I notice all the stores are encouraging us to use their 'self checkout' lines. In fact, they seem to have more of those, and just one or two actual cashier lines. I miss them, as I'm lazy and would rather not have to think about the paying process. Even in some restaurants, they bring you a machine to enter your own payment information. It's not that I can't do it, I'm just not mechanically inclined and tend to avoid anything automated in general. I'm ok with computers and bank machines! Oh, and I do pay at the pump for my gas. I've put air in my own car tires, but I think because I don't do it often enough, I find the process a bit awkward. I wonder if there are a lot of people like me or do people actually prefer self-serve?
I seem to be spending the day watering the grass. It'll probably rain tomorrow (or later today)! It does take a long time moving the hose around if you don't have a sprinker system. I like to use a sprinkler hose as I think I can better control the coverage. I just took K to the orthodontist for an emergency 'power elastic' repair. The doctor was pleased to hear we have an appointment for wisdom tooth surgery.
We're having barbecued Italian sausages on buns for tonight's supper. We were supposed to have those on Sunday night, but we ended up eating out at a new Chinese restaurant we found.
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Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
A Hike
I went for a long walk with a friend this morning, so three hours later, I'm now exhausted on a hot day. She seems to do this a lot, so I'm guessing she's a lot fitter than I am. We took this 'shortcut' which involved climbing up a 2 foot (or higher) embankment and jumping down it on the way back. Well, we stopped into a few stores, running a few errands, so that took some of the time. The Costco photoshop is now doing these photobooks and one of the employees had a personal sample on display. He even showed us how easy it is to produce, using the 'layout' section of their online software. These personalized photobooks look like a mini magazine and would make great gifts (baby, wedding, vacation photobooks).
I got some new duvet covers at Ikea yesterday, so today seemed like a good time to wash some of the bedsheets. The kids and I are going over to see my mom and the cousins for a few hours. Gosh, I'm so tired.
I had to re-post an item on Craigslist, the previous posting expired and I think I just have to be patient. I've had a couple of fruitless inquiries thus far.
I got some new duvet covers at Ikea yesterday, so today seemed like a good time to wash some of the bedsheets. The kids and I are going over to see my mom and the cousins for a few hours. Gosh, I'm so tired.
I had to re-post an item on Craigslist, the previous posting expired and I think I just have to be patient. I've had a couple of fruitless inquiries thus far.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Unwinding in the Summer
The kids plan to go see the new Harry Potter movie with some friends later today. Maybe I'll finally get to go to the Ikea store.
We decided to supervise L's driving (to attend a birthday party) last night, but M let her drive home on the highway and it further boosted her confidence. In the past couple of years, the birthday parties have included both boys and girls.
K still loves the Disney movie 'Oliver and Company'. I pursuaded him to watch the original 'Oliver' (Twist) movie (1968) last night and we loved it. It brought back many memories for me, because I remembered seeing it as a child. The 'Dodger' character Jack Wild passed away in 2002 at about 50 years old. The 'Fagin' character Ron Moody is still alive at about 85 years old.
L just finished her tennis tournament, it was amusing to see her warming up in the back yard this morning before she headed out. She seems to be in such good spirits these days, lots of singing going on in the house. Everyone needs the summer to just unwind.
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We decided to supervise L's driving (to attend a birthday party) last night, but M let her drive home on the highway and it further boosted her confidence. In the past couple of years, the birthday parties have included both boys and girls.
K still loves the Disney movie 'Oliver and Company'. I pursuaded him to watch the original 'Oliver' (Twist) movie (1968) last night and we loved it. It brought back many memories for me, because I remembered seeing it as a child. The 'Dodger' character Jack Wild passed away in 2002 at about 50 years old. The 'Fagin' character Ron Moody is still alive at about 85 years old.
L just finished her tennis tournament, it was amusing to see her warming up in the back yard this morning before she headed out. She seems to be in such good spirits these days, lots of singing going on in the house. Everyone needs the summer to just unwind.
News
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Future Plans
K got a much-needed haircut after about 3 months today. He participated in his first tennis tournament and enjoyed it. He didn't win his singles match, but gave it a good fight and he says they won the doubles match. He did notice that his hair wasn't in his face most of the time like it normally is.
L is off to a birthday dinner party this evening and we're debating whether she should drive herself to the event. My friend's daughter has had her licence for a few months now, and is now driving all over town by herself.
M and I went to the hardware store looking for a new rubber hose and hose reel. The thing is, they had a 'spin the wheel and save' event, so he got 20% off his first purchase which was a pack of nails. Then we went back to purchase the rest of the stuff and he only spun 10%. That's the luck of the draw! I wanted to go to Ikea after, but we ran into some family friends and they invited us over to their house nearby for a quick drink. Their kids have left the nest, and the couple still both work full time. They are handy and renovate their house in their spare time.
The visit made me think that we should try to plan for where we want to be living, what we want to be doing, at that stage of life. (Say, less than 10 years from now!) The lady's sister lost her husband earlier this year to a sudden heart attack. He was in his late fifties. She said her sister is quite depressed although she's always been quite an independent person. She goes off to her job during the day, but it's when she gets home that the loneliness starts. We take so much for granted, but I don't think there's any way to plan for events like this. I have trouble even if I have to plan a vacation for next year, it seems so far away.
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L is off to a birthday dinner party this evening and we're debating whether she should drive herself to the event. My friend's daughter has had her licence for a few months now, and is now driving all over town by herself.
M and I went to the hardware store looking for a new rubber hose and hose reel. The thing is, they had a 'spin the wheel and save' event, so he got 20% off his first purchase which was a pack of nails. Then we went back to purchase the rest of the stuff and he only spun 10%. That's the luck of the draw! I wanted to go to Ikea after, but we ran into some family friends and they invited us over to their house nearby for a quick drink. Their kids have left the nest, and the couple still both work full time. They are handy and renovate their house in their spare time.
The visit made me think that we should try to plan for where we want to be living, what we want to be doing, at that stage of life. (Say, less than 10 years from now!) The lady's sister lost her husband earlier this year to a sudden heart attack. He was in his late fifties. She said her sister is quite depressed although she's always been quite an independent person. She goes off to her job during the day, but it's when she gets home that the loneliness starts. We take so much for granted, but I don't think there's any way to plan for events like this. I have trouble even if I have to plan a vacation for next year, it seems so far away.
News
binge-proof your diet: 6 Foods that keep you full and satisfied
When meat meets sweet
Friday, July 17, 2009
Jamaican Jerk Sauce
Here is a recipe for what seems to be an authentic Jerk Sauce, as requested by Japra:
1 lb Scotch bonnet peppers
1 small onion, chopped
3 stalks escallion, chopped
3 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
3 tbsp salt
2 tbsp black pepper
2 tbsp whole pimento (allspice)berries
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tsp nutmeg, freshly grated
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
In a food processor, or blender, puree all ingredients until the sauce is coarse,
yet pourable
Makes about 4 to 5 cups. Handle scotch bonnet peppers with care as they are very hot. Wear rubber gloves when seeding or chopping them. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. (I would adjust these to taste). I heard that the freshest ingredients guarantee the best sauce.
Pottinger, L (2002) The Real Jerk. Vancouver, BC: Arsenal Pulp Press
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1 lb Scotch bonnet peppers
1 small onion, chopped
3 stalks escallion, chopped
3 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
3 tbsp salt
2 tbsp black pepper
2 tbsp whole pimento (allspice)berries
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tsp nutmeg, freshly grated
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
In a food processor, or blender, puree all ingredients until the sauce is coarse,
yet pourable
Makes about 4 to 5 cups. Handle scotch bonnet peppers with care as they are very hot. Wear rubber gloves when seeding or chopping them. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. (I would adjust these to taste). I heard that the freshest ingredients guarantee the best sauce.
Pottinger, L (2002) The Real Jerk. Vancouver, BC: Arsenal Pulp Press
News
Vaccine may teach body to fight off lung cancer
Home, Car Owners Could See Insurance Rates Skyrocket
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Cascading baskets
News
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Well, it was time to get my hair cut and coloured today. I asked my hairdresser to do 'light brown' and we loved this shade, so it's a keeper. I started out with 'dark brown', then 'medium brown', so it has been a 12 week evolution.
Everyone seems to be loving the new Harry Potter movie, especially if you are a Harry Potter fan. One of my sisters told me that her 15 year old daughter has read the first 5 books to her 7 year old brother and once they finish the current one, they will take him to see the movie.
It was hot this afternoon, but I admired the flowers on my walk. Some people have lovely arrangements cascading out of their baskets. I finally started watering the grass.
How old is too old to become a mother?
Can your sneakers keep you in shape?
The Lazy Way to Save on Groceries
Blood therapy may be drug-free answer to chronic pain
Well, it was time to get my hair cut and coloured today. I asked my hairdresser to do 'light brown' and we loved this shade, so it's a keeper. I started out with 'dark brown', then 'medium brown', so it has been a 12 week evolution.
Everyone seems to be loving the new Harry Potter movie, especially if you are a Harry Potter fan. One of my sisters told me that her 15 year old daughter has read the first 5 books to her 7 year old brother and once they finish the current one, they will take him to see the movie.
It was hot this afternoon, but I admired the flowers on my walk. Some people have lovely arrangements cascading out of their baskets. I finally started watering the grass.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Suicide Clinic
The gym was crowded this morning, almost off-putting. But the main thing is that I did my exercise class. I was guarding my step and just turned away for a second, only to find another lady about to take it over. Huh! Maddening.
In the afternoon, I baked some chicken breasts (boned, skins on) in some Jamaican jerk sauce. I made a fresh salad, some roasted broccoli, some baba ghanoush eggplant dip, and some rice. Then I peeled a couple of cantaloupes that my mom told me were sweet and in season. She was right. I also peeled some strips of sweet red peppers, mostly for myself as I think it's just me that likes them. Whew! that took at least 2 hours.
K tells me the new Harry Potter movie is opening today.
Here is some interesting news:
He was 85, she was 74. After 54 years of marriage, they decided to end their own lives at a suicide clinic in Zurich. He was almost blind, losing his hearing while she had been given weeks to live, stricken with terminal cancer. ''
In the afternoon, I baked some chicken breasts (boned, skins on) in some Jamaican jerk sauce. I made a fresh salad, some roasted broccoli, some baba ghanoush eggplant dip, and some rice. Then I peeled a couple of cantaloupes that my mom told me were sweet and in season. She was right. I also peeled some strips of sweet red peppers, mostly for myself as I think it's just me that likes them. Whew! that took at least 2 hours.
K tells me the new Harry Potter movie is opening today.
Here is some interesting news:
He was 85, she was 74. After 54 years of marriage, they decided to end their own lives at a suicide clinic in Zurich. He was almost blind, losing his hearing while she had been given weeks to live, stricken with terminal cancer. ''
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