obeast

Well well well

2007-05-11T23:17:00.000-07:00

Of course I am not posting to this old blog of mine anymore, but many of my recipes live on these old pages, so I keep it alive. For my new blog go to Beaswax and see whats cookin!

You shouldn't be here! You should be at Beaswax

2007-03-26T00:41:00.000-07:00

Just in case someone sent you here, you should try out my new blog for the view in 2007. Click here to go to Beaswax.
It will be the one you want to read.

"The Creator"

Lonesome Blog

2007-01-13T22:10:00.000-08:00

thought I'd check in to see whats new at the old Beast blog....Nothing, so you might as well click on the link to my new blog "beaswax""The Creator"

BYE-BYE-obeast!

2006-11-25T22:36:00.000-08:00

Please follow the link to my "New" blog called Beaswax
I finally have my links up and running and for the recipes in particular, they will link back to the old beast here. Other than that,I'd like to remind you to set your favourites to my new website, and visit me there. I can't promise more postings, but I'll see what I can do. The format there is much easier to work with and it was long overdue to bury obeast- not the prettiest name on the planet. Good luck and enjoy!
"The Creator"

Hello Winter!

2006-11-25T14:26:00.000-08:00

Looks like winter has arrived! Our resident squirrel seems to have found himself a home...he better get all his nuts ready for the -20* weather that is on its way.

Brown Bear Distributors

2006-11-24T23:10:00.000-08:00

Brown Bear Distributors
New for the 2006 Christmas season, we have added a Christmas story to our stock! My Christmas Wish is a wonderful personalized book that describes your child and friends visiting the North Pole and delivering a special gift to Santa. These are available only for the 2006 holiday season and are in limited supply! Contact me as soon as possible if you would like to order one.

These are terrific books and CD's that Karen puts together with many references to your child and his or her friends...Order now for Xmas!

epigenetics in New Scientist 2004

2006-11-21T22:47:00.000-08:00

epigenetics in New Scientist 2004
If you listened to CBC this morning, you might have heard this very interesting discusion relating to "Epigentetics". Here, you can read a document on it written in The Scientist.
Basically, it relates to how our environment can change the way our DNA is affected...

" If you liken the genome to the hardware of a computer, Jirtle explains, then "epigenetics is the software. It's the grey area. It's just so darn beautiful if you think about it."

A door to the future of curing cancer and many other diseases has been opened through the study of epigenetics...something to look forward to

Here's a funny...thanks Jo-Anne for sharing it!

2006-11-21T21:23:00.000-08:00

Briefing the President

Donald Rumsfeld briefed the President this
morning.
He told Bush that 3 Brazilian soldiers were killed
in
Iraq. To everyone's amazement, all the color
drained
from Bush's face, then he collapsed onto his desk,
head in hands, visibly shaken, almost in tears.

Finally, he composed himself and asked Rumsfeld
"Just exactly how many is a brazilian?

"The Creator"

Moi!

2006-11-21T21:07:00.000-08:00

Lynn took this festive shot of moi at the party on Sunday...LOOK! My eyes aren't closed! Thank-you Janice for the beautiful bouguet you see in the picture.
The orders are in and we should all be in candles by December!

PAAAARTY-Lite

2006-11-20T22:28:00.000-08:00

Here are a few shots of the big hen party on Sunday. It turned out a smashing success with eveyone coming,and even bringing a few friends...Sonya was a terrific presenter...not dawdling too much, and keeping the pace going so as to not lose anyone's attention. In 35 minutes or so, she was finished showing off all of the latest candles and holders, with some of them,being pretty darn elegant!
Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves between smelling the candles and deciding which new item to try out.
Then we got straight into the food...Glad I had plenty ,as all the gals sampled everything and especially seemed to like the deserts!
I spent last week-end making much of it,including, the cream cheese pastry mushroom turnovers, the Puff pastry roll-ups, and the mini Chou pastries, that I filled with a variety of fillings.
I must say, I couldn't have pulled off such a big event ( 24 peops including moi), without the incredible help from my dear cousin Lynn, my good friend Janice, and my sweet sister, Joyce. Thank-you, thank-you, especially to Lynn, who came over on Saturday and pitched right in to do all sorts of preparations for me.Janice chopped and mashed, and Joyce came loaded with extra goodies...a nice sample of Derrick's smoked salmon...yummy stuff! Thanks Derrick!
Thank-you,one and all!
You know, in the old days, I had my two daughters to help put on a big event.
They ran downstairs or upstairs to fetch what-ever; they loaded and unloaded the dishwasher;they set the table; they cleaned up the dishes,and gave me great help whenever guests were arriving. Thanks darlin's! The thing is, that as you get older and have to do it all yourself, you tend to realize how much help a second pair of hands are appreciated in the kitchen, or when you are preparing a party. Thanks Sonia and Annette for all those helping hands over the years and once again, thanks to Lynn and Janice and Joyce for all of your much appreciated help.
I can't wait to have all the product arrive,so I can find out exactly what the fragrences of the candles smell like, that I ordered!I never had much of a chance to sample the smells!
Until next time...take care...and thanks to all, who placed an order of Partylite, or 2nd Nature...Don't worry, you'll have it all before Christmas!

Briarcliff Manor High School Class of 1960 Reunion Juke Box

2006-11-19T23:33:00.000-08:00

Briarcliff Manor High School Class of 1960 Reunion Juke Box
Click on a song or two from the past and relive a few old memories...There is a juke box from the years 1956-1960...They should open in your media player...Very cool!

Spike ...still growing...

2006-11-18T11:53:00.000-08:00

Well, isn't Spike just the cutest? Still reminds me of Silky and Co-co when they were babes...Looks like he is ready for mischief...

Too much Fun

2006-11-16T23:00:00.000-08:00

Lets see...What was I going to write about that was too much fun... oh yes, my Partylite Party...It hasn't happened yet, but I think it will be a blast! Seems like I could have 25 guests...Where to put them all??? We'll figure that one out on Saturday, after I put up some Xmas decorations... Might as well get in the spirit right away.
Oh yes, the other thing was the very enjoyable evening that Joyce and I had after work today. We went to the new Touchstone's Museum and Art gallery and toured through both galleries and the upstairs Museum which has an incredible history of the Nelson area with artifacts from every period of time. All well worth the visit. Two visits can almost pay for a yearly pass, so what are you waiting for? Besides, Joyce and I will try to be at most all of the openings, so we can all have a visit at the same time!
Thanks to Joyce for being a good sport and coming to town at such an awkward hour to meet me. We always have a fun time together. Thanks to the Art gallery for staying open two or three nights a week for us later-get-out-of-workers!
Night night...see most of you on Sunday!

"The Creator"

Shots of the Valence...Looks great doesn't it???

2006-11-16T22:53:00.000-08:00

I think I told you all about what a great idea Ronda and Lori came up with...to paint the ugly valence...The results were amazing! Ronda gave the walls a faux-suede finish in the greens, making the whole place look beautiful and lush!

Ronda and John's New Paint Job

2006-11-16T22:48:00.000-08:00

Note the valence...yep,all painted and it looks fabulous!...hmmmmmm...maybe I ought to paint my couch!

CBC.ca News - Arts & Enternainment

2006-11-14T23:49:00.000-08:00

CBC.ca News - Arts & Enternainment
Take a look through these photos of "Look-a-likes" Nope, they aren't related... Some of them are pretty darn good...Know any lookalikes? This artist is looking for more...

Back at it...

2006-11-14T20:27:00.000-08:00

So that was the best three day week-end I've had at home in an age...got the closet cleaned out, cleaned house, did laundry and last but not least, baked up a little storm for my Partylite Party next Sunday.

Everyone is welcome...It starts at 1:00 in the afternoon, with plenty of munchies and lots of fun. We may end up being squished in like sardines, but I figure if we rotate, we should do ok.We can file down the hall to the bedroom, where I'll keep the wine, then we can rotate back to the kitchen and living room to see whats new in the candle world. There are so many beautiful new fragrances out as well as the new Aromatherapy melts and something else new, called Reeds, that also release aroma-theraputic fragrances. I just love the cinnamon and ginderbread tealights for Christmas...makes the house smell all homey and good. Yum. I can't wait.

If anyone can't make it, but would like to host their own party, please let me know before Sunday,and I'll gift you with a dozen tealights when you hold your party.

I'll try to touch base with those of you whom I haven't chatted with recently to get an idea of how many are coming.
It should be a fun afternoon and a nice way to start the Christmas season.
Is all of your shopping done? I plan on having all mine done very soooooooooon!

In the meantime, Emil fixed the hot-tub...every seal at every joint was rotten to the core and one began to leak profusely. Now, all the seals have been changed and the tub is back together and running better than ever before...turbo speed now! Yea!!!!
Also,we finally switched over to a Bromine system, so we'll see how that goes. Any hints would be appreciated... I have enough product to sink a battleship.
Now I think it is time for a cup of tea, and I think we'll head to the tub to try it out...what do you think?

Now, Eileen said she couldn't see the pics of our new car on the blog...anyone else have that problem? I can repost them if anyone is interested.

PS: I love the new little rig...just don't know whether to call it a car or truck or what. SUV sounds so wrong...

"The Creator"

Rememberance Day

2006-11-11T09:34:00.000-08:00

Go to ShawnHlookoff's Myspace site and click on "Soldier" for a soul searching Rememberance day song. It was played at all the school Assemblies on Rememberance Day...quite a song for a twenty year old fron Winlaw BC. Way to go, young fellow. He will also sing it before the hockey game on Rememberance Day.

"The Creator"

Week-end..Congrats Annette!

2006-11-07T21:15:00.000-08:00

Must be time to blog. I am feeling a little depraved...deprived! No one to chat to except the animals. Emil is off to Vancouver for the week and the weather outside has taken a turn for the windy...very blustery, but not cold...It rained buckets today and last night also...so much so, that our power went out in the middle of the night.When the power went down, I awoke to the sound of hard rain pounding the deck off my studio upstairs. I think I started praying right then for no leakage!
Our week-end went well...a quick trip down to Kelowna to help Annette pack up the moving van. It is official that she is moving to Victoria start a brand new job that should prove to be very god for her...after all it is unionized...yippee! She started her new job yesterday and is crazy happy with the totally most updated computer programs they use to do business...Light years ahead of her old Credit Union. It will cut down immensely on admin time. She was exstatic about that aspect of it.
Steve flew in to Kelowna from Victoria to be the master packer of the Truck. John and Ronda came down from Vernon to lend a hand, so in no time flat we had the truck loaded to the brim. A huge thank-you to Steve for his expertise in fast packing, and also huge thanks to John and Ronda for all of their help. Certainly made it all go smooth and fast. in about an hour it was all done and Annette and Steve were on their way. Unfortunately, the Coquillhalla was pretty foggy and sloppy. Then to top it off, the ferry had to have some mechanical repairs, so they lost another hour waiting at the terminal. They were tired pups by the time they ever drove into the driveway in Victoria.
Congrats to Annette for getting it altogether and making it happen,and kudos to Sonia and Steve for being there for her and helping so much.
Meanwhile we drove up to John and Ronda's for an overnight visit. First time in almost a year that I have been up to their lovely home...many improvements have been made...most notably was the amazing paint job to the living room walls...a beautiful deep emerald green,that Ronda had textured with a faux finish to resemble rich suede.
Then they did the most amazing thing...painted the huge twenty foot fabric covered valance over the living room window. Who would of thunk that fabric or upholstery could be painted? Maybe it is time to do my couch! The results were amazing...guess I'll have to get Ronda to send some photos to post to the blog here. I completely forgot my camera...that is a first!
After a great dinner of roasted ribs, we played a new version of the ever famous Train, until I was falling asleep,off my perch.
Thanks to John and Ronda for the great visit and delicious dinner...nice to see all the home improvements to an already great home.
The weather turned ugly on Monday, but Emil managed to fly out on the only flight that left Castlegar to Vancouver. Annette too, had to fly to Vancouver to visit her new head office, and she was also lucky to get over and back, because not many flights made it from Victoria to Vancouver on Monday.
Now the wind has picked up and leaves and junk keep smacking my front window...kind of creepy. When I opened the door to see what was going on, the door nearly flew right into my face...brutal winds.
Have a great night...cheers and Happy New Job to Annette!

"The Creator"

Last signs of fall and first of spring...

2006-11-07T21:07:00.000-08:00

Yep, that is a pussy willow! It is from my new pussy willow tree that shot up huge tall branches once we fenced it fromt he deer. If you look closely, you could see where the bark has been peeled off...the deer have been able to reach that branch and expose the pussy willow at the same time...a few months pre-mature! The rosehips looked beautiful with the little water drops clinging to each one...Good bye fall...

Our new Saturn

2006-11-07T21:05:00.000-08:00

And the new car is a Saturn Vue...a smaller SUV, that goes like stink! I love it! I know, Kaleigh would have preferred the RED van with heated seats that she tried out with her grumps...maybe next time!

2006-11-07T21:03:00.001-08:00

Dirty back end...lots of rain and mud lately!

2006-11-07T21:03:00.000-08:00

Side View..

2006-11-07T21:02:00.000-08:00

Silky is just learning how to drive it...

2006-11-03T22:58:00.000-08:00

Look at all that fur...adn his cute little feet. what a cutie!

2006-11-03T22:57:00.000-08:00

Awweee...isn't he sweet? Just call her big Spike!

2006-11-01T21:58:00.000-08:00

Here's a Happy Hallowe'en bunch !

2006-11-01T21:56:00.000-08:00

Maddie the Mermaid!

2006-11-01T21:55:00.000-08:00

Here's a cute little pumpkin or two!

2006-11-01T21:52:00.000-08:00

Looks like it was freezing cold on Hallowe'en in Alberta

Ebert & Roeper, Reviews for the Weekend of October 28 - 29, 2006

2006-10-31T20:25:00.000-08:00

Ebert & Roeper, Reviews for the Weekend of October 28 - 29, 2006
Looking for a new movie to go to? Find the reviews here...at Ebert and Roper

TV Listings | TVGuide.com

2006-10-30T21:04:00.000-08:00

TV Listings | TVGuide.com
I love the new TV guide site...Forget whether it says eastern or not, just aadjust the time and you can have a pretty good idea of whats on TV. I have this site in MY Favourites now!

2006-10-30T20:58:00.000-08:00

We woke up this morning to a little skiff of snow and freezing cold weather....brrr

2006-10-30T20:56:00.000-08:00

The storm hit with a vengence on Sunday...bringing down little ice pellets that melted into raindrops pouring down the window.

2006-10-30T20:55:00.000-08:00

Look closely to see the whitecaps on the lake. The storm changed directions several times before our power finally bit it. We sat around playing Scrabble, by candlelight.

A fun time had by one and all...

2006-10-30T20:53:00.000-08:00

Peter and Elli and Gord, in one of his many personas!

"The Stomachs!"

2006-10-30T20:52:00.000-08:00

Yep, they called us "The Stomachs!" Nice name eh?
Thanks to Sonia for making such a gutsy suggestion! They were the talk of the town...and the lights in our mouths got rave reviews! Never follow directions that say that you can use Polygrip to stick something like that in your mouth. I say "NEVER!"

2006-10-30T20:51:00.000-08:00

Part of the group ,while we were at the pre-party at Jan and Gords. Rest assured , they all had jello shooters before that wine!

2006-10-30T20:50:00.000-08:00

The theme here is "Aliens!"

2006-10-30T20:49:00.000-08:00

Peter and Elli all Flintstoney! peter looks ten years younger with that black wig!

2006-10-30T20:48:00.000-08:00

Peter and Janice...no, she isn't from the Blue-Man group,but blue certainly suits her!

2006-10-30T20:45:00.000-08:00

Gord with his ET headmask and Peter with his awesome drier duct ad-ons!

2006-10-30T20:44:00.000-08:00

Mary-Lou and Emil dancing up a storm...

2006-10-30T20:43:00.000-08:00

Just resting those tired dancing feet...Gordo's!

2006-10-30T20:42:00.000-08:00

Peter and Gord hamming it up after the Gord's mask got too hot. ( He had the Alien ET like head)

2006-10-30T20:39:00.000-08:00

Maria as the Pumpkin Lady

Hallowe'en at the BBI

2006-10-29T09:13:00.000-08:00

And Second place goes to "The "stomachs!"
A little hard to stomach, that is for sure!

Out with the Old / Fall Fell

2006-10-24T22:49:00.000-07:00

Notice how dark it has been lately? The time changes this week-end( Fall back) which might make it somewhat improved, but I doubt it. Seeing the fresh snow gracing the mountain-tops is a cool reminder that winter is just about here.
Where did the summer go?
Funny thing is, the garden thought it could keep on growing. I found two ripe raspberries, a full head of lettuce and still a few tomatoes and cucs.. That was before I trimmed and tied the raspberries this week-end and also did a little clean-up in the garden. I still have much to do down there. I'll pray for one more week-end of good weather to allow me to finish off a few more outdoors things....Don't ask me to list it all...It would probably take me a week to do make the list!
The week-end was perfect and between Emil and I, we accomplished many many things, plus had company for dinner on Saturday.
In a way, having company,was the ideal way to get me motivated to clean up the interior before moving outdoors to tackle gardens and all.

I made Stuffed Chicken breasts with the help of Mrs. Macubbisons stuffing. I added celery and onion that I had fried up and at the very end, threw in a can of crab. The chicken was boneless and skinless by the time I finshed with it. I just pounded the heck out of each breast ( mammoed it!) , laid it out, applied a slice of Havarti cheese and then a clump of stuffing. I rolled up the chicken and secured it with toothpicks. ( Remember that they have to be removed after it is cooked,so don't go crazy with the picks). I laid out the rolls of chicken in a Pammed casserole dish.

Shake a dash of paprika on top of the breasts, for colour, then a sheet of tin-foil over top, then bake for 45 minutes at 350*. You could cover with Saran wrap instead ,and nuke them for ten minutes or so. I baked mine.
When they are near finished baking,melt about three tablspoons of butter in the fry-pan, stir in 3 tablespoons of flour ( to make a rue), then slowly add about one and a half cups of milk or cream, or half of each. As this simmers, keep stirring until it thickens up abit. Add some Swiss cheese or (Havarti) and pour in, about a third cup of white wine. The wine prevents the cheesey mixture from becoming too thick.

Add a little salt and white pepper if you have it, and the creamy mixture is ready to pour over top of the chicken. It was all very yummy. One per person is plenty .
Looks like I am falling asleep before I have said everything.

Annette deserves a huge congrats on being awarded her new position in a new city! She was exstatic, to say the least. In a few weeks, she will be moving in with Sonia and Steve, and will begin work at a new Credit Union. Her dad is so proud...the credit union is unionized! Wha-hoo!

The other news, of course, is that we finally have a new set of wheels. I'll take some photos,and give you a review once I have some photos taken.
In the meantime, we have our old truck up for sale, if anyone knows of someone very distantly related,looking to buy a used truck for four-wheeling, or to haul around their horse trailers or their Quads. This would be perfect.
Ok,my eyes are totally dead now.
That is the other news...It was Margo's birthday...Happy Belated to her, and coming up soon is the spookiest birthday of all...Joyce's!

Love ya and leave ya...da beast

"The Creator"

2006-10-24T22:38:00.000-07:00

Say good-bye to the old and hello to the new. This is the old F-250 that we will be looking to sell in the immediate near future. No photos of our new baby yet, but I can tell you, it is the same colour...Black, and I get to drive it...Ya-hooo!

2006-10-24T22:35:00.000-07:00

Silky dons her lovely pastel multi-coloured suit with motifs of ribbons and bows...perfect for a an old gal who isn't afraid to show her booty!

Spikey in his South Beach Suit

2006-10-24T22:33:00.000-07:00

And the winner is...Mr. Spike, in his new Baby Blue Leisure suit by Cookio de Poo-Poo- fresh from South Beach, Florida!.

2006-10-18T23:41:00.000-07:00

Here is a preview of our Alien eyes...the top two, on the green horny things!

2006-10-18T23:39:00.000-07:00

Meet Spike, the newest member of the Woofies...ha-ha..fitting that they now have a woolly little pup... Kaleigh and Mads are thrilled! Isn't he cuuuuuutttteee?

2006-10-18T23:36:00.000-07:00

Look like anyone we know?

2006-10-18T23:35:00.000-07:00

He loves his bed...but note the baby gate back there...he escaped today! A smart puppy no doubt!

Danger!

2006-10-13T22:31:00.000-07:00

Yes, there is certain danger in buying Hallowe'en candy PRIOR to Hallowe'en! Don't you think? It all started at Sonia's when she bought a huge bag of Tootsie Roll treats for Hallowe'en. Of course, they hardly made it home fromt he store, before we all had samples. One led to another and before you know it,w e had tried all the flavours in the bag.
Now, by some freak chance, I totally missed the Hallowe'en dept at Costco and was sort of pining about missing out on the huge bag of Tootsies. We never revisited Costco on the way home at Abbotsford, because the truck was acting up. I felt remorseful as we chugalugged by...no Tootsies for me!
Last night , I stopped by the Candian Wholesale store for a few groceries, and right there,at the end of Aisle two, was a giant stack of the very same Toosie Roll variety pack. "YUM", I said to myself, as I flung the big bag into my shopping cart.
The rest is history.
Something tells me, I ought to be thinking about a back-up bag...just in case!

"The Creator"

Thanksgiving 06

2006-10-10T20:57:00.000-07:00

A belated Happy Thanksgiving to everyone from Sunny Victoria... As the pics show, we enjoyed a festive time together at Sonia and Steve's and especially had a fun time with the kidlets. There wasn't a dull moment between eating and shopping and visiting. Emil made it over from Vancouver on Saturday morning, and hour or so before Annette arrived. One big Happy Famdamily ...even if we all arrived one by one!

Don and Nonie came down on Saturday afternoon for our big dinner, bringing more pies-lemon and pumpkin, to add to the two apple pies that Kaleigh and I made in the morning. I had picked up Spartens in Keromeos and Kaleigh jammed them onto the apple peeler and kept on peeling until we had about fifteen pounds of apples all peeled up. She watches every cooking channel there is on TV, so she had her recipe all printed out and was gung-ho to make pies. She even rolled out a couple of perfect pie disks for me!She will be a great little cook!

It was sooooo good to have turkey after a summer of not having it. I guess I don't count last week-end at Pete and Elli's because, although we had turkey, there was no stuffing, no gravy and worst of all, no cranberries. This week-end was my preferred way to eat it, along with the traditions of our family - turnip mashed wonderful with brown sugar, and brussels cooked "el dente!"

The "turkey=put-you-to sleep" syndrome had everyone yawning by ten, that night!
Sunday gave us an opportunity to hit up Costco... and just when I thought I didn't need too many things, I managed to fill my buggy!
In the near vicinity of Costco, is a whole brand new "Outlet" shopping area with stores like La Vie en Rose, Aldos, Michaels, Tommy Hilfinger, and many more with cute names like "Smooch" where they sold wonderful make-up in every combination possible. Annette and Sonia and maddie and I had a great hour or two touring through the new stores, checking them all out. It was the Grand opening for many of them, so plenty of salesclerks to lend a hand.

Sonia had to work graveyards and put up with cranky people plagued by bears. For your own sake, keep the trash in until the day of pick-up, and don't entice them with offerings of fresh fruit under your trees ,nor fresh BBQ. Another good plan is to NOT leave food hanging around in your car. Sonia showed me pics of a car that had the window torn right out ,on the driver's side, where the bear entered ,and then the bear tore up the seats, (because I guess all those drippy Macdonald hamburgers eaten on the run, in your car,leave a little trace of yum-yum for their noses)!!!
The bear,once satisfied with his deeds, tore out the passenger window and left on that side of the car. Sad to say, the car was a wreck, and the bear was probably still hungry after all of the damage.

I took Kaleigh and Maddie down to Mayfair Mall, for a little shopping and a big Purdy's ice-cream cone, then we proceeded onto Wal-mart ( aka-a zoo) and one last stop at London Drugs. I stocked up on Hallowe'en gear, so that Emil and I should be able to pull off Aliens, if all goes according to plan. I have sets of protuding eye-balls that light up... more funny than creepy, so I am nearly all ready for the big night at the BBI...our favourite Hallowe'en haunt.

Today I squeezed in a coffee and a visit with both Francoise, and Eileen, at two different times of the day..which worked out great, as Sonia was sleeping after her second graveyards.

Sonia made us a reservation on the 7:00 ferry tomorrow am...no taking chances about whether we will make it or not. The ferries are so full these days, that it is a challenge to even get on any one of them. I made the five o'clock ferry by the skin of my teeth, when I came down, and I was at the terminal at 4:00, so being early, is almost not early enough,especially any time around a holiday week-end.
Still a few things to load up tomorrow, including both Annette's kitty, and Silk...They travelled down very well. No losssage, so that was the main thing.
Sounds like Sonia is back from choir...gotta run... Happy everything...CU back home...

Christmas countdown

2006-10-08T17:41:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas
Bookmark this page and refer to it often to keep yourself on track for Xmas!

The pavement Picasso chalks up another success | the Daily Mail

2006-10-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

The pavement Picasso chalks up another success | the Daily Mail
He is gooooood!

You know you are getting old when.....

2006-09-27T23:29:00.000-07:00

Your house plants are alive, and you can't smoke any of them.
Having sex in a twin bed is out of the question.
You keep more food than beer in the fridge.
6:00 AM is when you get up, not when you go to bed.
You hear your favorite song on an elevator.
You watch the Weather Channel.
Your friends marry and divorce instead of hook up and break up.
You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14.
Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as "dressed up."
You're the one calling the police because those damn kids next door won't turn down the stereo.
Older relatives feel comfortable telling sex jokes around you.
You don't know what time Taco Bell closes anymore.
Your car insurance goes down and your payments go up.
You feed your dog Science Diet instead of McDonalds leftovers.
Sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt.
You no longer take naps from noon to 6 PM.
Dinner and a movie is the whole date instead of the beginning of one.
Eating a basket of chicken wings at 3 AM would severely upset, rather than settle your stomach.
You go to the drug store for ibuprofen and antacid, not condoms and pregnancy tests.
A $4.00 bottle of wine is no longer "pretty good stuff".
You actually eat breakfast food at breakfast time.
"I just can't drink the way I used to," replaces, "I'm never going to drink that much again."
90% of the time you spend in front of a computer is for real work.
You drink at home to save money before going to a bar.
You read this entire list looking desperately for one sign that doesn't apply to you and can't find one to save Your sorry old ass.

"The Creator"

Image View - Liquid Sculpture

2006-09-27T23:24:00.000-07:00

Image View - Liquid Sculpture
Click on the slideshow to see some amazing water sculptures...

2006-09-26T21:21:00.000-07:00

Another beauty tonight...Note it is in my sink diagonally, so its a long one...maybe two pounds...Nice eh? thanks Emil!

Howdy..catching up

2006-09-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, face it, I am procrastinating here...lots to do, but my feet want to be in that foot bath, followed by bed!
So we had an awesome weekend at our annual Stanali cup golf game in the Okanagan.We probably had over 3o players, most being the same old gang that comes avery year. The beautiful part is that we all get along so well, and pretty much, it is a game for fun. We played "Best Ball" and the course this year was shorter and much more do-able than previous years at the long boring Shannon Lakes course in Kelowna.
I teamed up with Sandra and her son, Kevin and Si, the husband of Stan's secretary. We certainly had fun and it was nice to be on a team that at least had a beer now and again!
I almost got KP ( Closest to the pin) on a PAr three, so that made my day. The rest of my game was the pits, but I was at least trying and in the end ,won a prize for having cobwebs on my golf clubs!
The course put on a delicious lunch and Ali handed out the prizes afterwards. Sandra gave a special prize to her little nephew, James, who was about 8 years old, and golfed the whole tournament! He was a cutie and a good golfer!

By the time we arrived at Warren's, for dinner, it was cooling off, but that didn't stop anyone from game playing...bocce and this other game from Peru. It involved tossing a heavy brass coin onto the top of this three foot high box that had a table top of about 1.5 feet square and was filled with objects and holes to shoot for. The main "Hole" was the hole in a large brass frog's mouth...mounted square int he middle of the table top. Towards the front was a whirley gig that would spin around if the coin hit, and in another area was yet another flipper that responded to the coin, before dropping down the shoot to the front of the game box. The rest of the top was filled with inch and a half wide holes and each hole led to a shoot that ended in the front of the box with a set amount of points attached to it. The hardest shot...the frog's mouth, would earn a player 4000 points. Other shots would be anywhere from 400 to 2000, depending on the degree of difficulty.
The trick was to hit the five inch tall backboard at the back of the table top, in hopes that a rebounding coin would fall into any of the holes.
Now I wish I had taken a photo of the box. It was nicely done and was probably at least fifty years old.. Called Sapo if I remember correct.
Yep, here it is ,along with the legend of how it was created...cool.
Oh, yes, the player stood back about ten feet to toss the coin.

So the great thing was that Annette joined us for lunch at the clubhouse and we spent the rest of the afternoon and evening together.
Once again we had a delicious meal at Warren's with about ten salds that his wife prepared...yum, yum. I love that one with the peas at hard boiled eggs in it!

After dinner, it cooled right down and everyone moved indoors. Sandra and her son Kevin and Dennis and Bill, all brought out their guitars and started in on the sing-along.. I must say that between the four of them, they put together a good mix of old favourites and few funnies that made us all laugh...think I can remember those now? No!

All in all, we spent a nice week-end with Annette and all of the Reese's Pieces. Thanks to all, who made it so special.
Next year,we plan on making it happen in our area...so look out Balfour!

Thanks to Steve for sending up the cute photos of the kids... Nice that Derrick and Barb and fam got down to visit them, despite crummy weather that delayed Barb and kidlets for 9 hours, and rerouted Derrick to Bella-Bella... Luckily they both ended up at Campbell River,and were able to drive down island.

And last but not least...did you like those fish????
Emil caught three last night and one tonight...and that is what I am procrastinating about...getting it out of the sink and intot he freezer!

the other cool thing that happened today is that Carolyne unveled some of the jewellry she brought back from Hong-Kong...Who-eeeeeeeee! Talk about pearls of every shape and size! As well, she brought many more beautiful rings and pendants which will be unlike anything anyone has seen in these parts...Very New york looking! I'll keep you posted when they arrive in the display cases! In the meantime, I am the first to wear one of the new pearl fun fashion rings... It is sooooo funky.
Cheerio for now, and remember that jewellry is a gals best friend...

"The Creator"

'Dusting' is the new killer high for teens - Today - MSNBC.com

2006-09-26T20:34:00.000-07:00

'Dusting' is the new killer high for teens - Today - MSNBC.com
If you know teenagers or have them in your home, you may want to warn them of this silent Killer. The freon or refrigerant coolant in the product is the thing that gives the high, and gives death,as it it settles in the lungs and cuts off the oxygen, resulting in DEATH. Please please, read and pass it along.

2006-09-25T23:11:00.000-07:00

Derrick and Barb and Ethan and Jamie arrived today at Sonia's. Thanks Steve for sending up the cute photos..Looks like all the kids have taken another growth spurt!

2006-09-25T23:09:00.000-07:00

And here is the latest, from Sonia's house...Look at all those cuties!

2006-09-25T23:06:00.000-07:00

Emil's catch of the day...Yum -yum..three trout.

2006-09-25T23:04:00.001-07:00

Emil ,starting off the golf tourney the right way!

2006-09-25T23:04:00.000-07:00

My team mates...Kevin ( Sandra's son) and Si. Sandra was our captain.

2006-09-25T23:02:00.000-07:00

Sandra and Stan

2006-09-25T23:01:00.000-07:00

And who was the happiest when Annette arrived? Wait a minute...Leo, you are supposed to kiss Annette, not Dennis!

2006-09-25T22:57:00.000-07:00

Leo, giving directions!

2006-09-25T22:56:00.000-07:00

Annette and her dad, hamming it up over a foamy beer that I poured her!

2006-09-25T22:55:00.000-07:00

Sandra on the left and Gerry on athe right. I don't remember the other fellow's name,( in the middle)

2006-09-25T22:54:00.000-07:00

The golf course put on a delicious lunch of soup and salad and the freshest buns and cold cuts in the west!

2006-09-25T22:51:00.000-07:00

The trophies were handed out...

2006-09-25T22:50:00.000-07:00

Alison and Scott, Brian's son, just waiting it out in the kitchen at Kim and Warren's

2006-09-25T22:49:00.000-07:00

Once it cooled off outside, we all gathered in the house and sung along with the four guitar players...everything from Hank Williams to the Everly Brothers...lots of fun!

2006-09-25T22:47:00.000-07:00

Sandra Strumming and singing away...La Bamba, I think!

2006-09-25T22:46:00.000-07:00

And we ended our partying with tired eyes and smiles on our faces...such great fun, we had!

2006-09-24T22:15:00.000-07:00

Is it a bull, a deer, a sasquach? How about a moose...and boy oh boy, could it swim! This was on Friday on my way to work around 9:00 in the morning!

2006-09-24T22:14:00.000-07:00

Yep, some people travel far and wide to get their moose...we just find them while we cross the ferry

2006-09-24T22:12:00.000-07:00

It is a fact that a moose can swim across the lake faster than the ferry can travel.

Chocoate Chip Zuccini Cake

2006-09-20T22:26:00.000-07:00

You asked for it, and here it is..
Heat oven to 350* have a rack in the middle of the oven for the cake to be placed on.

Grate up about two cups of zuccinni, including skin if not too tough. Set aside
Measure out 1/2 cup chocolate chips . Set aside.

Start creaming the following Wet Ingredients together in a large bowl

1/4 c. butter or margarine
1/2 c oil
1 3/4 cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla,
Next, sift together the dry ingredients ( below) several times to mix the cocoa and spices evenly.( put sifter on a piece of wax paper and add ingredients, then sift onto wax paper and scoop up mixture to repeat the process) or just throw it all into your creamed mixture and hope for the best.

Alternate dry ingredients with your sour milk.

1/2 cup buttermilk or sour milk ( just add 2 tablespoons vinegar to reg. milk)
Dry Ingredients:2 1/2 cups flour
4 tblsp cocoa such as Fry's
1/2 tsp. B. Powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
Lastly mix in your two cups of shredded zuccini that you set aside, and add the chocolate chips. Stir and pour into either a 10 inch spring form pan or a bundt pan that you have pammed and floured first. Bake at 350* for 45 minutes or more, until a knife inserted, comes out clean and top of cake in middle is firm.
This cake is so rich and delicious, I usually just glaze it with a nuked glaze made of one cup of icing sugar,1 tablespoon of cocoa, a tespoon of butter and a teaspoon or two of cream or hot water. Nuke for 30 seconds, then stir, then nuke again for 20 seconds or more, adding more liquid if necessary.
Pour over cake while warm. Yum.

"The Creator"

2006-09-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

Grate up a bunch of zuccinni...take out the seedy part first, if it is a big zuch. Also, if the peel is too tough to grate, then you prrobably don't want it in the cake. The nailpolish in the background is a little secret ingredient./...just joking!

2006-09-20T22:20:00.000-07:00

Spray the pan with pam, then flour it.

2006-09-20T22:19:00.000-07:00

Drop one chocolate chip, just one...puleeeeese....

2006-09-20T22:18:00.000-07:00

I added this many chocolate chips..about a half cup.

2006-09-20T22:17:00.000-07:00

The batter in the spring form pan

2006-09-20T22:16:00.000-07:00

In 45 minutes it broke out into a dome cake...

2006-09-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

Voila...ze finished cake....My icing didn't flow too well as a glaze should, but it still tastes yummy

2006-09-20T22:13:00.000-07:00

Hong Kong morning from Chris's hotel

2006-09-20T22:12:00.000-07:00

The Covention centre in Honk Kong where the Jewllrey show is taking place, that Chris and Carolyne are attending

2006-09-20T22:11:00.000-07:00

Chris and the gems he found at the jewellry show in Honk Kong

Quick Stir-fry

2006-09-19T22:39:00.000-07:00

You'll need some kind of steak or chicken breast in thin slices, or tofu in bite sized chunks. You'll also be able to clean out your crisper drawer of veggies that aren't moving so well or veggies that are in abundance at this time of year. I used fesh green beans, red peppers, broccoli,Carrots, Patty-Pan squash, Mushrooms,green pepper maybe? and yellow onion. Slice and marinate the meat for an hour or so prior, using lime juice and soya sauce and a teaspoon of Tapioca starch. Chop all of your veggies and have them ready to add, species by species. Have your usual sauces ready such as Oyster sauce, Soya sauce, Sesame oil, Black bean sauce, and in this case I added Heinz Chili Sauce to give it a bit of tomatoe flavour.

I started this stirfry by putting peanut oil in my Wok, followed by a couple of garlic cloves crushed and chopped and then added about a tablespoon of Sesame oil. My Sirloin which was sliced thinly, had been marinating in lime juice and soya and black bean sauce and a bit of tapioca starch for a few hours prior. Heat the oils and garlic and toss in the thin slices of steak ( or chicken) , then add a half a large cooking onion that you have chopped in rough 1 inch cubes. Stir all together until meat cooks through and onions start to soften. After that, add your veggies in the order of what needs to be cooked most. I start with the broccoli and carrots and cauliflower if I have it, then go on to add chopped fresh mushrooms, Zuccini, or in this case ,Patty Pan squash sliced thinly and fresh green beans. I end with my green and red peppers and lastly I added quartered ripe roma tomatoes. I wanted this dish to be on the tomatoe side of the scale, hence the tomatoes. Don't overcook at this point or the tomatoes will be mush.

2006-09-19T22:31:00.000-07:00

I added about 150 grams ( half a large bag) of Farkay dried steamed noodles. They soften up with the juices of the veggies and meat.

2006-09-19T22:30:00.000-07:00

Finish it up by adding whichever sauces you prefer,such as Oyster sauce or Black Bean Sauce . For this dish I added Heinz Chili sauce to give it a hint of tomato flavour after I added the Oyster sauce.

The New and Improved Living Will

2006-09-17T13:22:00.000-07:00

I, __________________________, being of sound mind and body, do not wish to be kept alive indefinitely by artificial means.

Under no circumstances should my fate be put in the hands of pinhead partisan politicians who couldn't pass ninth-grade biology if their lives depended on it or lawyers/doctors/hospitals interested in simply running up the bills. If a reasonable amount of time passes and I fail to ask for at least one of the following:

______a Beer
______a Rum and Coke
______a Caeser
______a Raspberry Margarita
______a Gin and Tonic
______a Midori Melon
______a Steak

______Lobster or crab legs

______Fish and Chips
______Chocolate cake
______Chocolate chip cookies
______Chocolate

______Sex

It should be presumed that I won't ever get any better. When such a
determination is reached, I hereby instruct my appointed person and attending physicians to pull the plug, reel in the tubes and call it a day.

At this point, it is time to call the New Orleans Jazz Funeral Band to come do their thing at my funeral, and ask all of my friends to raise their glasses to toast the good times we have had.

Signature: ___________________________

Date: ___________________________

NOTE: I also hear that in Ireland they have a Nursing Home with a Pub. The patients are happier and they have a lot more visitors. Some of them don't even need embalming when their time comes . If anyone knows the name of this happy place PLEASE pass it on.

"The Creator"

Rock Star: Supernova fights for its name - REALITY TV - MSNBC.com

2006-09-14T23:12:00.000-07:00

Rock Star: Supernova fights for its name - REALITY TV - MSNBC.com
Thanks for the comment about the lack of name for the new and apparently ex Supernova band created when Lucas became the winner of the contest. This new release explains it. Coming up with a new handle shouldn't be too hard... SuperNovella...Stupernova, Souped up Nova, stoofer noova, Weird bunch of Musicians.. Oh my Goth, The GOthfather, DuperNova, NovaSuperNova, Super Value, Nova Scotia, Sun of a Nova, Sunovasoup, Nova Cains, Soupfornova, Stupernova, Stew for Nova, Sunfilled Nova, Dirty and Black, Oh my Goth, SooperKnova, CooperNova, Scoopernova, auraura borealis, Soop-er No-Va, Yada yada yada......
Oh yes...finish reading the article.....
And the new name is.....

Rock Star: Supernova

A Canuck won again

2006-09-13T23:14:00.000-07:00

In case you missed tonight's finale of Supernova Rockstar, it was much to my delight when rocker Lucas Rossi won the honours, beating out Dilana! Yea! Foloowing in JD Fortune's footsteps,Lucas, has shown the world that Canada ROCKS! Hardly Canadian Idol ( winner will be announced Sunday night), trying out for a rock band entails singers who can really belt it out and singers who have a distinct identity...check out Lucas! ( You'll have to click on his name ,then endure a small advertisement and then he will perform a moving song called Fix You.

"The Creator"