GG 1912-2011

GG, as everyone in my family has been known to call her (no, she's never prorogued parliament but she does have many Great Grandchildren) passed yesterday at 11:57 PM. I've been flooded with childhood memories of eating weekday lunches at her home, cooking and gardening with her and, in most recent years, been inspired by her energy, forthrightness and unfailing kindness.

GG, you will be missed terribly.

Fortunately, she visited our new home this past Christmas:

One of the most vivid memories of my time at my Grandmother's house was of Forgotten Cookies. Basically, its a simple sweetened meringue with chocolate chips folded in, put in a preheated oven that is immediately turned off, and you walk away until the next day and take them out. I haven't had any for decades but I made some at Christmas in honour of her visit. Half had the traditional chocolate chips, the other half had Skor bits folded in. They are still as delicious as they were when I was a kid.

Another strong memory is of the dishes she always had when we were growing up and when she was raising three boys. I have those dishes now and eat with them all the time.

P's Vest

P has finished his vest. There are all kinds of modifications and personal touches to this one. It was very complex but the result is spectacular, I think.

Making Pancakes

Is anything better than a Sunday morning?


First step: follow a recipe from a book lovingly prepared for you by your Grandmother:

Add dry Ingredients:

All the while, keep your Jack Russell entertained:

Wet ingredients:

The finished, incredibly yummy product: (Yes, I'm crazy spoiled)

Later Afternoon Sun

The Weekend So Far...

We're keeping this weekend low-key after the holiday season and a LOT of work around the house.

We started off with some AMAZING banana pancakes:

I couldn't resist taking a photo of my salt and pepper shakers to show you:

Then outside. The river is completely snow covered but I'm sure there's moving water under there.