As it stands, the kitchen is now minus cabinets and 1/2 of it's gyp rock. It's really sad - and for someone who is slightly neurotic like I am, a bit overwhelming when there is this huge mess that I cannot clean up. But, we picked the colour we are painting our main floor (a grey/brown called Cliffside) and we're going to look at microwave range hoods this weekend.
While we were away, we always go for dinner at Hillside Estate Winery/Bistro. Their wines are fabulous and if you sit in the right spot of the patio, you can see Okanagan Lake. We did not sit n the right spot so you are SOL for a fabulous picture view this time!
We started with the fried oysters in chipotle cream. I love love love oysters, and while these were good, I really do prefer them raw with a tiny bit of horseradish and lemon.
The requisite glass of wine - a Muscat Ottonel that is probably my favourite that they produce.
I wasn't overly hungry, but was craving pizza something fierce last week. I opted for the artichoke, eggplant and goat cheese sauce pizza. I love thin crust pizzas and this one did not disappoint.
S opted for pasta for some reason - it was 34 degrees outside! It had chicken, sun-dried tomatoes and a chipotle style cream like the oysters. I "think" he enjoyed it - he finished it....but I don't think I ever did really ask him what he thought?!
We passed on dessert and opted to hit more wineries and then go back to my parents for a nap. Truly, for the person who only gets about 5 hours a night of sleep, the daily nap was rather nice :)
And as for the stay tuned announcement from a previous post...
I, the person who abhors exercise and does it only grudgingly so I will remain a size 12 (ick)......have decided along with my friend H to train to run a 1/2 marathon next year. Uh yeah....what????????? That's what S said. But, I figure I'm turning 35 and I am pretty sure if I train for a year I can do this - I'm actually a teeny bit excited! The race is on S and my anniversary, and at the end of that 21.5 km's, there will be a fabulous dinner/party! And hopefully, all that running will take my size 12 ass to a size 10 ;) I have to work off these blog recipes somehow!
I also LOVE LOVE LOVE oysters, and that appy looks super (not a fan of chipotle, however...). All of the food looks super.
ReplyDeleteI am giving myself a year to lose about 40lbs for my brother's wedding next August. I'm not about to do any marathon training to accomplish, but I think it's do-able. Good luck with your training!
Wandering - that's less than a pound a week! Totally doable - ultimately I want to lose 30, but would be happy for 25. I'm allowing myself 1/2 a pound a week as a "guideline".
ReplyDeleteI think it's reasonable. Once I lost almost 50lbs in about 9 months and it was way too fast for my body and I began to go into starvation mode. Ungood.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your marathon planning! What an amazing experience. You can definitely do it! My mom lost 50 lbs in four months and after five years has only gained about 10 back (years which included a divorce, a move and a job change, so I think that's not too shabby!)
ReplyDeleteThe pasta dish looks fantastic. I can't imagine what the chipotle cream sauce tasted like though. When I saw the pasta I expected a creamy tomato sauce.
In any event I am enjoying your blog and cant wait to read more about your fitness endeavors!
Cathy-- you will do it. I have every confidence. You already look great and the running/training will only make you look better. Feel better too. I find it a great catharsis and when I dont do it, I miss it. (Running that is)
ReplyDeleteCant wait to see the kitchen ..
Wandering - I'd rather lose it slowly so it sticks.
ReplyDeleteMaris - thanks for stopping by! Glad you are enjoying the blog. Thank you for the encouraging words re: the marathon...I know it's I can do, but I tend to obsess a bit.
Donna - really??? Catharsis? Right now it just looks like hell ;)
I also LOVE oysters, and while I hate to say it, fried oysters is such a treat because I can shuck my own. The kitchen sounds like a great project & I think the colour sounds great! It might be hard to not be able to clean it up, but at least you get new everything out of the deal! I'm happy to hear you'll be doing the 1/2 marathon & I agree - it's not unrealistic if you start now. Good luck & keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteThanks taste, I can't wait to get the kitchen under way. I really want new appliances, but there is nothing wrong with ours right now so I'll probably wait. Shucking oysters - the one thing I need to learn to do properly.
ReplyDeleteI am a fan of oysters and chipolte! I am so proud of you and your marathon training! I know you can do it Cathy!
ReplyDeleteThanks Katherine :)
ReplyDeleteOh man, I haven't had fried oysters in forever, and that picture instantly set my mouth to watering - yum!
ReplyDeleteCate - the best part was that they were huge...they were literally the same of my palm.
ReplyDeleteWow - I love love oysters! Raw or fried....and I totally get what you said about putting weight on with blog recipes!
ReplyDeleteThank you also for following my blog - that rocks. Love your site :-)
Thanks Pierce!
ReplyDeleteI have tried many times to like oysters. This actually sounds and looks quite good. I might actually like it!
ReplyDeleteThe 1/2 marathon is a great goal! Good for you!
Ungourmet - they still taste like oysters though ;) Thanks re: the 1/2 marathon - I ran 5 km this a.m. and have a long way to go.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure yet about oysters, but those fried ones look pretty tempting! As does everything else you took pics of ... *stomach growl*.
ReplyDeleteMuneeba - they are one of those things...you either try them and love them right away or you can't stand them.
ReplyDeleteI've never tried oysters. I started to try a raw oyster at a company Christmas party one year, but somehow it ended up down the front of my dress and into my bra! After retrieving it, I decided to pass on them!
ReplyDeleteBut fried with chipotle cream? Can't go wrong there! The pasta & pizza look great too!