I love kung fu!

Happy year of the Tiger!

An excursion across the harbour

I've been meaning to go across the harbour to Dartmouth and visit my friend Zane for awhile now.  It's been almost four months since he opened Two if by Sea, and as busy as he's been, he's found time to stop by and see me at work.  


So this morning, Nate and I got the bus downtown and caught the ferry across the harbour to Dartmouth.  I doubt if we could have picked a nicer day for it.  The sun was shining and it wasn't all that cold out.  


We found the cafe, a short walk from the ferry terminal.  There was one free table and we snagged the four-seater, even though we were just two.  It wasn't long before Nate had his hands on the largest chocolate chip cookie I've ever seen.  How big was it?  Let's just say in the battle between Nate and cookie, the cookie came out on top.  Not everyday you see a kid defeated by a cookie.  I got a shot of espresso, followed by a macchiato, a cup of Kenya from the pour-over station, and another Kenya brewed in an Eva Solo.


Perhaps best of all though, was the fact that we got to meet people.  Nate made friends with a two year old girl, I got to chat with her and her mum, and I even helped out a customer with a home espresso problem.  I was reminded of when I first started going to JJ on Main, even before I started working there.  It was more than just a cafe, it felt like a community centre. 


Nate and I are hoping to make this a regular excursion.

Backyard visitor

Our feeders usually attract black-capped chickadees, blue jays, downy woodpeckers, starlings, and pigeons. But every now and again we'll see a new bird, like this one.  I'm not entirely sure what it is, possibly an American goldfinch.  We keep a guidebook by the window, and I've started to take photos of our visitors to aid in identification.  Even so, I could use all the help I can get.  So, if you know what this bird might be, please let me know!

Another year gone

I had planned to post an entry for the end of 2009, or the beginning of 2010.  You know, one of those looking at the year past, or looking at the year ahead jobs.  2009 was such a big year of change for us, but the more I thought about it, the more overwhelmed I got by it. 


So here we are on the third day of 2010, and still no big year-end post.  I think that ship has sailed.  As for the year ahead...who knows, I've been too busy digging out from under all the snow we've had this last little bit to even think about it.  If nothing else, it was a nice way to get out and spend some time with the neighbours.  Truth is, I'm really glad for the exercise as well.  


But I digress.  The thing is, I've given up on my original idea.  No one needs me to go over the past year, after all you were there too!  As for the year ahead, I am no soothsayer.  Instead, I've decided to aim a little lower. 


So for my first posting of the new year, I present to you Nate and Tex.

See it hasn't been all work, we got to play as well after all the shoveling was done!  Nate actually helped build this snowman this afternoon, and didn't knock it over after we finished, that being his usual M.O.  Not a bad way to start the year eh? (I did say I was aiming low!)


Happy new year!

Quiet time

Snowing out, sounds of plows on the roads.  The walk home from the bus was straight out of a Christmas card.  Made this egg nog. Waiting for the laundry.  Christmas in a new city.  Thinking of old friends and acquaintances; I wonder where they are now and what they're doing, and if they remember me at all.  Ave Maria on the radio.  I want to call people, but don't know if I will have the words.  Another year almost over.

Holiday baking

We spent the weekend baking. I made some banana bread, and Nate helped make ANZAC bikkies and sugar cookies. He'll probably deny it, but I think Nate had a great time decorating the sugar cookies.  Patty made up little packages which Nate, Snoopy and I took round to the neighbours.


The first 36 mince-meat tarts are all gone, maybe I'll get around to baking some more tomorrow morning.

Tree trimming