Last month I had a good friend come to visit me (and attend a work conference in Victoria, but yeah let’s say the main reason was to visit me 😉). Kalena invited me to come down to Victoria with her, and amuse myself while she was busy doing the conference thing. As I am easily amused, there could only be one response: HELL YES. So this month’s post is going to be about that time, and some of the wonderful things we ate and drank during her visit.
We made sure that a stop at The Butchart Gardens (enroute to Victoria) happened!
Ready to visit The Butchart Gardens! Taking the Mill Bay ferry across the inlet.It was gently raining when we first arrived. Luckily the gardens have umbrellas conveniently placed throughout, for just these occasions!This is easily the most photographed view of Butchart Gardens – overlooking the sunken garden.Not a bad place to hang out and refuel after touring the gardens! Sitting down to nosh at the restaurant at the Butchart Gardens.We split the tea tray, which was just perfect for our lunch! (That’s the Italian Garden in the background.)
We had several memorable lunches while Kalena was on a break from conference-ing (is that a word?) but my favourite meal was actually at the hotel (Marriott Inner Harbour). It was a meal for me, but a snack for Kalena as she had a gala dinner to attend!
Of course we had to start with a drink. Cocktail hour at the Marriott in Victoria. Kalena chose a glass of wine while I decided on something fancy-shmancy, for a change! There could be no other choice, for me. It was amazingly delicious!I had to order this cocktail. With a name like “The Butchart Garden”, how could I not?The top view: a work of art!Kalena: looking like a gorgeous model for a fancy lifestyle magazineDelicious charcuterie plate, at the Marriott Inner Harbour in Victoria. Kalena could only nibble at it due to the gala dinner awaiting her, but I happily chowed down. I could eat charcuterie for dinner every day!
After the conference, we had only 1 full day before Kalena had to fly back home. We decided Cathedral Grove and Goats on the Roof were two good ways to spend it.
The goats were putting on a show that day. Nice and close to the edge. At Goats on the Roof aka Old Country Market, in Coombs.What’s that, Kalena? Something about standing in the danger zone?!?!Caution stickers, available for purchase at Goats on the RoofDining al fresco for the first day of “patio season” at Cuckoo’s Italian restaurant in Coombs (behind Goats on the Roof.)Cocktail – Aperol spritz. Not too sweet and plenty refreshing!Appetizer – spicy meatballsOur lunch at Cuckoo’s. I had the Cuckoo pizza, and Kalena had a pasta dish – some kind of shells stuffed with cheese (forget what it was called, sorry…but the leftovers of both tasted great the next day!).
I think I gave Kalena a good enough “taste of the island” that she will come back to visit me again 😉. I know that I certainly enjoyed myself!
That’s what was on my plate in May! Please join Donna and myself in sharing what was on yours, either in the Comments or via the Link party (if you wish to link your blog post). Note: When this post goes live I will be traveling by plane to Ontario for a very quick visit to my hometown so please forgive me as I may be tardy in replying or visiting your blogs.
Lucky Bowser got a new squeaky toy because his mommy and I shopped at PetSmart while he was at the doggy spa last week. This dog LOVES his squeaky toys, more than any other schnauzer I have known. They must scratch his prey drive itch.
Bowser with his latest squeaky: the purple donut. He is taking it from my yard to his own. Must shake!Pure bliss.I swear I do not pose this dog.
It’s been unseasonably hot here on the island this past week. Bowser and I retreat to the coolest, darkest room in the house during the heat of midday, when there is little shade to be found outside.
Where did his head go???? (Bettie Page the Kitchen Aid is on the floor because I had to clear off the counters so my kitchen backsplash could be FINALLY installed. Still no baseboards. Another project for another day…)Wait, are those whiskers I spy?Yep. There’s his head. Bowser likes to hang it off of the bed when he sleeps. Weirdo.I always rest easier when his head is firmly placed on the day bed. Mommy is taking him to the groomer next week for a long awaited doggy spa day. Hoorah!
We hope you are beating the heat (if it’s hot where you are) and staying warm (if it’s not). Enjoy the long weekend if you’re lucky enough to be having one. We are.
Bowser here. Oma said I could write another dog blog since she’s been busy with a friend from The East (where Oma lived when she was a pup and where she had her pups).
We had just come back from walkies and Oma took this picture because she said I looked especially cute.
Oma and Mommy were talking outside, so I went to find myself something to do.
I found this great stick. So I dragged it to where Oma and Mommy were sitting so I could listen in case they were talking about me protect them from ne’er do wells.
Even though I am a big dog now – with big dog teeth – I still love to chew, especially on wood or cardboard.
Bowser invited himself over one night, after his Mommy and Daddy were back from their trip.
Suddenly he was at my patio door, in the dark and in the rain. Of course I let him in.
Make yourself at home, why don’t you? I see you brought a friend in as well.
I texted my daughter to let her know that her dog showed up at my place. Then about an hour later, I texted her again to say he was still here. She asked me if he was going to stay the night. So I asked him. And the answer was yes, apparently.
The next morning…
Sometimes your house guest just doesn’t want to leave. Luckily Bowser seldom wears out his welcome.
Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy any unexpected guests that drop in.
I probably should have titled this “What’s In My Glass” as there is nothing to put on a plate in this post, but here we go…
I have been pretty busy lately with my backyard. Buying and assembling together patio furniture; buying patio stones and sand; buying plants, mulch, soil and wood chips…and now I am at the stage of implementing my grand vision for the space. And this involves a lot of dirty, sweaty labour. That means I don’t feel like spending much time in the kitchen. But a gal’s gotta keep her strength up, ya know?!?!
Bowser supervises my work in this garden bed.
It’s protein smoothies to the rescue! I am no stranger to protein powders – been using them for years – however I have never found them to be all that good at keeping my hunger at bay. But recently I tried a pre-mixed protein drink and it’s ability to keep me satisfied for hours and “going” in the garden has been nothing short of amazing to me. Thank you, Premier Protein!
The basic start to this protein smoothie.Today’s add-ins: frozen baby spinach, collagen powder (for my aching joints 😉), Vitamin D oil (for my sun-starved hide), peanut butter (for my soul and taste buds 😁). I like to pack in as much spinach as I dare.Sometimes I add some ice to make it thicker and colder. Using ice from the cute silicone cube tray I scored as a freebie at Ye Olde Libations (Liquor) Store.Blending it all together. Please excuse the state of my manicure. Yard work…what can I say? 🤷♀️Finished peanut butter shake – Delicious! (With a many-year’s-old bubble tea straw I kept and keep re-using.) I don’t taste the spinach. Just a salty sweet peanut buttery glass of refreshment!This meal drink snack drink is a lifesaver for when you can’t spend a lot of time in the kitchen for whatever reason. Back to the garden-in-progress!
That’s it for me for this month. Please check out Donna’s post where she presents a feast for the eyes, from her recent trip to visit her son in Hong Kong. Looking very much forward to your comments!
The first couple of nights that Bowser’s parents were on vacation, he would not sleep in my bed. I think because he was waiting for them to come over from their place and take him home. He slept on either the couch or the daybed, or in his doggy bed. The 3rd night (and every night thereafter) he decided finally, that it was OK to sleep on my bed.
Yes, he had to bring a squeaky ball to bed with him.
Then, in the morning the snugglefest began.
Eventually, I had to drag myself away from all the cuteness and start the day.
I found out when caring for Bowser full-time just how much of a snugglebug he is in the mornings. I’d be at the computer and he would beg to be picked up and held. Of course – your wish is my command! 🤣
Note to self: run a damn comb through your hair first next time, OK?
Wait, says Bowser. Let me answer one more email!
I decided to mimic his yawn AND take this picture. Not sure why.
Heavy is the head that wears the doggy crown.
So many cute closeups of my pal! Makes my blogger’s heart very happy.
