Sunday, January 31, 2016

Feathery Visitors


We have , as I know others, have been having one crazy January.
We've had a few chilly ... well yes cold days. But even the cold days we have had aren't as bad as in past Januarys.
One great big snowfall but then a couple weeks after that it was plus 9 and rained.
I think HB has had the snowblower out about 3 times altho he has shoveled the driveway a few more.

It certainly hasn't stopped the birds from filling up.
I think they enjoy stopping in the yard ---- except for the occasional pass by from a sharp shinned hawk and of course the many cats that wander the backyards






Having a water feature certainly attracts them.
And having the best DAMN suet (see side bar) in the neighbourhood helps too !!!

 
 

This how my girls are spending the winter ...

Friday, January 29, 2016

These Aren't the Droids We were Looking for -----

Last week was date night ----
We took advantage of Reel Deal Tuesday or as we have come to call it
El Cheapo afternoon
It was great --- no big lines and everyone who was there were pretty well behaved.
Of course most of us well past the driving age.
Altho there were a trio of young guys who sat in front of us and one of them had bathed in his cologne.
Maybe there was something happening later ???
Yup we released in our nerdselves and after watching the trailers for the new Star Trek. The new Avengers. The new X-men. I am willing to accept that "YES" I am a nerd ..... because I will watch ALL of them.
Maybe not the theatre but definitely T.V.
And then it happened....

Star Wars


Yes it was predictable.
Yes there was a wee bit overacting.
And yes I enjoyed all of it :-)

After fighting the Dark Force we were hungry so off to a favourite restaurant --- Thi Fusion.
Had a nice glass of Cab Sav and a Bento Box with Teriyaki salmon.



Home in time for a relaxing evening.

Just the kind of date night HB and I can handle..

 

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Menu Planning

Anyone else a menu planner?
It just goes along with my need for lists and planning other aspects of my life.


I like to plan the week's menu and then shop for what I need.
Of course there are times I get to my local store and there are some fabulous specials.
I don't have a lot of freezer space so I have to hold back on a lot of things.
I also make extras when I do lasagna, or chili, or enchiladas, or pot pies,or Bolognese.
I also like to use slow cooker recipes (altho I do not have a slow cooker but convert the recipes to oven slow cooking).
And I love trying out new recipes.
I have seen on other sites planning a MONTHS menu.
I like the idea and may give it a try.

It was certainly great when my girls were home and now that we are retired folk it certainly saves some moola.

Now .. if I could just stay away from the Joe Fresh toddler section of the store I would be "in the pink".

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Weekend Plans

Last week was quite the week for me.
Insomnia reared its ugly head and after 4 nights of not sleeping I am feeling a wee bit be draggled.
This happens occasionally and I know it is part of this time of my life.
So this weekend I am really really trying to avoid looking at the laundry and the dust bunnies ..
I have lots of yarn and needle work to do...

I have been on a Cowl Kick 
Miss D looks awesome in hers   



and I am whipping one up for each of the kiddos in Alberta
This is an awesomely easy pattern
I used super chunky yarn and size 9mm needles
Cast on 16
Row 1 knit
Row 2 K1 P1
Knit these 2 rows for 24 inches (for toddler) or whatever length you desire. Sew ends together.....









There seems to be a plethora of babies being born (not in my family but very good friends kids) and all are appearing in the next few months
Four expected in February !!!!!
So I have put a few other projects on a bit of a hold and beavering away at baby things.
Lots and lots of burp cloths are draped over the sewing machine ready to be sewn up.
Baby socks (store bought) ready to be made into sock baby rattles .... Instructions at a later post..

I have got caught up on a few thank you notes ---




Yes I still write thank you notes and Yes I use a fountain pen


I plan on doing a few posts to schedule..
There are a few recipes that I have been wanting to share.

There is a hockey game this afternoon.
Our team is not doing so well but we still love watching it.


HB is making pizza so no supper thought tonight








Of course Addy always enjoys a knitting day

 
 
Hope you are all having an awesome wekend

Monday, January 11, 2016

Granola Crunchers

Best Granola Recipe (at least in my family :-) )
2 cups oatmeal (large flake not quick cooking)                           
2 Tablespoons canola oil
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup unsalted peanuts
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup craisins
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup other dried fruit



I do mix it up with other dried fruits such as blueberries and strawberries. And other nuts like walnuts or pecans. I have tried maple syrup and brown sugar ... both are yummy too.

Mix all in a big bowl and spread on large cookie sheet.
Bake in 350 oven ten to fifteen minutes. Turning over every five minutes.


We eat it with yogourt and fresh fruit for breakfast and it also makes a great add in for muffins.....

Monday, January 4, 2016

Hi there 2016

Well hello there 2016!!
Time to make some resolutions , plans, promises, strides to be a better person, have a cup of tea.
Today we are in somewhat of a deep freeze minus 20 C ( minus 4  F)
Thank goodness it is warming up the rest of the week and by hump day it is 0 C ( 32 F)
This afternoon I am having coffee with dear Deb who as I'm sure most of you know cuz we tend to follow the same blogs lost her sweet Sierra New Years Eve


Being in a small town I can walk to a local coffee shop.
Its a new shop called The Owl Café and it is in support of our autism community.
It will still be quite chilly so bundling up is in order --- as Canadians we know how to do this well...

It was a quiet NYE here @ 44



Made a leg of Lamb covered in fresh rosemary from my own plant and minced garlic
Roasted potatoes
Butternut Squash
Green Beans
With HB's quite fabulous Boule





Lemon curd tarts to end it all.





 

 
A wee putting contest on HB's new putting mat and a rousing game of Scrabble.



















We did make it to almost 2 !!!
Thank you Miss D for sleeping til almost 8 the next morning.