Fancy Gift

My sister who lives in Florida sent this photo of some fancy perfume she received as a Christmas gift.

We usually stay home quietly on New Year's Eve, this year is no exception. How about you?  

Mushroom Meringues

cookie exchange

My sister who lives in California sent me a photo of some cookies from one of her cookie exchange parties. I thought those mushroom meringue cookies that someone made were so neat, can you see them in the photo above? Some people really outdo themselves!

Banana Cream Cupcakes

Before Christmas, daughter L made these banana cream cupcakes for our new neighbours. They have 3 small kids and we thought they would enjoy them. It was a good feeling knocking on their door with these, they thanked me so much!

On Christmas Day they knocked on our door with a lovely surprise box of chocolates.

Paint Party Friday - Snowy Owl Landing

Welcome to Paint Party Friday! This is an ACEO (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") on canvas paper. I used Sharpie oil paint markers, permanent markers and a PITT finepoint marker. Thinking of winter, I did a Snowy Owl Landing. I have never seen one in real life but I've heard they have quite a wing span.

Uplifting

Daughter L gave me this nice large mug, a friend had given it to her and she uncovered it recently having forgotten about it. I am happy to use it, the words are such an uplifting way to start one's morning don't you think?

Scribble Picnic - Bang

Welcome to Michael's Scribble Picnic. The theme is 'Bang'. I thought of things that go 'Bang' and decided on doing drums today. It is an ACEO (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") on card stock in metallic markers, and permanent markers outlined with a PITT fine point marker. I hope the photo shows a bit of the metallic sparkle.

Christmas Day 2018

Have a warm and wonderful Christmas Day! I took this photo at my mother in law's long term care home when we visited. The tree was so beautiful.  In some good news, I don't seem to have gained any extra weight thus far this season.

Christmas Eve 2018

Have a wonderful Christmas Eve!  I took this photo at the long term care home where my mother in law lives.  It is so beautifully decorated there.

On regifting

I received this from a friend along with some other items. The money slipped out of the chocolates and I realized it must be a mistake. I was obligated to give them a call with a promise to return the money. On the good side, I had never tried Toffifee and I love them! They have whole hazelnuts enrobed in chocolate with a toffee covering.

Be careful with regifting! Do you have any regifting stories to share?

Greed vs Generosity

Some good friends sent over these homemade sugar and shortbread cookies, they are so good!

Last weekend in church the priest spoke of greed versus generosity, on which would make you happier.  It was the perfect topic at this time of year.  I did feel very greedy munching down on a couple of these cookies.

Paint Party Friday - Flowers

Welcome to Paint Party Friday! I did some flowers for you today based on a vase of artificial ones that I actually own. I had bought it because I loved it of course. The piece is an ACEO (2 1/2" x 3 1/2') in permanent markers outlined with a PITT finepoint marker.

Yummy Baked Goods

A friend delivered this delicious lemon cranberry loaf that she made.  It is so moist and not too sweet tasting.  My poor diabetic husband is having a hard time with all these goodies in the house.  He will take little bites of stuff.

New Type of Chocolates

Not that we need any more chocolate in our house right now, but I picked up these new Kit Kat Senses chocolates on sale at the grocery store. I wondered what they were like. They have hazelnuts and reminded me of Ferrero Rocher, I didn't think they were as good.

Massager

Daughter L has this curious massager thingy lying around the house.  The best part is that it is battery free.

With good friends

tiramisu

We went to a lovely Italian restaurant with some good friends recently for a Christmas get together. We had some delicious pasta entrees. My seafood dish had more seafood than pasta which was a good thing. They make their own desserts in house, husband M and I shared a delicious tiramisu dessert. The coffee was excellent, although it was in a smaller cup than we are used to, maybe that is Italian style.

New York City

Daughter L visited New York City recently, she was hosted by a good friend for 5 days.  It was her first time to that city and she loved it!  She brought back a cute souvenir of the Statue of Liberty for her brother and said she said they spent 5 hours in the 9/11 Memorial Museum, it was so gripping.

The Christmas Party

boston lettuce salad

salmon entree

Friend S invited me to accompany her to her office Christmas party as I have been doing for the past 2 or 3 years.  It was fun to see everyone dressed up in all their finery although it was very cold that evening -7c (19F).  There was an open bar so we had some cocktails, many appetizers and chatted with some of S's co-workers.  Before long, it was time to go into the dining room to our assigned tables.  We chose to have the salmon entree.  We were served a squash soup and a boston lettuce salad for starters.  Dessert was a chocolate torte with fruit and whipped cream.  S and I were getting tired so we left as the dancing started.

One interesting story was that one of the young mothers at the party gave birth to her 2nd child in the office washroom some this past summer.  Her mother arrived just in time to help with the delivery and they waited for the paramedics to arrive, they cut the umbilical cord.  

Paint Party Friday - The Ring

Welcome to Paint Party Friday! This is an ACEO (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") in permanent marker outlined with a PITT finepoint marker. I called it 'The Ring' inspired by a photo I saw in a magazine. There is something appealing about a beautiful diamond ring don't you think?

New Eyeglasses

I saw an optometrist at the end of October after a long time.  I had been relying on my opthalmologist for years as I go there to check my cataract annually.  However, the optometrist has more time to do a thorough eye exam as opposed to a specific check.  My prescription had changed slightly so I decided to get new eyeglasses and sunglasses.  The sunglasses weren't even progressive lenses before.  I figure it had been at least 11 years since I changed eyeglasses.  It was time.

I had been removing my old eyeglasses a lot for reading and now with the new prescription I don't have to!  My life has improved in a small way!  The optometrist also had more time for questions.  He told me I was not a candidate for laser eye surgery with the cataract, I had always wondered about that although I never considered that surgery.  If and when the time comes I would get new 'lenses' put inside the eye which would give me perfect eyesight.  They always do both eyes to equalize your vision.

Scribble Picnic - A Few of My Favourite Things

So here are a few of my favourite things for Scribble Picnic today! It is done in my sketchbook in permanent marker, outlined with a PITT finepoint marker. Those favourite things would be 'cheesies, music, my laptop, flowers and chocolates'!  Maybe I should have added my smart phone because that is perhaps more indispensable than a laptop these days, I feel truly lost without it.

On Death Cleaning.

For me number 8 would be the perfect banana how about you?

Here is an interesting article on 'Death Cleaning'. It means decluttering before you go. Some see it as a responsibility, not leaving the burden of your possessions behind for others to clean up.  I asked my daughter to consider getting me 'The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning' by Margareta Magnusson as described in the article.

My Gift Baskets

I made a couple of gift baskets for some special people this year. I am quite pleased with how they turned out! It all started with me finding some nice trays.  The main item in one of them is a silk flower arrangement.  The other has some nice bottles of wine.  Then I added several knick knacks to each basket such as  coasters, straws, ornaments, nuts, and chocolates.  Be careful with adding nuts as some have nut allergies.

The Visit

I borrowed this image above from blogger Sheryl at Handmade Happiness.

Husband M and I went to visit my uncle at the long term care home where he lives, our Chrismas visit I guess.  I always make sure his partner will be there when we visit as he has advancing dementia.  He is on the ward where they are locked in now.   He used to appreciate a box of unsalted cashews but this year I took a poinsettia plant to brighten his room.  They feed him now, he eats more like baby food.  My husband thinks he recognized me, but I can't be sure.  He is lucky to have his partner there with him 5 out of 7 days a week and she stays for 6 hours each day.

The Colonoscopy

I thought some of my readers would be interested to hear about my recent colonoscopy.

The Pico Salax laxative was mild, I took the 2 doses at required times and did a clear liquid diet all the day before.  The specialist performed the colonoscopy at an endoscopy clinic, instead of at the hospital.  If you are under 75 you can choose to have it done outside of the hospital.  It was a quick, it took under an hour  including processing time.  Daughter L took me and signed that she would be responsible for taking me home.  Waking from the knockout anaesthesia, it must have been laughing gas, I had a feeling of euphoria, that all was well with me and the world.  The best part was knowing it was all over.  Earlier on I remember that the doctor was worrying about the weather in Italy and spoke of Liguria, maybe he was going on vacation soon.  I asked him how soon I could eat afterwards, he said 'immediately, anything I want'.  Outside in the waiting room, the receptionist spoke of her fasting while prepping for her own colonoscopy.  Her hubby made a delicious meal that same night and finished it!  She shook her head in puzzlement, why would he do that?  It was a very efficient procedure, I was impressed with this clinic.  I didn't require a follow up appointment with the doctor, my next colonoscopy is recommended in 6 to 8 years.

Paint Party Friday - Moon and Sunrise and Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Here is my Paint Party Friday piece called 'Moon and Sunrise', an ACEO (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") in permanent marker. I was driving eastward yesterday, it was a cloudy morning at about 9 am, when I noticed the moon peeking behind the sunrise.

Cinnamon roll cookies

Daughter L made these cinnamon roll cookies for a cookie exchange. She always makes a bit extra so we can sample them!  They were delicious.

Eggplant Cheese Bake

Jan of The Low Carb Diabetic inspired this recipe. She had posted a creamy cheese and zucchini casserole. I didn't have any zucchini on hand that day, but I did have some Japanese eggplant.  This may become a new low carb staple dish in my house!

Ingredients:

2 or 3 Japanese eggplants cut into 1 cm wide slices
1 c of half and half cream
1 c grated cheddar cheese
1 Large onion chopped
1/2 tsp tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried basil
2 tbs olive oil

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat the oven 350F

2. In a 9 x 13" baking dish lined with parchment paper, line the bottom of the baking dish with half of the eggplant slices

3. Place all of the onion on top of the eggplant slices. Then sprinkle half of the cheese on top of the eggplant. Mix salt pepper basil into the cream. Pour half of the cream into the dish.

4. Next, place the remaining eggplant slices on top of the dish.

5. Then pour the rest of the cream over top of everything. Top the dish with the rest of the grated cheese and drizzle with olive oil.

6. Bake in the oven for about 40 minutes until the eggplant is tender, then slice and serve.

Upside Down Banana Cake

9 inch cake

I had some leftover bananas and found this recipe for upside down banana cake. It is a delicious change from banana bread. I used 3/4 c brown sugar and 3/4 c white sugar, less than required in the recipe. I also skipped separating the egg whites and just dumped them whole into the batter.

The Altercation

Here is a fun puzzle for you to try. There is more than one word that you could find.

I had bought some stamps and was walking over to the grocery store last week, it was the same day that I experienced some rudeness at the mall. This older couple were also going toward the grocery store from another direction. The man was shouting angrily at someone in the parking lot. He turned back toward the parking lot, still angry and I stopped, wondering what would happen. It was raining heavily although I was fine in my raincoat. I didn't know if I should keep walking that way, I thought about getting shot in the crossfire. You never know these days. We have had so much violence in Toronto. However, the man decided to continue into the grocery store with his wife and all was well.

Husband M told me I should hit the floor if there are bullets. We can laugh about it, but I really don't think I could be quick enough to do that.

Bake Sale

Last week husband M and I went to the church craft and bake sale. We picked up some chocolate cookies and shortbread cookies and admired all the crafted goods. They used to have outside vendors but they seem to have stopped that. There is still a tea party that you can attend and of course there is a silent auction.

Rudeness then Politeness

I came across these 'fun facts', thought you would find them entertaining!

Usually I write about positive encounters while out and about, but last week at the mall, in the midday, it seemed more crowded than usual, this young mom was pushing her kid in a stroller, barreling towards me.  Or maybe I was walking towards her.  She said 'why won't you move'.  I was wondering the same as I was forced to move aside.  I said 'that's really rude'.  She continued on and  replied 'you're rude'.  As she turned the corner in the direction of the family washroom I yelled back 'I think you're rude'.

Not half an hour later I was strolling through a store.  Another mom pushing a stroller behind me said 'excuse me'.  I quickly moved aside and said 'oh sorry'.  She turned her head towards me as she went by and replied with a smile 'that's quite all right'.  What a difference a bit of politeness makes!

A Changing World

Welcome to December! Here is the mall tree all lit up for the season!  I waited for a few minutes to get a good photo as people were happily taking photos beside it, posing with their babies and so on.

The city gave us an online link to our 2019 garbage collection schedule as printed copies will no longer be delivered to us.  We can pick one up at the library though.  It is a changing world, going paperless.  Then a couple of times I have had to type an electronic signature on an online document.

Paint PartyFriday - A coordinated outfit

Welcome to Paint Party Friday! I did a greeting card (4 1/4" x 5 1/2") in permanent marker, outlined with a PITT fine point marker. It is a girl with a coordinated outfit, inspired by a lady I saw recently who was very well put together.  

Gift idea

One of my sisters was out shopping in northern California where she lives and saw these neat 'introvert' socks. It is perfect if you have any introverts on your list! Wouldn't that be a fun gift!

Scribble Picnic - Goodbye Autumn

Welcome to Michael's Scribble Picnic. The current theme is 'Goodbye Autumn'. My piece is a greeting card (5 1/2" x 4 1/4") in permanent markers, inspired by the scene I woke up to on the morning of November 16th! I thought, what better way to say 'Goodbye Autumn', albeit a bit early...sheesh.

An unexpected Result

my scrambled egg breakfast

I was doing some gift shopping the other day and at the checkout, I noticed one of the assistants wearing a pretty jeweled necklace in burgundy tones.  I told her I loved her necklace and noticed how perfectly it coordinated with her burgundy undershirt and burgundy patterned sweater. She thanked me and went on to admire my purchase, telling me it was a good deal, admiring the weight of the fabric in the duvet cover. In fact, some ladies walking by asked if there were any more of those.

My compliment was sincere, but look at the unexpected, equally complimentary result!

Mall Decoration

Here is a pretty mall decoration all lit up, it is cute to see the kids run through, it must seem magical to the little ones.

Christmas Tree

Here is the tree at the mall, they have since had the lighting ceremony! We have started our Christmas shopping, there have been some good deals that we couldn't resist.

Christmas Spirit

I snapped these Christmas sweater photos for you while shopping at the mall. I decided to wait until after US Thanksgiving to respectfully post them, haha.  Are you in the Christmas spirit?

Paint Party Friday - Apple

Welcome to Paint Party Friday! I did an ACEO (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") on canvas of an apple, it is an overhead view and I decided to put it on a green background for more of a festive theme.  It is coloured with Sharpie oil paint markers.

No printing required

Happy Thanksgiving to our American family and friends!

We recently saw a couple of movies, one was 'Bohemian Rhapsody' which we really enjoyed and 'A Star is Born'.  Lady Gaga is very talented but I would say we preferred Bohemian Rhapsody.  The movie theatres don't require us to print our tickets anymore, we can just purchase them online and have the tickets scanned from our phone.

A hit toy

I was watching the Toronto Santa Claus Parade on the weekend, some young girls were asked what they wanted for Christmas.  They said they wanted an LOL Surprise doll.  I had never heard of these so I went googling and found this article.

Lol surprise stands for 'Little Outrageous Little Surprise'.  It is a hit toy that debuted last year.  It is a dome shaped plastic case with dolls, accessories, clothing and charms that must be unwrapped individually.  The surprise and appeal is in the slow reveal which can take hours.  It is a toy for the snapchat, instagram, youtube generation.

Colonoscopy

I have an upcoming routine colonoscopy. In preparation I bought this package of Pico-Salax laxative. My brother told me that was TMI (too much information) for him. However, this preparation was very mild on my system when I used it for my last colonoscopy over 5 years ago. My husband used something different when he did his around the same time and it was brutal in comparison.

So if you are a certain age, I hope this information will be useful to you.

Simple Pleasures

I am excited about my new Ralph Lauren kitchen towels that I found at Costco recently. They were under $15 for 5 cotton towels. My old ones badly needed replacing. I love the subtle pattern and colour. This is what I call a simple pleasure!