Well it happened. The first snowfall of the season. I must admit I had a grumpy day yesterday. I got a few chuckles when I showed up at work all bundled up. Now they know about the my past relationship with the cold and wondered why I moved out here. Yesterday I didn't feel like I had a good answer.
Today however is Charming's birthday! It is a little sad that we won't have the opportunity to celebrate because first he has work then I have work and then we both have choir. He is feeling a little old and decrepit but I am determined to make him feel young again or at least young at heart. The task may be harder than I think. Sometimes I wonder if he was ever a child at all. He never even had a play fight till he met me! That may be a bad example but I feel it is true nonetheless.
With the bad weather my table has been put aside since we, or rather Charming, is working in the garage which isn't fully insulated yet. Hopefully on Saturday it warms up a bit so I get a surprise when I come home from work.
But for now I have to be off. Nothing like keeping busy to get my mind off of cold things.
Thursday, 11 October 2012
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
Day 6: Prince Charming
Let me introduce Prince Charming!
I have to laugh though when I think of him as Prince Charming because the only Disney movie we resemble (with snow scenes) is Beauty and the Beast ... Two guesses as to who is who.
He may not have arrived on horseback and clad in shiny armour but he still swept me off my feet. I can't even begin to tell you just how AMAZING he is but of course I will try anyway.
He lets me wake him up when he is snoring so I have a chance to fall asleep before he starts to snore again. He makes dinner almost as often as I do but I fear that is partially because he thinks that if I make the chicken it will be pink and he will die of food poisoning. He will do just about anything to make me happy which may even include being subjected to much tickling if the occasion requires it! He is slowly becoming quite the handyman as I come up with more and more projects for him to accomplish in this new house.
He is smart and sweet and horribly un-romantic but I partially blame that one on his father for his lack of being a role model. I haven't seen or heard of him giving his wife flowers in all the 3 and a half years I have know Charming. This is his biggest downfall but there has been vast improvement over the last few years! Today was a gloomy day so he made us some tea and we snuggled up to watch some TV together. It may not sound that romantic but for us it is pretty sweet and nothing says home more than being with the one you love!
I have to laugh though when I think of him as Prince Charming because the only Disney movie we resemble (with snow scenes) is Beauty and the Beast ... Two guesses as to who is who.
He may not have arrived on horseback and clad in shiny armour but he still swept me off my feet. I can't even begin to tell you just how AMAZING he is but of course I will try anyway.
He lets me wake him up when he is snoring so I have a chance to fall asleep before he starts to snore again. He makes dinner almost as often as I do but I fear that is partially because he thinks that if I make the chicken it will be pink and he will die of food poisoning. He will do just about anything to make me happy which may even include being subjected to much tickling if the occasion requires it! He is slowly becoming quite the handyman as I come up with more and more projects for him to accomplish in this new house.
He is smart and sweet and horribly un-romantic but I partially blame that one on his father for his lack of being a role model. I haven't seen or heard of him giving his wife flowers in all the 3 and a half years I have know Charming. This is his biggest downfall but there has been vast improvement over the last few years! Today was a gloomy day so he made us some tea and we snuggled up to watch some TV together. It may not sound that romantic but for us it is pretty sweet and nothing says home more than being with the one you love!
Photos courtesy of Dragonflight Photography.
Monday, 8 October 2012
Day 3,4 & 5: Thanksgiving Weekend
Clearly my resolve to blog every day is not nearly as strong as my desire to spend time with family especially if that time is spent around a table filled with good food.
To tell you the truth this is my first thanksgiving away from my family and I feel so blessed to be so busy! We had not one but TWO dinners, spent lots of time with family and to top it all off my most amazing husband and I celebrated our first anniversary yesterday! Since I missed two days I thought I should give you a quick recap of all the great things I did to keep me away from the computer.
Day 3: A Traditional Thanksgiving
The day started early because I had to work but there were special visitors in town and the in-laws wanted to go out for a meal since the whole family was in town. The only way to make that happen is if we went out for breakfast.
They may never take me out to breakfast again. I couldn't even finish a side of toast. I hear that it is genetic that I don't like to eat breakfast. Mom would always leave peanut buttered toast with one bite eaten out of it on the table and it seems that I have started doing that too. I decided it would be just fine because I was going to be eating lots of food later.
After a quick breakfast I was whisked away to work at a tuxedo rental store which is usually pretty fun. I learned how to use a blind hemmer. It's just a fancy sewing machine that only does a specific stitch that can easily be taken out later if you know the trick. God created men in a lot of different shapes and sizes so there was lots of hemming to do!
After work it was time to go for dinner. Back in BC during this weekend we would spend one night with Mom's side of the family and one night with Dad's family. This year I got to spend one night with Mom's side of the family too. Not exactly the same family as I am used to or the same cook but you can easily taste that they are sisters. The food was delicious and there was plenty of it to go around. The best part was dessert. Chocolate trifle! It is a famous family recipe that Mom didn't inherit considering her lack of skills in the baking area but it sure made me feel ... well full would be the right word but it certainly put a smile on my face anyway! It was a long day but just as good as any traditional family dinner back home used to be!
Day 4: A Not-So-Traditional Thanksgiving
My first clue as to what kind of dinner this was going to be was that my husband said "Dad doesn't like turkey." My first thought was "Well then he is cooking it wrong!" However I can't really fault him for his particular food preferences because I happen to be even worse than him. Instead of turkey we would be having chicken.
My second clue as to what dinner would be like was that the next thing that my husband said was "Dad doesn't like potatoes." I was looking forward to having potatoes more than once in a month finally and here he had gone and taken them away from me! I had to put my foot down at that moment.
What kind of Dutch Thanksgiving is it if there are no potatoes? So I offered to make them myself BUT since no one in the family seems to particularly enjoy potatoes I had to step them up a notch so they would at least try them. I decided the best way to conceal the potatoes was to cover them in something else. Too bad Mom never taught me how to make gravy but my garlic and cheese mashed potatoes worked out just fine. Everyone had some and I now hope that my little brother-in-law's new relationship lasts because his girlfriend took heaping seconds! She is more than welcome to come over so I have another excuse to make potatoes again.
We had dinner by candle light which was nice since it was also our anniversary. Not quite as romantic as I had hoped but that's what we get for getting married on the holiday weekend. It was a special day nonetheless and I hope that it is a good indicator of what's to come in the years ahead.
Day 5: Now What?
Today was a lazy day of relaxation. At least for me it was. It started with being woken up by an alarm that wasn't supposed to be set but still went off at its usual early timing. You can only lie in bed for so long before the ideas of what to do that day make you get up. I wanted to start a few projects around the house while my other half wanted to finish a few that he had already started. My idea included a trip to the thrift store so today I won out.
For the past six months we have been living without a coffee table in our TV room. You wouldn't think that would be so horrible but it does become quite a nuisance if you have lived all your life expecting to have one there. Our makeshift table hasn't been that useful and lately we have gotten tired of it.
So when we saw this beauty for $15 we couldn't pass it up. We shoved it into the back of the car and took it home. A quick stop at the local hardware store and we had everything we needed to give it a facelift. My favourite person in the world spent two and a half hours sanding it down for me! I can't wait to see what it looks like when we are finished with it.
We finished the day off by going out to Moxie's with the family for an early birthday dinner for my handyman. I don't drink very often but when I do I get the sweetest drink on the menu and finish it way too fast and now my legs won't stop bouncing and my sentences don't end! Time to sleep it off with the anticipation of working on my new project tomorrow to make my house feel a little more like home.
To tell you the truth this is my first thanksgiving away from my family and I feel so blessed to be so busy! We had not one but TWO dinners, spent lots of time with family and to top it all off my most amazing husband and I celebrated our first anniversary yesterday! Since I missed two days I thought I should give you a quick recap of all the great things I did to keep me away from the computer.
Day 3: A Traditional Thanksgiving
The day started early because I had to work but there were special visitors in town and the in-laws wanted to go out for a meal since the whole family was in town. The only way to make that happen is if we went out for breakfast.
They may never take me out to breakfast again. I couldn't even finish a side of toast. I hear that it is genetic that I don't like to eat breakfast. Mom would always leave peanut buttered toast with one bite eaten out of it on the table and it seems that I have started doing that too. I decided it would be just fine because I was going to be eating lots of food later.
After a quick breakfast I was whisked away to work at a tuxedo rental store which is usually pretty fun. I learned how to use a blind hemmer. It's just a fancy sewing machine that only does a specific stitch that can easily be taken out later if you know the trick. God created men in a lot of different shapes and sizes so there was lots of hemming to do!
After work it was time to go for dinner. Back in BC during this weekend we would spend one night with Mom's side of the family and one night with Dad's family. This year I got to spend one night with Mom's side of the family too. Not exactly the same family as I am used to or the same cook but you can easily taste that they are sisters. The food was delicious and there was plenty of it to go around. The best part was dessert. Chocolate trifle! It is a famous family recipe that Mom didn't inherit considering her lack of skills in the baking area but it sure made me feel ... well full would be the right word but it certainly put a smile on my face anyway! It was a long day but just as good as any traditional family dinner back home used to be!
Day 4: A Not-So-Traditional Thanksgiving
My first clue as to what kind of dinner this was going to be was that my husband said "Dad doesn't like turkey." My first thought was "Well then he is cooking it wrong!" However I can't really fault him for his particular food preferences because I happen to be even worse than him. Instead of turkey we would be having chicken.
My second clue as to what dinner would be like was that the next thing that my husband said was "Dad doesn't like potatoes." I was looking forward to having potatoes more than once in a month finally and here he had gone and taken them away from me! I had to put my foot down at that moment.
What kind of Dutch Thanksgiving is it if there are no potatoes? So I offered to make them myself BUT since no one in the family seems to particularly enjoy potatoes I had to step them up a notch so they would at least try them. I decided the best way to conceal the potatoes was to cover them in something else. Too bad Mom never taught me how to make gravy but my garlic and cheese mashed potatoes worked out just fine. Everyone had some and I now hope that my little brother-in-law's new relationship lasts because his girlfriend took heaping seconds! She is more than welcome to come over so I have another excuse to make potatoes again.
We had dinner by candle light which was nice since it was also our anniversary. Not quite as romantic as I had hoped but that's what we get for getting married on the holiday weekend. It was a special day nonetheless and I hope that it is a good indicator of what's to come in the years ahead.
Day 5: Now What?
Today was a lazy day of relaxation. At least for me it was. It started with being woken up by an alarm that wasn't supposed to be set but still went off at its usual early timing. You can only lie in bed for so long before the ideas of what to do that day make you get up. I wanted to start a few projects around the house while my other half wanted to finish a few that he had already started. My idea included a trip to the thrift store so today I won out.
For the past six months we have been living without a coffee table in our TV room. You wouldn't think that would be so horrible but it does become quite a nuisance if you have lived all your life expecting to have one there. Our makeshift table hasn't been that useful and lately we have gotten tired of it.
So when we saw this beauty for $15 we couldn't pass it up. We shoved it into the back of the car and took it home. A quick stop at the local hardware store and we had everything we needed to give it a facelift. My favourite person in the world spent two and a half hours sanding it down for me! I can't wait to see what it looks like when we are finished with it.
We finished the day off by going out to Moxie's with the family for an early birthday dinner for my handyman. I don't drink very often but when I do I get the sweetest drink on the menu and finish it way too fast and now my legs won't stop bouncing and my sentences don't end! Time to sleep it off with the anticipation of working on my new project tomorrow to make my house feel a little more like home.
Friday, 5 October 2012
Day 2: Missing Mom
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that those who have moved away from home, must be in want of their mother. Well at least I feel that way. Its the little things that I start to miss like having a second wardrobe to raid if mine is lacking on certain occasions or that the fridge and pantry are always full with name brand products.
The one thing I miss the most about Mom is her cooking. Sadly she didn't exactly pass on any of her recipes partly due to that fact that she never uses them in the first place. So when I miss her cooking I try to cook like her. I searched the world wide web and found a recipe that I thought looked tasty and then did a little improvising with what I had on hand. That's how Mom does it! Don't worry I have tried this recipe already to make sure it actually tastes good because you never know with the internet. The Hubby stamped it with his make this once a week approval.
So here is my Greek Salsa Chicken
First preheat the oven to 450 degrees then start the salsa
In a bowl combine:
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup minced parsley
1 Tbsp oregano
I'm sure mom would go out and buy fresh herbs but my freeze dried ones in the cupboard work just fine.
Now to the bowl add:
1 cup of chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives
4 oz crumbled feta cheese
The original recipe called for halved cherry tomatoes but I never have those so my favourite Sou chef chopped tomatoes for me. I have to watch the olives while he is in the kitchen or they won't make it into the salsa! When the salsa is mixed, chill in the fridge while making the chicken.
Sorry for the sideways picture I can't figure out why the computer is automatically doing this.
The recipe called for 6 halved chicken breasts. I didn't use that many. I don't like leftovers so I try to only make as much as will be eaten that night. Mom never made dessert but we also never had leftovers. I can live with that trade off.
Heat olive oil in frying pan over medium-high heat, season chicken with salt and pepper to taste, sear 1-2 min on both sides, remove from heat.
Then put chicken in an oven safe dish and coat with lemon juice. Roast for 25-30 min. I didn't have two lemons to cut into wedges and place with the chicken so I coated them with the equivalent amount of bottled lemon juice.
This can be paired with many side dishes but a certain somebody shot down my potato idea so today we served it with five minute rice. I have my doubts but he claimed it was because he was too hungry to wait for potatoes. I gave in this time because he cleaned up the kitchen so that I could take pictures without being embarrassed by the mess.
Nothing says good food like good presentation and good wine. Right Mom? Today it makes me feel right at home.
The one thing I miss the most about Mom is her cooking. Sadly she didn't exactly pass on any of her recipes partly due to that fact that she never uses them in the first place. So when I miss her cooking I try to cook like her. I searched the world wide web and found a recipe that I thought looked tasty and then did a little improvising with what I had on hand. That's how Mom does it! Don't worry I have tried this recipe already to make sure it actually tastes good because you never know with the internet. The Hubby stamped it with his make this once a week approval.
So here is my Greek Salsa Chicken
First preheat the oven to 450 degrees then start the salsa
In a bowl combine:
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup minced parsley
1 Tbsp oregano
I'm sure mom would go out and buy fresh herbs but my freeze dried ones in the cupboard work just fine.
Now to the bowl add:
1 cup of chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives
4 oz crumbled feta cheese
The original recipe called for halved cherry tomatoes but I never have those so my favourite Sou chef chopped tomatoes for me. I have to watch the olives while he is in the kitchen or they won't make it into the salsa! When the salsa is mixed, chill in the fridge while making the chicken.
Sorry for the sideways picture I can't figure out why the computer is automatically doing this.
The recipe called for 6 halved chicken breasts. I didn't use that many. I don't like leftovers so I try to only make as much as will be eaten that night. Mom never made dessert but we also never had leftovers. I can live with that trade off.
Heat olive oil in frying pan over medium-high heat, season chicken with salt and pepper to taste, sear 1-2 min on both sides, remove from heat.
Then put chicken in an oven safe dish and coat with lemon juice. Roast for 25-30 min. I didn't have two lemons to cut into wedges and place with the chicken so I coated them with the equivalent amount of bottled lemon juice.
This can be paired with many side dishes but a certain somebody shot down my potato idea so today we served it with five minute rice. I have my doubts but he claimed it was because he was too hungry to wait for potatoes. I gave in this time because he cleaned up the kitchen so that I could take pictures without being embarrassed by the mess.
Nothing says good food like good presentation and good wine. Right Mom? Today it makes me feel right at home.
Thursday, 4 October 2012
28 Days of Loving Where You Live
For the past couple of weeks I have been feeling pretty homesick. I haven't come up with any good ways to remedy that except for making a trip down to BC, but a 12 hour drive is a little impractical.
A few days ago my aunt came over for a visit and told me about her blog and how she is going to spend all October finding the beauty in every day. After she left I was browsing Pinterest and saw a blog series called 31 days of Loving Where You Live. I have been inspired and hope to spend the rest of October looking for the little things in everyday and the big things about this place that make my new home just as amazing as the old one.
Even though I missed the beginning of the month I think 28 Days of Loving Where You Live still has a ring to it. I promise to find a camera to help document the fun or else I fear that a certain someone won't be too inclined to continue reading and she may or may not be the only reason for this blog. (I love you mom)
See you tomorrow!
A few days ago my aunt came over for a visit and told me about her blog and how she is going to spend all October finding the beauty in every day. After she left I was browsing Pinterest and saw a blog series called 31 days of Loving Where You Live. I have been inspired and hope to spend the rest of October looking for the little things in everyday and the big things about this place that make my new home just as amazing as the old one.
Even though I missed the beginning of the month I think 28 Days of Loving Where You Live still has a ring to it. I promise to find a camera to help document the fun or else I fear that a certain someone won't be too inclined to continue reading and she may or may not be the only reason for this blog. (I love you mom)
See you tomorrow!
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