A Funny Book

   My current reading material is a very funny book I got from the Public Library. It's called "The Rosie Project" by Graeme Simsion, an Australian writer. It's a good weekend to have something amusing to read as we are expecting a heavy snowfall tomorrow (5-10 cms. of wet heavy snow). I will stay inside, nice and cosy with the fire burning away cheerfully. Once the weather has improved, I guess I will be out shovelling again!

Portugese -Goan Food

   Goa is a province on the west coast of India. Formerly a Portuguese colony, it differs quite a bit from the rest of the sub-continent. Christianity is the main religion, and Goan cooks are sought after in India as they have few restrictions, unlike Hindus and Muslims.

   Last night I attended a cooking demonstration of Goan-Portugese recipes and enjoyed some wonderful meals. First samosas, then paelha (a type of paella) and pickled eggplant salad, and finally a rice and fruit pudding. All cooked from scratch before our eyes. Quite delicious though a bit spicier than I am used to.

Celebrating "The Bard"

    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!

The Cold Continues

   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.