A day on The Braemar August 30,2008

We were invited to spend a day with friends on their boat, The Braemar. I can not tell you what a lovely day it was. I have to admit I was slightly apprehensive before we left the house the weather did not look like it was going to hold out for us but it did, we had a slight sprinkle of rain as we were up the indian arm. Sam did wonderfully he was slightly resistant to the lifejacket at first but once he heard the rules and saw Kamryn sporting her jacket all was well.
A big thank you to John, Nancy and Kamryn for having us and sharing such a lovely day!

Sam first trip to the PNE August 27,2008

This year we actually made the pilgramage down to the PNE. We managed to watch the Superdogs, The Lumberjack show and catch the last bit of the motor bikes. We walked around saw the sight and heard all the loud sounds. We ate copious amounts of very expensive junk food and purchased something you can only find at the PNE or on T.V. We had a super day!

Making Apple Sauce August 2008

After not seeing any apples last year. We have a plethora of apples this year, and now experiencing the rain prompted us to get out and seize what we have. So Grandma & Papa came over to lend an extra set of hands while peeling, slicing and jarring the apple sauce. A great day was had by all and we managed under 100 cups of apple sauce! Yummy! We also did a variety with some of the other fruits from the yard.

A day with Brandon August 24,2008

When the rain began to fall on Sunday I looked around the house and wondered what are Sam & I going to do today. Well I remembered Brandon mentioning he would love to play Scrabble. So we called him up and asked if he would like to come over and play a game. He accepted and so Sam watched a few cartoons and played with a few cars an truck while Brandon & I played a full game of scrabble. I have to say it was a great game we came up with few good words and there was only a point difference of 15. I managed to get Sam down for a quick nap and Brandon & I whipped up a few greeting cards for some upcoming events. After Brandon joined us for dinner and played with Sam before he headed home.

2nd E Session with Jim & Jodi August 2008

We ventured out to Campbell Valley on a Sunday morning, the weather was looking less than promising initially but we took a few shots and the sun came out. Thank you again to Jim and Jodi for their patience and understanding.

You will find more of the session in my flickr account in the left corner of the blog.

Thanks again!

Recipe share August 21,2008

So after my mishap for Darren birthday we ended up eating the dinner I had made the following night. It was fabulous! So I thought I would share the recipe. In my case I had tripled the recipe but not the cooking time. After the dinner I strained the chicken stock and made soup with the remaining chicken it was delicious.

Enjoy!


My Favourite Chinese Chicken With Ginger Salsa by Massimo Capra

1 large whole chicken washed well inside and out
3 quarts good chicken stock
1 large onion peeled and chopped
2 large carrots washed and chopped

Place whole chicken in a pot and cover with chicken stock. Make sure it is submerged and add carrots and onions. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer for 12 minutes then turn the element off. Do not touch for at least one hour or until cooked completely.

Salsa

1/4 cup fresh ginger
1 clove fresh garlic
8 spring onions washed well
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1/3 cup grape seed oil
2 tbsp soya sauce
Salt and pepper

Peel the ginger and grate it with a rasp or another appropriate tool. Chop the green onions as fine as possible and chop the garlic. Place all of these ingredients in a bowl and add them to the sesame oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.

In a small pan heat the grape seed oil to 340 degrees Fahrenheit and pour over the ginger and onions. Mix well and add the soya sauce. Refrigerate until needed.

Makes 4 servings.

Happy Birthday Daddy! August 19,2008

Well Darren has had to work on his birthday like many of us have had to do. So hopefully this will brighten his day!

Love you!

Beach on an overcast day! August 18,2008

We headed to White Rock today for Bronwynne. We have had a houseful of dogs up until last night and it had been too warm. So we took to the beach for Bronny to have her day. I didn't get too many pictures as she was running around in pure happiness but, Sam hung out and was building a castle! Hard work you know!

Hope you are all enjoying your summer too!

@ The Park August 2008

So time to play a little catch up.

On these warm days of summer we have been able to get out and enjoy some of the simpler things in life. Like the local park. After dinner the other night Darren, Sam & I headed over to the water park. Except Sam has had a recent negative experience(re the water shooting right out of the water gun in his face) so he is a little reluctant. But hey it is warm and sticky so Darren & I ran through a couple times to cool off. Now Sam he headed to the swings and the slides.

The following days later Sam & I had a playdate with the girls and their kids is was nice just to hang out and chat while the kids ran around. Moments like that I know I am lucky lady to have friends.

Early B day Celebration for D August 13,2008

We celebrated Darren's birthday a little early this year as his August schedule gets way crazy. I attempted to make a lovely dinner and knowing I had a few people over I tripled the recipe but forgot to triple the time. Translation we ordered pizza and had my fantastic dinner the following night, too bad it didn't turn out the first night it was delicious.

Happy Birthday Hon!

An E Session with Friends Jodi & Jim July 2008

So I have been blessed with friends that would entrust me to capture some photos for their engagement. Jodi and Jim are planning their wedding for November 1st of this year. Jodi a childhood friend of mine and Darren's was kind enough to let me try and capture an image. We are attempting another get together soon. So keep you eyes on the blog.

I know I am very green at photography and would love to continue to hone the numerous skills that accompany this art. I am fortunate to have friends like this.

Thank you Jodi and Jim!

I just can't resist! August 4,2008

I know more bath pictures BORING! But, I can't help myself.I hope you can forgive me.

Hope you are all having a great summer!

Aiden's 4th Birthday August 3,2008

Sunday we celebrated Aiden's 4th Birthday. I was actually picked up my Mom & Dad as Darren had the car that day. Sam & I had a lovely time and were glad that we could share in Aiden's celebration.

Sarah's 7th Birthday July 27,2008

My niece celebrated her 7th, yes I said seven! Truly where does the time fly. We headed to the park for an afternoon with her friends. The sun made a surprising appearance and all the kids had a terrific time. Sam continued is accident issues by running right toward the swing that all the girls were on. Then when Grandma was trying to calm him down the water park guns came on and got him right in the face. He did have a great time though.