Roadtrip!

Sunday morning we woke up and said: Let's go to Buffalo! And so we did. We picked up Mom and off we went to the armpit of America. Again, Buffalo has never attracted us as much until they opened up the Cheesecake Factory and Banana Republic. Norm's patience was put to test as we came to a full stop at the Peace bridge where we waited 1 hour. He later treated himself to a ginormous, double decker, Tons of Fun burger that we agreed to share but I whimped out because I could not figure out how to wrap my tiny mouth around the massive burger (and I knew Francis had his camera ready). We were all in shock when Charissa's salad came out. We couldn't even see her behind the mountain of green salad in front of her. We could have easily shared one salad but watching everyone's reaction was part of the fun. After lunch our eyes were droopy with fullness. You can't escape the "itis" when you visit the Cheesecake Factory so Bigdog decided to take the car keys and sleep the food away. The rest of us walked it off and although I only had 45 minutes at Walden Galleria, I managed to purchase a pair of pants. And what's a trip to Buffalo without going to Target. As usual, we loaded up on snacks to keep Norm busy (and patient) as we waited another hour at the border. We watched as Paul's van went up to the booth and were quickly cleared to cross. We witnessed skid marks as they quickly drove away from the customs officer fearing they will see two beautiful coach bags that would quickly blow their cover.

It was another fun family event that apparently continued until the wee hours of the night at Kenny's. We would have loved to join them but they left us at the border and didn't look back.

Happy 89th Birthday Grandpa

Tonight was the long awaited steak dinner for Grandpa's 89th birthday. Grandma & I enjoyed pina coladas while Norm & Gramps enjoyed a glass of wine. It's been a long time since Grandpa has been out for a steak dinner so he thoroughly enjoyed his very large medium rare rib eye. Grandma enjoyed her steak as well but she commented many times on how much she liked the pina colada. Next time me & Grams are just gonna skip the food and go straight to the bar. We had a wonderful night with the grandparents.

Happy 89th Grandpa. I look forward to next year.

Shrimp Chips

Remember the shrimp chips at Marks & Spencer? Thank goodness Ev found an English lad because everytime she comes back from London, she has a whole suitcase of shrimp chips that we just go crazy for! Well, I am happy to announce that I have found a place that sells Skips! There is a UK booth in the international building at the CNE that also has a store at Eglinton Square. At last, we have them at our fingertips. But don't tell Ev, I still enjoy the treats she brings home for us!

Let's go to the EX!

Last night Norm and I took advantage of the dry weather and headed to the EX after work. Our first stop was the Food Building! (of course) Norm had his garlic and cheese beaver tail and I had the most delicious wings at St Louis. With food in our bellies we headed up the midway and watched as people whacked the whack-a-mole, put money on red, and played games that look way too easy, but you know there's always a trick. For example, how hard is it to throw a ball into a slanted basket? I'm convinced that the bottom of the basket has a spring that shoots the ball right back at you. Or how hard is it to throw a ring on to a bottle? Chances are the ring probably doesn't fit! I guess in the end it's all fun and games. For us, it's tradition to go to the CNE. As kids we worked in the Grandstands which is now replaced by the Toronto FC field. I remember Norm when he worked at Orange Julius. Gosh, that was 17 years ago. I guess you can say we go to the EX to feel young again!

Family Affair

Friday night we scrambled to find Grandma a wheelchair so that we can continue our weekend as planned...but now with Grandma in tow.

Saturday started off with a nice lunch at our place - portuguese chicken, rice and potatoes as well brie cheese and caprese bruschetta. After lunch we walked (and wheeled) over to Mabuhay Philippines held at the convention centre. As expected at a filipino convention, we ran into more family: mom, dad, grandpa, Francis, Trae, Seyla, Mike, Carlo with his "family friend" and some friends I haven't seen in ages. After making our rounds at the convention centre, we walked towards the Harbourfront for yet another filipino event. This was more my scene (and pace)...we chilled near the lake where we had "merienda" - coffee & ensamada. We watched the boats and as usual talks about owning one or maybe pitching in for one were quickly formed. In the end we realized it would be too expensive to maintain but maybe if we win the lotto. Off we went to the marketplace where Norm was busy pushing Grandma to the little booths selling jewelry. It's definitely her achilles heel. And of course, what's a trip to the Harbourfront without getting in line for the roasted corn. We all enjoyed the lemon, butter and spiced corn as we listened to the musical band practicing beside us. We made our way to the stage where we sat on the grass (and Grandma in her wheelchair) and enjoyed the last show of the evening. It was a nice, cultural day had by all - including Baby Ella. After the show we walked back to our place and had dinner. At 11 pm we realized we should call it a night because we would all see each other again the next morning...

Sunday we all met up again at Shoeless Joes for a engagement brunch for Tim & Louise. They reserved the restaurant to celebrate their engagement with family and friends. There we had mamosas and were treated to an assortment of breakfast foods as well as our family's special dishes: the infamous garlic fried rice, seafood casserole and cheese-jello. These things we just can't live without.

WND revamped

No, Wednesday Night Dinner has not returned. It will resume in September when everyone is back from their honeymoons. But last night Gerwyn and Norm had a date so Di and I decided to crash it. We had a nice dinner and later walked over to get our favourite gelato. Summer nights are slowly coming to an end so we have to take advantage of the beautiful weather. Walking around with no jacket and flip flops has been a privilege. Some people (ahem - Allan) have complained that Toronto is too hot. I guess you have to experience our long winter to really appreciate our few weeks of summer sun. So if you guys want to spend an evening out on a patio - you know we'll be there in a heartbeat.

Yet another wonderful weekend

As planned, Norm and I headed to Canadian Tire to buy my very first bike. That's right folks, it's my first bike ever! Norm insisted I buy a youth bike because it was smaller and it would suit me better. The nerve! Luckily the salesman convinced Norm that a women's bike would better suit me after he adjusted the seat to the lowest possible setting. And I couldn't leave the store without buying a helmet as per Francis. Safety first!

We decided against The Taste of the Danforth because of the big crowds and long line ups. Instead we hit the Spadina Street Festival and ended our night at the Hot & Spicy Festival held at the Harbourfront. There we enjoyed the musical talents of the steel drum band, enjoyed a tasting of churro (a spanish dessert) and waited in a long line up for a stick of corn which we later found was worth the wait.

Sunday morning we grabbed our bikes and made our way back to the Harbourfront where we enjoyed a nice Second Cup coffee. Just when I thought summer was almost over... it feels like it has only just begun.

This evening we celebrated Ella's 7 month birthday. Bigdog made a special appearance with his dancing queen and a bag of crispy pata. He was definitely the star attraction. He is also my biggest blog fan (and critic) so Bigdog...this blog's for you!

Woof.

Dinner with the Boss

Tonight the comp & benefits group were invited to the Boss' house for dinner. We had great food, wonderful company and probably a little too much wine. I don't normally like going to work functions but this one was a little different. First of all, how often does your boss cook for you? Second, how often do you see your boss in shorts and a t-shirt? It definitely changes the mood. Everyone was laughing, having a good time, and probably talking way too much (it will come back to haunt us I'm sure). I say, forget about these fancy parties at the Vaughan Estates. I prefer this more laid back, intimate affair. I'll cheers to that.

Family Reunion

Where do I begin?

We had a west coast invasion over the last few days. My sister, her husband, cousins Michael and Heather, nephew Marcus and my aunt and uncle all came to visit. They were all here to celebrate my grandmother's 80th birthday and to have a much needed family reunion. The kids enjoyed Centre Island and Canada's Wonderland. The big kids enjoyed clubbing until the wee hours of the morning. Allan enjoyed taking naps during the hot, muggy days that Toronto is known for. We even managed to escape to the cottage for the weekend - some to Sherkston and others to Muskoka. As usual, each day was ram packed with things to do and people to see. Allan had a chance to experience what Caribana was all about. Unfortunately he got a bout of heat stroke - not too sure if it was the sun or the almost naked women dancing reggae that caused it.

Personally, I enjoyed having everyone over and spending time with family - Vancouver, South Carolina and even cousins I've lost touch with here - it was definitely an emotional roller coaster but I will definitely be the first in line for another ride.