It is Robbie Burns birthday today and last night I attended a Burns Supper at Westview Church. No dram to toast the bard but I indulged when I got home.
It was an extremely cold, blustery night and a few faces were missing but on the whole a good turnout. The evening began with the haggis being piped in, followed by "The Address to the Haggis" "Fair fa' your honest, soncy face,
Great chieftain o' the puddin' race. (etc.)
Next was the "Toast to the Haggis" (apple juice I believe, although it should be whisky). Then the great pudding was returned to the kitchen to be prepared for serving.
The minister led us in the "Selkirk Grace"
"Some hae' meat but canna eat and some wad eat that want it.
But we hae' meat and we can eat and sae the Lord be thankit."
The meal followed - roast beef (I brought my own horseradish), haggis, 'neeps and tatties (mashed turnips and potatoes) and peas and gravy. Very satisfying, plus we were invited to fill our plates a second time which many of us did. An apple turnover and shortbread with tea or coffee completed the meal.
While we digested all that food we were entertained by more pipe music and Highland Dancers. Then it was our turn to strut our stuff - The Gay Gordons, Dashing White Sergeant, and St. Bernard's Waltz. After the big meal, this was just too much for me so I headed home. The snow and wind were becoming worse so I was glad to have left early.
Today the weather was more of the same but not quite as cold. It actually got up to a balmy -6C by this afternoon! Just my usual Saturday chores, laundry, shopping, errands, but I had to be home by 11:00 a.m. as a bloke was coming to measure my basement floor for a new installation. I also shovelled the driveway but that was fairly light as most of the snow seemed to have been blown away. Now time to light the fire and settle down to a night of TV!
Here is James on top of a snowbank today. We didn't stay outside very long as the temperature was -21C. But at least the sun was shining even though it wasn't providing any warmth. Notice the ski hill tags on his jacket. He is learning to ski on the beginner hill on Sundays while the other two kids are in lessons.
We had a fun morning. First we frosted and decorated some cupcakes to take to "Sing, Play, Learn". Then we set off (thankfully the car started) and enjoyed the songs and craft with the group. Barb brought James up to the piano so the children could sing "Happy Birthday" to him. He was quite delighted to be the centre of attention. At snack time he took around the cupcakes which everyone seemed to enjoy (only three were left which went home with him for after dinner tonight). We had a late lunch and, truth to tell, neither of us was very hungry after all the treats, although James ate a whole apple. Then a nap for both of us.
I am enjoying a glass of my Christmas sherry tonight - can't believe it has lasted this long - with a bowl of avocado and salsa dip. Dinner tonight is whatever is leftover in the fridge, probably brussell sprouts, sweet potato and some salmon in Thai sauce.
No dancing at Petronella tonight as most of the group are out doing Robbie Burns events at different locations around the GTA. I am quite glad not to have to venture out tonight as the temperature drops. Eugenie Bouchard is playing in the semi-final of the Australian Open tonight so I will be happy to stay home and watch that.
James was four yesterday and Judy had us over for dinner and cake - chocolate, of course, James' favourite. I managed to persuade James that some of his presents from Christmas and his birthday could come to Grandma's house. He has outgrown most of the toys I have here for him.
Before heading out to Markham I joined some of my Petronella friends at a nursing home where we entertained the residents with a Robbie Burns celebration. There was the "Address to a Haggis", recitations, Highland and Scottish dancing and a piper. After the residents sampled the haggis, we got to carve up the leftovers and make off with our tasty treats. It will be the first of several samples over the next two weeks.
A much colder day today with the temperature dropping from -8C this morning to -11C, even with some sun this afternoon. The wind is bitterly cold and I came in from clearing snow off my driveway with a runny nose and watering eyes. Fortunately the very act of shovelling kept my extremities warm enough and I was well bundled up. It's going to be another cold week!
More snow overnight (only a couple of centimetres) and although it was a sunny day, the temperature barely reached zero.
Usual Saturday chores, laundry, grocery shopping and a quick trip to find a birthday present for James. He will be four tomorrow and there's a family party at his house. I have his present ready, something I'm pretty sure he will like and a couple of small gifts for the other two so they don't feel left out. There will be lots of good food ( I think Judy mentioned Lasagna, one of my favourite dishes) and lots of cake - probably chocolate, James' favourite. Also, aunt and uncle and the other grandma. I must try to get some decent photos.
An easy dinner tonight - chicken legs in a Thai Curry sauce which I bought recently and is a bit spicy. I'll add mushrooms and peas and on the side a new vegetable for me, celeriac, which I will mash with onion and garlic. But first, crackers and nippy cheddar with some smoked mackerel, washed down with some wine. Not too much or I won't be fit to cook the meal!
