My boys are all MEN now!

brian_peter_5yrs_oldWhen I asked Brian, “what does turning 18, mean to you?” He said rats, now I don’t get free ATM banking anymore! a chip off the old banking block I guess. The boys were not too thrilled with their birthday gifts this year. They said now they could tell all their friends they got kitchen appliances and would be ready to entertain and throw a party. I got Peter the Magic Bullet Personal Blender and Brian a Quesadilla Maker. Personally I think they can make good use out of these items. I bet they will use them almost every day…hmmm now I can say “whats cookin?”
All grown-up now. My job is done.

Summer Bollywood Wedding

hinduwedding.jpgOttawa, the nation’s capital and the Chateau Laurier was the perfect location to celebrate an elaborate Hindu wedding. Our dear friends, Asha and Hiraan Perera celebrated their son’s wedding celebration in festive elegance. Hersh and Julie met their guests at the Friday night Sangeet (dinner, dance and entertainment). Saturday was a day of parading down the street to the Chateau Laurier to greet his new bride and her family. They were wed in the Chateau in a traditional Hindu ceremony and then onto the French Corridor for an afternoon tea and sweets, cocktails and appetizers were served prior to the grand entrance to the Grande Ballroom for the very elaborate dinner dance. The Bako family sat with the Butani family and we had a terrific time. The boys first wedding and they were very impressed.

Grade 12 Prom

link to prom photosGrade 12 Prom was a festive occasion. The day started off with hair, nails and makeup dates for the girls and the young men headed off to the florists to pick up the corsages and a visit to the pop shop. Shirts pressed, ties tied and it was now show time! All the parents were invited to a lovely garden party hosted by the parents of Peter’s date Stephanie. The grads organized a bus limo to take them to and from the Prom dinner dance. A group of them all met at the before party for a greet and meet and then it was off to an evening to remember.

Out on a limb

tree trimmingWith the weather, dry and sunny we had a visitor in the backyard today. We had our trees pruned and it was quite the sight to see. The arborist maneuvered the Black Locust limbs like a monkey. It cost us a bundle but it was well worth the entertainment and the tree needed the attention.

Bako’s in Kansas City

easter in kcThe whole fan damely flew into KC for Easter this year to spend the holidays with Steve. We spent Friday and Saturday watching 3 baseball games. Rockhurst vs St Louis and the Hawks took the sweep winning all threes games. Steve did not get a chance to pitch which was what we were hoping to see. He looks great and is enjoying his studies (3.7gpa). He writes his final exams the first week in May. The weather is cold and we were smart to bring ski jackets and gloves. The tulips all over the city are out but drooped in the frost. Cherry blossoms and dogwoods abound and the city looks inviting. We fly home tonight. Check out trip pictures here.

A Lifetime of Hockey Comes to an End

last hockey picturesThe boys hockey has come to an end. Their final game was played in a default as 10 players were away on their March break vacations. We learned of the loss from our condo in Florida. It was a sad way to leave the game for all these boys, this being their last year to play and for Nick to coach. I have done the final laundry. Uniform jerseys, jock strap and skates are hanging on a hook on the wall now. Sweet memories of a lifestyle, culture and friendship to cherish.

Looking for WOW Factor?

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:

trifle1 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.