Manyways Monday - Cakes or cookies

How many ways can you use apples?  Apple bread, butter, cake, cookies, pie and sauce.  So when I see two apples in the basket and I need to make something sweet, I start checking out Pinterest.  Oh no, there's way too many choices.  So I check the recipes that only uses two apples, because that's all I have.  The first one that came up is a French Apple Cake.  I checked all the ingredients and surprisingly enough, I have them all.  Now I am excited and started getting ready to bake.  While reading the instructions, I stumble upon another treat.

A chocolate chip shortbread cookies and of course I have all the ingredients because Jeff makes the ever popular triple C (chocolate chip cookies).  I forgot to mention that I am baking these two treats to take over to my friend's house for dinner.  She ask me if I was making anything special since she knows that I have a lot of goodies in the freezer.  I told her I am trying two new recipes that I found.  These two new recipes are the easiest ever but oh so yummy.  I know this because my friend's other guests were complimenting me with the treats I brought and couldn't stop eating the cookies.  Anyway, here's what they look like.  One thing that I love about the French apple cake is that it is not very sweet and it's moist and little fluffy.  On the other hand the cookies are a little too crisp/crunchy for me, so next time I will cook them on a lower temperature and lesser time.  Otherwise it's a keeper.

Fain Friday - Live Laugh Love

Why fain?  Actually I had to look for a special word to describe this Friday.  While getting ready for golf, I received a call from our friend/neighbor.  He said Wendy's gone.  What do I say? What can I do? Why so quick?  So many questions in my head, but no answer came to my mind.  So what did I say? I'm so sorry. Thank you for letting me know.  OMG, what is all that.  I really did not know how to process this sad news that I just received.  It's not about me.  Today I would just like to give honor to our friend Wendy.  An amazing lady who was lively, loving and always smiling.  Although I have known her only for a little over a year, she was the one that welcomed us to this new neighborhood.  She was the one that introduced us to everyone.  She was the one that made sure I meet different groups that she has.  The ladies morning golf, the ladies from the bridge group, and the Red/Purple hat ladies.  Even when she is not feeling 100%, you would never hear her complain.  She would attend our monthly event and truly enjoy everyone's company.  And when she needed to rest, she would quietly say goodbye to the host and head on home.  The last time we got to see her was three weeks ago at one of the neighbors home for dinner.  Although she had difficulty swallowing food, she joined us for dinner bringing her own consomme and vegetable drink.  She was enjoying the company, our stories and we had lots of laugh and stayed later than normal.  There one thing she hated, the Christmas song "the twelve days of Christmas". We found out about this when we did our 2017 Christmas Caroling around the neighborhood.  We would sing either two songs and have one drink or have two drinks and sing one song.  We will miss her so very much and this neighborhood would not be the same.  

Wendy and me during my 65th birthday party.  

The neighborhood aka Street People lighting a candle for Wendy.

Wishy Washy Wednesday - It still worthy

This is what happens when I am all over the place.  So many things on my plate and I still want to make sure I complete a post for my blog for my followers.  But what can I share?  It has to be something catchy, interesting or worthy of checking out.  When I am out and about, I am always watching out for something unique that might be useful for my blog.  Well, today is your lucky day as I have a few to share and although some are worthless, the others are possibles.  Hopefully they were all worthy of your time when you stopped by today.

On Hole # 2 at the golf course, I found this tree stump with mushrooms on top.

Simple tool and inexpensive but very useful for relieving my muscle and joint pains.

My BFF aka brother from another mother sent this very special wall hanging for our CPBB.

We found a new home for the old wooden Inukshuk - right side of the house still visible from the road.

I found this simple reminder for people like me who can't remember to drink a lot of water.

When I saw this at the fabric store, I could not resist and I had to buy it.  Still contemplating on what to make.

Sensitive Sunday - The knee bone connected to the hip bone

At what age do you start feeling that you are getting old?  Is it when your bones starts to crack or when your muscles are always aching?  Maybe this is not a topic I should be posting but lately my knee and the right gluteus minimus muscles (had to look it up).  It all began a couple of days after I had worked for 13 hrs for the local election.  Although I feel better standing than sitting, there were a lot of hours of standing and maybe it was too much.  While I was at the doctor's office a few days ago, I sort of mentioned this to him and he asked if my knees were swollen - NO, are they still in the morning - NO, do hear them cracking - NO.  This is when he said, you should do stretches and go for walks.  OMG the two things that I should be doing but I am not.  The husband of my BFF in Discovery Bay is the one person that I look up to.  He is very religious about stretching and exercise even when we were on vacation, on our cruise, or just visiting.  The same couple goes for their walk which is another thing that Jeff and I don't do. Well, I should say, do not do it everyday.  We do go out for walks every now and then.  So now that I am feeling all these aches and pains, I might have to force myself to do both (walking and stretching).  As the golf season comes to an end, I will definitely have to go back to using the elliptical.  Since Jeff has already bought his season pass to the ski resort so he can snowboard whenever.  That will be his winter sport.  I on the other hand won't be doing that but might take up snow shoeing.  Really?? Our neighbors mentioned it to me and I said that as long as I get the nice green color snow shoe, then there's a good chance I will go.  LOL.  For now I have to try my very best to do the simple things that does not cost a lot.  WALKING and STRETCHING.  The reward for doing both is a once a month hour massage from my favorite RMT.  What is moral of the story? It's just a reminder not to wait until you're old to do these simple day to day things.  I actually believe that both are so good for your bones and your muscles.  OK I need to do it.

Favor Friday - Anything for my daughter

The past weeks has been all about sewing baby items.  After I delivered the order last week, I got a phone call from the mom of the woman who was expecting.  She mentioned that she saw the items I made for her daughter and ask if I could make a cover for the mattress for the baby bassinet.  Since I already knew the colors and patterns, I said I would do it.  Of course I immediately head out to the fabric store and got what I needed.  The following day, while sharing with my own daughter some of the things I have been sewing, she ask me if I could maybe do some baby stuff also for her boss.  This makes me very excited.  A project for my daughter.  She gave me her request for the color and pattern.  I sent her some photos and she liked the first pick.  Within 48 hours, I was able to complete the first order as well as well as the one for my daughter.  It did not take me a long time to finish the items because I was already in the zone.  Anyway, the order has been picked up and the package for my daughter is on it's way.  Hopefully her boss would love the surprise items for her new baby. Just realized that I forgot to take a photo of the mattress fitted sheets I made. Oh bother. You can just imagine it, the pattern is the polka dot blue and grey.

Burp pad as an additional item.

So comfy and so soft baby blanket.

Changing pad for travel.

Burp pads, bibs, binkie holders and baby mitts (non scratch)

Weathered Wednesday - It was time

A year ago when we bought the house, there was something in the front of the house that was sort of a sign.  It was made of wood and it also had the number of the house.  The first time I learned about this piece of artwork was when I lived in the Northwest Territories.  It was called Inukshuk (a structure of rough stones stacked in the form of a human figure, traditionally used by Inuit people as a landmark or a commemorative sign).  

Since the one we had was made of wood, I knew that somehow we would have to replace it with rough stones as it would be more like what it should be.  As there were many other items that needed more attention, we sort of put this item on the bottom of our list.  The winter, spring and summer has come and gone and the wooden inukshuk was looking very weathered.  It was actually a little wobbly as the post or screw that was holding it to the ground was very lose.  The past weekend's weather was sunny and warm.  We took advantage of it and headed to Just Rocks (a great place to search for the perfect stones).  It was located just outside of Vernon off Highway 97.  When we arrived there, we can see the variety of stones and rocks piled by sizes, types, shapes and textures.  We were told to drive to the back and get on the scale.  We got weighed (us and the car) and we proceeded to the area where we could pick what we needed.  Once we found the pieces to complete an inukshuk, we loaded them in the car and we got weighed again.  Then we went back to the office and paid for the granite rocks.  The next day Jeff removed the old wooden one and stacked the pieces and was able to get two inukshuk.  Here's the before and after photos.

Old wooden one.

First try, the little one.

Second try, the big one.

The final one. If you look at the back, you will see the little one.  

Secret Saturday - Bargain hunters

Now that the weather is definitely getting a little cool for outdoor activities, there will be no

more garage sales on the weekend.  Luckily the last couple of times we had gone to check it out, we were able to get a couple of items that were very useful.  I think that as long as you only buy what you really need and not just buy to collect more stuff, then it's OK.  Sometimes when I find something I like or should I say we like, it might need a little touch up.  If an item requires more work than just a little then even if it is a bargain, we don't get it.  Here are some of the latest that we are adding to our home.

Jeff found this Corelle dishware set for our RV - $15 for 22 pieces.

The only touch up was the wooden part that's holding the tray - $2 only.

This vase was perfect for these flowers.  No scratches and the right color and only $1.

For now, I am using this candle until I get the proper size and color and scent.

These tea cups were such a great deal at $2 for the set. Now I have to find a tea pot.

Tiny Thursday - Just for your little ones

There is definitely one way I could make some money selling the stuff that I make, but I always think that if it becomes too much of a high demand, then it's like working.  So the way I sell my stuff is just through friends or just myself mentioning what I items I sew.  The last time I was getting a massage, my therapist and I were talking about something and all of a sudden she was very interested in what type of baby gifts (new born) do I make.  As I describe it to her, she was getting excited and had her convinced that she needs to buy it from me and if I had the time, could I make a package for a baby boy.  One of her co-workers was due any time this month.  Of course, the next days I was at the fabric store buying the materials I will need to make what I think would be perfect for the package.  At the same time, I was making all these items, it made me remember that I had to make a set for my BFF in Ottawa, who's daughter just had a baby girl.  Now I am in the zone.  Check it out.

Bandana Bibs with magnet closure.

Binkie or toy holder.

Burp pads (one for mom and one for dad.

Bow ties for baby boy or later.

A new project, a baby head rest while getting fed or sleeping.

Tacos Tuesday - Yellow Food Truck on Hwy 97

Also known as the YLW Taco Truck.  If you are ever in the Okanagan area, you have got to check this out.  Every time we are in Kelowna, we always look for the yellow truck as they serve the best tacos in the area.  The two young guys makes everything from scratch.  The taco shells aka tortillas are the perfect size and they do not fall apart.  This past weekend we stop by and instead of having just two tacos which I normally have, I had the full lunch dish.

Three pork belly tacos with all the trimmings.  When you bite into it, there's so much crunch and the mixture of everything starts a mini fireworks inside my mouth.  My hubby chose to have the Burrito Bowl and of course he enjoyed it because it has a little less carb (no tortilla).  The previous visit he had the special, which had three tacos (chicken, beef and spicy chorizo).  Each and every visit, the food taste exactly the same or better.  The only down side is that they are not there during the winter months. I cannot blame them.  Maybe they can figure out another place they can be indoors and still have the yellow truck.  So if you love tacos, the YLW truck will still be there until the end of October.  If not, you can watch out for them next April, I hope.  You can check them out on Facebook and Instagram (unfortunately, I don't do either).  

Burrito Bowl with chicken

Pork Belly tacos

Mats Monday - Placemats for as a house warming gift

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving to everyone, to my relatives and friends in Canada or wherever you are.  Although some of the people have their dinner on Sunday night, some actually have it today.  This year since there's only two of us, we decided not to do the dinner.  Instead we were invited to a thanksgiving dinner at one of our friends home. Aside from being thankful, I am doing something special for a friend who recently bought a house in her home country.  While she was visiting I thought of asking what she might like to have in her new home.  I showed her some ideas and she decided to have some home made placemats.  Last week since it has been raining and I could not golf, it was a perfect time to do some sewing.  First, I had to fix Jeff's back pack as the zipper is broken on one of the front section.  Jeff was so pleased with the way I fixed it and he was very happy that it won't get stuck like the original way the zipper was sewn. Second, I started the place mats for my friend.  While getting everything ready, I realized I needed a different batting or lining for the middle part of the mats.  The main side are materials that I bought from the garage sale.  Not knowing what to do with it, until I showed it to my friend.  She loves butterflies.  Well, here's the finished product of her new set of placemats for her new home.  I hope that she truly loves them.

Supersize Saturday - One huge zucchini

It was too bad I forgot to take a photo of this huge zucchini that our neighbor gave to us. By the time I remembered it, I had already cut it in half.

This is the smaller half, the other bigger half I started shredding.

It yielded two and half cups which was perfect for the bread I was making.

Two loaves of double chocolate zucchini bread. Of course I shared one loaf with our neighbors.

Now it was time to do something with the second half of the zucchini.  Again I peeled it, cut it, put them in my food processor and it resulted to about the same amount, 2.5 cups.  I search for a crisps recipe. This is the result.  Noticed there's only 3 left, as we ate them for dinner and the rest of the crisps, I shared them with my other neighbor.  And he said, "they were soooh good.  When I shared the photo with my daughter, she wanted the recipe so she can try them.  A very healthy side with only a couple of ingredients.

Thriving Thursday - Indoor Plants are alive

Definitely not someone who has a green thumb.  Last year when all the furniture were in place, I decided I would buy a few indoor plants.  When I went to the nursery, I ask the salesperson regarding hardy plants.  I wanted to make sure that it will last at least through the cold winter months.  Although I brought in some of the outdoor plants, most of them died after three months.  I almost forgot that I bought a couple of plants from a garage sale because they looked very healthy and they were almost giving it away.  Now a year later, I have to say that some of my plants are thriving.  But I have a confession to make.  The person that remembers to water these plants is actually Jeff.  My job is just to check with him if he did his job.  LOL!  The other responsibility I have is talking to these plants specially when we have to leave them for a few days or weeks.  These are the photos of my thriving plants that has actually survived one winter and they have been with us for a year.  It's time to celebrate.

This BASIL plant is the newest one of the group.

Magnificent Monday - Just views and more

During our most recent RV camping escapade, I have taken some pictures that are very colorful but a little sad because summer is definitely over.  All the leaves have changed and some trees have lost their leaves.  Some of the plants that I saw were still pretty healthy and showing bright reds.  On our way home, I noticed that the colors of the water of the Kalamalka Lake also have changed.  I don't think that I noticed it last September.  Enough of the talking and description, let me just show you what photos are just magnificent at this time of the year in the beautiful, British Columbia.