#347 Saturday SatisfactShawn

Gingerbread Waffles, Cookie baking, Gift Wrapping, Egg Nog drinking and Christmas Movie watching.

That is what makes for a pretty damn good Saturday.

#319 Social and Culinary ExpediShawn

It's not often I've overtly social.  Don't get me wrong I have friends and I like people... well some people.  There are a lot of idiots out there, so some lever of avoidance is necessary to keep me off the evening news, and more importantly, out of jail.

Today I went on a small adventure to Chinatown, to meed some new friends... well new in the real world sense... I've know one for nearly 3 years on FB and the other for another good 2 years.   We decided it was long past due to meet in person. So, a Saturday afternoon lunch date was planned... Dim Sum in Chinatown.

I got there a little early so I could take some pictures, for my Instagram, and just to look around. It's a shame in one respect that there is so much construction going on current;y because it meant a lot of planned photos didn't happen, but on the positive side, things should look much nicer next year...

And then to lunch and friends...

We had such a wonderful time. Great food, bitchy, yet witty conversation. And probably a few too many rambunctious laughs...

We had SUCH a good time that we're already planning a repeat.  CAN. NOT. WAIT.

#312 Anniversary DestinaShawn

So while yesterday was our Anniversary, we decided to just make last night low key and order in from our regular Friday Night Resto.

Today we went out to Old Montreal, walked a bit, shopped a bit, took some pictures and had lunch at A resto I've not been to in a good 10 years... and it was Marcel's first visit...

Stash's Cafe. It's a Polish restaurant. Been around since the 70's, and they know their food! Traditional, hearty, peasanty dishes that were the PERFECT thing to have on a blustery 1'C day. 

Soup - I had borscht, he had a sour rye malt soup with sausage. Then we doth had the Tasters menu... some pierogis, potato pancake, a Breaded stuffed crepe with meat and mushrooms and an amazing cabbage and roasted stew. YUM YUM YUM! Washed it all down with a lovely Polish Amber Ale. Then had coffee and a sweet and tart plum crisp. 

More walking and looking about and *poof* three hours later we were back at home where we're always happiest.

A lovely afternoon and who knows what tomorrow might bring....

#270 Re-DomesticaShawn

Marcel started a new course today. Which meant I was alone today.  It was weird ya know. I mean Saturdays and Sundays are OUR days. Alas this weekend he has class from 9 - 6.

To tell you the truth I really didn't know what to do with myself today. LOL

I was up when he left at 7:15.  I could have gone back to bed, well I DID go back to bed, but I didn't go back to sleep.   The dogs knew something different was happening.  They kept climbing up on my chest and shoving their faces in mine. After about 30 seconds of that I totally lost it. Laughing until I couldn't breathe. And they just continued. It was weird, and silly and I missed Marcel not seeing it.

I got up, schlepped about the house for a bit. Put on Galaxy "Remember the 80's) on the TV and kinda just putzed about for a while.  Then I had breakfast, showered, collected the returnables (bottles and tins) took them to the Grocery store. Then I hopped on the Metro and headed to the end of the Green Line to scope out the Michael's Craft Store in Verdun. I picked up a few things and then headed back home.  But first I went and picked up some groceries for tonight's supper. 

Got home, took the kids out for a walk, then unpacked the groceries. Prepped the Sweet Potato and Date and Blue Cheese casserole. Baked some Pumpkin and Chocolate Chip Cookies, and prepped the Honey Balsamic Chicken.

Now I'm just waiting for Marcel to get home, get him a drink, hear about his fost day of classes and then cook supper.

Yup. I'm a regular Haus-frau today.  It was relaxing and fun. Would have been more fun with Marcel.

#264 DomesticaShawn

I'll admit that the majority of coking is done by Marcel, but once in a while I like to take control in the kitchen. Today is such a day.

Earlier today I made Naan Bread from scratch. It's not going to make it to an Indian restaurant, but it's not bad for a first attempt. It was made in preparation for tonight's main event:

Butter Chicken with Perfumed Rice (and a side of Carrot and Peanut salad).

It's simmering on the stove as I type and it smells DELISH!  If it tastes half as nice, then we are in for a treat.

Now with this menu out of the way I need to start thinking of next Sat and Sun.  Marcel starts a class next weekend and I will be the Haus-frau on duty...  I'm looking forward to it, but want to get creative too...

#253 Delicious NutriShawn

So we've only been back from Vacation for 2 days, but we decided it was time to have Lobster Rolls.

I gotta say it's the closest thing to being on the island that we have... and we'll take it for now... 

...and just keep on with our Meditation.

#248 Friday Night SocializaShawn

Our friends Reg and will came over to the cottage tonight. But to make things a little easier, breezier, we made reservations at a restaurant over in Victoria, this quaint 1900's fishing village, just down the coast from here. 

The restaurant is call Beachcombers and it's on the end of the wharf. Not only are the views breathtaking, day or evening, but their food s spectacular.  Nothing she-she or frou-frou. It's a simple, straightforward with just a handful of options. But they do them all right and EVERYTHING is delicious!

Tonight makes our forth visit this vacation. And that speaks volumes, because while we're not food snobs, if we aren't impressed with an establishment. If we don't think the food is absolutely delicious, we simply wont be back.

We can't wait to go back!

After supper we went back to the cottage and got down and dirty with another game of Cards Against Humanity.  This time round I was the winner!  The game is just so wrong that it's right. And that suits us just fine!

Then we ended up the evening in the living-room, shooting the shit, cracking jokes and just taking it easy! 

Just a great night all round.

Now we just have to wait another 51 weeks for the next time. :-(

#242 Friendly InteracShawn

Good Friends.

Good Food.

Wine.

...and Cards Against Humanity.

Had a wonderful evening with our friends Reg and Will.  Had a great meal and then ended the evening playing Cards Against Humanity.  Never has being Politically Incorrect ever been so much fun!

...it would have been MORE fun had I won the game, but Marcel did and I was only one point behind him, so, it wasn't a total loss... it was more of a Silver Victory. And that's just how I am going to remember it. 

In fact it was such a great evening, we're going to repeat it on Friday night here at the cottage.  Friends, Food, Booze and Inappropriate Humour. 

#241 Exquisite NutriShawn

Tonight was our annual Lobster Dinner with my Mom and Dad. They insist on taking us out each summer for a lobster dinner, to refuse them would be the ultimate insult.

The last few years we went to Fisherman's Wharf in North Rustico, but Marcel was wanting to go old school and go to one of the more traditional and original Lobster Dinner Halls they still exist on the Island.

We opted for the New Glasgow Lobster Suppers. This was a place our family used to go to years ago.  They started serving Dinners there in the Summer of 1958. When a place has been serving the same meal for more than 55 years, you know it's going to be good.

Limitless Steamed Mussels, Seafood Chowder and Salad and Home-made Dinner Rolls (I had 3 bowls of Chowder and 6 Rolls, on top of 2 Salad Plates and a couple dozen Mussels). And then the mail course of a 1.5 lb Lobster. And for dessert some old school, home made chocolate cake.

We rolled ourselves out of there. Satisfied and sated. 

#221 Edible DonaShawn

As I entered the grocery store today there was a homeless man and a dog at the entrance with a sign that said something to the effect of "Hungry and on the street, will accept anything offered". He wasn't asking every person that passed, just sitting on the curb, and wishing the people that walked by a good day.

I don't often give money, but then he wasn't asking specifically for that...

As I walked up and down the aisles of the store and was picking up the items on my grocery list, I started adding items to my cart from another list I mentally wrote for the two of them.

Some pre-made sandwiches from the deli, some pop and water, some cheese and apples, some protein granola bars, and some dog food and rawhide chews.

As I exited the grocery store I walked over to the man and handed him the bag of groceries and said that I got him and his dog a few things.  

He looked up into my face, thanked me, said 'God bless you' and then reached out to shake my hand, which I took and gave a firm shake back.  I said I hoped it would help and wished him well.

I walked away and my eyes misted up.  I cannot imagine being there, and pray I never am.  And it makes me question why I don't do more gestures like this. I think we all should. It certainly won't solve his situation but at least I know he and his companion will have a meal or two to fill their stomach and soul.

I have to do this more.

#179 Saturday PerfecShawn

What can I say but today was perfect.

We slept in til 10, after a cool restful night's sleep.

We had a casual breakfast, then cleaned up and took the kids for a walk...  Aside from far too many little black flies in the shade, it was nice.

Then, off to visit Marcel's Mom and take her out for lunch. We hit this great little Pub/Cafe in Magog called La Shop.  They specialize in Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. We both had 'Le Petit Canard' Grilled Cheese; Rillettes de Canard, caramelized onions, cheddar and mozza. Deelish! Sally had one with Apple and Cream Cheese and Brie and Cranberries.  We now have to add another spot to our favourite food joints in the Townships.

After that, we headed back to the Cottage, and took it easy... well Marcel did,  he took a nap and I baked a cake for his Birthday (Monday)  and prepped for tonight's Pre-Birthday Dinner.   Scallops with Birch Syrup and Lime, Green Beans, and Saffron, Ginger and Garlic Rice. Again... Deelish!

And now the sun i setting, we'll mellow out a bit and finish off with some (local Quebec) Strawberry Shortcakes.

Can't wait for tomorrow!!!

#159 PronunciaShawn

Rule of thumb:

If you cannot pronounce:
Jalapeño(s),
Marinade,
Sauté,
Risotto,
Gnocchi,
Espresso,
Paella,
or
Quinoa...

...maybe, just maybe, you shouldn't have your own cooking show on TV.

#150 Employee to Employee AppreciaShawn

So Summer Hours officially began today in the office.  What that means is you can leave at noon, on Friday as long as you work the missing 4 ours from Monday to Thursday.

For all office employees except for Customer Service.  We get screwed at every bend and corner. 

The day before I joking said to Carole,  the head of Finance that I think this Summer, those that do get to leave at noon on Friday should bring fresh home made baked goods to those employees that can't leave until the end of the day.  She said, "You mean you and the rest in Customer Service"  I said, "Well I'm just joking, but maybe it would take a little of the sting out of when everybody stops by to say goodbye... lol"  She replied, "I never thought of that, but that must a little insensitive."   Indeed.

Well I was literally only kidding around, but when I got to my desk today there was a Muffin on my desk from Carole.   I smiled, but then I thought, oh my god, she really thought I was serious.  I went to her office and said thank you, but that I was only joking around yesterday.  She said she knew that, but realized that it does suck that Customer Service consistently gets screwed on things like Summer Hours, or "Office Holidays, where everyone takes the day off bu us, because our clients might call....

She told me after we spoke yesterday she spoke to a few of the other employees and they decided to rotate bring us in a treat every Friday.

So yea, we'd rather have the afternoon off, but it's nice to know that there are a few in the office that appreciate Customer Service.

#148 VegetaShawn

So I packed lunch for today (and the rest of the week, for that matter). I'm on a bit of a veggie kick.

Crudité (red, yellow and orange peppers, cucumber, celery, carrots and fennel) with Hummus. And some Kalamata Olives, Dill and Lemon Tuna and some Naan Bread. 

Oh! and an apple as well!

It was deelish.

Sure I love to go to McDonald's, or have Pizza, or some Chinese Take out for lunch, but I'll tell you... I LOVE raw veggies! Well Veggies in general, cooked or raw. 

Don't get me wrong I like meat too, I mean, c'mon... Bacon. Am I right? 

But yea, veggies and dip. Can't get me enough!  And what with bikini season just weeks away...

#124 Baked Goods AppreciaShawn

Marcel baked me some Blackberry Muffins on Friday, so today I am baking him some Lemon Blondies.

As they say, one (baked)good turn, deserves another. 

#116 Perfect Cottage RelaxaShawn

Knock wood, (today isn't over yet but) no Septic explosions!

We had a wondrously, amazingly relaxing day.

Slept in, had Fruit Loops for breakfast (a guilty pleasure) and then Marcel made the most delicious lunch for his Mom, Sister and the two of us. It was a belated Easter dinner, so we has a roast Ham, with roasted veg (rainbow carrots, rainbow potatoes and asparagus). It. Was. Delicious!

After that we sat down in the living room and had a belated Birthday cake for his Sister. It was her often requested cake: a Cola Chocolate cake. It's unbelievably good! And this is either the 3rd or 4th time we've made it for her birthday.

There's something to be said for the comfort and familiarity of a the same meals, at the same times of years. With the same people and the fame food.  It might sound lazy, but to me it's in itself a tradition that you develop over time and make your own with those you love. Why else go through with it?

Then this evening, we took it easy and had some pea soup and a sandwich with left-over ham.  It could not have capped off a more perfect, lazy cottage weekend day. 

And we still have a day and a half to go.

#099 Simple Food AppreciaShawn

Sometimes the simplest things are best.

One of our favourites is a mega-delicious masterpiece:

Caramelized Onion, Apple and Blue Cheese Naan Pizzas.

They are almost ready, and the smells wafting through the house are driving me crazy!  My mouth is watering...

There's just a touch of Balsamic Vinegar in the onions, and a light dusting of Thyme. 

Around her, we love our food, we take pleasure in our food and we dive in without hesitation.

*DING*  The over just announced dinner is ready.

Bon Appetit. 

#093 Grilled PerfecShawn Part Deux

Well last night was such a success that we had another barbecue tonight.  We had hamburgers this time. 

Here's how I can tell you they were good.  I had eaten both of mine when Marcel had just started his second burger.

Now to be fair, as a rule, I'm a fast eater. Typically I want seconds, or really generous first helpings. Now, I'm not thin, but people often comment why I'm not twice my size; and I reply, "I don't chew."

If you're ever in a hurry, take bites, chew once, maybe twice and then swallow.

I think each burger was gone in 12 bites, max.

...and truth be told, I wish there was one more...

#092 Grilled PerfecShawn

It might not sound like much for some (depending on where you live), but we just had our first Barbecue of the year. It got up to 7'C today, so why not?! 

It wasn't a thick juicy steak, or kraken sized shrimp; it was hot-dogs. Plain old, ordinary hot-dogs.

...and they were DELICIOUS!

Last summer / fall we used the barbecue, a.k.a. Barbequrella about once or twice a week (wostky weekends) well we just talked and we've decided we want to use it MORE.

BBQed Hot-dogs, Hamburgers, Chicken, Pork Chops, Pork Tenderloins, Steaks, Lobster, Shrimp, Veggies and more...

We just ate and now I'm hungry again!

#061 Lunchtime PreparaShawns

I was one productive little hausfrau today.

I not only made supper for tonight (waffled falafel), I made enough to take to work all week for lunch AND enough to freeze for an additional 5 meals!  

I don't know what I'm more excited about...  the productivity accomplished on a Sunday, supper to come, the fact that I don't have to schlep about all week to get lunchables, or the fact that they are delicious AND healthy.

AND, I don't know who is possessing me at the moment, but they can stay.