Little Cubano Sandwiches

I found this cute recipe in Chatelaine magazine while I was in the waiting room at the doctor's office. We tried it on the weekend and everyone enjoyed it. L and K prefer it without the pickles, their loss.


Little Cubano Sandwiches
Published by Chatelaine on 6/1/2010

Makes 6 Servings


Ingredients

slices of bread
dijon mustard
slices of cooked peameal bacon
thinly sliced dill pickles
slices of swiss cheese
olive oil


1. Spread 4 slices sandwich bread with Dijon. Top 2 pieces of bread with 2 slices cooked peameal bacon, thinly sliced kosher dill pickles and 1 slice swiss cheese. Top with remaining bread and generously brush the outsides with olive oil.
2. Cook in a large non-stick frying pan set over medium until golden, about 2 min. Flip, then use a small flat lid or pan to press down on tops of sandwiches. Cook until golden, about 2 more min. Remove from pan. Let stand 2 min. Trim edges and carefully cut each sandwich into 9 small squares.

I went for an afternoon walk yesterday. It's summer on Main Street, everyone was in shorts, the ice cream store was packed. I got to sample a piece of candy apple dipped in caramel and chocolate...my treat for the day. Yum. It was the kind of day where the shade under a tree provided welcome relief.


News

No more eating shark fin in Hawaii after new law

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What Makes Us Happy? A Few Thoughts on Happiness

7 Easy Tricks to Remember Numbers, Codes, Passwords

It never used to be that way

I was at the imaging lab the other day for some routine tests. There was a big sign in the room that said it's now illegal to ask the technician for the sex of the fetus, please discuss the results with your doctor. It never used to be that way, a lot of people must have been abusing the procedure.

On Friday, I decided to water the grass for the first time this season, it's been hot and dry. The robins were happy, they came out onto the grass the way they do when it rains.

Life is hectic as usual, everyone seems to have a separate schedule, especially L. I find it stressful. The kids have exams in June. We were able to get L her own credit card, it has a low limit, but she can start building her credit rating. She'll need one in university.



News

It's in the eyes: the secret to Rembrandt's success

Nailphiles: polish is beauty industry bestseller

Ardi Rizal, toddler in Indonesia, smokes 40 cigarettes a day - L learned that it's common practice for young kids to smoke here, it stops them from being hungry.

The Puppy

This is absolutely precious -- tell the puppy to sneeze and see what he does! You will love it!!



I have no idea how they do this:



Type in a command and see what

happens... sit, roll over, down, stand,

sing, dance, shake, fetch, play dead, etc.,

and... it's also very cute if you type in a

command that's not recognized...!!!

Make sure you type in 'Kiss' too, but do

that last.

Click here: I do Dog Tricks



News

Sony Flexible Full Color Paper Screen

Cut back on sugary drinks to lower blood pressure: study

Today's Musings

Well, I seem to have gained a couple of pounds in the past 2 weeks. I didn't think my diet had changed much, but I have to be more careful with what I eat. (Ease up on the coke frosters Christine!) A lady at the gym says it's what happens at mid-life, when the weight seems to collect around your middle. On a positive note, I was at the mall recently and 2 people addressed me as 'miss' instead of the usual 'ma'am'. I was wearing a bright, lime-green coloured shirt and shorts, the outfit must have made me look more youthful!

Yesterday I took my 72 year old mother to the doctor for a check up. The receptionist handed me her bloodwork forms and test requests and explained them to me! So that's what starts to happen when you're over 70, you are treated differently. I don't know if that's a good thing. There's nothing wrong with my mother's brain yet. And I'm sure the receptionist meant it as a form of respect, she's a nice person. Then the doctor sees me in the waiting room and hands me a test for myself. He said it's been awhile since I did a pelvic ultrasound (the kind where you have to drink 4 glasses of water). I actually thanked him.

We turned our air-conditioner on last weekend. It hit 31C (87F) in the middle of the week, a record for this time of year.

We are planning a trip to Turkey (Istanbul) and the Greek Islands in late July with 2 other families. Their daughters are L's good friends and we thought it would be a good way to celebrate them turning 18 and going off to university. Family vacations will be more difficult as the kids get older.

It has hit me that L leaves home in about 3 months. The house will seem so empty because she uses every room and fills them with little bits of clutter (maybe lots of clutter). Where did the time go? The years just slip away. My mother always says 'life is short' and I can understand why.

M says they are really sprucing up the downtown area where the G20 Summit of world leaders is being held in June. The streets are being cleaned, even the doorknobs at the convention centre are being polished and street barricades are being set up. Apparently the city looks really nice. They are spending about $900 million on this effort. Some companies are relocating their downtown employees out of the area during this period.


News

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G8 & G20 Price Tag Hits Nearly $1 Billion

Just a MOM - A Well Deserved Title....

Just A Mom

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office, was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is, " explained the recorder, "do you have a job or are you just a ....?"

"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman. "I'm a Mom." "We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'Housewife' covers it,” Said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.

The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know… the words simply popped out.

"I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) in the laboratory and in the field,(normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more about the satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the Clerk's' voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern.

I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mom."

Motherhood! What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make Grandmothers "Senior Research Associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations"? And Great-grandmothers "Executive Senior Research Associates"? I think so!!! I also think it makes Aunts - "Associate Research Assistants."

Please send this to another Mom, Grandmother, Aunt, and other friends you know.

News

Twitter Emerging as Online Video Power Broker [STATS]

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Google’s PowerMeter Comes to Consumer Devices

Smarty Pants Test

Smarty Pants Test:

When it says you only have 8 seconds to answer the questions

they aren't kidding

Re-taking the test mixes up the questions so you can't gain anything there.

This is VERY FAST , so be prepared.

You only have 8 seconds for each question.

Click on the Smartorstoopid and have fun

Click Below:

Smartorstoopid


News

Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest 2009 - this is gross and funny at the same time

Researchers alarmed at bacteria in Canadian bottled water

5 Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires

Money can't buy happiness but it helps: poll

Creative Tuesdays - Dotty

Here's my 'Dotty' entry for the current 'Creative Tuesdays' series.





I was inspired by Julia Robert's dress in the movie 'Pretty Woman'.

News

Here is a space photo showing the flooding underway in Eastern Europe. I'm surprised the news feeds haven't picked it up. I got this from a friend who lives in Warsaw, Poland. It's awful.

Beef Stew

I made some beef stew the other night and was really pleased with the way it turned out. A friend told me she puts bacon in hers, along with tomato paste and red wine. Here is my version of it. As always, my measurements are very approximate so feel free to adjust according to your taste:

3 slices of fried bacon strips
1 1/2 pounds beef stewing cubes
1 28oz can of whole tomatoes
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cups chopped celery
2 cups chopped carrots
sprigs of thyme
1 chopped onion
5 cups of water (or enough to cover the ingredients)
1 tbs chicken bouillon powder
3/4 cup port wine
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
3 or 4 potatoes cut into chunks
1 tbs cornstarch

Add all ingredients except potatoes and corn starch to a pressure cooker. Cook for 30 minutes after the cooker comes to full steam. Add potatoes and corn starch and cook for 10 more minutes after it comes to full steam again.

Serve with slices of whole wheat toast, great for sopping up the sauce!

If you don't have a pressure cooker, you could simmer in a dutch oven for 1 and a half to 2 hours until the stew is soft. By the way, I don't brown and/or flour the meat first and it seems to taste just fine. Hope you'll try this one.

Honor and Respect

MAY GOD BLESS THIS AIRLINE CAPTAIN:

He writes: My lead flight attendant came to me and said, "We have an H.R. on this flight." (H.R. stands for human remains.) "Are they military?" I asked.

'Yes', she said.

'Is there an escort?' I asked.

'Yes, I already assigned him a seat'.

'Would you please tell him to come to the flight deck. You can board him early," I said..

A short while later, a young army sergeant entered the flight deck. He was the image of the perfectly dressed soldier. He introduced himself and I asked him about his soldier. The escorts of these fallen soldiers talk about them as if they are still alive and still with us.

'My soldier is on his way back to Virginia,' he said. He proceeded to answer my questions, but offered no words.

I asked him if there was anything I could do for him and he said no. I told him that he had the toughest job in the military and that I appreciated the work that he does for the families of our fallen soldiers. The first officer and I got up out of our seats to shake his hand. He left the flight deck to find his seat.

We completed our preflight checks, pushed back and performed an uneventful departure. About 30 minutes into our flight I received a call from the lead flight attendant in the cabin. 'I just found out the family of the soldier we are carrying, is on board', she said. She then proceeded to tell me that the father, mother, wife and 2-year old daughter were escorting their son, husband, and father home. The family was upset because they were unable to see the container that the soldier was in before we left. We were on our way to a major hub at which the family was going to wait four hours for the connecting flight home to Virginia .

The father of the soldier told the flight attendant that knowing his son was below him in the cargo compartment and being unable to see him was too much for him and the family to bear. He had asked the flight attendant if there was anything that could be done to allow them to see him upon our arrival. The family wanted to be outside by the cargo door to watch the soldier being taken off the airplane.. I could hear the desperation in the flight attendants voice when she asked me if there was anything I could do.. 'I'm on it', I said. I told her that I would get back to her.

Airborne communication with my company normally occurs in the form of e-mail like messages. I decided to bypass this system and contact my flight dispatcher directly on a secondary radio. There is a radio operator in the operations control center who connects you to the telephone of the dispatcher. I was in direct contact with the dispatcher.. I explained the situation I had on board with the family and what it was the family wanted. He said he understood and that he would get back to me.

Two hours went by and I had not heard from the dispatcher. We were going to get busy soon and I needed to know what to tell the family. I sent a text message asking for an update. I saved the return message from the dispatcher and the following is the text:

'Captain, sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. There is policy on this now and I had to check on a few things. Upon your arrival a dedicated escort team will meet the aircraft. The team will escort the family to the ramp and plane side. A van will be used to load the remains with a secondary van for the family. The family will be taken to their departure area and escorted into the terminal where the remains can be seen on the ramp. It is a private area for the family only. When the connecting aircraft arrives, the family will be escorted onto the ramp and plane side to watch the remains being loaded for the final leg home. Captain, most of us here in flight control are veterans. Please pass our condolences on to the family. Thanks.'

I sent a message back telling flight control thanks for a good job. I printed out the message and gave it to the lead flight attendant to pass on to the father. The lead flight attendant was very thankful and told me, 'You have no idea how much this will mean to them.'

Things started getting busy for the descent, approach and landing. After landing, we cleared the runway and taxied to the ramp area. The ramp is huge with 15 gates on either side of the alleyway. It is always a busy area with aircraft maneuvering every which way to enter and exit. When we entered the ramp and checked in with the ramp controller, we were told that all traffic was being held for us.

'There is a team in place to meet the aircraft', we were told. It looked like it was all coming together, then I realized that once we turned the seat belt sign off, everyone would stand up at once and delay the family from getting off the airplane. As we approached our gate, I asked the copilot to tell the ramp controller we were going to stop short of the gate to make an announcement to the passengers. He did that and the ramp controller said, 'Take your time.'

I stopped the aircraft and set the parking brake. I pushed the public address button and said, 'Ladies and gentleman, this is your Captain speaking I have stopped short of our gate to make a special announcement. We have a passenger on board who deserves our honor and respect. His Name is Private XXXXXX, a soldier who recently lost his life. Private XXXXXX is under your feet in the cargo hold. Escorting him today is Army Sergeant XXXXXXX. Also, on board are his father, mother, wife, and daughter. Your entire flight crew is asking for all passengers to remain in their seats to allow the family to exit the aircraft first. Thank you.'

We continued the turn to the gate, came to a stop and started our shutdown procedures. A couple of minutes later I opened the cockpit door. I found the two forward flight attendants crying, something you just do not see. I was told that after we came to a stop, every passenger on the aircraft stayed in their seats, waiting for the family to exit the aircraft.

When the family got up and gathered their things, a passenger slowly started to clap his hands. Moments later more passengers joined in and soon the entire aircraft was clapping. Words of 'God Bless You', I'm sorry, thank you, be proud, and other kind words were uttered to the family as they made their way down the aisle and out of the airplane. They were escorted down to the ramp to finally be with their loved one.

Many of the passengers disembarking thanked me for the announcement I had made. They were just words, I told them, I could say them over and over again, but nothing I say will bring back that brave soldier.

I respectfully ask that all of you reflect on this event and the sacrifices that millions of our men and women have made to ensure our freedom and safety in these United States of AMERICA .

Foot note:
As a Viet Nam Veteran I can only think of all the veterans including the ones that rode below the deck on their way home and how they were treated. When I read things like this I am proud that our country has not turned their backs on our soldiers returning from the various war zones today and give them the respect they so deserve.

I know every one who has served their country who reads this will have tears in their eyes, including me.

Prayer chain for our Military... Don't break it!

Please send this on after a short prayer.. Prayer for our soldiers Don't break it!

Prayer:

'Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen..'

Prayer Request: When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our troops around the world.

Good Message

Read the T-shirt and Keep It Going






All you are asked to do is keep this circulating . . .
even if it's to one more person.
In memory of anyone you know that has
been struck down by cancer or is still living with it.






Please Keep This Going!






News

ONE LUCKY PENGUIN!! (video)
penguin jumps into boat to escape killer whales

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Can eating chocolate prevent wrinkles?

Egg and Crab Salad Sandwich

I just realized I hadn't been to the dentist in awhile so I decided to call them up and ask when my last appointment was. It was March 2009! This is a horrifying thing to happen to an organized person. For some reason I haven't been receiving their 6 month reminder notices. Well, I got an appointment for a cleaning and checkup as soon as possible, but from now on, I guess I have to keep track of this on my own.

We have a long Victoria Day weekend when most people do all their garden planting. The nurseries will be crowded, but I don't plan on being near one. We have started barbecuing outdoors.

I found this nice recipe that I can't wait to try:

Egg and Crab Salad Sandwich

Visit us at Hellmanns.ca for more great tips and recipes

8 buttered and grilled hot dog buns
6 chopped hard boiled free-run eggs
1 cubed avocado
cup of chopped green onion
1 cup of fresh crab meat or one can of crab meat
2 heaping tablespoons of Hellmann’s® ½ the Fat
mayonnaise-type dressing
1 tablespoon of hot pepper sauce, garlic flavoured
if possible
salt & pepper

Instructions:
1. Mix everything in bowl & stuff in 8 buttered & grilled hot dog buns.
2. Serve with your favourite potato chips.


News

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Local Honey and the Oil Spill

The other day I was walking in perfect, summery weather around lunchtime. This fast, noisy plane circled the area. I thought it was loud, scary and surreal. Further on, a school crossing guard offered to assist me across the road with his 'stop' sign. I mentioned the plane, he said 'For sure it was an F14 or F16 fighter jet', he thought they might just be doing some tests. He found it exciting, as a matter of fact.

I noticed the nearby deli was selling local honey and decided to pick up a jar. Some school kids were having lunch inside. One of the boys (maybe 12 years old) was purchasing a soft drink and asked the store owner if he heard about the oil spill. The store owner said yes, he had, and asked if his teacher was telling them about it. The boy nodded and said 'do you know it's killing all the animals?' The store owner asked 'do you know how?' At which point I said to him 'you get all the news here, don't you?' He nodded and said 'yes, I like it'. 'Smart kids', I said as I left them to continue their conversation.


News

Greenpeace parody pushes Nestlé to act

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CollegeHumor Originals
Web Site Story (Video)

When your hut's on fire

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?'


Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! 'How did you know I was here?' asked the weary man of his rescuers. 'We saw your smoke signal,' they replied.


The Moral of This Story: It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering.
Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground.
It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

P.S. Consider passing this on, because you never know who feels as if their hut is on fire today..


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Letters to Juliet

L and I saw the new movie 'Letters to Juliet' on the weekend while M and K went to see 'Ironman 2'. We all loved our respective movies. If you like romances, you will love 'Letters to Juliet'. The bonus is that it is set in Verona and we have actually been there, so it brought back pleasant memories. It didn't get a good review from a woman in the newspaper. I think you have to expect 'predictable' outcomes when you review a romance. If you're looking for critical acclaim type movies, you may have to go to other genres and the reviewer should know that. Well, that is just my opinion. Oh by the way, Franco Nero is still very handsome and Vanessa Redgrave is a class act.

Well, I've made an online university residence deposit for L so we should be receiving information in a few days to enable us to apply for her spot in residence. She also found a compatible roommate from her school.

I went to the Mac's cosmetic counter at the mall to make an appointment to have L's makeup done on prom day. (Because everyone else is doing that). Wouldn't you know, it's about 4 weeks away and I couldn't get an appointment until 4pm. I ended up at the Lancome counter, luckily they had suitable spots. I also set up the hairstyle appointment with a hairdresser.


News

Nearly one in three social networkers suffer from 'poster's remorse,' survey says

10 Awesome Vintage Video Games You Can Play Online

California woman earns college diploma at age 94 - such an inspiration!

New frogs and geckos and pigeons, oh my

Hong Kong at Dusk

Place your cursor at the top of the photo. You will notice it is 6:10 PM.
Bring the mouse down slowly over the photo, without pressing the button on the mouse. Do not right or left click.
Night time appears, the lights come on, and at7:40 PM, it's dark !
I think this is photo technology at its best !




Click here.


News

The Web Makes the World Happier [STUDY]

The Big News

The lilacs are in bloom here now.


The big news is that K was diagnosed with a non verbal Learning Disability by a psychologist earlier last week. It's not ADHD or Dyslexia. We decided to get him tested because he wasn't doing well in Math and English at the grade 9 level. She's going to send a summary report for us to give to the school. The guidance lady says his being identified actually opens doors. For example, these kids can go into university in a special category where they don't have to show the marks required in the regular program. He's happy about that, he wants to go to the same university as his sister. He will likely get extra time to write tests, etc. The next step will be a series of meetings with the school to determine the help he needs.

The psychologist says he tested poorly in a couple of areas. Visual-spatial (where they give you all these symbol type puzzles) and working memory which affects reading comprehension. The other areas were normal. She said if he tested poorly in all areas, it wouldn't be a learning disability, you'd just have a low IQ. So I was careful to let him know that only intelligent people can actually have a learning disability. So he's ok with letting everyone know.

I'll have to do more research once we receive the psychologist's detailed report. There are ways for him to learn by using his strengths in other areas. He has good rote memory.

Well our stress level is way down for the moment. I've never believed he was lazy or not trying really.

Oh, the mango pudding was delicious, I posted the recipe a few days ago, except that we used only half a can of the sweet condensed milk. There are lots of sweet mangoes for sale at the grocery stores at this time of year too.

God's Email

One day God was looking down at Earth and saw all of the rascally behavior

that was going on. So he called one of His angels and sent the angel to Earth for a time.

When he returned, he told God, 'Yes, it is bad on Earth; 95% are misbehaving and only 5% are not. God thought for a moment and said, 'Maybe I had better send down a second angel to get another opinion.'
So God called another angel and sent him to Earth for a time.

When the angel returned he went to God and said, 'Yes, it's true. The Earth is in
decline; 95% are misbehaving, but 5% are being good.'

God was not pleased. So He decided to e-mail the 5% that were good, because he wanted to encourage them, and give them a little something to help them keep going.

Do you know what the e-mail said?




Okay, I was just wondering.....because I didn't get one either.





News

How to be an Ecofashionista

Palindrome

I got this in a recent email:

A palindrome reads the same backwards as forward. This video reads the exact opposite backwards as forward. Not only does it read the opposite, the meaning is the exact opposite..

This is only a 1 minute, 44 second video and it is brilliant. Make sure you read as well as listen to the entire video...


This is a video that was submitted in a contest by a 20-year old. The contest was titled "u @ 50" . When they showed it, everyone in the room was awe-struck and broke into spontaneous applause. So simple and yet so brilliant.


Take a minute and watch it.




Click here Lost Generation

News

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Has Alzheimer’s research taken aim at the wrong target?

Conn. judge: Elderly sister can keep lottery prize

A Minute With: Vanessa Redgrave and "Letters to Juliet" - L really wants to see this movie. I remember (as a child) seeing Vanessa Redgrave and Franco Nero in 'Camelot' (1967) and didn't realize there is a Hollywood story here. She had just divorced her husband and father of her 2 daughters (one of them was Natasha Richardson) as he had met a French actress. She then had an affair with Franco Nero and had a son. Then she had a long term relationship with Timothy Dalton. She married Franco Nero 4 years ago at age 73 and 69. Very romantic, and now they are in this movie together.

Glorious Mango Pudding

Here is a recipe I found from the Your Healthy Weight website. It sounds healthy and delicious.

Glorious Mango Pudding

Your appreciation
Click on the number of hearts you
want to award this recipe.

8 serving(s)

Ingredients

2 ripe mangoes about 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) before preparation

1 (300 ml) can sweetened condensed milk

1 cup (250 ml) Ricotta cheese

3 tbsp (45 ml) lime juice

Strawberries for garnish

Preparation

Remove flesh from mangoes. In blender or processor: purée with Ricotta, milk and lime juice until very smooth – a good 2 minutes. Pour into individual serving cups or glasses. Chill 2 hours or more, garnish and enjoy!

At the gym yesterday, this lady, about 60 years old told me she broke her right hand last year when she fell down some stairs. She had a cast put on at the local hospital but it seems they didn't set it correctly and it hasn't healed properly. She doesn't have perfect movement in her fingers. The doctor says the only option is to break it again and re-set, so she is not willing to go through that again. Bottom line may be to avoid the local hospital. Another lady had just recovered from the flu, she looked really tired. Not a good news kind of day.



News

Moo oink = MOINK ball barbecue trend
Barbecuer coins phrase for beef meatballs (moo) wrapped in bacon (oink)

Australian physicist spots dictionary error
- the comments in these news stories are more fun to read than the story itself, sometimes!

Rain Barrels

The town is encouraging us to get rain barrels for our homes so my friend S talked me into taking advantage of an upcoming rebate and getting one. She says it's good for the environment. They have a mesh cover and a place on the bottom of it where you can attach a hose. So at the very least we can use it to water the plants and the lawn. I was thinking it's just one more thing to take care of.

I notice a lot of our neighbours throwing out old toilets. They must be taking advantage of renovation credits or energy rebates and getting water saver toilets.

Dirty Dancing UK – Julia and James First Dance
This couple recreates the famous Swayze/Grey dance from Dirty Dancing, the bride’s dress is made to look like the one from the movie.

News

Eating more nuts appears to improve cholesterol

Jewellery company a hands-on operation

Babies may know good from evil: new study

Poland to be first in Europe to have biometric bank machines - this almost sounds like an
invasion of privacy

Face-to-face time makes us happier than Facebook

Creative Tuesdays - Wind

Here is my contribution to Creative Tuesdays 'Wind' theme:



I decided to do a windsock blowing in the wind. Don't forget you have until May 18th to get your entry in!

The library's having a book sale in June, so we dropped off 3 bags of donations and I feel as if I got rid of some clutter. Although, it's hard to part with some books, even if they are kid's books. I'm still holding on to some of the classics.

News

Add the world’s best travel spots to your bucket list - why is it that I haven't been to even one of these places? (-:

Nine habits of highly vital cities

Warren Buffett's son preaches values as wealth:

"I am my own person and I know what I have accomplished in my life," he said. "This isn't about wealth or fame or money or any of that stuff, it is actually about values and what you enjoy and finding something you love doing."

A Few Entertaining Videos

It was a cold, rainy weekend. Yesterday was just cold and windy. How spoiled we've become after a few days of summery weather. It's technically still spring, so back into the windbreakers we went. My mom is out of town so I decided to send her some flowers and chocolates via Teleflora. She called to let me know they arrived. M's family celebrated Mother's Day at a restaurant, so all us moms felt appreciated.

L finally pushed the button and accepted her first choice University. The next step is to apply for a spot in residence. M's sister reminded me she can now sign all her own documents at 18. Gradually, she has to get her own adult credit card, library card, bank account, etc. etc. The key word here is 'gradually', nothing to stress about, it's more of an unfolding according to M's sister. I'm thankful for the advice that everything will fall into place one step at a time.

A friend sent me a few entertaining videos over the weekend and I thought you might like to enjoy them with me!

Janey Cutler Britain's Got Talent 2010 Auditions Week 4 - she's 80 years old, so touching

College Students do Lady Gaga's 'Bad Romance'

Adam Lambert - If I Had You • Sunny Choi - International Piano Artist

5-year old singing Adam Lambert - WhatAya Want from Me

News

Scientists say Earth could get too hot for humans

10 Simple Tricks for Eating Less

Name That Tune

Can you name that tune, just by looking at the picture?







You'll kick yourself!! Think harder!!!!!





MOONRIVER

Hey, don't blame me...I'm just forwarding this to those whose sense of humour I believe to be as warped as mine.... Sorry, but you are in that group.








Growing Old Is Inevitable
Growing Up Is Optional

Happiness

The spicy tomato fish chowder recipe I posted a few days ago was light and delicious! I recommend it. It took about 15 minutes to make.

Well, L still has not accepted her university of choice,hopefully it will be this weekend. One of her friends did not get accepted into her first choice, a Health Sciences program at a university. It's shocking because she has a 96% average. But then this other girl got accepted with an 88% average. This is a very subjective process. Yet another friend is now unsure that she wants to be a teacher after applying to a teaching program. She has the option of choosing a more general program. This is the life of a 17 or 18 year old!

Did you know that Mother's Day is celebrated on different dates around the world?
According to wikipedia

'As the US holiday was adopted by other countries and cultures, the date was changed to fit already existing celebrations honouring motherhood, like Mothering Sunday in the UK or the Orthodox celebration of Jesus in the temple in Greece. In some countries it was changed to dates that were significant to the majority religion, like the Virgin Mary day in Catholic countries, or the birthday of the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad in Islamic countries. Other countries changed it to historical dates, like Bolivia using the date of a certain battle where women participated.'

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms that celebrate on Sunday!


News

What Makes Us Happy? 'A Few Thoughts on Happiness

- Happiness is in the present. Try living in the present. People who spend large amounts of time worrying about the past or the future rarely experience high levels of happiness. Living in the present is necessary for experiencing happiness'

De-cluttering your digital life can set you free

A New Blackberry

My Cloud Photo


L got a new Blackberry cell phone much to K's envy. It seems the price of these have come down quite a bit and it will cost pretty much the same as her old cell phone plan. A lot of kids have these now and they enjoy the unlimited texting between blackberries (for those that don't pay otherwise for unlimited texting) and you can check your email and have other internet capabilities wherever you go.

News

Penny-Pinching Is Fine, But It Won't Save the Profligate

Make your greens last longer

Study links sleep deprivation and diabetes

Spicy Tomato Fish Chowder

I found this recipe on the Best Health website and it's on my list to try as it sounds quick and healthy:

Spicy Tomato Fish Chowder

This spicy tomato fish chowder recipe makes a speedy main dish that is hearty and healthy.
Ingredients 4 teaspoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium tomatoes (about 1 pound), peeled, cored, seeded and chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1/2 pound cod or other white fish fillets, cut into bite-size pieces
2 tablespoons minced parsley
Directions

1. In a heavy saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, tomatoes, basil, oregano, cayenne pepper, and wine, and cook uncovered for 10 minutes.
2. Add 3 cups water, bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer. Mix in cod and simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. Ladle tomato fish chowder into bowls and sprinkle with parsley.

Serves 4

The Ultimate Soup Cookbook, Reader's Digest

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When it comes to body images, kids take after their parents

Beautiful women are bad for men's health, study finds

Can A Lack Of Sleep Kill You?

Kleptomaniac

A friend sent me this classic routine that is still funny today.




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How to get best deal on insurance

How to pay compliments effectively

Five minutes of nature a day keeps the blues at bay: study

Senior Coffee

It was supposed to rain yesterday, but it's warm this week and the sun's shining. There were a few blackbirds on the lawn, one of them them was huge. They're not my favourite birds.

I just found out you can get a cup of coffee at McDonald's for 93 cents if you're a senior. You have to order a 'senior coffee'. Otherwise it's $1.22 plus tax.

A friend sent me this 'International Dance Day Flash Mob at the Toronto Eaton Centre, Official Video' "Canadas National Ballet Schools community members celebrate the Schools 50th anniversary on International Dance Day, April 29, 2010 at the Toronto Eaton Centre." Her daughter's in it but I had to look very carefully and still haven't found her! Anyway, it looks like it was fun.


News

KLM Advertising video - can you figure it out?

The Talents of a Middle-Aged Brain

Tests confirm offspring of hybrid polar-grizzly bear

Baked Chicken Paprika

A friend sent me this easy baked chicken recipe and I decided to make it with a few variations for yesterday's dinner along with Pete's purple avatar rice. I'd say dinner was a success.


Baked Chicken Paprika:

6 chicken legs, back attached, skin on

1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tbs paprika
2-3 chopped garlic
1 onion chopped
some extra virgin olive oil

Pre-heat oven 350F.
Line baking tray with parchment paper. Mix all ingredients with the chicken and bake for about 40 minutes.

The chicken was moist, I think because of the olive oil.

The Age of Majority

L turned 18 last week! It means she can vote and buy lottery tickets but in Ontario cannot drink until she's 19. When I googled 'age of majority' I discovered that in Iran, it's 9 years old for girls and 15 years old for boys, can you believe that?

L left for Montreal on her birthday due to a school art trip and reports having the time of her life. The restaurant meals (complete with cocktails) were reportedly incredible and they were allowed to go clubbing afterwards. The nightlife there is very lively and they had an exciting time. Oh, and they shopped.

Educationally, they painted a live, nude model (an older woman), attended a Notre Dame Cathedral light show at night and saw a play in English. L also had lots of opportunities to practice her French and found she's quite fluent. Quite a lot of people there only speak French so it's quite useful to know the language.

The only unfortunate thing was that she lost her cell phone somehow, so we have to get her another one.

L said one night, they stepped out of a restaurant and the streets were flooded with people. It seems the Montreal Canadiens Hockey team had won an important series against the Chicago Capitals and there was unbelievable excitement on the streets. All the businesses had to close early and cops were out in full force. She loved it, especially all the noise.

What a great way to come of age.


News

Here's a viral video called 'Telephone Remake' done by some soldiers in Afghanistan. It's great.

Canada’s first baby drop-off program to launch at Vancouver hospital

Marmite

L told me the other day she wanted to try 'Marmite' or 'Vegemite' as she's been learning about it in one of her classes at school. It turns out they actually sell it in our local grocery store, who knew? I found it in the baking section beside the yeast. So we had a taste of it, spread lightly on toast. But we didn't really like it. We even ended up melting some cheese on top. It has a salty taste, sort of like soy sauce. Well, it was worth a try.


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Vent to a Stranger with BLAH Therapy

Retail Therapy Test Drive: Vapur's Anti-Bottle reusable beverage container

'Life tracking' allows people to be honest and make positive changes