First Snowfall

Saturday night and Sunday, we got our first snowfall of the season. It snowed enough to cover everything in a thick blanket of white. When it snows, we love walking to Thames Valley Golf Course with our poodle. 

Winter is my favourite time of year to visit golf courses. Golf courses are great for walking, cross county skiing, snow shoeing and sledding. 

Our poodle thoroughly enjoyed running around the golf course Sunday afternoon bounding through snow, up and down hills. She ran extra fast whenever she spied a squirrel. Squirrels are fun to chase. 

Flags and rakes have not been put away for the season. Funny to think golfers were out on Friday playing in warm 20 C weather. 

Snow clings to poodle fur. Her legs were covered in snowballs. It looked uncomfortable, but didn't slow her down much. Bundled up to keep warm, we ALL enjoyed the fresh air and exercise tramping through the snow. 

I am so happy we got out to enjoy our First Snowfall of the season on Sunday. The snow probably won't last long as rain is in the forecast. 

Let's make a wish for more snow and less extreme cold this winter. We're overdue for a winter full of fun outdoor activities. 

Be the first to comment - click on No comments: below

Dinner and a Book Club

My mom invited me to join her and a friend at the PC Cooking School Dinner and a Book Club held this week at Loblaws near Masonville Mall. 

She praised the book "The Golden Son" by Shilpi Somaya Gowda. The story is based in rural India, so the menu was to include classic Indian dishes. Intrigued by both the book and the lure of delicious Indian food, I readily accepted my mom's invitation. 

"The Golden Son" had a long list of holds at the library, so I borrowed my mom's Nook for the weekend and thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. I was looking forward to our evening out.

The menu included the following Indian dishes, Aloo Tikki (Indian potato pancakes) with Tamarind Chutney; Pepper Chicken Masala with Lemon Rice; Tarka Dhal (stewed lentils/split peas) with Green Beans and Coconut; Naan Bread; and creamy Mango Lassi (yogurt-based shake) for dessert. Dinner was delicious. 

We were given copies of the PC Cooking School recipes listed above and instructed on how to prepare each dish. I transcribed the recipes including the chef's alterations into a pdf document. You can find the recipes here if you would like to try them too.

In between dishes we discussed the book. Our book club moderator was knowledgeable keeping our discussion lively and interesting. She also recommended other books I would love to read. I've listed them below if you're interested.

"The Secret Daughter" by Shilpi Somaya Gowda

"The Inheritance of Loss" by Kiran Desai

"A Fine Balance" by Rohinton Mistry

"Book of Negroes" by Lawrence Hill

"The Illegal" by Lawrence Hill

"Can You Hear the Night Bird Call" by Anita Rau Badami

"His Whole Life" by Elizabeth Hay

"A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman

"The Wonder" by Emma Donoghue

"Room" by Emma Donoghue

"Incontinent on the Continent" by Jane Christmas

All-in-all it was a fabulous evening. I wouldn't hesitate to sign up for another PC Dinner and a Book Club event. I highly recommend it as an enjoyable evening out for $15 $30 per person.

Thanks Mom for the invitation. I had fun.

Correction: This dinner was actually $30 per person. I signed up for the PC Cooking School Holiday Insiders Collection dinner. That one is only $15 per person. I mistakenly assumed they cost the same. Thanks again Mom.

 Be the first to comment - click on No comments: below

Dorchester Mill Pond

Fair weather Saturday afternoon prompted us to take a drive in the convertible. Our poodle loves joining us in the Z4 with the top down. Without a specific destination in mind, we made our way east to Dorchester. I had a vague sense the Mill Pond was a good place to walk.

Dorchester Mill Pond exceeded my expectations. We enjoyed a leisurely 3.3 km hike stroll around the pond on clearly marked trails taking photos along the way. The Mill Pond truly is an "Oasis of Peace and Beauty" just like their website states. We have biked or driven through Dorchester many times over the years. I am so happy we finally stopped to explore.

Be the first to comment - click on No comments: below

Reading for Pleasure

Reading for Pleasure has become my new favourite pastime. 

My evenings and weekends used to be full of crochet. For the past five years, I spent many happy hours crocheting all sorts of fun things. I stopped crocheting in May when I started sitting on the floor at home. I spent the summer getting comfortable with floor sitting and walking wearing minimal flat shoes. I am pleased with my progress so far.

Recently I joined a Book Club and rediscovered the joy of reading. I love getting lost in stories. I read two books for book club before getting more from the library. The time I used to devote to crochet is now spent reading. Unfortunately, I prefer to sit comfortably while reading. Since floor sitting is still important to me, my laptop is set up on the floor.

On weekends, my husband makes me delicious decaf cappucino to enjoy while reading. I loved his fancy leaf design on this one. 

 

 

I made a bit of progress with this little crochet doll over the past few weeks. I hope to finish her eventually. I am working on her head next then hair, pants and shoes. As always, I will share photos when (if) I finish.

Have a wonderful weekend doing whatever makes you happy. 

Book Club Books:
The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian (enjoyed)
Good to a Fault by Marina Endicott (enjoyed)
Girl on the Train by Paul Hawkins (read this in Cuba - loved it)

Other books:
Saving Grace by Jane Green (enjoyed)
Always Watching by Lynette Eason (enjoyed)
Winter Stroll by  Elin Hildebrand (enjoyed)
Second Nature by Alice Hoffman (enjoyed)
The Making of Us by Lisa Jewell (just started)
The Perfect Witness by Iris Johansen (up next)

Be the first to comment - click on No comments: below