Monday, February 28, 2011
Hearty and Delicious
L and I were at a Chinese mall last week and had a hearty, delicious lunch as pictured. She had a Vietnamese noodle in soup dish with chicken and spring rolls. I had a beef brisket noodle in soup. We also had a couple of bubble teas. There were a couple of guys eating their lunches next to us and I decided to ask one of them where he got his dish. It looked similar to L's dish, but better. He pointed to the stall, so we'll have to remember to go there next time!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
More on the Bat Saga
It snowed lightly yesterday morning, so I gave the driveway a quick shovel and sprinkled some salt on the slippery spots. It was quiet and peaceful outside. My neighbour was out shovelling as well, so I went over to say hello as I hadn't spoken to her for awhile. We caught up on what our kids were doing, and decided that we never stop worrying about them, it just changes with the circle of life.
My sister and her husband had called, alarmed at the recent bat saga. They told me to at least get the bat tested, so I contacted the Toronto Wildlife Centre and they reassured us that only 2% of bats here are rabid, so the chances of getting sick were slim, unless we had been bitten. The lady told M it was fine to dispose of it as we planned in the organic recycle bin. Her concern was that if the bat was alive, they would come to retrieve it because it is too cold for it outside right now. They have a place to house the bats. She was surprised because the bats are supposed to be hibernating right now and are not normally found in people's houses at this time of year. I noticed that the Wildlife Centre is run totally on charity donations and they are open 7 days a week from 9 am to 6 pm. It's a good cause and a worthy idea for your donations.
News
The accidental surrogate - interesting story
My sister and her husband had called, alarmed at the recent bat saga. They told me to at least get the bat tested, so I contacted the Toronto Wildlife Centre and they reassured us that only 2% of bats here are rabid, so the chances of getting sick were slim, unless we had been bitten. The lady told M it was fine to dispose of it as we planned in the organic recycle bin. Her concern was that if the bat was alive, they would come to retrieve it because it is too cold for it outside right now. They have a place to house the bats. She was surprised because the bats are supposed to be hibernating right now and are not normally found in people's houses at this time of year. I noticed that the Wildlife Centre is run totally on charity donations and they are open 7 days a week from 9 am to 6 pm. It's a good cause and a worthy idea for your donations.
News
The accidental surrogate - interesting story
Saturday, February 26, 2011
A lot to be happy for
Yesterday was a strange day. We had all gone to the Toronto Billy Elliot production the night before. It got a standing ovation and the Billy Elliot character played by Cesare Corrales was outstanding. There are 4 different Billies in the cast and I think they must all be very good if last night was any example. The dance numbers were fantastic, and the storyline was weaved in seamlessly.
We got home and M discovered that there was a bat in the basement sink. We were so tired, we decided to go to sleep and address the problem in the morning with a clear head. So the next morning, I did some google research, called a pest/wildlife control number and got some advice. The man said we could throw a wet towel over the bat and put him outside. He wasn't concerned about rabies. After all that, it turned out the bat was still lying in the sink and was dead, stiff with rigor mortis. It was kind of sad. M cleaned the droppings and disinfected the area with some pinesol. The bat may have gotten into the house through a furnace vent. We've had birds down there before.
In the middle of all this, L wakes up complaining that her neck was hurting more than it had been the past 3 days. It sounded like a herniated disc (never a dull moment with L). So we found a nearby walk-in clinic with a doctor available as her new doctor wasn't at work that day. He told her to take some Robaxa muscle relaxant as the problem wasn't serious. It helped enough that she felt able to attend her friend's birthday party that evening. At this point we are starting to miss her as she will be away at school again in a few days. But life goes on. Her brother got a decent 71% in his first math quiz of the semester, so there's a lot to be happy for.
Not to mention, the afternoon turned nice and sunny. And it was reasonably mild outside (3C). Don't forget to watch the Academy Awards Sunday night, although I think 'The Amazing Race' is also on.
News
#findlupulsphone; Leafs player uses Twitter to find iPhone left in cab
Walmart named one of best employers for older Canadians
We got home and M discovered that there was a bat in the basement sink. We were so tired, we decided to go to sleep and address the problem in the morning with a clear head. So the next morning, I did some google research, called a pest/wildlife control number and got some advice. The man said we could throw a wet towel over the bat and put him outside. He wasn't concerned about rabies. After all that, it turned out the bat was still lying in the sink and was dead, stiff with rigor mortis. It was kind of sad. M cleaned the droppings and disinfected the area with some pinesol. The bat may have gotten into the house through a furnace vent. We've had birds down there before.
In the middle of all this, L wakes up complaining that her neck was hurting more than it had been the past 3 days. It sounded like a herniated disc (never a dull moment with L). So we found a nearby walk-in clinic with a doctor available as her new doctor wasn't at work that day. He told her to take some Robaxa muscle relaxant as the problem wasn't serious. It helped enough that she felt able to attend her friend's birthday party that evening. At this point we are starting to miss her as she will be away at school again in a few days. But life goes on. Her brother got a decent 71% in his first math quiz of the semester, so there's a lot to be happy for.
Not to mention, the afternoon turned nice and sunny. And it was reasonably mild outside (3C). Don't forget to watch the Academy Awards Sunday night, although I think 'The Amazing Race' is also on.
News
#findlupulsphone; Leafs player uses Twitter to find iPhone left in cab
Walmart named one of best employers for older Canadians
Friday, February 25, 2011
No Salt
The Southern Lady Cooks has an interesting post about Duncan Hines, the man behind those delicious cake mixes. I enjoyed the read.
We have been enjoying the new season of American Idol. The new judges (Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler) are doing a great job with the judging and seem so warm and caring of the contestants' feelings. And the contestants this year are so talented.
I baked some trout yesterday without adding any salt and it was delicious. I used green onions, cherry tomatoes, fresh thyme, a bit of hot sauce, and a splash of olive oil for flavour. I baked it on a tray lined with parchment paper at 350F for 20 minutes.
OMG, we found a bat in the basement last night. I googled a few things, but this is kind of scary although I saw that it's a sign of good luck.
News
Many don't understand when not to call 911: study
We have been enjoying the new season of American Idol. The new judges (Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler) are doing a great job with the judging and seem so warm and caring of the contestants' feelings. And the contestants this year are so talented.
I baked some trout yesterday without adding any salt and it was delicious. I used green onions, cherry tomatoes, fresh thyme, a bit of hot sauce, and a splash of olive oil for flavour. I baked it on a tray lined with parchment paper at 350F for 20 minutes.
OMG, we found a bat in the basement last night. I googled a few things, but this is kind of scary although I saw that it's a sign of good luck.
News
Many don't understand when not to call 911: study
Thursday, February 24, 2011
A Winning Day
L had a physical for the first time with her new doctor (as an adult). It was a very positive experience and underscores the fact that she had outgrown the children's doctor. It was her third appointment with this doctor and she really has a good rapport with her. She likes the fact that everything is so modern. They take your blood pressure at the press of a button, no more wrapping that belt around your arm. They quickly type notes into an electronic tablet. It seems that the physical itself was more thorough. The young doctor is quick, efficient and knowledgeable.
Then we went to her new dentist, as she has graduated from the children's dentist. Again, it was a wonderful experience. All the equipment is high tech, with digital x-rays that are safer, and new cameras to show you views of your teeth to help you take better care of them. My dentist wants to retire in a few years and I think I know where I'll be switching to!
L also got a great haircut. She has been to this salon a few times before, but this time we got the owner of the salon and she really liked the job he did.
It was a busy, productive day. Now she has a new doctor, dentist and hairdresser that she is happy with.
News
It's a fact: Tea is good for you
Natalie Portman's Dior Commercial directed by Sofia Coppola.
Then we went to her new dentist, as she has graduated from the children's dentist. Again, it was a wonderful experience. All the equipment is high tech, with digital x-rays that are safer, and new cameras to show you views of your teeth to help you take better care of them. My dentist wants to retire in a few years and I think I know where I'll be switching to!
L also got a great haircut. She has been to this salon a few times before, but this time we got the owner of the salon and she really liked the job he did.
It was a busy, productive day. Now she has a new doctor, dentist and hairdresser that she is happy with.
News
It's a fact: Tea is good for you
Natalie Portman's Dior Commercial directed by Sofia Coppola.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Alex presents: Commando
L and K have been bonding during L's visit, staying up late into the night on the weekend laughing, chatting and playing games. I'm thankful they are so close. We all went to the 2011 Toronto Autoshow on the Family Day holiday on Monday. It became quite crowded around the noon hour. K had fun taking photos beside the Ferraris and the Maseratis as usual. I'm expecting a lot of phone solicitations after all the contests we entered.
Here are a few interesting news stories for you today:
Simple exercise can actually delay aging, study finds
Simple chicken marinade demystifies cooking for children
This website explains a video campaign which attempts to break the
negative perception of Africa . Here is one of the videos called 'Alex presents: Commando'
Here are a few interesting news stories for you today:
Simple exercise can actually delay aging, study finds
Simple chicken marinade demystifies cooking for children
This website explains a video campaign which attempts to break the
negative perception of Africa . Here is one of the videos called 'Alex presents: Commando'
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Can you spot him
How long does it take you to find the man in the coffee bean picture? More than 30 seconds? More than a minute? Make sure you time yourself!
THE TRICK IS TO FIND THE MAN IN THE COFFEE BEANS:
This is bizarre - after you find the guy – it's so obvious.
Once you find him - it's embarrassing, and you think,
'Why didn't I see him immediately?'
THE TRICK IS TO FIND THE MAN IN THE COFFEE BEANS:
This is bizarre - after you find the guy – it's so obvious.
Once you find him - it's embarrassing, and you think,
'Why didn't I see him immediately?'
Doctors have concluded that if you find the man in the coffee beans in 3 seconds, the right half of your brain is better developed than most people. If you find the man between 3 seconds and 1 minute, the right half of the brain is developed normally. If you find the man between 1 minute and 3 minutes, then the right half of your brain is functioning slowly and you need to eat more protein. If you have not found the man after 3 minutes, the advice is to look for more of this type of exercise to make that part of the brain stronger!!!
And, yes, the man is really there!!
After you find the man in the beans share this with your brainy friends.
News
10 Signs the Economy Is on the Upswing
6 ways to design your own jewellery online
Monday, February 21, 2011
So you think you know cars?
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sunday Sketches - Anchor
My Sunday Sketch this week is of the Tiffany & Co. silver Anchor pendant. I was attracted to its stylish simplicity. My son thought I should've given it a blue background, come to think of it, he would so wear a chain like this!
Please stop by and see the other participants' sketches.
Please stop by and see the other participants' sketches.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
A Morning's Adventure
Last Thursday morning, K and I were backing out of the driveway to go to school. K says to me 'mom, the car's slipping'. I slowed down and continued slithering into the road. There was slick black ice all over the driveway and the roads. According to the news, two women were killed in separate car accidents blamed on the icy conditions that morning. K said he saw lots of kids falling in the school parking lot, in particular this one guy who decided to jump from a snowbank and landed on his bum.
I parked my car on the side of the street when I returned home and decided to spread salt on the driveway. I slipped ingloriously at the bottom of the driveway, landing on my back and slightly bruising the palm of my hand. I was okay, but the irony of it all is that within 2 hours, the ice all melted away and life was back to normal. We were having a 2 day warming trend.
In other news, L is home for Reading Week. All the universities have the week off instead of the usual March break that the younger kids have. She has made a deposit (with 4 friends) on off-campus housing for 2nd year and they are all excited and ecstatic. They need parents to act as guarantors for the lease agreement.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Easy Garlic Bread
I thought I would post my simple garlic bread recipe for those who don't know how to make garlic bread. It can be served as an appetizer or as part of your main course.
1 baguette
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 tsp garlic powder (not garlic salt)
pre-heat oven to 400 F
mix butter and garlic butter together in a bowl
slice baguette in half lengthwise
generously spread garlic butter on top of the sliced baguette
bake for 5 minutes until lightly browned
Enjoy! How quick (and delicious) was that?
News
Fluorescent bulbs may pose health risks for autoimmune disease sufferers: Doctor
1 baguette
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 tsp garlic powder (not garlic salt)
pre-heat oven to 400 F
mix butter and garlic butter together in a bowl
slice baguette in half lengthwise
generously spread garlic butter on top of the sliced baguette
bake for 5 minutes until lightly browned
Enjoy! How quick (and delicious) was that?
News
Fluorescent bulbs may pose health risks for autoimmune disease sufferers: Doctor
Thursday, February 17, 2011
A Lovely Winter Walk
I went for a lovely winter walk a couple of days ago with a friend and her friend. It made me sorry that I've been hiding away from the outdoors and exercising at the gym during the cold weather. We went along a lovely path, and didn't have to cross a single road. I wish I had snapped some photos of the frozen river scene under the bridges we crossed. I suppose I can always go again. It was about -6C and sunny. The paths were snowy but not too icy.
My friend's friend had recently had 2 knee replacements and I'm guessing she is in her seventies. She walks her dog every day along that path. After the walk, we were invited into her house for a lovely cup of tea and some cake. It's an older home, very tastefully decorated, and it's obvious she's a book lover. She had a couple of lovely old family photos on display and it was then that I noticed what a physically beautiful woman she is.
There is a small barn at the back of the house that has been converted into a tenant's apartment. I thought, what a great idea to have a tenant at the back if you are living on your own. She volunteers, visiting homes of terminally ill people. We talked about those experiences for a bit. There was a leukemia patient in her thirties who seemed to have no friends, except for her husband. When she died, all these people showed up at her funeral. It seems the young avoid the terminally ill. Fortunately, most young people don't die that young.
As an aside, my actual friend has a trip booked to Chile and of course there was a recent earthquake there. It's ironic because she had a trip booked there last year around the same time and of course, there was an earthquake at the time. She is going ahead with her plans for the time being.
My friend's friend had recently had 2 knee replacements and I'm guessing she is in her seventies. She walks her dog every day along that path. After the walk, we were invited into her house for a lovely cup of tea and some cake. It's an older home, very tastefully decorated, and it's obvious she's a book lover. She had a couple of lovely old family photos on display and it was then that I noticed what a physically beautiful woman she is.
There is a small barn at the back of the house that has been converted into a tenant's apartment. I thought, what a great idea to have a tenant at the back if you are living on your own. She volunteers, visiting homes of terminally ill people. We talked about those experiences for a bit. There was a leukemia patient in her thirties who seemed to have no friends, except for her husband. When she died, all these people showed up at her funeral. It seems the young avoid the terminally ill. Fortunately, most young people don't die that young.
As an aside, my actual friend has a trip booked to Chile and of course there was a recent earthquake there. It's ironic because she had a trip booked there last year around the same time and of course, there was an earthquake at the time. She is going ahead with her plans for the time being.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Automation
Yesterday I was at Walmart and the cashier asked me to help the senior in front of me with processing his debit card transaction. It may seem like a simple thing, but if you're not used to it, it can be off-putting. I helped him press 'yes' to okay the amount, then another screen popped up asking if it was from his 'chequing' or 'savings' account. The third screen asked for his pin, and then he was okay. He gave me a grateful smile. I said to the cashier that you have to do these things even in all the restaurants nowadays. She said her mom really has a problem with this stuff. I don't blame her, have you tried putting your credit card in one of those parking lot meters? Just don't forget to request a receipt if you need one. But if you do it all the time it becomes a habit. Sort of like putting air in your car tires.
The other day I had trouble inputting a userid and password into a website. It worked the first time, then the next three times it told me I had 5 chances for the day, then I would have to wait 24 hours to try again, or I could have my information reset. I couldn't remember what combination of upper and lower case letters I had entered that it didn't like. Oh boy. The benefits of automation when you're not mechanical to begin with.
News
Eating berries may prevent Parkinson’s disease
The other day I had trouble inputting a userid and password into a website. It worked the first time, then the next three times it told me I had 5 chances for the day, then I would have to wait 24 hours to try again, or I could have my information reset. I couldn't remember what combination of upper and lower case letters I had entered that it didn't like. Oh boy. The benefits of automation when you're not mechanical to begin with.
News
Eating berries may prevent Parkinson’s disease
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Creative Tuesdays - Lucky
Here is this week's Creative Tuesdays entry for our 'lucky' theme. I chose the 'pot of gold' at the end of the rainbow because I've always liked this fascinating, magical, happy idea of good luck! It's a collage made from construction paper.
Please visit the other participants to see their interpretations of 'lucky'!
Please visit the other participants to see their interpretations of 'lucky'!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Happy Valentine's Day!
We're having a mild week weatherwise, with the temperatures above 0C. I walked to church yesterday, and was able to pick up our tax receipt for 2010. They used to mail it, but this is a good cost cutting method.
The zumba exercise class last week became a body jam class because the zumba instructor was under the weather. The body jam instructor was excellent and it was a total blast. This lady told me these classes really depend on the instructor. Unfortunately I don't think this instructor is a regular at our gym. Oh well.
I made some chili con carne with ground chicken last week, and we all enjoyed it. I've also been making banana smoothies:
1 cup of skim or 1% milk
1/2 cup of plain yogurt (or whatever kind you have on hand)
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp honey
2 bananas
blend in the blender for under a minute. Simple, quick, nutritious and delicious!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Sunday Sketches - Tulips
Does my Sunday Sketch this week inspire thoughts of an early Spring? Here's hoping!
Please stop by the other participants to see what they did this week.
Top 5 Valentine one liners - These are cute!
Please stop by the other participants to see what they did this week.
Top 5 Valentine one liners - These are cute!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Winterproof Your Home for Carefree Travelling
Watch all 61 Superbowl Ads in 2.5 minutes
I got these tips from our gas company. They sound like something to keep handy if you live in a cold climate:
If you're going away this winter, the last thing you want is to be worrying about what might happen to your house while you're away.
Follow these steps to avoid any vacation-spoiling problems while your house is empty:
* Turn off the water supply to your toilets and washer. Winterize any outdoor hose bibs, since these are most likely to freeze and possibly lead to burst pipes indoors.
* Turn your thermostat to 13°C (55°F) while you're gone. Any colder, and your pipes might freeze. Keep interior doors open so air (and heat) circulates.
* Unplug all your electrical equipment, including computers, televisions, cable boxes, game or video players, as well as small appliances like toasters and coffee makers.
* Put the lights that you use most on timers. This will make the house look occupied.
* Cancel your newspaper and mail delivery, or have a neighbour pick them up.
I got these tips from our gas company. They sound like something to keep handy if you live in a cold climate:
If you're going away this winter, the last thing you want is to be worrying about what might happen to your house while you're away.
Follow these steps to avoid any vacation-spoiling problems while your house is empty:
* Turn off the water supply to your toilets and washer. Winterize any outdoor hose bibs, since these are most likely to freeze and possibly lead to burst pipes indoors.
* Turn your thermostat to 13°C (55°F) while you're gone. Any colder, and your pipes might freeze. Keep interior doors open so air (and heat) circulates.
* Unplug all your electrical equipment, including computers, televisions, cable boxes, game or video players, as well as small appliances like toasters and coffee makers.
* Put the lights that you use most on timers. This will make the house look occupied.
* Cancel your newspaper and mail delivery, or have a neighbour pick them up.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Unusual Jigsaw Puzzle
I got this in an email and it's neat if you like puzzles or even if you don't:
Not Your Usual Jigsaw Puzzle
This is amazing,the picture has movement in it the entire time you are working on it.
Drag the pieces together to make a picture.Yes,it can be done completely! When you complete the puzzle you will hear applause. Don't delete it until you give it a try.
Click Here: Unusual
News
How we met stories - These are cute
'It was the first day of a calculus class at the University of Pennsylvania in September 1959. I was seated near an Asian girl and introduced myself, “I’m David Jones as in ‘Davy Jones’ locker.” She had no problem remembering me — as “Davy Locker.”
She eventually got a PhD in physical organic chemistry; I switched to international relations. We married in 1964 — and then both of us entered the U.S. foreign service where ultimately we served with the U.S. embassy in Ottawa.
It has been a fun 50-plus years. And when our daughters matriculated at Penn, recalling their parents’ fate, they said they were very aware of the young men they met and how they introduced themselves. — David T. Jones'
Turmeric could help rebuild brain after stroke: Study
Not Your Usual Jigsaw Puzzle
This is amazing,the picture has movement in it the entire time you are working on it.
Drag the pieces together to make a picture.Yes,it can be done completely! When you complete the puzzle you will hear applause. Don't delete it until you give it a try.
Click Here: Unusual
News
How we met stories - These are cute
'It was the first day of a calculus class at the University of Pennsylvania in September 1959. I was seated near an Asian girl and introduced myself, “I’m David Jones as in ‘Davy Jones’ locker.” She had no problem remembering me — as “Davy Locker.”
She eventually got a PhD in physical organic chemistry; I switched to international relations. We married in 1964 — and then both of us entered the U.S. foreign service where ultimately we served with the U.S. embassy in Ottawa.
It has been a fun 50-plus years. And when our daughters matriculated at Penn, recalling their parents’ fate, they said they were very aware of the young men they met and how they introduced themselves. — David T. Jones'
Turmeric could help rebuild brain after stroke: Study
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The Thrill of Free
I woke up in a great mood yesterday. It was a bright, sunny, cold day. There wasn't much on the agenda and I felt free of responsibility.
I started the car that morning and the tire pressure light came on. Sheesh. I dropped K off at school and listened to the popular 'beat the bank' contest on the radio station. The 25th caller gets a chance to play the game. They open vaults one by one. The caller has a chance of winning up to $500,000 as long as the bell doesn't ring on a particular vault first. So the lady decided to call it quits at the third vault and would receive $1600. Then they opened up all the vaults to see how far she could have gone. It went up to 18 vaults and $500,000! This doesn't happen often so it was exciting. The lady said she didn't think she could have lasted up to 18 vaults anyway. I stopped by the gas station to pump some air into the offending tire. I'm getting good at this.
I was looking forward to my exercise class, but it seemed early enough that I could stop by McDonald's to get the free breakfast biscuit special. I waited 10 minutes in line, then another 10 minutes for them to make more biscuits as they were going so quickly. A man next to me asked why it was so crowded today, so I explained about the bacon or sausage biscuits being free for 2 days. The lady on my other side heard us and decided to order one too. Then I rushed to my exercise class at the gym and made it just in time. A lady noticed me holding the biscuit bag and asked if it was the free biscuit from McD's. I said 'yes' and we started a conversation about it. She was going to try for tomorrow although her morning schedule was busy with her kids.
So in the exercise class I mentioned my biscuit expedition to this other lady that I talk to. She said she has a nephew who is a part of the crowd scene in the new McDonald biscuit commercial and that she thought it would be too crowded to try for the freebie. I told her it's really just the thrill of getting something free. (I am, after all, a regular customer.) In fact, the biscuit was in my locker, for K to try later. (I did end up having a bite and it was delicious, but haven't checked the calorie count on these).
Another friend was in the class and I had a chance to say hello to her. It turns out she's sick of winter and decided to book a cruise to Chile. THEN she informed her husband of their new plans (they are both retired). I told her he should know her by now!
After the class, another lady told me she's been having trouble sleeping at night and has no idea why. We had a discussion on sleeping habits. I told her jokingly that it must be time to book a winter cruise.
Then I said hello to this other lady, she has been wearing a patch on one eye for the past 3 months. I've spoken about her before. At first she thought she was experiencing cross-eyed vision on the one eye because she had bumped her head. It turns out that 2 other people she knows AT THE GYM have been experiencing similar problems, both older people. So they think it might be a virus. Now I'm getting nervous. But what can one do? Apparently her condition has improved a lot, except from the corner of her eyes and she's hoping that in another 3 months it will be back to normal. I can't believe what I'm hearing.
Then I'm cooling down on the treadmill after class and this other lady beside me says hello and starts a conversation. Apparently she had returned from 4 months in Hong Kong where the weather is really nice at the moment. She and her husband are retired. He would like to live in Hong Kong but she prefers Canada. Two of their children live in Canada and One is settled in Hong Kong. Hmm.
You know, I'll usually say a quick hello to a bunch of people while I'm at the gym, but normally I don't have so many conversations in a single visit. I'm an introvert, after all. Maybe everyone was feeling really social that day, who knows?
After that, I went to the supermarket and had a small sized bowl of chili for lunch. It was delicious and I'm inspired to make some at home soon. I bought a jar of ready made Thai Green Curry sauce and cooked it with some chicken for supper. It turned out quite well, I've never made that before. It's a very rich sauce though.
After school K and I had stopped off at my mom's for a quick visit. I took her some unsalted, baked trout I had made the day before that she had enjoyed. She is excited about the upcoming Royal Wedding and is looking forward to it being televised. K played a video game with his cousin. It's called Kinect, a dance game and it's so realistic and fun looking.
We got home and we caught Justin Bieber on Ellen. He was amazing and we can't wait to see his new movie. He speaks French and loves to play hockey and is obviously proud of being Canadian. His mom and grandparents were in the audience and his grandad was moved to tears after seeing clips of his new movie. They are so proud. Then K finished his homework and we watched American Idol.
M came home later that night, he had had a busy day and recounted a lot of interesting conversations with his colleagues at work.
It was a really full day and I'm confused because I woke up thinking it would be relaxing and uneventful. Oh well, let's see what today brings. Maybe another free biscuit sandwich? (-:
I started the car that morning and the tire pressure light came on. Sheesh. I dropped K off at school and listened to the popular 'beat the bank' contest on the radio station. The 25th caller gets a chance to play the game. They open vaults one by one. The caller has a chance of winning up to $500,000 as long as the bell doesn't ring on a particular vault first. So the lady decided to call it quits at the third vault and would receive $1600. Then they opened up all the vaults to see how far she could have gone. It went up to 18 vaults and $500,000! This doesn't happen often so it was exciting. The lady said she didn't think she could have lasted up to 18 vaults anyway. I stopped by the gas station to pump some air into the offending tire. I'm getting good at this.
I was looking forward to my exercise class, but it seemed early enough that I could stop by McDonald's to get the free breakfast biscuit special. I waited 10 minutes in line, then another 10 minutes for them to make more biscuits as they were going so quickly. A man next to me asked why it was so crowded today, so I explained about the bacon or sausage biscuits being free for 2 days. The lady on my other side heard us and decided to order one too. Then I rushed to my exercise class at the gym and made it just in time. A lady noticed me holding the biscuit bag and asked if it was the free biscuit from McD's. I said 'yes' and we started a conversation about it. She was going to try for tomorrow although her morning schedule was busy with her kids.
So in the exercise class I mentioned my biscuit expedition to this other lady that I talk to. She said she has a nephew who is a part of the crowd scene in the new McDonald biscuit commercial and that she thought it would be too crowded to try for the freebie. I told her it's really just the thrill of getting something free. (I am, after all, a regular customer.) In fact, the biscuit was in my locker, for K to try later. (I did end up having a bite and it was delicious, but haven't checked the calorie count on these).
Another friend was in the class and I had a chance to say hello to her. It turns out she's sick of winter and decided to book a cruise to Chile. THEN she informed her husband of their new plans (they are both retired). I told her he should know her by now!
After the class, another lady told me she's been having trouble sleeping at night and has no idea why. We had a discussion on sleeping habits. I told her jokingly that it must be time to book a winter cruise.
Then I said hello to this other lady, she has been wearing a patch on one eye for the past 3 months. I've spoken about her before. At first she thought she was experiencing cross-eyed vision on the one eye because she had bumped her head. It turns out that 2 other people she knows AT THE GYM have been experiencing similar problems, both older people. So they think it might be a virus. Now I'm getting nervous. But what can one do? Apparently her condition has improved a lot, except from the corner of her eyes and she's hoping that in another 3 months it will be back to normal. I can't believe what I'm hearing.
Then I'm cooling down on the treadmill after class and this other lady beside me says hello and starts a conversation. Apparently she had returned from 4 months in Hong Kong where the weather is really nice at the moment. She and her husband are retired. He would like to live in Hong Kong but she prefers Canada. Two of their children live in Canada and One is settled in Hong Kong. Hmm.
You know, I'll usually say a quick hello to a bunch of people while I'm at the gym, but normally I don't have so many conversations in a single visit. I'm an introvert, after all. Maybe everyone was feeling really social that day, who knows?
After that, I went to the supermarket and had a small sized bowl of chili for lunch. It was delicious and I'm inspired to make some at home soon. I bought a jar of ready made Thai Green Curry sauce and cooked it with some chicken for supper. It turned out quite well, I've never made that before. It's a very rich sauce though.
After school K and I had stopped off at my mom's for a quick visit. I took her some unsalted, baked trout I had made the day before that she had enjoyed. She is excited about the upcoming Royal Wedding and is looking forward to it being televised. K played a video game with his cousin. It's called Kinect, a dance game and it's so realistic and fun looking.
We got home and we caught Justin Bieber on Ellen. He was amazing and we can't wait to see his new movie. He speaks French and loves to play hockey and is obviously proud of being Canadian. His mom and grandparents were in the audience and his grandad was moved to tears after seeing clips of his new movie. They are so proud. Then K finished his homework and we watched American Idol.
M came home later that night, he had had a busy day and recounted a lot of interesting conversations with his colleagues at work.
It was a really full day and I'm confused because I woke up thinking it would be relaxing and uneventful. Oh well, let's see what today brings. Maybe another free biscuit sandwich? (-:
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Difference between the United Kingdom, Great Britain and England
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Stand By Me
I got this from a friend and loved it:
Stand by me: 'part of a documentary film called Playing for Change which is now an organization for world peace ..'
In other trivia, I bought a magazine at the book store only to realize the best deal on magazines at this time seems to be at Costco, at 25% off the cover price. I think it's 10% off at Walmart. I should try to remember that.
News
First full view of the sun revealed
Monday, February 7, 2011
A Triumph of the Spirit
It snowed a bit on the weekend, so yesterday I went out for what I thought would be a quick shovelling job. It turns out it was more than I expected and I got a sweaty workout, feeling the stress on my back and even on my collarbone. I thought of getting M to help a couple of times, but then I decided I could do it all, even the heavy stuff that the snowplough scooped onto the end of the driveway. So I'm calling this a 'triumph of the spirit' because that's what it felt like!
Afterward, I had a warm shower and roasted some chicken legs and vegetables. It's time for K to choose his grade 11 high school courses for next year. It's a bit stressful, we want to make sure he chooses what's right for him. When it comes to College or University, it seems you just have to ensure you have Math and English, unless you're going into Medicine or some specific profession.
L is having mid-term exams and stressing over off-campus housing and future roommates.
News
Russia's 'flying donkey' dies of heart attack
Lasagna cupcakes
Germany sells vision for 'green toys' to world
Match a cruise to your personality
Afterward, I had a warm shower and roasted some chicken legs and vegetables. It's time for K to choose his grade 11 high school courses for next year. It's a bit stressful, we want to make sure he chooses what's right for him. When it comes to College or University, it seems you just have to ensure you have Math and English, unless you're going into Medicine or some specific profession.
L is having mid-term exams and stressing over off-campus housing and future roommates.
News
Russia's 'flying donkey' dies of heart attack
Lasagna cupcakes
Germany sells vision for 'green toys' to world
Match a cruise to your personality
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Sunday Sketches - Flower
I love flowers and so I decided to draw one for today's Sunday Sketches, it's done using watercolour pencils:
Here are a couple of popular Superbowl Ads that I like:
Volkswagen Commercial: The Force
Audi - Goodnight Commercial
Here are a couple of popular Superbowl Ads that I like:
Volkswagen Commercial: The Force
Audi - Goodnight Commercial
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Stripped of the glitz
Although I'm not a fan of Lady Gaga, a friend sent me this video she did awhile back and I must admit she is really talented, stripped of all her glitz, too:
Lady GaGa Live NYC 2006 - Fever
Lady GaGa Live NYC 2006 - Fever
News
Parrots tend to be "left handed," study finds
Simple life changes could stop millions of cancersFriday, February 4, 2011
Fish and Vegetable Yogurt Chowder
I got this recipe from The Heart and Stroke Foundation and just put it on my list to try:
Fish and vegetable yogurt chowder
Makes 4 servings
The fresh vibrancy of plain yogurt adds great freshness to this traditionally heavy soup. Lively colours of vegetables and flavours will make you think of springtime dinners and long for more fish on the table with generous chunks of salmon in each bite.
Preparation Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 18 to 20 minutesYield: 2 L (8 cups)
Ingredients
10 mL (2 tsp) canola oil
2 carrots, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
15 mL (1 tbsp) each chopped fresh thyme and dill or 5 mL (1 tsp) each dried thyme leaves and dill weed
2 mL (1/2 tsp) celery or fennel seed, crushed
1 L (4 cups) no salt homemade chicken stock or sodium reduced chicken broth
3 skinless salmon fillets, about 454 g/1 lb total
250 mL (1 cup) low fat yogurt
25 mL (2 tbsp) all purpose flour
Directions
In a soup pot heat oil over medium heat and cook carrots, onion, celery, thyme, dill and celery seed for about 8 minutes or until starting to brown. Add stock and stir to combine. Bring to a gently boil and add salmon into pot. Cook, stirring gently for about 10 minutes or until salmon flakes when tested with a fork. Break salmon apart slightly into chunks and reduce heat to medium low.
Whisk together yogurt and flour and stir into soup until creamy and heated through.
Nutrition information per serving (500 mL /2 cups)
Calories: 338
Protein: 32 g
Total fat: 16 g
Saturated fat: 3 g
Cholesterol: 67 mg
Carbohydrate: 16 g
Fibre: 2 g
Sugars: 6 g
Sodium: 187 mg
Potassium: 1,164 mg
Recipe developed by Emily Richards, PH Ec. ©The Heart and Stroke Foundation 2011.
Posted: February 2011
Fish and vegetable yogurt chowder
Makes 4 servings
The fresh vibrancy of plain yogurt adds great freshness to this traditionally heavy soup. Lively colours of vegetables and flavours will make you think of springtime dinners and long for more fish on the table with generous chunks of salmon in each bite.
Preparation Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 18 to 20 minutesYield: 2 L (8 cups)
Ingredients
10 mL (2 tsp) canola oil
2 carrots, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
15 mL (1 tbsp) each chopped fresh thyme and dill or 5 mL (1 tsp) each dried thyme leaves and dill weed
2 mL (1/2 tsp) celery or fennel seed, crushed
1 L (4 cups) no salt homemade chicken stock or sodium reduced chicken broth
3 skinless salmon fillets, about 454 g/1 lb total
250 mL (1 cup) low fat yogurt
25 mL (2 tbsp) all purpose flour
Directions
In a soup pot heat oil over medium heat and cook carrots, onion, celery, thyme, dill and celery seed for about 8 minutes or until starting to brown. Add stock and stir to combine. Bring to a gently boil and add salmon into pot. Cook, stirring gently for about 10 minutes or until salmon flakes when tested with a fork. Break salmon apart slightly into chunks and reduce heat to medium low.
Whisk together yogurt and flour and stir into soup until creamy and heated through.
Nutrition information per serving (500 mL /2 cups)
Calories: 338
Protein: 32 g
Total fat: 16 g
Saturated fat: 3 g
Cholesterol: 67 mg
Carbohydrate: 16 g
Fibre: 2 g
Sugars: 6 g
Sodium: 187 mg
Potassium: 1,164 mg
Recipe developed by Emily Richards, PH Ec. ©The Heart and Stroke Foundation 2011.
Posted: February 2011
News
Coffee beans could keep cells healthy, says study
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Just like the cool guys
K had his last follow up appointment at the orthodontist recently. Yay! They gave us frozen yogurt as we left, even me. The good doctor called me in to say hello and goodbye I guess. K entered a contest to guess the number of chocolate hearts in the jar. He put in such a small number, I don't think this is his forte (math). (-:
He's funny, the other day, he was actually trying and eating some of the sushi in a restaurant. The reason is that he sees the cool guys on the 'Entourage' series eating sushi in the restaurants, so it must be ok.
News
What kind of traveller are you? Take this fun quiz to find out.
Check out this laughing workout video, how wild is that? Lol.
He's funny, the other day, he was actually trying and eating some of the sushi in a restaurant. The reason is that he sees the cool guys on the 'Entourage' series eating sushi in the restaurants, so it must be ok.
News
What kind of traveller are you? Take this fun quiz to find out.
Check out this laughing workout video, how wild is that? Lol.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Wave to Open
The other day, I noticed these new 'wave to open' door controls in a downtown building. So you wave your hands over the sensor and the doors open, no need to touch anything:
My friend Pete posted this touching video in honour of the Chinese New Year, which is being celebrated this week. I hope you'll watch it. It's about being a good son/daughter and remembering the people who are important.
My friend Pete posted this touching video in honour of the Chinese New Year, which is being celebrated this week. I hope you'll watch it. It's about being a good son/daughter and remembering the people who are important.
Kay recently did a post on Mosquito Romance and it amazed me because she actually captured mosquito sex. You'll have to go over there to see this unbelievable photo!
News
Super Bowl stress can trigger heart attack, study finds
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Creative Tuesdays - Valentine
Happy February!
I started out thinking it would be great to draw some jewellery for Valentine's Day. Before long, I was looking for a heart shape with a bit of a pattern to it, something a bit different and hopefully interesting. I also wanted to use a nice contrasting background colour. This is what I came up with:
For my Creative Tuesdays 'Valentine' entry I decided to draw and cut out a Celtic heart pendant from silver paper. Then I cut 'rose petals' out of pink tissue paper to use as my background. So the effect I'm aiming for is of a Celtic heart pendant lying on a bed of rose petals.
Happy Valentine's day to you all when it comes! Please stop by the other Creative Tuesday contributions to see what everyone else did.
News
We have a big snowstorm pending tonight, 20 - 30 cms. I suppose it's our turn, instead of it all being dumped on the weary New Yorkers.
Snow Storm Coming In Two Waves With Heaviest Accumulations Late Tuesday
I started out thinking it would be great to draw some jewellery for Valentine's Day. Before long, I was looking for a heart shape with a bit of a pattern to it, something a bit different and hopefully interesting. I also wanted to use a nice contrasting background colour. This is what I came up with:
For my Creative Tuesdays 'Valentine' entry I decided to draw and cut out a Celtic heart pendant from silver paper. Then I cut 'rose petals' out of pink tissue paper to use as my background. So the effect I'm aiming for is of a Celtic heart pendant lying on a bed of rose petals.
Happy Valentine's day to you all when it comes! Please stop by the other Creative Tuesday contributions to see what everyone else did.
News
We have a big snowstorm pending tonight, 20 - 30 cms. I suppose it's our turn, instead of it all being dumped on the weary New Yorkers.
Snow Storm Coming In Two Waves With Heaviest Accumulations Late Tuesday
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