They say, "April showers bring May flowers", and we have had plenty of the former today. The back yard is just one giant puddle due to the fact that the downspout from the roof runs directly into it. I really need to get a rain barrel. Trees still bare but there are big velvety buds on the Mountain Ash, so leaves should appear soon. Even the Forsythia is still bare.
Since I was stuck inside I tackled an indoor job, removing some ceiling tiles in the basement so the vent for the air conditioner can be installed on Thursday. I got two down but the third is a two person job so I will have to leave it to the installers. They suggested I do it myself in case they damage the tiles but, what the heck, it's not like they are irreplaceable! I also removed the insulation which was a much easier job.
Rain finally stopped around 4:00 p.m. and I walked down to the mailbox to post my tax return. I owe money as usual which is why I waited until the last moment, but it is on its way and the money will be out of my account before I know it. That is one of my least favourite jobs; I am always glad when it is done.
Off to fix dinner. Tonight it's a fish pie (of sorts, more like Shepherd's pie with a potato crust) and a broccoli casserole. I scored a huge piece of Parmigiano Reggiano at Longo's last week which had been incorrectly priced - entered as cream cheese so was half the price (is that dishonest?), so I have been putting it on everything!
Tuesday, 29 April 2014
Sunday, 27 April 2014
The Weeknd
A rather late rise today as I had been out late to the RSCDS AGM and Dance last night. We didn't get to do much dancing as the meeting went on rather long - a contentious motion to raise the membership fee led to a rather heated discussion. Result was the motion did not pass and the fee remains the same.
Today I managed to get to the tennis courts by 9:30 and hit with Stewart and Ron for about an hour. It was sunny but a little on the cool side so only 7 people showed up. It won't be long until the courts are filled by 9:00 a.m. and I will have to get my skates on to be over there in time for a spot!
A little bit of gardening this afternoon and a walk down to the drug store. Checked my blood pressure - in the "normal" range, so no worries there. Now it's time to relax with a snack and aperitif before fixing dinner. It's pork ribs tonight, presently braising in the oven, then I will finish them on the BBQ, basted with a tasty sauce. Garlic potatoes and broccoli on the side. That should keep me going until tomorrow's breakfast. I hope James is well enough to come as we have such fun together. I will really miss him in September when he starts school!
Today I managed to get to the tennis courts by 9:30 and hit with Stewart and Ron for about an hour. It was sunny but a little on the cool side so only 7 people showed up. It won't be long until the courts are filled by 9:00 a.m. and I will have to get my skates on to be over there in time for a spot!
A little bit of gardening this afternoon and a walk down to the drug store. Checked my blood pressure - in the "normal" range, so no worries there. Now it's time to relax with a snack and aperitif before fixing dinner. It's pork ribs tonight, presently braising in the oven, then I will finish them on the BBQ, basted with a tasty sauce. Garlic potatoes and broccoli on the side. That should keep me going until tomorrow's breakfast. I hope James is well enough to come as we have such fun together. I will really miss him in September when he starts school!
Friday, 25 April 2014
A Day At Home
James is sick today so has been kept home. I filled the day with a trip to the library - I had books to return and found a couple more that look interesting. After I got home and fixed coffee and toast (using some of last year's rhubarb jam) I spent the rest of the morning working on my tax return. That is now completed and ready to put in the mail. However, since I owe money this year, it won't go in the mailbox until the last possible moment!
The day started off looking reasonable enough but when I went out the wind was still very cold. Now it is raining lightly, good for the garden but rather gloomy. I have the fire on so things are toasty indoors. I am going out early tonight so will forego dinner in lieu of a light snack - I took some shrimp out of the freezer earlier so that, along with cheese and crackers, should suffice
The day started off looking reasonable enough but when I went out the wind was still very cold. Now it is raining lightly, good for the garden but rather gloomy. I have the fire on so things are toasty indoors. I am going out early tonight so will forego dinner in lieu of a light snack - I took some shrimp out of the freezer earlier so that, along with cheese and crackers, should suffice
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| Finally, something growing in the garden! |
Thursday, 24 April 2014
Hunting For Eggs
Saturday was spent shopping and cleaning, and Sunday was cooking - specifically, stuffing a boned lamb leg. It sounded simple when I read the recipe but proved to be quite challenging. The first step was to marinate the meat, which I did 24 hours in advance, garlic, lemon juice, rosemary and olive oil. This made it very hard to handle. The stuffing was breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese, and I did finally manage to get it spread on the meat and tied into a reasonable facsimile of a lamb leg.
The family arrived around 4 p.m. and the kids had fun hunting for little chocolate eggs around the house. They were very good about not stuffing themselves with chocolate and soon we were sitting down to the meal. Cauliflower soup (the bread I baked yesterday was a bit on the dry side), followed by the lamb leg, roast potatoes, gravy and a green bean casserole which Judy brought. Dessert and coffee followed - lemon cheesecake (Judy's best) with strawberries on top, and lemon meringue pie (Steve's signature pie). Not much left - we devoured almost everything!
Bath time followed soon after and once the kids were in their pyjamas they settled right down to play quietly until it was time to leave. The dishwasher was filled and the counters cleared before everyone departed, leaving me with a beautiful Lily, a bottle of my favourite sherry, and a box of chocolates. Although I haven't opened the sherry yet, the chocolates are all gone!
Since then the weather has been sunny but cool - a little warmer today. I got out on the tennis courts this morning, for the first time this year. I didn't play long - didn't want to overdo it - and there were just 3 of us. I should be able to work up to longer in a week or two.
The family arrived around 4 p.m. and the kids had fun hunting for little chocolate eggs around the house. They were very good about not stuffing themselves with chocolate and soon we were sitting down to the meal. Cauliflower soup (the bread I baked yesterday was a bit on the dry side), followed by the lamb leg, roast potatoes, gravy and a green bean casserole which Judy brought. Dessert and coffee followed - lemon cheesecake (Judy's best) with strawberries on top, and lemon meringue pie (Steve's signature pie). Not much left - we devoured almost everything!
Bath time followed soon after and once the kids were in their pyjamas they settled right down to play quietly until it was time to leave. The dishwasher was filled and the counters cleared before everyone departed, leaving me with a beautiful Lily, a bottle of my favourite sherry, and a box of chocolates. Although I haven't opened the sherry yet, the chocolates are all gone!
Since then the weather has been sunny but cool - a little warmer today. I got out on the tennis courts this morning, for the first time this year. I didn't play long - didn't want to overdo it - and there were just 3 of us. I should be able to work up to longer in a week or two.
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| The Easter Bunny Came! |
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| The Hunt Begins! |
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