Happy Anniversary

Today is our 4 year anniversary and according to the books, we are to get each other "silk". This morning Norm left a card as well as a Chinese silk wallet - you know, the ones you get from the dollar store or Pacific Mall. When I saw it, i smiled...that's my Norm. We were supposed to go out for dinner tonight but Rennie's boyfriend is here from California and she wanted to hang out with us. There goes our quiet dinner but oh well. At least someone can take a proper picture of us. Just wanted to say Happy Anniversary to US. We've been together 16 years now... and still lovey dovey as ever.

Wishing you all the happiness I found when I met Norm...

Happy 30th Ev

We celebrated Ev's Birthday at the Branthouse last night. She looked all pretty with her pink dress and pink stillettos. Norm said her dress was too short. I think what he meant was it was too revealing in the chest area. I say, shake what your mama gave ya. Unfortunately my mama gave me the wrong things - huge hair and long toes but hey, I'm not complaining. It was really nice seeing Age, Bruce & Graham. Still the same old party boys. Except now Bruce had to leave at 1:30...he's a dad now you see. Another great addition to our party was our great old friend, Gerwyn. We've been friends with him since highschool so sometimes it feels like I'm 16 all over again. Especially when he busts out the house moves. And then there's Ms Tan who graced us with her presence. Norm was so impressed that she drove all the way from Montreal and still had enough energy to put her party hat on. What a friend! The only one missing in action was Mary who is always flying away on last minute deals. The last time she did that she was pregnant. Hmmm.

Happy Birthday Evie!

Baby Boom

Last night we went over to Jeff's place not only to celebrate his 30th Birthday but also to celebrate the announcement of their little bambino on the way. Jen is 13 weeks pregnant and may is due around Christmas or Boxing Day. I don't think anyone can ask for a better Christmas gift. And as for Jeff's birthday...he's in denial. He thinks he's still 19. When his boys are around, I also feel as if I'm 19 all over again. It's always nice to see those Neil boys and it doesn't surprise me that they're still so close.

Happy Birthday Jeff & Congratulations on your baby!

Swiss Chalet

Tonight we went to Swiss Chalet for dinner. You can never go wrong with good old, Canadian Swiss Chalet...although I'm unsure of why they call it "Swiss". Sally always talks about St. Huberts and how it's so good. Oh yeah? Does the chicken taste so good that you don't even need the sauce - although what person doesn't like Swiss Chalet sauce. Does St. Huberts offer the little bowls with lemon that you can wash your fingers in? Now that's what I call ingenius! And during holidays, does St Huberts offer the Festive Specials? How about the toblerone bar? You just can't beat it Sal. Swiss Chalet rocks! Best part of all...it's only $6.99!

Another Barrientos on the way

Congratulations to Kuya Freddie & Ate Car who are expecting a little baby early next year. They moved to Canada 2 years ago hoping for a better life for their son, Carlo, who is now in high school. Carlo has always wished for a sibling. I'm glad his wishes came true...15 years later.

Woofstock

This weekend was Woofstock along Front Street where everyone from near or far brought their best friends, their dogs! Unfortunately I didn't have Zoe or Cisco to show (they don't like big crowds) but I did go down to dog watch. My favourite dog was a huge St Bernard that I saw playing with the tiniest of chiwawas. No niocitrin around his neck though. Norm's fav was the English bulldog - the one with lots of rolls and wrinkles. Seyla's favourite were...you guessed it...the ones that looked like Zoelicious. Apparently this is the biggest Woofstock in Canada. I just hope everyone scooped their own poop. Just one pet peeve of mine.

Happy Birthday Monsters

Happy Birthday to Han & Has - my twin siblings, kinda. Both born on June 10th but exactly one year apart - what are the chances? Celebrations are under way in Vancouver for my sister's house warming/ birthday party. Wish we could be there but I am saving my vacation for your big day, when you'll need me most. As for Has, he is dropping his kids at my place and going to paint the town red with Floree. They will be enjoying a steak dinner at Hy's. Don't worry kids, I made steaks, sweet potatoes and orzo for us at home. We're going to have our own party. Better run, I have to Hayden proof my condo.

Happy Birthday guys!

Blog Worthy

Okay Di, here it goes.

We had our Wednesday night dinner at Di's place last night and she has definitely raised the roof. Although we've been trying to "bring it down a notch" we seem to be challenging each other with dishes you would only see at the fanciest of restaurants. Since it was such a beautiful night we went up to the rooftop patio where we were greeted with Toronto's majestic skyline. When ever I see that, I think...it's nice to be home. Di started off with grilling two huge tuna steaks only 2 minutes per side. Once they were done, they were placed on top of our nicoise salad. As a side dish, she also made cheese gougiere, or as Norm calls them - cheeseburgers. Man, talk about fancy. What really made this dinner special was Di's special table cloth. It's the small things that make a difference. I'm sure everyone on that patio was hoping we would invite them over. For dessert we went back to her suite and had angel food cake with marinated strawberries and whipped cream. Can it get any better than that? We'll see. Stayed tuned for Ev's Wednesday night dinner. No pressure Ev.

My Sisters Wedding

At last, I have some time to work on my sister's wedding invitations. I cannot believe her wedding is in 5 months. First of all, I am so happy that she's marrying Al. When we moved to BC, we had the chance to get to know him and my first impression was ... this guy is funny. Put Norm and Al together, and you have a comedy club. But aside from being the joker that he is, he's very caring and giving. On the down side, he doesn't like to be waken up early when I call my sister T.O time. We can't help it if we're early birds. I also remember him being neat. I can only imagine how their house is. I'm sure they each have their own ideas on decorating. I'll save the rest for my speech on the big day but all in all, we love Al! As long as he takes care of my sister...that's all I ask.

Stay tuned for the wedding invitations.