Updated on August 16, 2015
Afternoon Tea Chez Moi
Sadly, Afternoon Tea is a dying tradition — unless you want to pay $50-60 per head at the Empress Hotel, Victoria! I like this homage to a romantic bygone era, and try to emulate it at every opportunity I can.
Friday afternoon, I had the pleasure of entertaining some delightful people at my home for Afternoon Tea — Empress Hotel style for the visitors! Seated around the table were Paul McCartney’s Aunt Edie (no kidding!) who had been a good pal of my friend Noelle who died recently; a charming couple from New Zealand, Hillary and Trevor, who divide their time between Victoria and Auckland; my friend Anita and her husband Vecey; Rick, the head of our TOPS group, who used to work as a Pilot for Emirates, and myself.
After a recent trip to the Empress, I discovered that the new owners have changed their Afternoon Tea, with the addition of a mini croissant and a curry chicken sandwich, so I decided to copy them!! I even tried the salmon pinwheel recipe from a book I bought for 25 cents at the flea market! (Sarah’s Tea Time by Sarah Amos). Everything turned out delicious — even if I say so myself!!
I served several different plates of sandwiches: egg, cheese, curry chicken, and ham sandwiches, plus mini ham and cheese croissants which I toasted.
For desserts, I lazed out, and bought everything at our local cake shop. They did a better job; given the time I had to prepare a feast, I focused instead on the sandwiches — wise decision!!
Updated on August 10, 2015
Lulu Belle and Her New Diaper!
Doggy diapers are the best invention ever!! This past weekend Kevin and I had the house to ourselves, so I stripped all the beds and brought all our slumber downs and bed covers to the launderette to be cleaned. The girl at the cleaners smiled at me sympathetically and said “Don’t worry, pet stains on bed clothes are very common”.
No more! I thought to myself, and as you can see from the photo, Lulu has got quite used to her new nighty night doggy diaper, and I feel like a new Mum every night as I put her cute little diaper on her!! It took her a few days to get used to it, but now it’s like a second skin. In fact, before she hops into our bed, she waits for me to put it on!!
I got it at PetSmart but you can google doggy diapers and find them to fit every kind of dog (and even cats!!). Whoever invented them was a pure genius — for sure!!
Updated on August 9, 2015
Bingo Buddies
Each Thursday at ‘Our Place’ we celebrate life and just having a darn good time! Residents enjoy playing Bingo, but not half as much as I do! We play for chocolate bars, McDonald’s $5 gift cards, pop, and potato crisps, and as we say in Ireland ‘The Craic is mighty!’ (craic as in fun!!).
The lady in the wheelchair goes by the name of ‘Mama Bear’ and she is one hell of a lady. She has battled every kind of life challenge, least of all homelessness. I tell her “You can’t keep a good woman down!” I love her and enjoy when she comes to play Bingo. Shane and Anita are also volunteers at ‘Our Place’.
Val is one of the most colourful ladies at ‘Our Place’. She is another favourite of mine. She is very artistic as you can see from her beautifully decorated walker. Val is always painting pictures to give to volunteers as thank-you gifts. She surprised me one day with a beautiful picture which she painted for me in all my favourite colours. It was very touching as I could see she had put a lot of thought and love into it. Val loves to dye her hair different colours and her choice of earrings always matches her hair perfectly! As you can see, no matter how she feels, she gets up, dresses up, shows up, and Never Gives Up!! My sentiments precisely.
Some reasons why I love Thursday evenings with my Bingo Buddies!
Hugs,
Patricia xxx
Updated on August 6, 2015
The Four Agreements
When I was travelling home from Vancouver on the ferry this past weekend, I stopped in the little gift shop and came across a smaller version of the book The Four Agreements. I was intrigued with the ideas and especially liked #2’s suggestion about not taking things personally. Brilliant concept! I have taken it to heart and now when I find people rude and short-tempered, I simply shrug it off and say to myself ‘Not my circus, not my monkeys’. Maybe this will help you too when dealing with unreasonable folk!
EnJOY!
Updated on August 4, 2015
Happy Birthday, All You Gorgeous Leo Goddesses!
C’mon let’s face it girls, Leo gals sizzle…right? They got sass, swagger and style — big time! Who can compete with Madonna, Sandra Bullock or J.Lo? And look at the graceful way actress Helen Mirren carries herself — just like a Queen.They are SO big in their ways, men can hardly keep up with them — not that it really matters to some of these Lionesses.
The symbol for Leo is the dignified Lion so it’s no coincidence then that Leos are born with a desire for recognition and achievement. They need to rule the roost and are prepared to work very hard to achieve this. The harder they work, the luckier they get! Don’t be fooled by their tough exterior though — secretly they are pussycats at heart and need a supportive spouse. If you are a Leo, below are some suggestions to make you Purrfect!! EnJOY, all you dazzling Divas!
1. Pre-owned 1960s Fur-Trimmed Cape
2. Express Necklace
3. Dolce & Gabbana Bag
4. Altuzarra Skirt
5. Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish
6. Peridot Earrings
7. Michael Kors Sandals
