, I'll sit at work and luxuriate in the sunshine on my back, the soft sounds of my favorite online radio program, and the quiet of my daily routine. And during break, I'll catch up on your blogs, including SueLovesCherries at It's A Very Cherry World!
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Simple pleasures are always the best, don't you think!
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Oy vey! It's a thing of beauty.

2011-11-06T19:53:00.020-04:00

Look what I made today. Ain't she a thing of beauty? And to think that I wasn't going to bother with a Christmas cake this year! But I had most of the ingredients in the house already; I remembered to soak the fruit and nuts in brandy overnight; and today after church, I lovingly sifted and mixed and poured and baked and waited as the most glorious smell filled the house. .

And I'd like to thank all of my bloggy friends out there who left comments encouraging me to go ahead and bake it. Ya know! You're kind of like my very own Jewish mother. Always looking out for my interests and my health .... encouraging me to "EAT".

"You should bake that Xmas cake," you said! "After all," you said, "it's one of your traditions." And even though no one said it, I swear I could hear you saying "You have to bake it! What would you eat when you drink your vat of Xmas wine while you're doing your jigsaw puzzle?" "And don't worry about the 10 lb of fruit and nuts that you're putting into your already ample body." (Now you're really sounding like my mother!)

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But like any good daughter, I listened to you. I baked a half recipe. And I'm so glad I did! So, thank you for your encouragement.
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Just don't go complaining that I never call or visit!

Beattie, the middle-aged London Jewish mother in the British Telecom TV ads:
Beattie (sitting next to the phone, talking to a photo of her child):

So you can't phone. You can't pick up a phone and dial. You got maybe something wrong with your finger. It's a phobia. You're telephobic.
The phone rings. Beattie picks up.
Child (on the other end of the phone): Hello, Mum.
Fade out; fade in on Beattie putting the phone down.
Beattie (to the photo): So you can't visit. You can't call round. You can only phone. Never mind. It's a pleasure to hear your voice. (pause) Little more often wouldn't hurt...

Homemade Vanilla

2011-11-04T21:59:00.021-03:00

I recently came across a recipe for homemade vanilla extract and thought I'd give it a go. Another experiment to try (along with my brandied fruit and green smoothies). After all, pure vanilla is expensive! (And can be not all that pure as it usually has a few other additives.) So, let's see if it's worth the effort (and the cost).

There seem to be any number of slight variations on the ingredient amounts and time you leave the vanilla to "cure". So, seeing as I'm on a financial diet these days, I decided to go with a more thrift-conscious recipe.

The recipes all call for 2 things -- vodka and vanilla beans. I found a 375 ml bottle of vodka on the alcohol shelf of my jelly cupboard. (Thank you Libby for the free vodka... and the fact that you're hundreds of miles away in nursing school & hopefully have forgotten you left it there! [This is the part where I laugh maniacally like any mad scientist conducting an experiment should!]) And I had one vial of 2 vanilla beans; I purchased one more vial at a cost of $5.99.

I used 2 small 150 ml bottles I had lying around. Into each bottle, I put about 1/2 cup of vodka and 2 vanilla beans; they had been slit open, the seeds scraped out & added, and then cut in half. So, the math works out to approximately $12-$15 per bottle. Supposedly, as you use the vanilla and it depletes, you can top it up with more vodka.

Now, that it's bottled, I have to leave it for anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months (depending on which Google site you go with! Scheesh!) in a dark place. [Maniacal laughter again!) I'll give the bottles a shake every month and check on the color. I'm thinking that it should be ready between Xmas and New Years.

Stay tuned for exciting updates on this latest experiment. ('Cause I know you've nothing better to do with your time and you're already fanning yourself with all the excitement.)

Small town Friday night doesn't get any better, huh!

Pillow Talk

2011-11-03T15:26:00.003-03:00

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If I had someone to love, I could miss them and order this product to help ease the pain! Sigh!

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Just another something that we lonely single girls miss out on.

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(I've gotta start praying harder!)
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Rabbit, Rabbit!

2011-11-01T00:01:00.005-03:00

RABBIT RABBIT EVERYONE!

Another new month has dawned, clear, crisp and cold here in Nova Scotia.

You'd think that after the busyness of October and the upcoming excitement of December that November might be a dull month. But nuh uh! It's full of things to observe and/or give us thought.

Some serious like Pancreatic & Lung cancer awareness, Diabetes awareness and Altzheimer's Awareness. And other's are more fun such as American Thanksgiving (Nov 24th) followed too quickly by Black Friday (the 25th). Is that one fun? I guess it's all in your perspective! I've never had the opportunity, but I think I'd enjoy it.November is for Banana Pudding Lovers, Greens and Plantains (I can attest to the goodness & good taste of green smoothies!), Peanut Butter Lovers (I like it as a mid-morning snack at work on a ricecake), Plum and Pomegranate, Spinach and Squash, and Sweet Potato Awareness (baked with oodles of butter). As well, Nov 1-7th is National Fig week, Nov 2nd is Cookie Monster Day (hard deciding what kind to indulge in), the 3rd is Sandwich Day (that'll be a Subway day for me), the 7th is National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day (Duh! Any time, any day!)and the 17th is Homemade Bread Day (Question: Will she finally try out her yard sale bread machine?). .
November is Military Family Appreciation Month. Having a brother who served in the Canadian Navy and friends who serve overseas, I know how much the family sacrifices. I am truly grateful for these brave men and women!

It's National Adoption Month; thank you Moms and Dads out there!

Nov 4-10th is National Nurse Practioner's Week; I'd like to send a big Hey Ya! out to my sweet little Nurse Practioner in training. "You go Girl! Mama loves you!"

Nov 7-13th is Dear Santa Letter Week. The picture will explain my approach this year in hoping to secure a fat present under my tree!

Nov 18-24th is National Bible Week -- one of my favorite books! And I know that whether you are a believer or not, God loves you and has only good things in mind for you. Here are a couple of nuggets of gold from the scriptures that are for all of us:

"I'll never leave you nor forsake you". Hebrews 13:5

"I have loved you with an everlasting love." Jeremiah 31:3

Or read the Song of Solomon that is filled with God's love and passion for us.

Or the Psalms that are full of encouragement and hope.

Nov 18-24th is National Family Week; which also coincides with National Game & Puzzle Week and Better Conversation Week. Give you any ideas?

Nov 1st is All Saints Day. But it's also Give up Your Shoulds Day: now, I'm not sure if that means give them up completely or get on with them? I think you should decide on that for yourself! It's also National Men Make Dinner Day; what am I supposed to do about that one?

Nov 3rd is Sadie Hawkins Day. Does anyone out there remember that day? I believe it originated from the Lil'Abner comic strip. During my high school days, we always held a Sadie Hawkins Dance; and the girls could invite the guys (something today's youth probably wouldn't understand at all!).

Sadie Hawkins Day also coincides with National Chicken Lady Day. (I suppose this would explain any women who are not brave enough to ask a man out!)

Nov 8th is National Parents as Teachers Day. As an ex-home schooling Mom, I want to give a high five to those of you who are committed to teaching your children at home. This definately has to be something you feel called to do. It's hard work but sooo rewarding! But then as parents, we are teaching them everyday.
Nov 15th is I Love to Write Day; this is a must celebration day for all bloggers, so you have my wholehearted support and permission to pat yourself on the back that day (and perhaps treat yourself in some way).

And a shout out to one of my favorite modern conveniences .....Nov 19th (2011) is National Toilet Day! Ain't plumbing great! No more throwing your nasties out the window to the street below! No more cold draft on your bottom visiting the john outdoors in the winter! No more crouching in the woods (unless you're berry picking, I guess)!

Nov 23rd and 24th are both Buy Nothing Day. This fits in well with my new financial dieting so I will be participating. Now, how many others out there have the courage to "Just say NO"?

We could spend the 23rd watching old reruns of Dr Who because that is Dr Who Day. (My favorite is Tom Baker; and I loved his Leela sidekick --- cause she really kicked butt! What a woman!)
Nov 25th is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. We should observe this every month, oui?

Nov 25th is Shopping Reminder Day. (Was that one created by a man 'cause I've never met a woman who needed reminding?)

And finally, there are a number of days I've grouped together that I feel are great in building our character and making us better people.

Nov 14th is Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day. Are there things in your life that are stressing you out (or those around you)? Adopt this rule to help you loosen and lighten up: Life is lumpy! Lump in your oatmeal; lump in your throat; lump in your breast .. which one?

Nov 17th is National Unfriend Day. There may be people in your life who are weighing you down and sucking the life out of you; let them go and let God take care of you. You'll be doing good to both yourself and them.

Nov 27th is National Day of Listening. I'm the kind of personality who likes to talk (did you notice?); so, I have to periodically remind myself to listen -- really listen. I learn so much when I listen.

And finally, after all that self-improvement (and the awareness and eating [and being grateful for toilets] and asking men out and strengthening the family and reminding ourselves to shop .. and then buying nothing etc etc), we need a day off! So, if you aren't a Chicken Lady (or man), why not participate in Nov 30th Stay Home Because You're Well Day.

Enjoy your November bloggies. I look forward to reading your wonderful posts.
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PS - Thank you Pam for reminding me of Nov 11th - Remembrance Day. I should not have forgotten that one.

Goodnight Little Garden

2011-10-30T12:32:00.014-03:00

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This was the view out of my window yesterday when I awoke. Sunshine was streaming from the sky and the colors were gorgeous. A perfect day to put my garden to bed for the winter. .
I put all the garden furniture and gnomes and butterflies etc etc etc in the shed until not another thing could be tucked in there.

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Then I raked and raked and raked until my arms were ready to give way. Most of the leaves get piled in a hollow in my side garden to go back to the earth. Look at how bare my little garden is now!My garden swing has, unfortunately, seen too many seasons and the fabric on the seat is almost rotten; I didn't trust it this summer to sit on it. Sad to see my lovely swing go:(
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I did bag some leaves. And I moved the autumn flowers to the front so I could enjoy them for what little time is left. And now that the leaves are cleared away, I can also enjoy the Chinese lantern and Turtlehead that are in bloom.

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The weather today is nasty with heavy rains, high winds and temperatures around 7 deg Cel. However, many places in the Atlantic Provinces are experiencing snow. So, we seem to be let off easily.

Today will be a home day: children plugged into their various electronic devices, me with my feet up enjoying digital TV, strawberry/rhubarb pie and roast chicken in the oven.

Winter is on it's way, bloggies!

A huge THANK YOU & a Thrifty Thursday

2011-10-27T08:05:00.002-03:00

After my birthday hunting trip, I put myself on a restricted diet -- food, clothes, finances, decor, etc. I'm trying to be more mindful of what I spend and what I put into and onto my body (and abode)! We all know that there's nothing I need! (Well, other than a good man and a few cuddles ......... and the occasional piece of dark chocolate and opportunity to dance!)

While in the Valley with my TOPS pals last Saturday, I did score a pair of navy blue dress pants that had been on my "I Want" list for over a year: $3.85 didn't break the bank!

And when I stopped into the Sally Ann yesterday (Salvation Army Thrift Store), I bought half a dozen Chatelaine & Canadian Living magazines (50 cents each) and these seasonal items:

3 Xmas towels and a cute Xmas apron - $4 total.

Then when I got home from work, there was a little package for me in the mail from my bloggy friend ❀❀❀Ðαωᾔ❀❀❀. She has such a flair for dressing and such a way with scarves and jewellery, some of which she makes herself. When I expressed how much I liked her flower necklace, she wrote me and said she'd be happy to make me one! Isn't that so nice of her! And isn't this the sweetest necklace! The flowers are a jersey knit t-shirt material, so soft. And she choose yellow because I'm always admiring and coveting her yellow shoes, sandals and purses.

THANK YOU SO MUCH DAWN.

(Please check out her blog Creative Cain Cabin).

You really do meet the nicest people through blogging. .

And don't forget to visit Leigh at Thrifty Thursday #136, Plus a Halloween Tablescape. Now that I'm on my belt-tightening budget, I must mostly live vicariously through the thrifting of others!

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Shoesday - October 25, 2011

2011-10-24T21:28:00.010-03:00

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This is a special Shoesday; a day when dreams come true. (Cue the harp music; crescendo the angelic choir; release the doves........)
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Do you remember my hunting trip in the city? And the post I did showing you the gorgeous red shoes that I found at Naturalizer? The ones that I left on the shelf because of the price? The ones that were $79.99 + 15% HST -- on sale! I showed such good restraint, didn't I.
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Then last week, I received an e-mail coupon from Naturalizer for 30% off any shoe (sale items included) plus free shipping AND a $50 cheque from my Mommy (late birthday gift). Serendipity once again, I'd say! (And I believe I saw the moon and all the stars aligned that night!)
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One week later, look what arrived in the mail...
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They are so comfortable. And look how pretty they look on my feet! Now I should be sure to find a man, right?

(Although they do make me want to say

"There's no place like home! There's no place like home!)

And as if a day couldn't get any better, I got a call to say I won the Halloween draw at Frenchies. I won these cute little scarecrows!.And if by some chance I meet up with a lion and a tin man before the night is through, I'll know I'm not in Kansas anymore!

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Don't you love late birthday gifts!
Shoes -- They're a good thing.
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Early Halloween

2011-10-23T09:46:00.005-03:00

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Halloween hit a little early in this area. Friday night, the international students met and had a Halloween party, the first for most of them. Anna came to our house to dress with Mariana, Elly and I -- a bunny, Dorothy (with Toto), a friendly witch and a devilish pirate.
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Every year with these students is different. You get a completely different feeling and reaction from them. Last year's students were very independent and not much into group activities. This year's students are very laid back and easy going and LOVE to get together. Every one of them dressed in costume and although they were drawn to their own nationality, they still mingled.And there was such a lot of dancing (some of us adults included). We have a large group of Brazilians (around 14 of them); and they led the dancing. But when "Great Big Sea" came on the playlist, it was Lynn and I who led the dancing: we got on that dance floor and swung those students around arm by arm until they caught on and began to do it themselves.
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And do you see Charlie Chaplin in the bottom row, second from the right. That's Haoxuan (pronounced something like Zao Zan) from China. He good naturedly sang the national anthems of 5 different countries for the adults -- 5 of the 17 that he knows.
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The kids also got to see the haunted house set up downstairs - a 24 hour project by one of the fathers. I'm sorry I didn't use the nightime setting on my camera because it really was a scream seeing it in the dim light.I loved this guys creativity (and twisted mind!). My Elly and her Korean friends laughed their way through. Then I took Mariana and 6 of her Brazilian girlfriends downstairs; 2 of them screamed so much and finally wouldn't go any further they were so terrified (as they also laughed)!

Too much cake and pop and cotton candy later, we came back home. What a wonderful time we had. The kids can't wait to go out trick or treating next Monday.

Sometimes, being an international mother is such great fun! EMy own flesh babies won't tolerate me when I do my "Moves like Jagger" but these international students wanted to learn from a pro! (Or perhaps they were just humoring me?)

A Favorite Old Cook Book

2011-10-19T08:11:00.023-03:00

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I have a lot of cookbooks. I have some favorites, and I love to try new. But, there are tried and true recipes I always go back to. My very first cookbook was this one:
It was given to me by my Mom Xmas 1975, my first year away from home. And it's even more special to me because Cream of the West is the flour that every Newfoundlander used. We are very proud of being Newfies! Purity crackers & cream biscuits, Good Luck margarine and Cream of the West flour -- ALWAYS!
I wish I could sing the radio jingle for you! (And the Ode to Newfoundland! and The Star of Logy Bay! ..... and perhaps Aunt Martha's Sheep!)
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This cookbook is full of hideous 1960's pictures of foods that one would NEVER eat -- i.e. that pink cranberry and celery studded blob of gelatinous goop! (Did anyone ever really eat those?)
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But it also had tons of great recipes which I eagerly tried when I met my husband. Recipes like "Quickie Lamb Chops" -- chops and sliced vegetables layered in a foil envelope and baked until everything is tender and infused with that lovely lamb flavor! OMG! So good! .
And this gorgeous Strawberry Bavarian Cream. Now THIS is the way to do gelatin!

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That book mostly sits on my shelf. But it does come out most years in late October in time to make what I think is the best Christmas fruitcake in the entire universe. This dark beauty is full of fruit and nuts; it's moist and fragrant; it's addictive and oh so fattening! It's my post-Xmas jigsaw puzzle-doing companion (along with a cup of tea or a glass of wine, depending on the time of the day.) It's one of the main reasons for my 5 lb gain over the holidays. But what a way to go!

I've made a few alterations to the recipe to make it my own -- a little more citrus peel; a mixture of Brazil nuts and walnuts; soaking the fruit and nuts in brandy overnight; and wrapping the baked and cooled cake in brandy soaked cheesecloth layers which get re-soaked 2 more times before Xmas.

My Ex used to love it as well, so there was always someone to help me eat it. But now there's only me, and even a half recipe carries "a lot of weight" (pun intended).

So now I ponder whether I should or shouldn't bake one this year. I didn't last year -- and I missed it. (And I still gained 5 lb! Must have been that substitution of more Xmas chocolate than usual!) AND it does make the house smell divine and Xmasie.

I'm thinking on it.

How about you?

Do you have favorite cookbooks that are mostly unused?

Do you bake fruitcake for Xmas?

Do you also gain 5 lb?

Autumn Family Play Day!

2011-10-17T08:13:00.000-03:00

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The Fall sunshine brings out the little girl in me, and I have to go outside and play. Saturday was the perfect day -- what with it being sandwiched between rainy weeks!
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I dragged my little foreign girls out of bed before noon (what a rotten Mom I am!), and we set off to see what will probably be the last of the Autumn leaves and just hang together. They were so enthusiastic about it! Picture this: dark little heads on their hands, sleepy narrow little slits for eyes, staring morosely out the window thinking of I-pods and laptops and pillows (none of which were in our car!) And Mama next to them singing along with Katie Perry and Usher and trying to engage them in character-building aka geographically educational conversation:
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"Oh! Look at that one! So red!"

"Ohhh! So pretty!"

"Ahhhh, orange, gold and red - all in one tree."

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Not once did I ask "Are you having fun?" Not once did I tell them "Someday you'll be glad you saw colorful leaves in Nova Scotia." No ... I just did what I was supposed to do and treated them like I would my own kids. You know what I mean, right? "We're having a family day and you're coming and you're going to enjoy it! Understand?!"
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There were moments they liked a lot.
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And they thought Lunenburg was pretty. Eating lunch at a little cafe perked them up and fueled them for walking up and down that hilly little town as Mama continued to chatter cheerfully about this historic thingie and that historic thingie. (They did like the Dollar Store.)
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I may have picked up a slightly 'Please! No more!' vibe from them when I dragged them around historic Mahone Bay and into my favorite shoe store. But by then, I had long adopted the stance that someone should enjoy this beautiful day ... and it might as well be me!
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By then, it was time for beverages and dessert at Joanne's Market. Blueberry New York and Peanut Butter Toblerone cheesecake revived us once again. They enjoyed that..
But their eyes really lit up as I said we'll head home now. As we slipped off our shoes in the foyer, I thanked them for coming along and said "It was a fun day!" They smiled at me and dragged their exhausted little bodies upstairs.
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Yes! You know you're the mother of teenagers when you have an "Enforced Family Bonding Day". Thank goodness these ones were too tired (or polite) to whine like my own used to! And I trust that, just like my own, these girls weren't scarred permanently and will actually remember and treasure these days.
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After all - it is a cultural adventure!
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Thrifty Thursday - Oct 13.11

2011-10-12T23:38:00.032-03:00

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I had a fairly successful hunting trip last weekend. I didn't bag everything on my list; but I did manage to get some good as well as some great bargains.
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Two lovely blouses from Value Village: the blue satin was brand new with tags on for $9.99 (a bit more than I usually spend on thrift). But the animal print blouse was a steal! It was priced at 5.99 and had what looked like a coffee stain on the left breast; so I asked the clerk if they took anything off for stains. I got it for $2.99! Ain't that grand then! (I used Oxy and the stain came out beautifully.)

Then I found these 2 purses. I got this knock-off Burberry knapsack for $9.99 (and then a couple of dollars off for some specks of dirt on it); the yellow one is in perfect condition - inside and out; it's was bright, cheerful and $6.99.

The Autumn colored necklace (lower left) was $2.99; and I love these silver plated earrings with blue glass beads (upper left) for $6.99. (But shhhhh! Look what Santa found on the right! These Moonstone earrings in a silver setting that perfectly matche the Moonstone ring my daughter gave me a few years ago. They were $17.99, but still a deal because new they would cost in the $60 range. And a woman needs a few good pieces of jewellry!)

I smiled extra large at the check-out because I had a 30% off coupon ... which meant that even after Starbucks and Laura Secord, there was still lots of Slush Fund in my tin.

I hunted through 2 Value Villages for a good used blender. The only one I found sounded like a chainsaw with a bad case of Bronchitis. So, I sent to President's Choice and bought this one for $30; a good price with a 2 year warranty and a clean bill of health..
Re the much-coveted animal print cardigan: after hours of fruitless searching in many stores, I found this one. It was $38 with an extra 20% - still more than I wanted to pay! And I sort-of had my mind set on the traditional beige-brown color rather than this still attractive, but obviously female leopard! So, it sits in it's paper wrapping while I decide whether to keep it or return it for credit. Hmmmm!.

While I'm deciding, I think I'll put my feet up and entertain myself with a few of the magazines I picked up. Maybe Valerie will inspire me to not eat that last piece of pumpkin cheesecake in the fridge!

Now, go see Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville at Tales from Bloggeritaville for Thrifty Thursday #134.

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Shoesday - Oct 11.11

2011-10-11T07:32:00.006-03:00

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I had a grand hunting trip on Saturday. I tracked down these shoes at Naturalizer -- Good quality, cushiony and comfortable, not quite as high as they looked at first (they have that little bit of a platform) and on sale! I was quite smitten with these. But $99.99 + tax - $15 birthday coupon was not in my budget.I was sad to leave them on the shelf.
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But then I tried on these: Naturalizer again, same wonderful shoe ... but although these were lower at $79.99 +tax - $15 coupon, I still couldn't justify it! Goodbye little leopard flat! :(
Then I spied these beauties! Ohhhhh! They were so gorgeous on my feet. It was hard to talk myself out of these ones because, you know! They're RED! But they again were $79.99 bla bla bla..
I cried a little when I had to leave them behind. And nothing else after that could even come close to those first finds!
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Except beauty and value! I found these lovlies at Value Village. Not quite the season for nude shoes, but they were THE shoe to have this season. And at $7.99 less 15%, these ones did fit into my budget.
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Strap them to the roof rack, Jeeves!
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I found some good purchases that day and had a lot of fun at Value Village! But that's my Thrifty Thursday post this week.
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I had a wonderful weekend in general with friends and good food and gifts and wine and laughter and dancing wildly, although that last one was done by me ... around the house ... while cooking turkey and listening to Galaxy World Music on digital TV. (Have you ever tried to interpret the various music heard there? Gypsy? Cuban? Ghanan? It's quite fun; and really funny if you're over 50 and white!)
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Now I head into a short, 4 day work week. It is good!
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It's a great day for turkeys!

2011-10-10T00:01:00.001-03:00

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It's Canadian Thanksgiving Day! And as I prepare a wonderful feast for my little family, I'll be reflecting on how grateful I am for the many friends and family in my life.

Not only do I have wonderful children, I have been blessed with some wonderful international children (present company included). I have lots of people I can call friends, and there are some I've known for years who are extremely dear to me. My family and I are closer now than we've ever been, more open and demonstrative in our affections. And I've been fortunate to have several older women who have been mentors to me with a couple of them have been like mothers-away-from-home.

One of them is this lady - Mum Brown. I became friends with both her daughters when I first moved up here in my early 20's -- my wild and wooly years when I sowed many acres of wild oats. She not only tolerated me and the shenanigans we three got up to, she fed me home cooked meals, took me on weekends to the cottage, laughed with me (and at me) and loved me. It's been 36 years of love and acceptance. That family is one of my greatest treasures.

And yes, you're right. That's a birthday cake. We also share a birthday: and today is it!

So you see, it's a great day for turkeys!

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving my friends. (You're also on my grateful list.)

It'll soon be Hunting Season

2011-10-06T21:08:00.000-03:00

Yes, hunting season is almost upon us. I always stay out of the woods during this time of year!

However, malls and thrift shops are perfectly okay. Here I am, cocked and ready for a major hunting expedition.
And if I catch sight my prey and you're in my way, I apologize ahead of time as many others have fallen before my keen eye and quick step.

(Those green smoothies have worked quickly, huh!)
NOT! I'm simply incognito!

I have my ammo (my tin of loose change), and I've set my GPS system (Great Priced Sales). This Saturday, I'm off to roam the labyrinth of Value Village and Sally Anns' in the greater Metro area. I'm not adverse to getting tangled in the undergrowth with wild dust bunnies.
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What am I hunting for? I have a list (and I'm checking it twice) I've been keeping for the past months, just waiting for the right time (and a full tin!).

Things like:

wild animal print cardigans and shoes

a waterproof hat for rainy Autumn days

a new blender or smoothie maker (my Magic Bullet is slowly dying)

red shoes! (These are "da bomb"! Perfect color and heel height)

pretty cotton sheets for my double bed (I have unpretty cotton sheets which are were given to me last summer and are in wonderful condition: but I have to avert my eyes and turn off the light before I get into bed as they are MOST un-pretty! Is it too much to ask for pretty?)

a winter pea coat for my daughter ('cause I don't mind hunting for others! All part of the "thrill of the hunt". )

Here's to a successful hunt! I hope I come back with a couple of these babies strapped to the hood of my car.

Shoes-day Oct 4.11

2011-10-03T22:54:00.006-03:00

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I went to Frenchies on Friday for Halloween fodder ......
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HONEST! That's all I went for!
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But look what I found for $4.50 -- the cutest little espadrille wedges. .
They're quite comfortable. But until they get worn next summer, I'll go through my nightly ritual of pampering my somewhat unattractive feet. If they can't be pretty, they'd better be well taken care of!
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I found this Bert's Bees with royal jelly in the sale bin for $3.00. It sure feels and smells nice. (And I'm telling myself that 8 months of royal jelly should melt away those bunions? Those little bees work so hard!)
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I do love my feet!

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PS - I did find some good Halloween fodder as well. But you have to be patient.
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Rabbit, Rabbit October!

2011-10-02T20:18:00.058-03:00

A brand new month! I love October for several reasons: first of all, there's no more messing around weather wise; where September couldn't quite make up it's mind on whether to be hot or cool, October lets you know that Autumn is here. Second, it's Canadian Thanksgiving; and thirdly, it's my birthday (which is like carte blanch for me to treat myself and party with friends and be more idiotic than usual). Then, fourthly, Halloween is at the end of the month (when I get to dress and act like an idot again). Ahhh, joy, bliss! What a month!
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So, what else is happening this month, you ask?
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Well, on a serious note, October is Bully Awareness, Domestic Violence Awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness and Aids Awareness month. Lot's of ribbons to add to the broach on your sweater or jacket.

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It is "Eat Better, Eat Together" month; did you know that the children of families who eat together every day are better adjusted and less likely to have trouble in school? Plus there are so many good foods that this month celebrates: it's Apple, Popcorn Popping, Pear & Pineapple, Pizza, Sausage and Spinach month and the 4th is Cinnamon Roll Day, the 14th is Egg Day and the 18th is Chocolate Cupcake Day.Yum yum! I'll have no trouble celebrating October in these ways!
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(October is also National Squirrel Awareness Month; but as I don't find this little fella very appetizing, let's keep him out off the menu okay!)
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October is Menopause Awareness month. But I'm sure that all my female blog friends over the age of 50 can attest to the fact that we don't need a month to become aware of menopause. Ya hear! We don't need a stinking month because we have hot, crabby, tearful, thunderous, sweets-craving daily reminders. So, it's for you other jerks out there!
Okay!

(Beggin your pardon!)

October also happens to be Emotional Wellness month. So, just hand over all the above mentioned foods and allow me to celebrate Massage Therapy week from the 25th to the 29th, and I'll be fine.
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Oct 2nd to 8th is Great Books week. What can I say: there are so many to choose from. So, put your feet up and feed your mind with something wonderful.
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Oct 9th to 15th is National Metric Month. Americans - we Canadians have one up on you here. So, perhaps you can challenge yourself by learning the metric system .............
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or just listen to these guys.
That'll work, huh?

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Oct 24th to 30th is Peace, Friendship & Good Will week. What a nice week that's going to be. Cultivate it during the whole month so when that weeks hits, you'll be a huge hunk of blessing to those around you. And it will further help you celebrate that it's Emotional Wellness month.

Oct 7th is Lee National Denim Day and Smile Day; get those jeans on and wear a big grin! (I'm wearing my relaxed fit ones so my smile isn't impeded by brass studs leaving their mark on my hips.)

Oct 8th is Universal Music Day. Play, sing, listen and dance (and again, it's good for that Emotional Wellness!)

Oct 9th is Clergy Appreciation Day; give them a jar of sheep bite ointment and tell them that you love them! They do a lot for us.

Oct 10th is Kick Butt Day, Canadian Thanksgiving and my birthday. Food (even if I'm the one who'll be cooking it), family, friends and presents mean that it will be a Kick Butt Day for me. (And yes, you have my permission to celebrate my birthday yourselves and have an extra good Kick Butt Day.)

Stay away from National Grouch Day on the 15th and instead celebrate the flip side - Sweetest Day.

Also stay away from Cranky Co-Workers Day on the 27th.

But if you do get stung on the 27th, partake of National Chocolate Day on the 28th. Trust me, you'll feel better.

And of course, the 31st is a favorite day for so many people - it's Halloween! It also happens to be Caramel Apple Day and Magic Day. Figures, huh!

What a fun month this is going to be!

Don't forget to stop and smell the apples!

2011-09-30T08:16:00.002-03:00

I'm always a busy person. So, quite often I'll start a post the night before (during commercial breaks from "Prime Suspect", for instance) and then put the finishing touches on it early the next morning before I leave for work (while listening to the revolving door of bathroom ablutions of my 3 girls). That's what I did today.
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But before I finished the post I'd started, I was having tea and catching up on other blogs. And for the 2nd time this week, I came across someone else who was posting on the same thing as I!

Yes, my life is always busy; and as I age, I've found that I often have to re-evaluate my "want-tos" and my "need-tos" in order to balance my life and my health - both physical and mental - so that I feel happy, fulfilled and rested. I can no longer burn the candle at both ends. Life now is a juggling act; no one day or week is necessarily like the other. I also know that for me, I need to spend a good part of my weekend at home puttering and doing mundane chores. Being busy at home is much more restful than being busy outside the home; and it somehow grounds me in my busy life.

This weekend will include lunch with friends at a great little cafe; reclining on the sofa to watch 'Fringe' (I'm oh so totally hooked!); a corn boil and the Scarecrow Festival with international students and their host families; ironing; the continuing saga of sorting through my recipes; baking cheese bread; and hopefully lots of laughter.

And in spite of the rain they say will be here, I will spend lots of time being present -- eyes open to see the colors around me, ears open to hear the birds & lawnmowers & young giggly girls, and mouth and nose open for deep breaths of lovely cool air inhaling the scents of the season, the apples and pumpkins that seem to be everywhere.
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Michaela at Collecting the Moments has a post entitled busy days & a rainbow. So go on over and check out her post. And I hope we both brighten your day and start you off on a wonderful weekend.