Share Our Lives: 5 Favourite (And Least Favourite) Foods

Today with the Share Our Lives bloggers, we're talking about our 5 favourite (and least favourite) foods. The Share Our Lives bloggers are Sarah, Dara, Joanne, Adrienne, and Jen. (Click on each name to go their blogs.) Some of my favourite foods are very specific and others are just general categories. And these are in no particular order.

Favourite foods

1) pizza 

Dave said I should put this for three of my top 5 favourite foods. Hahahaha!!! But I do really love pizza. Except for one memorable week in March 2022, when I had pizza four times that week, I almost never get sick of pizza.

Two memorable pizzas from this past year: left: Mushroom and black pepper pizza in New York City, August 2023; right: mushroom, basil, and pickle pizza in Stratford, Ontario, January 2024

 

2) salad

 

Another food I almost never get sick of is salad. I love it in many forms -- green salads (especially with edible flowers!), chickpea salad, pasta salad, potato salad, Greek salad -- just bring on all the salads!

3) cheese, especially wine cheese

Cheese is the main reason I could never be vegan. I don't like strong cheeses like Blue cheese or Swiss cheese but I really love smoked cheese, wine cheese, and really good cheddar cheese.

4) French Onion Soup

For some reason, I have always really loved French Onion Soup. I do make it at home sometimes but it's never as good as they make it in restaurants. There's something about all the cheesy, oniony goodness that I just love!

 

5) Farmer Sausage and vereneky

This is pretty much my favourite meal ever. Unfortunately, I only get it when we visit my mom and dad but that might be a good thing because, with cream gravy and fried onions, it's very rich but oh so delicious!

 

My least favourite foods are much less exciting. Since I never eat them, I don't have pictures of them. Again, these are in no particular order:

1) cilantro

I don't like the taste.

2) eggplant

It's slimy.

3) melons -- honeydew and cantaloupe

Ugh -- they're just yuck.

4) anything spicy

I can't taste anything because my tongue and throat are burning. It's just painful.

5) pancakes, especially for dinner.

Once in a very long while, I will eat pancakes for breakfast. Maybe.

Thanks to the Share Our Lives bloggers for a fun link up. I can't wait to read what everyone else enjoys (and will also never eat)!

Friday Favourite Moments #19

This week has been really tiring but in the best of ways -- there's been so much good stuff going on so I have a long list of favourite moments to share today.

1) Yard Work Saturday

Saturday was a gorgeous day and Dave and I did a ton of yard work all day. When I woke up that morning our grass was ankle height in both our front and back yard and you couldn't see any of our flower beds -- they all needed edging and weeding. We didn't get everything done but there was a vast improvement and I feel so much better about our yard!

Before and after of our back yard. See how the stump is clearly edged and defined, as opposed to hidden like in the first picture? Just one small improvement.

 

I was able to edge our whole front yard, including the front flower bed. It's been blooming with daffodils and yellow mini tulips all week and I just love how springy it looks!

2) Getting Inside Stuff Done on Sunday

I've talked before about how annoyed I am with how dirty our house is. Well, on Sunday Dave and I deep cleaned our room. It took over four hours and an entire laundry load of rags but wow, is our room so much better now! We moved furniture and cleaned baseboards and washed lamps and got rid of things. I smile so big every time I walk into our room now!

 

And as a bonus, I also tried a bread recipe and the bread turned out really well! I like that it only made two loaves which is about as much as my family can eat in a week.

3) My coworker is back!!!

I can't say too much about this but one of my co-workers was off for two months and she finally returned on Monday!!! Whoooo hooooo!!! It's been so great to have her back!!! She had a sub while she was away but I still ended up doing parts of her job which just added to my workload in March and April (and which was partly why work was so crazy those two months.) I'm just so happy she's back!!!

4) Fake Birthday

I didn't celebrate my birthday on the actual day as I was still recovering from Covid so we picked this past Tuesday to be my birthday celebration. Dave wrote a fun birthday blog post (you can read it here if you missed it) and we had a great day celebrating!

 

Rachel gave me a hilarious shirt for my birthday (it has a Simpsons' quote on it: You don't win friends with salad!), we went for ice cream after supper, and I ended the evening with Blog Friends Book Club!

 5) Dance, dance, and yes, more dance

It's dance performance week so I've spent two evenings at the theatre with another two to go. I've enjoyed catching up with a friend whose child is in their last year of dance and volunteering and seeing Rachel's classes rehearse! The show this year is "Beauty and the Beast" and a Rock 'N Roll theme.

Rachel, and her dance bestie, S, in their modern constumes (Mirrors in Beauty & the Beast) and Rachel in her Lyrical costume (Tears in Beauty & the Beast).

 

Jesters for ballet in Beauty & the Beast and Rock Around The Clock for Jazz in Rock 'N Roll. Rachel loves that her Jazz costume has an actual poodle on it! I can't wait to see the whole show tomorrow night!!! Tonight I'll be selling carnations and reading in between so that should be fun.

So those are my favourite moments from this past week. I think this weekend will hold some relaxation in between all the dance. I'm going to need it -- performance weeks are exhausting!

Natasha's 52nd Birthday - One More Trip Around The Bases

As is the tradition around here (see also here, and here, and... you get the idea), I am taking over the blog — momentarily, I assure you! — to wish Natasha a very happy birthday.

This year, Natasha suggested a baseball theme, as that is something she's particularly excited about this summer. Unfortunately, all of our birthday plans for last week got sidelined by illness. Much like a mid-game rain delay, we had to wait a little while before continuing with our plans.

So, without further ado, let's dive into this year's edition of Natasha's birthday blog takeover, presented in the form of a baseball game!

First inning: Favourite team
Seeing as there is only one Major League team in Canada, this one isn't too hard to figure out. Go Jays go! 

Although Natasha rooted for the Blue Jays from afar growing up in Saskatchewan, being able to go to games in person (since we live just down the highway from Toronto) has certainly increased her overall level of enthusiasm... more on that later!

Some particularly enthusiastic cheering

Second inning: Favourite player
There have been many memorable Blue Jays over the years, such as George Bell and Lloyd Moseby (in the mid-80's), Joe Carter, Roberto Alomar, Roy Halladay, José Bautista, and Marcus Stroman.

On the current team, outfielder George Springer is Natasha's favourite. He can hit for power, makes sensational catches in right field, and has a generally charming personality.

Natasha meeting Jesse Barfield at a fan event in 2019.

Third inning: Most family and friends gathered for a game
We've had a few occasions where we've been able to combine a family reunion (or small group gathering from church) with a chance to catch a ballgame.

These games tend to take on a party atmosphere for us, and it's a fun way to share the game with a bunch of friends and family... as well as 40,000 other people!

A small mob of Natasha's family; her parents are in the lower right at their first ever Blue Jays game!

 

At a game with our (not so) small group from church

Fourth inning: Favourite food and drink
As a vegetarian, Natasha's ballpark food options are a bit limited. However, give her a veggie dog topped with ketchup and a bit of relish, and she's a happy camper!

Natasha has been enjoying trying the various mixed drinks that have been introduced at the Rogers Centre SkyDome (booo, corporate sponsorship!) over the past few years, such as the "Rookie of the Year" and the "Long fly ball".

A fun drink, a ballgame, and a great view... what's not to like?

Fifth inning: Cutest fans (from the archives)
Okay, so I may be a bit biased, but in gathering material for this post it struck me that we've been taking our kids to games for quite a few years now, and surely this photo (from April 2017) deserves a prize of some kind!

Sam brought his glove, just in case a foul ball reached us in the cheap seats!

Sixth inning: Favourite baseball road trip
We have taken a number of baseball-related trips over the years, visiting Cooperstown (home of the Baseball Hall of Fame), and going to games in New York, Chicago, Detroit, and even a pre-season game in Montreal.

The winner so far, in terms of level of anticipation (several years!), miles traveled, and overall fun, was our trip to Dunedin, FL last March to see a Blue Jays spring training game. The atmosphere was relaxed, the journey there was epic, and we even got to meet Hazel Mae (part of the TV broadcast team) as we were leaving the ballpark. All in all, it was a fantastic experience!

Natasha and Rachel, eagerly awaiting the start of the Jays' spring training game

Before wrapping up this inning, a nod to a strong honourable mention: our spontaneous road trip to Pittsburgh on Labour Day weekend 2022 to see the Jays play the Pirates. It involved an absolute lack of planning, some strange noises from our car heading south on the interstate, lots of fellow Jays fans at PNC Park, and a wonderfully memorable weekend.

Natasha and Rachel getting ready to cheer on the visitors.

Seventh inning stretch: O-K! Blue Jays!
If you've been to a Blue Jays home game before, you know what to do!
If not, follow along with this handy YouTube video (the guy singing along is... quite something :), and be sure to follow along with the actions; it is a seventh inning stretch, after all!

Eighth inning: Most memorable fan giveaway item
From bobblehead figurines and place mats to sweaters, T-shirts, and towels, we've received a fair bit of free Blue Jays swag over the years.

Natasha was excited when this photo was posted to the team's Instagram feed!

Due to the tough competition, this one is a tie between the "slanket" (it's a full-size blanket, but with built-in sleeves so you can wear it!) and the rally towels that Natasha turned into pillow cases, and still hold a place of pride on our couch.

Ninth inning: Greatest total amount of fun
Saving the best for last, I wanted to emphasize just how much fun Natasha has at baseball games; between the atmosphere, on-field excitement, random contests, and danceable songs, she is here for all of it, and her enjoyment really is a sight to behold!

Clearly, picking a single "most fun" occasion is a near-impossible task, but here are a few highlights

During the Winterfest fan event in 2019 (where Natasha met Jesse Barfield),
we got to sit in the dugout, pitch in the bullpen, and lots more!

Last year we were fortunate to be at the game where the Jays clinched a playoff spot.
Natasha is doing some post-game celebrating along with the team!

Quite a few years ago, Sam and Rachel took part in the Junior Jays kids' program.

Specifically, they got to run the bases (with some parental help) after the game,
and yes, that is Natasha and Rachel crossing home plate!

Happy birthday, Natasha!
Here's to many more ball games with you!

Friday Favourite Moments #18

This has been such a weird week. In case you missed my post yesterday, I had a mild case of Covid this week and that threw everything into disarray around here. But I do have a few favourite moments to share with you. If you didn't read my post yesterday, please go and check out where I talk about my new art under "loving" and where I talk about the Jays' game under "looking forward to" because those were among some of my favourite moments this week. In other favourite moments though...

1) Medicine Ball

Am I the last person to have the Medicine Ball at Starbucks??? Because I randomly asked for one when Rachel and I went a couple of weeks ago and now I am obsessed!!! I've had three this week and they've been so appealing when not much else has tasted good. If you haven't had one yet, you are definitely missing out.

2) Planting pansies

I'm so happy I got to plant my pansies in the new window boxes my dad made for me last fall. I did talk about this in my "Currently" post yesterday, but here's a picture of me actually planting them. Every time I walk by them, I just smile!!!

3) Rachel's animal masks

My mother-in-law gave Rachel some animal print face masks for Passover and last night Rachel used the tiger one. I think they are hilarious on her!!! (Rachel said I could post this picture, by they way.)

 

So along with my Covid case being fairly mild, and the items I mentioned yesterday in "Currently", these have been some of my favourite moments this week. What made your week great?

Currently: May 2024

It has been quite the week around here. Phew. While technically today is my birthday, my May has gotten off to a rough start because I'm recovering from Covid. Blah. Thankfully, this has been a "light" case and I'm already feeling much better. Thank goodness. However, we decided to postpone my birthday and celebrate next week so look for Dave's annual birthday post coming then. Instead, today I'm linking up with Jennifer at Overflowing With Thankfulness for her "Currently" post. You can find Jennifer here.

[loving]

The first thing I'm "loving" is my art!!! A teacher at work is a part-time artist and, to celebrate getting a permanent Head Secretary position, I asked her if she could make me a piece of art in our school colours. She gave it to me last week and and I so happy with it!!! She paints the canvas and then sews it as well. The black is all thread.

On Saturday, when we had an unexpectedly free day, I was "loving" that we deep cleaned a few rooms in our house. It was nice to have time to get to some of the spaces that we have neglected for a little too long.

[looking forward to]

The other thing we did with our unexpectedly free Saturday is that Dave and I finally nailed down a bunch of details for our family summer trip and now I am really "looking forward to" going on it!!! We're going to see some friends, some family, do some of our favourite things, and explore some new places. I already know it's going to be great!!!

More imminently, I'm "looking forward to" a week of dance -- next week Rachel has dance rehearsals all week followed by her big spring performance. I'm "looking forward to" many nights of watching rehearsals at the theatre, followed by actually watching the performance itself. I don't know if I'm "looking forward to" the many hours of volunteering but it will probably be okay.

Rachel in her modern costume for the performance. More photos to come in a couple of weeks, I'm sure!

We went to our first Jays game of the season on Sunday and it was so much fun!!! I'm already "looking forward to" our next one, even though it won't be happening for awhile.

Being at a Jays game in person is really one of my favourite things!!!

[seeing]

I'm so excited to be "seeing" my lilies popping up!!! I planted them last fall and I was getting nervous when they didn't sprout with all the other flowers this spring. My mom told me to be patient because sometimes they take a year or two to establish. However, I was outside yesterday and look what I saw:

I'm also very excited to be "seeing" pansies in my window boxes!!! We've had window boxes on our house since we bought it and last spring I noticed they were falling apart. When my dad was here in the fall, he assigned himself the project of building me new ones! I love them so much and was so happy to plant the inaugural pansies in them last week.

In less exciting things, I'm also "seeing" many baskets of laundry to fold. That is often what I'm seeing around here.

[reading]

Last year I had my "spring performance book" which I read during all the dance rehearsals at the theatre, as well as during the down times when I was volunteering. I think this year I will be "reading" The Running Grave or The Frozen River. Have you read either of these books? Should I choose one over the other? I need something long to keep me entertained during hours at the theatre.

[wanting]

I'm "wanting" a weekend with no plans, and nice weather, to work on our yard -- it's needing some time and attention again. There's weeding to do, garden beds to edge, and the lawn needs mowing. I may get some time (and nice weather) this weekend so we shall see...

So that's what's up with us "currently" -- a little spring, a little sickness, and a lot of dance! Oh, and a little birthday thrown in there too, with more to come next week :)