A Perfect Day Off

Yesterday Norm and I took a day off to orientate my cousin Ann around the city so that she can roam around freely on days that we're working. We started off by going to Biff's for lunch which would normally be too expensive but we took advantage of the Summerlicious menu. What a way to welcome Ann to Canada by having an authentic French meal. After lunch, we walked around Queen West, grabbed bubble tea in Spadina and went fruit shopping while Norm was getting his very much deserved 1 hour foot massage. Knowing we would be eating at an all you can eat sushi joint, we decided to hit the gym beforehand. We definitely worked out a sweat and thoroughly enjoyed our well earned sushi...and more. After dinner...yes there's more...we went to T&T where Ann got dizzy looking at all the food. As a smart shopper, she saw a hoard of people around a table so she managed to squeeze her way in to see what everyone was buying. Turns out the prepared food goes half off at the end of the night. No wonder it was still a zoo in there. After shopping, we met Has where he turned over his only daughter to stay with us for the week. I hope Norm can cope with 3 girls in the house.

Roadtrip!

Roadtrip! Last night we had to make the trek to Buffalo airport to pick up my cousin Ann. As all of you know, Buffalo isn't really what I call a booming city. More like the armpit of America as some would say. Decrepit houses, boarded up buildings, outlet malls that seem to be falling by the wayside. There's nothing that would lure me to Buffalo other than picking up and dropping off someone at the airport....until last night! It seems that as of December of 2006 the best restaurant of all time has opened up at Walden Galleria. Drum roll please. Cheesecake Factory! That's right ya'll. Get your cars tuned up and let's take a ride to Buffalo! It only takes 1.5 hrs to get there which is about the same time it would take to get to Mae & Glenn's anyway. (ha) The food is definitely worth the drive. First of all, the portions are huge. The plates they use for a single order is what I would normally use to feed the entire Wednesday night crew. For example, when ordering the BLT salad, they use one whole lettuce head and they put enough bacon to last you for breakfast the next morning. Last night I had chicken baja tacos with all the fixins and Norm had the crispy, spicy beef. Delish! We have so many dishes to try given that their menu is the size of a novel.

So, does anyone need a ride to Buffalo?

(So Bigdog, does this meet your expectations?)

WANTED

Diana Lee is wanted on charges for not blogging since May 23, 2007. Officials have heard that she will be fleeing to Miami. If she indeed goes to Miami without blogging, this crime of treason will be punishable by removal of all the chocolate her in her condo. Then again, that would only punish Gerwyn. Diana Lee will be punished by hosting a month of Wednesday Night Dinners and all special occasions that Evelyn was previously responsible for.

Rule Maker

Congrats

Congrats to the newly engaged couple. Norm's brother, Virgil Paul will be getting married to Charissa in 2009!

Beautiful Bride

This is Sue Ellen, Norm's cousin on his dad's side. Her wedding was held at Casa Loma which was fitting because she looked like a princess. Congrats to Mr & Mrs!

Until next time...

My family left for a 15 hour drive home on Friday night. It was weird waking up in the morning and not bumping into an inflatable bed or going into the kitchen and finding tropical fruits piled high from Spadina, bags of pandesal like we're feeding an army and lots of left over food from Wah Sing and T&T. Even though our condo is a little small for a family of 9 - we made it work and boy was it fun! My Aunt and Uncle have been like parents to me since I was small. I would do anything for them such as give up sleep for a week. I miss them already. Norm is already talking about driving "home" at the end of the summer. I may take him up on that offer.