weather, sharing and comedy

1 A quick trip to Comox and Courtenay means we encounter sun, rain and snow within a one hour period of time.
2 The ice cream cone is amazingly delicious. There is something about sharing a cone with someone that makes it taste even better.
3 Monty Python .... need I say more!

goodbye, sun and chair

1 We said goodbye to a coworker yesterday. She's found greener pastures and is counting down the minutes. I think she really enjoyed the fruit and dips, lovely flowers and card but mostly that we really wish her good things.

2 The sun tries its hardest to come out but the rain clouds are fighting a good fight today. Either way the day goes on and we can always use more water on the island.


3 Finding a bumbo chair for Kes. He can hang out with them now without flopping over!

taxes, tutor and chicken

1 Taxes are done for this year. It's never a fun experience but our accountant is a lovely lady whom makes it easier to swallow.


2 Another discussion with the tutor and a new direction for studying. She thinks I'm over analyzing it all. I suspect she can't be bothered with me, but I'm not giving up and will continue to try to make this work for me.


3 Costco makes the most moist chickens. Great for a night like tonight when dinner doesn't happen til 9pm.

history, frogs and storms

1 He's reading history of something or other and I get an audio summary.

2 The frogs are singing on the highest volume. They aren't that close but they are loud enough for me to know they're big in numbers.


3 Wind storms on the island. Tonight the forecast is for winds up to 80 km/hr. I love the sound of winds and rain and frogs as I head to sleep under my down quilts.

quietly, raking and a should do

1 Doing homework in bed where it's quiet.


2 The yard is almost cleaned up now, but he has no idea that I have more raking to do! Still, it's nice for now.


3 She's staying another week so we'll head down south again this weekend. Must plan a better studying schedule....really I must!

the Beatles, dirt and heat

1 After a very long day he indulges me with some Beatles. We start our set with "Here Comes the Sun" followed by "Oh Darlin" And best ever...he sings along!


2 He tells me tomorrow he's getting a trailer full of composted soil for our new greenhouse. It's coming closer and closer to completion and almost time for planting. So exciting.


3 Heat pads for warming sore tired hands. 


4. Silent Sunday: a photo sent to me via an iphone from Hangzhou China. Our youngest son.

silent sunday

trip, my friend and food

1 A trip south island means we can spend time with our family and friends today. 


2 She smiles a lot and we have some laughs and hugs. Already I'm missing her.


3 Wow what a meal! Quesadillas and monkey fries for lunch! 

flavourful, bow wow and comfortable

1 Butternut squash soup that's extra special! The proprietor tells me its made with squash, onion and chicken stock. The special is the addition of grilled pears. She cuts them into bits, covers them with some sugar and rosemary and broils them! Then adds to the soup. What an amazing flavour! I'm so very pleased to have two pear trees!


2 Studying is successful today. I manage to get through a new bit even though I am dog tired. woof


3 It's always a good feeling to slip out of work clothes and into the 'comfies'. 

rain, person and early to bed

1 It seems like when it's my lunch hour the weather turns to rain. I love rain so will keep walking in the rain. 


2 She calls because I'm her 'person'. I'm honored and grateful that she trusts me that much. It works both ways.


3 It's a quiet night. I'm in bed very early and need the sleep. This weekend is for sleeping in at least one morning.

summer, indulgence and thankful

1 Despite the wind, the sun warms my face and I yearn for summer.

2 We indulge our sweet tooth today and have cookies at work that taste like granola mixed with meringue... odd combo but delicious!

3 I'm grateful that I've made choices in my life that have spared me from addiction. What a difficult road those souls must travel. To have been spared is to be thankful.

stand up, on my knees and hopeful and happy birthday!

1 I arrive home full of good news. My bosses actually heard me and I'm feeling like the work I am a doing for the committee is finally what was agreed to. I stood my ground.

2 I'm thinking and praying for her and her family. Blessings and love to them all~

3 My brother is spending time 3 days passes on his own. The nursing staff tell me they are working towards a permanent discharge if he is successful. More prayers for him.

4 Happy birthday grandbaby girl! Hoping she is having a wonderful second birthday!  Much love from Mima xo

visit, yum and fun times

1 A visit from my husbands' brother and his wife. We left them to the hot tub on their own because they'd forgotten their suits and were dying to try it out. They were toasty and relaxed when we arrived home from work and errands.

2 His dinner is excellent. He's always said he doesn't like BBQ but he is awesome at the task. His creation was lamb and pork loin. Excellent.

3 A little more of the honey mead and we're all laughing and ready for shenanigans!

silent sunday

neighbours, must do and cuppa

1 We met some neighbors on our walk yesterday and they stopped by today for a hello. Tomorrow we'll go to their place for an afternoon visit. Nice to be feeling a bit more a part of the community.

2 The study plan was partially successful but the gardening was very successful. I think tomorrow finishing the assignment will have to be the priority.


3 A late afternoon cup of irish cream coffee extra sweet is the answer to my sweet tooth.

hamburger, brave and nothing

1 Sometimes we just want what we want when it comes to food. It was a hamburger that had all the fixins and flavours that I could ask for.


2 We enjoy the little ones at work. They are the kindergarten kids who've come for their immunizations. They are so much braver than the after school kids who are much older and much more afraid. No screamers, fainters or pukers in the bunch!


3 A shelf with nothing on it.

diet, lotion and assignment

1 It's come to my attention that my pants are shrinking...oh wait that's happened before and it wasn't my clothes! Okay already, I'll walk more and eat less. Sugar and flour are not my friends!


2 The hand lotion is soothing and smells like lavender and sweet flowers.


3 The outline is completed but I really need to work on the content and references. I'm hoping it's finished this Sunday. Cross your fingers please!

shake, soak and share

1 I shake my head sometimes at the words I'm hearing not knowing whether I should speak or hold my tongue. Tonight I am wise and zip it.


2 A soak tonight in the blustery wind means I can stay in longer. Plus I get to chat with my best friend while I melt away the stress from the day.


3 I shared my lunch today. 

not mine, just kidding and it needs a prescription

1 Youth clinic is done and it was a good learning curve. I'm happy to learn it but happier that I don't have it as a work assignment. 


2 We agree it's time to lower our work expectations. Everyone works hard and so it's a bit of tomfoolery.


3 My laptop is ill and my own personal computer doctor is diagnosing it! 

dreamy, my brother and barley

1 A trip to the hot tub and an early night. I need sleep.


2 A phone call with  my brother is encouraging. He's been going on home visits almost daily and is making excellent progress. I'm so pleased he is sounding happy. I'm looking forward to seeing him and spending time together.


3 A pot of barley soup that takes on a life of its own. I think I put in way too much barley because every time I would check on it the liquid would be gone. Eventually I surrendered and put it into containers in the freezer hoping it would stop the barley from multiplying even more!

heading home, creatures, quick chat and warm

1 We stop to see friends and later have dinner with an aunt so our trip home is longer than expected but worth it.


2 On the side of the road we notice a fox and then a bit further we see a heron. Strange to see those two animals within city limits.


3 A quick chat with the younger son to touch base. He's in sync with us here in Canada because he's got a cold too!


4 I've got a warm fuzzy inside from an overall great weekend despite the colds.

happy birthday, dishwasher and working out

1 It's an early birthday party for our sweet little girl. We have pizza and cupcakes and even though she's not feeling well, like the rest of us, she manages to double fist cupcakes!

2 She loves doing dishes. We learn quickly to turn the water on so it just trickles and we avoid the larger puddles under the chair!



3 Oldest son is working out these days. It's not easy but he's doing it and that's what counts!

little ones, sweetness and well done

1 The little ones are so sweet. She gives us the look, then realizes who we are, runs up close, stops again to inspect us. Slowly she gives Pa a hug and then when it's my turn she hangs on and doesn't let go.

2 Our newest grandson is so sweet. He coos and gurgles and is so happy.


3 He does well at work and lands in a big policy.

traveling, quiet and cold

1 Traveling to the interior to see the kids and kidlets. Roads are bare, it's sunny and no vehicle issues.

2 It's the kind of quiet that means we don't have to talk to be connected.

3 He's got the cold now but still drives and manages to get us there safely.

soup, well enough but not quiet well enough and prepping

1 There is a slight easing of the head cold and I'm able to eat more than just chicken noodle soup.


2 I'm well enough to go to work but when I call they say, 'please don't come in, you still sound too sick'. So it's a personal day today.


3 Studying and making flash cards. I'm prepping for my assignment. 

upright, helpful and le bistro

1 Day three of the cold. I'm vertical and awake.


2 She tells me some truths about studying, the course I'm taking and why it's so difficult. She encourages me not to give up with promises to help me sort through some of it.  <3

3 She's had a weight problem or rather an eating disorder in the past. The new food dispenser on timer  says right on the box that will help with pet obesity. It really should do the trick. Ya think?  

ugh, steamy and winds

1 I'm battling a cold ugh! I'm grateful for my cup of green tea that soothes my throat and heats me.

2 And speaking of colds, the Mr suggested multiple trips to our hot tub to let the heat and steam flush out the cold germs. His prescription says "repeat as needed."

3 Island winds rush the treetops in waves seemingly from every direction. The shadowy tree branches sway exposing the almost full moon, changing the lighting every so slightly.

Quinoa, Black Bean & Citrus Salad

For Leonora 

Quinoa, Black Bean & Citrus Salad

for the salad:
1 15 oz. can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 red onion, minced
2 grapefruits, divided into segments and chopped
2 ears of corn
1 red pepper, diced
1/2 c. quinoa
1 large avocado
1 bunch of cilantro, chopped

for the dressing:
juice of 2 limes
1 tsp cumin
1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Bring quinoa to a boil with 1 1/4 c. of water. Then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is light and fluffy. Remove from stove and let cool while prepping the rest of the ingredients. Stir together black beans, red onion, grapefruits, red pepper, avocado and cilantro. For the dressing, wisk together the lime juice, cumin, and olive oil. Add quinoa to the salad and then pour dressing on top before serving.

Silent Sunday

study, seedy sunday and obsession

1 He helps me study this afternoon. My head is full of all sorts of definitions. More study is needed but at least I have a good idea of where I'm at.


2 Tomorrow we'll study then head to Seedy Sunday to pick out some goodies for our greenhouse and gardens. 


3 ob·ses·sion/əbˈseSHən/

Noun:

The state of being obsessed with someone or something. An idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person's mind

, 

silent sunday, decadence and relaxin'

1 It's March 2012 and time to start something new. So on Sunday's I'll be doing Silent Sundays. I'll be posting a photo that I've taken. No words from me, just a picture for you to decipher. Time to dust off the camera.


2 A bowl of ice cream with Bailey's drizzled on it while sitting in the hot tub sounds a bit decadent. I guess I'd better do it then.


3 The cat finds a new spot on his desk. She is on top of his pile of papers, stretched out so her paw hangs over the side. 

language, gone and sister of mine

1  We laugh about the language we see on the internet. I tell him we must be older because there is no way I'd ever talk like that. 'I'm so stoked about the new greenhouse," I say and he replies, 'woot, woot.' We laughed so hard. It was awesome.


2 My headache is gone and my brain is a bit bruised. But my headache is gone.


3 It's fun to catch up with my sister. I miss her a lot. We were so close when we were young that sometimes it's hard being so far away now.