Category Archives: Food and Cooking

A walk in my shoes

31 Saturday Jul 2021

Posted by in community, Food and Cooking, Health, philosophy

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It’s the last weekend of July. Not being a summer person, I am not sad to see us enter into August then the cool, crisp days of the Canadian autumn.

New discoveries

This is the type of weather perfect for hiking or just taking long walks. Who knows what you will find if you explore a little farther in your community. Last Friday night I discovered an Indian Supermarket in one of the plazas. I entered, mask-on with intentions to satisfy a craving, to purchase prepared Butter Chicken and Korma sauces, but came out with a few extras including cookies and snacks.

Indian cooking sauces and snacks

In the moment

On my way home, I felt joy when I stopped to witness the evening sun’s rays bursting through trees in a nearby park. It was magical. It was bliss.

I was in the moment, stopping to appreciate the evening sun bursting through the green foliage.

Seconds later I encountered a neighbour from the old apartment building who was approaching along the sidewalk. We stood at a distance to chat, share news of our respective families. I had to cut the conversation short to scoot home in time to watch one of my favourite TV shows.

If you are venturing out by foot around your communities this long weekend, here are some projects you can participate in:

Protocols and Gratitude

I continue to work from home. I have almost everything I need within walking distance. That suits me just fine as we are still navigating through this COVID-19 pandemic. My household is taking no chances; we are content with staying close to home, away from crowded places and careless individuals. There is no wanderlust or protests about freedom here.

This pandemic and government restrictions have provided us with the opportunity to evaluate our needs, our values and appreciate the time for reflection.

Now if we could remind people who also are walking on streets with no sidewalks, that you are supposed to walk facing traffic! As my dear old Dad used to say, “Walk facing traffic so you can see what’s going to hit you!”

Thanks for stopping by.

Stay safe. Be kind.

T

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When will I dine in a restaurant again?

05 Sunday Jul 2020

Posted by in community, Food and Cooking, Health, pets, philosophy

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I miss those monthly gatherings with friends in one of our favourite restaurants, whether in small groups or as a one-on-one birthday lunch celebration.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been cooking at home, preparing meals for family or just eating by myself while the cat looks on.

I doubt I will visit a restaurant until this pandemic has passed and we have a vaccine. I feel for the many people in food services affected by restaurant closures and losing their income, but I also have no desire to order for delivery, even from my favourite pizza joint. It’s not worth the risk of transmission.

How about you? What are your thoughts about restaurant dining or ordering take out again?

Thanks for dropping by.

T

Presenting a blog entry from another realm and era, a tale about dining out with friends, tolerating sub-par service, and a reminder of the importance to be kind.

Six weeks into the pandemic lock-down

26 Sunday Apr 2020

Posted by in community, Food and Cooking, Health, philosophy, Warm fuzzy, writing

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It has been one month since my last blog entry. 

The days and weeks blend together like a blur while in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here’s my status update:

  • Still alive and in relatively good health (physically and mentally);
  • Still performing remote IT support work and getting paid;
  • Got my bedroom back after one offspring decided to return to his rental;
  • I am thankful for the remaining offspring who is good company, a big help with getting groceries and doing other chores;
  • Cooking a lot of hearty meals to share and use for plan-overs;
  • Spending more time on the phone, chatting with family and friends;
  • Handed in my final exam for one part-time college course (essay questions – yuck);
  • I trimmed my own bangs.

As a Canadian, I am proud of and I trust the efforts made by our Governments and public health advisors in keeping us updated on the pandemic issue. Politicians at all levels seem to be putting aside their partisanship and are working together to battle this common enemy.

I am in no rush to return to the buses, the office, restaurants, coffee bars and beauty salons.

little blonde jots words of wisdom - introvert during pandemic

Little Blonde Jots – Words of Wisdom

If you appreciate shorter bursts of observational wisdom, you might like the Little Blonde Jots photo series.

Suggestions / words of wisdom: 

  • This is bigger than all of us and our problems in comparison. As we manage our own anxieties, we need to keep things in perspective;
  • Keep in contact with family and friends (Ring, ring: Canadians are calling each other a lot more during COVID-19 pandemic, telecoms say – https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/canada-phone-covid-19-1.5540075);
  • Don’t watch the news too often – especially press briefings with the big mouth to the south! As incredibly stupid as it is, don’t expose your sensibilities to his rants.
  • Get fresh air, move your body and.. wash your hands.

See you in another month.

Thanks for dropping by. Take care of yourself and each other.

T