Keith put us through our paces for two hours this afternoon - no new dances but brushing up the ones we will be doing at the upcoming Burns' demos. There was a good turnout - 24 of us - and we worked hard with only a short break. We have one more practice next Sunday so we should be well prepared. The demos I am taking part in (4) go from Jan 17 to Feb. 4 so I will be busy for the next few weeks.
It was surprisingly mild today (high of 4C) and I spent an hour this morning scraping a layer of icy snow off the driveway and clearing a path for the water to reach the drain. It was raining slightly which helped but dried up a bit in the afternoon. The temperature is supposed to plummet tonight so I bought some salt in case ice forms on any damp spots. Last year, when we had the ice storm, I was caught without salt and couldn't find it anywhere as there was a high demand for it. This year I'm prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws our way!
Sunday, 4 January 2015
Saturday, 3 January 2015
First Snowfall
Well, we did have some snow in December but this is the first snowfall of the year and it wasn't much. I got my new snowblower fired up but decided there wasn't enough snow to make it worthwhile, especially as the temperature is supposed to rise to 8C tomorrow!
I have been getting a few cleaning tasks out of the way in the last few days; cleaned out a kitchen cupboard yesterday and took all the glasses out of the display cabinet and gave them a polish. Also the shelf was quite dusty so that got a polish too. Today I stripped my bed, right down to the mattress cover and got it all in the wash (had to use the dryer for the bigger items. not suitable weather for hanging things outside) and now it's all back on the bed, nice and fresh.
Still have a lot of food in the house so my grocery shop this morning was quite small. I love when my grocery bill is less than $30! I just needed some fresh fruit and veg and some fish and shrimp as I can't face any more heavy meals. Tonight is leftover lasagne and I still have some meat from the Christmas bird in the freezer. Sometime next week, when I feel like something substantial, I will defrost it and make a chicken pot pie. I bought a fennel bulb as a treat today but will have to "Google" it for a recipe. I think it would make a nice salad.
I have been getting a few cleaning tasks out of the way in the last few days; cleaned out a kitchen cupboard yesterday and took all the glasses out of the display cabinet and gave them a polish. Also the shelf was quite dusty so that got a polish too. Today I stripped my bed, right down to the mattress cover and got it all in the wash (had to use the dryer for the bigger items. not suitable weather for hanging things outside) and now it's all back on the bed, nice and fresh.
Still have a lot of food in the house so my grocery shop this morning was quite small. I love when my grocery bill is less than $30! I just needed some fresh fruit and veg and some fish and shrimp as I can't face any more heavy meals. Tonight is leftover lasagne and I still have some meat from the Christmas bird in the freezer. Sometime next week, when I feel like something substantial, I will defrost it and make a chicken pot pie. I bought a fennel bulb as a treat today but will have to "Google" it for a recipe. I think it would make a nice salad.
Thursday, 1 January 2015
A New Year
Welcome to 2015! It is cold and windy today (-4C) but no snow so haven't needed to use my new snowblower yet. Buying it was kind of like insurance - guaranteed to not be needed but there if and when required. Chances are that now that I have it sitting ready to go in the garage, we will have a snow free winter!
I didn't stay up until midnight last night, headed for bed around 11:00 but was still awake and reading when the year changed. Today we were all at Steve and Alison's for brunch, some looking a little less chirpy than others but all happy to be together to toast the New Year with orange juice. If I had been thinking ahead I would have brought a bottle of bubbly to add to the orange juice (I think they're called blinis) for a proper toast. We had blueberry pancakes, bacon, a bread and ham casserole and loads of maple syrup. Coffee followed for the adults while the kids bedevilled the cats. Lucy was in fine form, chasing her toys whenever anyone would acquiesce to throw them for her. Natalie especially enjoyed interacting with the animals and was rewarded with close encounters with at least one of the cats.
Now I am contemplating a light supper - probably a salad of some sort. I have finally used (or turfed) all the leftovers except for a slice of plum pudding, but it lasts forever anyway. I had a long nap when I got home this afternoon so should be able to stay up long enough for the standard New Year's Day TV fare.
I didn't stay up until midnight last night, headed for bed around 11:00 but was still awake and reading when the year changed. Today we were all at Steve and Alison's for brunch, some looking a little less chirpy than others but all happy to be together to toast the New Year with orange juice. If I had been thinking ahead I would have brought a bottle of bubbly to add to the orange juice (I think they're called blinis) for a proper toast. We had blueberry pancakes, bacon, a bread and ham casserole and loads of maple syrup. Coffee followed for the adults while the kids bedevilled the cats. Lucy was in fine form, chasing her toys whenever anyone would acquiesce to throw them for her. Natalie especially enjoyed interacting with the animals and was rewarded with close encounters with at least one of the cats.
Now I am contemplating a light supper - probably a salad of some sort. I have finally used (or turfed) all the leftovers except for a slice of plum pudding, but it lasts forever anyway. I had a long nap when I got home this afternoon so should be able to stay up long enough for the standard New Year's Day TV fare.
Monday, 29 December 2014
Colder
A lovely lunch at Judy and Dave's today - Yvonne was there, delivering Christmas presents so I got invited too. Lucky me! We had butternut squash soup with wholegrain baguette slices, Pork Wellington, asparagus, green salad and potato salad, and a delicious crème brulee for dessert! And, of course, a glass of wine (just one as I still had to drive home). I am still stuffed so will only need a light supper later tonight. After lunch we played a trivia game but soon my head was nodding so I thought I'd better get home.
The temperature is back to more seasonal levels, -1C was today's high. I saw a few snowflakes but nothing has accumulated so far. Dave has started a backyard rink at their house but it really hasn't been cold enough yet. He should be able to get things going over the next few days.
After a short nap I spent the rest of the afternoon getting caught up with the weekend newspapers. Now I am about to get my fix of bridge with an online game; last night I was beaten badly by the computer but most nights I come out on top. Can't wait to get back to playing with real people! Some good shows on TV tonight so I should manage to stay awake until a reasonable time.
The temperature is back to more seasonal levels, -1C was today's high. I saw a few snowflakes but nothing has accumulated so far. Dave has started a backyard rink at their house but it really hasn't been cold enough yet. He should be able to get things going over the next few days.
After a short nap I spent the rest of the afternoon getting caught up with the weekend newspapers. Now I am about to get my fix of bridge with an online game; last night I was beaten badly by the computer but most nights I come out on top. Can't wait to get back to playing with real people! Some good shows on TV tonight so I should manage to stay awake until a reasonable time.
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