Little does Ruth know that Shad is not a chocolate person. Now if you put a hunka cheese or a nice ripe mango on the pillow :evil laugh:

Yes Ruth, I'd say you have quite the cutie there in the pic.

Popping into say hello.

Here we go again.

This is not Ruthxxx. But c'est moi. I've met up with our Ruth at the Kingston Station along with Hershey. There she was standing there and I just walked up to her and said that I was looking for a lady with a dog. Hersh was wearing her red scarf. Ruth was not wearing a purple hat or holding peonies. I only recognised Hersh!!!!!

So we came home through the highways and byways and we are now into the Vodka and Scotch - not together, come on you lot. Ruth has the Scotch, I'm continuing the vodkas that I had at lunch time with the man. Yep, I had lunch with a strange man. The bartender had to go off down the street to get some more tonic for my vodka and we had a grilled cheese sandwich together. Well he had a cheese burger since I'm not into sharing my lunch.

Ruth is really lovely - complete with the evil laugh. We are about to do the translation of the bbq apron - Happy should I let you do the translation? The dogs are great big curly bundles of fur and big brown eyes and teeth.

Not sure what else is happening tonight. Tomorrow I think I have to speak Australian to the hunks potential in-laws. Should be fun. We are going sightseeing tomorrow. Delta is a fun place by the sound of it. Tomorrow I even get to meet some 'normal people'(Ruths words not mine) Clare and Doug whom Ruth has mentioned previously. Ruth is now waving a bunch of asparagus around. Dinner must be nearly ready. I have to keep an eye on Lucy who is likely to go pinch my chocolate bar (still on the bed).
Hang on Ruth is yelling at me. It appears we aren't having peppers for dinner tonight. That's okay. We've got chicken and asparagus and who knows what else - come to that, we have unlimited vodka - who cares.

I'm off to do the dinner thing. See you.

I've had to come in for a read of Shad's adventure's. I'm thrilled that she's gotten to meet so many of our group. Sigh, I wish I hadn't been sick when she was in the south.

I'm curious, what are jaffa's?

PainterWoman--Is your hubby going to be able to travel that soon? California sounds like a fun trip.

Mel -It was nice of the guys to come and help you.

Madcat--Sending you and sister good thoughts and prayers.

Ruth--I agree with the others with the cute Austrailan.

Happy--How's the new job?

Nothing new on this end.

Morning chicks,

Ceejay - Jaffas are a candy that some say are quite addictive. Easiest way to describe them is that they are small balls similar in nature to our M&M candies. Except that the outer shell is a delightful orange flavor and the inside is chocolate - like an M&M. And they are round instead of flattish like our candies. You pop one in your mouth, let the candy shell melt so you get the orange flavor and then chomp the chocolate. They were good but not the OMG I'm in LOVE with these things I've heard from others. Perhaps it has to do with my getting away from chocolate in general and losing my taste for it. They were nice to try and I'm glad I got the chance.

The new job is going ok. I am trying not to be overwhelmed. Everything is new - terms, people, procedures, even the bearings of the building complex. Yesterday at lunch I did take a walk around the inside perimeter. It's a HUGE place. Can either do laps or trot up and down the aisles in between the bays. Left my pedometer in my purse - will have to try it today to get some idea of measurement. It does seem at times that I will never figure out all the bits of this new job - I just tell myself to calm down - 3 months from now it will be old hat. Thanks for asking tho Ceejay. How's the diet going for you? Didn't you chose a new plan?

Well Shad and Ruth - sounds like the dynamic duo found each other. I'm sure you had quite the entertaining evening. Hope you aren't going to be climbing trails after a vodka laced night. If you are, then you truly ARE my hero :D So tell us, did Ruth come through on her promise to show you country life at it's best? I have stared at the apron and I admit I am at a loss to use at least 3 phrase in a proper sentence. Strewth, me thinks it will roll off the tongue better once we're all half cut - bloody oath! Enjoy your time together. What does Hershey think of your luggage that has been sniffed at by various cats all through your journey? - Shad's not only been meeting with friends but it seems most of us have cats as well. :D

Madcat - I never thought of it that way but i suppose your ear for turning instructions into written word would be a darn fine asset in your sister's case. Good that you can sit and listen with an open ear. I too would probably take your sister's posture of STOP ALREADY - more pouring in faster than you can process it. Still sending good healing and comforting thoughts your way :grouphug: Hope you enjoyed your beer and a little bit of downtime with the DH.

So Carla - do you live in the country too? Thought you lived in a big city, don't know why - perhaps I got confused when you were posting from the various work sites instead of home. Have a good time with Shad. ICE COLD LAKE? Brrrrrr..... That's right, it's barely spring up your way. :lol:

Mel - hope you are feeling better this morning. Nice of the guys to help you out. It's a shame we can't all be more accepting of each other and life's little bumps along the way. Mom always said don't stare. Hard to retrain your thoughts. Just think peaceful, calming thoughts and in a few days this will be over with. :hug:

Ok, my time is up here - time to hit the hamster wheel. Have a good day chicks.

CEEJAY I FORGET WHAT JAFFAS ARE TOO. BUT I AM ASSUMING THEY'RE NO ON OUR DIET PLANS:rofl:

MADCAT~ ALL MY BEST THOUGHTS GIRLFRIEND. SENDING SPECIAL WARM HUGS TO YOUR SISTER. :hug:
HANG IN THERE!! :hug: THE BEER IS A GOOD IDEA!! GOOD FOR THE DH!!:cheers:

RUTH& SHAD~ TRY NOT TO SHOCK THE ENTIRE TOWN AND TAKE OVER THE LONGHORN!!! LEAVE SOME OF THE CITIZENS WITH THEIR BRAINS STILL INTACT :dizzy: HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME!! I HAD A LAUGH...IT HASN'T STOPPED RAINING EVERY DAY SINCE SHADDIE LEFT. IS MOTHER NATURE CRYING AT HER DEPARTURE???:rofl:
HAVE FUN :cb: :carrot:

HOLLY~ I CAN SEE YOU WILL NEVER BE THE SAME! :rofl:

CARLA~ DON'T FORGET BEHIND THE LOO!! BUT I THINK I WASTED ALL THE TIME CLEANING CAUSE I NEVER ONCE SAW A WHITE GLOVE ON SHAD'S HAND?!?!? :shrug:
HAVE A GREAT TIME....WATCH OUT FOR THAT RUTH...I HEAR THOSE TRIPLE X'S AREN'T THERE FOR NOTHING!!

HAPPY~ HOW GOES THE JOB?? FINISH THE JAFFAS YET?? DID YOU SHARE THEM WITH THE DH?? is the pool ready yet? INQUIRING MINDS NEED TO KNOW THESE THINGS:rofl:

:wave: TO MEADOW AND NAE AND PAINTER AND TIG AND THE REST OF THE CHICKS. TEEL AND LINUS!:wave:

THE "DECONSTRUCTORS" IN THE NEXT YARD HIT A GAS LINE THAT SOMEONE FORGOT TO TURN OFF. WE WERE TOLD TO STAY AWAY FROM THE WINDOWS FOR ABOUT 1/2 HOUR. TOO BAD CAUSE THE FIRE DEPT WAS OUT IN FORCE WITH ALL THEIR REGALIA!!! GOD I LOVE THOSE GUYS :lol3: EVEN WITH THE A/C ON I COULD SMELL IT SO I TURNED IT OFF. WE'RE MISSING ALL THIS COOLER AIR WITH THE WINDOWS SHUT BUT THE DUST AND SMELLS ARE JUST TOO MUCH. NOTHING NEW HERE. BEHAVING MYSELF FOR A CHANGE. MADE A SOUPY BEEF STIRFRY. LOOKING MORE LIKE BEEF STEW! :rofl: BUT SMELLS GOOD. THE RICE IS NEXT. OFF TO THE KITCHEN.
HAPPY THURSDAY :moped:

While Shad and Ruth were downing vodka and scotch, this chick was enjoying entirely too much wine with her weekly condo bbq crew. Then 'fell asleep' on the couch and forgot to feed the cats... :o Feeling rather fragile this morning, :barf: and certainly would not have been up to anything like a hike. So I think tonight Shad will be tippling on her own, unless she too is regretting last night's excesses.

Shad, don't worry, there'll still be wine for you, and I'll pick up some tonic. I'm sure I have some old vodka around - it doesn't go bad does it? :lol:

Ruth, despite the rocky start to the day, I'll be there as planned, with (figurative) bells on. :joker:

Happy, I do live in the city, but Ottawa has a wonderful national park 15 minutes from downtown. And it's a small, accessible sort of town - no smog or mammoth traffic jams. It has spread, mainly to the southwest, but the core is still quite homey as cities go. I'll take some photos tomorrow on the hike, and get Shad to show me how or where to post them for all to see. (There will be no swimsuit shots. :no: In fact, I plan to swim in my hiking clothes.)

Madcat, I've been sending :hug: :hug: and :goodvibes: every day since you first told us about your friend's illness, upped the intensity when your sister's news came in, and am now adding extra for you. I may even ask my churchgoing neighbour to put the three of you in her prayers. :grouphug:

Mel, you're sounding more like your old self. Hmmm, that stew is starting to sound good. :drool: :hungry: Although I'd really rather have a :cookie: I must be recovering from the nonsense with the vino. ;) What a pain that you missed your chance to enjoy the firefighters! :tantrum: At least they caught the leak and you didn't get blown up! :bomb:
As for the cleaning, I've given up on having things spic and span for Shad, considering my delicate condition. :faint: There'll have to be some speed cleaning Sat morning after the Shad run to the airport. Hey, seeing 'Shad' and 'run' so close together has me thinking about fish. Maybe we should have shad roe garnished with shad flies for dinner tomorrow? I'm sure that somewhere in this world there are people who eat deep-fried shad flies, and I wouldn't be surprised if some of them are from Oz or NZ... Of course the fish itself might have eaten some shad flies, which would be more efficient than catching and cooking them myself. Am I babbling? Must be delirious. :dizzy:

Ceejay, it really is a shame that you missed out on the visit. It sounds like Shad has been spreading joy and jaffas wherever she has visited. At least the thread has allowed you to enjoy her tour vicariously.

The average IQ in Delta is about to fall by 10 points as Shad has left the building!

Ruth! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

At least you didn't say "And Ottawa's is about to go UP 10 points!"

Isn't Joy a complete joy? Happy sigh. I am loving enjoying her journey vicariously...except for my 7.5 hour part in it.

Thursday June 14, 2007
 

Don't ask me what I've been doing, not alot :p Certainly not exercising :dunno: Made a Honey cake from a recipe in the new issue of Chatelaine magazine, sent a quarter of it to the neighbour who had given me some yellow iris bulbs earlier :spin: Made some chamomile rinse for the kids hair... the plant has run riot in my garden and I can no longer see my tomato plants :o I guess I will be pulling them out, remember last year when I was so excited about trying a chamomile lawn?! What was I thinking?:lol3: The poppies and calendula plants are also well into my walking circle and I can just imagine how the cosmos is going to lurch for the sky next month and totally dwarf everything. I like to grow the easy plants that self sow and grow and grow and grow:carrot: :rofl:

Shad-I'm not sure when your train will be chugging by? Will it be on Saturday the 16th? I can't really tell from your schedule. I can wave a Joy sign and woot at you:cheer2: It sure sounds like the gang have been keeping you busy and engaged. I think you are very courageous to travel by yourself to all these new places.

Mel-How are you feeling? Be well :hug: I'm sorry you had to miss the fire fellows. I'm sure there will be an alarm sometime this weekend they will have to come out for and you will get to enjoy the view at closer quarters ;)

Happy-The new job is keeping you sparky? Is this going to be a new routine for you, walking around the outside? Sounds like a pleasant stress reliever. I'm sure you are right about it becoming old hat soon. Enjoy the feeling of being a bit of kilter, you shall soon level out ;) How is the water in the pool?

Carla-poor kitties, missing their chow :) At least you had a good night and restbit :D Do you have Shad now? I need to check closer at the visiting list, is it tonight or tomorrow? I'm sure you will get on well and give big hugs to Shad and Ruth when you see them.

Ruth-best do a head check on the dogs. I sensed that Shad might be coveting their little furry company ;) I hope you had a great time together. Sounds like you feed and hydrated her to perfection :D

Holly- lol So Toronto has captured you? Will you be going to a taping of Cityline and get some free goodies that they always share with the audience? I hope you are getting some quiet time alone in the bath and some lovely cuddles with your kids:bubbles:

Madcat-it is wonderful that you can concentrate for your sister when she is overwhelmed. I'll bet she finds you help her breathe. This is a tough road she is on. You and your family are in my thoughts :goodvibes I hope she gets into a support group and has lots of chances to vent out her feelings about this.

Ceejay-how are you? So your friends are trying to fix you up? Nice friends, they seem to be concentrating on the monied folk.

Painter-Have a wonderful time in California! :flow1: How are you feet feeling after your walks? Be sure to wear your sunscreen and a hat if you get up to some wandering in CA. Although I doubt California is any hotter than your area ;)

:wave: Summer is officially here in a week...21st right?:p :flow2: :dancer:

Pool time!:swim:

The package has been successfully transferred. Had a lovely dinner in Merrickville with Ruth, and now we're doing simultaneous posts. (This is really me. Shad is the Carla 49 on the other laptop.)
We're being very good girls, no booze of any description, and will be off in the morning to hike those hills. Maybe a bbq in the evening - I heard a rather tasty-sounding recipe on the radio for bbq breast of duck, of which I happen to ahve one in the freezer... Will go take it out, and get off the site to see why Shad's post won't go up.

Post would not post. Gosh durn it. I have lost it - gosh durn it again. I will be back tomorrow to beat this into submission. Bye y all

Good morning, Worldly Chickies!

Lucy just dashed upstairs to check out the guestroom for her favourite visitor. Shad certainly is a dog person. The Girls pretty much ignored me while she was here. She's a great visitor and we had lots of fun.

Carla49, It was just great to meet you, even for such a short time. I will definitely let you know when I am next in Ottawa and we will get together.

Meadow, I love seeing your garden in my imagination. I've never done the chamomile lawn but do have several 8' x 12' carpets of creeping thyme. At least it stays short.

Madcat, my thoughts are with you a lot these days as mys sister is going through a similar situation. When I do my Ruthie Road Tour, we will definitely get together for a coffee or a "beverage".

Mel, now that I am bitten by the travel bug, I have got a visit to "Joisey" on my list - definitely not in the stinking hot summer though.

Happy, I'm glad you approve of the future nephew. I wonder if I can claim droit de seigneur. :evil:

Ceejay, Hi! I hope you are all better from your malaise now. I'm so sorry you missed meeting Shad.

Hollyhock, a Tranna getaway for you and yours sounds great. I'm still working on a S. Ont trip but it might be the Fall. Stratford is getting pretty booked for the summer but......

Shad, what a great visitor you are! Joan called me just now to thank me for bringing you over and Claire left a phone message saying you were a "joy". You have to come back so we can cover the stuff we missed - beer bottle collecting, manure spreading and the knitting of the round bales.

I need to get the butt in gear and get back to real life. It's a gloriously sunny day again today. We are in need of rain though. Today will be the day when I finally set up the sprinklers for the gardens! Gardening and continuation of the clearing of the construction zone continues. When I got home last night, my laundry sink had been installed! Mike the plumber just let himself in, petted my fierce guard dogs and installed the thing! Now I just need some crown molding and my kitchen will finally be finished.

Have a lovely TGIF and a great weekend.

SHAD SPENT TOO MUCH TIME BY HAPPY....SHE'S STARTING TO SOUND LIKE A SOUTHERN YANK CHICK!
OR DO THEY TALK LIKE THAT IN MOUNTIE LAND TOO?:rofl:
SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE FRAGILE "BRAINS" AND HOPE SOME OF YOU HAVE SINCE DRIED OUT!!:cheers:
SOUNDED LIKE A GREAT TIME. HOPE YOU AND CARLA HAVE FUN WITH THE HIKING AND BBQ! ENJOY!

RUTH~ YOU SHOULD HAVE WORN THE RED HAT!!!:D

HAPPY~ SENDING YOU GOOD VIBES FOR GETTING SETTLED IN THE NEW JOB. WE POSTED TOGETHER AS USUAL YESTERDAY! LOL YOU'RE RIGHT....IN A SHORT TIME IT WILL ALL BECOME "OLD HAT". :hug: BET YOU'RE GLAD THE WEEKEND IS ALREADY UPON US!!:dance:

CEEJAY~ IT WAS A SHAME YOU WEREN'T FEELING UP TO PAR BUT THEN THINGS COME UNEXPECTEDLY. :hug:
HOW IS THE EXERCISING GOING? I WANT TO SEE PICTURES OF THE 34" WAIST WHEN IT ARRIVES!!

HOLLY IS STILL DREAMING.

MEADOW~ I MADE A CAMMOMILE TEA AND TRIED IT ON MY EYES. SEEMED TO CALM THINGS DOWN A BIT. MY MAINT. MAN SAL SAID HIS WIFE SENT IT OVER. WE'LL HAVE TO RENAM YOU MARY QUITE CONTRARY WITH YOUR GARDEN ABUNDANTLY GROWING! :flow2: I HAVEN'T BEEN TO THE CHATELAINE WEBSITE IN AWHILE. I MUST GO AND CHECK OUT THE CAKE! :rofl:

MADCAT~ HOW IS YOUR NEW JOB? HOPE ALL IS SETTLING IN NICELY. A LOT OF THINGS GOING ON IN YOUR LIFE AT ONE TIME. TAKE TIME OUT FOR YOURSELF. WATCH SOME MINDLESS TV COMEDY AND LAUGH. :hug:

:balloons:TOMORROW IS MISS TEEL'S BIRTHDAY! WISHING HER MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY JUST IN CASE SHE IS LURKING AROUND A 3FC CORNER!! :gift:

FEELING A BIT FRAGILE MYSELF THIS WEEK AND WISH IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE VODKA :rofl: :rofl:
THE WEEKEND IS HERE AND SILENCE WILL BEGIN IN A FEW HOURS. GETTING BORED WITHOUT THE COMPUTER BUT I HAVE BEEN POKING MY HEAD INTO THE CLOSETS AND KEEPING BUSY. ALL THE KIDS HAVE LEFT FOR THE COUNTRY LAST NIGHT. PEACE WILL REIGN SUPREME. :carrot: THE MIL IS CALLING THIS WEEKEND. GOT A NOTE THE OTHER DAY. A COUSIN WILL BE IN TOWN SOON. THE FUN BEGINS. :dizzy:
I AM OFF TO EAT BREAKFAST............:moped:

:wave: TO MISS HAPPY! :cofdate: GOOD MORNING!

HAPPY FRIDAY AND HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!:sunny:

Hi Mel! I see your egg's lit. Shad and I are just having coffee - poor thing must have thought I'd never get up and start the day. No more chitchat for now, I must get dressed and find something to feed the poor woman - the cupboard is rather bare... Have a leisurey chamomile day.

Hi Ruth, nice to meet you, and thanks again for dinner. We got back before dark,and were in bed by midnight. S is raring to go, so I'll save any other stuff for later. If you PM me your email address, I'll send you the snaps I took yesterday on departure. Droit du signeur, you evil woman?

Shad has more than earned her brekkie - I hit the wrong key and the post disappeared :yikes: but she told me about Ctrl Z (Zed as we call it up her in civilization :rofl: ) and the day was saved.

Hi and bye to all the others. Not ignoring you, but Madame awaits...

Morning Mel (and the others) - you beat me in this morning. Whadda yah mean Shad spent too much time at my house? Can I help it if she likes me best :p :rofl: :rofl:

This morning got away from me already so I will have to catch up with y'all tonight.

Glad to hear that Shad's North American tour is so successful. She is pretty special, isn't she?

Have a good time in the forest Carla and Shad - no skipping around pretending you are woodland nymphs :lol: :lol: :lol:

Happy Friday peeps, happy early birthday Teel. :hb:

And Happy's egg is lit! Morning Happy~~~!

Just wanted to warn everyone that if i don't post much for a bit it's just because I'm saving some mental energy. I'll pop in and read and throw my two cents in here and there but I feel as if I am being pulled in 14 directions at once and I'm not sure spending more time on the compter than necessary helps much.

I'll be back when and if I can. :hug: I appreciate everyone's support!

Morning all,
Carla is about to drag me out on a Canadian Route March. If I don't get back before the middle of next week, send out the Mounties. :rofl:

Happy - take it easy and the job will make more sense more quickly. Bet you are glad the weekend is here and you can make plans for more interesting things.

Mel - we had breakfast at the Long Horn yesterday - I have some pictures of the outside of it. I've been initiated into Delta's intrigue and mayhem, visited the mill and been part of society. Lucy and I raced each other up the stairs a couple of times (she won) but she did not get the chocolate bar. Morning Lucy and Hershey and Ruth.

Ruth - I really enjoyed meeting the friends and rellies - hope we can get to meet up again in Perth in the summer. I'll check out some websites for weather patterns and things to do later and let you know what gives over there. Maybe we should send them to Broome for pearls as well!!
Thank you very much for a lovely time and the chance to see the 'real' Ontario.

I'm now up on the 14th floor in Carla's place along with some more inquisitive cats. Today we are going for a walk on the Wolf Trail. I'll let you know whether I managed to keep up with Carla when I get back. Having said that, it might be time to go finish brekky and get my backpack packed so we can get off to the place.

Meadow I will check the itinerary and let you know. It is not the 16th for Kamloops but I think it maybe Tuesday - I won't guess, I'll go look. Matt James is interesting alright, anyone who loves plants as he does is okay by me.

Madcat - thoughts are with your sister. I should have thought of the scarf idea earlier, I could have bought one at Graceland - possibly with a picture of THOSE gates on it, (happy should understand that one) I'm sure she would have been delighted NOT. Laughter is such good medicine.

Okay, okay I am off.
"I love to go a wandering
Along the mountain tracks
And as I go, I love to sing,
My knapsack on my back.
Fal de ree, fal de raaaaaa
My napsack on my back."

Enough stupidity - a bientot

MEADOW~ IS THIS THE ONE? JUST TALKED TO JEN AND SHE LIKES THE IDEA THAT IT CAN BE FROZEN. SHE'D MAKE MORE THAN ONE! LOL THEY HAVE STANDS FOR FRUITS AND VEGGIES AND HONEY IN PENNSYLVANIA WHERE THEY VISIT ON THEIR WEEKEND JAUNTS.

Honey Cake with Vanilla Icing
Sonia O’Keefe and Jill Curran, co-owners of Lighthouse Picnics, swear by the robust flavour of Newfoundland wildflower honey for this recipe. We tried it with regular honey, too, and the cake was still outstanding.
Nutrients per piece
3.7 g protein
14.2 g fat
57.2 g carbohydrates
136.6 mg sodium
363 calories
Preparation time 15 min
Baking Time 25 min
Cooking time 3 min
Makes 9 pieces


CAKE
1/3 cup
(75 mL) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/2 cup
(125 mL) lightly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup
(125 mL) honey, preferably wildflower
11/2 cups
(375 mL) all-purpose flour
11/2 tsp
(7 mL) baking powder
1/2 tsp
(2 mL) cinnamon
1/4 tsp
(1 mL) salt
2
eggs
ICING
1/4 cup
(50 mL) unsalted butter, at room temperature
11/2 cups
(375 mL) icing sugar
2 tbsp
(30 mL) milk
1 tsp
(5 mL) vanilla
1. For the cake, place butter, sugar, honey and 1 tbsp (15 mL) water in a small saucepan and set over low heat. Stir occasionally until butter melts and sugar dissolves, from 3 to 5 min. Remove from heat. Set aside to cool.
2. Preheat oven to 350F (180C). Butter an 8-in (20-cm) square or 8-in (2-L) round cake pan. Using a fork, stir flour with baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a bowl. Whisk eggs, then stir into cooled honey mixture. Stir into flour mixture. It's okay if a few lumps remain. Scrape into cake pan. The batter will not be high in the pan. Smooth top.
3. Bake in centre of preheated oven until a cake tester inserted in centre of cake comes out clean, from 25 to 30 min. Remove to a wire rack. Let stand in pan for 10 min. Then, to loosen cake, run a knife around inside edge of pan. Turn onto rack to cool completely.
4. Wait until cake is cool before you start icing. Place butter in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat butter until smooth. Gradually beat in icing sugar until evenly mixed. Then beat in milk and vanilla. Spread over cooled cake.
5. Cut into squares or thick wedges. Drizzle a little honey on top, if you like. Cake will keep well covered at room temperature up to 2 days. To freeze, skip icing. Wrap cake first with plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze up to a month. Defrost before icing.

Well, mine is almost gone now so it will never see the freezer :p Yes, this is the recipe I made, turned out really light and I was very impressed with the flavour the unsalted butter and honey combo gave the cake :D I actually followed the ingredient list, well maybe a bit more cinnamon. I put the melted butter/honey/sugar mix into a stainless steel bowl and popped it in the freezer to cool off (10 min. tops). It would have taken quite awhile otherwise to put the ingredients together... scrambled eggs in a cake might be rather nasty :p
Let the baking begin :lol:

We're back!!!!
Lots of :running: :running: :running: - all of 8km I am told. Then we went for a :swim: in the cool lake. Legs are busted, head is busted, I'm stuffed. :tired: That Carla walked the legs off me.
We've done a tour of Ottawa as well. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Now we are going to bbq some duck for dinner and have some Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Early to bed and away to Calgary for the train part.

See ya sumtaime tommorrer

:tired: Crikey! Not yet 5, and both the parcel and I are awake and preparing for the run to the airport.
:wave: to any worldly chicks lurking at this #&%$#@ hour.:sp:

SHAD & CARLA~ :rofl: :rofl: THAT IS ALL I CAN SAY!!
HAVE A SAFE TTRIP!! CARLA TAKE A NAP!!

A SENIOR WOKE ME AT 6:30 TO ASK ABOUT A SIGN ON THE WASHING MACHINE!!! :faint: THIS WOMAN WANTED IT TRANSLATED...SAID SHE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT "DON'T OVERLOAD" MEANT! :tantrum: MONDAY I AM GOING TO HAVE SOMEONE TRANSLATE FOR ME THAT SHE CAN'T KEEP DOING THIS!!!!! I MEAN WTF!!! SHE IS A SELF CENTERED BIOTCH.
OK NOW I FEEL BETTER. THE SUN IS OUT BUT STORMS ARE ON THE WAY THEY SAY. WE'RE STILL IN THE "WAKE OF SHAD" MODE :lol3: :lol3:
NOTHING NEW. EYES ARE STINGING SO I WILL LEAVE. LOL
HAPPY SATURDAY!! :moped:

MEADOW I JUST FOUND YOUR POST IN MY SPAM BOX...MAYBE AOL WAS TRYING TO KEEP ME FROM THE RECIPE!! :rofl: I WAS THINKING THE SAME THING ABOUT THE FREEZER:lol3: IT WOULD NEVER LAST IN MY HOUSE. I'D BE PICKING AT IT ALL DAY LONG. TOLD JEN WHEN SHE COMES BAC AND IF SHE MAKES IT TO JUST DELIVER ONE SLICE TO MY DOOR:rofl:

Oh my! That honey cake will join my Food Porn file. If it's anything like my rum cake, freezing it doesn't help as it'll cut when frozen.

My legs are aching just thinking of Carla and Shad doing the Wolf Trail. There's a hill there called "Wolf Howl" which I've skied many a time. I hope they both get some leg rest before they hit SF and Calgary.

The Girls and I are having a quiet Saturday with some gardening, some writing and printing of the Church bulletin and definitely some deck time with a book. It's going to be very hot later today so I'll get out the Dog Wading Pool for later. Hershey just loves to lie down in it but Lucy regards it as just a great big water dish! She's a Portuguese Land Dog, I guess.

I have an ear worm this morning so I'll pass it on!
Slow down, you movin' too fast
You gotta make the moment last
Just kickin' down the cobblestones
Lookin' for fun and
Feelin' groovy____________" :lol:
There ya go! Try to get that out of your head.

MADCAT TAKE ALL THE TIME YOU NEED. CLOSING RANKS IS A GOOD IDEA. SAVE THE PC TIME FOR BETTER THINGS. LIFE IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT. KNOW THAT YOU ARE ALL IN MY HEART AND I CARRY YOU WITH ME WHEREVER I GO. :hug:

Morning chicks,

Terrible response time on the site this morning. Almost gave up on it.

Happy Saturday to all. My day will be filled with cleaning and laundry. Mom comes in on Wednesday for an extended visit in advance of the rest of the crew in July. Gotta make sure everything is tidy and there's nothing for her to do :D I think the pool has finally "warmed" up to to a temperature that I can stand for a few minutes, so I'd like to get a swim in this weekend before DH adds more water and cools it down again. I have some cards I have to make out too before the mailman comes by.

Happy birthday Teel! :cheers: :hb::bday2you: we miss you. :(

Madcat - thanks for letting us know you're pulling yourself in. You go do what you need to do. We will be there for you when you return. And are always thinking of you :hug: even if you're not active at the moment. Still sending the healing thoughts to your sis...

Mel - what a loony lot you have in the building. I would be hard pressed not to respond with sassy answers after a while. Need to be like that lady - is it Madge - on the Hallmark cards. Take care of those peepers. Got to get you some books on tape so you can close your eyes and enjoy. I'd send you some but all I have is stupid how to be a good/improve your style management type things from long ago that I found in a box. I never was one for books on tape tho I know some people are big fans of them.

Thanks for sticking that song in my head Ruth -
You're just too good to be true,
Can't take my eyes off of you.
You'd be like heaven to touch,
I want to hold you so much.

At long last love has arrived
and I thank God I'm alive.
You're just too good to be true,
Can't take my eyes off of you.

I LOVE YOU BAY-BEE and
if it's quite alright
I need you BAY-BEE to warm a lonely night
I love you BAY-BEE
Trust in me when I sayyyyyyyy
Oh pretty BAY-BEE
Don't bring me down, I pray.
Oh, pretty baby, now that I found you, stay
And let me love you, baby.
Let me love youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

Dah dah, dah dah, dah tah dah dah tah
Dah dah dah dah dahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh (complete with broadway kicks)

Back at yah ;) :lol: :lol:

Enjoy the train trip Shad - wish I was with you... Take pictures for us.

Carla - I agree - up at 4am definitely calls for a nap. Sounds like you had quite the workout yesterday. :faint:

Thanks for the food porn Meadow - sounds good. Someone make the cake and send me a piece. Just one piece tho. Thanks.

'k - spent a lot of time trying to get to the site. Hope my post sticks. Best get on with my chores. Happy Saturday to all...

Afternoon all,
I'm in Calgary. I went for a walk and then took advantage of my free voucher to go up the tower for a view of cowtown. Went up the 525 feet standing right next door to a real life cowboy - well he was dressed like one right down to the dusty black boots and 10 gallon hat. The tower has a glass floor on one section. It is meant to hold 6 elephants without cracking. No doubt it does! It wasn't a great feeling standing on it. Some folk sat on it and slid around - what difference does that make except they get dirty backsides. I'm not really afraid of heights but that was one strange feeling standing on that thing. Aahh well I have done it.

Carla - thank you so much for having me stay. And for the barbeque last night. I hope Lily gets over the fact that I stood on her foot! Zen was seeking revenge last night with marathon leaps from the cat house to my bladder to the windowsill and back to my bladder.

I very much appreciate the effort that everyone has put into this trip. It has been so good to meet everyone in the flesh instead of relying on photos or my (fertile) imagination. Now I have to do things on my own for a while.

Madcat - our thoughts are with you and the family right now. I really hope some good news comes your way very soon.

Mel - what are you up to?? What's the idea of racing around and making yourself worn out again?? Stay well my friend. I will be in touch very soon. Oh and by the way, can you please PM or e-mail with Jens address so can thank her and Richie.
Oh and one other thing - naughty lady - I haven't done anything with your 'gift' yet. Haven't found the right thing as yet. I'll let you know!

Happy - hope you swam and swam today and that it was reasonably warm. If you are ever looking for a cool swim - check it out with Carla - she'll point you in the right direction. Still it was a very refreshing swim. And it was the first real exercise since I left your place. I am surprised that I am not as stiff as I thought I would be. I can feel it in the calves tho'

Ruth - big pat for those beautiful girls. Tell Lucy to stop the barking! I can almost hear her from here. Thank you for a great time and a lovely dinner. I've eaten very well on this trip. It will be a hard effort to go back to my normal routine.

Oh and by the way, I saw Poutine yesterday. It's a very large bowl of cholestrol. I think my chicken wrap looked better.

Time to go. I'm being given the use of the Business Centre and I promised only half an hour. I'd better sign off. See ya - yeeehaaaa.

:tired: Well, it's now been 24 hours since I woke up with a start thinking I'd slept in and made Shad miss her plane, and 22 hours since I got up to run the parcel to the airport... Then cleaning, laundry, instructions for the catsitter, and off to catch my own flight. Like idiots my colleague and I had neglected to book the shuttle from Van, so ended up with a 2 and 1/2 hour wait, then an equally long (and bumpy) van ride to the hotel. Unpacked in my very posh room (complete with fireplace and kitchen!) and thought I'd drop in to say hello to the gang. Of course I should be asleep, but since my room faces the road, I'm being treated to the yowling of drunks wandering home from their Saturday night on the town. Grrr.

Do I get a free pass to heaven or the equivalent thereof for giving Shad a good workout, a cool swim (the water wasn't cold as Canadian lakes go) and, especially, not feeding her the promised large plate of poutine? She hiked along like a game little soldier, nary a complaint, and smiled throughout the chilly plunge in the lake. Which, by the way, was extra entertaining because we swam from the same spot as all the Ironman triathletes out for their training swim back and forth and back and forth and.... Mel would have enjoyed a glimpse of the total hottie we saw later on a bike. Tall and tanned and lean and sexy in black cycling shorts and a tight black sleeveless cycling shirt. Just barely sweating despite the loooong climb up the hill... (Excuse me for a second - must go wipe up this little pile of drool - can't imagine where that came from!) Just as well he wasn't at the beach in a wee speedo - I'd probably still be in jail for "assault"...

Shad, enjoy Cowtown, glad you could get access to a computer, what with the dearth of internet cafes out there. Do enjoy your trip up to Banff and Lake Louise, and keep the eyes peeled for grizzlies. If you meet one face to face, remember the good news: they can't climb trees, and you can. Also the bad news: they move amazingly fast in spite of their bulk. ;)
Sorry to hear about Zen's nightime gymnastics. :o I'll have him send you a letter of apology when I get home. Or, at the very least, make him stand in the corner and think about what he did.

Happy, you git in that pool, you hear me? Do it for all us little folk who don't have anywhere but an icy lake to swim...

Well, I'm fading fast. Tomorrow I can sleep late, and will go down to the village in the cold and rain (!) to stock my fridge before I have to do a short stint of work.

:wave: and good night.

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE. NO BELLS THIS MORNING SO I HAD A GOOD SLEEP. CRAPPY HIGH HEAT IS ON IT'S WAY...OH YEAH....THIS IS SUMMER! :sunny: :flame:
BEEN SO COOL OUTSIDE THAT I FORGOT:rofl:
I CAN'T THINK OF ANYTHING TO SAY. JUST A VERY MEL-LOW DAY! :rofl:
HAPPY SUNDAY :moped:

HAPPY~ SO NICE TO HAVE MOM AGAIN. HAVE A GREAT VISIT. YOU'LL BE CLEANING BEHIND THE LOO AGAIN???:faint: BETTER YOU THAN ME!! :lol3: ARE YOU HAVING A GREAT BIG FORTH OF JULY BANG?? I'M ON MY WAY. IF I LEAVE NOW I SHOULD BE THERE IN TIME FOR THE POOLSIDE DRINKS :scooter:

SHAD~ SEEMS LIKE YOU LEFT CARLA AND WE GOT ANOTHER THUNDERSTORM!! :rofl: ARE YOU GOING ANYWHERE TODAY? CAUSE ANOTHER ONE IS ON ITS WAY :rain: HOPE THE REST OF THE TRIP WILL BE GOOD WEATHER AND LOTS OF FUN. I GOT SICK JUST READING ABOUT THE GLASS FLOOR!!!!!! :faint: STAY SAFE!!

CARLA~ THE CATS CRACKED ME UP. MINE DID THINGS LIKE THAT AND THEN TURNED AROUND AND LOOKED AT US LIKE IT WAS OUR FAULT FOR GETTING IN THE WAY!!!
:lol3: :lol3: ENJOY YOUR STAY ALSO. NICE ROOM!!
IF THE GUY HAD BEEN ON THE BEACH WITH A WEE SPEEDO, I WOUILD HAVE DROWNED WITH MY MOUTH WIDE OPEN IN THE WATER :rofl:


:wave: TO ALL OUR CHICKLETTES!! BE WELL MY FRIENDS!! TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELVES. :hug:

Hi there ladies - everyone good today?

Glad you got a little peace and quiet Mel. They are talking about a hot, dry summer up north, cooler and wetter just a bit down south of me and all the way to the coast. The heat and humidity are creeping in here too. I feel bad for DH working so hard outside yesterday and today. He probably lost at least 10 pounds just sweating. I did go and help him yesterday but not nearly as much as he did. Stay inside and keep cool Mel. Watch some movies.

Carla - sure we'll give you a free pass for taking care of Shad. You get extra points for giving her a good workout. I just pointed her upstairs to the exercise room and said - help yourself :rofl: and she DID. Your room now sounds nice. Hope you enjoy it and your latest assignment.

Shad - I checked out your train tour. I hope it's every bit as lovely as it looks. I plan on showing it to DH - would be something that we'd like to do - particularly in those upper level open type car seats. But... can you get a good picture or two in a moving train? Anyway - enjoy it for all of us.

I did not get into the pool yesterday. I looked out on the patio and DH was trimming like a mad man. The front looks so nice - he cut and ripped and shaped and now the front landscaping looks like the ornamental bushes it should be (last owners let everything grow out way too much). He had also trimmed the holly bushes in the back and there were clippings all over. I thought it would be nice if I helped him (I can devote one day on the weekend for outside work and the other on my "chores".) So I spent the afternoon digging under the holly bushes (scratch, scratch) pulling out all the old dead leaves and then sweeping the patio (which as Shad knows is no simple feat). I was about to go stick my feet in the pool when DH came down from his shower and said if I went with him to get a new lawnmower that he'd buy me a salad for dinner and an ice cream cone. :s: The mention of salad made me think of my favorite Sunshine Chicken Salad - scoop of chicken salad with grapes and almonds accompanied with a side of cool chopped melons, strawberries and pineapple. :T That was enough temptation for me.

So we bought a new self propelled lawnmower. Poor DH - we had a rider mower but the ones they make now are all giant things - way bigger than we need. He decided to go with the push mower. Will have to start at 7am in the heat down here. Actually I should be the one mowing :lol:

Yes Mel, the Mongolian hoarde is descending here for 4th of July week. 7 people - any more show up they will have to sleep outside. Really, they will. I can set you up with a nice blow up bed by the pool and I do have a rather large Mombasa mosquito net to go with it. (I'm still pressing DH to buy me a nice Hammock and even I'd sleep outside :devil: ) It's not going to be much of a vacation for me but... I only get to see my family 2 or 3 times a year so I don't mind at all. I'm really excited that my mom is coming down on Wednesday. I cherish every minute I have left with her - even if she does try and wash my red sweater in with a load of black laundry - NO MOM - PLEASEEEEEE don't do that :lol:

Anyway - Mom's coming in earlier and before I know it they will all be here.

I have already started the laundry and prepped the upstairs for DH to shampoo the rugs tomorrow. (I would have done it but he said he can do it better). Next I will make out a few cards that I have to send out to people (birthdays, get well and sympathy). Then it's my least favorite part of the weekend - menu planning and grocery shopping :( It's back to WW with a vigor - been slacking the last 3 weeks and it shows. I feel lousy too. Big difference when you are eating properly.

With that, I bid you adieu or however you spell it. Enjoy your Sunday. Hellos to the rest of the chicks.

Oh and since I'm going to be kind of busy around the end of the month and into the beginning of July - I'd be most grateful for suggestions as to what we can do with the July thread. Put your thinking caps on :headache: :chin: :idea:

HOW ABOUT JULY IN JUMANJI WITH ROBIN WILLIAMS :rofl: :rofl: :lol3: :lol3:

HAPPY~ I AM WATCHING HOUSEBOAT WITH CARY GRANT AND SOPHIA LOREN! NEXT IS LIFE WITH EDDIE'S FATHER WITH GLENN FORD. GREAT DAY ON TURNER CLASSICE TV.
THE VISIT SOUNDS SO NICE. HOPE IT ALL GOES NICE AND SMOOTHLY. POOR DH WITH THE MOWER!! I'LL COME DOWN AND DRAG IT AROUND THE YARD FOR HIM./ MUCH EASIER!! I'VE GOT THE POwER :scooter: BET I'D MAKE A GOOD "POWER" MOWER! :rofl: ENJOY THE DAY!!

I CAME BACK BECAUSE OF LINUS AND HER BIRTHDAY IS TOMORROW. WE SEEM TO BE CELEBRATING ABSENTEE TENANTS....DOES THAT MAKE US ABSENTEE LANDLORDS:rofl: JUST IN CASE I GO TO A MALL TOMORROW. DEPENDS ON THE WEATHER.

:gift: :cheers: :balloons: :cb: :hb:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINUS!! HAVE YOURSELF A GREAT DAY. ENJOY!

Maybe Linus will stick her head in the door---Happy birthday Linus.

Happy--Have a good visit with the relatives. I only get to see my sisters about 2 or 3 times a year also. How about a visit to Jueno, Alaska!

Mel--Have fun watching your movies. I like classic tv.

Kinda quite today at work. I like days like this. I've had two phone calls and both from the fire department.

Evening all - from one of Mother Earth's most beautiful places. I'm at Lake Louise. It's cold. I'm about to put on 2 jackets just to go outside and see the evening in.
Today we left Calgary in the pouring rain and got to Banff some 2 hours later. Banff is a pretty town very much similar to Queenstown in NZ but no lake, or not a decent sized one anyway. We've seen waterfalls, mountains, cloud (lots of) snow, a bit of sun. Had a ride on the gondola up to the top of sulphur mountain and been in a cave where the sulphur springs from the earth (pooh! Just like Rotorua).
I did a bit of shopping in Banff and was tempted to get one of those hideously expensive -10 degree jackets but figured that I would only use them for maybe 1 day a year. Forget it. I have bought a sweat shirt instead.
At the top of the gondola ride - well worth while doing even if you are scared of heights - I climbed the stairs to the top observatory. There was SNOW sitting on the floor and tables. :snowmen: It was bitterly cold and whats more the mist came down and we couldn't even see the edges of the parapet. Then, magically it lifted and the view is spectacular. Did last for long though. From there it was on to Lake Louise. It's a spectacular drive. Got to the hotel and checked in to find they had upgraded my room from standard to Pretty Bloody Grand class. Can't remember what she called it now. I will find out. Anyway it seems to have everything that opens and shuts, blows hot and cold, runs hot, hot water (great shower for those who are totally chilled man) and has a view to die for. I can see up the lake to the Victoria Glacier on one side and the main entry road, racing river and snow capped mountains from the other window. I have coffee maker, arm chairs, big table, king size bed (I'll get lost in that one) blanket boxes, tv in an armoire, and something sinister looking that has a key thingy to open it. I'm not opening it on the grounds that what ever is in there will be expensive.
Had dinner tonight in the Glacier Saloon. Some lovely hot chowder and a salmon salad. Good food too.
The bus crowd are okay. The only thing I don't like about bus travel is that you can't stop just anywhere, it has to stick to a schedule and there is always someone coming back late after lunch or a brief stop.
Happy, I will let you know about the train. The brochure says you can take photos from the vestibule between carriages. That glass dome carriage is the Gold Leaf class. I'm a cheapie, I'm going Red Leaf. No dome for us.

Anyway, I am off to repack my bag. Sort out some warm gear for tomorrow and get some rest. There is a gym I might try out before breakfast. Don't have to be at the helicopter until 11.00

Ciao for now. Sorry I can't respond to everyone. I'm too busy gaping at the view.

Happy Birthday Linus.

:cofdate: HELLO CEEJAY! KEEPING THE FIREMEN ALL TO YOURSELF HUH?? HOPE YOU MADE A PASS AT LEAST ONE OF THEM!! :dance:

SHAD~ SOUNDS WONDERFUL AND HAVE A GREAT TIME. STAY WARM. :hug:

I AM OFF TO THE OFFICE FOR A BIT. SHORTHANDED TODAY. GUESS NO ONE LIKES MONDAYS. :rofl: SEEMS LIKE THEY DON'T LIKE FRIDAYS EITHER!!
FEEL FUNNY GOING DOWN THERE. FACE IS A BIT SCABBY. THE HEALING CONTINUES. BETTER GET OUT ALL THE "BARE ESENTUALS" MAKEUP!! SUPPOSED TO COVER ANYTHING....NOT!!!!!!!!!!!
HAPPY MONDAY :moped:

PS TO MADCAT~ WE ARE ALL SENDING LOTS OF :hug:

Busy, busy Worldly Chicks! How about July in Japan or have you done that?

I'm just back from an hour's workout at the gym - yes, this is really me! - and am now about to do three months of flossing in 30 minutes before I go to the dentist.

Am getting vicarious pleasure from Shad's trip descriptions. I have never done the through the mountains trip but have it on my list.

Gotta dash and deal with some needy South Beachers before I do the tooth thing.

Quick hello from cold, rainy Whistler. No internet access from yesterday until an hour ago, wrote replies to my emails and it all went Poof! again when I tried to send. Spent 20 min with a nice IT tech called Harm (who fortunately did none but who clearly didn't believe anything I said). Quickly rewrote the emails (not as witty second time around). Now I have no time to post properly before I get back to that pesky thing called work... I'll try again later.

Shad, sounds like you're getting the royal treatment! Glad the weather cleared for you, however briefly, and I hope the rest of the trip is just as classy.

:wave: to Mel, Happy, Ceejay, and Ruth.

:grouphug: to Madcat.

Afternoon all,
Quick post since I am on the hotel internet - $2.00 = 15 minutes. Still not as bad as at Lake Louise which was 50c per minute. Shut up whinging Shad.

I got up early and went to the gym. Then I came back to my room, showered and got dressed and went out for a looksee. The lake was still and smooth and just perfect. Only one Japanese photographer there and me. So we happily photoed and kept out of each others way. Then I went and had breakfast.

Bus driver picked us up today. My paperwork said I had to have the case ready to go by 9.30 and to be in the lobby by 10.30 and I wondered what they had in mind for us to do until 12.30 when the bus was due to pick us up.
9.30 came and went, the case was still there. 10.00 came and went the case was still there. 10.30 came and went the case and me were still there. So I marched it down to the lobby myself and made my displeasure felt at the desk. They know nozzink. Go see the bellcaptain. So I march my case across to the bell service and guess what, not only do they not know about me but they also know nothing about the rest of my tour either. Thank you for telling us - that could be a right stuff up.
We all hopped in the bus and went out to the Helipad at Abrahams Lake and off we went for the ride. It was nice but awfully crowded in there. There ain't nothing like close living in a tin can. Got some photos, but I think I really preferred the flight at Niagara or definitely the one on the Barrier Reef.

Then a very long bus ride back to Banff for tonight's stopover. I've drawn the short straw on this one. Nothing seems to be very organised, but at least they have a laundry - even if it has been taken over by a large greek man with hairy legs - yep stripped to his underwear and he wants both machines - I'll go back later. Might as well think about dinner for the time being. Then I have to sort out how to lighten my case somewhat. I think it is under the 30 kilos which is okay for the train, but I have to get it down to twenty or twenty-two for the flight to SF next - oh I dunno - whenever it is.

I guess I will be wearing everything heavy. How does one wear two lots of shoes at a time. Maybe a trip to the post office in Vancouver will be a grand idea.

July could be Jersey - no not New Jersey, heaven forbid we might have to get a cab. Jugoslavia - which no longer exists. Yes we did Japan in January. How about Jarlsberg - good cheese!!! Maybe some one might like to look up countries beginning with J or cities beginning with J or whatever and let us know what is up or down as the case may be. How come there are so many months beginning with J.

Gotta go or this won't get posted.