I just love everything to do with Christmas - O.K. I did say that about Halloween only a few short weeks ago. I love Halloween too. It appeals to the witch in me. But Christmas - now that's something else! It brings out the Good Samaritan in just about everybody. "Oops, sorry for crashing into your gorgeous new silver Lexus...I was rushing to the shops!" "No worries love, it's just a car. Forget about it - it's Christmas!" - What's not to love about that? Now's the time to ask for that raise, or propose - anything really. There's a short window of opportunity - so grab it by the antlers!
Vancouver's FM 105.3 radio station is currently playing non-stop Christmas music. It's on 24/7 in my kitchen. My now flea-free pampered pets, Lulu and Chichi have requested that I keep it on. They're addicted, and it helps them tolerate each other. Tessa can hear it upstairs and pats her tail to her favourite songs. All the world is happy...except poor Harry! He got caught yesterday. I guess it was inevitable. On a more positive note, he has gone to his heavenly reward. He can eat all the peanut butter he wants to his heart's content! No traps up there. I'll miss our little midnight rendez-vous.
A friend recently introduced me to Earl Grey loose leaf tea. I am currently addicted, because I can enjoy it without a biscuit. It is so much tastier than the tea bag. I also like the ritual of using a tea pot, and tea cosy. So traditional. In a way, it is a metaphor for life. Why rush? Don't we deserve a little break now and then? Deferring gratification for three minutes, as the tea brews, only adds to the pleasure.
Talk about pleasure, the store where I purchased the Earl Grey tea was what I would call - a destination food emporium - the intoxicating aromas, copper coffee urns, spices, felafels, turkish delight, exotic teas, walnut baklavahs, hmm sumptuous. Dusty village music from far away lands transported me...I had to stop myself from doing a belly dance around the teeny tiny aisles.
Just about everything in that shop excited my taste buds - except perhaps the owner. He was a charming man, with a bit of a roving eye! When I asked him if he sold hummus, his velvety smooth reply was... "Are you going to be kissing anybody today?" (not you Mista!). I had to think about it for a second.. and then I got it - Yeah! it must have tons of garlic in it. I was given a sample, and suddenly angels appeared. It was absolutely delicious - the best ever. All that garlic will keep the vampires away until next Halloween - at least!
On that delicious note - Choo Choo for now!
Love,
Patricia xxx
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Monday, November 25, 2013
MY PAL HARRY
Harry joined our family some time ago, and it looks like he's here to stay. We meet every night when all the rest of the family are tucked cosily into bed. In case you're wondering - he is a mouse - and a very cute one at that. The first time we met, I was working on my computer and heard the patter of tiny little feet dancing around in the dining room. It's where I hide my secret stash of chocolates, biscuits, and little nibbles. When I went to investigate, I caught him red handed, and he looked at me with big guilty eyes. He was standing on his two little paws, and cowering in the corner. I said "Off with you and never let me see you here again!" - no such luck. I should never have looked into his bewitching eyes.
I have had to move Lulu's food plate, because Harry has been getting into that as well. This past weekend has been HELL! I was supposed to have started putting up the Christmas decorations, instead I spent the whole weekend exterminating. Single handedly, I fought a savage army of pests. I discovered that the dogs and Tessa the cat had fleas - as if Christmas upon us wasn't enough excitement! Between Harry and the hopping fleas, I had my hands full.
Just because I was nice to him, Harry is now getting very bold and running around the place as cheeky as you like, in broad daylight. If you are reading this, and a regular visitor to my home - Wait! until I have all my attackers demolished - otherwise you're in for some itchy little additions!
I guess it is one of the downsides of living in a very old house. Charm comes at a price - you have to share it with lots of others - beneath and above the floor boards! Victoria and Claudia were a great help. Kevin didn't know the fun he was missing. He was away painting the condo, while we were busy butchering the bugs! We went to the vet clinic and spent a whopping $140 on potions for the animals. As I said charm doesn't come cheap.
Tessa our reclusive cat has been a prisoner in the basement for the past 3 years, ever since we moved into our current house. She never came upstairs, due to 'irreconcilable differences' between herself and Chi Chi. Now that Chi Chi is blind, she can't chase her any more. So on Sunday we moved Tessa back upstairs, lock, stock, and litter box. She is so thrilled to be back in the bosom of the family, and patted her tail by way of thanks. We bathed all the animals, and then applied the costly flea killer on each of them. All is well now with our pampered pooches and pussy cat.
Hello Happiness - Goodbye fleas!
Now the question is...what do we do with Harry?
Darn! I should not have asked - as soon as I got home this evening, the first words out of Kevin's mouth were..."Guess what I caught?" He is a hunter by nature. So, I am sorry to say Adieu Harry! And hopefully, there isn't a Sally mouse in mourning!
Love,
Patricia xxx
I have had to move Lulu's food plate, because Harry has been getting into that as well. This past weekend has been HELL! I was supposed to have started putting up the Christmas decorations, instead I spent the whole weekend exterminating. Single handedly, I fought a savage army of pests. I discovered that the dogs and Tessa the cat had fleas - as if Christmas upon us wasn't enough excitement! Between Harry and the hopping fleas, I had my hands full.
Just because I was nice to him, Harry is now getting very bold and running around the place as cheeky as you like, in broad daylight. If you are reading this, and a regular visitor to my home - Wait! until I have all my attackers demolished - otherwise you're in for some itchy little additions!
I guess it is one of the downsides of living in a very old house. Charm comes at a price - you have to share it with lots of others - beneath and above the floor boards! Victoria and Claudia were a great help. Kevin didn't know the fun he was missing. He was away painting the condo, while we were busy butchering the bugs! We went to the vet clinic and spent a whopping $140 on potions for the animals. As I said charm doesn't come cheap.
Tessa our reclusive cat has been a prisoner in the basement for the past 3 years, ever since we moved into our current house. She never came upstairs, due to 'irreconcilable differences' between herself and Chi Chi. Now that Chi Chi is blind, she can't chase her any more. So on Sunday we moved Tessa back upstairs, lock, stock, and litter box. She is so thrilled to be back in the bosom of the family, and patted her tail by way of thanks. We bathed all the animals, and then applied the costly flea killer on each of them. All is well now with our pampered pooches and pussy cat.
Hello Happiness - Goodbye fleas!
Now the question is...what do we do with Harry?
Darn! I should not have asked - as soon as I got home this evening, the first words out of Kevin's mouth were..."Guess what I caught?" He is a hunter by nature. So, I am sorry to say Adieu Harry! And hopefully, there isn't a Sally mouse in mourning!
Love,
Patricia xxx
Saturday, November 23, 2013
MR. AND MRS. CLAUS
Today, I had the great pleasure of meeting in person with two amazing Victoria residents, namely Mr. and Mrs. Claus. I read about them in the newspaper. Apparently, every year around this time, they walk around the streets dressed like Santa and his missus. They do this simply to bring a smile to people's faces. As I was driving to the shops with the girls today, I noticed them. I said to myself that if I met with them later, I would treat them to a hot chocolate to thank them for their wonderful altruistic efforts
Lo and behold, as we were passing Starbucks who should I meet but the two of them. We had a little chat and when I asked if they would like a nice Christmas hot chocolate Starbuck's special, they were thrilled to bits!
The three of us headed into Starbucks, and as I was putting in the order, in the corner of my eye, I could see Santa and his missus holding hands at the table, and being all lovey dovey. It was truly the most magical moment. When I delivered the hot chocolate, along with some gingerbread cake, the smiles on their faces said it all. We hugged each other.
Moments like this make Christmas magical...
Love,
Patricia xxx
Friday, November 15, 2013
SOUPER BOWL VICTORIA
Our 'Souper Bowl of Hope' event last Wednesday was a tad different from the American 'Super Bowl'. It was a lot tastier for one, and the proceeds went to charity. This annual event is all about the bowls - and not the balls. It was a fun way to kick off the Christmas spirit and a definite fixture for the annual calendar.
The deal is you pay $25 for your ticket, which goes to help raise funds for young people at risk (street kids, suicidal kids, etc.) For that ticket you get to enjoy a wholesome bowl of soup (seafood chowder, Moroccan cous cous, or Russian Borscht). I had the seafood chowder and it was delicious - and hot into the bargain. You get to take home a lovely hand crafted soup bowl of your choice. There were loads of unique bowls to choose from, neatly arranged on several tables. What fun it was choosing your keepsake bowl.
Everybody was given a useful recyclable shopping bag to bring their beloved bowl home in. And if that wasn't enough pampering, you got to enjoy tasty morsels of dessert with tea and coffee - morsely enough not to incur much damage to the hips, but sufficient to satisfy.
A velvety smooth jazz quartet played background music as fashionistas, and well- intentioned punters viewed the vast array of Silent Auction prizes. I don't know yet how much money was raised, but I suspect it was a tidy sum - I hope so! Young people at risk is a cause very close to my heart. Their lives are ahead of them, and through no fault of their own, many have had sad and very disturbed childhoods. The proceeds go towards helping them get a second chance.
Since it was all about fundraising, various bowls and plates signed by celebrities were auctioned off. Celebrities included Leonard Cohen, John Cleese, Sarah Brightman - in fact all the folk who had visited Victoria in recent times. I was outbid on a plate but at least I tried!! My friends from choir and Tops were selling raffle tickets so Colleen and I bought some from each of them - that put paid to our spending!!
It was a fun event and the Laurel Point Inn was beautifully decked out for Christmas, with all the twinkly bells and whistles. It was terrific value for $25, and I think the soup bowl idea is a great way of raising funds. You win some, you give some...
As with all such events, you learn something new. I picked up some great fashion ideas from ladies I saw walking around. I would not have thought of wearing ankle socks over tights but it works! Striped socks over black tights worn with a black and white polka dot dress, with black and white pearls to match - that was the outfit I gave my first prize to!! I walked over to the lady and told her I loved her outfit. She was thrilled to bits and told me I had made her day!! She was older than me, and it gladdened my heart to know you can be older, and still experiment with fashion - and look great!
I got another great idea from the beauty and simplicity of a Christmas decoration placed on each table. It was so simple, yet very effective, and hand made by each of the volunteers. Find a bare twig from a winter tree, spray it with silver paint. Get a bag of hershey's silver covered chocolate bells, thread each one with red thread, and hang it from the branches of your twig. Place the twig in a plain glass vase (or pasta jar) which has been lined with a red cloth (or even a red napkin). It looks so elegant and yet so simple to do.
Cheers and have a great weekend!
Love,
Patricia xxx
The deal is you pay $25 for your ticket, which goes to help raise funds for young people at risk (street kids, suicidal kids, etc.) For that ticket you get to enjoy a wholesome bowl of soup (seafood chowder, Moroccan cous cous, or Russian Borscht). I had the seafood chowder and it was delicious - and hot into the bargain. You get to take home a lovely hand crafted soup bowl of your choice. There were loads of unique bowls to choose from, neatly arranged on several tables. What fun it was choosing your keepsake bowl.
Everybody was given a useful recyclable shopping bag to bring their beloved bowl home in. And if that wasn't enough pampering, you got to enjoy tasty morsels of dessert with tea and coffee - morsely enough not to incur much damage to the hips, but sufficient to satisfy.
A velvety smooth jazz quartet played background music as fashionistas, and well- intentioned punters viewed the vast array of Silent Auction prizes. I don't know yet how much money was raised, but I suspect it was a tidy sum - I hope so! Young people at risk is a cause very close to my heart. Their lives are ahead of them, and through no fault of their own, many have had sad and very disturbed childhoods. The proceeds go towards helping them get a second chance.
Since it was all about fundraising, various bowls and plates signed by celebrities were auctioned off. Celebrities included Leonard Cohen, John Cleese, Sarah Brightman - in fact all the folk who had visited Victoria in recent times. I was outbid on a plate but at least I tried!! My friends from choir and Tops were selling raffle tickets so Colleen and I bought some from each of them - that put paid to our spending!!
It was a fun event and the Laurel Point Inn was beautifully decked out for Christmas, with all the twinkly bells and whistles. It was terrific value for $25, and I think the soup bowl idea is a great way of raising funds. You win some, you give some...
As with all such events, you learn something new. I picked up some great fashion ideas from ladies I saw walking around. I would not have thought of wearing ankle socks over tights but it works! Striped socks over black tights worn with a black and white polka dot dress, with black and white pearls to match - that was the outfit I gave my first prize to!! I walked over to the lady and told her I loved her outfit. She was thrilled to bits and told me I had made her day!! She was older than me, and it gladdened my heart to know you can be older, and still experiment with fashion - and look great!
I got another great idea from the beauty and simplicity of a Christmas decoration placed on each table. It was so simple, yet very effective, and hand made by each of the volunteers. Find a bare twig from a winter tree, spray it with silver paint. Get a bag of hershey's silver covered chocolate bells, thread each one with red thread, and hang it from the branches of your twig. Place the twig in a plain glass vase (or pasta jar) which has been lined with a red cloth (or even a red napkin). It looks so elegant and yet so simple to do.
Cheers and have a great weekend!
Love,
Patricia xxx
Monday, November 11, 2013
CAFE FAUBOURG VANCOUVER
At last I found the Cafe to supercede all Cafes! It is absolutely divine and located on Hornby Street, Vancouver - just off Robson Street, and directly across the street from the Vancouver Art Gallery (also worth a visit). This has to be one of the nicest cafes I have visited in a very long time, and was indeed one of the highlights of our recent trip. You can google it to see what I mean at Cafe Faubourg, Vancouver.
For one thing, not one person sitting there was working on their computer! Unlike Starbucks where nearly every single customer has his/her head down pounding away on their computer and taking up seats for hours...sorry, I had to get that off my irksome chest! I was at a Starbucks recently in Victoria and there were a few rather elderly little old ladies in the line up ahead of me. One said to the other "We'll have to go dear, there are no seats" and off they went really disappointed. My point...Coffee shops should be for cheery chatter and laughter. I think it destroys the ambience of a Cafe to see all the computers, though I can understand too why people on their own may wish to do this.
Cafe Faubourg was a bright, glittery, glamorous and decidedly decadent coffee shop with their sparkling chandeliers, high shiny silver chairs, movie screen on the wall, beautiful flower arrangements, and gas heaters on the veranda to facilitate customers who wished to sit and people watch on the Parisian style wicker chairs outside.
Their pastries were displayed like works of art - too beautiful to disturb...though once you got down to it, they tasted as good as they looked. They were more expensive than the usual cafes - but then this was not a 'usual' Cafe. At nearly $6 a pastry, it was worth it and if you are paying that much for pure pleasure, I can see why you would want to enjoy the artistry of the chef, instead of your computer.
For those who prefer savoury to rich desserts, their croque monsieur was really delicious but too big for one person, so I shared mine with Ali. The cappuccino was a little slow in coming, as the poor Barista was run off his feet! I pitied him. That was the only negative. It was a busy time, though I would imagine that would not be a problem at quieter times of the day. When it did finally arrive, it was worth the wait. The froth on top was at least half an inch high, and the sea of caffeine below was both hot and heady!
I give a ten out of ten to Cafe Faubourg! Whoever created and conceived this sumptuous establishment have gone a long way towards bringing back the old fashioned Cafe - Bravo!
How did my diet go this weekend? Now that you ask...it was on holidays too!!
Love,
Patricia xxx
For one thing, not one person sitting there was working on their computer! Unlike Starbucks where nearly every single customer has his/her head down pounding away on their computer and taking up seats for hours...sorry, I had to get that off my irksome chest! I was at a Starbucks recently in Victoria and there were a few rather elderly little old ladies in the line up ahead of me. One said to the other "We'll have to go dear, there are no seats" and off they went really disappointed. My point...Coffee shops should be for cheery chatter and laughter. I think it destroys the ambience of a Cafe to see all the computers, though I can understand too why people on their own may wish to do this.
Cafe Faubourg was a bright, glittery, glamorous and decidedly decadent coffee shop with their sparkling chandeliers, high shiny silver chairs, movie screen on the wall, beautiful flower arrangements, and gas heaters on the veranda to facilitate customers who wished to sit and people watch on the Parisian style wicker chairs outside.
Their pastries were displayed like works of art - too beautiful to disturb...though once you got down to it, they tasted as good as they looked. They were more expensive than the usual cafes - but then this was not a 'usual' Cafe. At nearly $6 a pastry, it was worth it and if you are paying that much for pure pleasure, I can see why you would want to enjoy the artistry of the chef, instead of your computer.
For those who prefer savoury to rich desserts, their croque monsieur was really delicious but too big for one person, so I shared mine with Ali. The cappuccino was a little slow in coming, as the poor Barista was run off his feet! I pitied him. That was the only negative. It was a busy time, though I would imagine that would not be a problem at quieter times of the day. When it did finally arrive, it was worth the wait. The froth on top was at least half an inch high, and the sea of caffeine below was both hot and heady!
I give a ten out of ten to Cafe Faubourg! Whoever created and conceived this sumptuous establishment have gone a long way towards bringing back the old fashioned Cafe - Bravo!
How did my diet go this weekend? Now that you ask...it was on holidays too!!
Love,
Patricia xxx
Saturday, November 9, 2013
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
I think in a past life I lived in California and danced barefoot to the Beach Boys. Well maybe not so 'past'...!! I enjoy the Americans' zest for life, weather, humour, t.v. shows, homes, fashion, love for God, generosity...and the list goes on.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of JFK's death, I'm thinking America... I can remember exactly where, and what, I was doing the moment I heard the tragic news of his assassination . Can you remember what you were doing? Assuming you were born that is! It was a Friday evening when I heard the news. My sisters and I were playing with a friend and had been invited for supper by her parents. I loved Friday nights as Mrs. Mulconroy would always make us the home made fries and they were delicious! When we heard the news it was as if the world had come to an end. In a way it had.
Mr. and Mrs. Mulconroy went around like zombies and the colour had drained completely from their faces. After the initial shock, tears began rolling down Mrs. Mulconroy's cheeks. She kept her back to us for fear we would notice. In a way the world had come to an end that tragic night. I dunno if we ever got the chips that night but it was small potatoes!
Growing up in Ireland, America was seen as 'The Promised Land' - a country that loved the Irish. It was the land of milk and honey where the streets were paved with gold. It was referred to affectionately as 'The fifth province'. Ireland has four provinces - Ulster, Munster, Connaught and Leinster. USA was the fifth!! Every house in Ireland had two prominent pictures on the walls - Jesus and JFK!
As a very very young child, I thought there were only two countries in the world - Ireland and America. They had Barbie dolls when we hadn't two shillings to rub together, and they had magic potions that got rid of pimples and zits in two days, and everybody there had big toothy smiles and beautiful white teeth - just like the Osmonds, the Kennedys and Doris Day!
I loved loved loved Lucy, Mary Tyler-Moore, Donny Osmond, David Cassidy, Rhoda, Doris Day, Disneyland, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, The Beach Boys, The Monkey's, Shirley Temple, Genie in the bottle, Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, Charlie's Angels, JFK, Jackie Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy. I was devastated when John Jnr. died in that airplane. I don't think I ever got over that, and his elegant and beautiful wife along with him. What a tragic loss.
Despite 911, Despite all the hurricanes, Despite the terrorists, Despite the recessions, Despite the ups and the downs...America the brave keeps on truckin'! My parting wishes for this great Nation would be as follows:-
Get rid of the Guns!
Hillary Clinton as the next President.
Al Gore gets back with his Missus after pleading insanity on bended knees.
Elvis is alive and well, and has been found wandering somewhere in the desert.
Donny Osmond re-releases 'Puppy Love'.
'Dancing with the Stars' invites me to participate in the next Season.
That's it for now,
Cheers and God Bless America!
Love,
Patricia xxx
As we approach the 50th anniversary of JFK's death, I'm thinking America... I can remember exactly where, and what, I was doing the moment I heard the tragic news of his assassination . Can you remember what you were doing? Assuming you were born that is! It was a Friday evening when I heard the news. My sisters and I were playing with a friend and had been invited for supper by her parents. I loved Friday nights as Mrs. Mulconroy would always make us the home made fries and they were delicious! When we heard the news it was as if the world had come to an end. In a way it had.
Mr. and Mrs. Mulconroy went around like zombies and the colour had drained completely from their faces. After the initial shock, tears began rolling down Mrs. Mulconroy's cheeks. She kept her back to us for fear we would notice. In a way the world had come to an end that tragic night. I dunno if we ever got the chips that night but it was small potatoes!
Growing up in Ireland, America was seen as 'The Promised Land' - a country that loved the Irish. It was the land of milk and honey where the streets were paved with gold. It was referred to affectionately as 'The fifth province'. Ireland has four provinces - Ulster, Munster, Connaught and Leinster. USA was the fifth!! Every house in Ireland had two prominent pictures on the walls - Jesus and JFK!
As a very very young child, I thought there were only two countries in the world - Ireland and America. They had Barbie dolls when we hadn't two shillings to rub together, and they had magic potions that got rid of pimples and zits in two days, and everybody there had big toothy smiles and beautiful white teeth - just like the Osmonds, the Kennedys and Doris Day!
I loved loved loved Lucy, Mary Tyler-Moore, Donny Osmond, David Cassidy, Rhoda, Doris Day, Disneyland, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, The Beach Boys, The Monkey's, Shirley Temple, Genie in the bottle, Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, Charlie's Angels, JFK, Jackie Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy. I was devastated when John Jnr. died in that airplane. I don't think I ever got over that, and his elegant and beautiful wife along with him. What a tragic loss.
Despite 911, Despite all the hurricanes, Despite the terrorists, Despite the recessions, Despite the ups and the downs...America the brave keeps on truckin'! My parting wishes for this great Nation would be as follows:-
Get rid of the Guns!
Hillary Clinton as the next President.
Al Gore gets back with his Missus after pleading insanity on bended knees.
Elvis is alive and well, and has been found wandering somewhere in the desert.
Donny Osmond re-releases 'Puppy Love'.
'Dancing with the Stars' invites me to participate in the next Season.
That's it for now,
Cheers and God Bless America!
Love,
Patricia xxx
DIY: MERMAID COSTUME
Halloween is well and truly over now, but before we get into the Christmas spirit, I wanted to share a glimpse of Claudia's amazing homemade outfit. We did all the costume shops but nothing we saw took our fancy. Here goes...The following blog is from Ali and Vic's wonderful site www.aliandvic.blogspot.com
Halloween may be over now, but we just had to share Claudia's fantastic homemade mermaid costume with you! Neither Vicky nor I dressed up this year, but even if we had, I don't think we could have topped Claudia's amazing aquatic get-up.
Halloween may be over now, but we just had to share Claudia's fantastic homemade mermaid costume with you! Neither Vicky nor I dressed up this year, but even if we had, I don't think we could have topped Claudia's amazing aquatic get-up.
A good mermaid costume should consist of an abundance of pearls and sequins, and Claudia incorporated these staples of under-the-sea couture into her outfit via a jewel-encrusted top and dazzling blue skirt/tail.
The top started off its life as a basic H&M bra, but was transformed in the space of an hour with glue-gunned-on blue gems (from Fabricland), pearls (from an old necklace), and a shimmery silver ribbon (found lying around the house, most likely from a chocolate box).
Crafting the "tail" (also from Fabricland) was a much less labour-intensive process--Claudia just secured the piece of fabric in place with a few safety pins, keeping the length as it was for that swishy, trailing effect.
Pearl jewellery, metallic sandals, and beachy waves completed the look, for an ensemble that would make Ariel sea-green with envy!
In terms of make-up, Claudia used the following:
-St Tropez Dark Bronzing Mousse
-Ardell fake lashes
-'Full Moon' by Too Faced and Urban Decay's 'Faint' (from the Naked Basics palette) eyeshadow
-Bourjois' Khol & Contour in 'Bleu Original' for lining under the eyes
-Maybelline Baby Lips in 'Peppermint'
GREETINGS FROM ROBSON!
We're back in the 'Big Buzz' a.k.a. Vancouver for the long Remembrance weekend. We live on Robson Street. I never venture far from it, as everything I enjoy is contained within this long and hugely stimulating 'Golden Mile'. I don't think I would like to live here full time as the noise and traffic would probably get to me after a while...and living dangerously close to shops, I'd be broke!! I enjoy it while I am here, but then I look forward to getting back to the peaceful tranquility of Victoria, my beloved garden city.
The last time I blogged I thought November would be a quiet and peaceful month but that's not the way it's shaping up. We have five new songs to learn for the Christmas concerts, our first one being the Oak Bay Christmas Light-up show on Sunday 24th of November. Then we sing with the Canadian Tenors at the Royal Theatre on December 10th which should be lots of fun. There will be lots of people performing and thankfully, I will be hiding in the huge choir behind them! No time to relax as we will be doing another Christmas concert on the 21st December. I'll be singing in the hail, rain and...hopefully not...snow!! They are all new songs to me and I'm trying to love them, but I'm not feeling a connection yet...I guess the more we get together, the happier I'll be!!
I went to my first Christmas Gala evening last Tuesday with some friends. It felt freaky listening to Christmas songs...I'm not quite there yet. Halloween is still in my head!! There was a fashion show, free manicures and makeovers, niblets of food (not enough to murder your appetite!) and all sorts of bits and bobs. Looking at the models parading in their lovely LBD's I guess it was more sensible to have finger food!
Oh yes, before I forget, I promised you the recipe for that delicious Moroccan Chicken dish I made over Halloween. Here goes:-
MOROCCAN CHICKEN
(This recipe feeds four people. I doubled it to feed 8)
I lb. skinless, boneless chicken breast meat - cubed
2 tsps. salt
1 onion chopped
2 cloves of garlic chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 tbsp. minced fresh ginger root
half tsp. paprika
3/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. ground cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. ground turmeric
1 1/2 cups chicken broth (I used stock cubes)
1 cup crushed tomatoes
1 cup canned drained chick peas
1 zucchini (courgette) sliced
1 tbs. lemon juice
Method:
Season chicken with salt and brown in a large saucepan over medium heat until almost cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
Saute onions, garlic, carrots and celery in same pan, stir in the ginger, parprika,
cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper and turmeric. Stir fry for about one minute, then mix in broth and tomatoes. Return chicken to pan, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about ten minutes.
Add chickpeas and zucchini to pan and bring to simmering once again; cover pan and cook for about 15 minutes, or until zucchini is cooked through and tender. Stir in lemon juice and serve on bed of cous cous.
COUS COUS
I simply used one of those boxes of pre-seasoned cous cous. It came with the pine nuts, raisins and seasoning. I just added hot water, butter, and let it sit for 5 mins. then stirred it up. Delicious even by itself! You can also get wholegrain cous cous. I LOVE cous cous as it brings back happy memories of Paris and Morocco. Kevin doesn't like cous cous (in fact not a lot of people do) so I did rice as an alternative as well as the cous cous.
ENJOY!!
Love,
Patricia xxx
The last time I blogged I thought November would be a quiet and peaceful month but that's not the way it's shaping up. We have five new songs to learn for the Christmas concerts, our first one being the Oak Bay Christmas Light-up show on Sunday 24th of November. Then we sing with the Canadian Tenors at the Royal Theatre on December 10th which should be lots of fun. There will be lots of people performing and thankfully, I will be hiding in the huge choir behind them! No time to relax as we will be doing another Christmas concert on the 21st December. I'll be singing in the hail, rain and...hopefully not...snow!! They are all new songs to me and I'm trying to love them, but I'm not feeling a connection yet...I guess the more we get together, the happier I'll be!!
I went to my first Christmas Gala evening last Tuesday with some friends. It felt freaky listening to Christmas songs...I'm not quite there yet. Halloween is still in my head!! There was a fashion show, free manicures and makeovers, niblets of food (not enough to murder your appetite!) and all sorts of bits and bobs. Looking at the models parading in their lovely LBD's I guess it was more sensible to have finger food!
Oh yes, before I forget, I promised you the recipe for that delicious Moroccan Chicken dish I made over Halloween. Here goes:-
MOROCCAN CHICKEN
(This recipe feeds four people. I doubled it to feed 8)
I lb. skinless, boneless chicken breast meat - cubed
2 tsps. salt
1 onion chopped
2 cloves of garlic chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 tbsp. minced fresh ginger root
half tsp. paprika
3/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. ground cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. ground turmeric
1 1/2 cups chicken broth (I used stock cubes)
1 cup crushed tomatoes
1 cup canned drained chick peas
1 zucchini (courgette) sliced
1 tbs. lemon juice
Method:
Season chicken with salt and brown in a large saucepan over medium heat until almost cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
Saute onions, garlic, carrots and celery in same pan, stir in the ginger, parprika,
cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper and turmeric. Stir fry for about one minute, then mix in broth and tomatoes. Return chicken to pan, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about ten minutes.
Add chickpeas and zucchini to pan and bring to simmering once again; cover pan and cook for about 15 minutes, or until zucchini is cooked through and tender. Stir in lemon juice and serve on bed of cous cous.
COUS COUS
I simply used one of those boxes of pre-seasoned cous cous. It came with the pine nuts, raisins and seasoning. I just added hot water, butter, and let it sit for 5 mins. then stirred it up. Delicious even by itself! You can also get wholegrain cous cous. I LOVE cous cous as it brings back happy memories of Paris and Morocco. Kevin doesn't like cous cous (in fact not a lot of people do) so I did rice as an alternative as well as the cous cous.
ENJOY!!
Love,
Patricia xxx
Saturday, November 2, 2013
SLOW ME DOWN LORD
Signs are telling me that the next few weeks should be a time of peaceful introspection, and self-connection for each one of us. (We'll need all our energy and funds for December...right?). The planet mercury, which governs communications is currently retrograde, and will remain so until November 10th, in the deep and thoughtful sign of Scorpio. This is now the time for us to curl up in our caves, go through all our old papers, throw out anything that we have no use for in our lives, and discard.
The weather is getting colder (unless you live in more exotic locations), trees are shedding their leaves, squirrels are stocking up for hibernation, so it's time to get the fire lighting in the evening, maybe give the t.v. a little rest. Looking at the warm glowing cinders, cuddling up with a frothy hot chocolate and just sitting and reflecting. What a wonderful time to remember and pray for our loved ones, sadly no longer with us in this world.
Just last night as I was praying for my departed loved ones, (half of whom are younger than me!!) the strange thought struck me that most of my friends and loved ones, and really nice people I knew in life - are actually on the other side now! Definitely it was a sobering thought. I keep all their photos in a little photo album and I know in my heart they just LOVE to be remembered. The world feels fuller when I keep my departed friends closer to me...
With that in mind, I would like to share with you a little poem I found recently. I love the words in it, as follows:-
SLOW ME DOWN LORD
Slow me down lord.
Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind
Steady my hurried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time
Give me, amid the confusion of the day, the calmness of the everlasting hills.
Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music
of the singing streams that live in my memory.
Help me to know the magical, restoring power of sleep.
Teach me the art of taking minute vacations - of slowing down to look at a flower,
to chat with a friend, to pat a dog, to read a few lines from a good book.
Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's
enduring values, that I may grow toward the stars of my greater destiny.
*********
So stick that kettle on now, and make yourself a nice soothing cup of tea!
Enjoy!
Love,
Patricia xxx
The weather is getting colder (unless you live in more exotic locations), trees are shedding their leaves, squirrels are stocking up for hibernation, so it's time to get the fire lighting in the evening, maybe give the t.v. a little rest. Looking at the warm glowing cinders, cuddling up with a frothy hot chocolate and just sitting and reflecting. What a wonderful time to remember and pray for our loved ones, sadly no longer with us in this world.
Just last night as I was praying for my departed loved ones, (half of whom are younger than me!!) the strange thought struck me that most of my friends and loved ones, and really nice people I knew in life - are actually on the other side now! Definitely it was a sobering thought. I keep all their photos in a little photo album and I know in my heart they just LOVE to be remembered. The world feels fuller when I keep my departed friends closer to me...
With that in mind, I would like to share with you a little poem I found recently. I love the words in it, as follows:-
SLOW ME DOWN LORD
Slow me down lord.
Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind
Steady my hurried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time
Give me, amid the confusion of the day, the calmness of the everlasting hills.
Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music
of the singing streams that live in my memory.
Help me to know the magical, restoring power of sleep.
Teach me the art of taking minute vacations - of slowing down to look at a flower,
to chat with a friend, to pat a dog, to read a few lines from a good book.
Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's
enduring values, that I may grow toward the stars of my greater destiny.
*********
So stick that kettle on now, and make yourself a nice soothing cup of tea!
Enjoy!
Love,
Patricia xxx
Friday, November 1, 2013
HAPPY HALLOW WEEKEND!!
I have lots more photos on Facebook when my brilliant assistant, Victoria has time to help me with them. As always, Halloween was lots of fun. This year it seemed to last longer. People began parading around town in their costumes about two weekends ago, when the parties began. I never tire of seeing the creativity of people, and the amazing costumes they put together.
The weather was very helpful, and treated us to perfect Halloween temperatures. Mother nature was also most co-operative and supplied us with the most breaktakingly beautiful trees, dressed in a rainbow of Fall colours. It was totally worth all the effort expended. The little kids coming to the door, and their parents were very appreciative and as Kevin was saying; it`s the only time of year when the community opens their doors to strangers. I DO draw the line on ugly decorations. By that I mean NO skulls, bloody hands, worms, coffins, or skeletons. It`s all pumpkin pie sweet! Why would you want to dress up as a big fat baby in a diaper - it beats me!!
Now that Halloween is over, and pumpkin earrings have been briskly replaced by Rememberance Day Poppy pins, I shall lower the tone a bit, and pay homage to all the soldiers who gave their lives up for their countries. I also want to offer the month of November to my deceased friends and family. I was at mass today, and picked up some sheets to write down the names of loved ones. It is then put at the altar, and they will be remembered at mass during the month of November. I love the rituals of life. Party time is followed by a month of introspection - some would say it`s saving our money and energy for Christmas!! I think it is more about remembering our loved one, who are always around us, but invisible to the eyes.
Have a great weekend!
Love,
Patricia xxx
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