Sylvia's Simple Shots

One of my aunts celebrated a birthday so a few of us got together for Chinese food which was delicious.  Then she invited us over to her house for blueberry cheesecake. 

It was a raffle prize at reunion and she froze it till her birthday. My sister had made it in a dish which went along with a casserole carrier.

It was delicious.

I started the week early in the morning by meeting road blocks in just about every way to get out of my neighborhood.   People were frustrated and going the wrong way down one ways. I managed to get myself out of the grid lock and headed into the river valley.  I missed the signage warning about the marathon route.

I am so glad I can start having folks over again, now that the floor project is done.

I prepared a bit of a snack for my visit with a friend of mine on Monday.

A few veggies and dip and some ginger cookies

Of course, some Chamomile tea and great conversation.

At one point I thought maybe she should head out before rush hour traffic but it was already an hour later than that.

I guess were having a good time.

N is for Noose by Sue Graton.  I finished this book in the last couple of days.

Another great time spent with Kinsey Millhone as she dug down to investigate the final couple months of a fellow's life.  His wife was concerned about his troubles and hired Kinsey to investigate.

It's early spring and the weather is not the best but she heads north to meet with Selma Newquist whose husband passed away a couple of months ago.  

She started asking questions about Tom and his life and the locals in Nota Lake were having none of it because he was a good guy.  Well there may be other reasons.

There was a big reveal in the last chapter as to who killed those 2 guys.

It's Concord Grape time!  

We always had these as a treat when we were kids. I buy a basket of them every year.

My sister and brother-in-law dropped by on Tuesday to see the place put back together, pick up a couple things headed to their house then we went for supper at the Bul-go-gi House a Korean restaurant which as been in business since 1973.

It was delicious as always and good company.

Headed to the St. Albert Botanic Park to photograph the dahlias.  It is that time of year again where the bed of these flowers are in full bloom.

I did walk the whole garden but here are 4 of the great dahlias in their full glory.

I found out on Sunday that there would be no BC peaches this year as there was a killing frost when the flowers in bloom.

I guess that means Ontario peaches if we can get any.

I stopped at Superstore and they had cases of 25 lbs for $35.00 which is $1.50 a pound. Yes, please.

I took one home.  They are pretty much ready to eat and process so that will be on the agenda right away.

I will share with family, friends and neighbors.

I had a neighbour over for a visit and a tour of the new floor and laundry closet.

We had a great catch up.

My sister dropped by Saturday afternoon for tea and a visit.

It's been a while since she's been here so it was nice to host for a change.  She has been generous with her invites.

I sent her home with several peaches.

It's been a busy week.  It was so nice to have people over.

Peaches - Freezing

With no BC peaches this year I was worried I would not get any.  Friday, my sister let me know that Superstore had some.  When I walked in the door they had cases! 

I bought a case and this morning I got down to the task of freezing some.

They get a dip in hot water to help the removal of the skin, then into cold water, peel off the skin and cut into chunks, onto a cookie sheet with parchment paper, into the freezer, when solid into bags for the winter. Since they were frozen seperate it makes it easy to just take the amount I want for breakfast. 

Mosaic Monday - This Week

I received this wonderful fused glass tea bag catcher from my sister who attended a youth event this summer and needed a couple of emergency contacts.  I served as number 2.

Does she know me well?  Glass, yellow and tea related.  Does not get better than that.  These were being sold at the event and was produced by Mad About Glass.  I love it!!

Thanks so much.


This photo was one of the several I took for the challenge on Flickr this week which was In The Mirror.  We needed to take a macro close up shot of an object.  It would be best if we did not see the edges of the mirror.  I took a shot of a dried rose in a small crystal vase.  I placed a few glass marbles in the vase to hide the stem.  I love how it turned out.
You can see my shots by following this link. SMDPics

A visit to my aunt's house on Saturday showed this type of industriousness going on.  Dill pickles and peaches were on the agenda for preserves that day.  Her daughter and husband were up and the kitchen was a hopping place.

My kitchen saw some activity as well Friday night when I cored and quarters the rest of the apples from my Mom's.  The flies were starting to flit about and it as time the apples were processed.  I managed 4 containers of apple sauce for chocolate bran muffins which get made at my house every week.  So I use about 50 containers of apple sauce a year and at this time of year apples are being offered for free by several folks with trees.

I found this set of dinnerware at the thrift store last week for $3.  I could not leave it there.
It is Country Side by Wedgewood in blue.  The tea cup saucer is missing so I have substituted another for this photo.  I'm sure with a bit of attention on-line I may be able to acquire a replacement.


Submitting to Mosaic Monday #5 hosted by Maggie at Normandy Life.