In a nutshell

So as you can see from the pictures I posted in my earlier post, we had a great time in Houston. It was a wedding, family reunion & a mini vacation all rolled into one. At first we found it hard getting around without a map but eventually we became familiar with the roads and acted like we were locals. The city itself was beautiful - we stayed near the Galleria Mall which would seem comparable to Yorkville in Toronto. The times we drove into the downtown core we found it unusually quiet for a big city like Houston. I guess it's only during the week when the streets are filled with monkey suits. Anyway, we're back home and trying to get back into the groove of things. I can't seem to get up earlier than 7am. It's going to be even worse when we get back from Vegas. I guess I just have to take it one day at a time...starting with today. Happy Monday everyone!

Houston Trip

Houston, here we come!

This morning we fly out to Houston for April's wedding. How exciting! I was talking to Ann last night and we were discussing what we were gonna wear, what we were gonna do...etc. Reuniting with my family is always a treat but I only wish it could be longer, especially since we're all far apart: April is in Houston, James in San Francisco, Han is Vacouver, Ann in SC, Brian & Kate in Greer (where the heck is Greer?), and us in TO. I guess its a sign that we're all getting older and our lives are drastically changing.  I don't like change but I guess it's sometimes a good thing.  I guess I just miss those times when I would go to South Carolina and there they all were.  Today will feel similar. We will be meeting the rest of the family at Houston Airport. I hope there's only one terminal because I told them I'm meet them in baggage check. Let the adventures begin.

A Hint of Summer

This weekend mother nature teased us with a whole lot of sunshine but it was accompanied with a light cool wind. Call me conservative but I was wearing jeans, flats with no socks, a t-shirt and a light sweater. Even with that I was a bit cold, especially in the shade but lo and behold you have those people who think it's 30 degrees outside - girls with short shorts a tank top and flip flops. To each his own. I guess.

I have a little confession to make. I can't lie. We went to Wah Sing. It was a last minute thing. Trae & Fran called and suggested lunch at Wah Sing. How could we resist? Don't worry Sal - we will definitely go for your birthday. I just had to try it out to make sure it would be perfect for your special day. It was exceptionally good. Especially all the left over lobster bits with bursts of garlic and onion flavour!

After Wah Sing, we went shopping. Trae bought 2 pairs of shoes in a matter of 15 minutes. Beat that Ev! It was her Mother's Day treat. Boy, I can't wait to be a mother. It's like having two birthdays! Norm and I strolled around Sears to look at the Blue Jays section. He's a big fan. As I stood patiently beside him looking at the jerseys, the different hats (yawn)... I noticed a tiny section of cards...which lead to albums...which lead to scrapbooking stuff! So there we were, side by side, in our own little worlds. It was as if the two sections were made specifically for us.

Today (Sunday) was spent at the park for Marie's baby shower. Norm and I spent most of our time at the playground with the kids. It was a lot of fun but something was missing... Marie! She's in Cali waiting patiently for the arrival of her first born child. Congrats Marie & James. We can't wait to meet the Lil' Stinker.

Well, here comes another work week...bring it on!

Tuesday Night Dinner - Pampered Chef Style

This week was my turn to cook so I decided to do it Pampered Chef style with the help of the chef herself - Leah. Not sure if ya'll know how Pampered Chef works but basically she cooks for you using all of her fancy tools. By the end of the night, you want the same tools in hopes that the food will come out just like hers did! She started us off with an appetizer: Phyllo-wrapped Asparagus with Roasted Red Pepper Aioli. As Di would say, it was so good! And most importantly, she made it look easy with her grater, pizza cutter and garlic press. At this point my list was getting longer and longer but I guess I wasn't the only one. Saadia needed another piece of paper to continue her growing wishlist. For our main meal, I served a huge tray of Greek salad and paired it with Churasco chicken. Nothing beats grilled Portugese chicken with hot sauce. Not even KFC. Dessert was a group effort as can be seen in the pictures. We were able to use Leah's cool tools to make a Cappuccino Mousse Trifle. Delish!

As always we had lots of great food, a lot of wine and best of all - great company! It was also a night I realized how small the world really is. Sally & Di went to school with "Benji"; Leah knew Rohani through her cousins; Rohani & Gerwyn knew each other from the past, etc.

I just can't wait to hear Benji sing that Whitney Houston song.