I attended a wonderful Robbie Burns lunch today at a church hall. The food was good and very plentiful (second helpings of everything ,of which I took full advantage) , the haggis was very tasty and, best of all, it was a free meal as we were part of the entertainment!
The haggis was piped in and a kilted member of the church gave the "Address to the Haggis". After the meal there was "Toasting the Lassies and Laddies", some Burns' songs and poems, a comedian and, finally the Scottish Country dancers (us). We did a couple of reels and a strathspey, then we had the audience up for a couple of ceilidh dances. A couple more dances and a sing-a-long of well known Scottish songs and the entertainment was over. Quite an entertaining afternoon.
I am still stuffed from lunch so will just have soup and a sandwich later this evening, then an early night after a bit of TV.
A diary of my life in retirement - food, books, gardening, travel, grandkids, and other pastimes that fill my days.
Saturday, 17 January 2015
Friday, 16 January 2015
Fun With the Grandkids
It was a lovely sunny day but - boy, was the wind cold. The temperature stayed around -5C all day so it was another indoor day. The grandkids were here for the day and we did manage out to the park for half-an-hour this afternoon but were pretty chilled when we got home. Time for hot chocolate and marshmallows!
It's always fun around here when they come for a visit. They often have me in stitches with their funny ideas and quirky comments, James especially. We had a trip to the library in the morning then played games, did puzzles and finally, got out the scrap paper, stamps, glue and glitter for some craft time. They also each had some computer time and Elliot had brought a kit to put together. He spent quite a bit of time on that and they did watch a video just after lunch while I cleaned up the kitchen. It was a bit of a disaster zone as Elliot and James decided to make a yogurt smoothie just as I was making sandwiches and devilled eggs (their favourite treat at my house).
Mind you, as soon as they left, I headed upstairs for a nap. Now I am all bright -eyed and bushy tailed, ready for an evening of dancing at Fallingbrook. Hope there's a good turnout tonight.
It's always fun around here when they come for a visit. They often have me in stitches with their funny ideas and quirky comments, James especially. We had a trip to the library in the morning then played games, did puzzles and finally, got out the scrap paper, stamps, glue and glitter for some craft time. They also each had some computer time and Elliot had brought a kit to put together. He spent quite a bit of time on that and they did watch a video just after lunch while I cleaned up the kitchen. It was a bit of a disaster zone as Elliot and James decided to make a yogurt smoothie just as I was making sandwiches and devilled eggs (their favourite treat at my house).
Mind you, as soon as they left, I headed upstairs for a nap. Now I am all bright -eyed and bushy tailed, ready for an evening of dancing at Fallingbrook. Hope there's a good turnout tonight.
Thursday, 15 January 2015
Probus Club
I had my second visit to the local Probus Club meeting this morning. Although I have to wait until next Fall to join, I can visit three times for free. This was my second visit, very enjoyable with a speaker from the ROM. Also, I ran into an old Bridge friend there, Gloria, who I hadn't seen for at least a dozen years. Now that I am back to playing bridge I gave her my phone number in case she ever needs a fourth for one of her bridge nights.
After the talk I had to rush back to the Senior's Centre for 12:00 p.m. for my other bridge group and we played until almost 3:00 p.m., eating lunch in between hands. I only had one successful hand but felt I played it rather well. Other than that, the cards just did not fall my or my partner's way!
Back to Agincourt Community Centre for a swim and I managed 18 laps for the second time. Next week I plan to go for 20. Then a short soak in the hot tub, a quick stop at No Frills for milk and sandwich meat for the grandkids lunch tomorrow, and finally home for a relaxing evening. It has been a busy day!
After the talk I had to rush back to the Senior's Centre for 12:00 p.m. for my other bridge group and we played until almost 3:00 p.m., eating lunch in between hands. I only had one successful hand but felt I played it rather well. Other than that, the cards just did not fall my or my partner's way!
Back to Agincourt Community Centre for a swim and I managed 18 laps for the second time. Next week I plan to go for 20. Then a short soak in the hot tub, a quick stop at No Frills for milk and sandwich meat for the grandkids lunch tomorrow, and finally home for a relaxing evening. It has been a busy day!
Wednesday, 14 January 2015
Clogging
The brussell sprouts were delicious. I very rarely buy bacon but have bundled it into 4-rasher packages for easy access from the freezer, so I think it will be a regular on my menu this winter. I found some smoked mackerel at Metro today and decided to try the Cajun variety. It wasn't too spicy as I had suspected so I will definitely buy it again.
Quite an active day today. An early start (9:00 a.m.) with the Stretch and Strength class at the Senior's Centre. I stayed for coffee and a chat after, then made a quick trip to Chapters to find a birthday gift for James. This afternoon I returned to the Rec. Centre for the clogging class. I am quite enjoying it and am beginning to learn some of the steps. "Walk the Dog" and "The Rocking Chair" are some examples of the strange names the steps are given. The music is very catchy but Wayne, the teacher, said next week we will be learning a harder number although all the numbers are hard for me!
I have finally finished the Christmas cake but still have some mincemeat tarts to eat up. And, I believe, there's still a small plum pudding somewhere at the back of the fridge. Luckily I still have a can of Devon Custard which I can use to sweeten it. I may still be eating Christmas leftovers by Easter!
Quite an active day today. An early start (9:00 a.m.) with the Stretch and Strength class at the Senior's Centre. I stayed for coffee and a chat after, then made a quick trip to Chapters to find a birthday gift for James. This afternoon I returned to the Rec. Centre for the clogging class. I am quite enjoying it and am beginning to learn some of the steps. "Walk the Dog" and "The Rocking Chair" are some examples of the strange names the steps are given. The music is very catchy but Wayne, the teacher, said next week we will be learning a harder number although all the numbers are hard for me!
I have finally finished the Christmas cake but still have some mincemeat tarts to eat up. And, I believe, there's still a small plum pudding somewhere at the back of the fridge. Luckily I still have a can of Devon Custard which I can use to sweeten it. I may still be eating Christmas leftovers by Easter!
Brussell Sprouts and bacon. Yum!! |
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