LONGEST I HAVE EVER GONE WITHOUT BLOGGING!!!!

 Holy Cannoli!!!!  Time to post!!! Starting Jan. 2021 I am endeavouring to post twice a week.  I might talk a wee tad more about Covid.  I have tried to not do that over this last year but when I am an old lady, an oldER lady and am reading back over my mundane life, I might want to remember more about this amazing life event.  But be prepared, I will not be very nice in general about people in general.  Humans in general really suck generally.  I am generally NOT impressed with our general society's behaviour and their incredible self centredness.  Of course it goes without saying that a large part of humanity is pretty good, but I am kind of shocked how awful so many are.

We had a lovely warm amazing Xmas this year.  I know it sucked not having family but I truly believe that Xmas is as wonderful or awful as you choose it to be.  If you had a horrible one, well, other than people that are all by themselves, or people that recently lost loved ones, you can only look at yourselves for that sorry state.

Christmas Eve was lovely.  We each picked music to share (I finally had to get the boys to stop play Elvis's Xmas album, much as I love Elvis, it was getting to be a little dirgey). We had delicious appies.  There is just something magical about spinach dip!  I think it's the onion soup base mix Knorr uses in their vegetable soup mix.  If you ever find that the store is out of it, which does happen around holiday time, just sub in onion soup mix.  We opened one present each and left the rest for xmas morning.  It really was wonderful!

The next day no one was up until early afternoon.  We opened presents, ate left over spinach dip for breakfast/lunch and lazed around.  I stuffed the turkey and Peter peeled the sweet potatoes, and Monte played gopher for me.  Dinner was delicious! I think I have some pics I will post later.

I think a lot of people traveled even though we have been ordered not to.  The neighbours on both sides of us were away for the duration.  And a lot of people we know were getting together with family.  It just seems like people do what they want no matter what.  It's sure not fair to all of us that don't do that.  The covid numbers were coming down...lets see how it is now that xmas is over.

I got a call from my doctor.  (shovel list).  I have to go get my lab work done and go in and see her first week in January.  My Xmas present from Monte this year are two vaccinations for shingles and pneumonia.  A great present!  And he is really happy to be getting them for me!  I got him a little chief smoker (a very self serving gift) and a ukulele.  Peter got loaded with a batch of new books.  

Now the turkey is boiling in the soup pot, about to make a batch of garbage soup.  Peter doesn't eat meat, so I am going to make tuna patties with the left over potatoes.  They are so good.  I remember mom or dad making potato patties with left over  mashed potatoes.  Soooo good.

Well its time to go make dinner.  I promise to not be so long before the next post.  I have a tendency to forget what's happened if I wait too long.  Something horribly major could have happened and I would forget.   Take care people, stay safe  and noodle if you can.  And I can add that with our awesome new perfect face masks that Myles made us it sure makes it easier and safer.  TTYL

HAPPY BOYS!

HAPPY ME!  MY AWESOME NIECE SENT ME A CANDY CANE FULL OF FIREBALL!!!!!

PETER PLAYING SANTA'S ELF

APRIL GAVE HIM SLIPPERS, FIRST PAIR HE HAS EVER HAD.  SHE FOUND SIZE 16!!!!

APRIL GAVE HIM PJ'S AND MYLES MADE THE MASK

DINNER!!!

DESSERT....BANOFFEE

A QUICK ONE

 Sharri:  Merry Xmas to you and Michael as well.  Last year is a fading memory and this year's anticipation is growing! I am really looking forward to watching Miracle on 34th Street.  I love Jimmy Stewart too...his voice!  So familiar.

Aryn:  Peter LOVED the movie!! I was so happy he did and to share it with him.  I am so hoping he can be with us every year possible to watch it with us.

And to everyone else that reads this silly blog, you loyal people, Merry Xmas to you all too.  I know it's a bit of a lonely year, missing being with family and all. But you never know...it might end up being....less work,  less stress,  no family angst,  less sheets to wash afterwards, the upside of downsize.  So enjoy your xmas best you can!  Love you all!  TTYL

COUNTDOWN IS ON...NOT TO XMAS BUT TO SEPTEMBER...WHEN WE MIGHT GET A VACCINE

 We went Xmas light gazing last night.  Our little wee town has blossomed into something magical and amazing.  I cannot believe how many homes went all out on the decorations, elaborate beautiful decorations you can see from outer space!  They were better than what we used to see in the British Properties, except for  Jimmy Pattison's house of course.  And I am not used to seeing the lights with no snow.  Not just no snow but pouring down rain.  I mean deluge.  I don't mind.  Beats snow!

When we got home we watched National Lampoon's Xmas Vacation.  Oh jeez!  It's a tradition to watch this movie, but I super missed Arnie.  I have usually watched it with her!  We have seen that movie so many times we can talk along with it!  

Each of my kids has a movie I associate with them cuz we watched them together so often.  With Monte its was Twister.  Man, we watched that movie every single time we hit Bamfield for the summer.  It's so cool to anticipate what comes next, because you've seen it a hundred times.  April hated that movie...I can still see and hear her in her corner at the big window at her messy art table, busy drawing and painting, griping and grumbling when we would put it on.

And April, we watched Nothing to Lose just about the same amount of times.  It was the funniest movie and April has a twisted sense of humour...so it was right up her alley.  I loved watching those movies with the kids.  I didn't have one with Kevin.  He didn't participate in things like that.

Peter had not seen Xmas Vacation before!  We couldn't believe it!  But he mentioned that we should watch A Miracle on some street with Jimmy Stewart.  So if we legally find it I think we will watch that next.

I am determined that our Xmas eve is going to be better this year.  Last year it was just Monte, Peter and me, like this year will be.  So I made up special snacks and food like usual.  We opened presents at 7 like usual.  Then the phone rang and it was one of the absent kids wishing us a Merry Xmas.  When I hung up a half hoursish later, the boys had gone downstairs to their rooms and DIDN'T COME BACK UP!!!!  I couldn't believe it!!!  I sat there, the xmas fire going on the tv, a half eaten spinach dip and hors d'oeuvres on the table, and felt very sorry for myself.  Not this year. BTW, just in case you didn't know, hors d'oeuvres means 'outside and work'.  So hors d'oeuvres is food made and served outside the main meal, or the main work.  I don't know.  In my book hors d'oeuvres are a pain in the ass and a lot of work.  Maybe they should be called 'aussie bien qua d'oeuvres'.  That means as well as the work.

There has been a request for spinach dip again.  I always make two and we eat the leftovers for breakfast xmas morning.  And this year I have suggested that each of us pick an album, a new to us one, to introduce to the other two.  It shall be a musical xmas!  And maybe we can watch Miracle on that street.  

I think I have everything we need for Xmas dinner.  Started to stock up early because the stores run out.  So lots of whipping cream for the banoffee, lots of cans of cranberry sauce (no homemade stuff in this house, I want can lines on the side of my roll of jelly), yams and brown sugar, peas and carrots, maybe some beets.  I do still need white bread for stuffing and the bananas.  Did you know what the difference is between stuffing and dressing?  Dressing is cooked outside the turkey (like in a crock pot) and stuffing is cooked stuffed into the turkey.  I just learned that!

Pat just came to the door with the most massive beautiful bunch of white poinsettias!  It is absolutely stunning!  What a sweetheart!  He really is such a good friend.  I sure will be glad when we can visit again.  But thats a long long way off.  We did the math and unless a miracle happens on 11th Avenue, we won't be getting our vaccine until September next year.

Anywhoo, gotta go clean off the table, clean the kitchen, clean my bedroom, clean the living room...well, you get the picture.  Stay safe, noodle and TTYL

BACHELOR.....DAMMIT

 The Bachelor is a big time waster!  And I would bet any amount of money that not one of you out there watch it.  Not one!  And I think I am very very brave to admit that I do.  But I have a good reason!

Blogspot just wiped out most of my post.  I effing hate rewriting...it never comes out the same.  I am MAD!!!!!   I hate this blogspot.  Shame on you google...you own the freaking world, I am pretty sure with little effort you could make this website a dam sight better!!!!  (BIG TIME SHOVEL LIST)

Anyway, as I was freaking saying, when I lived part time in Maui I met a fantastic lady, about fifty five years old and totally gorgeous, in the condo pool. We got talking (I am cutting a whole lot out here, which may not be a bad thing...sigh) and became good friends.

One day, just before Spod and I were to head home to North Van, or Langford, can't remember, Maria and I were standing in the pool visiting.  We happened to be talking about how we always watch the Bach, and it was our 'guilty pleasure'. (hate that term...another shovel list)  All of a sudden a chubby (read fat) woman strolled over to us and actually lit into us for watching such mindless drivel.  That type of show was the Devil's work.  Well we politely  argued with her, at first kindly and gently, ending up vigorous and loud.  We finally walked away from each other in disgust, different reasons for the disgust but disgust after all!

And since then we have never failed to watch the Bach and after each episode we email each other our critique!  And we keep up on each other's news.  Thats three American friends now that I met elsewhere and became facebook or email friends with and they are truly good friends.  Thats a pretty good excuse for watching that show don't you think?

Well on with my day.  I am once again going to try to clear off my dining table.  It is always piled high.  Oh!!!!!!  I forgot to mention!

I was half or more sleeping in the night the other night.  There must have been a decorating show on and it penetrated my brain.  When I awoke I had an epiphanist idea.  We have zero storage in the kitchen and I have things stacked in the dining room.  And I have a lot of kitchen appliances.  So I thought it would be great to have a lower buffet type piece of furniture where the old buffet is in the kitchen.  It's pretty useless.  Get rid of it, get a new piece that is more conducive to organization, and put my appliances there and get a power bar and plug them all in and use them there:  air fryer, deep fryer, mixer, toaster, bread machine etc....whatever will fit.  And I found exactly what I wanted at Wayfair and ordered it and it will be here Dec. 23rd.  I will put a picture below.  I love in the night ideas!!!  They are the best!!!  

Gotta bounce...stay safe and noodle.  TTYL

ITS MADE OF METAL...LIKE THOSE TOOL BOXES...EASY TO CLEAN AND NO STAINING

LOTS OF STORAGE...I AM GOING TO USE IT FOR MY POTS AND PANS WHICH FREES UP A REALLY POORLY ORGANIZED BIG CUPBOARD

A BIG BOX ARRIVED...YOU WOULDN'T BELIEVE WHAT WAS IN IT!!!!!

 Yesterday there was a banging at the door.  A very large brown paper wrapped box was there.  And it wasn't from Amazon!  It was from Arnie and Bradley.  Now I knew they were sending us a package but I had no idea it was so large and heavy!!!  And...best of all, we were allowed to open it immediately, not wait for Christmas!

So we opened it immediately!  It was plum full of spices and herbs and four gorgeous bright red, you know, the red my old man burgundy chair is NOT, pot pie dishes with handles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I am so excited!!!!!!  I am going to make pot pies for the three of us.  One paleo, one vegetarian and one delicious.  I can't wait.  Pics below!

And OMG!!!  The spices, the herbs, the smells, all stuff we simply cannot get here in Port Alberni and now that we aren't allowed to travel, we can't go to Nanaimo and get them.

There was:  tandoori masala, fenugreek, corianders, onion flakes, both raw and fried, berberi (Ethiopian spice mix Aryn made), tarragon, paprika, chilis, cardamom, cinnamons....different kinds from different places, caraway seeds (now I can make proper rye bread...I have been saving all my pickle juice for that) and more and more.  I am so happy.

This morning at 8ish I was awakened by the most amazing odour.  I couldn't quite place it, then realized that Monte was up and cooking.  The aroma floating into my room was tantalizing  and unfamiliar.

I hopped out and went to investigate.  He had cooked a fry pan full of mushrooms and cream and added the berberi Ethiopian spice.  The predominant smell was mapley which  is due to the fenugreek.  It has a very strong maple oder.  It was delicious!!!!  I will have to make more, I have a feeling we are going to zip through the jar of homemade by Arnie in no time.  She has sent me all the spices needed and the recipe to make more.  And while I am at it I also bought a large thingy of pickling spice so I can grind it up and make masala.  Sigh.  I am happy.  Thank you thank you Arnie and Bradley.  That was a lot of work time invested. It is very very much appreciated by all three of us here!!!

Well Millie just left.  My house is super clean again. I am now going to go and make quinoa for the very first time.  Peter has suggested I use the rice cooker and I do believe I am going to do just that.

Tonight I will be making stuffed portobellos done in the toaster oven, air fryer eggplant and rice cooker quinoa.  I love my kitchen appliances.
For the paleo guy I shall also be frying up a couple of pork butt steaks.  Life is good!

Stay safe, noodle and stay sane.  Clearly spices and cooking is my sane place!  Lol!!!  TTYL

THERE ARE SOME MISSING FROM THIS PIC AS I HAD ALREADY PUT THEM AWAY.  THESE WERE STILL IN THE BOX SO EASY TO GET AT.  ISN'T THIS AMAZING????

FINALLY: STIR CRAZY, CABIN FEVER, BORED, GOING CRAZY, SAME OLD SAME OLD SAME OLD SAME OLD

I feel like all the vaccine talk is just teasing us.  It's still not going to be til next fall before we get our vaccines.  Especially here where we live.  They still don't have a decent covid testing site that we can access never mind vaccines.  And we have a huge indigenous population so we really are last on the Canadian list.  And it's finally getting to me.  I am beginning to HATE my chair.

Today I made umpteen shortbread cookies, a loaf of bread and cleaned the kitchen a zillion times.  I was making lettuce wraps for supper when someone suggested pizza.  So pizza was ordered and my wrap prep stuff was zip locked into the fridge.  Half done for tomorrow night.  See?  See how mundane my life has become? 

 And not to complain, I ordered a Hawaiian pizza.  Everybody was getting what they wanted and no one ever wants Hawaiian and its my fave.  So I got one.  I love the soft fluffy crust, tender ham, yummy not overcooked pineapple, melty cheese....yum!

But that is not what came.  The crust was so hard and chewy, like it was old or something, the cheese was grainy, like it was old or something, the ham was super dried and chewy, like it was old or something.  The whole thing was hard and shrivelled like it was old or something.  I think it WAS old...or at least had been sitting around for some time waiting for some sucker to order it.  I know when food isn't fresh.  Oh well.  It just meant I ate only one skinny piece instead of half a pizza!  And that can't be bad.

It's clean the house day.  Millie is coming tomorrow for sure this time and the house is a mess.  I wonder if Bonnie Henry would approve of that.  I think not.  Thank goodness Millie uses a heppa filter and we all go hide out in our rooms until she is gone.  Even then I wait a while before coming out.

Now that I am here I am going to do the thing for Aryn and Sharri.  Sorry for the horrible post.  Soon I am going to be reduced to talking about politics.  Just kidding.  That will never happen.  Stay safe, noodle and don't go crazy.  TTYL

Aryn and Sharri:

1.  Keep a food journal.  You know I understand the science behind this but it will be a cold day you know where before I actually do that.  I can't think of anything more tedious and impossible than keeping a food journal.  The closest to journaling I get is here and I am not good at that.

2.  Clean your house.  Well okay then.  Like we have a choice?  I have only 'cleaned a house' 1.2 million times in my life. I don't need to be told and neither do you guys.  Jeez!  (okay that one made me go and look to see if the author was male or female.  Guess which it is?)

3.  Avoid second hand smoke.  Okay there Captain Obvious...on it.

4.  Do Kiegal exercises.  Seriously?

5.  Be physically active.  How many different ways is this author going to say this?  Are we getting into filler suggestions?

I maybe should not have done this today.  I am feeling very sarcastic and cynical today.  I blame it on diabetes.  I mean, why not?

 

MY APOLOGIES FOR TAKING SO LONG

 It is amazing to me how fast time goes by when I am doing NOTHING!!!!  Seven days!!!!  As a blogger, that is shameful!

As it is, I really don't have anything to report.  You would think something would happen in a week, but it hasn't.

Monte is doing fairly well.  He has another problem, a very very painful one, cropped up.  I can't talk about it because it affects an embarrassing area but let me tell ya...he is going through hell with it.  The poor guy can't cut a break.  It's just not fair.  Plus he is on a pretty severe diet.  Unfortunately his meds make him abnormally hungry...all the time.  They are going to slowly wean him off of them but it's going to take time.

So the microwave installer is here installing.  Nice guy.  He just called me into the kitchen.  Boxes and styrofoam everywhere and bits and pieces and  racks everywhere.  He tells me that the microwave is really really low.  Shows me.  I won't be able to fit my really tall pot on the back burner....which I never use anyway.  Always something.  The thought of packing all that up and returning it to get another one is daunting.  Plus he told me that because the house is so old, the cupboards are lower than normal and no over the stove microwave will fit differently. Sigh.  I have decided to just not care.  The only alternative is to rebuild the kitchen....Arnie!!!!!

So that's it folks.  There aint no more.  Stay safe and keep noodling.  TTYL

ARYN AND SHARRI:

1.  Keep a well stocked cupboard so you can cook and eat at home.  Eating out leads to eating more fats and sugars than eating at home.  That will def not be a problem for you Arnie...you amazing cook you.

2.  Not only should you buy organic produce, but be sure to rinse it really well at home as well.  You never know whose fingers have done some nefarious walking and then handled your goodies.  Ewwww!!

3.  Eat fermented food.  Especially if you have higher cholesterol.  Plus fermented food intensifies vitamins and minerals and is full of probiotics.

4.  Switch out all lettuces with spinach.  Lettuce has basically no food value.  Spinach does.  When Anton was living with me he told me that in Russia, his home country, they do not eat lettuce.  Salads are vegetables, lots of cooked ones and mayonnaise.  Is that better?  My personal tastes say YES!!!

5.  When you eat.....just eat.  No phone.  No tv.  No laptop.  No working.  Studies have shown apparently that people that do other things whilst eating, eat more.  Those that are concentrating on their food become aware sooner that they are full.