Monday, July 09, 2007
Schmooze Fest!
I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I had received an award today. Thank you so much Louann ! That was so sweet!
I also copied this from Louann because she did such a lovely job describing things :)
schmooze or schmoose also shmooze : v. intr. To converse casually, especially in order to gain an advantage or make a social connection.
And Lancy furthers adds that "good schmoozers effortlessly weave their way in and out of the blogosphere, leaving friendly trails and smiles, happily making new friends along the way. They don’t limit their visits to only the rich and successful, but spend some time to say hello to new blogs as well. They are the ones who engage others in meaningful conversations, refusing to let it end at a mere hello - all the while fostering a sense of closeness and friendship."
And Lancy furthers adds that "good schmoozers effortlessly weave their way in and out of the blogosphere, leaving friendly trails and smiles, happily making new friends along the way. They don’t limit their visits to only the rich and successful, but spend some time to say hello to new blogs as well. They are the ones who engage others in meaningful conversations, refusing to let it end at a mere hello - all the while fostering a sense of closeness and friendship."
As I have mentioned in an earlier post, I mainly blog to keep in touch with my friends, family and students who live far away from me. However, in the process of keeping in touch through my blog, I have come across many really interesting, friendly, kind, wonderful people out there. I hereby award this Schmooze Award to the following friends (both friends I know in person and blogging buddies).
Louann, I'd award you with the award, since you are such a sweet person and I enjoy our correspondence. Plus, I think it's sooooo cool that I now know someone who lives in Baguio!! You do not know how cool that is! LOL!
I'd also award The Pinks & Blues Girls, but Louann already gave them this award.
Karen, you deserve an award because you are such a fun (and funny) gal. You always know what to say and when to say it and you're just an all around wonderful person.
Cherry, you sound like someone I'd get along great with in person. You've always got such great comments and interesting stories to tell. Your personality shines through your writing.
Jill, I think you deserve this award because your blog is amazing and you always leave great comments. You're well read and resourceful. Eventhough I can't link you at the moment, I think your blog rocks. Those of you who have been reading my blog from the beginning will know that Jill is the friend who got me hooked on blogging. Jill's a great friend to have in real life and in the blog world.
Ms.Mamma: Hola amiga! I don't think I need to explain why you deserve this! You just do :)
Pavel, you are such a thoughtful person and I really think you deserve an award too!
Uncivil: For someone with the name Uncivil, you are really a great guy. The pep talks and the fact that you're so great with your doggies also gave you brownie points! LOL!
CuriosityKiller: I created a monster with CK! She's now a seasoned blogging veteran! She blogs more than I do and schmoozes more than I do now! She is a great gal in person and a wonderful friend to have...especially when you need a laugh and a good time! I love this girl!
Dina, a friend inside and outside of the blogosphere, is a really good friend to have. You may have seen pics of her beautiful family on my blog before. Dina deserves an award too, since she always knows how to brighten up my day with a note every now and then and she is a great listener and advice giver! :)
I think I am only supposed to award 5 people, but I just can't restrict myself to only 5!
Canine, Lotus, Kimmie, Mist1 and GirlieMonkey are also some of the coolest people in my book!
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Sunday Special
Okay, I am seriously addicted to spending my afternoons at the beach! I know you must be sick of seeing photos of the beach, but here are some from today.
I never imagined that there would be water this shade of turquoise and aqua right here in Canada. It's quite amazing, really.
Hubby playing tag with the kids.
Here they were trying to build a sand castle with a giant moat around it. You could hear the squeals and yelps every time the waves washed ashore and turned their moat into mush! :)
He loves me...he really loves me...LOL!
One of the rare pics you will find me sans maquillage! ;)
I never imagined that there would be water this shade of turquoise and aqua right here in Canada. It's quite amazing, really.
Hubby playing tag with the kids.
Here they were trying to build a sand castle with a giant moat around it. You could hear the squeals and yelps every time the waves washed ashore and turned their moat into mush! :)
He loves me...he really loves me...LOL!
One of the rare pics you will find me sans maquillage! ;)
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Just another beautiful day on Manitoulin Island
The day began quite normally. My niece, Pook was with me for the day. She helped me prepare for the arrival of our new batch of students. Pook was so sweet and made some name tags and "Welcome to Canada" signs for the students.
Earlier in the day, my gal pal, N and I were talking about going for a swim. We decided on taking my niece and her little sister to my fave place on the island...Carter's Bay, the beach Hubby and I got married on last June.
Before I left the house, Fred was flaked out on our bed. The poor girl was so uncomfortable and so huge from being so pregnant!
Ahhhhh...pretty!
N and Little C.
When we got home, Fred was acting strangely. Sometime after supper, her water broke...right beside where Pook was sitting! LOL! Pook got to experience first hand, the miracle of birth. She recorded the times of birth for me. Fred had 5 kittens. 2 orange and 3 black. Pook said they looked like little, wet rats! LOL!
Thursday, July 05, 2007
A journey in the garden
...the Garden's Gate, that is! Upon entering the quaint farm-house style restaurant, you are welcomed with a spectacular array of colours and scents. As you walk down the path to the restaurant, you are greeted by the most beautiful flowers in their garden.
You have a choice between the soup of the day and a salad to start with. I usually choose the salad, but this time, I opted for the Mulligatawny soup. It was a wonderful, warm, flavourful soup, with a hint of curry. Lovely! The freshly baked homemade dinner rolls are my favourite! The butter is flavoured with a hint of dill.
Hubby chose the salad. There are three homemade dressings to choose from. 
Deciding what to order is always a challenge, because everything on the menu is wonderful! I chose the Fettucini Alfredo with chicken. The presentation was beautiful, with the vegetables on the side. Originally, I thought that it was string beans that I was eating, but it didn't quite have the same texture. We discovered that those delicious greens were actually garlic scapes What an ingenius idea! They are very decorative and extremely tasty. The fettucini was divine, with the perfect amount of creaminess. The chicken was perfect with its special seasoning.
Hubby decided on the steak. He had the option of risotto cakes, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or freshly cut fries (either regular or sweet potato). He chose the fries, and he had the side vegetables as well.
I've spoken to many people about the Garden's Gate, and a few times, people have said that they felt the portion sizes were too small. I totally disagree. I always leave feeling satisfied. I'm never hungry when I leave and I never feel ill from having eaten too much. Everything is just perfect! I find the portion sizes are generous and at the same time, not over-indulgent. 
We caved in and had dessert this time. The Garden's Gate is famous for their desserts! Since we were having our one year wedding anniversary supper, we decided to indulge a bit! Choosing a dessert is probably more difficult than choosing a main dish! They had white chocolate-macadamia cookies, pecan pie, Schmoo torte, black raspberry ripple cheesecake, keylime pie and more!
I had the keylime pie. It's my absolute favourite. If you try it, you'll know why!!!
Hubby chose the black raspberry ripple cheesecake, which was a surprise because he usually gets the Mad About Chocolate Cheesecake...or the pecan pie...or the Mandarin orange and mango cheesecake. Oh, he just loves all of the desserts there!
Mom met up with us for dessert and she had the rice pudding. She always has the rice pudding at the Garden's Gate! I was surprised when one of the owners and one of the servers delivered our desserts with candles and singing, "Happy anniversary! Happy anniversary! Happy anniversarrrrrrrrryyyy! Haaaaaaaaaappy anniversary!"
As always, it was a delightful dining experience. The atmosphere is warm and cozy and the food is delicious! It is a veritable feast for the taste buds! If you haven't been to the Garden's Gate yet...What are you waiting for? :) Throwback Thursday #3
Brothers and sisters- Part 1
I was not even a year old when my Middle Brother was born. Mom used to feel sorry for me because I wasn't weaned from my bottle yet and I'd go to the fridge when no one was looking and steal Middle Brother's bottle! Mom would see me scurrying to my bedroom and find me on my bed with Middle Brother's bottle. LOL!
Baby Bro came 9 years later. Back then, I was an over-protective older sister and would cry when anyone even came near my brother. Middle Brother used to follow me everywhere and we were really close when we were kids. We had a really great childhood. We weren't so close in high school and in early adulthood. Now that we're both married and he has a child of his own, we're close again. Middle Brother has a heart of gold and will do anything for his loved ones. Although even now, moments of sibling rivalry occasionally reappear (I know...Sad since we're in our 30's!), I love Middle Brother and I am so proud of all his accomplishments. He is truly a great guy.
Can you tell we grew up in the 70's and 80's?
Middle Brother's baptism. I was crying because I didn't want anyone to touch him! LOL!
I remember this photo as if it were taken just yesterday. My mom put me in Middle Brother's crib and wanted to take some cute photos. She propped him up and made me hold him, and I remember saying, "Mama! Hurry! Hurry! He's heavy!" LOL! I still remember feeling him slipping and drooling all over my hand! :)
I was not even a year old when my Middle Brother was born. Mom used to feel sorry for me because I wasn't weaned from my bottle yet and I'd go to the fridge when no one was looking and steal Middle Brother's bottle! Mom would see me scurrying to my bedroom and find me on my bed with Middle Brother's bottle. LOL!
Baby Bro came 9 years later. Back then, I was an over-protective older sister and would cry when anyone even came near my brother. Middle Brother used to follow me everywhere and we were really close when we were kids. We had a really great childhood. We weren't so close in high school and in early adulthood. Now that we're both married and he has a child of his own, we're close again. Middle Brother has a heart of gold and will do anything for his loved ones. Although even now, moments of sibling rivalry occasionally reappear (I know...Sad since we're in our 30's!), I love Middle Brother and I am so proud of all his accomplishments. He is truly a great guy.
Can you tell we grew up in the 70's and 80's? 
Middle Brother's baptism. I was crying because I didn't want anyone to touch him! LOL!
I remember this photo as if it were taken just yesterday. My mom put me in Middle Brother's crib and wanted to take some cute photos. She propped him up and made me hold him, and I remember saying, "Mama! Hurry! Hurry! He's heavy!" LOL! I still remember feeling him slipping and drooling all over my hand! :)Next Throwback Thursday: Brothers and sister- Part 2 (featuring Baby Bro).
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Happy 4th of July...
to all my American friends (and blogging buddies). Hope you have a wonderful day.While I'm here, I'd like to send out a few shout outs. Warning: Please excuse the lousy poems.
I know a great guy,
his name is Murray.
He can answer all your Island questions
and get you Watkins products in a hurry!
Parsley, sage, rosemary and curry...
even cleanser so your toilet doesn't get furry!
I know a cool guy,
his name is Dylon.
Quite frankly, he's one of the coolest guys
in the Nation!
He makes the most beautiful jewelry
you ever will see,
and he's a writer, artisan and on Etsy!
I realize these links aren't American, and since today is an American holiday, I really ought to send some linky luv to our neighbours south of the border.
Sharon, Jane and Audrey too,
are always bringing the coolest products to you.
From grandparent's, mommy's, daddy's, baby's, and pet stuff too,
these girls always know what's hip and what's new!
In the States, there lives a guy whose name is Diesel.
He's a writer, a PhotoShop wiz, a fun caption contest guy
and definitely no weasel!
He's funny, he's sarcastic, he's witty and smart.
He's a family man and his t-shirt designs are works of art.
LOL
Ms.Mamma, Ms.Mamma, oh, how art thou?
Your photographs are so spectacular, everyone always says 'WOW'!
Ms.Mamma's talented, intelligent, and as funny as can be!
She's insightful and witty and her bambino, Snowflake is just so lovely
More shout outs at a later date. I read so many blogs and love them all. I just don't think you guys want to put up with any more of my lousy rhymes! LOL! Happy 4th of July!
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Men and Women
Having been married for one year now, there are a few things that I have learned. My husband is my best friend, my partner, my team member, my soulmate, my confidant, my everything. I have also found that the relationship between man and woman can sometimes be rather curious.
I find it very intriguing how different the two sexes can be. For example, the time it takes to get ready to go out for the evening or an event:
Hubby - undress, hop in the shower, shampoo, rinse, soap, rinse, jump out of the shower, towel dry body, towel dry hair, put on underwear, socks, shirt, pants, shoes. Good to go in less than 10 minutes.
Me - choose outfit to wear to event, change outfit 3 or 4 times, find shoes to match, find a cuter pair of shoes, find a more comfortable pair, decide between the cute and comfortable factor, make a final decision on the shoes, undress, hop in shower, wet hair, shampoo, rinse, apply facial scrub, condition hair, rinse off scrub, lather body wash onto body, rinse off conditioner from hair, rinse body, towel dry hair, towel dry body, brush teeth again before applying make-up, comb damp hair, apply volumizing product to hair, set hair in velcro rollers, apply moisturizer to face, apply foundation, apply loose powder, apply eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara, lip liner, lip gloss, blowdry hair, take off rollers, brush hair, style hair, put on outfit, decide that the outfit looks hideous, change again two or three times. Run out the door, yelling "We're late! We're late!" while Hubby patiently waits with car keys in hand. Total prep time: less than 1 hr and a half if I'm lucky.
I used to scoff at friends who lived by the book Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. I now realize that the psychology of men and women really do differ. It's not a bad thing. It's just really fascinating. Just the way we perceive the same phrases and ideas are so different. It's quite funny sometimes.
For example:
"Honey, could you please dispose of the garbage bags?"
Hubby: Okay, sure. (Thinking that it'll be done eventually)
Wifey: Uhhh...like today? I mean...now?
"I'm kind of thirsty, are you?"
Hubby: No, not really.
Wifey: That means, 'would you be a dear and get me something to drink? I know you've been working all day, but so have I and it would be so nice if you could just get me something to drink.' LOL! Okay, I'm not really that much of a pain!
"I'm tired" or "I'm going to bed now"
Hubby: Okay. Good night! (see you after I finish this movie or when I finish watching the news)
Wifey: Uhhh...that means 'It's time for bed"! LOL! Okay, I am usually in bed after Hubby is though. You know...addicted to Facebook and Blogger. Grrr.
"We should go to blah blah for supper sometime!"
Hubby: Yeah. That's a nice restaurant.
Wifey: Uhhh...more like today!?!?!? I haven't had a night where I haven't had to cook and clean and do dishes in ages. It would be nice to have a little treat once in a while. LOL
It's these differences that make the relationship between men and women so fun. I must commend Hubby though. He has a way of sometimes knowing what I'm thinking before I even tell him! He's gotten quite good at this too!
Me: Honey, could you...
Hubby: I already threw out the cat litter.
Me: Honey, do you think you can...
Hubby: I already tilled the soil so you could start planting your corn.
Me: Honey, can you...
Hubby: I already fixed the window screen in the bedroom.
Me: Honey, can we...
Hubby: Yes, I already booked us a one week vacation in the Dominican Republic and we leave on Friday.
Just kidding. The last one did not happen, but 3 out of 4 is not bad, eh? ;)
I LOVE MY HUSBAND!!! I am so very lucky that he puts up with my craziness sometimes.
Brought to you by the Girls at Pinks and Blues
Yet once again, the fine ladies at Pinks&Blues are having another wonderful contest for their lucky readers. This time, they are giving away a Vera Bradley purse (with matching coin purse) and a jar of luscious coconut body butter from The Body Shop (courtesy of their favourite Body Shop consultant, Sheena Williams).
To enter the contest, all you have to do is link up The Body Shop/Vera Bradley Contest and Sheena's The Body Shop site to your blog. Leave the girls a comment on their blog and they'll enter you in the contest for a random draw.
I don't know if I'll enter the contest, since I'm not good at winning things! LOL! I just love the girls at Pinks&Blues and I can vouch for how amazing that coconut body butter is! It's the only thing that can really make my skin feel soft and mosturized! Love it!
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Happy Canada Day!!!
Happy Canada Day to all my Canadian family and friends (and blog friends). The festivities began early in the morning. The fire department held a yard sale and many people came out to support the local fire department. There were many activities going on in SouthBay. It was soooo busy! All the festive colours, floats for the parade, Canadian flags, hamburgers, ice cream, local artists selling their crafts...It was wonderful!
Since Hubby is a firefighter and an emergency first responder, guess who had to help at the yard sale? :) That's right! We all pitched in and helped out. It was lots of fun talking to tourists and locals and raising money for the fire department.
A pic of hubby, just because I think he looks cute in his uniform! LOL!
Hubby showing a bunch of kids the inside of a fire truck. The kids got a kick out of honking the horn, hearing the siren, seeing the lights flash. 
Showin' some Canadian spirit! In the afternoon/evening, there was a fish-fry. In the city, I had never heard of this. I'd heard of fried fish...but a fish fry??? It's a kind of family or social gathering where fresh fish is served (in a delicious batter and fried). There were salads, dinner rolls, potatoes, beans, lemonade, Canada Day cake and ice cream too. It's such a nice way to socialize and talk to people in your community. This is something I never experienced much of in the city. In the city, I never even spoke to my neighbours! That's what I love about living here: the sense of community.
At night, we had to wait until the boat left before the fireworks could commence.
My nieces and I watched from the bridge overlooking Lake Huron. Hubby, my SIL and the other firefighters were working at the bay for the fireworks.
Some photos of the fireworks. Though they do not do the fireworks any justice, they were neat pics.
Near the end of the show, a big, round, orange moon began to rise. So pretty! I tried to get a cool pic of the moon, but clearly, I do not know how to take night photos! LOL!
Hope you enjoyed your Canada Day celebrations as much as we enjoyed ours!
At night, we had to wait until the boat left before the fireworks could commence. 
My nieces and I watched from the bridge overlooking Lake Huron. Hubby, my SIL and the other firefighters were working at the bay for the fireworks.Some photos of the fireworks. Though they do not do the fireworks any justice, they were neat pics.
Near the end of the show, a big, round, orange moon began to rise. So pretty! I tried to get a cool pic of the moon, but clearly, I do not know how to take night photos! LOL!
Hope you enjoyed your Canada Day celebrations as much as we enjoyed ours!
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About the Blog Author
City girl moves to the country, falls in love, and marries a farmer. She tries to incorporate her city ways with her new country lifestyle and blogs to keep in touch with friends, family & students who live far, far away :) Can this city girl go country? Watch as she learns all sorts of exciting things about life on the farm and in a small rural community. *UPDATE* We are now parents! Our baby girl was born on Nov. 11, 2008 (at 28 weeks gestation- 12 weeks premature, but she's quite the trooper)!!!
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