Wintery Weather

   I seemed to be on the go all day, hopping from one spot to the next. Most of my travelling was by car so I didn't suffer too much from the colder weather and  slush underfoot. We had a little snow overnight so the sidewalks were messy but, thankfully, not icy.

   My first port of call was the ophthalmologist for my annual checkup and, as usual, I parked on a side street about a 10 minute walk from the medical centre as the parking there is prohibitive! I was there for an hour and a half but the good news is I don't have to go back for two years. After I got out and walked back to the car I still had time to pop over to Pusateri's at Bayview Village to order my bird for Christmas lunch. I am getting a capon again this year as I  find them much more succulent than turkey. Another chore checked off my list. While I was there I picked up a piece of blue cheese, French Blue D'Auvergne, which is my snack de jour tonight. Yum!

   Then straight to the Senior's Centre for Bridge. My timing was perfect - I just had time for a much-needed coffee before we started to play. On the way home  I got the stamps for my overseas Christmas cards - $32! I hope they all arrive safely as this is my only contact with numerous friends and family on the other side of the pond, as well as my brother in South Africa and my cousin in Australia.

   Now I am enjoying the blue cheese with grapes and a glass of wine - I do enjoy spoiling myself!

I may not need any dinner after this!

Being Domestic

   Lucy left around 9:00 p.m. last night just as I was measuring out dried fruit to soak for a fruit cake. I just used all the fruit I had left over from the plum pudding and doused it in brandy, sherry and Marsala,  just what I had in the liquor cabinet.

    Today, after breakfast and my usual Sunday chores ("cleanliness is next to Godliness" my mother used to say when she decided not to attend church), I started on the fruit cake. I had researched several recipes last night and decided on one that used mostly ingredients I already had in the pantry. It took me about an hour so I had it baking by noon. The biggest chore was to line and wrap the cake pan and the cake was so dense it was difficult to mix.  However, it baked up nicely and got a final dousing of Marsala after it cooled. I can't wait to try it although I haven't decided yet whether to top it with marzipan and icing or just leave it plain. I will let it age for a while before I decide.

   While the cake was baking I got out the Christmas cards and took care of that chore. I wrote 13 overseas cards which should go in the mail tomorrow. The rest can go next week, but I will keep the cards handy in case I receive any I haven't sent to.

    Chicken thighs again tonight and I think I will open a can of corn to go with it. I haven't had corn since the last time the farmer came to his spot on Birchmount sometime in September. I see the property he usually sells from has been sold so he won't be back next year. I will have to find another farmer's market.

   Fire's on so it is nice and cozy in here. I have hardly been out all weekend but I have a busy week coming up so was quite happy to vegetate at home. Stay posted for my busy week!

A Visitor

   A chilly day today but sunny in the morning which made things a bit more bearable. I had company today - Steve and Alison dropped off their bull terrier, Lucy, bright and early this morning and we spent the day together. We went on a long walk this morning and again later in the afternoon. She is very energetic but was so well behaved when we were out, she didn't give me any trouble at all!

In one of her quieter moments - she is hard to photograph in her manic state!

Tired out after our long walk to the park - we both had a nap when we got home.

   Chicken and veggies roasted in the oven for dinner with green beans. Lucy was so jealous. I have to say her dog food is very boring!

Experimenting in the Kitchen

   Quite a chilly one today - a high of 5C - so I was only out as far as the car. and back. Had fun talking to friends after Gentle Fit class (which isn't so gentle, in fact is quite highly aerobic so gives me a good workout). We were discussing scams and how to avoid them. Some of the suggestions were hilarious! One of us suggested going along with the scammer for twenty minutes as if you believe it and then hanging up. Another suggestion is to play dumb as if you don't understand and make them repeat the scam over and over. I don't think I would have the nerve to try either approach so I just don't answer the phone unless I recognize the number.

   I made another batch of tablet this afternoon as I am trying to perfect the process. The last batch I cooked for too long but this one I think I went in the opposite direction and it looks like it's not going to set. It will still taste good - if I can get it out of the pan!