Thanking Thursday - Happy Thanksgiving

Today we are hosting our second USA Thanksgiving Dinner with friends from our neighborhood.  Last year when we hosted it, we received such a great response and so we decided to have it again.  Since most of the guests are the originals of the neighborhood group, we will also have a short annual meeting to discuss the events for 2020.  We will also take volunteers to take on the task for a particular event.  For the dinner tonight, my husband will be cooking both turkey and ham.  In addition to that he will be making mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing.  The rest of the sides and desserts will be brought by the guests.  In our neighborhood get together it is always a BYOB rule.  The following are the sides that will accompany our thanksgiving dinner.

• Dinner rolls and butter
• Sweet Potatoes
• Green beans
• Broccoli salad
• Roast brussels sprouts
• Roasted vegetables
• Cranberry sauce
• Green salad
• Peaches and cream corn 
• Pecan pie and pecan tart
• Apple pie

We are very thankful to our neighbors who embraced us in their group and made is feel so welcome.  Although some of them have move out of the neighborhood, they still are part of our group and we never lose touch.  Since our families are all in the USA, this thanksgiving the neighborhood is our family.  You are probably wondering what my contribution is for tonight.  I couldn't just let the guest bring the dessert, that's why I made my oatmeal pecan lace cookies.  And then at the last minute made a puff pastry appetizers.  It was a success thanksgiving dinner with all of the above going so well with each other.  Of course the combination of the people in attendance was amazing.  We also manage to have our annual meeting. We think this will be totally a yearly event for our group.

Magically Monday - Deconstructing a dress

Lately I have been watching a few episodes of The Great British Sewing Bee.  Sometimes even if they are older episode I would still watch it as long as it's one that I have not seen.  The part I like is the second challenge because it is when the contestant really shows their creative side and their speed to put together a piece of clothing from the two materials that is thrown at them.  For example, the last one I saw was when the gave them an umbrella (outdoor) and a lounge chair (outdoor) which is a bit thicker material and both stripes.  Everyone of them created something magical using both fabrics from the two items.  Last week my neighbor came to me for some help with a dress that she wanted to wear to a Christmas party.  They were asked to wear something from the roaring 1920's also known as flapper dress and headband.  The dress she brought has never been worn and I was hesitant to practice on deconstructing it.  Luckily I have an older long black dress that was too big for me and I was just going to donate.  She was happy that I agreed to take on the challenge of deconstructing this dress to give her more room.  I also need to design and make her an head band in the same theme.  I measured her and told her to go home and I'll have her dress and headgear ready in a couple of days.  The first day, I remove the stitches on the sides of the dress, then I cut off 8 inches from the bottom of the dress.  I used that material to place on each side of the dress to make some room for her hips.  Then I added some white ruffled material for the sleeves as she prefers to cover her arms.  She came over to try the dress and it was a perfect fit. Yeah.  Next day I worked on the head band using fabric, sequence, lace, feather and ribbons.  In addition to this, I offered to curl her hair on the day of the party.  Once it's all put together, she will be going back in time and feel like the Great Gatsby.

Score Saturday - Vernon Vipers

Most cities in each province in Canada usually have a hockey team.  Some belong to the OHL, WHL, CHL, etc. In Vernon, the team is called Vernon Vipers.  Their home area is at the new Kal Tire Place which just opened in September 17, 2018.  Shortly after, we started thinking about getting some tickets and watch some local hockey games.  It has been over a year and we still have not been to one.  Until last week when someone offered free tickets to watch the Vernon Vipers.  It was a nice treat and we decided to take advantage of this great opportunity to support the local team.  The Vipers will be playing against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.  We don't really know anything about the standing of each time.  But we know that some of their games are more exciting as they tend to have higher scoring games.  This is just from watching the local evening sports reports.  It's an evening out and hopefully it will be a great game.  Of course, since it will be in the area, I am planning to dress warm and bring a blanket, just in case.  Since it is a free ticket, the seats are a bit on the higher part of the arena.  Hopefully not to high or we won't be staying long.  The other important part of this event is that it is honoring the First Responders of our city.  Luckily the Vipers won during a shoot out.  

I was the lucky winner for this gift certificate for being in the lucky seat for that night.

This was the lucky ticket.  They were giving a price after the Vipers scored the first goal.

Flavorful Friday - TGIF for working friends

Sometimes we like to invite a couple or two couples to share dinner with us.  I have been trying to invite one couple but it seems like they were out of town on the days that I pick.  Last week we finally got a chance to get the two couples together and since both of the couples are still working, I thought that it would be good to give them a break from cooking on a Friday specially after working. I gave them a few choices of the type of food they would like to try.  Both couples agreed that they would like some Asian cuisine.  So I started checking online to see what would be a good combination.  Of course I wanted to make something that I sort of know the recipe and how it is actually cooked.  For our starter, I made a chicken lettuce wrap.  Then it was the Singapore Noodles with shrimp, Rich man's fried rice with lobster, Chinese BBQ Pork and Black pepper chicken.  They we so appreciative of the fact that there was plenty of food to have seconds and even some to take home.  For dessert, I made a Purple Yam pound cake, mango flan, buko pandan salad and Jeff's chocolate chip cookies.  It was a great evening sharing old stories and life experience.

Everyone was so thankful that we all live in a great neighborhood. 

Trail Tuesday - The Rail Trail Cafe

When my golf buddy called and asked if I wanted to go for coffee, I thought about it and then agreed after he mentioned that we will be checking a different quaint spot.  When we got there, I recalled that I had been there but only to check out what they were selling.  What I didn't realized was that they had a small seating area for coffee, treats and even soup and sandwiches.  We ordered our coffee at the counter and my buddy had the cinnamon roll and I had their ham and egg croissant.  Everything was delicious and it was a great mid morning place to sit in and actually have a conversation.  The owner/employees were friendly and attentive.  Anyway, I decided to take a photo of my breakfast and some of the other treats available.  Their prices were reasonable and the service was great.  Anyway, if you are ever in the area, please checkout this quaint place located on Kalamalka Lake Road, Coldstream, BC.  It is called the Rail Trail Cafe. 

Snowy Sunday - I don't like snow

"I don't like snow" that was my daughter's message on Monday when the Greater Toronto Area received quite a bit of snow.  It was cold and the roads were slippery.  I understand what she was talking about as I used to live there for over 20 years.  It was even more snow when I temporarily relocated in Ottawa.  I did not learn from the first time, I did it again a couple of years later.  When you think of where we relocated the first time in Canada, one would think that we wouldn't mind the snow.  But I guess after residing in the Northwest Territories and the Yukon Territory, one might get tired of the cold winters.  The difference is that Ontario has the four seasons and it is beautiful specially in the fall.  Leaves changing their colors is amazing and spectacular.  After having a chance to live in California, it's truly difficult to return to a city where snow is available sometimes from November to March.  But sometimes in life, you really have to weigh everything.  Sometimes you have to give up more than what is important because even if it's only a couple of things that the other city can provide, it is something that is life changing.  If you think of how others have to put up with flooding, tornado, hurricane, typhoon, etc., having a few months of snow is actually not so bad. So far we had one day of snow but it did not stay.  Hopefully we will have a shorter and milder winter.  Are you willing to give up everything you have currently and move somewhere without a winter but has all of the other issues?  Here are some winter wonderland photos.

Fabrics Friday - What inspires me?

It does not take much to excite me or to inspire me to start a new project.  This week I am going to try and make a blouse from scratch without using a pattern.  Lately after each episode of the Great British Sewing Bee show, I get inspired to try something new.  Sometimes it could be just easy projects that can be completed in half an hour.  Like the last three items I finished the other day are the gifts for Jeff's son and grandchildren.  We wanted to mail them early so it will be there in time for Christmas.  Now that is out of the way, I can try to figure out this blouse which I will be making from three different fabric I found in my collection.  Both are made of 100 percent cotton except for the lace.  Since I didn't have enough of the floral fabric, I thought I would add some lace and the plain blue fabric will be used for bias around the neck or the armhole.  Many moons ago, I knew how to make my own pattern for whatever type of clothing I wanted to make.  But since I haven't done that, I am not as comfortable in making a pattern first.  So I will just wing it, just measure the fabric twice and cut once.  I am using one of my blouse that is a good fit just as a guide.  I hope to finish the blouse in a day and hopefully by the time I am ready to post, it will be ready for show and tell. 

These are the fabrics I will be using for my blouse.

The completed product, without a pattern but fits perfectly.

This unicorn pouch is for his granddaughter.

This penguin pouch is for his grandson.

This is for his son.

Woodwork Wednesday - New projects for J

As the weather starts to feel like winter is coming, I have been thinking of projects to do inside the home.  Not just for me as you know my mind is always busy creating something to do for those cold days.  This time I am searching for new projects for my hubby.  Although he has been busy with a couple of projects in the garage, I know that he will be looking for something to do in between snowboarding and shoveling snow.  There's a couple of really good wooden items that I have seen on Pinterest and they are going to so practical and useful.  In addition to the small project that I am asking him to do which is my Hole in One memorable wooden case.  Now that my hubby has added some more tools to his collection, I know that these projects will probably finished easier and in no time.  Once he has finished the cabinets for his tools in the garage, I will also feature it.  But for now, check out these wooden items.

A smaller version of this will replace the current step garbage can.

It will be something similar to this but longer and maybe an extra shelf under.

 

The one I wanted will be similar to this but will have a place for the score card and plaque.

Sweet and Sour Sunday - It looks so yummy

Every now and then I would try some old recipe that I use to make.  Then one day I would remember it and try making it without looking at recipe.  It is actually a very easy one to make and I don't know why I don't make it often.  On Fridays, I usually try to have fish.  I guess this should have been my Friday post.  Anyway, I learned something new when it comes to coating the fish.  I read somewhere to combine regular flour and rice flour, I did.  First I dip the fish in egg and then on the flour mixture.  The fried fish is set aside while I make the sweet and sour sauce.  I added a bunch of different vegetables that I could find in the fridge.  I stir fry garlic, onions, carrots, celery and peppers then add the sweet and sour sauce that I combined.  Then the final step, I added the fried fish and sprinkle some fresh green onions.  When my hubby saw the finished product, he said, "that looks like something from the Chinese restaurant.  Of course I sent a photo of it to my daughter, my friends and my MIL.  Almost everyone commented the same as what Jeff said.  You can be the judge.

My sweet and sour fish.

And this is a photo from my Google search.

Scenic Saturday - Our Okanagan

Technically it is still autumn, right.  This past week we have had some great weather and beautiful sunrise and sunset.  It is too bad that our golf courses ended too early because the weather has been perfect for a fall round of golf.  Although there are still a few courses around the Okanagan that are still open, most of them are already closed or will be closing in a week.  During our last trip to Kelowna for some shopping, dining and a little bowling, I was able to take some amazing photos of the mountains, lakes and of course sunsets from our living room window.  A couple of the local news always features photos sent by the viewers.  This is where I got the idea for this post today.  This is my Okanagan in the fall. 

Tarts Tuesday - Trying out new recipe

Last weekend we were invited to one of the neighborhood party to celebrate Diwali.  It was a potluck but the host made two types of curry and rice.  The rest of the guest brought a variety of side dishes and I was requested by the host to bring some desserts.  I started with the popular Pecan Butter Tarts but I used my sister's recipe which included some chocolate chips, coconut,raisins and pecans.  Then I decided to make a batch of Chinese Chews which my MIL use to make for us.  Now that we are apart, I had to make my own.  This is the second time I am making them.  The first time turned out just fine except I should have cut the squares while they were still warm and not the next day.  For some reason this time it did not turn out as good and it took forever to bake.  Then finally it was ready and I cut them while warm.  It is edible but not as chewy and perfect as the ones my MIL makes.  The third one is an Apricot Almond Bar that I saw on Pinterest. This is the first try and I might have left it a bit longer as the recipe called for 20 to 30 minutes, I believe 20 minutes was plenty.  Anyway, they are still good to consume, just a little crispy on the outside and chewy inside. 

Of course, everyone at the party enjoyed it as they didn't have any choice. LOL.  The lesson I learned this past week in baking, use my lower oven and use the middle rack.  Use the shorter time and then check and if more time required, add five minutes at a time until done.  I have tried new recipes before with great results, but every now and again, it seems like I stumble a little.  Check out the results of this weekend special at our Cranberry Portage B&B. Almost forgot to share the trial Deep Fried Apple Roll.

Apple wedges rolled in cinnamon and sugar wrapped and deep fried.

Pecan butter tarts and more.

Apricot and Almond Bars.

The Assortment (brownies, chews, cookies, apricot bard, pineapple bars and magic bars)

Stitching Sunday - Patriots collection

About a month ago, I received a package from my MIL.  When I opened it, I got so excited because she sent me four fabric quarters of four different design of my favorite NFL team, the New England Patriots.  I am guessing she must have found them at a fabric store in Colorado since we don't have any NFL team logo fabrics.  You can find some NHL and CFL  fabric team logo both in cotton and fleece.  Anyway, it took me a while to figure out what I wanted to use those fabrics but I knew it would be for me. LOL.  Since golf season ended on October 31, I have been tinkering around my craft room on what I wanted to start.  Shortly after lunch, I start looking at my fabrics and then my mind started creating and my fingers started measuring and cutting.  By the end of the afternoon, I have completed what I wanted for my New England Patriots Collection for my navy blue back pack.  Check out the complete set.  If only Tom Brady's wife can see my collection.  I can bet you that although she might have a few items that are Patriots, like a Jersey, or hat or maybe a key chain, she would not have a collection like mine.  I guess you can say that I am a true Patriots fan.  

My insulin and glucose test machine bag.

The bottom bag is for cosmetics, the two above is for candy/gum and etc. case

Key chain, cellphone holder, fabric wallet, credit card holder and mini card holder.

My special battery and cord bag.

Final Friday - Last day of golf

It has been a very good year for golf.  My very first time being a member of a golf course. This friendly and amazing golf course that is only five minutes drive from our home.  The year we arrived I was only able to play for a few months because we were busy with getting our house organized.  That year the snow arrived on November 1 and never left until the middle of March. At first I just bought what they call a punch card since I was not sure how often I was going to play.  Then I realized that it was worth it becoming a member, so I did.

They give you this nice wooden badge with your name on it and the current year of membership.  So far I have two of those.  I was wondering how many rounds of golf I completed in 2019.  It was time to count all the cards that I kept to keep track of the rounds.  I am sad to report that I did not make the 100 marker.  Due to vacations and the weather and some off days, I am still happy to have gone out 95 times.  It is also a very important year because on August 28, I got my very first and maybe the only HOLE IN ONE.  My hubby is going to make some sort of memory box to include all the souvenir I got to remember that day.  The ball, the tee, the score card, the mug, a pin, and the special tag that my golf buddy had specially made for me.  Since I already paid for my 2020 membership, I know that my goal for next year is to surpass the 100 marker.  I can only do that if the weather cooperates, my health is good and my golf buddy is available to play as much as schedule allows.  Now it is time to plan on how to get busy during the winter months to stay in shape, as well as to keep the mind active.  Although I still have outstanding projects that needs to be completed, I will have to start being more creative with my sewing, painting and maybe even get back to practicing playing the guitar and keyboard.  As I say goodbye to golf, I am saying hello to a more productive winter. 

That's my feet and my lucky ball.

Ladies who witnessed my hole in one.

My golf buddy.

August blooms.

October flowers getting frozen.