Meal #2

     It stayed a couple of degrees above zero today and was not unpleasant out. We even had a few glimpses of sun.

    Fitness class first thing and I stayed for coffee. Maria reminded me that I will be needed in the kitchen on Monday morning. I don't mind doing an extra shift occasionally as I sometimes have to miss one of my regular Wednesday after noon shifts. Today I didn't work as I had another lunch out but Samia had agreed to replace me. Maybe she will be persuaded to take on a regular slot.

    I left for Scarborough Golf Club, where the RTO lunch was to be held, just before 11:00 a.m. and I still didn't get a parking spot! How early do you have to get there? Next year I will be sure to leave even earlier. I did manage to squeeze my car into a spot in the auxiliary parking lot which wasn't too far away. Thank goodness I drive a small car.

   The meal was a buffet and, as usual, I overdid it since I like to try everything. I actually skipped the turkey and cranberry as I know I will be having some at least once before Christmas, and I didn't take any bread or pasta and only one small potato, so not too many carbohydrates. The desserts were to die for (except the cheesecake, unfortunately) and my favourite was a pecan butter pie. Yum! No dinner tonight (still too stuffed) but I had a peanut butter and jam sandwich with a cup of tea just before bed.

   I went to Petronella this evening and Carole taught some of the dances for Saturday's Family Night dance, so I feel better prepared.

First Meal Out

     No tennis today as I was due at the Senior's Centre by 11:30 for the first of four lunches out this week. I had heard a rumour that we were to be served roast beef so I took along a jar of horseradish - I don't enjoy roast beef without a healthy doze of horseradish!

     The meal, just $15, was excellent value - a small salad, meat, potatoes and green beans followed by a deliciously moist cake and coffee. I was lucky to get a piece of cake (rather small) as they ran out just after me. Luckily they were able to come up with some more cake for those who missed out!

   The meal was followed by The Hawaian dance troupe dancing to Christmas tunes - they were quite wonderful - and then an opportunity to try it out ourselves. I didn't feel I had overeaten but just had a light meal tonight. There's another big feed coming up tomorrow! 

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!