well, it's a slow blog day today, so have a look at this 'McNugget Rage Fail' video, unbelievable.
We went to a pool party a few days ago and the owners had a saline water pool. They said it's very low-maintenance because it doesn't need chlorine and all the testing that goes with it. The water's also very buoyant. The best part is that the water was heated to 85F, just the way I like it.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
How to be alone
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Come to Mallorca
L found this video of her tennis hero Rafael Nadal, Mallorca looks wonderful too!
We're having wonderful summer weather at the moment, all the better as we're invited to a pool party about an hour's drive away, this afternoon.
My sister's son is settling into his new university. She reports the whole family being very sad on the day of his departure, his dad (surprisingly) being one of the most affected. It sort of took them by surprise. They were starting to feel a bit better by the next day, as their busy back-to-school routine started up.
A friend of L's is excitedly starting 2nd year university and was waiting for furniture to be delivered to her new place.
It feels as if we'll never be finished our packing and getting L ready for her imminent departure. I've been teary-eyed in the mornings for quite a few days and whenever I read my sister's emails. I'm a bit better this morning. L will only be about a 3 hour drive away and she can come home whenever she wants with flexible bus and train schedules. It's the thought that it won't ever be the same when she returns for visits. Her circle is gradually widening and 'the family' will no longer be her main focus. It happens to all of us.
K is just envious of all the new stuff we've been buying her for her new residence.
We're having wonderful summer weather at the moment, all the better as we're invited to a pool party about an hour's drive away, this afternoon.
My sister's son is settling into his new university. She reports the whole family being very sad on the day of his departure, his dad (surprisingly) being one of the most affected. It sort of took them by surprise. They were starting to feel a bit better by the next day, as their busy back-to-school routine started up.
A friend of L's is excitedly starting 2nd year university and was waiting for furniture to be delivered to her new place.
It feels as if we'll never be finished our packing and getting L ready for her imminent departure. I've been teary-eyed in the mornings for quite a few days and whenever I read my sister's emails. I'm a bit better this morning. L will only be about a 3 hour drive away and she can come home whenever she wants with flexible bus and train schedules. It's the thought that it won't ever be the same when she returns for visits. Her circle is gradually widening and 'the family' will no longer be her main focus. It happens to all of us.
K is just envious of all the new stuff we've been buying her for her new residence.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Winter
I found this beautiful winter poem and thought it might be a comfort to you. It was to me and it's very well written, and I hope that you enjoy it too.
" WINTER "
by Abigail Elizabeth McIntyre
Shit It's Cold!
The End
--
Helene E. Roddenberry
Friday, August 27, 2010
Google offers free calling from Gmail
Google offers free calling from Gmail in Canada and the U.S.
Well, I tried this feature last night and it works! It advertises insanely low rates for international calls as well. It's worth a try, it's free in Canada and the U.S. for 2010. It was so easy to set up as well. There's a 'call phone' option in the same column as 'inbox'. You just select it and follow the simple setup instructions. I didn't need any equipment other than my laptop. Free's good (at least for the consumer), I had fun talking to some relatives in the U.S. and they can't wait to try it out.
News
One Million Calls Placed From Gmail in 24 Hours
Well, I tried this feature last night and it works! It advertises insanely low rates for international calls as well. It's worth a try, it's free in Canada and the U.S. for 2010. It was so easy to set up as well. There's a 'call phone' option in the same column as 'inbox'. You just select it and follow the simple setup instructions. I didn't need any equipment other than my laptop. Free's good (at least for the consumer), I had fun talking to some relatives in the U.S. and they can't wait to try it out.
News
One Million Calls Placed From Gmail in 24 Hours
Thursday, August 26, 2010
How to tell the sex of a fly
JUST TOO CUTE.
This is the cleanest E-mail joke
I've come across in a long while!
A woman walked into the kitchen to find her
husband stalking around with a fly swatter
"What are you doing?"
She asked.
"Hunting Flies"
He responded.
"Oh. ! Killing any?"
She asked.
"Yep, 3 males, 2 Females," he replied.
Intrigued, she asked.
"How can you tell them apart?"
He responded,
"3 were on a beer can,
2 were on the phone.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Neighbourhood Crab Apples
The days are getting colder, a reminder that summer's winding down. Sigh. It's nice to see all the neighbourhood trees bearing fruit at this time of year. The flowers are also in full bloom.
My sister sent me this article from the NY Times called
'Students, Welcome to College; Parents, Go Home' and I had to laugh reading it, but there's so much truth there.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
The Ebbs and Flows
I was in Walmart on Saturday and noticed a couple of moms and daughters shopping for university. One pair was looking at the Corelle dishware, the other was looking at closet storage items. I saw other people looking at the floor length mirrors and desk lamps. The store was also crowded with the 'back to school' shoppers. It will only get busier for the next few weeks I think.
Earlier in the morning I had taken my mother to the lab to get some routine blood tests done. We were number 98 just after 10 am. We waited about 45 minutes but figured we'd rather get things done than wait until another day. I had taken K for a blood test in July and we didn't have to wait, so I guess it depends on the day and time, the ebbs and flows.
We met some friends for dinner at Moxie's Classic Grill. I had a nice seafood linguine because I had a pasta craving. The kids had a white chocolate brownie for dessert which we ended up sharing. It was a huge portion and sooo delicious as described on their menu:
'the ultimate dessert encounter, white and dark chocolate folded into a white chocolate brownie, finished with french vanilla ice cream, real whipped cream and warm chocolate sauce'
The brownie was warm, sweet and chewy and I'll get off the topic now!
News
More families shop early for back-to-school
Earlier in the morning I had taken my mother to the lab to get some routine blood tests done. We were number 98 just after 10 am. We waited about 45 minutes but figured we'd rather get things done than wait until another day. I had taken K for a blood test in July and we didn't have to wait, so I guess it depends on the day and time, the ebbs and flows.
We met some friends for dinner at Moxie's Classic Grill. I had a nice seafood linguine because I had a pasta craving. The kids had a white chocolate brownie for dessert which we ended up sharing. It was a huge portion and sooo delicious as described on their menu:
'the ultimate dessert encounter, white and dark chocolate folded into a white chocolate brownie, finished with french vanilla ice cream, real whipped cream and warm chocolate sauce'
The brownie was warm, sweet and chewy and I'll get off the topic now!
News
More families shop early for back-to-school
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Paraprosdokian Sentences
Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on the list.
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong.
We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.
War does not determine who is right - only who is left.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening', and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.
A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station.
How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?
Some people are like Slinkies ... not really good for anything, but you can't help smiling when you see one tumble down the stairs.
Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish.
I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted pay checks.
A bank is a place that will lend you money, if you can prove that you don't need it.
Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says "If an emergency, notify:" I put "DOCTOR".
I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
I saw a woman wearing a sweat shirt with "Guess" on it...so I said "Implants?"
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy.
Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America ?
Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!
Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.
A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you will look forward to the trip.
Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you wish they were.
Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.
I discovered I scream the same way whether I'm about to be devoured by a great white shark or if a piece of seaweed touches my foot.
Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.
I always take life with a grain of salt, plus a slice of lemon, and a shot of tequila.
When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.
You're never too old to learn something stupid.
To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
Some people hear voices. Some see invisible people. Others have no imagination whatsoever.
A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as when you are in it.
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on the list.
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong.
We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.
War does not determine who is right - only who is left.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening', and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.
A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station.
How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?
Some people are like Slinkies ... not really good for anything, but you can't help smiling when you see one tumble down the stairs.
Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish.
I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted pay checks.
A bank is a place that will lend you money, if you can prove that you don't need it.
Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says "If an emergency, notify:" I put "DOCTOR".
I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
I saw a woman wearing a sweat shirt with "Guess" on it...so I said "Implants?"
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy.
Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America ?
Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!
Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.
A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you will look forward to the trip.
Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you wish they were.
Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.
I discovered I scream the same way whether I'm about to be devoured by a great white shark or if a piece of seaweed touches my foot.
Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.
I always take life with a grain of salt, plus a slice of lemon, and a shot of tequila.
When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.
You're never too old to learn something stupid.
To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
Some people hear voices. Some see invisible people. Others have no imagination whatsoever.
A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as when you are in it.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Life's Inevitable Changes
I've been buying a few things here and there, in preparation for L's move to university in a couple of weeks. I've also started gathering things around the house that we already have that she might need. They say that a minivan full of stuff is about right. Kids that show up with a U-Haul trailer probably have way too much stuff! We also have to change her cell phone number as she'll be in a different city. This may be the excuse the rest of us need to upgrade to Blackberry phones as our cell phone company is having a 'Family special' which includes unlimited long distance calls.
My sister said it's a bittersweet time as her son is also moving away to university (a lot farther). Realistically, it's their first step away from home as young adults. They'll learn a lot, but you wish you could keep them home for longer. Life's inevitable changes...sigh.
News
Green leafy veg reduces diabetes risk: Study
My sister said it's a bittersweet time as her son is also moving away to university (a lot farther). Realistically, it's their first step away from home as young adults. They'll learn a lot, but you wish you could keep them home for longer. Life's inevitable changes...sigh.
News
Green leafy veg reduces diabetes risk: Study
Friday, August 20, 2010
Downtown Toronto
We were driving downtown the other day when I snapped this photo. That is the Gooderham Building in the foreground.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Nature Walk
Went for a nature walk this evening. Lots of mosquitoes although it was windy. It was risky pausing to take a few photos! You'd get attacked.
One of the men at our local convenience store told me he's a Russian citizen. He's originally from Afghanistan, but lived in Russia for 20 years and speaks Russian. Interesting how global everyone is around here. My hairdresser is Armenian if I remember correctly, but lived in Greece for 4 years and learned the language. However, is he Lebanese originally. That's Toronto for you.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
'Graduation' letter
L received a nice 'graduation' letter in the mail, from the children's dentist she has been seeing for the past 15 years. I had asked them for a referral to an adult dentist for her next appointment. They also gave her 2 movie tickets including drinks and popcorn. She wrote them a touching thank you letter with her pleasant memories of always being in the no-cavity club.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
It's Complicated and a Muffin Story
I recently met a lovely couple, now engaged. It seems they met on Facebook. He has 2 teenagers from a previous marriage. She has 5 kids aged 3 to 12 from a previous marriage. They each have their kids on alternate weekends in joint custody agreements. They live about 200 kms apart in different cities. That's about 2 hours' drive. The challenge is for them to spend time together, not to mention how married life will work. It's complicated.
L made delicious chocolate muffins last night using a Duncan Hines cake mix. She wanted to make them just like in the stores and decided they must fill the muffin cups right to the brim and it worked! They swelled into those oversized muffins. She pushed some chocolate chips down into each muffin before baking and decided to call them double chocolate chip muffins. I tried to have only half a muffin and ended up having the whole one. The same thing happened to M, who declared them 'light and fluffy'. K had 2 whole muffins.
L made delicious chocolate muffins last night using a Duncan Hines cake mix. She wanted to make them just like in the stores and decided they must fill the muffin cups right to the brim and it worked! They swelled into those oversized muffins. She pushed some chocolate chips down into each muffin before baking and decided to call them double chocolate chip muffins. I tried to have only half a muffin and ended up having the whole one. The same thing happened to M, who declared them 'light and fluffy'. K had 2 whole muffins.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Times are Changing
News
Tracy Moore on Mat Leave - This popular host of a morning TV show in Toronto is going on maternity leave and her husband will be taking a year off to look after the baby. Well, I think it's great that the guys are taking an active role in the nurturing process, lucky lady! Times are changing.
Tracy Moore on Mat Leave - This popular host of a morning TV show in Toronto is going on maternity leave and her husband will be taking a year off to look after the baby. Well, I think it's great that the guys are taking an active role in the nurturing process, lucky lady! Times are changing.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Sunset at Wasaga Beach
We went to a friend's cottage near Wasaga Beach yesterday. It couldn't decide whether it would rain or not, so we experienced a muted sunset. The water view from their cottage is spectacular, nonetheless.
They made flavourful slow-cooked ribs, along with some pounded chicken and salsa for dinner. The secret to their ribs is do a dry rub on them, then oven bake them at 350F for half and hour, then 270F for two and a half hours. Then slather them with smokey barbecue sauce on the barbecue for a few minutes. We had fruit kebabs and a moist, delicious rum cake for dessert.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
More Rogers Cup
The is the logo for this year's Rogers Cup Men's tennis tournament, 'Love Means Nothing'. Kind of cute.
News
Rogers Cup
Tennis players' lounge is a pre-match heaven
News
Rogers Cup
Tennis players' lounge is a pre-match heaven
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Athens, Greece
Here are some of our Athens photos from our recent trip. This is the walk up to the Acropolis. It was early in the morning, not so hot and we beat the crowds!
Here is the Parthenon, I was struck by the size of it.
This is the 1896 Olympic site of the first modern olympics
Here is the rooftop pool at the Leder Marriott Athens, with its Acropolis view
Athens Tour bus
The Parliament buildings - complete with a guard
Hibiscus
Here is the Parthenon, I was struck by the size of it.
This is the 1896 Olympic site of the first modern olympics
Here is the rooftop pool at the Leder Marriott Athens, with its Acropolis view
Athens Tour bus
The Parliament buildings - complete with a guard
Hibiscus
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The Greek Islands
Here are some photos from our recent trip for you to enjoy. This is Mykonos.
This is Kusadasi, Turkey where we made a stop.
We bought some great leather goods here.
View from the town of Lindos, Rhodes
We climbed slippery marble steps to reach the Acropolis in Lindos
I fell in love with this view of the town of Agios-Nikolaos, Crete from the window of our cabin on the ship.
This is a beach in Agios-Nikolaos on the island of Crete
Clear waters of the Aegean Sea
Santorini
News
Snarky no more: UK issues Olympics etiquette guide
This is Kusadasi, Turkey where we made a stop.
We bought some great leather goods here.
View from the town of Lindos, Rhodes
We climbed slippery marble steps to reach the Acropolis in Lindos
I fell in love with this view of the town of Agios-Nikolaos, Crete from the window of our cabin on the ship.
This is a beach in Agios-Nikolaos on the island of Crete
Clear waters of the Aegean Sea
Santorini
News
Snarky no more: UK issues Olympics etiquette guide
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Creative Tuesdays - The Sea
Here is my contribution to Mmm's Creative Tuesdays theme "The Sea"
Took L to an adult doctor today, she finally said she didn't feel comfortable with all the little kids at the pediaatrician. The problem was locating an adult doctor. All my referrals had stopped accepting new patients. So we tried a nice, new walk-in clinic nearby with family practitioners that are just starting to build their clientele. She seemed to have a good rapport with the under-30 female doctor and said their equipment is a lot more modern than at the pediatrician's place. There was a blood pressure machine that beeps, and the doctor took notes on an electronic touch screen device which she subsequently emailed to herself. L also has the option of going to M's doctor, but we'll play it by ear.
The goodbyes and farewell parties have started as L's old high school friends are beginning their moves away from home. We really have to get a good start on the packing list. It's a bit like moving house, right down to the cardboard boxes.
Some kids here are already back to high school. K happily has another month of holidays.
Took L to an adult doctor today, she finally said she didn't feel comfortable with all the little kids at the pediaatrician. The problem was locating an adult doctor. All my referrals had stopped accepting new patients. So we tried a nice, new walk-in clinic nearby with family practitioners that are just starting to build their clientele. She seemed to have a good rapport with the under-30 female doctor and said their equipment is a lot more modern than at the pediatrician's place. There was a blood pressure machine that beeps, and the doctor took notes on an electronic touch screen device which she subsequently emailed to herself. L also has the option of going to M's doctor, but we'll play it by ear.
The goodbyes and farewell parties have started as L's old high school friends are beginning their moves away from home. We really have to get a good start on the packing list. It's a bit like moving house, right down to the cardboard boxes.
Some kids here are already back to high school. K happily has another month of holidays.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Istanbul
Here are some photos from our recent trip for you to enjoy.
This is the Blue Mosque.
This is the Haggia Sophia
This is the entrance to the Grand Bazaar
We took a wonderful cruise down the Bosphorus Strait to the mouth of the Black Sea. It separates European Istanbul from Asian Istanbul. This castle is on the European side.
This is the bridge to Asian Istanbul.
This is a palace on the European side
'Cottages' on Asian side
We went to a Turkish Dance concert. Unfortunately I didn't get a good picture of the excellent belly dancer.
This is the Blue Mosque.
This is the Haggia Sophia
This is the entrance to the Grand Bazaar
We took a wonderful cruise down the Bosphorus Strait to the mouth of the Black Sea. It separates European Istanbul from Asian Istanbul. This castle is on the European side.
This is the bridge to Asian Istanbul.
This is a palace on the European side
'Cottages' on Asian side
We went to a Turkish Dance concert. Unfortunately I didn't get a good picture of the excellent belly dancer.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Rogers Cup Tennis 2010
It's that time of year again. The Rogers Cup 2010 Men's Tennis tournament is being held in Toronto. All the big names are here, Nadal, Federer, etc. It runs August 7-15th. We were there on Saturday, it was a fun day.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Some Food Pics
Here are some food pictures you might enjoy from our recent trip:
Istanbul Spice Market
Istanbul street food (roasted corn and roasted chestnuts)
Istanbul - cheese pide
Athens - Greek Salad
Athens - pork souvlaki platter
Athens - delicious Greek yogurt with nuts, seeds, raisins and honey
Athens - Olives growing on an olive tree
Istanbul Spice Market
Istanbul street food (roasted corn and roasted chestnuts)
Istanbul - cheese pide
Athens - Greek Salad
Athens - pork souvlaki platter
Athens - delicious Greek yogurt with nuts, seeds, raisins and honey
Athens - Olives growing on an olive tree
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