Monday, May 31, 2021
Sunday, May 30, 2021
Shortage of restaurant workers
Well it is that gardening time of year, this meme epitomizes the season doesn't it? I do get a sense of well-being when I am outside in the fresh air, mostly weeding.
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Winter Kale
My friend S dropped off some winter kale for me. It is kale that has bloomed over the winter, as opposed to a fresh planting which would be harvested later in the year.
I made kale chips with the leaves as I usually do and these days I cut the stems into small pieces and add them to a can of vegetable soup. It boils for about 45 minutes and becomes a tender nutritious addition to the soup.
Friday, May 28, 2021
Paint Party Friday - Save the Date wedding cards
Here is a 'Save the Date' wedding card that I am showing for Paint Party Friday. It is done in alcohol ink outlined with a fine point marker.
We were trying out different designs to use for a wedding invitation suite for daughter L's planned wedding next year. L has already chosen her favourites for a wedding invitation suite but I thought I would show some of the designs we are not using in my PPF posts.
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Rain's Thursday Art Date - May Sweets: Cupcakes
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
Monday, May 24, 2021
Victoria Day 2021
It is our first long weekend of the summer, celebrating Victoria Day. Gardening can start in earnest as the danger of frost is past. Our patio furniture is out and we look forward to spending more time outdoors, barbecuing and whatever.
Daughter L shared this photo of the view from her fiance's family cottage. Yes, it is cottage season for many.
Sunday, May 23, 2021
My story for today
I applied online for a new credit card recently. This is a big deal for older people like me. The process gave me the option of scanning a QR code which told me where to go to apply. I chose which ID I wanted to use to support my application then it asked me to take photos of it front and back using my phone camera. I had trouble photographing the back, it seemed I was not zooming out far enough to get a good view. Eventually I finished the application, to my relief and was instantly approved.
Shortly after that, I received an alert that the Identity Guard software that I am signed up to found that someone was checking out my credit rating and invited me to visit their site for more information. I didn't bother as I assumed it was the credit card people.
The next week I got an email from Identity Guard saying I had not logged in to check their alert. So I tried to log in and for some reason I had no record of my userid or password. I decided to call them and spoke to a friendly customer service agent. She was so helpful and informative it made me wonder if she was bored. Maybe it is a quiet job with not much going on. But I was grateful when she told me that I could click on the Watchlist tab, go to the Dark Web option and add for example, my driver's licence number. They would then alert me if anyone was searching on my driver's licence for any reason. Something about the term 'dark web' makes one perk up, haha.
Anyway, this is my story for today.
Saturday, May 22, 2021
Crabapples in bloom
I snapped this photo of a large old crabapple tree in bloom as we walked by last week, it was spectacular.
A friend had her first grandson born recently. Apparently it was a home birth. A longtime family friend passed away, I suspect it was largely caused by Covid isolation as he lived alone with health problems. Life has its ups and downs.
Friday, May 21, 2021
Paint Party Friday - Save the Date Floral Invitations
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Alcohol Ink Version |
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Watercolour Version |
Thursday, May 20, 2021
Rain's Thursday Art Date - May Sweets: Candles
Welcome to Rain's Thursday Art Date! For the 'May Sweets:Candles' I did a wedding themed 'Candles' piece. It is an ACEO (2 1/2" x 3 1/2"). Oops I misread the theme it is Candies, makes sense hahaha.
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Which one do you prefer
Many people don't drink Coke or Pepsi anymore, but if you still do, what is your preference?
I am fine with either but son K prefers Pepsi.
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Keep 3
The meme above asks if you could only keep 3, which of these would you choose: Chocolate, coffee, cats, dogs, jewelry books, Netflix, Cheese, Tacos, Make-up, Music, Ice Cream.
Monday, May 17, 2021
Chocolate Wacky Cake
Marie posted this recipe on her blog and I decided to try it. It uses no eggs or butter and whips up quickly, not to mention it is moist and delicious!
The recipe suggests mixing the ingredients right into the baking pan, but the next time I think it will be easier to mix the ingredients in a regular mixing bowl first.
Sunday, May 16, 2021
Saturday, May 15, 2021
My parmesan crusted cauliflower - fine tuned recipe
Jan had posted a recipe for parmesan crusted cauliflower and it has become a regular favourite in our house. Here is my recipe which has been fine tuned:
Friday, May 14, 2021
Paint Party Friday - Save the Date Floral
Continuing with my Save the Date wedding cards, I am showing another floral for Paint Party Friday. The piece is done in alcohol ink outlined with a finepoint marker.
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Rain's Thursday Art Date - May Sweets: Cookies
Welcome to Rain's Thursday Art Date's 'Cookies' theme. These are some wedding cookies in an ACEO (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") in permanent marker and Sharpie paint marker outlined with a PITT fine point marker.
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
The virtual cocktail party
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Martinez |
cocktail pouches to go |
Daughter L was invited to a virtual cocktail party. She said it was so fun. A bartender had been hired to teach them how to make cocktails. We were able to taste the 4 cocktails they made, we just stayed behind the laptop so the other guests couldn't see us. Pictured above is a 'Martinez'. I like cocktails but they can be strong.
Apparently some restaurants are delivering cocktail pouches as pictured above, a very creative solution to selling alcoholic drinks in these times. These were from etsy.
Monday, May 10, 2021
Oldest Thing
Here is a fun question for you today, can't wait to read all the answers!
I have many old things, corning ware comes to mind.
Sharing this interesting article on the impact of the automobile in the 1920's on Toronto. We take so much for granted. In that time, the horse was the mode of transportation. This changed quickly when cars were introduced. We needed better roads, gas stations had to be built, and so forth. Life as they knew it changed dramatically bringing other problems of course.
Sunday, May 9, 2021
Sushi Rice
First, I made a cup of calrose rice in my rice cooker. It requires less water than regular white rice. Then I mix 3 tbs rice vinegar, 3/4 tbs white sugar, 1/2 tsp salt in a cup and pour it over the hot rice. I use a plastic spatula to mix this into the rice. Some sesame seeds added a nice touch, I thought.
It explains why husband M's blood sugar readings are fine the next morning after we have a large sushi dinner. He is diabetic.
Saturday, May 8, 2021
Raspberry Scones
Daughter L made these lovely raspberry scones the other day. It is a great way to use up leftover raspberries. Here is the recipe.
Friday, May 7, 2021
Paint Party Friday - Watercolour Save the Date
I did a Save the Date wedding card in watercolour pencil on watercolour paper for Paint Party Friday the information is fictitious and for example only.
Thursday, May 6, 2021
Rain's Thursday Art Date - Sweets: Cakes
Welcome to Rain's Thursday Art Date. The theme is "Sweets:Cakes". Here is my ACEO (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") outlined in a PITT fine point marker, coloured in with alcohol ink and Sharpie water-based metallic markers. It is a wedding cake.
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Baked onion rings parmesan
I came upon this recipe for baked onion rings parmesan and was inspired to make it. Here are my adjustments:
1 large onion
1/2c breadcrumbs
1/2 c grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 egg with 2 tbs milk, whisked
cut onions into 1/4" thick slices
Separate into rings. In a shallow dish combine breadcrumbs, cheese, basil, oregano, garlic powder. Beat eggs in a separate bowl. Dip rings into the egg mixture then into the breadcrumb mixture. Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake 350F for 20 mins until browned and a delicious smell is evident throughout the room.
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
Vanilla Cake
Marie of the English Kitchen posted a recipe for a Vanilla Wacky Cake and I set about making it. It comes together quickly needing neither butter nor eggs.
2c flour
1 1/4c granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbs vanilla
4 tsp white vinegar
1 c milk
1/2 c oil
icing sugar for dusting
pre heat oven 350F
mix together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda
in a separate bowl mix together oil, milk, vinegar, vanilla
bake at 350 F for 25 mins in a 9" pan lined with parchment paper.
Monday, May 3, 2021
Ways to Reduce the Glycemic Load of a Meal
I found this interesting article which discusses ways to reduce the Glycemic Load of your meal. Wikipedia says 'glycemic load (GL) of food is a number that estimates how much the food will raise a person's blood glucose level after eating it.'
Simple things such as adding tomato juice, lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to your meal,
eating cheese with a slice of pie or cake,
having your pasta or rice al dente instead of being overcooked,
eating fruit that is not overly ripe,
having your apple with some peanut butter,
eating a boiled egg with your cereal breakfast.
Well I will have to keep these tips in mind how about you? It was funny that the article warns that eating cake with dairy reduces the glycemic impact, NOT the calories, haha.
Sunday, May 2, 2021
Nachos
Daughter L made these delicious nachos for our lunch one day with some leftover chili. We had sour cream and salsa toppings on the side.
Saturday, May 1, 2021
My May 2021 Calendar Page
Sharing my May calendar page with you today. It is a caterpillar painting. The quote I chose to go with it
"May, more than any other month of the year, wants us to feel alive."
- Fennel Hudson