tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88663588638346666392024-02-21T02:40:27.419-08:00My Mimico MaisonDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-82565212545691711982013-10-22T17:45:00.000-07:002013-10-22T17:48:56.129-07:00Wound-Up: local Mimico artist, Blair Fukumura's latest project on KickstarterIf you like to find new ways to support creativity and the arts in your community, there's no better place to look than Kickstarter, which has finally arrived in Canada. Using the "crowd funding" concept, it allows innovators and artists alike to pitch their projects, and seek support from the great online public, in a time targeted manner. Do check out this <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/blairfukumura/wound-up-an-animated-short-about-canadian-kindness?ref=live">project</a>, currently seeking funding, by my friend Blair Fukumura, a highly talented, but unconventionally trained animation artist, whose previous work has been featured at multiple festivals, including LA Shorts. Only a couple of weeks left until his target deadline, so check out the cool givebacks you could receive for supporting him in this endeavour.<br />
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<br />Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-55412920843562765062013-03-10T18:54:00.000-07:002013-03-10T18:54:41.993-07:00Signs of spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wych hazel, or witch hazel if you prefer. Brilliantly sunny demeanour on an early spring day.</td></tr>
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We had a lovely weekend in Toronto - blue skies, plenty of sunshine, and temperatures a few degrees above freezing. The snow is finally melting, and since we had snow on the ground for several weeks this year, it actually does feel like spring is arriving quite properly. In the last couple of years, we've had rather sparse snow cover, so the bite of winter was less harsh, and consequently, the joy of spring, whilst welcome, was somewhat diminished.</div>
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We had a quick visit to the Toronto Botanical Gardens this weekend, more just to stretch the legs rather than in anticipation of any flowers to see, but there were some nice drifts of snowdrops (too far through the bushes to photograph clearly), lots of bulbs poking their noses out of the soil, and some very cheerful wych hazel. Naturally, a quick scout around the shop resulted in some impulse purchases, in the form of seeds and summer bulbs/corms. The seeds are all "Renee's Garden" - not a brand I've tried before, but the very pretty watercolour designs on the packages reeled me in, and I snagged Painted Lady sweet peas (apparently dating back to 1737 and heavily fragrant), lacinato Kale (which I've had my eyes on for a couple of years, but never found seeds in Toronto), lemon cucumbers (no idea where I'll find space), a type of Italian salad leaf called "garden ferns" and mesclun mix named "Paris Market Mix". On the tender bulb side of things, I got some classic "Lucifer" crocosmias (very common and popular in my hometown of Aberdeen, where they seem to grow like weeds despite being too tender to withstand a Toronto winter), two types of gladioli (Prince Claus and Byzantinus), some scented and exotic looking acidenthera, and another fragrant bulb, Polianthes tuberosa "The Pearl". I haven't grown any of these before, but since I've had reasonable success in the last couple of years with tender bulbs in pots, and they are easy to bring down to the basement for overwintering, it seemed like a good idea!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The brook that runs through the Toronto Botanical Garden was in spate with melting snow .</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These dogwoods were absolutely glowing in the sunshine.</td></tr>
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Talking of overwintering in the basement, I started looking at what has been lurking down there since the fall. The pelargoniums that I just dumped down there, still in the window boxes in which they were planted are springing up, and so it's time to get them properly into life. See below for the method I've used in the last couple of years, which is very little work. Cannas were also excavated from their pots and inspected. They are all looking nice and healthly, and I've cut up the huge tubers into smaller pieces, each with several strong, fat buds and some good roots. Will leave the cuts to dry off for a day and then should get them planted up. Haven't got to the dahlias yet, but did see at least one good shoot poking up, so they will also need attention this week. So much going on....fingers crossed for no more snow (good luck with that!).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">overwintered pelargoniums in my basement (excuse the mess!). Not much to look at, but signs of life are there. A couple of years ago, when I didn't have time to mess around in the autumn, I just grabbed the window boxes, still full of geraniums and stuck them in a chilly (but not below freezing) and perfectly dark spot in my unfinished basement, with no further ceremony. They sat there, looking dead all winter and I quite literally did nothing to ease their suffering (not even a drop of water). As soon as the earliest signs of spring came, they started sending out new shoots.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pots waiting to receive the awakening pelargoniums</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once I've got the poor things out of the soil, I soak the roots in water for half an hour or so.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After soaking, they are potted up in 6 inch pots. I don't do any pruning at this stage, as in some of the plants it seems to be the final straw and they perish. After a week or two on a sunny window, there are usually plenty of robust and healthy shoots, and then I do some pruning to shape the mother plants, and to supply cuttings for new plants.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These were the plants I overwintered, which in turn had been overwintered the previous season, to good effect.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cannas, awakening after their winter dormancy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sturdy, if chlorotic leaf is emerging from this tuber. I sliced the large parent into 4 good sized pieces, and will let the cuts dry out for a day or so before planting them up in pots.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Cannas - not sure where these are all going to go!</td></tr>
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<br />Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-29510398781736116822013-02-24T07:59:00.000-08:002013-02-24T07:59:15.165-08:00First cardinal sighting of 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Although it's most definitely still winter here, and I awoke to see huge fluffy snowflakes slowly drifting downwards, I have a sort of "the end is in sight" feeling, and a sense that spring is not too, too far away. Last year, spring arrived in early March, but it was highly atypical and I shouldn't really expect a repeat performance this year.</div>
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Yesterday, whilst chomping down my toast and marmalade at breakfast time, I had my first cardinal sighting of the year. A lovely bright red, cheery looking little fellow was rummaging around in the garden, flitting here and there, and generally having a good scout of the area. For the last few years, there has been a nesting pair in the neighbour's shrubbery, adjacent to my garden, and I always enjoy watching them busily working to feed and raise their chicks.</div>
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With thoughts of spring in mind, I did some winter sowing yesterday. Have been meaning to try this for a few years, but never seem to be organized. This year, I had saved up suitable containers, and had seeds at the ready (some self-collected, some purchased). I've sown spinach, beets, swiss chard, thyme, tomatoes, platycodon & echinacea. The last two will likely produce plants for my friend's new country house.</div>
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Here are a few spring photos from last year, as a reminder of what we have to look forward to soon.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6R3QOgvs-oqQu5CjUHO0LuInd2vz4sy-eBTj5o7gA2bFNOCW6JrWP3mDr7kjY4lgrqPYUF6jSLzV75uMG8fLcl87CWFejV8_EkWqpw7oVv9GUlTPTo3zMzhTvzdiluGhkpzRHRb5cMvAc/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6R3QOgvs-oqQu5CjUHO0LuInd2vz4sy-eBTj5o7gA2bFNOCW6JrWP3mDr7kjY4lgrqPYUF6jSLzV75uMG8fLcl87CWFejV8_EkWqpw7oVv9GUlTPTo3zMzhTvzdiluGhkpzRHRb5cMvAc/s320/IMG_0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daffodils in my garden. They have been in the wrong location for 3 years, so this year I really must move them after flowering.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlx297C-t-gqtZrYL3zfcREX-J9ZW-dL0bYYUbG3Ud201MYaD-1cmzVt2Hg8rNbnYQTUby5TOFH9biNXu-SdI46o5GntkaXxZ4xNy5jq-hD31gsqw6E1VLioPtFIOcbelSSd7jB2uZQv9/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlx297C-t-gqtZrYL3zfcREX-J9ZW-dL0bYYUbG3Ud201MYaD-1cmzVt2Hg8rNbnYQTUby5TOFH9biNXu-SdI46o5GntkaXxZ4xNy5jq-hD31gsqw6E1VLioPtFIOcbelSSd7jB2uZQv9/s320/IMG_0010.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These muscari have formed nice big clumps after a couple of years.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswe6R8QrKhzV2KacpqLIFzmRLg8995x81VV8Yatmz7Iecox382oWXZH2tArd9_iEfCpbPzYBNgmNRlbIDpQ3XxrGbZno6GMAnZhUvlM1b5Gxgf7L5DtDATskwYdBjyfmwKT1qCukDNz7T/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswe6R8QrKhzV2KacpqLIFzmRLg8995x81VV8Yatmz7Iecox382oWXZH2tArd9_iEfCpbPzYBNgmNRlbIDpQ3XxrGbZno6GMAnZhUvlM1b5Gxgf7L5DtDATskwYdBjyfmwKT1qCukDNz7T/s320/IMG_0086.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This combination of rich burgundy tall tulips with shorter bicolour ones between comes from the display at the Toronto Botanical Garden.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu72l79POl-BvKPJOmV_fI7H2Rrn-yAyS5YsxnW_uE5NGhj5w1mGSE40Abun4LZq1OYuD8rERVNfMLDfCMI2OOiGjzD-M3nwrT9e3Xc53gFBMPLq-I08exiqx0EyfPYejrZmkM_DuAN1Oj/s1600/IMG_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu72l79POl-BvKPJOmV_fI7H2Rrn-yAyS5YsxnW_uE5NGhj5w1mGSE40Abun4LZq1OYuD8rERVNfMLDfCMI2OOiGjzD-M3nwrT9e3Xc53gFBMPLq-I08exiqx0EyfPYejrZmkM_DuAN1Oj/s320/IMG_0091.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anemone blanda - I loved these when I saw them at the Botanical garden, and had meant to get some in the fall for my own garden, but it was forgotten. Next year!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZARXdvK7zRsJJjaOLam41Wg7XLwP1sbtIRE02qdqaQgST5NW9wW4ym-KBgWuP7Sryfq_d0oMWIfycNDFMGY36RF6-OUCfZfA3_LFKPhyFcGF4l8xjGameMBewFeKYWNxU4hjspLhQHyO/s1600/IMG_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZARXdvK7zRsJJjaOLam41Wg7XLwP1sbtIRE02qdqaQgST5NW9wW4ym-KBgWuP7Sryfq_d0oMWIfycNDFMGY36RF6-OUCfZfA3_LFKPhyFcGF4l8xjGameMBewFeKYWNxU4hjspLhQHyO/s320/IMG_0090.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapdDkpdhzO-j40DWe4BBiXmqnqy_FbR3Dnjbv7ul4rRcjFWOGn0TTe7jAcFaEGjGI_1brfNcoBVhRAqeZsFdlNRaAQWUsbeq9iQXo2BmGRbPHPIDzPnkycgfjDhokEc14f0topQJmeFIl/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapdDkpdhzO-j40DWe4BBiXmqnqy_FbR3Dnjbv7ul4rRcjFWOGn0TTe7jAcFaEGjGI_1brfNcoBVhRAqeZsFdlNRaAQWUsbeq9iQXo2BmGRbPHPIDzPnkycgfjDhokEc14f0topQJmeFIl/s320/IMG_0093.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9T4VZ4-OgxL4ylQAMXcK4HkCoidNl8NNeW-utYh8Kj0y8eiAudAA3VIxG2hu8MQE2e0KHlWthQxMNNjRuGcha1t3FgqUiVubFF8okIgbayAOr37-L23LFDiIX3G6aWlfLWRyNJFQr8P5/s1600/IMG_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9T4VZ4-OgxL4ylQAMXcK4HkCoidNl8NNeW-utYh8Kj0y8eiAudAA3VIxG2hu8MQE2e0KHlWthQxMNNjRuGcha1t3FgqUiVubFF8okIgbayAOr37-L23LFDiIX3G6aWlfLWRyNJFQr8P5/s320/IMG_0102.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In a white scheme, some lovely, clean looking anemones formed a carpet under later blooming white irises. I love the upturned habit of these particular anemones....the ones in my garden are lovely, but tend to have their heads cast downwards.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEBQAecs9m_YRKUBCaPKjm_DH0yIm-zWTyYOFN9pVTP-5eeYo2F_TYSCFNlr8iDCuNVHNWMiL2VdFtbix7Jt9NCCNezmQo9R2FdqwEUjdlIxYFq11YafA5-2PaIWIvxK2DGWNomVf7eGl/s1600/IMG_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEBQAecs9m_YRKUBCaPKjm_DH0yIm-zWTyYOFN9pVTP-5eeYo2F_TYSCFNlr8iDCuNVHNWMiL2VdFtbix7Jt9NCCNezmQo9R2FdqwEUjdlIxYFq11YafA5-2PaIWIvxK2DGWNomVf7eGl/s320/IMG_0108.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning peony at Toronto Botanical Garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0DW_wrXNWNphRyE2DksfQgi-6vT5W0QmQsxpGCO2xVOmiV_SUZQPKY-pFelYnCR9RPFFt9xBF34gCSzIxuFjBvYaHy3BtNApy3ntLQRDuU4beE106N1dJi6tCQoq4LkyBUq38YD3wKR0/s1600/IMG_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0DW_wrXNWNphRyE2DksfQgi-6vT5W0QmQsxpGCO2xVOmiV_SUZQPKY-pFelYnCR9RPFFt9xBF34gCSzIxuFjBvYaHy3BtNApy3ntLQRDuU4beE106N1dJi6tCQoq4LkyBUq38YD3wKR0/s320/IMG_0115.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like the anemone blanda, I was really excited about these camasias when I saw them last spring. Must remember to look for the bulbs this year.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_qvHuRqLND7NgPqjuyj3tdyHDaww4zxEIyQcTOT5KhXUJoUC_QZA4_r2wsnPK6BDwR5amMF952LT9rKiBpgnhj8Mm_RmP747NFriCce0x8mMSiIA_2aYvG9mogoEK_wZgbR7wawMetAy/s1600/IMG_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_qvHuRqLND7NgPqjuyj3tdyHDaww4zxEIyQcTOT5KhXUJoUC_QZA4_r2wsnPK6BDwR5amMF952LT9rKiBpgnhj8Mm_RmP747NFriCce0x8mMSiIA_2aYvG9mogoEK_wZgbR7wawMetAy/s320/IMG_0118.JPG" width="279" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely blossoms!</td></tr>
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<br />Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-91286699628947143792013-02-23T14:07:00.000-08:002013-02-23T14:07:22.875-08:00Friday night dinner<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRmI8tWZI_jL03Ug6pxio7JA5WVTHS11mpEgqXlUuNLTsksAbZS8JjCBrfSYJ4pP2JX4LbC-XYgkEzWeGNKT8BZyN138elOF1PmjnUhVSZvV0nlq3ACS2n80EmPvjY8sIV081ACkdkDK_/s1600/IMG_0484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRmI8tWZI_jL03Ug6pxio7JA5WVTHS11mpEgqXlUuNLTsksAbZS8JjCBrfSYJ4pP2JX4LbC-XYgkEzWeGNKT8BZyN138elOF1PmjnUhVSZvV0nlq3ACS2n80EmPvjY8sIV081ACkdkDK_/s320/IMG_0484.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken fricassee, interpreted by Bobby, inspired by Joy of Cooking</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgs_yo0k8oIqLrAdsoi2CgyXHAXnxINJP_fyLdnScC7ayE4qyR1h3xLG0rAX8PWNWgCFlOMr0zL-ro4HQYHIyxo9vLzai3kZRvA1q8fj2CnnxG63VAUIvzNWzfMdsG0YIMBgFOgn06T3uW/s1600/IMG_0489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgs_yo0k8oIqLrAdsoi2CgyXHAXnxINJP_fyLdnScC7ayE4qyR1h3xLG0rAX8PWNWgCFlOMr0zL-ro4HQYHIyxo9vLzai3kZRvA1q8fj2CnnxG63VAUIvzNWzfMdsG0YIMBgFOgn06T3uW/s320/IMG_0489.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate pie, courtesy of William-Sonoma "Baking".......YUM!</td></tr>
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Friday was a dreary weather day, and fairly typical of February in Toronto. Grey, with a snow/freezing drizzle mix, and a horribly slow commute. Luckily, our routine Thursday boys night had been deferred to Friday, so at least I had a lovely dinner to look forward to after work. We were treated to a comforting chicken fricassee, with a lovely mushroomy sauce, and a delicious chocolate pie. We've decided to give Survivor a miss this season, but Bobby's Martha Stewart Living subscription provided a catalyst to my outrage, and got the conversation going with a rant from me. Ah! Good times!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If Martha Stewart does another bulletin board, I'll poke my eye out with a rusty skewer! Why does every other edition of her magazine need another interpretation of the bulletin board? How many bulletin boards does one need? Does anyone even have a flippin' bulletin board?!?!?!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was beside myself with this advert featuring Martha in an intimate bathroom scene. It was so obviously doctored, and gave the impression of her face having been applied over some else's visage, sort of like those iron-on transfers from the seventies that you could apply to T-shirts. Topped off with her Cheshire cat grin, I was on fire!</td></tr>
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<br />Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-10216730634274046862013-02-21T16:33:00.001-08:002013-02-21T16:33:12.657-08:00Back to Belgium, and Thursdays, sixes and sevens.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chateau du Lac, Genval, Belgium</td></tr>
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So, our Thursday night schedule for 2013 is "all to pot". Last Thursday (number 6 of the year), landed on Valentine's day, so that clearly needed to be reserved for individual plans, and this Thursday (the 7th of the year) has been rescheduled to tomorrow - a real case of "sixes and sevens"! This week's disruption was my fault again, because I had another work trip to Belgium at short notice, and just got back this afternoon. I was worried that I'd fall asleep at the dinner table! I'll report on the culinary delights of tomorrow in due course.</div>
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Given the trip to Belgium, and the fact that my return flight didn't leave before 7am this time (!), I was able to pick up some fresh cream Neumann chocolates at the airport - yum! I stayed at the Chateau du Lac in Genval, a quiet little village on the outskirts of Brussels. It was rather a deja vu, as I had been there about 10 years ago...still quite charming, and we were treated to some wintery sunshine and so it was nice to have the chance to walk around the lake before meetings started. I had a bit of a confused history lesson from my taxi driver (could have been the jet lag!), and was amazed to discover from some Googling back home, that whilst the "Chateau" was originally built as a spa, it spent a good chunk of the twentieth century as a manufacturing plant for Schweppes, producing India Tonic Water, and was only converted back to a hotel and spa in the eighties. If only I had known, I would surely have had a gin and tonic to celebrate the illustrious past!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Lac de Genval</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue skies, in February, in Belgium!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On first glance, I thought there was truly a stork on the roof of this boathouse. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful waterfront homes in Genval</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5WVZ5tut6ki7ciNXddkUVDoLc9XvawtZ53vhkEKl25_GwY-cyCbHvA1oh3iR2wCpd7XXAEaQxjtgQJUepAmhHIxJJoWZGrbPziBkAVjV0iJMLENoN-FbdkoriZOgg3PqggVpwDQma2LF/s1600/IMG_0473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5WVZ5tut6ki7ciNXddkUVDoLc9XvawtZ53vhkEKl25_GwY-cyCbHvA1oh3iR2wCpd7XXAEaQxjtgQJUepAmhHIxJJoWZGrbPziBkAVjV0iJMLENoN-FbdkoriZOgg3PqggVpwDQma2LF/s320/IMG_0473.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I finished reading "Great Expectations" on this trip, and this house, which was clearly once very beautiful indeed, with some very unique features (like decorative brick dove cots built into the chimneys), reminded me of "Satis House", Miss Havisham's decaying estate. With it's lakeside location and very large garden, this looks like a perfect restoration project for someone with nice deep pockets!</td></tr>
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<br />Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-85662670501341308642013-02-17T08:34:00.001-08:002013-02-17T08:36:16.662-08:00Mission aborted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was a bit damp and cold yesterday. We were forecast for a couple of centimetres of snow overnight. I roasted a chicken for dinner - nice and comforting before heading out for an evening at the symphony. The TSO were doing Beethoven's ninth....I was very excited, because although it's highly familiar to me, I've never actually heard it performed live! I got all dressed up in best bib and tucker and went out to warm up the car. I opened the door and my jaw dropped to the floor....we'd had about 5 inches of soft, fluffy snow and the road was absolutely covered in snow. It was 7:25, and the concert was starting at 8pm. It takes about 20 minutes in normal weather to get downtown and park at Roy Thompson Hall. We set off, and within a few minutes, it had become quite clear that we were not going to make it for 8pm, that the roads were extremely slick, and given that the snow was still coming down at an alarming rate, we decided we needed to abort our mission. Very disappointing! I have a gap in my subscription until two concerts in early June.....should be no danger of an impromptu blizzard to foil those plans I hope!<br />
This snippet of Leonard Slatkin conducting the famous "Ode to Joy" from the last movement is about as close as I'm going to get this weekend.<br />
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<br />Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-82255168444042220932013-02-10T17:30:00.000-08:002013-02-10T17:30:27.806-08:00Snowy weekend<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three citrus marmalade...looks very pretty, but the jury is still out on whether a set was truly achieved.</td></tr>
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Worked from home on Friday, due to inclement weather. Actually, it was very inclement. We had a snowstorm, the like of which we haven't seen in Toronto for several years. It reminded me of the first few winters when I arrived in Canada in the mid-nineties. Deep snow, and even deeper snow-banks! It was however very nice to have a morning where all my time was spent productively working, and not being stuck in traffic with thousands of other commuters.<br />
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Stayed close to home all weekend....by the fireplace! Eating hearty soup, watching Monty Don wandering around beautiful gardens in France, and breathing deeply of the smell of marmalade boiling in the kitchen. I deviated from my penchant for Seville oranges this year, and went for a <a href="http://www.foodinjars.com/2010/02/three-citrus-marmalade-recipe/">three citrus</a> recipe of grapefruit, lemon and orange from "Food in jars". Although I diligently monitored the temperature achieved with a thermometer, and double checked for a set with the old frozen saucer test (and did seem to have a good "wrinkle" going on), the jars don't seem to have much of a set at all. Am hoping that a day or two for rest will be enough....will be very disappointed if a need to reboil.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNE6nv53qFLGCJXnHZuy4LqHCgH-KhGlIsTe_QYwHZx5GuTyn4tsjYo89u-LgeJTZiPlgpgSmGYpHmsvu0oYzVguZOBm3w5BrRwE7mhov5roiLdf0zVAakfM80Q5NcNrDv8FkuRWtPa7L/s1600/IMG_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNE6nv53qFLGCJXnHZuy4LqHCgH-KhGlIsTe_QYwHZx5GuTyn4tsjYo89u-LgeJTZiPlgpgSmGYpHmsvu0oYzVguZOBm3w5BrRwE7mhov5roiLdf0zVAakfM80Q5NcNrDv8FkuRWtPa7L/s320/IMG_0092.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Shore Boulevard, Mimico...February 8th, 2013. A good, old-fashioned snowstorm kept much of the traffic at bay. I decided on a walk to the store to gather provisions....pretty at first, but exhausting overall.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture was taken about half way through the storm...even at this stage you can get the sense that we had quite a depth. In the end, about 25 centimetres.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's been a few years since the window ledges have been piled with snow.</td></tr>
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<br />Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-30749545061058245882013-02-10T17:11:00.002-08:002013-02-10T17:11:49.176-08:00Sixth Thursday<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
My turn to host, for the 6th Thursday of 2013. I have realized after 6 weeks, the immense skill of food stylists and photographers in the magazines I love to browse. No matter how delicious or fragrant the food we have eaten on Thursdays thus far in 2013, the photographs do very little justice.</div>
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This week, we dined on:</div>
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<li> "toast champignon", inspired by my trip to Leuven the previous week (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">De absolute bistroklassieker is een smakelijke </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;"><em style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">toast champignon), </em><em style="color: black; font-style: normal;">washed down with a little bubbly to celebrate the recently completed<a href="http://lightandflaky.blogspot.ca/2013/02/the-welcome-mat-is-out.html"> country house purchase</a> of Bobby and Mr. N......a dream regency cottage in Hastings county, which will only be enhanced by it's new owners. </em></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;"><em style="color: black; font-style: normal;">Abbachio alla Romano (Roman roast lamb).....I've been making this easy-peasy Valentina Harris iteration of a Roman classic for years. This week, it was made with little lamb cutlets, as I couldn't find a roast to cut up into chunks. Results equally gusty and dee-lish. It only contains 5 ingredients - a case of brilliant simplicity.</em></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;"><em style="color: black; font-style: normal;">Meringue gelato cake. This one came from "Nigellisima". It's also very easy, and takes the prize for fewest ingredients, at a paltry four (cream, shop bought meringues, a dash of rum and some slivered chocolate). Although not the most sophisticated dessert in the world, it went down very well, and the fact that it only took about 10 minutes to make mid-week, was highly appreciated by myself!</em></span></li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toast champignon - recently consumed in the Flemish town of Leuven.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman roast lamb, with roasted potatoes and green beans. This is a hearty, delicious and extremely easy meal.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not exactly the "Belle of the Ball", but it was rather tasty.....Nigella's Meringue Gelato Cake. The speed of preparation on a weeknight scored it some bonus points.......just need to work on the presentation!</td></tr>
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Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-30221716781840186702013-02-04T15:30:00.000-08:002013-02-04T15:30:23.210-08:00Lovely Leuven<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtm6Ly8HGbGdev_6BF8bX_z-Na9u_rOPkyI8yF9LSunoHnlfadzW8zum7fbRcv_csLqwurSs8BtTShWYf4Lfw5GiBnf46EWOyImE2CneZ_lXXVsWGlC0wcsQ4r3MFJQVYOmCBoza9JqUE/s1600/IMG_0433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtm6Ly8HGbGdev_6BF8bX_z-Na9u_rOPkyI8yF9LSunoHnlfadzW8zum7fbRcv_csLqwurSs8BtTShWYf4Lfw5GiBnf46EWOyImE2CneZ_lXXVsWGlC0wcsQ4r3MFJQVYOmCBoza9JqUE/s320/IMG_0433.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">City Hall, Leuven</td></tr>
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I had to forgo normal service last Thursday, as I was in Belgium for work. The meetings I attended were held in the lovely Flemish town of Leuven, which I had not previously visited. We were housed at a very smart hotel, the Martin's Klooster, a former convent which has been very stylishly re-purposed as a hotel. I had the good luck to be in one of the rooms in the old part of the hotel...lots of exposed beams, high ceilings and leaded windows. Although the days were fully scheduled, I arrived the day before the meeting started and managed to get out whilst the sun was shining for a good walk around the city centre. It's a very charming town, and I am pleased to say that in the couple of restaurants I visited, I was met with very attentive and pleasant service, and lots of help with the Flemish menu. If you ever want a nice homely meal in the centre of Leuven, in a quiet and cozy spot that's obviously popular with the locals, try the <a href="http://www.brasseriefoyer.be/">Brasserie Foyer</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnSQoy1sDNhWIcI-hJS1VDUnK5B92eVoxNLJknT_C5R83jPCRCelIUZ0-2rPzP-NnKLjxEYSvyxQdfOnADjKBkPqMd_yb7nfys9BSeHLc-QlQNajjipfO6EaTLhR-B3u3PGBx1pi7rJQI/s1600/IMG_0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnSQoy1sDNhWIcI-hJS1VDUnK5B92eVoxNLJknT_C5R83jPCRCelIUZ0-2rPzP-NnKLjxEYSvyxQdfOnADjKBkPqMd_yb7nfys9BSeHLc-QlQNajjipfO6EaTLhR-B3u3PGBx1pi7rJQI/s320/IMG_0428.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmxjtEDxV3r2iY2cYO9eBLJqxOyI4QY_85KvNJ6bWXzf5A77Wl0_iMtTByCeDak1Sj7wO9gAU_FrHcSt1CTngA-6BxHrFE1qp_4-ac-Yk3pyy3EaCOq60psTBWH6IhoxzcaBrgCA4_xPv/s1600/IMG_0456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>This church was adjacent to Martin's Klooster, and I love the highly decoratively pollarded trees, which were found in various locations with the city.</div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOS6vFrlmcSSSKReh87lhc9CWTVrklhFkIeM4uqmD4sOI_H2s0xIiDeSJ9xKkDQjAWqa78xp52eTJm1rapcvGq1wCEmdB9J0HscJlCnV9alUPuI2iq2DxG6c4jEHIwb5cGHBUnPCYonifb/s1600/IMG_0459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOS6vFrlmcSSSKReh87lhc9CWTVrklhFkIeM4uqmD4sOI_H2s0xIiDeSJ9xKkDQjAWqa78xp52eTJm1rapcvGq1wCEmdB9J0HscJlCnV9alUPuI2iq2DxG6c4jEHIwb5cGHBUnPCYonifb/s1600/IMG_0459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOS6vFrlmcSSSKReh87lhc9CWTVrklhFkIeM4uqmD4sOI_H2s0xIiDeSJ9xKkDQjAWqa78xp52eTJm1rapcvGq1wCEmdB9J0HscJlCnV9alUPuI2iq2DxG6c4jEHIwb5cGHBUnPCYonifb/s1600/IMG_0459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmfdtBXBA_bFdaYBI3BUFdETctjZguoDqXnLBfSjIDWc8ntFbQ4jSTWojg9QVO2-HdsglelNFpQwCDp8k94d7llI3Ny1QTmS9m2FCXsEJZsDRShNgEMegCS-LxPO-yI6WVaocWbqaYamh/s1600/IMG_0438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmfdtBXBA_bFdaYBI3BUFdETctjZguoDqXnLBfSjIDWc8ntFbQ4jSTWojg9QVO2-HdsglelNFpQwCDp8k94d7llI3Ny1QTmS9m2FCXsEJZsDRShNgEMegCS-LxPO-yI6WVaocWbqaYamh/s320/IMG_0438.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely baroque church in Leuven</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful turreted buildings</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinU_T2QAKIaJwtYMN_gA7qnt4ENM-YlmbszLuGkq4XWybUvFcEWag2UcJ4ADAH5WoeSmMhFm0maJ_mQaqReuy-DnixpQPvXlLgLkF_q6O1G2-5WdL4xfrbplvIEn_t7kqf3b8E64WFU0yX/s1600/IMG_0435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinU_T2QAKIaJwtYMN_gA7qnt4ENM-YlmbszLuGkq4XWybUvFcEWag2UcJ4ADAH5WoeSmMhFm0maJ_mQaqReuy-DnixpQPvXlLgLkF_q6O1G2-5WdL4xfrbplvIEn_t7kqf3b8E64WFU0yX/s320/IMG_0435.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the golden boy, striking the clock bell.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGGdJSQU0YDqPdBESRgeZ9YiJTXlcH01-EhgPzXkWM8T8-ru1Up338YBB1daGBRGAhYl004YjxO14Jv_EWE0DA20n06DtcyNamGvxST3NKrLwCu8uZozQeLlmm1X1PHvS4yWKfkfYkKPc/s1600/IMG_0442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGGdJSQU0YDqPdBESRgeZ9YiJTXlcH01-EhgPzXkWM8T8-ru1Up338YBB1daGBRGAhYl004YjxO14Jv_EWE0DA20n06DtcyNamGvxST3NKrLwCu8uZozQeLlmm1X1PHvS4yWKfkfYkKPc/s320/IMG_0442.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This church had beautiful clean lines and delicate decoration.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivL_SjiH-oR_vGU4MqJnvDjLkNzUSBdScuxlZ2YfsqBOwy_tJwoPOw4T_GXhMplEm0tvUvvFEtDeJJtgi9CnZAumjWRG_de9MzfkuyXNkQgbJGGdHam2c_KgSCDSxId4-nGlf-Sl8v5Y9/s1600/IMG_0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivL_SjiH-oR_vGU4MqJnvDjLkNzUSBdScuxlZ2YfsqBOwy_tJwoPOw4T_GXhMplEm0tvUvvFEtDeJJtgi9CnZAumjWRG_de9MzfkuyXNkQgbJGGdHam2c_KgSCDSxId4-nGlf-Sl8v5Y9/s320/IMG_0444.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were some very stylish shopfronts in Leuven. Here, a lovely flower boutique.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1v4qJPaal2efqk3kWy5rqbh5pr0FG8t9213wpQMku7s4tgKKdBMlpgZmlAazhJfm9Z3nQWlfLLL9tOpt8YASEEIEbViOxcvic2YlTO3j3Z61B4MV5Yy0idSxMgpmmBW_uRla1jNSM7dQ/s1600/IMG_0445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1v4qJPaal2efqk3kWy5rqbh5pr0FG8t9213wpQMku7s4tgKKdBMlpgZmlAazhJfm9Z3nQWlfLLL9tOpt8YASEEIEbViOxcvic2YlTO3j3Z61B4MV5Yy0idSxMgpmmBW_uRla1jNSM7dQ/s320/IMG_0445.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same flower boutique, different window. A real visual feast.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxz1g7HCXZcLlCOL7NwEhMAY1CpwmkNHSdjZHRgUZdBKTmABUBb50mI0C6gwa0UOqZLXtSzPMGuqNrrVUMHAW4c0c0yEOlOaT2u7QAc4nYsJoP-R_U6fq8g20WFnHWCViTQtJEHEduJM0p/s1600/IMG_0447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxz1g7HCXZcLlCOL7NwEhMAY1CpwmkNHSdjZHRgUZdBKTmABUBb50mI0C6gwa0UOqZLXtSzPMGuqNrrVUMHAW4c0c0yEOlOaT2u7QAc4nYsJoP-R_U6fq8g20WFnHWCViTQtJEHEduJM0p/s320/IMG_0447.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Further down the street, another florist, with a wide variety of spring treats to tempt shoppers,</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGMQ_qb2eRS_9nhPpae-m5jmMCnnYSBbouThvekEVV2XpZa-AuJ90_RWJuq7rkBjNrCueaCs38b1ziV54guZXIDgdUUBWvUQD5HKlJWd_k7LFbTlcsqxQV_Us9eaz6H4x2hiGzZGmiTGN/s1600/IMG_0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGMQ_qb2eRS_9nhPpae-m5jmMCnnYSBbouThvekEVV2XpZa-AuJ90_RWJuq7rkBjNrCueaCs38b1ziV54guZXIDgdUUBWvUQD5HKlJWd_k7LFbTlcsqxQV_Us9eaz6H4x2hiGzZGmiTGN/s320/IMG_0446.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wish my neighbourhood shops looked this cute!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNbUPCgLUXflUTTa54BQkp6LJoDshFK3f7jlzewHYeYo00lHeEFWUAB7jYqsxOIsiYcEIdOI2m4HP0fIekCyycF2m9jmGWzZrLDhadJCdEKiaqsNzbOLqe57I-jmN4IVSkTSEnvMIHAja/s1600/IMG_0448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNbUPCgLUXflUTTa54BQkp6LJoDshFK3f7jlzewHYeYo00lHeEFWUAB7jYqsxOIsiYcEIdOI2m4HP0fIekCyycF2m9jmGWzZrLDhadJCdEKiaqsNzbOLqe57I-jmN4IVSkTSEnvMIHAja/s320/IMG_0448.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved this display of hellebores and other hardy plants, that can survive in the relatively mild winter climate in Belgium.<br />
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After my trip to Belgium, I was able to fit in a flying visit to see my Mum and family in Scotland, which was fantastic.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmxjtEDxV3r2iY2cYO9eBLJqxOyI4QY_85KvNJ6bWXzf5A77Wl0_iMtTByCeDak1Sj7wO9gAU_FrHcSt1CTngA-6BxHrFE1qp_4-ac-Yk3pyy3EaCOq60psTBWH6IhoxzcaBrgCA4_xPv/s1600/IMG_0456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">x</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span></span><span id="goog_1246631839"></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOS6vFrlmcSSSKReh87lhc9CWTVrklhFkIeM4uqmD4sOI_H2s0xIiDeSJ9xKkDQjAWqa78xp52eTJm1rapcvGq1wCEmdB9J0HscJlCnV9alUPuI2iq2DxG6c4jEHIwb5cGHBUnPCYonifb/s1600/IMG_0459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOS6vFrlmcSSSKReh87lhc9CWTVrklhFkIeM4uqmD4sOI_H2s0xIiDeSJ9xKkDQjAWqa78xp52eTJm1rapcvGq1wCEmdB9J0HscJlCnV9alUPuI2iq2DxG6c4jEHIwb5cGHBUnPCYonifb/s320/IMG_0459.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went for a muddy walk in the village I grew up in, close to Aberdeen.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmxjtEDxV3r2iY2cYO9eBLJqxOyI4QY_85KvNJ6bWXzf5A77Wl0_iMtTByCeDak1Sj7wO9gAU_FrHcSt1CTngA-6BxHrFE1qp_4-ac-Yk3pyy3EaCOq60psTBWH6IhoxzcaBrgCA4_xPv/s1600/IMG_0456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmxjtEDxV3r2iY2cYO9eBLJqxOyI4QY_85KvNJ6bWXzf5A77Wl0_iMtTByCeDak1Sj7wO9gAU_FrHcSt1CTngA-6BxHrFE1qp_4-ac-Yk3pyy3EaCOq60psTBWH6IhoxzcaBrgCA4_xPv/s320/IMG_0456.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></span>Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-5610650584541006312013-01-25T17:10:00.001-08:002013-01-25T17:10:34.648-08:00Fourth Thursday - dinner and a movie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
For this weeks Thursday extravaganza, we had a super quick dinner of spanish-inspired chicken stew (think smokey chorizo, white beans and tomatoes) and portuguese custard tarts, before rushing out to the movies. We saw "Quartet", with Maggie Smith, Tom Courtney, Billy Connolly and Pauline Collins heading the cast. I have to say it was quite charming and very entertaining. Highlights were audience reactions to the gardener (whose name was Nobby - much hilarity for middle aged same-sex couples in the audience apparently), and to a couple of choice moments of "language", which seemed much less shocking to me given my British up-bringing. I was rather surprised to be likened by my peers, to the Michael Gambon character (named Cedric.....and most definitely pronounced "Ceeedric"!). He spends most of the movie wondering around in various kaftans, kimonos, turbans and the like, screaming orders at people and visibly squirming at anything outside the spectrum of classical music.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spanish chicken - white beans, smokey chorizo and succulent chicken pieces in a delicious, herby tomato sauce.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJj4xXyA1Qq_BsTAAljnp5SzKNJfvQS4RW0VzPbJhQxDE4oxSwNwq8SRRc_h3RLGgMu9D1rzlL5qxzFNbfSpmcGgd7joBt4EIEO41HtL257HFB75ApzE_t2jdLl946ObVVeeBAUzFhNlS/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJj4xXyA1Qq_BsTAAljnp5SzKNJfvQS4RW0VzPbJhQxDE4oxSwNwq8SRRc_h3RLGgMu9D1rzlL5qxzFNbfSpmcGgd7joBt4EIEO41HtL257HFB75ApzE_t2jdLl946ObVVeeBAUzFhNlS/s320/IMG_0076.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Portuguese custard tarts were so good that we devoured them before I remembered to take a photo.</td></tr>
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<br />Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-63935809546544485072013-01-18T17:43:00.001-08:002013-01-18T17:46:16.175-08:00Third Thursday<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMwE47JBz8emN0stiov8eEfnwHs2PKMM3mmt7PwYFyy74TamrLnZiiVPim-ynqyDRk7UEbeWo68GlZUg_2nUN14WrlWwKATpX3Y30rYKI4xuHowKXZ0eL9mxtbTxGFxfFdfqllV4A5ZtH/s1600/IMG_0408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMwE47JBz8emN0stiov8eEfnwHs2PKMM3mmt7PwYFyy74TamrLnZiiVPim-ynqyDRk7UEbeWo68GlZUg_2nUN14WrlWwKATpX3Y30rYKI4xuHowKXZ0eL9mxtbTxGFxfFdfqllV4A5ZtH/s320/IMG_0408.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamb tagine, heady with fragrant spices, meltingly tender, and presented splendidly.</td></tr>
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On the "third Thursday" of 2013, Bobby hosted for the first time this year. When Bobby hosts, it's always a treat. Not only is he a prize winning pie-maker (I kid you not....look at the winners at the Rockton World Fair, under "P" for pies), but he is the consumate host, even on a mid-week, "work next morning" occasion. Last night we were treated to a fabulous lamb tagine, served in the beautiful golden-ochre tagine that he found in a market when we were vacationing in Provence with twelve of our nearest and dearest, a few years back (imagine fragrant spices, sweet dried fruits and meltingly soft pieces of lamb). This was followed (after much banter and a bottle of Bevmo-winning Chilean red) by an apparently simple (according to Bobby) olive oil cake, light as a feather, and rich in flavour, accompanied by a delicious "fruits du bois" compote.<br />
I can only apologize for the fact that I fell asleep on the couch, immediately after dinner.....I had a very early morning.<br />
Next week.....my turn to host.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSS_w8Oq9zky5eSAQ7-xXrI0xt_GaPc9_72feDriMo_ny5e17dlicGJQG66qQpSeOJjvgW7B3KtVW3nQauwOroosp9_hVrorz3EljOfH3h3_odjUPdbZHFfL3IyVbxMYE0pAKgL6FsQSt/s1600/IMG_0411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSS_w8Oq9zky5eSAQ7-xXrI0xt_GaPc9_72feDriMo_ny5e17dlicGJQG66qQpSeOJjvgW7B3KtVW3nQauwOroosp9_hVrorz3EljOfH3h3_odjUPdbZHFfL3IyVbxMYE0pAKgL6FsQSt/s320/IMG_0411.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olive oil cake with Fruits du bois compote. Simple but "oh so delicious"!</td></tr>
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<br />Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-3058380583489383102013-01-13T08:31:00.000-08:002013-01-13T08:31:30.492-08:00Mid January activities - Mozart Festival at the TSO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's mid January. I'm in Toronto. There is no snow on the ground. It is FOURTEEN DEGREES CELCIUS!</div>
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When I first arrived in Toronto, almost 18 years ago, we had snow on the ground from late Nov/early December, until March. January temperatures were frequently in the range of -10 to -20, even worse with wind chill. Snowstorms would be so bad, the mayor would call in the army for help. Well, actually, scratch that last comment, because the one time that happened, it was very dubious as to whether military intervention was truly warranted.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OtJKhBbLZDNJBke8XtElkctS3Cm8yOOyAmJteT-gpUy2oDqBfm0k31G-Gponx3sciMLtEdxzJ18AbvhHbLoLgwJqVeEDPfXLK-K8sMlzDw_j4uIggV4hoVyEdZDABcMgH8ahy9vx7y2u/s1600/IMG_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OtJKhBbLZDNJBke8XtElkctS3Cm8yOOyAmJteT-gpUy2oDqBfm0k31G-Gponx3sciMLtEdxzJ18AbvhHbLoLgwJqVeEDPfXLK-K8sMlzDw_j4uIggV4hoVyEdZDABcMgH8ahy9vx7y2u/s320/IMG_0070.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">The weather this weekend is warm enough for Mimico residents to go out on Lake Ontario in kayaks.....typically at this time of year, the shoreline is thick with ice, and marinas are frozen over.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_z2vU9zOzq-KbAvcY0nMmIf2iZDJeDdkdHRjIlTj-mwvKUrS3kqhoFWreksbgT9jaSCd2lEW5ev_HHB6Ggq-keMiPR-LibhL8TbiL_qMus4ntLDG3zOaF_38dtxL0StkyOV6KctHN9ClI/s1600/IMG_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_z2vU9zOzq-KbAvcY0nMmIf2iZDJeDdkdHRjIlTj-mwvKUrS3kqhoFWreksbgT9jaSCd2lEW5ev_HHB6Ggq-keMiPR-LibhL8TbiL_qMus4ntLDG3zOaF_38dtxL0StkyOV6KctHN9ClI/s320/IMG_0073.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">These guys were getting in a spot of fishing....and not even ice fishing! This was happening just off the Mimico shoreline</td></tr>
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In any case, I don't normally expect to see unfrozen, bare earth in my garden at this time of year, and I certainly shouldn't be flinging open the windows of the house to let in a balmy breeze. However, that is what I did yesterday. I was shocked to see crocuses already poking through the ground, and it looks as though the hellebore I planted last year is very close to blooming. I know we are about to see temperatures plunge towards freezing again this coming week, but hopefully these wild swings in temperature will not have overly damaging effects on my plants, who should be in deep slumber right now!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPbPLsTZ4CqL3LHyHkWBAm9-vUK_NFG0DQhY7PotkNYPY6oFuo81DnMf6Rx4gTyaASInlprFN8CmoWCSrB52TWpr6y-E6I7dEe8OqP618EVd8bA0kTJ_idHFy09Vua5ajffzOkr8QI0L3/s1600/IMG_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPbPLsTZ4CqL3LHyHkWBAm9-vUK_NFG0DQhY7PotkNYPY6oFuo81DnMf6Rx4gTyaASInlprFN8CmoWCSrB52TWpr6y-E6I7dEe8OqP618EVd8bA0kTJ_idHFy09Vua5ajffzOkr8QI0L3/s320/IMG_0072.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">These ornamental cabbages have that sort of "bloom" of fresh growth, and were bejewelled with rain drops. Very pretty.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj481XrPdtiUXF77NgYYGJP7W9kVte7-fkIkV6Fjv4zO6x0Ov2WOpyGN5tNN9Zd1SPFtKiKtAtsW3S38HHFEHQE9khC9Y1g2L1_sy_8vf9tlY5bGQT5-rqU6mDomYqomrf7HNR5SKuq0ohJ/s1600/IMG_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj481XrPdtiUXF77NgYYGJP7W9kVte7-fkIkV6Fjv4zO6x0Ov2WOpyGN5tNN9Zd1SPFtKiKtAtsW3S38HHFEHQE9khC9Y1g2L1_sy_8vf9tlY5bGQT5-rqU6mDomYqomrf7HNR5SKuq0ohJ/s320/IMG_0068.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Crocuses have broken through the soil surface....about 2 months earlier than they should.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVD6DzeJYDf0Lb4l-puJw0roYIM5IhOLVg56q828vzuEi5SG0W1zXqVGx1NVB3hR4VMOYPR_dPIZg4JX_me2Gm3vwnESVUlsjVV4LqpkSGFTRYtiCrSVPDBMQ2HT9hb1sExRzTnGjEniK/s1600/IMG_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVD6DzeJYDf0Lb4l-puJw0roYIM5IhOLVg56q828vzuEi5SG0W1zXqVGx1NVB3hR4VMOYPR_dPIZg4JX_me2Gm3vwnESVUlsjVV4LqpkSGFTRYtiCrSVPDBMQ2HT9hb1sExRzTnGjEniK/s320/IMG_0066.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Plenty of flower buds are visible on this hellebore.</td></tr>
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On another note, if you ever have the opportunity to hear violinist Augustin Hadelich in recital......you must jump at the chance. I heard him playing Mozart with the Toronto Symphony last night, and it was a truly breathtaking performance. Attached is a very interesting short biography on this highly gifted performer.</div>
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<br />Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-1025509030365138152013-01-11T19:09:00.006-08:002013-01-12T05:46:44.592-08:00Second Thursday, 2013<br />
<b>Host:</b> Kitkat<br />
<b>Menu</b>:<br />
<b>Pepperoni Lasagna</b> (you may laugh, but reserve your judgement until you have tried it. I have never eaten a more delicious lasagna, and of course the pepperoni was an accent, not the main feature).<br />
<b>Individual lemon curd pavlovas</b>, served with berries and mint. Very refreshing.<br />
<b>Wine:</b> If only I could remember. France and South Africa<br />
<b>Viewing pleasure:</b> Herb and Dorothy - fascinating documentary about two very ordinary people (or at least "seemingly ordinary"), who collected one of the most significant collections of late 20th century American art, which is now housed at the National Gallery in Washington D.C.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pepperoni lasagna - certainly a new recipe to me! But delicious!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Individual lemon curd pavlova with berries.</td></tr>
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<br />Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-53237951202930536102013-01-04T07:02:00.001-08:002013-01-04T07:05:58.571-08:00Kitchen refresh: before, during, after.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In September, I will have been living in My Mimico Maison for 10 years. I find it hard to believe it's been that long, until I start thinking about how many New Year's Eve parties I've enjoyed here, how many gardening seasons have come and gone, and how many cozy winters evenings by the fireside. Having my chimney rebuilt was the first significant renovation I did to the house, and although it seemed expensive at the time, it has definitely repaid itself in the pleasure it has given me.</div>
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Back in the fall, after <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8866358863834666639#editor/target=post;postID=6240895360615716733">exterior stucco renovations</a>, I started to get it into my mind that it really was time to get something done with the kitchen, which hadn't been touched in the 10 years I've lived here. Although it was perfectly functional, it was feeling very tired, and despite grand ideas I have to reconfigure the layout, to open up the back of the house, and provide a space for a powder room on the ground floor, I set my goals more modestly, on just a little bit of a spruce up, with a minimal budget.</div>
It turned out to be a lot of work of course, but I tackled it during an hour or two here and there of an evening, over the course of several weeks, and completed it with a marathon of effort during the last few days before Christmas. The lights and backsplash were replaced, walls and cabinets painted (thanks to Rustoleum Cabinet Transformations), and crown mouldings applied. I did get some help from a couple of friends, both in labour and through loan of equipment, which must be gratefully acknowledged. There are still a couple of touch-ups to finish, and I haven't decided what to do about flooring yet, but here are some shots before, during and after. I am pleased with how it turned out!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRyoo8amDFXIG_8Of2XemKsW8jBvDwiyi1tPRufbKlvTF_IwTOxlNLVYrVQDmv-7j3UIhaVmdLDqtfGxh51BriPTPGyDUATG-_rH5TXeHOpZ-H24AG2Iu85Wrm9o1g_tH0AAGtXnpAxt5/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRyoo8amDFXIG_8Of2XemKsW8jBvDwiyi1tPRufbKlvTF_IwTOxlNLVYrVQDmv-7j3UIhaVmdLDqtfGxh51BriPTPGyDUATG-_rH5TXeHOpZ-H24AG2Iu85Wrm9o1g_tH0AAGtXnpAxt5/s320/IMG_0006.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Although my kitchen cabinets were in good shape, they were a bit grubby and dated looking.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had always disliked this "apron" over the windows, which concealed fluorescent lighting tubes. They were so harsh that I never turned them on.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-9oMdo_4X2UMDgGRpfzmm2mfSVsVaN6oy5WAc1SWQrdYVUXcPPUfxx2vUR_FNpXCoefVKLxhU1n-2wAt_1Tx4AMLvqAG8teVfU9EPIbt9ANEcoFdYXa__YQgPo0SQfEEskHHDP3XUNFb/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-9oMdo_4X2UMDgGRpfzmm2mfSVsVaN6oy5WAc1SWQrdYVUXcPPUfxx2vUR_FNpXCoefVKLxhU1n-2wAt_1Tx4AMLvqAG8teVfU9EPIbt9ANEcoFdYXa__YQgPo0SQfEEskHHDP3XUNFb/s320/IMG_0013.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like this pot rack (Ikea), and it's handy to have things right by the stove, so that has stayed in place.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczoGsBAHBbeHVoVNEH1vlhfvVFwk8lCNhvJ7Ce9XLFRac3sLSAMBBDlV-pKdeuhhpKsp1ZZjlgizKKPCufiEHCs6sM1i-Q5IJTeo5NW6V66CnhYRGlKgEcvpNVtGTZjIxOqnxtatYNAHX/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczoGsBAHBbeHVoVNEH1vlhfvVFwk8lCNhvJ7Ce9XLFRac3sLSAMBBDlV-pKdeuhhpKsp1ZZjlgizKKPCufiEHCs6sM1i-Q5IJTeo5NW6V66CnhYRGlKgEcvpNVtGTZjIxOqnxtatYNAHX/s320/IMG_0028.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't like the grey tile backsplash, and some of the tiles had cracked over time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WOqGTt5gtbCsUDB3hk9G4riE-qwpHbOCDe7Ukxah27XfAofO5QoJTuRd9cHvWhJ5Y0AZ9CqeTLDbyfcZ7uirvHNrUxE7sREanzAdXNSYoqWmOG81K3yjJINx73crsCvR__9VV5IFi9cL/s1600/IMG_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WOqGTt5gtbCsUDB3hk9G4riE-qwpHbOCDe7Ukxah27XfAofO5QoJTuRd9cHvWhJ5Y0AZ9CqeTLDbyfcZ7uirvHNrUxE7sREanzAdXNSYoqWmOG81K3yjJINx73crsCvR__9VV5IFi9cL/s320/IMG_0029.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basically, the kitchen was in good shape (which is why I hadn't done anything in 10 years), but the time had come for a change.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRZAE1pgb4Yh3kh0_SwqV2m6fetgygSg4alVO7EUzzI7kpXSOX5yg6_Bv_zo0Fhyx_O0CCbCOsjrER_ZfyLnOjKgnvScnW3tnpGmfTn62krnD6rC-fvNIET83RR7iaBAlYbDELpFmPBF_/s1600/IMG_0384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRZAE1pgb4Yh3kh0_SwqV2m6fetgygSg4alVO7EUzzI7kpXSOX5yg6_Bv_zo0Fhyx_O0CCbCOsjrER_ZfyLnOjKgnvScnW3tnpGmfTn62krnD6rC-fvNIET83RR7iaBAlYbDELpFmPBF_/s320/IMG_0384.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First, I started taking off cabinet doors, one by one for painting. I used the Rustoleum Cabinet Transformations kit, in Espresso. It was very easy to use, and came with good instructions.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDWCTw_noLi4rQbtRoyHQ0R-sNgdzsGC4CYR9BIpffjCC7nLFgd7_P_-qDWikyEQV7JIadprxbods9PRUnUYDBoWlNdU-vmxqu0tBsbkwoGLPyE_Hgb0Bf67b0F8KVALk-ZB3pIAzW1AQ/s1600/IMG_0383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDWCTw_noLi4rQbtRoyHQ0R-sNgdzsGC4CYR9BIpffjCC7nLFgd7_P_-qDWikyEQV7JIadprxbods9PRUnUYDBoWlNdU-vmxqu0tBsbkwoGLPyE_Hgb0Bf67b0F8KVALk-ZB3pIAzW1AQ/s320/IMG_0383.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After I had started work, the ceiling had to be opened up because of an issue in the bathroom.....this ending up delaying progress for several weeks, and I hated living in such a muddle! Uugh!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHjAwaJou_lEGGaHaNSBwGVWeWEw1wetURxk9slue2Er4NQUZ0whub4h6urXQ_n4Ikt3kIyTIEP81LbZ7aPquyOc7RIgKhG8AghSu90x4dBzrmBeCgMTqRRz8TenKgG9nSodVRJ5pE9Xv/s1600/IMG_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHjAwaJou_lEGGaHaNSBwGVWeWEw1wetURxk9slue2Er4NQUZ0whub4h6urXQ_n4Ikt3kIyTIEP81LbZ7aPquyOc7RIgKhG8AghSu90x4dBzrmBeCgMTqRRz8TenKgG9nSodVRJ5pE9Xv/s320/IMG_0035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ta-da! What a transformation! The crown moulding was a challenge, since neither ceiling nor walls nor cabinets have a straight line or consistent angle to them. Thankfully the dark paint conceals and is very forgiving.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlQueSIGKj-QyLZm1dA8QpnCEZYN0dUGM4Lj_jRBD3L-kaQKhryqtSxbG5VCCsXqsvAH9wnNM-K_4NK3Xsx_mFDtqiy-U9QGMha00DoOpU71TzUNMLw8pL9lZJyrwotqjwCPdy_zqK-F9/s1600/IMG_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlQueSIGKj-QyLZm1dA8QpnCEZYN0dUGM4Lj_jRBD3L-kaQKhryqtSxbG5VCCsXqsvAH9wnNM-K_4NK3Xsx_mFDtqiy-U9QGMha00DoOpU71TzUNMLw8pL9lZJyrwotqjwCPdy_zqK-F9/s320/IMG_0033.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got the schoolhouse lamps from the Aladdin's cave that is Der Dietemann Antiques, 747 Broadview Ave. Really pleased with those.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIssoEhVB6OEK7DK1P7NRazZ3n7vGDBeOG5KQ_8aw4UGXu7wsvUhD9zAAo0g-3cj5yIWFIVMWYDlMgJ-yhpiCg9z3LKjyQofcDN1L7FeQxD7qYNY7rla20n1gdeWkv1-Omu7Oz3lD6WxG/s1600/IMG_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIssoEhVB6OEK7DK1P7NRazZ3n7vGDBeOG5KQ_8aw4UGXu7wsvUhD9zAAo0g-3cj5yIWFIVMWYDlMgJ-yhpiCg9z3LKjyQofcDN1L7FeQxD7qYNY7rla20n1gdeWkv1-Omu7Oz3lD6WxG/s320/IMG_0034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think removing the fluorescent lighting and apron above the windows makes the kitchen look a little bigger. I will need to figure out a window covering though, and I still have not decided what to do with the floor.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZyPW7Zi-34X3TpN434vXPwaTHc_TzATZm7I5_FfFvcbF8WEXxiaY9cINyzJB6OFrfx4h729aRYbACbWHe_MkNONVGpKXwl1YMk0D5cx-oWr9IRddOsrDjI4eSe1IctWhrHneFfmsS2HG/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZyPW7Zi-34X3TpN434vXPwaTHc_TzATZm7I5_FfFvcbF8WEXxiaY9cINyzJB6OFrfx4h729aRYbACbWHe_MkNONVGpKXwl1YMk0D5cx-oWr9IRddOsrDjI4eSe1IctWhrHneFfmsS2HG/s320/IMG_0036.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I extended the backsplash to wrap fully around the stove. The white subway tile was inexpensive and although it is ubiquitous, I think it does look nice and clean and simple, in an older home. I contemplated dark grout lines, but because the walls were so wonky, I was apprehensive about doing anything that might emphasize that.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5reySwjbE-D8YATqGNXjolQ7rpCd9c7nf12CncNsaI6GHSgO85q5HX7mG2OBDCWEVqES1CTiA3788VN_TWGFi3NHU2cYTVdAKWMpu-mmUQht7FBVt5JPcxWJEXyQGEd2pT6LYzvg7UKCE/s1600/IMG_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5reySwjbE-D8YATqGNXjolQ7rpCd9c7nf12CncNsaI6GHSgO85q5HX7mG2OBDCWEVqES1CTiA3788VN_TWGFi3NHU2cYTVdAKWMpu-mmUQht7FBVt5JPcxWJEXyQGEd2pT6LYzvg7UKCE/s320/IMG_0052.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The matching ceramic chair rail is one of my favourite things in the kitchen! The wall colour is Benjamin Moore, Aura, Dulce de leche, CSP-250.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkaDXAXTk2S8sOSlBBf7WrJuGz4vIYQU8E70qLtPxrPsnhj0nlsIOCQunSwWWEbsmT35_jT0sb8_hjuCX32_-PvSGddtRVUdueYKm_nYmEvegXpQAVJFwblXJkP_dVVqQ2LK1aI52HGZ4/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkaDXAXTk2S8sOSlBBf7WrJuGz4vIYQU8E70qLtPxrPsnhj0nlsIOCQunSwWWEbsmT35_jT0sb8_hjuCX32_-PvSGddtRVUdueYKm_nYmEvegXpQAVJFwblXJkP_dVVqQ2LK1aI52HGZ4/s320/IMG_0037.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to go and rattle some pans in the kitchen!</td></tr>
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<br />Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-34357722603453048882013-01-03T20:54:00.004-08:002013-01-04T07:08:09.467-08:00First Thursday, 2013For nearly a decade, I have spent Thursday nights in the company of two other gentlemen. We have wined, dined and entertained each other, through thick, and through thin. In the face of broken romances, work pressures, financial woes, relocations, and great successes, new joys and good times, we have found the time to commune together. Some weeks, it's all<i> Grand Baroque</i> and home preserved, duck meat, shot by the fair hand of the chef, other weeks, it might be homemade pizza or a menu inspired by travels or imagination. The running theme has always been an opportunity, just once a week, to enjoy the company of others, the pleasure of someone taking the effort to prepare a proper meal, and the adventure of trying something new, for what you know will be an appreciative and supportive audience. Otherwise known as "Survivor Night", because originally we started out by arranging to watch the foresaid reality TV show together, it has evolved into a very different "Survivor Night", and it is truly a highlight of each and every week for me.<br />
Since I feel unable to invite you to join us for dinner of a Thursday (which is an honour <i>very</i> rarely bestowed), I plan to at least record the key culinary highlights of each week for our 10th anniversary year.....what, with my new camera and all (thanks Davey!)<br />
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Here was our <i>Bill of Fare</i> for Thursday, January 3rd, 2013:<br />
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<b>Cocktail</b> - <a href="http://www.chow.com/recipes/30548-sparkling-rum-and-pomegranate-punch">sparkling rum and pomegranate punch</a> (for this I can take no credit....thanks Davey (via CHOW). Easy, very "more-ish" and readily adaptable for the grape-allergic (substitute sparkling cider for the sparkling wine - equally delicious.)<br />
<b>Soup</b>: <a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/9121/celery-soup">Cream of Celery</a> - courtesy of BBC GoodFood. Well received, and well presented - SUPER EASY! Definitely one to make again. If only I had the foresight to make a delicious 1 hour, soft pretzel to go with it....need to ask Andrea for the recipe!).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious Celery Soup, with a sparkling rum and pomegranate punch in the background ( just to set an edge on the appetite, you understand.)</td></tr>
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<b>Main course</b>: A classic, which we have enjoyed together several times before. <a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/12751/fruity-lamb-tagine">Fruity lamb tagine </a>(again, see BBC GoodFood, with a few customizations based on what was to hand....i.e. substituting left over Christmas dates for the apricots, stewing beef for the lamb). Served, this time, served with bulgar wheat, because no couscous was to be found.<br />
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<b>Dessert:</b> after all the over-indulgence of the last couple of weeks, I thought fruit salad might be welcome. Persimmon, grapes, kiwi, banana, pomegranate and out of season rasps made for a palate-invigorating mix. I managed to restrain myself from topping it off with some vanilla ice cream from <i>Sweet Olenka's</i>. Maybe next time.<br />
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Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-31786683431862598282012-11-13T16:03:00.000-08:002012-11-13T16:03:15.019-08:00Quiet CityI know this has nothing to do with my garden, or my Mimico Maison, but after writing about the Copeland clarinet concerto yesterday, I couldn't leave "Quiet City" out of the picture. I don't think there is anything very useful I can say about this composition for orchestra, with trumpet and cor anglais soloists, other than to note that it truly is one of my absolute favourite compositions of all time. (although I could tell you that the first time I heard it, I was driving, and was so mesmerized, and profoundly moved, I had to pull over to finish listening to it, for fear of distracted driving).<br />
There is an interesting <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quiet_City_(music)">bit of background</a> to be had on Wikipedia about the origins of the piece. Otherwise, I simply invite you to listen and reflect.<br />
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<br />Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-70107302460371255692012-11-12T18:40:00.000-08:002012-11-12T18:40:04.061-08:00Copeland clarinet concertoWhilst driving to Paris yesterday, we listened to CBC radio two in the car. As part of their Remembrance Day programming, they played a work that I haven't heard in probably a decade, but one which I absolutely adore - the Copeland clarinet concerto. It was one of those things I had on a CD at one point, and which I became completely obsessed with....listening to it over and over again, several times a day for a couple of weeks, almost to the exclusion of any other piece (this is an old habit of mine with music I like). Then, eventually and predictably, I hit the tipping point, where my obsessive interest turned against me, and I could not bear to hear it even a single time more. Thankfully, the intervening decade appears to have reset the balance, and on hearing it yesterday, I was reminded of why it had triggered that mesmerizing, compulsive intensity of feeling in me. And today, I was absolutely delighted to find a two-part YouTube video, of a performance conducted by Aaron Copeland himself, with Benny Goodman, for whom the piece was orginally intended, as the soloist. I still can't quite get over how Copeland takes us from languid, pastoral tranquility, beautifully rendered, into a madness of jazz-age inspired, rhythmically propulsive driving energy....but he does, and very successfully. If you can, make time to listen to both parts of the video, and hear that contrast for yourself. If you haven't come across this piece, do let me know what your thoughts and reactions are to it.<br />
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<br />Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-72533970500103131122012-11-11T20:24:00.000-08:002012-11-11T20:24:44.925-08:00A trip to Paris this weekend.Been a busy weekend. Yesterday, in a moment of unusual decisiveness, I found a pair of lights for my kitchen, which is currently in the midst of a redecoration which MUST be finished for Christmas. About 8 years ago, I stumbled across a lighting store on Broadview, that seemed to specialize in reproduction 1920s and 30s lighting, and found a perfect fixture for the downstairs hallway. After lots of internet browsing for new kitchen lights, and no decision, I remembered that store, and decided to see if it was still there. Unfortunately, it is no more, but across the street, Der Dietemann antiques had a whole windowful of art deco lighting, so we had a look inside. The shop was overflowing with all sorts, and after a few minutes talking with the owner, Albert, I decided that a pair of simple schoolhouse lights would be ideal. The store is going to fix them up to my specifications, and will even install them for me to the bargain, so I won't have the pain of fiddling around with wires.<br />
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Then in the evening, the trio and I had a gig, at a birthday party for a Hungarian octogenerian. We did a couple of hours of foxtrots, tangos, Gershwin songs and the like, which came off really well despite challenges trying to get any time to rehearse. It helped considerably that the audience was of an age and demographic to fully appreciate our repertoire! We had some sing-along and clap-along going on, and if there had been more floor space, I think we could have seen the rug being cut up, so to speak.<br />
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And then today, Davey and I had a nice drive out in the country. For a while now, I've been following the blog of <a href="http://darylmc.blogspot.ca/">Daryl McMahon</a>, and so today, I finally made a trip out to Paris, Ontario, to see his work at a Christmas Open House at his beautiful home. Can't show pictures of everything we brought home, in case they end up as Christmas gifts. If you haven't seen his work before, you must check out his blog to see examples of his amazing work, and find a chance to catch one of his shows if you can.<br />
Paris, Ontario is quite a lovely, old country town. Lots of early industrial development along the grand river, and plenty of examples of early 19th century architecture, some beautifully maintained and pristine, and others looking much more Dickensian. In it's day, it must have been a wealthy and bustling little town, and it's lucky that it's survived without too much unfortunate redevelopment.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeBptnQQEO5un9JiwlVui1TQDI1s3xRfXMDmaDgcMDD2ZY_TuvOc7NQ9W4wSoTufaDs2C56aWTWs2aSJT6RXED43k-4rLPdC_Kf88fbtoudNHTNYJT7SWxgGISrM1uklT1MsFDAufeSCj/s1600/IMG_0378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeBptnQQEO5un9JiwlVui1TQDI1s3xRfXMDmaDgcMDD2ZY_TuvOc7NQ9W4wSoTufaDs2C56aWTWs2aSJT6RXED43k-4rLPdC_Kf88fbtoudNHTNYJT7SWxgGISrM1uklT1MsFDAufeSCj/s320/IMG_0378.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo doesn't do these candle hooks for the Christmas tree justice. They cleverly been made with decorative (non-functioning) candles, to avoid any serious fire hazard. Check out Daryl's blog to see much more elaborate and spectacular examples of his work.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This fascinating house was really eye-catching. The stone walls were lined with regular courses of river pebbles, much like flints are sometimes seen as a facing of old houses in East Anglia. I'd never seen this type of treatment in Ontario.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front entrance was very much like a mausoleum - highly imposing. The house stretched back into the large lot for ages, with one addition after another at the back. Would love to take a look inside.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, back in Mimico, my kitchen is in a state. The hole in the ceiling is the last evidence of the bathroom issues that have plagued me since labour day. All fixed now, except this ceiling issue, which hopefully will be taken care of very shortly.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cupboard doors are off because I'm finally re-painting the cabinets. I have the day off work tomorrow, so will finish off garden chores, and hope to make some progress with these cabinets.</td></tr>
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<br />Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-62408953606157167332012-10-25T15:07:00.003-07:002012-10-25T15:07:51.205-07:00Before and After - house facade renovationI'm delighted with the way the renovation on the exterior of my house turned out. I had a section of very crumbly 85 year old stucco that needed replacing, and took the opportunity to also re-reveal the original facade of my house, which had been under a mask of vinyl siding for many years. Here are the before and after shots, and a couple of pics of what is still surviving (and thriving) in my late October garden.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before - vinyl siding galore</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYOoz44fkndu_CqD49P4IC4hjihHnlQr9gCtFTSpRwbTbUz214ZKH5wKxYVPEIVgcbBZVyvLqflWj67wmQQlzFdqIirEBJRgRJJOpfEwhk5uB0QWKGe9nwno9PXIRrg8AaAO8wOkm8b77/s1600/IMG_0363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYOoz44fkndu_CqD49P4IC4hjihHnlQr9gCtFTSpRwbTbUz214ZKH5wKxYVPEIVgcbBZVyvLqflWj67wmQQlzFdqIirEBJRgRJJOpfEwhk5uB0QWKGe9nwno9PXIRrg8AaAO8wOkm8b77/s320/IMG_0363.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After - Tudor charm</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikj55ud4PIsrpV3Ki6sMV5BEZwnJWtuY7imMaSrbDHMPrkphcaCNVpvq6EbIpW51UoJfZj3SRhyWgCvJ88MVwMir2ghX8O0YaZnmRZ4DrY7h06LTRQdaW7i0_59HUEJbwBnY7hmSuh6QCs/s1600/IMG_0361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikj55ud4PIsrpV3Ki6sMV5BEZwnJWtuY7imMaSrbDHMPrkphcaCNVpvq6EbIpW51UoJfZj3SRhyWgCvJ88MVwMir2ghX8O0YaZnmRZ4DrY7h06LTRQdaW7i0_59HUEJbwBnY7hmSuh6QCs/s320/IMG_0361.JPG" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cold nights have given this kale a nice colour</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosemary in bloom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1TVCcUoiEm8Tp1AhyiSsfqBAgS-uic0iepNpLpxtldnf6i4RZFCPiobHS2LiEq9evx2qgLoRdXjrWCFln7ybbf8vMCOXmyZFTHvO7ilXLmehNGMVAFa2EePbSCYqoMr8k-Wyc6Nnv_xt/s1600/IMG_0367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1TVCcUoiEm8Tp1AhyiSsfqBAgS-uic0iepNpLpxtldnf6i4RZFCPiobHS2LiEq9evx2qgLoRdXjrWCFln7ybbf8vMCOXmyZFTHvO7ilXLmehNGMVAFa2EePbSCYqoMr8k-Wyc6Nnv_xt/s320/IMG_0367.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bay tree is finally starting to look more like the ball standard that I want</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-LYgJe_lE4cf4hg-LdGsLqoRPhJUInEQ3LiM9q1G-XJUBJKJHqku-t8OEDRVuT44WpyGSzZsEC6NgKUtUcyB_B9ANkYR8Qutjf45pv3R7ks_yYmEc9-97dGbqHrFIzgV-h5gHtKci9Vc/s1600/IMG_0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-LYgJe_lE4cf4hg-LdGsLqoRPhJUInEQ3LiM9q1G-XJUBJKJHqku-t8OEDRVuT44WpyGSzZsEC6NgKUtUcyB_B9ANkYR8Qutjf45pv3R7ks_yYmEc9-97dGbqHrFIzgV-h5gHtKci9Vc/s320/IMG_0369.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A single nerine bloom</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful white anemones are flowering profusely.</td></tr>
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<br />Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-81213258522939003712012-10-08T11:52:00.002-07:002012-10-08T11:52:31.062-07:00The new face of MimicoHappy Thanksgiving to one and all! Had a very nice trip to Sarnia for the weekend, with a great drive through spectacular fall colours on Saturday morning, some antiquing success and a delicious thanksgiving dinner. Holiday Monday is providing some lovely fall weather, a slight chill in the air, but beautiful sunny skies above, so I went for a walk around the neighbourhood. Given the work I've been having done on the outside of my house in the last few weeks, it was interesting to take note of other renovations and improvements going on in Mimico. The most notable, whilst not yet officially open to the public, is that <a href="http://www.waterfrontoronto.ca/explore_projects2/the_wider_waterfront/mimico_waterfront_park">Mimico Waterfront Linear Park</a> is nearing completion, with paved surfaces and decked boardwalks now installed. The good folks of Mimico weren't going to let the lack of a little thing like an official public opening stop them from enjoying this addition to the neighbourhood, so I joined the merry throng making use of the pathway. The closest entrance is only about five minutes walk from my house, and I have to say, the trail that has now been more or less completed, linking all the way along the lake to Harbourfront, in the downtown core, is an amazing new asset for this community. There is a curving, smoothly paved pathway, which will be great for cyclists and roller bladers, and then a very nice boardwalk section that is ideal for walkers. Add to that, the really great views of downtown, and across the marina, as well as what look to be some areas reserved for naturalization of marginal plants to create a wildlife habitat, and you have a truly excellent way to help create that "waterfront living" experience that is top of mind for local real estate agents! Now it feels like there is a bit of substance behind those claims! Add to that the fact that work is finally starting on a new building at Superior and Lake Shore (which has been under discussion for nearly the entire decade that I've lived here), and that a very pretty new house a few doors down from me is nearing completion, I started to feel like things are really starting to move up in Mimico. Here are a few pics from my walk:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn colour on Lake Crescent in Mimico</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkYW1jN5ItFdJ0gGu-BVKesjj5PCTEYXNRgL2R1a9AVTxoZsjepRFW1YQ59-5p50YP-gDWmEyZ_LMYvqGCH5vco0pnExQYLPxPC2lv9wiyT58b_80H1oHWk4EsUXbxnugd9C_DQt-z783/s1600/IMG_0328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkYW1jN5ItFdJ0gGu-BVKesjj5PCTEYXNRgL2R1a9AVTxoZsjepRFW1YQ59-5p50YP-gDWmEyZ_LMYvqGCH5vco0pnExQYLPxPC2lv9wiyT58b_80H1oHWk4EsUXbxnugd9C_DQt-z783/s320/IMG_0328.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5kH_oFXIZCOpTmuVtGROq_7mav6R3sjTS7VN2QjciAAVWeVkBJRK3mJA_aR2P9LUO48oEYPXIzds_1SXGzfMHCeo18ypwz1AWONPI1TJ_ZlTJaygCBK3_EknmmzywZ79yuf7z6_FcMmj/s1600/IMG_0336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5kH_oFXIZCOpTmuVtGROq_7mav6R3sjTS7VN2QjciAAVWeVkBJRK3mJA_aR2P9LUO48oEYPXIzds_1SXGzfMHCeo18ypwz1AWONPI1TJ_ZlTJaygCBK3_EknmmzywZ79yuf7z6_FcMmj/s320/IMG_0336.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colourful fall garden on Queen's Avenue, Mimico</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvF9ePBInTZaQNm6VALn0lPiR4VfKjbHsEdCsHispUsw1pcFnvtB2OdRI20kXejgPnGtuqNo31cK3ba2D6cKpgSVvCS0F5X3thIh7lQ7ERmNR3kPHcGFl8QxnPv0LVWLFLgVWKT8xUuO97/s1600/IMG_0337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvF9ePBInTZaQNm6VALn0lPiR4VfKjbHsEdCsHispUsw1pcFnvtB2OdRI20kXejgPnGtuqNo31cK3ba2D6cKpgSVvCS0F5X3thIh7lQ7ERmNR3kPHcGFl8QxnPv0LVWLFLgVWKT8xUuO97/s320/IMG_0337.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fall colours in Southern Ontario are really intense this year.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZwG2NYU5Z3fk1EW0akR4TOoKp7gaxNj1U9lHDUvTYYTMzDTzoS3Ws_d7d46atgz5sP6vAyQqrN_VbkXcf_QkyEIb6Q21hSmOEtoAyETPbKRuYOYd3ZANyjnRFSwjFEG82D363G0ZRau5/s1600/IMG_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZwG2NYU5Z3fk1EW0akR4TOoKp7gaxNj1U9lHDUvTYYTMzDTzoS3Ws_d7d46atgz5sP6vAyQqrN_VbkXcf_QkyEIb6Q21hSmOEtoAyETPbKRuYOYd3ZANyjnRFSwjFEG82D363G0ZRau5/s320/IMG_0343.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the newly paved section of the Mimico Waterfront Linear Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5r360gmKH6UmL__0PSrIKojk1LlO8QBqbi40UYQMb0enlX0ClU3kidRRV6GbIL5LvL-iCzFwQMxZh0mHjytDe4qmEYmy3Ueo8tbKzwbBcKEuQ0ClV3O0I_1b0tG1c4ENTO-uCe7lzJL0/s1600/IMG_0344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5r360gmKH6UmL__0PSrIKojk1LlO8QBqbi40UYQMb0enlX0ClU3kidRRV6GbIL5LvL-iCzFwQMxZh0mHjytDe4qmEYmy3Ueo8tbKzwbBcKEuQ0ClV3O0I_1b0tG1c4ENTO-uCe7lzJL0/s320/IMG_0344.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marina in Mimico, view from Mimico Waterfront Linear Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54qEIlKFnNg13OPVdoT2DuD4UQJAIZr1WGQXwn-w6SMEsbpki9Aouy_IoKK8j2dgE86pURsF5vVHaeBoRcz6rLFGUFwGtcw_7FJe3pc4oP9Jx3wmWaYR9th2Alt-Yl7QzQEaZEcg5J8l0/s1600/IMG_0345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54qEIlKFnNg13OPVdoT2DuD4UQJAIZr1WGQXwn-w6SMEsbpki9Aouy_IoKK8j2dgE86pURsF5vVHaeBoRcz6rLFGUFwGtcw_7FJe3pc4oP9Jx3wmWaYR9th2Alt-Yl7QzQEaZEcg5J8l0/s320/IMG_0345.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View towards Humber Bay</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjeUNTCHeyRytU52P_jwLWc8n2yh2mfs_DP6GLWEqGkswXtjSFszyb09lnqZETEop72WaHpBiqYU-2gi5NCNJp0z4gi1BBN98N_FkVf7g9QzR5-_DBHbm0EHO2d5WEMO2RrMObehvMmBd/s1600/IMG_0347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjeUNTCHeyRytU52P_jwLWc8n2yh2mfs_DP6GLWEqGkswXtjSFszyb09lnqZETEop72WaHpBiqYU-2gi5NCNJp0z4gi1BBN98N_FkVf7g9QzR5-_DBHbm0EHO2d5WEMO2RrMObehvMmBd/s320/IMG_0347.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking east, from Mimico Waterfront Park, towards Humber Bay</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOQ4eZyDZuc7NfYoAwrAmBak_xYjA18X73yilZe-HvoDbyfMOBAJqiMJlBw5gMkgIMI7Ti-wWpYY0B-8DS8tc4r-fMFHx07GP5UDo-7zLxjeAOiqYwMcL2mTX71mkrUE9l16PA-RDqm_R/s1600/IMG_0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOQ4eZyDZuc7NfYoAwrAmBak_xYjA18X73yilZe-HvoDbyfMOBAJqiMJlBw5gMkgIMI7Ti-wWpYY0B-8DS8tc4r-fMFHx07GP5UDo-7zLxjeAOiqYwMcL2mTX71mkrUE9l16PA-RDqm_R/s320/IMG_0348.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the nice new path for cycling or roller blading....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-rx2oFUrLPSheDo8IIJTsxFjMXSblc5NxMJOGBx5kYhQ6GiQXZGbONjnKDnHmbCb8y4lDgaJIVaizWhHGAh9d-KwVXF-TE4MEWAiF-JXy2BLQpybYBJNIMjCKS-yKZI8lUu_3HyvYapS/s1600/IMG_0349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-rx2oFUrLPSheDo8IIJTsxFjMXSblc5NxMJOGBx5kYhQ6GiQXZGbONjnKDnHmbCb8y4lDgaJIVaizWhHGAh9d-KwVXF-TE4MEWAiF-JXy2BLQpybYBJNIMjCKS-yKZI8lUu_3HyvYapS/s320/IMG_0349.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">....and great board walks for strolling....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1wKh-T-HnqRiAhN465tuIjoZm3gvY1MDrt36kf66JiydlNzbgjJ2otanHBSG_u8y8y873HD8kLy9KZ5bquIOV6UccFTOKEC6c8SBOtg5bUphZ8fuzbhOUj6CPXKPMBnGnM937YDf_nfL/s1600/IMG_0350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1wKh-T-HnqRiAhN465tuIjoZm3gvY1MDrt36kf66JiydlNzbgjJ2otanHBSG_u8y8y873HD8kLy9KZ5bquIOV6UccFTOKEC6c8SBOtg5bUphZ8fuzbhOUj6CPXKPMBnGnM937YDf_nfL/s320/IMG_0350.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...or you could just sit down and enjoy watching the boats drift by.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIz00OidLnttN99uF-EVF3LrjAnTXeiUI6qZVpyaq4a_MMC_3V-H343Hu_4H2JCzMCtpN5JXq9ddvQgAi9JIJ9U3sP09PjsUbFJek3x6UOfujB-jeDwCjX8jSDygYdhXqXVL3g1xlBge6/s1600/IMG_0353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIz00OidLnttN99uF-EVF3LrjAnTXeiUI6qZVpyaq4a_MMC_3V-H343Hu_4H2JCzMCtpN5JXq9ddvQgAi9JIJ9U3sP09PjsUbFJek3x6UOfujB-jeDwCjX8jSDygYdhXqXVL3g1xlBge6/s320/IMG_0353.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSkqORo_JnXroj7Q1HezBYR8cKQ5_nl5v1mnYU7IvuBhwLFP8id5KzWxCk8H7dWffN7hkwvfra6nUiJ-nJQaXxSnIS7OJC0Xgy6Wq3uWeIwL5mVDXQipkcdEcIFT72BZOlYOQtkdSsKUh/s1600/IMG_0357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSkqORo_JnXroj7Q1HezBYR8cKQ5_nl5v1mnYU7IvuBhwLFP8id5KzWxCk8H7dWffN7hkwvfra6nUiJ-nJQaXxSnIS7OJC0Xgy6Wq3uWeIwL5mVDXQipkcdEcIFT72BZOlYOQtkdSsKUh/s320/IMG_0357.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the second phase of the park, and it really will add tremendously to the amenities in the area.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJt7SnTFjhwuvwtHZ17vZcxiBEkj25dwGJsfX0Tpwgw64cpRFJJuuO7i4MUF3IYKIcgIevT2uVaG9d4AX8xAbAbuD6DD8OYN3NV-8WUIFzNJflM1UBt5JnpFRv_NbUrdCSKkg9QIf1uT_/s1600/IMG_0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJt7SnTFjhwuvwtHZ17vZcxiBEkj25dwGJsfX0Tpwgw64cpRFJJuuO7i4MUF3IYKIcgIevT2uVaG9d4AX8xAbAbuD6DD8OYN3NV-8WUIFzNJflM1UBt5JnpFRv_NbUrdCSKkg9QIf1uT_/s320/IMG_0320.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And closer to home, my own renovation project is nearing completion. Here you can see the final colour scheme I selected for the timbers and stucco. I'm highly pleased with the results....can't wait to see it all finished!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRk_zMWyB5lbnruZYfWC6WYDueoR2onNjyXxX_3b5KHH078aWVPfzMvITiXCNJ8tBkCBe3mEDFIp5ovK6FMWMcE7nhCOxaSKPtK2EAW4SqOpf9GjBn-m0o-Q5sgykqNsqK-RUXHoOuyF7H/s1600/IMG_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRk_zMWyB5lbnruZYfWC6WYDueoR2onNjyXxX_3b5KHH078aWVPfzMvITiXCNJ8tBkCBe3mEDFIp5ovK6FMWMcE7nhCOxaSKPtK2EAW4SqOpf9GjBn-m0o-Q5sgykqNsqK-RUXHoOuyF7H/s320/IMG_0321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_I6jX9AaZRCtojX3eT-7Og0T3ZBBfn53bDq6hwrw1wcXrz7Ba5Wq8ObAF4XOPMl8k4EzMXRtkt7c3il-vb7dvl3TvinIX4oQj5ZTDl93EoaBNuQjoxx-dG7MEtoEjwUiz54ytNNl3WLYs/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_I6jX9AaZRCtojX3eT-7Og0T3ZBBfn53bDq6hwrw1wcXrz7Ba5Wq8ObAF4XOPMl8k4EzMXRtkt7c3il-vb7dvl3TvinIX4oQj5ZTDl93EoaBNuQjoxx-dG7MEtoEjwUiz54ytNNl3WLYs/s320/IMG_0324.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything is primed at the front and ready to be painted.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikopzNd0VCt55RS1mjkAlR1HrmGMCgwPvwL-5e6wl1Bc4OF_yOGOQ67STvZhPlMnjHYipU4fljU0wpA0hmjlzirlH6FUDdsUjmgwAYT9nfv4d2m9eGh_CVzC3NfU8ZdeO661Ldjuk_CEB8/s1600/IMG_0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikopzNd0VCt55RS1mjkAlR1HrmGMCgwPvwL-5e6wl1Bc4OF_yOGOQ67STvZhPlMnjHYipU4fljU0wpA0hmjlzirlH6FUDdsUjmgwAYT9nfv4d2m9eGh_CVzC3NfU8ZdeO661Ldjuk_CEB8/s320/IMG_0325.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new house, just a few doors down from my much more humble Mimico dwelling, is nearing completion. Landscaping went in last week, and the results are starting to look really great. So glad this house is tasteful!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvr3jnek6nCvxChuytF7RDajdVbJh17h0g0ACv7AuyBqQq3QTPI3VeSU-G5035cz3BAsmyJNl3giZrzPPPXsTe0QgfFZccNU7v99jgIa4xG9XLPqVp8TNF5aaw65UuFWQzmlZ1BsiejENj/s1600/IMG_0340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvr3jnek6nCvxChuytF7RDajdVbJh17h0g0ACv7AuyBqQq3QTPI3VeSU-G5035cz3BAsmyJNl3giZrzPPPXsTe0QgfFZccNU7v99jgIa4xG9XLPqVp8TNF5aaw65UuFWQzmlZ1BsiejENj/s320/IMG_0340.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And at the corner of Lake Shore Boulevard and Superior Avenue, it's down with the old....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNLqlHfjGKB_0W2e_7RHhdRJkms8z3jm3cqBsNnOcytZnbRbInaOePJRQLEOcGhvvDDZbNZ0VBMw7A-XJeaGSM7z5MYUPB-fdjC5jHaeBvYIevXrl8uNEY4Bxazg3M9TPW-Z8-nYyRkIt/s1600/IMG_0341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNLqlHfjGKB_0W2e_7RHhdRJkms8z3jm3cqBsNnOcytZnbRbInaOePJRQLEOcGhvvDDZbNZ0VBMw7A-XJeaGSM7z5MYUPB-fdjC5jHaeBvYIevXrl8uNEY4Bxazg3M9TPW-Z8-nYyRkIt/s320/IMG_0341.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and it shouldn't be too long before the new condo arrives.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This heritage property is currently up for re-development. The original estate actually became a post-war low rise apartment complex. The proposals are currently being actively discussed in the neighbourhood, and I'm hoping a good solution for some positive re-development can be found.</td></tr>
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<br />Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-77356008079796251672012-09-30T18:05:00.002-07:002012-09-30T18:05:56.762-07:00Never say never, nerineBack in the spring, I found some nerine bulbs at my favourite local nursery, Plantworld. Recalling how beautiful they are in sheltered, sunny spots in the UK, even as far north as my home town of Aberdeen, and knowing that they would never survive the frigid Ontario winter, I decided to experiment with planting them in a container I could overwinter indoors. I was pleased to see strap-like leaves appearing, and watered and fed diligently all summer. Two or three weeks ago, I was dismayed however, to notice the leaves looking decidedly yellow and about to die....which they promptly did. I thought my experiment had failed dismally. However, I'm pleased to report that I noticed today that a great big, swelling flower bud has appeared, as if from nowhere, and it looks like I'll have flowers after all! The variety is Kodora, which from the packaging seemed to be a strong coral-red. Stay tuned.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A single flower bud has emerged from my otherwise dormant nerine bulb. I planted two bulbs, both of which put out some leaves, so perhaps a companion will emerge shortly.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nerine Kodora</td></tr>
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<br />Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-63466590179850049042012-09-30T11:33:00.000-07:002012-09-30T11:33:10.394-07:00Perfect fall weekendI thought the weather was going to be dreary this weekend but it turned out to be perfect - nice warm sunshine, perfect blue skies, and an undertone of crispness to the air. Went on a jaunt to St. Jacob's to get out of town for a few hours. The trees have already started to turn, and the colours are already quite impressive - every shade from lime green, through vivid yellow, pumpkin-like orange, all the way through to deep mahogany reds. Hopefully they will be even closer to their peak for the Thanksgiving weekend next week. I hadn't been to St. Jacobs in about a decade, and was a little surprised by the strip malls and general development since I was last there....but there were still plenty of Mennonite horse buggies and bonneted women scurrying around, and the smell of pig & horse dung was a constant companion all day, so at least it felt like we were truly out in the country. The highlight for me was the hot, freshly made apple fritters and coffee that we snacked on, out in the sunshine!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A full spectrum of pepper colours</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful fall flowers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mega cabbages....sauerkraut anyone?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The St. Jacob's farmers market was bustling this weekend.</td></tr>
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<br />Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-31554768851093697312012-09-24T16:43:00.002-07:002012-09-24T16:43:54.100-07:00Michaelmas daisies, chills in the air, and a little Tippett.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchAccV-3Rd09aBcffbTPC6RnjJ7yZQKRNEbhj5MgyEIvlYpJjDzlKfEG4d0OOpPw_OcUN72sMQWgCd2eC19Dys3_hHNF4daEBaI4nLIoz9muWQTXPR9yNbvECSAptWskJFu0yLpbnvGph/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchAccV-3Rd09aBcffbTPC6RnjJ7yZQKRNEbhj5MgyEIvlYpJjDzlKfEG4d0OOpPw_OcUN72sMQWgCd2eC19Dys3_hHNF4daEBaI4nLIoz9muWQTXPR9yNbvECSAptWskJFu0yLpbnvGph/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn has arrived!</td></tr>
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Autumn arrived all at once here, this weekend. Suddenly, there was a definite chill in the air, and the trees have started to show a little colour in the Don Valley. This morning it was only 4 degrees outside when I got up - definitely needed my cozy goose down duvet this morning! On my routine Thursday with the boys at the end of last week, we even lit the first log fire of the season, as we settled down to watch Downton Abbey and tucked into apple crisp. I think this is only a blip - rest of the week looks more seasonal. Things are progressing with the house.....today some new laths were added to the sections of stucco which needed full replacement, and the metal mesh has been replaced. Expect to see the new fresh stucco up there shortly.<br />
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What am I listening to this evening? Something I haven't heard for years, but which I discovered towards the end of high school, and one of those things I listened to absolutely obsessively....I completely adore the last two minutes or so on this Youtube video!</div>
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<br />Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-15386768474904045462012-09-19T17:17:00.002-07:002012-09-19T17:17:20.705-07:00A facelift on a 90 year old.Right now, her face has just been revealed for the first time in a decade, and despite having accrued some of the "barnacles of old age" (to quote my dermatologist), I think my house looks absolutely beautiful, following the removal of her veil of vinyl (siding that is!). I love the half-timbered look, and although it's a bit hard to see through the scaffolding, I know that when the team from <a href="http://www.padgettsplastering.com/">Padgett's Plastering Services</a> are finished, the house is going to be a real charmer!<br />
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<br />Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866358863834666639.post-24446078116175881572012-09-17T16:09:00.000-07:002012-09-17T16:11:04.695-07:00Stucco before and after<br />
Remember my crumbling 90 year old lime stucco? <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stucco above my bathroom window was very deteriorated, and the remainder of this side of the house had plenty of fissures and cracks that were only going to get worse.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Now the western wall of the house is pretty much finished and the scaffolding has been taken down and moved to the front. It's been done using traditional lime plaster, as per the original. It looks so clean and lovely!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKuev2sJ9yfUeYoidy4vENg1JTlMHeOMMqvPXinLytpUhIRvRGl3qDkYuADh5CHgGncWVsK5W5YWMR6-e-TbaIt55xSbg4tNPY-IbOdg6E6fzSF73jV-XsA0C-WaOP-kcEURWsuqYX-di/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKuev2sJ9yfUeYoidy4vENg1JTlMHeOMMqvPXinLytpUhIRvRGl3qDkYuADh5CHgGncWVsK5W5YWMR6-e-TbaIt55xSbg4tNPY-IbOdg6E6fzSF73jV-XsA0C-WaOP-kcEURWsuqYX-di/s320/IMG_0004.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm very excited to see what the house will look like under the vinyl siding, which should be removed shortly. It's been there since I bought the house, so I'm really looking forward to seeing the house's original facade.</td></tr>
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Meanwhile, in the garden, things are starting to take on a look of autumn.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xKFMaxRPtrE4geTVL4BZUg1U_OiJXeHkUNRxfSyMpKr-eyXViCj15uRW27Zsml92D7gDoVqkWJF2a5EALyqx6t2BOH8OYxc6ZzHXW7CE8WtCRfohhfYpBklbMzNefRRVVtZ4faAqZTjZ/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xKFMaxRPtrE4geTVL4BZUg1U_OiJXeHkUNRxfSyMpKr-eyXViCj15uRW27Zsml92D7gDoVqkWJF2a5EALyqx6t2BOH8OYxc6ZzHXW7CE8WtCRfohhfYpBklbMzNefRRVVtZ4faAqZTjZ/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White anemones in full bloom.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldDScXXe_sNbYWPL1RuL1plM3pbHrBY658-vii53FsMCbTKNm8OYXRNCPVeWHf3Du_l_UKwpn0IDjZuC2WGCkTz0rtD-mQ5i_A9r8xcWExIiEFdq1vWVPVeX5ED4TizLjBq3t9uKeVy4G/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldDScXXe_sNbYWPL1RuL1plM3pbHrBY658-vii53FsMCbTKNm8OYXRNCPVeWHf3Du_l_UKwpn0IDjZuC2WGCkTz0rtD-mQ5i_A9r8xcWExIiEFdq1vWVPVeX5ED4TizLjBq3t9uKeVy4G/s320/IMG_0006.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I replanted the window boxes a couple of weeks ago, and they are looking lovely now.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCbelhrI3eN_3VvGqoX9hGpjoCjlEjzdaH4gf9hnBAlYYCctw031xLkW-DBA6nwGLS4NkTW83tqpAkmnUr_e7jRH_pYasj-DXLcw4K1Gp-zCpVhSS6ecINtwC1nN_9Iid9w44gt0ZGTjX/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCbelhrI3eN_3VvGqoX9hGpjoCjlEjzdaH4gf9hnBAlYYCctw031xLkW-DBA6nwGLS4NkTW83tqpAkmnUr_e7jRH_pYasj-DXLcw4K1Gp-zCpVhSS6ecINtwC1nN_9Iid9w44gt0ZGTjX/s320/IMG_0007.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm very pleased with my bay laurel standard this year - it's looking very healthy and is starting to fill out at last. It has to come indoors for the winter, but never seems to mind.</td></tr>
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Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703214674285255567noreply@blogger.com0