Sentimental Sunday - My Sundays with G

Not sure how to begin this post for today.  I was going to write a short story or a tribute or share some photos.  Last night close to midnight, I am still at a loss for words on what to say without being sad.  Every Sunday I cannot help but pause and say something to remember my son.  Today, I'll just be sharing the poem I wrote and a song that I picked from my son's collection of CD that was labelled Music Mix May 2008.

Frosted Friday - Sugar fix

Around 930 in the evening, I  sometimes get this craving for something sweet.  Jeff usually would offer to get me a small scoop of ice cream or half of a klondike bar.  But when it's a doughnut that I am interesting in getting, Jeff would offer to drive me to the 24 hour donut place near our home.  It doesn't happen often but sometimes I would crave for something so different and then I am in the kitchen trying to find if I have all the ingredients to make that special something for my sugar fix.  On Monday night, it started with wanting a doughnut but I did not want Jeff to go out.  Then I thought maybe I can make those Louisiana Beignets only to find out that I would need dry yeast.  This is something that I can not comfortable in using and it's really out of my league.  I continued to search and I ended up making what my mom use to call it when we were little.  Bunuelos, similar to a donut hole, it's round and I seem to recall that it was easy to make.  What I found is a recipe for a Mexican Bunuelos which I thought was close enough.  I had all the ingredients and so I proceeded to make these small ball of dough that will be deep fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar or cinnamon and sugar mix.  After tasting each style, there was no question that it needed some filling.  Only thing I have available was a jar of Dulce de Leche.  It was a success and it was yummy.  

Bunuelos with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar and Dulce de Leche filled.

Wholesome Wednesday - Latest lunch adventure

Since I moved to this area, I have heard so much about a particular golf course.  People that I have talked to have the same opinion about it specially when it comes to their restaurant.  One would think that golf courses would not be the first choice when it comes to having lunch.  But this one which is very close to my neck of the woods, apparently have a great restaurant.  Well, it's not just the food, it is actually a very nice golf course, although I have never played it, I have seen it last week and had the opportunity to have lunch.  My photos might not be the best but the food selection was great and the of course the service as well.

The place is called Cinnibar Hills Golf Club.    If you ever get a chance to visit San Jose or me, this is the course I would recommend that you play and of course, we have to stop by the 19th hole for some food and beverage.

My friend Jean and I tried their lunch menu a couple weeks ago and we know that we will be going back there again to try some of their other entrees.  Since our lunch was very filling so no dessert but I want to share you the latest one that Jean made last Friday for our night out.  It was decadent, full of surprises and it just created some fireworks in our mouth.

The top view of the Turtle Cake, so yummy!

 

Magnificent Monday - My friendly gardener

It was a very busy weekend for us but I am very happy to share some photos from the garden of my friend who lives around our block.  Her backyard is such an interesting place to be and to visit.  This year her garden is looking awesome with all the different vegetables that are coming up.  She also has a dry stone creek and a little red mini bridge.  Anyway if you get a chance please visit We didn't come here for the grass and learn all about backyard gardening and more.

During the next couple of weeks, she will be helping us with some of our issues with our front yard gardening with possibly adding more flowers.  We would also like to get more plants/flowers for our three big pots that my cousin gave us prior to their move.  I hope you do check out my friend's blog. 

Savory Saturday - Backyard produce

Before I share all the recent produce from our backyard (Jeff's garden), I would like to wish each and every reader and follower a great summer.  Today is the first day of summer and it is also the longest day of the year.  When we lived up in northern Canada, this was a special day because we get to see how long is the longest day.  The sunset and sunrise were very close.  Yesterday, I picked some of the tomatoes and added it to my breakfast omelet.  The fennel were grilled and it was delicious.  Check out what we currently have.  It seems like the garden is doing much better since the squirrels are not coming around the backyard.

Summer is definitely here.  The different festivals have started but we only have been to one so far.  The outside free music concerts have also began and we hope to check out some of them.  Enjoy your weekend from this week until the leaves start falling.

Take Ten Thursday - Reminder

This morning while having my breakfast, I glanced quickly on my phone and read some articles on Flipboard.  Since I have not posted anything for a few days, no excuses, just busy enjoying life, I thought of posting a few reminders about happiness and life.

1. Take ten minutes to relax and re-energize.
2. Do something that you enjoy the most.
3. Pick a skill that you excel and use it.
4. Give - your extra few minutes (talk to friends and family and reconnect).
5. Money is important but it's not everything, maybe to some.  
6. Read positive articles and think positive.
7. Eat healthy but it's ok to treat yourself every now and again.
8. Enjoy the company of good friends.
9. Say please , thank you and other kind words.
10. Plan a trip even if you don't go through it.

I can't help it, but this little guys make me smile.

Supportive Sunday - Happy Father's Day!

To all my family and friends who are Father, Dad, Step Dad, Half Dad, Foster Dad, and more.

 

 

Foodie Friday - Finally tried Burnt Rice

Last week for our surprise Thursday night, I got a call from my friend to check what plans we have for dinner.  Since that was the night that I tell Jeff "surprise" we are going out for dinner or "surprise" we are trying a new recipe.  I was out most of the day (golfing and shooting pool) so it was a perfect night to try something new.  I suggested that we try the new restaurant called Burnt Rice.  Somehow I think I have posted something already about this place.  The service was really good and food was reasonable and tasty which meant I came back.  Here's what we tried and the portions were big which ended up boxed to go.

Pork belly Burnt Rice BBQ

Spicy pork burnt rice bbq

Burnt rice jambalaya

Spicy port with Kimchee Fried Rice

Wonderous Wednesday - New coffee flavors

Just when I thought that the flavors of my coffee are starting to get a bit boring, there it was, new flavors that I have not tasted before.  As for Jeff he would be happy with the French Vanilla but he did get a little excited to find his other favorite "Chocolate Glazed Donut" by Donut House.  When we were looking for some items at Walmart, I told Jeff to check out the area where they have the Kcups for our Keurig.  He found me and ask me to check all the new flavors that were available.  The great deal was that they sell them cheaper than anywhere else.  I decided to call my MIL just in case she needed to replenish her supply.  It's good that I checked because we ended up buying seven boxes for her.  So here's some of the new flavors that we will soon taste.

If you have a Keurig Coffee Maker, which coffee brand do you prefer and which flavor is your favorite.  Last December we finally had a Tim Horton's Kcups which we only drink on special ocassion since you can only buy this in Canada.  

 

Skort Sunday - Golf outfit

When the deals are so good, I can't help but get them.  Do I really need another golf outfit?  It really depends on how many times a week you would play?  I definitely can't wear the same outfit twice so I need at least a few shorts, shirts, capris and skorts.  Some of the set I got has been a few years old but still in great condition.  Others are either small because I keep drying them and some just does not look right.  I guess if I just buy the outfits and never wears them. then I have a problem, right.  Actually if I golf three times a week and lately it has been happening, then I definitely need a new one.  Next week, I will be golfing at a really nice course with my new golf buddy who recently retired.  He is actually one of Jeff's co-worker who I have golfed even before I moved here.  Sometimes his son golfs with us but he is so quiet you forget he is with us.  I guess now I have to show you exactly what I am talking about.  I hope my son in law does not see this because it's not the brand that he likes.  I have a matching socks that goes with this outfit as well as matching blue tees.  Go Play!

 

Finishing Friday - Front Entry Way

There is nothing better than to see the transformation of the old tile and the new tile.  It has been at least one year since Jeff bought the tiles for the front entry way.  The last couple of weeks he has been working on it and finally it is all done.  At the beginning it was a little slow but once the layout was in place, Jeff's work became a little easier and faster.  The big difference about having a handy man around the house, you save a lot of money because you don't have to pay for labor.  The other benefit is that you don't have to worry about having strangers in your house for days trying to layout tiles.  It is really interesting watching Jeff do this type of work.  He is very detail oriented and a little bit of a perfectionist.  The result of his work is amazing.  The picture does not do justice but I am sure you get what I am trying to show.  For those of you have stayed at our B&B, you will remember those dated old tile as soon as you enter the house.  Now this is what it looks.

Before the buffing and cleaning

After grouting both light and dark

After cleaning and buffing

Ready to be sealed.

Tedious Thursday - Using paintbrush

Do you remember the first time you were introduced to a computer?  It seems such a long time ago but I remember it so well.  My supervisor told me that the best way to learn how to use the mouse is by playing a game or use the simple paintbrush program.  So when I am done with my files for the day, I would spend at least a half an hour just using the mouse on paintbrush.  I would start with something small then erase it and finally I thought why not something bigger. It was very tedious and repetitive at time to the point my fingers would be in pain. The result is very interesting - I ended up with a full painting which of course I saved.  Later on I decided to get it printed and framed.  Sometimes I wonder if I should enroll in a drawing or painting class.  Oh bother, there's not enough days in the week.

My first try and I called it Northern Exposure

My second try and I am sure you can guess the title - Fruit Salad.

Timely Tuesday - Special Clock

A long time ago my aunt and uncle told me I was their favorite niece.  I was young then and I believed it until I met some other relatives and they told me that they were the favorites.  I wonder if those other nieces and nephews have something special that this particular uncle made.  If they don't have one, then I know that I am truly their favorite.  Many years ago after my uncle retired (from being an Architect), he took up several hobbies.  One of them is making special clock.  I believe he even made a special one out of wood and I think it still works.  The one he made for me was simple but funny and once you see the photo you will understand.  When my mother was still alive, I use to take her to visit my aunt (mom's sister) and uncle.  I think when he found out my busy life which includes a lot of travels and of course my sports and social life, he thought of an idea for my special clock.  This clock now hangs in our kitchen wall and it sure gets a lot of attention from our house guests.

My special clock that has kept perfect time for my busy life.

Sweeping Sunday - Under construction

Welcome, month of June, the month that summer actually begins - June 21.  It reminds me of my time in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.  Those very long days were hard to take at the beginning but actually was pretty cool if you get a chance to experience it.  It never gets dark.  Well, maybe for a couple of hours. This is the best part of summer months, when the days are longer and you can do a lot outdoors and not feel like night time.  For the next couple of weeks we will have to do a thorough house cleaning.  Since Jeff's recent project of changing the tiles in the front entry way, there was no point in cleaning because the dust and whatever particles off the tiles are all over the living room and kitchen.  Although he tries to keep it clean, you just can keep up.  He suggested that I don't worry about it as we can do it when the project is completed.  I will have to share photo of the before and after which I'm sure Jeff has been updating.  There are still many other projects he has in his to do list.  I am hoping this summer we can start on our bathroom, then the guest bathroom.  After that I am guessing we can relax and maybe even take a holiday.