Dinner's Ready!

My mom brought home a recipe from Argentina...and I love it.  Whenever I am yearning for a comfort food -- this is what I make.

It's translated Easter Pie, not sure how to spell it in Argentinian Spanish....I know it starts with Torte.  :)

So, I start by making a baking powder biscuit base.  And putting it into the greased base of a 13x9 glass pan.  Into the oven at 350 degrees.

Then, I boil eggs.

 

I grated cheese....

 

 

 

 

I microwave the spinach from frozen.

And then I cover the baking powder biscuit base with tomato sauce.  And then I cover it with spinach.  Today, I used frozen chopped spinach, but I have used fresh before.

Then, I mash the hard boiled eggs and then I cover the previous layers with the eggs.

And then I cover it all with cheese, literally whatever cheese I have in the house, today it was cheddar.

 

Then it goes back into the oven at 350 until the cheese melts and the casserole reheats.  The bonus to this is that it's already mostly warm!

The Horie Family Farm...whatev.

So this is the farm post.  After this years success, we will be doing this again, and probably on a larger scale next year.

We tried to grow potatoes this year.  When I say try, I mean it.  I bought 3 1/2 oak barrels and filled them with dirt.  We filled 2 with tomatoes and the last with potatoes.

Here was our first little potato.  He kinda rose to the top, so I took him out.

 

Here's our batch of potatoes.

Odd shapes and sizes.....only an amateur farmer could love!

 

 

Our tomatoes looked like this:

 

 

We rescued this plant from Canadian Tire.  I went in a week before and the plant was $35.99.  I thought, not in my lifetime....The following week, I went back the plants were nearly dead at now $6.99.  More like it.  So, I took it home, replanted it and started lovingly taking care of it.

 

 

During the summer we had ourselves a bounty of fresh tomatoes:

 

 

It was awesome to have all this fresh produce.  So much so I shared it with my coworkers:

 

 

The little cricket is an addition from my boss, she went to a candy store in Chemanius and brought us flavoured crickets....along with other candy from our childhood!

 

 

Oh and,

 

We also grew blueberries.  I've always wanted to grow blueberries, they didn't like the Kelowna weather much.

 

 

 

 

Happy 4th Victorian Anniversary

It's ridiculous to think that this anniversary is upon us.  I mean, it's been 4 years.  (August 13, 2011-August 13, 2015).  It's been a ridiculous, amazing, frustrating, tearful, joyful, 4 years.

Every year that we reach this anniversary, I have a conversation with God that goes something like this.  Really?  I know that you have this all under control, but really?

So, we left behind in Kelowna so many things that makes my heart grieve when I think about it...but I don't want to even go there.  My heart still longs for Kelowna, so I won't dwell on that.

This post, will dwell on Victoria.

I have completely loved spending time with Kent, that part of this life has been amazing.  This is truly the reward of staying married through the "kid" years.  And we are making the most of it!

I love my job and I have amazing coworkers.  I can't sing the praises enough of the team I am a part of.  I'm quite sure that I will not be leaving there.  They'll have to open up the floorboards and bury me there.  I am never leaving.

To be completely honest--this has been the most lonely 4 years of my life.  We have joined a church, we have coworkers, but that true friendship is really lacking.  We have people to do things with.  We also watch our "friends" get together and have watched on the sidelines, thanks to Facebook and wonder why we weren't included.  We've been told things like, we always do XXX with YYY.

I'm not sure we're in the right church.  That's the honest, heartfelt truth.  We've missed more church in 2015 than we probably have in our adult lives--but no one seems to notice, especially the Pastoral Staff.  I mean, we've dealt with a life threatening illness, 2 bouts of unemployment and the only calls/emails we get are can you do this or that?  Seems unfair. 

Seems like Pastoral Care has gone the way of the Dodo Bird.

 

Truly, I blame this on the Pastoral Staff of EC in West Kelowna.  They really spoiled us for what true, caring, devoted and loving Pastors look like, what they act like and what they love like.

 

The other part of church that sucks is that people we have made genuine friendship with have moved...like Rob and Chelsea Penny and Kevin and Mary Jane Smith.

 

The upswing for church is this:  Val and Glenn Fuller and my Sister-in-law Cheryl and her husband Randy.  I know in them there is genuine loving friendship.  They are encouraging, grounded and loving.  We have a lot of acquaintances--we could sit with anyone, but outside the walls of the church, or a church service, we're pariah.

 

Which spins of a unhealthy part of my life.  I hermit.  I hide.  I love the quiet of home, a good book, tea.  At times, I could go a whole week without leaving my house....easily.  So I convinced myself if someone says, let's go for coffee.  I go.  If someone says, lets do XXX or YYY, I do it.  No matter how much I want to go home and sit with my book.

 

The last trip Kent took he was away for a week.  I realized that aside from our social life with each other I need to get out of this house and meet some people.

 

So, I looked into art classes, gyms, drop in Yoga or Pilates, book clubs, piano lessons and a community bible study.  My plan for September is to do something for me to be OUT of this house and meeting people in Victoria. 

Enough is enough.  Watch out Victoria.....I'm coming for you.

 

 

Happy 50th Birthday Kent

He's 50 today.  I'm not quite sure how this happened, but he's actually 50 years old tomorrow.
 
A number of years ago, I gave Kent a gift, 52 reasons why I love him, I put each of the reasons on a playing card, and gave it to him on a ring. 
  

 
Kent's love language is words of affirmation--so, for his birthday, here's 50 reasons (in random order) why I love him.
 

1. You make me laugh lots.
2.  You always, always kiss me good night.  Even when you aren't here, you'll text me a kiss good night.
3.  You help around the house.  Division of labour around here isn't equal--you do so much more than you need to.
4.  You never, ever, ever forget important dates.
5.  You put family first, including all our adopted children.
6.  You are my soft place to land.  I never have to fear that you won't be there for me.
7.  You will watch girly shows with me.
8.  You always tell me I am beautiful and make me feel that I am.
9.  You make our bed.  I used to think it was a fairy, but I know the truth...it's you.
10.  You let me have Pippin.  Let's face it, he's not easy, although very cute.  He was a difficult dog right from the beginning...thank you.
11.  You love God and you love me.  Both relationships are important to you to maintain, nurture and grow.
12.  You always stand by my side so my introverted and insecure self never has to feel alone.
13.  You leave me random notes to tell me you love me.
14.  Maxwell, Melissa and Jonathan and Jack.  You made me feel that I could be the Mother I didn't know I could.
15.  You always make me coffee when I want it or need it.
16.  You can finish my sentences.
17.  You are perfectly imperfect. 
18.  You can fix anything and everything around the house.
19.  You stare lovingly at me.  I've seen it--don't deny it.
20.  You want God's utmost for our family.
21.  You provide for our family.
22.  You kiss me right away when you get home.  Always.
23.  You are a fabulous BBQ'er.
24.  You call me just to say hello.
25.  You sing.  I love, love, love to hear you sing.
26.  You accept me for me and you also push me to be my best.
27.  You make me think positive when I am not.
28.  You make decisions when I can't.
29.  You can make me smile for no reason.
30.  You make our house a home.
31.  You try to better our relationship every day.
32.  You send me random loving texts.
33.  Your love for me is endless.
34.  You even loved my bald head.
35.  You like to surprise me with little things.
36.  You're going to be crazy silly with our grandkids.
37.  You still dream with me about our future.
38.  You are an amazing Dad for our kids.
39.  You always want to be close to me.
40.  You are proud to have me as your wife.
41.  You always look for the best in every person and situation.
42.  You took amazing care of me when I was sick.
43.  You love my family.
44.  You're not afraid to be silly.
45.  You always hold my hand when we are walking.  You open doors for me.  You are a real gentleman.
46.  You make me feel safe, always.
47.  You don't dis me when I am a bum.
48.  You always calm me down.
49.  You can talk to me about anything.
50.  You read my blog and you like it.

 
 One thought I've had floating around my head as we reach these milestones, is one lifetime is just not enough.  I know that we are 'closer to the end' than we are to the beginning.  This saddens me -- that I only have one lifetime with you.  I do focus on this, that this time in our lives, we have so much time to spend with each other--so we will take advantage of that.

I will love you my whole life, you and no other.

May 19 - London to Vancouver to Victoria

If I can't be in the UK, I might as well be home.  So, resolved to the fact that the hours were dwindling down--I might as well get ready to go home.

 

 

Kent and I had thought that on our last trip we'd like to renew our wedding vows.  We didn't do it in 2013 -- so we decided that we would do it on this trip.  So in a quiet moment - it went down like this:

 

Kent:  I will love you my whole life.

 

Kim:  You and no other.



 

And we meant it.

 

We exchanged rings, a silver band with a Trinity and a Scottish thistle.

 

 

We packed up our place, cleaned it--let the next family in and we were off to our favourite little place, South Ealing.  We had lunch at the New Inn, that looks old  and hung out there for a bit before heading to the airport.

 

We were checking into our flight when we were given the option of a lifetime!  We were asked to give up our seats and stay in London for another day.  The compensation was ridiculous.  Max jumped at the chance as he didn't have to rush home to work.  Kent did--and I decided quickly 3 things:

 

1. My place is with Kent
2. Max deserves an adventure like this alone
3. I don't want to rush back to work exhausted

So, we continued checking in and Max went onto talk to the people about the 'deal' he had been offered.

 

We went onto Security--which they don't like playdough, just a heads up...I was put in a side aisle a secondary security check.  I was there for a full 25 minutes while they changed staff 3 times.  Finally, I was called forward--and they asked me why I had playdough.  I explained it was for my son, who was currently, possibly being put on another flight.  (Strange face) and I explained, my son is 21....

 

They don't mind colouring books and felt pens.

 

Kent and I went to buy some Baileys for a friend (who asked me to bring some home) and at that point we got separated.  I thought he should stay out of the duty free stores as they are really stinky with perfume.  There are so many people in the airport--I think he looked down when I walked out and that was that.

 

We found each other at the gate--where we met up with Max, who wasn't chosen to board the flight for tomorrow.

 

Our flight was uneventful.  We made it back to Vancouver, technically in minutes.  We left Heathrow at 5:55 and landed in Vancouver at 6:40.  We gathered our bags and headed to customs, and to the taxi. 

 

On to the ferry and we were home and in bed at 11:30 or so.  Up at 7:30 am in London in bed at midnight in Victoria.  Same day.  I had a small cat nap on the flight about 20 minutes or so and woke up completely wrecked!  Kent convinced me to try again and I slept for about 40 minutes.

 

The next day, I didn't feel bad at all.  The following day, I didn't feel bad at all.  It seems I have mastered (fingers crossed) jet lag...at least to and from the UK.

 

Last visit through South Kensington Station

 

Subway map?  It's not that confusing....

 

Waiting for the train to Heathrow at South Ealing....a storm is rolling through

 

By the time we got to the airport, it was pretty serious looking!

 

So long London!  We'll be back!

 

And, free ferry tickets to get home.

 

May 18th - Sickness and Ealing Broadway

Today was a sad day, Max woke feeling really sick.  He stayed in bed at the flat.

Then, Melissa and Jon headed out to the airport, to fly back to Saskatchewan.  Bummer.  We had a group hug and prayer in the kitchen with tears...and with that hugs and love was given and they were on their way to London Heathrow.

As I had walked out of my shoes, Kent thought I should go do some shopping and I had promised to pick up some stuffs for friends back in Canada that were longing for things from the UK.

We shopped in Ealing Broadway and then we went to Leicester Square -- found Chinatown, and Shakespeare.

 

 Cutest clock gifted to the city by the Swiss

 

Reminded me of Bella Seward....

May 17th - London

The outside walls of The Tower of London

 

Our very own Beefeater

 

The view of the Tower Bridge from Traitors' Gate

Beautiful Door!

 

The White Tower

 

The oldest part of the Tower

 

 A Good Year!

 

Tower of London Grafitti

Max, Melissa and Jonathan

The Chapel In the Tower of London...no pictures please...but Kent took these anyway!

 

My favourite people

 

Tower Bridge Selfie--I was actually there!

 

We were actually there!

 

Someone took my camera...and took a selfie!

 

My beefeater and me!

 

This trip, I literally walked through a pair of shoes!

We stood in line outside Westminster Abby for a service.

 

 

Then we went to Buckingham Palace to take in the sights and.....

 

Climb statues!

 

Buckingham Palace Selfie!

Max and the Tower Bridge

 

Melissa and Jon at the Tower Bridge