Derby Day

I got flak from my baby sister yesterday...she was whinging about why I never post any more. (This, from the woman who updates her blog once a month!) It's just that there hasn't been much going on the last month...Mr.Q's had his nose in his books, studying hard for his apprenticeship course. And I've been watching a lot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, trying to keep out of his way. A routine that, while pleasant, isn't especially bloggable.

But then I went through a few of the pictures I've taken over the last week or so, and realized that maybe it is time for a post. Before I get sucked into a vortex of knitting for the next term of the Harry Potter Knit & Crochet House Cup. (Mock me if you will, but it got me that Print o' the Waves stole last time around, and it's gonna get me a light cardi to take to Portland this term!) So, here you go - some random bits and bobs from the last week...

First - I think the only thing I love as much as cherry blossom time is when the blossoms all fall, pink snowdrifts swirling in the currents from passing cars, or piling up around tree roots, or drifting like giant pieces of confetti...

A poky, aimless amble along the seawall, with Sis and her guy...watching cricket players, and a harbour seal, and enjoying the briny wind....

A reconstructed figurehead from Chinese ship that used to "ply these waters"

Saw this in a public washroom the other day - newfangled space-age hand dryer:

When you put your hands in, the strength of the air jets makes your skin ripple. It's very cool. (I'm very glad nobody walked in while I was taking pictures with my cellphone!)

(Maybe I do need to get cable? Or take up stamp-collecting?)

Tried ordering pizza from somewhere new, a wee Mom & Pop type place. First point in their favour - they found our place with a minimum of fuss - so they really are "from the 'hood". Second point - I just think it's a good sign when the guy that shows up with your pizza is a burly, middle-aged Italian. Speaks to some authenticity, know what I mean?

It was bloody amazing! Thick, chewy crust - perfectly crispy at the edge - heaps of cheese - generous toppings...mmmmm! (Capota's Pizza, for any of you in our neck of the woods. Go there!) In fact, I'm eating the leftovers for breakfast as I type this. And it's very, very yummy. So there.

Went to the liquor store yesterday for some bourbon, of all things...I have never bought a bottle of whiskey in my life, but I was on a quest. Anyway, our neighbourhood liquor store is currently in a bit of a disordered state, as they're renovating. So the selection is haphazard - and sometimes things are not there, or they're on sale...or you might find something unexpected. Like this:

Blueberry Creme liqueur...a very fine little bit of alright! I'm looking forward to mixing it with some sparkling wine, or maybe icy vodka, for a summer drink. (Or over ice cream....!)

And then there was the bourbon...

Which I actually bought for work, but had to try me a mint julep, since it was there. Which I really, really liked. A lot. (Any recipe that actually uses "muddle" as a verb, and in a technical way, has got to be cool. Next thing you know, though, I'll be at the horse races. Which, come to think of it, could be fun. And we are only a couple blocks from the race track!)

Anyway. Here's the thing. We're having a bake-off at work. And there's money involved. And I am a leetle competitive, under certain circumstances. (Like, when there's money involved!) Tomorrow's challenge is a pie, featuring apples. Now, my pie crust is decent, but nothing to write home about. So I needed a killer filling to stand a chance. I posted on one of my Rav groups, and lo! The knitters came through (With a list of recipes a mile long, each of which I'll have to try). I decided to go with the one featuring "a good slug of bourbon" as the secret ingredient.

I even went as far as getting up early-ish this morning to try a practice bake - more of a tart than a "pie" since I was too lazy to bother with a double crust...

If the smell currently coming from the oven is any indication, I don't care if I win or lose. I'm going to be in my happy place just eating this thing. And if I lose, I can always console myself with another drink. I've still got some mint left...

(Though I do think I'll have a chance at kicking some arse. I'm just sayin')

(And for the record - though he won't get official marks for a couple of weeks yet, Mr.Q thinks he finished his course with a very respectable 80%...woot!)