Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

The secretary in the office at school keeps an eye out for recipes for me.  I have made this one twice now, it is so good.

Sweet potatoes are so much better than regular potato.  In the pan I started with onions, and leaks.  I added turnip, parsnip and carrots.

Then I added a can of adzuki beans.  Then the veggie broth, and some rosemary and thyme.

 I cooked this for about 10 minutes, then put it in a casserole dish with the mashed sweet potato on top. Then I sprinkled some Parmesan cheese on top of the potatoes.  It baked in the oven for another 30 minutes.

This is the end result.  It tastes delish!

Snack program project

I have a plan in mind for a Snack Money BLITZ for my school.   The plan for the snack blitz is a huge poster that will hopefully encourage our parents to come up with about $900 in donations to help pay for their kid's snacks.  I am very hopeful, as this is an inner city school, and many of our parents are unemployed.  I want to put some photos of the snacks on the poster as well as some quotes from the kids on their favourite snacks, and then some information on the cost per snack per child.  We have about 180 kids, and if everyone could donate $5 then we should reach the goal.

On my other blog SCRAPPED, I posted a few images that I cut out on my Cricut.  Along with these and some photos of the snacks, I think I should be able to catch the interest of the parents.

Here are a couples of photos of the snacks.

Island School

Every other year our grade 5 and 6's get to go to the Island school for about a week.  This time they went the first week back after the holiday break.  I wanted to add pictures, but because they are children from my school, of course I can't.  I have added some that are blurry so that you can get an idea of what I saw.

I don't go with the kids, but they usually invite teachers over one evening for dinner and activities.  I wanted to go, and because the other teachers couldn't get there until later, we missed dinner this year.

We have to take the ferry to Wards Island and a van picks us up from the dock.  There are very few vehicles on the island, perhaps just the emergency vehicles, police, fire, ambulance, and a few parks vehicles, and then the van and school bus for the school.  Most people on the island have bicycles.

By the time we got there, the kids were on their way to activities.  They were participating in a 'Winter Olympics'.  I hung out mostly with Vanessa the grade 6 teacher and we caught up a little bit, during her event, the luge.  The kids had scooter boards and they had to be pushed from one end of the gym to the other.  They had a few other things to complete, including a cheer and collecting a bunch of bean bags.  There were other events too, but I missed out on what they were, I know hockey was one and I think there was an obstacle course too.

Here are some pictures of the kids doing a luge run!

I think this is an obstacle course.

Breakfast

A little breakfast I made for myself on January 15.  That is a plate from the new set I bought after Christmas for $20.

Gluten-free blueberry muffin, yogurt, clementine orange, cantaloupe and strawberries.  And of course a nice mug full of tea.

One man's garbage is anothers treasure

I found this in the basement of my building.  It was going out as garbage.  I called my son to see if he wanted it for his my apartment, but it was too tall.  I had my neighbour help me bring it up to my apartment, because is was too good to throw away.




This is how it looks now that I have filled it with scrapbook stuff.




I'm not usually a dumpster diver, but this one was worth it.  It's a Billy bookshelf from Ikea.

January Update

I was just looking at my January 1st blog, and I had to laugh.  All good intentions!  But I have had just about no success on any of the points.

I saw the surgeon last Wednesday 3 months post surgery, and he was not happy.  In fact he had a little rant about the physiotherapists not doing the best for me.  When he found out that I was not paying, but was having it through OHIP, (Ontario Health Insurance Plan), he said that if I was paying privately he was sure they would be doing a better job!  So I went back and told that to the physiotherapist, (who was not very happy, obviously) and then I was subject to a very painful session.  I guess that is how it will go from now on, but hopefully that will mean I will progress further than before.  The surgeon said he has patients just 6 weeks post surgery who are much further along than me.

As for my body image, it continues to get worse.  I renewed my gym subscription, with all good intentions, but due to the pain in my shoulder and a bout of the 'flu, I haven't had the energy or the lung capacity to go and work out.  Hopefully beginning in February I can change this.

Expanding my group of friends has actually gone backwards.  In the winter months I just feel like staying home and staying warm!  I haven't been to any events other than my own Board Games Night which is in my building!  I know that once spring shows up that this will change.

Same goes for my love life.  I had just commented to my friend Kat, who is a Relationship Coach, that I just have no desire to date in the winter.  I'm not sure if that is typical of singles in Canada, but again I never have a good body image during those months and I hate all the clothes I have to wear to stay warm!

My relationship with my family is about the same.  I got rid of my land line so now I won't be phoning them as much.  I did hook both my brother and sister up on Skype and we even had a conference call.  It was pretty cool.  Now if only they would log on to Skype on the weekends we can chat more often.  In the process of getting rid of my land line, I gave up that number.  My son is so sentimental that he didn't want to lose the number we have always had, so he took it on.  If anyone calls for me they will get him, and he'll pass on my new number.

I have scrapped maybe 3 times this month, so no change there either.  I just bought a cool new cartridge for my Cricut machine, and cut out some lovey retro looking kitchen stuff.  Go check it out at Scrapped. That is another blog I have.

As for flossing, I didn't have a dentist appointment this month, or ate anything that got caught in my teeth, so I figure that I flossed a total of about 5 times this month.  I know, I KNOW, gross!  I never have been a big flosser, I have very healthy teeth, and so I just don't see the need!

So here comes February, lets see what I can accomplish this month.

2010 Newsletter

My 2010 newsletter
Click this link

1/1/11

January 1st.

A time to renew and plan for success.

I'm not really sure what my plan is, but basically to have a better year than the last, to be a more positive influence on the lives I touch and to be and do the best that I can.

Some of the things that will improve are:

• the movement of my arm and shoulder, which means continued physiotherapy and exercise
• my body image, which means returning to the gym on a more regular basis
• expanding my group of friends, beyond Work, Couchsurfing and Meetup
• my love life, which means going on more dates
• my relationship with my family
• the frequency with which I scrapbook
• flossing

I started blogging almost 6 years ago, and my first entry was, `101 Things to do in 1001 days`.  I just checked back on it and most of the items are done, only about 20 or so were never completed.  Some of the things took a lot longer than I expected, and others are just not as important to me any more.

I will also be more aware of what I have, how I use it and be appreciative of it.

How about you?

Merry Christmas surprise!

So the plans were set, the lasagna made, and I was just waiting for my guests to arrive.

Thomas showed up around 12:30 and we both had some lunch before opening the gifts.  I had already given him loads of stuff to help set up his new apartment, you know the stuff like dish drainer, pot holders, bag clips, waste paper bins etc. and of course a big bag of groceries.  I also gave him a nice area rug for his living room.  So for Christmas day I gave him the new Canon lens for his DSLR camera, another rug for the kitchen (he has ceramic floors), a kettle, some long underwear, a t. shirt from the One of a Kind Show, a salt and pepper grinder, and a bunch of other things he needed.

He gave me a lap pad for my lap top, or to use when my table is covered in scrapbook stuff.  He had one of his photos printed and framed for me, that is absolutely beautiful.

He bought me a beautiful piece of art work he saw me admiring in a store.

I also got a tea infuser spoon, some English candy and chocolate, a huge 1lb bag of yarn and some silly gifts added to my stocking.
 It was a fun afternoon, and while I prepared the vegetables for roasting he took a little nap.  I was expecting Beatriz to arrive around 4:30, so I picked up the book I got from the library and started to read.

Just before Beatriz arrived, Thomas came to tell me that there had been a problem with Kay's flight from Korea.  She was supposed to arrive sometime at the beginning of January.  He said something about her not being able to get a visa for the connection in the USA.  I mentioned that the very same thing had happened to one of my couch surfers, then asked when she would be coming and he said that she had already arrived 4 days ago!  WOW, what a surprise.  Then I asked why she wasn't here for dinner and he told me she was on her way.  Then the panic set in.  I didn't have any gifts for her!.  Thomas kept saying it was okay, but I couldn't stand the thought of someone coming for Christmas and not having a gift to open.

I grabbed my one of my cards and wrote it to her, then I took a spare box of truffles and that would be my present.  A sad offering, but something anyway.

The buzzer went just as Thomas got a call from Kay saying she was in the neighbourhood.  I let Beatriz in and Thomas went to pick up Kay.  I was so happy that I had a houseful of guests for a wonderful Christmas Day celebration.

Beatriz gave me the hand blender I was wanting, it came with a whisk, a measuring cup and a chopper.

 I gave her a set of dishes, an iron and a mail and key holder to go beside her door.  She asked specifically for those.  I had also made a mini album with pictures of our trip to Cuba in.  And while I was visiting Thomas at the liquor store I thought it would be a great idea to get Beatriz a bottle of wine from her home, Argentina.

Kay gave me something that I had asked Thomas for.  She brought it from Korea.  It is a hand held pump and special plastic bags with a valve in, that can store food and the air can be pumped out for extra freshness.
I gave her the chocolate that she was very happy with.  I apologised for not having more for her.

Later I showed Beatriz, who is also a knitter, the huge bag of yarn Thomas had given me.  She asked me if I would start knitting again, and I told her I had already made somethings earlier in the week.  I went to get the some of the things, a neck warmer and a pair of fingerless gloves.  As I was showing them to her I realized that these would make a lovely gift for Kay.  So I offered them to her which she accepted graciously.

I set up the food buffet style in the kitchen so all could choose what they wanted.  There was spinach lasagna, made with gluten-free noodles, roasted vegetables, salad, dinner rolls, and cornbread.  Not your traditional Christmas dinner, but a wonderful meal all the same.  We had Beatriz's wine and cranberry juice.  We pulled crackers and laughed at the silly jokes and quotes in them, we even wore the silly gold and silver crowns.  After eating dinner I set out a variety of mini desserts and I had some gluten-free Christmas cake I found at the farmer's market.  It was a lovely meal, with some great company and some lively conversation.

 After dinner we relaxed in the living room and watched my favourite Christmas movie, A Christmas Story. 

 This will go down as one of my favourite Christmases, mostly because of the company, the food, and the big surprise of meeting Kay again.

my blog: Letter to my daughter ( in the wake of senseless t...

my blog: Letter to my daughter ( in the wake of senseless t...: "Hello my girl, I wanted to say hi and tell you how much I miss you and that I hope your classes are going well and that you are having fun ..."

But he was really great to look at!

I found a posting at an online dating site and the guy said he liked all forms of entertainment including football and baseball, so I shot off a quick message quoting the first two lines of the famous baseball song, "Take me out to the ballgame.."

He responded by instant messaging me and we chatted a little bit before he asked if we could continue 30 minutes later.  I agreed and he offered me his phone number.  When I called him later, I was instantly hit with the way he talked, very slow, almost depressed like. But I know I can't make assumptions so I continued the conversation. He said we should meet at Yonge Dundas Square for a coffee. I mentioned that there was actually no place in the square that serves coffee, but he felt I was wrong.

We were to meet outside the Eaton Centre entrance, and after some confusion as to which entrance he meant we found each other. He did look like his photo, in fact he was very good looking, I took an instant liking to him. We walked over to the square where he discovered there was no place to buy a coffee, so we went inside to Indigo Book Store and got a coffee there. He was a man of little words, I hate doing all the talking and on a first date I always feel that I have to keep the conversation going if the other person is shy, introverted or just not comfortable. I got a bit bored of hearing my own voice, then asked if he had ever gone to the roof top garden at City Hall. He hadn't so I suggested we walk over there and take a look. Once we got there and we walked around a little, he suggested we sit on a bench. I thought we'd talk some more, but he just wanted to sit with his face in the sun and not talk! It was more than I could bare, so after a while I told him of another place nearby that had an interesting story. We went to a courtyard that has sculptures of the garden of Eden. I told him the story, hoping to get some interest, but the conversation just stalled. I made an excuse about why I had to get home, and left him at the subway.

Later that night he called and asked me about the alley walks that I mention in my profile, and we decided we would choose one to explore.

A few days later he picked me up and we drove to the beginning of the walk we had chosen. As we walked I tried to encourage him to talk about himself, and it occurred to me that he mentioned more than once, that he would inherit a large sum of money on his mother's death. He told me of the bad blood between him and his brother, and perhaps more members of his family. He barely looked at all the amazing street art/graffiti that was along the way. We ended the walk and decided to have something to eat and drink at the Drake.  It occurred to me again that he talked with such sadness in his voice. I told him about the Music Gardens down by the lake, and he wanted to go and see them. We got in his car and drove towards them, but he couldn't find free parking, and didn't want to pay, so we didn't go. Instead he drove on my suggestion to Cherry Beach. He found a free parking spot, and we walked around the water's edge. He barely spoke a word, and again he suggested sitting on a bench, so we did. He sat in silence. I just didn't think this was what a date should be like, we should be sharing our thoughts, and stories about ourselves. After a while I again made an excuse as to why I needed to leave, and he drove me home. When I was about to get out of the car, he leaned over to kiss me, and I pulled away suddenly. He had a look of shock on his face. I said I wasn't ready for that and got out of the car.

He later called me and asked me if there was anything he had done. I admitted that there wasn't, but I just didn't feel like that towards him, and didn't think there was much chemistry between us. He sounded more deflated than ever, and we ended the conversation.

He called again later that week, and said he had told me he would take me to a baseball game, and wanted to make good on that promise. I told he didn't have to but he really wanted to. I agreed. (I also decided that I would leave the talking to him this time).  He picked me up on the day of the game, and told me he had bought $75 tickets. I told him it wasn't necessary to spend that much, as it was just as much fun in the cheap seats. Anyway the seats were amazing, behind home plate in the 100's level. The game began, and I just sat there waiting for any conversation he may decide to offer. There was none. It is the only game I have ever been to that I sat quietly. Anyone who has gone to a game with me knows I make LOTS of noise, and am out of my seat for much of the game. At about the 5th inning I decided to go get something to eat, and did not ask him if he wanted anything, (he hadn't asked me!). I spent quite some time wandering around, because I just wasn't having fun with him. I eventually went back to my seat, and at the top of the 8th inning he said we should leave as he didn't want to get caught with the onslaught of fans leaving at the end of the game. Fine by me.

Again when we got to my home, he wanted a kiss, and I reiterated that I didn't feel there was much we had in common, or that there were any sparks between us. So I said good bye, and that was the end of that!

He wasn't much of a conversationalist. He didn't have a lot to say. He said he prefers to listen. I like having guys listen, but when I'm not talking he's quiet, and I'm not very comfortable with too much quiet. He mentioned on many occasions that he was expecting a large inheritance, it appeared that he thought I was impressed with that. I gave this guy ample opportunity to show his best, and if this was it, I couldn't give any more.

NEXT!

Summer Break

It's been ages since I last added anything here.  I have been dealing with some personal issues that have more or less worked themselves out.  A positive attitude works wonders.

We hosted the G20 summit here in Toronto and it was a ridiculous display of events, from protesters, to riot police, to the holding cells, to the damage done to our city.  All costing the city a disgusting amount of money.  I kept hearing many of our citizens asking why they can't teleconference.  The savings would be phenomenal, the leaders would be safe, and they could focus on the business that needs to be discussed.

I hosted Jack Stafford who played at the Cameron House for the North by North East (NXNE).  He invited me out to watch the Stones in Exile movie and to catch a few music groups, one of which was from England dressed in Orange NASA-like suits.

So the last few weeks of school were wonderful.

• Helping out with a grade 1/2 class on a trip to the beach, ending at a splashpad where I was greatful for the cool spray that came my way whilst observing the children. 
  
  
  
  

• The Grade 6 children got to take a trip to Niagara Falls where they hiked and explored.  I wish I could have gone with them, but I was needed at the school.

• Their graduation on Monday was a lovely event with awards and speeches.  I helped put together a wonderful slide show including pictures of the students from 2006 when they looked like innocent little angels! I was lucky enough to be invited to their graduation party in an aunt's beautiful back yard.  The kids had such a fantastic time being kids, having cupcake and whip cream fights, as well as dressing the part for the Under the Sea theme.
• 
  
  
  
   

• We also had the last day assembly where the teachers could congratulate students in some of their accomplishments.  At the end, just before the last bell we did the clapout for the graduates.  We line the hallway from the gym to the front of the school and clap as they walk out of the school for the last time as grade 6 students.  I always get teary eyed at this point.

• The staff party this year was held in a co-worker's back yard.  She also hosted us the first week of school in her yard in September 2009.  There was her famous sangria, hamburgers, pizzas, veggie kabobs, and tons more.  I stayed only for a short while as I had an appointment with a Dr.  But from all accounts this was a wonderful party that went on well into the night.

• The very next day was the last day of school for the staff.  No kids, just a morning filled with a meeting that covered many plans for next year.

And that was it.  School over for 2 months.

I don't have many plans for the summer.  Doing a bit of hosting during July for couch surfers and going to the Queen's Plate tomorrow, Sunday to watch the races, and possibly get a glimpse of Queen Elizabeth.

I will also get some more scrapbook pages done, go to the gym, ride my bike, hang out with friends and read lots of books, (I finally renewed my library card!)

I am seeing my sports medicine doctor on the 19th and will hopefully get moving on surgery for my shoulder.  A large tear in my rotater cuff, so the scan said, but the MRI will give a more accurate idea.

James Taylor and Carole King

Last night I went to the Air Canada Centre to see a concert with two old favourites of mine.  Carole King and James Taylor.  I had such a great evening listening to the two of them singing.  Carole had a cold or sore throat, and was rather raspy throughout, but I loved it anyway.  They were the most gracious entertainers and genuinely thanked the audience for their applause.  The other thing I found quite touching was the fact that all the performers applauded their peers for their performances after each song.  So cool.

 

Here is a video that I recorded:

Meredith

I dropped by the gym yesterday to say a final farewell to my trainer, Meredith.  She has been a good friend helping me out with both my exercise and my diet.  She is returning to her native Prince Edward Island to work in her other field of expertise, nutrition.

Good Bye and Good Luck Meredith

Victoria Day Breakfast.

I woke up yesterday and decided I should have a good breakfast to celebrate Victoria Day.  Here in Canada most of us refer to this as the May two four weekend.  No one really understands why we call it Victoria Day, well we know it is supposed to be Queen Victoria's birthday, but why??  We just enjoy the day off and watch fireworks.  So now I will start a new tradition and make myself a big breakfast instead of the usual green smoothie variety.

Here I have scrambled eggs with a little onion added in, cucumber, tomatoes and a gluten-free bagel.  That bagel looks good right?  It was and I appreciate the fact that I finally found some at the grocery store.  However, $7 for 5 bagels is a sin!

Here is the mug of tea I finished off my breakfast with.  I seldom drink black tea anymore, since I only really drink it with milk and I'm trying not to drink cows milk now.  Once in a while I buy a 250ml container of skim milk just so that I can have a cup of tea.  It just doesn't taste the same with Almond milk.

Curried Carrot Soup with cornbread Croutons

Iris over at The Daily Dietribe, suggested that her readers adopt a gluten-free blogger.  So of course I am choosing my favourite blogger who produces amazing food, not only taste-wise,but she takes delicious photos of her food. Gluten-Free Goddess Karina Allrich always makes her food so appealing, not only from the ingredients that she uses, but her writing style is so succulent that you just can't help but to be enticed to try out her recipes.

The first recipe I tried was her Cider Roasted Vegetables. To die for. 
Then I tried the Warm Quinoa + Spinach Salad with Grape Tomatoes.

I loved the Focaccia with Garlic and Tomato.

For Christmas dinner in 2009 I made the Vegetarian Shepherds Pie. and served it to my friend, who is neither vegetarian or gluten-free.

This picture is of the latest dish I made. Curried Carrot Soup with Pan Toasted Cornbread Croutons. (Except I didn't pan toast the croutons!)

I served it to a friend after a great spinning class.  We were ravenous and ate it with extra cornbread, followed by yoghourt, strawberry muffins and fresh strawberries and blueberries.  We finished off with a cup of herbal tea.  Delicious.  My friend joked about the fact I say I hate cooking, and yet every time I feed her it tastes great.  That is really thanks to Karina.

My next dish is that I am dying to try out is Baked Grape Tomatoes with Basil and Cornbread Crumbs.

Logorama - animated short

Logorama from Marc Altshuler - Human Music on Vimeo.

Jack Stafford at C'est What

An invitation was sent out to all Toronto Couchsurfers encouraging them to go to C'est What and listen to Jack Stafford sing.  He is a couchsurfer too, and is on tour spreading his music around.

I dropped by and chatted to a few other couchsurfers, and enjoyed the 2 sets of music played.

A sample can be heard here:
www.thejackstaffordfoundation.com

Meningitis Septicemia

Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain and it can be caused by several different germs.  Some are bacterial and some are viruses.  Meningitis caused by a virus (viral meningitis) is generally less serious.  The bacterial germs can cause septicemia (blood poisoning or infection of the blood) as well as meningitis.  Anyone of any age can get meningitis or septicemia and the tow illnesses can occur at teh same time.  If the illness is diagnosed early and treated quickly, most people recover completely.


Bacterial meningitis is quite rare, but can be very serious.  There are three main types, named after the germs that can cause the illness.  The three types are:

Meningococcal
Pneumococcal
Hemophilus influenza type b (known as Hib)


Immunization against Hib infection is now possible.  Children are immunized at two, three and four months - at the same time as diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus and polio.  If you do not remember your child being immunized, and he or she is under four, you should contact your doctor.


Each year there are over 2000 cases of bacterial meningitis in England and Wales.  This figure is lower that it was because of the success of the Hib vaccine (the most common type of meningitis in children under four used to be Hib).  The meningococcal germ is now the most common cause of meningitis and septicemia in all age groups.  Young people and adults also get the pneumococcal form of meningitis and septicemia.


The germs that cause bacterial meningitis are very common and live naturally in the back of the nose and throat.  Coughing, sneezing and kissing spread the germs, but they do not live for more than a few seconds outside the body and are not easily passed from one person to another.  People of any age can carry them for weeks or months without becoming ill.  It is only rarely that they overcome the body's defenses by entering the blood from the throat causing meningitis or septicemia.  You cannot get the germs from water supplies, swimming pools, factories or buildings.


People with meningitis or septicemia usually have a rash which can be anything from tiny red spots to larhe blotchy bruises.  If you press a drinking glass against their rash it will remain visible through the glass (whereas rashes that occur with most other infections will fade or blanch).  Their skin may be pale and clammy, even though they have a fever.


Besides a rash, the other symptoms that may be found in cases of meningitis are: fever, vomiting, severe headache, still neck, dislike of bright lights, impaired consciousness or excessive drowsiness.  The symptoms of septicemia are similar, though the rash is always present; the headache is not so severe; a stiff neck and dislike of bright lights are not usually found.


If you are worried someone may have meningitis or septicemia you should seek medical help immediately.

Fabulous Flower

I took this photo 4 years ago, at the green house in Allen Gardens.  Love these colours.