Sick

Norm jinxed me. The other day he said "Mel, you never get sick". This was true. A few days later, I developed a fever and a full blown flu. I went to the Doctor yesterday to confirm Norm's findings and he said I had all the classic signs of the flu and he ordered me to go home and have a pity party for myself.  Normally I would be rejoicing at having a week off work but it has been a rough couple of days at home.  My head hurts, my throat is sore, I'm hot, I'm cold, I have no appetite, I'm hungry, I'm emotional and I'm clingy.  I'm trying to keep my germs to myself but when I sneeze it does not have too far to travel given our small space.  Norm thinks he's invincible. He's rejoicing at the fact that he got the flu shot.  Funny how he's a big supporter of the flu shot, even wrote an article in the Hospital News, and lectures his care-coordinators and patients about the importance of the flu shot. But here's his wife, totally against the flu shot, and is now caring for her because she got the flu.  Lesson learned.  Next year I'll get the shot. 

Uncle Jessie

As Francis said at the viewing, "What kind of gathering would this be if he did not go up to the mike and say a few things about Uncle Jessie".  On that note, this Blog is dedicated to Uncle Jess. During family events Uncle Jessie would always lead the prayer before our meals.  Usually at this time everyone is famished and the smell of the food tantalizing our nostrils was torture. We would patiently wait and listen to Uncle Jess say grace that was sometimes accompanied with some form of music.  Just when we think it is over, Uncle would sneak in an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.  At the end of the prayer, he would always get a big AMEN as everyone rushed to the food table. Uncle always took his time in prayer and taught us to be patient.  

When Norm was doing home visits in Scarborough, his favourite place to take a break was in Uncle Jessie's backyard. It was meticiously clean, very neat and had zen like qualities. Norm would often go there unannounced and sometimes unnoticed. Thank you Uncle Jess for welcoming and creating the best outside office anyone can ask for.

Uncle Jessie will be missed by all. But as the saying goes, just look in the eyes of his children and grandchildren and there you will find him.  

Rest in peace Uncle.

Croissants

I absolutely love croissants. It's my whole reason for taking the Breakfast Breads course. Norm and I often try out different bakeries and test out their chocolate croissants.  So far the best one yet is from Thuet but it also comes with a hefty price tag.  Now that I know how to make these beautiful creations, we no longer have to wander the streets of TO.  But then again, now that I know how much butter goes in, I haven't made any since. I guess sometimes it's best not to know. Ignorance is bliss.

French Toast Party

Since taking baking courses at George Brown, a small fan club started to develop.  A friend even hangs out in front of George Brown in hopes of getting a taste of a fresh baked something.  My biggest fan is definitely Norm but trailing behind him is Grandpa.  One day he asked me how to make french toast so I gave him the recipe and the following Sunday we went there with our whole kitchen in a bag.  We had a french toast party with the Grands that also included some fresh baked danishes and Grandpa's fav cinnamon buns! And so the story goes:  everyday before working at the Westin Harbour Castle hotel, Grandpa would stroll the streets of downtown and stop by a cinnamon bun shop.  He says it's one of his favourites along with a homemade apple pie and tea biscuits.  Grandpa's grandpa often baked these favourites and so I can only imagine the memories that came back with even just the smell of a fresh baked something.