Only a few days left of school. I am getting excited about my trip home to England, partly because I am taking a friend there this time. Visiting my home is nice, but I never really think of it as being a vacation. This time though I know that I will feel differently. I will be showing my friend around my home town that is full of history, as well as London. We have also booked a 4 day trip to Spain, that had better be as good as all the problems I have had booking it! Not only that, but in the process I discovered that my passport would have expired while I was away. I am picking up the new one from the passport office on Wednesday, just a few days before I leave for England.
So fingers crossed that all the problems have already happened, and I will have a fun and exciting vacation in England and Spain.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Thursday, June 09, 2011
Art Auction
The children in my classroom are 6 and 7 year olds, who made this amazing quilt for out silent auction on Thursday June 17. We are hoping to get a good chunk of money to support the programs that the school's budget no longer includes. Programs like field trips, visiting artists, authors, scientists, and other wonderful creative activities.
The unit we have been working on is 'Good Stewardship'
This quilt is to be auctioned off on Thursday, so if you are interested in bidding for this beautiful piece, drop by Bruce Public School, after 5:30p.m. at 51 Larchmount Ave in the east end of Toronto, near Queen and Leslie.
Fingers crossed we'll get a good bid.
First the children engraved a styrofoam piece with a pencil making images of ways to care for our environment. It was then inked and put it on a canvas. I took all the pieces, and sewed them together, adding a border. On the border the students added words that match their images. Each child sewed and tied a simple knot between each panel.
Fingers crossed we'll get a good bid.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Belly Dancing
Someone on Facebook, added me to an event, Belly Dancing, that included a yoga warm up and meditation at the end.
It all sounded very intriguing, and I added a comment stating that I was over 50 and over weight, and wondered if this would be a good thing for me to try. The reply came saying yes, it would be a great thing for me to try. So I signed up.
It was held in a condo only a few minutes walk from my home, and it was only $10. Well worth the investment.
After the class, photos were taken, and I felt happy, even though I had difficulty with some of the moves!
It all sounded very intriguing, and I added a comment stating that I was over 50 and over weight, and wondered if this would be a good thing for me to try. The reply came saying yes, it would be a great thing for me to try. So I signed up.
It was held in a condo only a few minutes walk from my home, and it was only $10. Well worth the investment.
After the class, photos were taken, and I felt happy, even though I had difficulty with some of the moves!
Here I am with the instructor next to me.
And here we are with 'belly dancing arms!'
Monday, May 23, 2011
Woo Hoo
I was talking to a friend of mine a while ago, about the 4 blogs that I own. I have a general life one, a dating one, a card one, and a scrapbook one. I also used to have another one where I sold cards that I made, but I deleted that one a while ago. I was saying that it sometimes becomes crazy trying to keep them up, only to not post in months on one or the others.
So imagine my joy just a few minutes ago, when I googled, "How do I merge my blogs?" and it came up with a simple answer!
So now my general and dating ones are merged and my card and scrapbook ones are merged also. Now if you are interested in my general life stuff, you also get to read about my dating life! (Well you would if there was one!) And now my craft stuff is altogether, as it should be.
So go ahead, check out my blogs.
So imagine my joy just a few minutes ago, when I googled, "How do I merge my blogs?" and it came up with a simple answer!
So now my general and dating ones are merged and my card and scrapbook ones are merged also. Now if you are interested in my general life stuff, you also get to read about my dating life! (Well you would if there was one!) And now my craft stuff is altogether, as it should be.
So go ahead, check out my blogs.
Communication, thanks to Skype
I am very grateful that Skype exists.
I gave up my landline at the beginning of the year, in favour of an android smart phone from Wind. With this I don't need an internet provider, as I can tether my phone to my computer. So the savings are big. My biggest concern was that I needed a way to stay in touch with my family overseas. I decided that Skype was sufficient because most of my family members are online. I also call my dad, who is not online, through Skype too. It is ridiculously cheap and the quality is fantastic. I can have my weekly chat with him for my usual 30 minutes, and pay only a few cents.
The best thing though, is that my sister got a laptop for Christmas and finally got hooked up online. So we have Skype chats where I can see her and she can see me. I love that. My brother who also lives in the UK, Skypes me once in a while too. I am looking into being able to conference, but it looks like we have to pay for that service.
My sister, Lorna, always brightens up my day. She has a wicked sense of humour, and is my best friend. Funny really, when you think we hated each other growing up! She is a lot like my mum, but would have hated hearing this when she was younger! I love her very much, as she has been the primary person in taking care of my dad for the past 7 years. She does the things that no one really wants to do, and usually without complaint, unless warranted.
So thank you Skype for making possible the connection that I still have with my family.
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Grey days of April/May
I am happy that the sun is out this morning, it brightens up my day. But there really hasn't been too much sunshine in the last couple of months, not to mention the winter blahs.
And with temperature fluctuations comes the cold and 'flu season, again! I am certain we won't see anymore snow for at least 6 or 7 months, but the days can be windy and cold during the month of May.
I have had a sore throat since the middle of March, which then turned into a cough on Good Friday in April. The doctor initially gave me a nasal spray for the sore throat, then new asthma inhalers for the cough. I had asked if perhaps a chest x-ray was necessary, but was told it was just asthma. I had asked if antibiotics might help, again, I was told it was asthma. On returning to the Dr. again yesterday, May, I was told it wasn't asthma it was pneumonia. So finally I am hoping the antibiotics will clear up the chest infection, and I will be able to walk and talk without becoming breathless and coughing.
I think we all know our own bodies best, and it sometimes becomes frustrating when a doctor won't listen. I knew in April that it was a chest infection, since I've had bronchitis on a number of occasions. If I had been given either an x-ray or the antibiotics, then I would have recovered and not have to take further sick days off work. I understand that doctors don't like to hand out medication, especially antibiotics, too often, but I and not a pill popper, and I am not visiting the doctors office continuously, so I feel that they should listen to me.
So wish me well, and thanks for allowing the little rant!
And with temperature fluctuations comes the cold and 'flu season, again! I am certain we won't see anymore snow for at least 6 or 7 months, but the days can be windy and cold during the month of May.
I have had a sore throat since the middle of March, which then turned into a cough on Good Friday in April. The doctor initially gave me a nasal spray for the sore throat, then new asthma inhalers for the cough. I had asked if perhaps a chest x-ray was necessary, but was told it was just asthma. I had asked if antibiotics might help, again, I was told it was asthma. On returning to the Dr. again yesterday, May, I was told it wasn't asthma it was pneumonia. So finally I am hoping the antibiotics will clear up the chest infection, and I will be able to walk and talk without becoming breathless and coughing.
I think we all know our own bodies best, and it sometimes becomes frustrating when a doctor won't listen. I knew in April that it was a chest infection, since I've had bronchitis on a number of occasions. If I had been given either an x-ray or the antibiotics, then I would have recovered and not have to take further sick days off work. I understand that doctors don't like to hand out medication, especially antibiotics, too often, but I and not a pill popper, and I am not visiting the doctors office continuously, so I feel that they should listen to me.
So wish me well, and thanks for allowing the little rant!
Dateless in Toronto
I was just checking my blog and realised that it is over a year since I posted. I probably haven't had many dates since the last post, and this worries me.
I did have shoulder surgery in October last year, and hadn't felt much like dating during that time. I am still, in fact undergoing physiotherapy, although now I am much better.
So now the sun has peaked through a few days recently and it makes me feel like I should be out there having fun. Stay tuned for upcoming date reviews.
I did have shoulder surgery in October last year, and hadn't felt much like dating during that time. I am still, in fact undergoing physiotherapy, although now I am much better.
So now the sun has peaked through a few days recently and it makes me feel like I should be out there having fun. Stay tuned for upcoming date reviews.
Saturday, April 02, 2011
World Autism Awareness Day
Today, on the 4th Annual World Autism Awareness Day, we are joining prominent buildings across North America and the world — including the Empire State Building in New York City and the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada — who will turn their lights blue to raise awareness for autism and to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day. Light it up Blue is aiming to light the world blue all throughout April — city by city, town by town — by taking action to raise autism awareness in our communities. Help us LIGHT it up BLUE this month!
I took this photo tonight at 11pm, from the sunroom in my apartment. Sorry for the poor quality, but it's the best my little camera can do.
I took this photo tonight at 11pm, from the sunroom in my apartment. Sorry for the poor quality, but it's the best my little camera can do.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Scooby Doo is dead!
I take the bus from my apartment to work, and the other day while I was waiting, I noticed something strange on the ground behind me. I strained my eyes to get a better look, and realised that it was a Scooby Doo toy that had lost it's stuffing. I just had to take a photo of the sad sight.
Breakfast
I wanted something light this morning.
Vanilla yogourt, strawberries, blueberries and pumpkin seeds.
And of course a cup of tea!
Vanilla yogourt, strawberries, blueberries and pumpkin seeds.
Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
As I mentioned previously, the secretary at my school looks out for and passes on to me, recipes that she thinks I might enjoy. This was one that I thought sounded delicious so I had to try it out.
It is quinoa stuffed peppers.
It is quite labour intensive. Chopped onions, celery, minced garlic, chopped spinach, cumin, diced tomatoes, beans, quinoa, grated carrots and grated cheese. I don't own a food processor, so it takes a while. After sauteing the onions and celery in olive oil, adding cumin and garlic, then spinach and tomatoes, it cooked for 5 minutes. Then I added the beans, I used aduki, but black beans are just as good. Then added quinoa, carrots and water to boil then simmer for 20 minutes. I added the cheese and seasoned it with salt and pepper.
I cut 4 large peppers in half, but they weren't large enough, and stuffed each half with a mountain of the mixture.
Then I poured in some tomato juice that was drained from the chopped tomatoes, into the baking dish. I placed the stuffed peppers into the dish. I put foil over the top, then baked them for an hour.
Then I removed the foil, added some grated cheese to the top and baked another 15 minutes.
I must admit they looked really delicious.
I took one and put it on the plate and poured some of the pan juice over the top.
It tasted as good as it looked.
I took four pieces into school the following day, two for Nancy the secretary and two for my friend Vanessa. They agreed that they were very tasty.
It is quinoa stuffed peppers.
It is quite labour intensive. Chopped onions, celery, minced garlic, chopped spinach, cumin, diced tomatoes, beans, quinoa, grated carrots and grated cheese. I don't own a food processor, so it takes a while. After sauteing the onions and celery in olive oil, adding cumin and garlic, then spinach and tomatoes, it cooked for 5 minutes. Then I added the beans, I used aduki, but black beans are just as good. Then added quinoa, carrots and water to boil then simmer for 20 minutes. I added the cheese and seasoned it with salt and pepper.
I cut 4 large peppers in half, but they weren't large enough, and stuffed each half with a mountain of the mixture.
Then I poured in some tomato juice that was drained from the chopped tomatoes, into the baking dish. I placed the stuffed peppers into the dish. I put foil over the top, then baked them for an hour.
Then I removed the foil, added some grated cheese to the top and baked another 15 minutes.
I took one and put it on the plate and poured some of the pan juice over the top.
It tasted as good as it looked.
Monday, January 31, 2011
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!
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
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.
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
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.
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.
Saturday, January 01, 2011
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:
I will also be more aware of what I have, how I use it and be appreciative of it.
How about you?
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 will also be more aware of what I have, how I use it and be appreciative of it.
How about you?
Sunday, December 26, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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.
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