Happy Birthday Jackie. This day has been long anticipated. I can well imagine that when you were ten years old you were dreaming of the year 2007, when you would turn 25 years old. That day is NOW so enjoy. You are a BIG KID NOW! May you have many more birthdays. Just think, Uncle Gig has been dreaming of this day as well because he turned 50. Wow, what a milestone year it is turning out to be.
To all, reach over and give that big guy of yours a hug, a kiss and a memory of youth from days gone by. My, my, aren’t we lucky that our Valentine love has lasted this long. We don’t have to rekindle anything, the spark never went out! Feel the heat and enjoy the glow.
We’re slowly getting things done inside the house. Drywall and taping should be done shortly and then painting after that. We’re still hoping to be “Markdalites” by Feb 26! Continue reading
We are hunkering down to enjoy the warm confines of our home. It is far too cold outside to stay out for very long. Brian and I just got back from Ottawa and the Skinouk Nordic Ski Race that was held in Gatineau, Quebec. It was fun but very cold for everyone. I’m still thawing out.
Where has the time flown by. You wouldn’t recognize Mark McDonald any more, until you tripped over his size 13 running shoe left in the front hall by the front door. He is a busy guy, never home and always at the rink. Sweet to know that you can now drive yourself. With your sisters gone you now have access to a car of your own. SWEET… that’s sweet 16. Happy Birthday Big Guy. We are all very proud of you!
For those of you looking for the WOW factor, I have now discovered it. It is a dessert I made for our latest gourmet dinner party. The country we noshed from was Finland. The Chocolate Trifle is so delicious, rich, creamy and satisfying (if you know what I mean). I’d love to share the recipe with everyone, but promise me you have to make it and post your comments. It’s a keeper. Enjoy!
Chocolate Trifle Ingredients:
1 pkg fudge brownie mix
½ c Kahlua or just strong brewed Starbucks coffee
2 pkgs chocolate instant pudding mix
1 container frozen whipped topping, thawed
½ pkg miniature marshmallows
1 pkg skor chippits or crushed candy bars
Directions: Make brownies, once baked, prick top and drizzle with Kahlua. Let cool and crumble. Make chocolate pudding. Layer glass bowl with brownies, pudding, whipped topping, skor chips, marshmallows. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients. Watch the smiles on ever ones faces.
Houston, “we have new kitchen taps”. Yesterday a tradesman came to install my new Canadian Tire tap set for the kitchen sink. While he had his nose under the cupboards he also installed 3 new shutoff valves for me. Our plumbing is ancient and we needed the upgrade. Repairmen don’t come cheap, $250 (cash) later the job was done and I’m a happy camper now.
The New Year was welcomed on a balmy rainy night from the confines of a hot tub surrounded by friends and family. This was the finale for a year of mixed emotions from: challenge, surprises, change, happiness, hard work, sadness and loss. We celebrated with the last supper BBQ of 2006. Prime rib roast beef was the bill of fare ending with chocolate mousse. How delightful! Cheers to all.
Hola from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic [map]. The Bako family has just returned from a pre Christmas family fun in the sun vacation. It was a time to regroup, relax and to be together as a family. We have wanted to do this for some time, knowing that the boys are all grown up now and soon will not want to holiday with their family. We escaped to the all inclusive resort, Bahia Principe. The five star rating more than exceeded our expectations. The sun was hot, the drinks plentiful and the food was fabulous. When we had tried every drink on the bar menu, we knew it was time to come home. Continue reading
This is our first Christmas in some time with no worries of Rosemary’s store. It is much better! We have enjoyed the season much more. Building concerns have taken a lot of time but that will soon abate. We want to wish all of you the best of the season and a Happy New Year!
Hope to see everyone soon.
John & Rosemary Continue reading
