apple of my eye

Being 5'1 never in my wildest dreams did I ever remotely imagine myself to be a "model"- little lone a "cover model"
Not to mention my severe aversion to being in front of a camera instead of behind one, where I'm most comfortable.
There are so few images of me that I wonder if Lulu will one day wonder if I was ever present for any of the many many family photos we have.
Funny that Big daddy's really the main lensman in the house-at least by profession- yet when it comes to taking candid shots I'm always the one with my camera in hand.
But somehow I was convinced that some "quasi-talented photographer" ; that I know could maybe take a decent shot of Lulu & I and make me look half decent.
I had no doubt about Lulu's photogenic capabilities- me on the other hand.....
anyhow long story short...
I'm just glad that I finally have a nice photo of Lulu & I together.
But the best part of the shoot was what an amazing day we had on that farm.
It was one of the highlights of the year for us.


“Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.”
Dorothea Lange

oh and speaking of apples....
Shana Tova..

without a hitch

I'm happy to report that Lulu is absolutely loving Junior Kindergarten so far.
She loves her teacher (as do I) and is feeling right at home in her new class.
Which I might add is the nicest classroom in the school- with huge bay windows and lots of extra space it's the perfect kindergarten class.
It's all about the right ambiance right?
Lucky girl.
I thought I might be a little emotional on her first day- but surprisingly stayed pretty dry eyed.
She lined up, gave her teacher a daisy that she picked on her way to school, gave me a shy smile and a tiny wave and she was off on her new scholastic adventure.
Okay now that I think about it..I am getting a bit misty...
but I'm so happy that she likes going to school so much.
Let's just hope that enthusiasm continues for the next 13 + years.

farewell

The summer wouldn't have felt complete without at least one backyard campfire and BBQ.
So last weekend we had some good friends over for a little good-bye summer celebration.
Not that I want to say good-bye quite yet...
So we started with some Peach Juleps.
Yum- who knew peach, mint, fresh peaches and bourbon would be such a a great combo?
Even better served with 2 hour slow cooked ribs with hickory smoker wood chips, homemade coleslaw, fresh peaches & cream Ontario corn and fresh baked corn bread muffins.
De-lish.
Our back-yard smelled amazing with all that wood burning- and so did (does) our house as I forgot and left all the windows open.
Ah well, nothing like your pillow smelling like a campfire to remind you of summer.
And it wouldn't really be summer without S'mores or a version of....

S'mores oatmeal cookies.
Yum.
Plus we had to roast a few on the fire to make things really feel official.
So fun and I'm sad it's come to an end.
Butternut squash soup anyone?

where's Madge when I need her most?

Dear Dishwasher,
I'm so sorry I took you for granted all these years.
I shouldn't complain about having to empty you all the time and just say thank-you for a job well done instead.
I'm also sorry for abusing you and forcing you to attempt macerating dozens of olive pits & tooth picks.
So unfair of me to have such unrealistic expectations of you.
I swear the guy at Sears said you were capable of that.
Honest.
Blame it on five years worth of martinis I guess...or blame it on Big daddy- that's what I usually do.
Regardless, once you come back to us- I promise to treat you better.
I swear.
Because living without you these past three weeks is no fun.
I am counting the days, hours, minutes until you are restored to your brilliant splendor.
I miss you.
Please come back to us soon.
Love PG.

full dance card

Hello September.
Can't believe you are here already.
So many things happening all within a 30 span.
Of course the biggie being Lulu starting kindergarten for the first time.
Very exciting- and okay I'll admit I'm a wee bit nervous for her.
My baby's going to big kid school!
I'm sure she'll be fine and I'm confident that she'll adjust to her new schedule quite well.
And quite frankly I'm looking forward to the "freedom".
In addition to school every afternoon I have her signed up for a few other programs- dance, swimming and possibly drama.
Like my drama queen needs any further instruction.....
Aside from chauffeuring Lulu around to her various social engagements, I possibly have a few freelance things lined up as well.
Looking forward to some creative projects that don't involve glitter glue or play dough for a change.
Between weddings, birthday parties, wedding showers, a going away party, relatives visiting, Rosh Hashannah, a few more get togethers with friends before summer is officially over-it's sure to fly by.
Squeeze in my favourite kick boxing classes, and the many many fun things going on around town and it makes for one busy time.
Oh and for some crazy reason I waited until now to start some projects around the house- like painting and reupholstering furniture.
it never rains- it pours.
and for a change it's not actually raining so I'm trying so soak up as much outdoor time as possible while it lasts.
Speaking of which...
time to hang with all the wasps- and no I'm not talking about my neighbours- holy bee infestation this year!
Anyone else experiencing the wrath of the little predatory, stinging, annoying critters?
Is it my imagination or is it worse this year than last?

peel me a grape

August has been a pretty low key month so far.
Not exactly what I would consider "the dog days of summer" as there really hasn't been too many super hot days this year.
Which in some ways is fine by me, as I'm not a big hot & humid weather lover.
Usually by this point in the season I'm feeling ready for fall to arrive- tired of the hot, sticky, smoggy weather, I'm usually pretty excited that autumn is around the corner.
With the exception of THIS year.
I feel like summer has just begun.
I almost cried the other day when I saw potted mums at the grocery store.
There's so many things I still want to do before it gets chilly outside.
I'm finally getting organized when it comes to remembering what to pack each time we go to the park.
It only took me 3 months...
I also just started feeling somewhat comfortable in a bathing suit.
That only took me 3 months....
oh who am I kidding?
I don't think I'll ever feel comfortable in a bathing suit, but I guess I'm caring less and less- and instead just having fun swimming with Lulu.
Like anyone's looking at my sorry white butt anyhow..
In reality, it really hasn't been warm enough this summer for a bathing suit- but for the past couple of weeks I've finally been able to wear sleeveless tops and linen without freezing my (as previously mentioned-very white) ass off.
I find that I'm trying to squeeze in as many summer park play-dates and BBQ's as possible before school starts in a couple of weeks.
Also trying to cherish as much time as possible with Lulu before she officially starts "big school".
Gulp.
So no, I'm so not ready for September.

Oh and what exactly does that image have to do with this lame-o post?
Nothing really- except that's what's been a staple in our house this summer.
Frozen grapes on a cocktail stick.
Lulu loves them and thinks of them as a fancy treat.
I also love my grapes-nicely chilled and served in a Riedel glass for my daily treat.

making lemonade

What an interestingly spontaneous week.
First of all, big daddy had an entire week of work cancelled last minute.
Which usually is not something to be too happy about- but seeing as we didn't book any time off all summer and he's been swamped up until now, we were kind of relieved and a bit excited to be forced to take a week "off".
Ah the joys of being self employed.
Also with all the rain we seem to be having each weekend, a few days off mid week to enjoy some time on the water sounded ideal.
First stop Center Island.
Now that the strike is over Lulu couldn't wait to hit a few rides at the park.
But en route, big daddy aka the skipper-suspected some engine trouble.
Yikes.
Add in some super strong winds, large waves (one of which completely soaked me which has never happened before) and barely any other boats on the water, and I was one anxious momma.
A three hour tour.....
I had images of the professor & Maryanne flashing before my eyes.
Damn I should have packed those coconuts and my trusty tool box- come to think about it, I should have worn a sequined gown.
That Ginger really thought ahead.
Anyhow we decided to head to Ontario Place instead as we were closer, and just as we docked -the engine died.
Great.
So much for a brand new-hassle free boat.
Glad we got the extended 5 year warranty.


anyhoo- we decided to take Lulu on some rides at Ontario Place seeing as we were kind of stranded there- and the lovely staff at the marina didn't even charge us the $60 admission fee.
Plus they towed our boat for free to the nearest slip.
I have to say though that the park is pretty lame for 4 year olds-(and 38 year olds for that matter)
There were only a few rides that Lulu was tall enough to go on- which was a bit disappointing.
Then again it could have just been our state of mind- either way, after a few rides we cabbed it back to our marina and called it a day.


Unfortunately the boat is now out of the water and having an entire engine overhaul.
It could be a few weeks before it's back in the water.
In the meantime what do we do?
how do we salvage our "summer holiday"?
So we decide to call here and as luck should have it-we got the very last room that they had available.
Bonus it happens to be a lake front room with a spectacular view.
Things are looking up!
So we jump in the car and book it up north for a last minute get away.




And can I just say how happy I was to get away?
it was so great.
relaxing, fun and nice to just have a change of scenery.



I already mentioned fun right?



Oh and best of all is that I had a vacation from being the usual galley slave.
No cooking, no cleaning- I could get used to this.



Lunch- accompanied by a few very cold coronas.


Dinner- accompanied by a very delicious Merlot.



hmmm...I say screw the boat, let's just go to resorts every summer....

But seriously, sometimes things don't always work out the way you planned but like big daddy kept saying all weekend- when life gives you a lemon- you gotta make lemonade.
That we did.

not quite Belguim- but almost.

I'm not a big gadget person when it comes to the kitchen.
Not that I wouldn't want to be- but space is at a premium so I've always kept it simple.
Global knives.
good pots, pans and baking sheets.
several cutting boards- bamboo, wooden with groove for meat, plastic for fruit & veg.
a couple of vegetable peelers. a certain someone insists on peeled apples and cucumbers.
mixing bowls with lids.
good graters & zester.
mandolin for my shaved fennel salad- among other things.
mortar & pestle- a la Jamie Oliver- gotta love a good bash up.
extra timer for when there is more than two things on the go at one time.
lots of tongs.
good toaster.
Bialetti espresso maker.
Laguiole wine opener- very essential.
blender- my morning smoothie must.
mini and regular sized Cuisinart.
panini press.
and now...a waffle maker.

It's small and easy to store and best of all has a timer that goes off when the waffle is perfectly cooked.
and I mean perfectly.
If you want the recipe you can find it here.
I topped it with some mascarpone, yogurt & vanilla topping just for fun.
Plus I had some extra kicking around that I want to use up.
Yum. Yum.
Best breakfast I've had in a while.
If you're in the market for a waffle maker you can find the one I used here.

How about you, what can't you live without in your kitchen?

making peace

For the past few months I've been feeling really content.
I don't often feel this way- in fact I never feel this way.
I'm usually questioning every single decision I make and wondering if I should be doing things differently.
Should I make pasta tonight or rice?
kidding-sort of.
But in all seriousness, when I worked full time pre- Lulu-I wondered- is this it?
Is life all about just working, material things and making money?
Then when I had Lulu I wondered- Is this it?
Now that I'm a mother and at home with my daughter, is it interesting and stimulating enough without my full time career?
Will I be happy staying at home full time?
In the beginning I struggled with my new identity and roll as a mother.
Then again, who doesn't?
I loved it, don't get me wrong- but at the same time I always felt so torn.
I envied my friends who had a career with a paid Mat leave- then after that time was up, they went back to work and just got on with things and adjusted.
period.
No sitting on the fence wondering when the best time to go back to work would be.
The decision was made for them.
Then again I envied my friends (all 2 of them) that stayed at home and completely embraced it.
Ran their home like a well oiled machine.
They were always on the go and out the door, doing all sorts of activities with their kids and themselves.
I was (am) so in awe of these women.
The ones that work full time- I scratch my head and wonder how the heck they manage.
And the ones who gave up very successful careers to stay at home with their kids and do it with such enthusiasm.
Me, well- I fall into a different category all together- kind of a little of both worlds.
Trying to do the odd free lance gig here and there, doing the t.v. show in the summers but still being at home with Lulu full time.
It's not that I'm complaining- in fact I wouldn't want it any other way- but it's always felt a bit like being in limbo.
Until now.
Lately I'm really feeling comfortable in my own skin.
It only took me 4 years...
I'm so blown away by how fast time goes by when you have a child.
I'm so glad I didn't rush back to the craziness of full time work and miss out on all the amazing things I've had the privilege to experience with Lulu.
I highly doubt that I would have said 10 years from now- "oh I really wish I had propped that great photo shoot"
That being said- I am starting to think about my next move as far as work is concerned.
I do miss it some times.
What do I want to do that still gives me flexibility and also satisfaction?
Still trying to figure that out I guess.
And do I even want to do what I've been doing for the past 10 plus years?
Not entirely sure.
But I do know that for the moment, I feel fulfilled and happy.
And very very lucky that I get to make this decision in the first place.

trash talk

I think it's around day 31 of the Toronto city worker- garbage strike.
For the most part the strike really hasn't affected us too badly.
Big daddy takes our trash & recycling to work where we have private pick up.
Our neighbourhood is practically empty in the summer with most people at the cottage or on vacation, so as far as I can tell things look pretty decent.
Even our neighbours who have FOUR freakin green bins have been away most of July so fortunately no smell of rotting decay wafting over our side of the fence. Yet.
Alleluia!
But that's where it ends.
I was at the R.O.M. on the weekend and I must say that Bloor St. is looking pretty shite.
The city is really screwing up big time.
This is tourist season and what kind of a message are we trying to send to people?
We are still trying to bounce back after Sars and the recession and now this!
piles of garbage in our parks and all along our beautiful Lakeshore.
welcome to Toronto folks.
Not to mention all the park program closures.
Thankfully I decided to go the private camp route and not sign Lulu up for any city parks & rec. programs.
all cancelled.
Our weekly trips to riverdale farm are no longer.
Though I must admit that I am a bit relieved that all the splash pads are closed as I've never really been a big fan of those murky petrie dishes...
I much prefer the parks with water sprinklers- and fortunately there's a few around our neighbourhood.
Not that it's been hot enough to use them. grrrr...
I know I mentioned that it's pretty nice having our own boat so that we can enjoy a crowd free and quiet Toronto island.
But it would be nice if the amusement park at Center Island was opened for all the rides for the kids.
I especially feel bad for all those students who work there that were depending on a paycheck for the summer to help pay their tuition in the fall.
Anyhow all I can say is that I'm getting pretty fed up with it.
Both big daddy & I are self employed and if we get sick we don't get paid- simple as that.
so all this crap about banking sick days and holding out for more money for the unions is very frustrating.
But ultimately it's not the union bosses that are hurting it's everyone else.
So frustrating that it seems as though our city is being run by a bunch of morons.
that's my rant for the day.
deep breath.
Not too deep though- don't want to inhale any stinky garbage fumes.

anyone else being affected by the city strike?