It is 9:15 AM here in Ontario, and the sun is shining brightly in a pretty blue sky with a few wispy clouds off in the distance. I have no idea how cool or warm it is outside as I haven't been out yet... but chances are it still has some morning coolness to it until closer to noon.
Katherine - When Matthew's cheque came in I bought the split peas, the navy beans, and the meat needed for both (as I was looking at the meat, I did spot some salt pork that reminded me that that was indeed what my parents used in their navy beans, so I got that instead of the salt beef... which the stores that I looked in didn't have anyway). I put the packages of beans and split peas in the cupboard, and proceeded to cut up the meat (I went for pork tenderloin which was on VERY cheap, as I didn't really want to buy a large ham with a bone in it... we rarely have ham and when we do it's boneless... smaller that way) and package it up. I had enough for three lots of split pea soup, and two lots of boiled navy beans which I put in the freezer so it's already to go when the mood hits for making it on a cold and nasty kind of day. Funny, Matthew saw the dried beans and peas and asked what I bought that stuff for... I told him "It's comfort food from my youth! Ahna and Poppa used to make it. They are both stick-to-your-ribs-warm-you-up kind of meals." :o) He only has a vague memory of anything like that as he was 11 when my parents had their strokes and I never even thought about those meals to ask them how to make them while they were still with us, but he says he doesn't like dumplings.... we'll see. ;o)
Judy - Welcome back! Your trip to France sounds lovely! You're mention of doing a lot of walking & eating, reminded me of when we took our trip to British Columbia... we ate a lot, but we also did a lot of walking in the mountain area... and I was very surprised when we got back home to find that I had actually lost 5 lbs. ;o) I know what you mean though about it being a good thing that there are no pastries (like those you had in France) nearby or you'd be in trouble... I would be in trouble too. Anyway, good to see you back and glad that you had such a wonderful time.
Rusty - Regis Philben (sp) will be thrilled that the New York Yankees won and are on to the playoffs. We get a kick out of him getting so riled up about the New York teams on his show. ;o) When I was little my Mom was a HUGE Detroit Tigers fan... she knew every player on the team and all the announcers, etc and she would sit there talking (and yelling) at the TV when a game was on. My Dad would say "Did he hear you?" LOL Anyway, sometime throughout the years when the players started leaving for whatever reason and when she became so busy (even going out to look after people as a caregiver on Sundays) she didn't watch much anymore, but when Matthew was little and started to take an interest in the Toronto Blue Jays my Mom started rooting for them too. But... whenever they happened to play the Detroit Tigers, she would root for them instead... it kept things lively here in the house. hehehe
Els - I hope you manage to get rid of the wasps! They are horrible things to have around. I don't know if it would work or not, but have you tried (after the boiling water) pouring salt where the nest is? You never know, it *might* help. *shrug*
Aud - I'm not ready to let go of summer yet, so I will hold off on packing away the summer clothes for a while. Although I have to admit there have been a couple of days this past week where I was wearing a sweatshirt instead of a t-shirt, and I haven't worn shorts for a couple of weeks now only long pants... but I still wear my sandals when outside, and go barefoot in the house. ;o)
And to everyone else - Have a wonderful, sunny (hopefully), safe Sunday, whatever you may be doing or planning!
Smiles and hugs for everyone! Peace! Gemini
- who is feeling a *little* better again today. :o)