A sunny cold day

Looking at the sunny photo alone in this suburb of Chicago, you will be deceived how good weather it is. So sunny, yet the temperature is freezing cold.

I was talking to a staff in the hotel I'm staying, he told me I should try the cold in upstate NY. Military in Alaska go their to have extreme coldness training. He was trained in the military at -40 degree F. One night, his friend was trying to pour hot coffee on him, but the coffee turned into beautiful black flakes befor they even hit him. They decided to make a few more cup of flakes. Maybe I should try that next time.

I did something great just now. I actually ate a whole golden fresh apple without my teeth feeling horrible. This is the first for many many years. I might try to buy these golden apples in the future if I want the good taste of apple.

Still, my dislike towards cilantro, century, colored contact lense, unfriendly people and boastful men still remain the same.

I am so grateful with my life now. Yes, the Hubby is 2000 miles away from me, but we can always be connected easily with a 4 hr non-stop fly. He will be coming here in two weeks time.

Work is coming to the end of 3rd week. Busy tend to make time goes by fast. Sooner, it will be September. Ah... the lovely September. A beautiful start of a fall season that will make little kitty feels so at ease. Great season to enjoy delicious mutton and yummy fish. With a nice glass of wine. Laying warmly on my heated floor. Pure bliss.

Home is 8500 miles away, but Skype has been able to connect hearts that are far far away, amazing isn't it? Mom had her birthday on March 30. All I need to do is to dial my Skype, and there she was at the other end, sounding as though just beside me, hearing me saying to her with a smile, "Happy birthday, mommy!" I was grateful for the warm and kind-hearted one to send my birthday cake to her.

Last year, she told me nobody gave her a birthday cake. It made me sad to hear that. It's ok if she has more than one birthday cake this year, I just want to give her mine. ^_^ In exchange, KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. Deal?

Okay, I hope my post is not too confusing. Winter is still around, my mind needs spring to wake me up.

XOXO, Fish Fish

Travel Photo of the Day: Temple Prayers and Offerings, Bangkok, Thailand

In Feb. 2004, I visited Thailand for the first time and was blown away by the beauty, the history, the scents (a mix of jasmine, incense and spice), the delicious food, the kind and friendly people, the incredible sights and the underlying sense of serenity, even in a frenetic city like Bangkok. The temples are a perfect example of this interesting mix. Filled with curious tourists, bustling tour guides and frantically snapping cameras, the temples are also a haven for the devoted Buddhists of the city, who seem not to be disturbed in their prayers by the buzz of activity that surrounds them.

Wat Pho (pronounced what-po; "wat" is Thai for "temple"), is the largest temple in Bangkok and the most visited as it houses the largest reclining Buddha in the world (46 meters or 150 feet in length and covered completely in gold leaf) as well as a popular Thai massage school, where students practice their skills on tired, grateful travelers at a reduced rate; massage classes are also offered to foreigners. The temple is vast and filled with breathtaking religious art and sculptures and can be overwhelming, but English-speaking guides are available and well worth the small fee. There are also palm readers, astrologers and Buddhist monks, who for a small donation, will provide a blessing for safe travel and a happy life.    

Travel Photo of the Day: Temple Prayers and Offerings, Bangkok, Thailand

In Feb. 2004, I visited Thailand for the first time and was blown away by the beauty, the history, the scents (a mix of jasmine, incense and spice), the delicious food, the kind and friendly people, the incredible sights and the underlying sense of serenity, even in a frenetic city like Bangkok. The temples are a perfect example of this interesting mix. Filled with curious tourists, bustling tour guides and frantically snapping cameras, the temples are also a haven for the devoted Buddhists of the city, who seem not to be disturbed in their prayers by the buzz of activity that surrounds them.

Wat Pho (pronounced what-po; "wat" is Thai for "temple"), is the largest temple in Bangkok and the most visited as it houses the largest reclining Buddha in the world (46 meters or 150 feet in length and covered completely in gold leaf) as well as a popular Thai massage school, where students practice their skills on tired, grateful travelers at a reduced rate; massage classes are also offered to foreigners. The temple is vast and filled with breathtaking religious art and sculptures and can be overwhelming, but English-speaking guides are available and well worth the small fee. There are also palm readers, astrologers and Buddhist monks, who for a small donation, will provide a blessing for safe travel and a happy life.    

The Royal Wedding

Somehow I started reading about Royal Wedding food themes. The L.A. Times Daily Dish blog reports that 10,000 canapes will be served, and offers recipes in case you want to have a party to celebrate the wedding. Their recipes are amazing -- flavors from many, many cultures. Probably better than the real thing. Making all 22 of them would require a nearly regal kitchen brigade, I bet, though a few of them could make a nice party.

CNN has a general report on wedding events and trends, such as the Dunkin Donuts limited-edition Royal Wedding donut available only from April 24-29. Also a description of the "groom's cake" to be served alongside the couple's official wedding cake. This will be made from McVittie's Rich Tea biscuits. And for a complete discussion and history of Rich Tea biscuits -- "invented in the 17th century for the upper classes as light snack between meals and impregnating the scullery maids" -- see this at the Guardian.

What a coincidence: I have been eating Rich Tea biscuits (though the wrong brand) for a couple of weeks -- I bought them at a grocery store when we were in Ireland. In fact, in Northern Ireland, so they really came from the English realm! I can report that they are not as sweet as American cookies -- in fact, a little tasteless compared to say, Girl Scout cookies. But there you are. The Royal Groom's Cake will contain 1700 of them, as attested by this photo, supposedly:


The best Royal Wedding Kitchen Item is a Royal Wedding Refrigerator (it's a joke from here: What’s not to like?):

The Royal Wedding

Somehow I started reading about Royal Wedding food themes. The L.A. Times Daily Dish blog reports that 10,000 canapes will be served, and offers recipes in case you want to have a party to celebrate the wedding. Their recipes are amazing -- flavors from many, many cultures. Probably better than the real thing. Making all 22 of them would require a nearly regal kitchen brigade, I bet, though a few of them could make a nice party.

CNN has a general report on wedding events and trends, such as the Dunkin Donuts limited-edition Royal Wedding donut available only from April 24-29. Also a description of the "groom's cake" to be served alongside the couple's official wedding cake. This will be made from McVittie's Rich Tea biscuits. And for a complete discussion and history of Rich Tea biscuits -- "invented in the 17th century for the upper classes as light snack between meals and impregnating the scullery maids" -- see this at the Guardian.

What a coincidence: I have been eating Rich Tea biscuits (though the wrong brand) for a couple of weeks -- I bought them at a grocery store when we were in Ireland. In fact, in Northern Ireland, so they really came from the English realm! I can report that they are not as sweet as American cookies -- in fact, a little tasteless compared to say, Girl Scout cookies. But there you are. The Royal Groom's Cake will contain 1700 of them, as attested by this photo, supposedly:


The best Royal Wedding Kitchen Item is a Royal Wedding Refrigerator (it's a joke from here: What’s not to like?):

The Royal Wedding

Somehow I started reading about Royal Wedding food themes. The L.A. Times Daily Dish blog reports that 10,000 canapes will be served, and offers recipes in case you want to have a party to celebrate the wedding. Their recipes are amazing -- flavors from many, many cultures. Probably better than the real thing. Making all 22 of them would require a nearly regal kitchen brigade, I bet, though a few of them could make a nice party.

CNN has a general report on wedding events and trends, such as the Dunkin Donuts limited-edition Royal Wedding donut available only from April 24-29. Also a description of the "groom's cake" to be served alongside the couple's official wedding cake. This will be made from McVittie's Rich Tea biscuits. And for a complete discussion and history of Rich Tea biscuits -- "invented in the 17th century for the upper classes as light snack between meals and impregnating the scullery maids" -- see this at the Guardian.

What a coincidence: I have been eating Rich Tea biscuits (though the wrong brand) for a couple of weeks -- I bought them at a grocery store when we were in Ireland. In fact, in Northern Ireland, so they really came from the English realm! I can report that they are not as sweet as American cookies -- in fact, a little tasteless compared to say, Girl Scout cookies. But there you are. The Royal Groom's Cake will contain 1700 of them, as attested by this photo, supposedly:


The best Royal Wedding Kitchen Item is a Royal Wedding Refrigerator (it's a joke from here: What’s not to like?):

Roasted Garlic Hummus

I made homemade roasted garlic hummus.  It's really easy to prepare and make.  Now I don't have to buy hummus anymore!

Ingredients:  Roasted Garlic, Chickpeas, Lemon, Tahini, Olive Oil, Salt, Paprika

Served with Savory Mini Edamame Crackers from Trader Joe's.

Roasted Garlic Hummus

I made homemade roasted garlic hummus.  It's really easy to prepare and make.  Now I don't have to buy hummus anymore!

Ingredients:  Roasted Garlic, Chickpeas, Lemon, Tahini, Olive Oil, Salt, Paprika

Served with Savory Mini Edamame Crackers from Trader Joe's.

Dubai Hotels Reviews

Finding a hotel in Dubai has never been simpler with the choice and unprecedented features available.

In the last decade some of the most flambouyant and plush hotels have been developed across the country of Dubai.Dubai has many interesting resorts to explore, featuring hotels which are both picturesque and fantastic.For example, the Atlantis Hotel on the synthetic Palm Island is an outstanding hotel, and a must see while you are over, even if you’re not staying there. The modern coastal strip of Jumeirah is OK for tourists that are on the lookout for a chilled and renowned hotel conveniently found close to the beach and close to top flight shopping and eateries.
This area also boasts the famous Burj Al Arab, one of the tallest hotels in the world.For those visiting for business reasons, the area of Burj Dubai has a good selection of hotels with meeting rooms, meeting centers and Wifi and although a little spread out, it is found close to the fiscal and commercial district. Similarly , almost all of the hotels are close by to energetic entertainment and exclusive shopping malls.Dubai is visited by millions of visitors each year but the majority are merely stopping over on the way to other destinations. But there’s such a lot to do in a destination that mixes modern beauty with old practices, that you’ll come back to Dubai particularly as it is growing each year with new structures.


It has plenty of shopping centers and attractive white sandy beaches, offering a wide selection of water based sports, or when you’re looking for a colder environment, Dubai has one of the planet’s biggest indoor skiing arenas – found in the Mall Of Emirates, so you can have a little time on the slopes, then head to the shops!.It has been nick-named the Vegas of the Middle East – while it is more the Babylon of the Modern Era.

The preferred time for flying to Dubai is during the winter which is from December to March. It also coincides that in Januaray is the Dubai Shopping Holiday , which runs for one month.Ramadan also happens in Dubai whereby it isn’t lawful to drink, eat or smoke in public between dawn to nightfall.Ramadan lasts from Mid October to the Middle of November.

In Dubai autos are left hand drive and folk drive on the right side of the road, as in the USA, Canada and almost all of Europe. So to hire an automobile in Dubai you should present a legitimate countrywide or world license. Please note, traffic rules are significantly more stringent in Dubai so familiarize yourself with the driving laws and do not forget to continually check the speed limit.Renting a vehicle in Dubai is extremely easy.
Most vehicle rental corporations can organize for you to pick up your auto at the airport, which saves you the trouble of organizing and paying up for transport when you land in Dubai. Or your rented auto can be delivered to the hotel you are staying in.

Dubai has a first class road structure making the roads safe and simple to drive on, thus leasing an auto here is definitely advisable. Also, gas is moderately cheap.There are a lot of remarkable attractions in Dubai that you don’t need to miss out on and having the benefit of your own auto means you can visit any sites you wish and at your own speed. After you have been issued with a transient driving licence it’s also feasible to drive to another Emirate state in the UAE but you need to check first with your auto rental supplier. Most of the auto rental suppliers for Dubai are trusty and offer high quality autos. There’s also an enormous range of automobiles to hire , for example luxury convertibles – to enjoy Dubai in style, or cost-effective autos for reasonable but quality transport. In addition, for those intrepid types, 4×4 automobiles may also be hired to start on a memorable desert safari.For the best online car rental rates compare the list of suppliers available.

Glitzy, glam, over-the-top and a little overexposed, Dubai lives for attention. On the surface it’s materialistic beyond anyone’s wildest dreams and by treating every visitor like a VIP, visitors respond by spending like VIPs, only to need resuscitating when the next month’s credit-card bill arrives. But this is the whole idea.

We’re talking about a city that virtually invented the ‘shopping festival’ (Dubai Shopping Festival, or DSF), the simple premise of which was to get people to travel to Dubai and spend money. With myriad shopping malls, flamboyant hotels, a dizzying array of dining options and hip clubs and bars, it’s all just too easy.

Driven by Sheikh Mohammed, a leader who doesn’t understand the word ‘no’, visitors and potential residents are flocking to this Middle East metropolis in increasing numbers with the promise that Dubai is like no other city on earth. And Sheikh Mohammed is delivering. However, whether you end up loving or loathing its ostentatious nature, under the surface another Dubai exists.

Head to the Heritage Village during Ramadan or the DSF and you’ll witness a different Dubai, where local Emiratis take joy in their songs, dance and traditions. Spend a few fascinating hours by the creek, watching the dhow (traditional wooden boat) traffic and the abras weave along the waterway while smoking some sheesha.

Walk the streets of the tranquil, restored Bastakia area or take a stroll through multicultural Karama or Satwa. You’ll find this Dubai a million miles removed from the credit-card frenzy of the five-star hotels. Whatever you end up preferring, Dubai is a fascinating experiment and a city-state that’s like no other.

Wisdom of the world - Week 142

Digging A Way Out

There's a man who has been by himself in a prison cell with a dirt floor, crude stone walls, and there's two windows one of which looks out towards the ocean. All of the sudden, he hears a scratching noise, and he looks down at the ground that is furthest away from the window facing the ocean. He sees the ground moving, and he starts to think he's losing his mind. But soon the ground breaks, and up pops a head with long hair and a beard... it's a prisoner.
And the prisoner says "Sssh. Listen. A group of us have been tunneling for about six years, and we've finally reached your cell. We have ways to cover up my entrance into this, but now it's all on your shoulders, man. All you have to do," he said while pointing out the window towards the ocean, "you just start digging here and go down about six feet and about 75 feet in that direction and there is freedom, and we're outta here!"
"Oh, I love that! That's great; I want to be free!"
"Okay, I'll check back with you in a few weeks."
Two weeks later, the pops back in to check on his friend's progress, and his friend nods back with great affirmation. "Yeah, I've done it."
So the man who was providing the instructions pops down the hole, and two seconds later pops right back up and says, "What have you done?!?!?"
"Huh?"
"I told you to dig in the direction towards the OCEAN! This tunnel that you dug goes back under the wall and into the prison yard."
"Well, the digging was easier in the other direction..."

To do list

Moving to a new city, even for only one person, is not as easy as I thought.

Emotionally, I have to prepare for everything new and unfamiliar. Which is not too bad.

Job load keeps getting more and more. Which is not too bad too, if I get to finish them faster. I do know, next week I'll need to do a lot of OT at home.

These two days, have been very busy days for me to do shopping for things I need, since I'll be moving into my apartment next Saturday. I just got the key this afternoon. Yeah!

Have been looking at all the furniture, and make note of every single one that I want, but I'll wait until when the hubby comes, to decide if those are the good choice.

Today, I went to buy my bicycle and mattress. Also, yesterday night I signed up for my internet and TV services. These three things will enable me to go to work with no problem, sleep very soundly at night and connecting with my loved ones at home early morning and late night.

Yes, I opted for riding a bicycle to work for the two weeks while waiting for my own car to finally arrive, because I figure renting a car for another two weeks really not economically wise. My apartment is just 1.1 mile away from my work place, and riding a bicycle will be a piece of cake for me. I can even walk to work during a good weather day. So yes, once I return my car this Saturday, I'll start my 2 weeks commute to work on my beautiful white and olive bicycle, which I paid $513. My most expensive investment on a bicycle to date. Hah!! Well, if compared to my extremist friend who spend thousands on a bike, my case is considered mild. :P

Another very heavy investment, my lovely bed! Oolala~~~ My most expensive mattress to date! But I want a good bed, so that I get very good sleep and well rested for the next day. No head board.

The Hubby complained I put too much investment on these two items, but hey, I depend on them for my work efficiency and performance, definitely a worthwhile investment for me.

Signed up with AT&T for my internet and TV. But I'll stick with my prepaid phone for now. I rather put my $85 per month on saving and car payment.

Oh yes, my car, that will be my most expensive investment among all the new things I have bought or going to buy. The reveal shall leave until it is delivered to me. I am sooooo excited even thinking about it.

What else? We have fitness center in the company, so I can scratch my expenditure on that every month. I got a Sony MP3 with 8 GB from Amazon, only $60, I consider it a smart investment.

Ah... I feel really good planning for my finance plan now. Once everything is settled down, I'll be my own accountant and try to maximize my monthly saving if possible. It is never too early to save more for your old days.

Hehe... that's my report about my to do list.

Till next time. I hope can show you guys my new apartment soon!

XOXO, Fish Fish

E-Yah, the Hungry Spirit

Today at the Detroit Institute of Arts we encountered E-yah, the spirit of gluttony. E-yah, an insatiably hungry spirit, appears as a tiny head on enormous wooden bowls like the two in the photos we took. These bowls were filled to the brim with food and offered up at feasts held by "an elite group of spiritual leaders of the Yankton Sioux nation in South Dakota." Ability to eat enormous quantities of food indicated a sign of spiritual power, according to the documentation (which you can see by clicking on the image).

I searched for more legends of this god and found a tale about a man on a journey who returned "looking like a specter. ... The poor fellow, delirious with hunger, fancied himself engaged in mortal combat with Eyah, the god of famine, who has a mouth extending from ear to ear. Wherever he goes there is famine, for he swallows all that he sees, even whole nations! The legend has it that Eyah fears nothing but the jingling of metal." From Old Indian Days by Charles Alexander Eastman.

A god of gluttony or famine who presides over feasts and swallows whole nations? Fascinating. Obviously the product of a very different set of experiences than that of us modern feast-or-diet humans.

E-Yah, the Hungry Spirit

Today at the Detroit Institute of Arts we encountered E-yah, the spirit of gluttony. E-yah, an insatiably hungry spirit, appears as a tiny head on enormous wooden bowls like the two in the photos we took. These bowls were filled to the brim with food and offered up at feasts held by "an elite group of spiritual leaders of the Yankton Sioux nation in South Dakota." Ability to eat enormous quantities of food indicated a sign of spiritual power, according to the documentation (which you can see by clicking on the image).

I searched for more legends of this god and found a tale about a man on a journey who returned "looking like a specter. ... The poor fellow, delirious with hunger, fancied himself engaged in mortal combat with Eyah, the god of famine, who has a mouth extending from ear to ear. Wherever he goes there is famine, for he swallows all that he sees, even whole nations! The legend has it that Eyah fears nothing but the jingling of metal." From Old Indian Days by Charles Alexander Eastman.

A god of gluttony or famine who presides over feasts and swallows whole nations? Fascinating. Obviously the product of a very different set of experiences than that of us modern feast-or-diet humans.

E-Yah, the Hungry Spirit

Today at the Detroit Institute of Arts we encountered E-yah, the spirit of gluttony. E-yah, an insatiably hungry spirit, appears as a tiny head on enormous wooden bowls like the two in the photos we took. These bowls were filled to the brim with food and offered up at feasts held by "an elite group of spiritual leaders of the Yankton Sioux nation in South Dakota." Ability to eat enormous quantities of food indicated a sign of spiritual power, according to the documentation (which you can see by clicking on the image).

I searched for more legends of this god and found a tale about a man on a journey who returned "looking like a specter. ... The poor fellow, delirious with hunger, fancied himself engaged in mortal combat with Eyah, the god of famine, who has a mouth extending from ear to ear. Wherever he goes there is famine, for he swallows all that he sees, even whole nations! The legend has it that Eyah fears nothing but the jingling of metal." From Old Indian Days by Charles Alexander Eastman.

A god of gluttony or famine who presides over feasts and swallows whole nations? Fascinating. Obviously the product of a very different set of experiences than that of us modern feast-or-diet humans.

Deal of the Day! Fairmont Afternoon Tea

Fantastic Deal of the Day!   $72 voucher for $36 for Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

http://www.dealfind.com

Usually I find that high tea is very expensive, but when you find a deal that is two for one, how can you pass it up? You just can't!

I went last time, and it was fantastic.  The scones were served warm and fresh, they tasted great with jam and devonshire creme.  The tea I had was delicious as well.  It was a lavender + earl grey combination, I forgot the name of the tea, and the flavors of the tea's slowly fading away from my memory.  I must go back soon and I will!

I will post pics after my visit!

:)

Deal of the Day! Fairmont Afternoon Tea

Fantastic Deal of the Day!   $72 voucher for $36 for Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

http://www.dealfind.com

Usually I find that high tea is very expensive, but when you find a deal that is two for one, how can you pass it up? You just can't!

I went last time, and it was fantastic.  The scones were served warm and fresh, they tasted great with jam and devonshire creme.  The tea I had was delicious as well.  It was a lavender + earl grey combination, I forgot the name of the tea, and the flavors of the tea's slowly fading away from my memory.  I must go back soon and I will!

I will post pics after my visit!

:)

Travel Photo of the Day: Colorful Flags, Ubud, Bali

In January 2004, I stopped over in Bali, en route from Thailand to Australia. Bali is the only Hindu island of Indonesia (92.3% of the island's residents follow Hinuduism, as opposed to the rest of Indonesia, which is primarily Muslim). Bali is famous for its arts, its beaches, its lush rice paddies and its music and culture. Not being much of a beach bunny, I decided to stay in the center of the island in Ubud, the artist's colony of Bali. Ubud is very different than the packed party beaches of Kuta and Legian. The atmosphere is more tranquil, the scenery greener and the people much more laid back. Several times a day, the Balinese place small woven baskets filled with leaves and flowers such as jasmine and frangipani on the sidewalk or steps of their homes and businesses. The baskets are meant as offerings to Hindu gods and ancestors and are constantly refreshed; as a result, the air is always filled with a beautiful floral scent. 

The name Ubud comes from the Balinese word for medicine "ubad" since the town was originally a source of medicinal herbs and plants. Most of the ancient health and healing arts are still practiced today and are a mixture of religion and traditional medicine. When Europeans started to arrive, the town developed a thriving artist community which continues today. Ubud is also home to the famous Ubud Monkey Forest with its Hindu temple, where 340 Crab-eating Macaques live freely. Take care when visiting the reserve though; the monkeys are incorrigible thieves (their favorite items are tourists' sunglasses and hats) and trouble-makers who like to frighten visitors by baring their teeth, yelling at the top of their lungs and jumping on people from trees.        

  

Travel Photo of the Day: Colorful Flags, Ubud, Bali

In January 2004, I stopped over in Bali, en route from Thailand to Australia. Bali is the only Hindu island of Indonesia (92.3% of the island's residents follow Hinuduism, as opposed to the rest of Indonesia, which is primarily Muslim). Bali is famous for its arts, its beaches, its lush rice paddies and its music and culture. Not being much of a beach bunny, I decided to stay in the center of the island in Ubud, the artist's colony of Bali. Ubud is very different than the packed party beaches of Kuta and Legian. The atmosphere is more tranquil, the scenery greener and the people much more laid back. Several times a day, the Balinese place small woven baskets filled with leaves and flowers such as jasmine and frangipani on the sidewalk or steps of their homes and businesses. The baskets are meant as offerings to Hindu gods and ancestors and are constantly refreshed; as a result, the air is always filled with a beautiful floral scent. 

The name Ubud comes from the Balinese word for medicine "ubad" since the town was originally a source of medicinal herbs and plants. Most of the ancient health and healing arts are still practiced today and are a mixture of religion and traditional medicine. When Europeans started to arrive, the town developed a thriving artist community which continues today. Ubud is also home to the famous Ubud Monkey Forest with its Hindu temple, where 340 Crab-eating Macaques live freely. Take care when visiting the reserve though; the monkeys are incorrigible thieves (their favorite items are tourists' sunglasses and hats) and trouble-makers who like to frighten visitors by baring their teeth, yelling at the top of their lungs and jumping on people from trees.        

  

Quinoa with Kale

Decided to cook some Quinoa because I felt like eating something healthy.  Quinoa is a fantastic source of protein! So if you wanted to give meat a break, you can just snack on some Quinoa.  

To cook the Quinoa you need to wash the dried Quinoa, to remove the bitter-tasting saponins.  

Quinoa and Kale (reddish-green kale)

I decided to make some Quinoa with Sauteed onions and Kale.  I cooked the Quinoa (1 cup of Quinoa with 2 cups of water).  Then I sauteed the onions till they were well cooked, then sauteed the kale.     Afterwards I mixed the cooked Quinoa with the Kale and Onion, and drizzled some olive oil.  I added some salt and pepper for taste.  Oh, I threw in some cilantro's too.

Go ahead, try cooking some Quinoa!

Quinoa with Kale

Decided to cook some Quinoa because I felt like eating something healthy.  Quinoa is a fantastic source of protein! So if you wanted to give meat a break, you can just snack on some Quinoa.  

To cook the Quinoa you need to wash the dried Quinoa, to remove the bitter-tasting saponins.  

Quinoa and Kale (reddish-green kale)

I decided to make some Quinoa with Sauteed onions and Kale.  I cooked the Quinoa (1 cup of Quinoa with 2 cups of water).  Then I sauteed the onions till they were well cooked, then sauteed the kale.     Afterwards I mixed the cooked Quinoa with the Kale and Onion, and drizzled some olive oil.  I added some salt and pepper for taste.  Oh, I threw in some cilantro's too.

Go ahead, try cooking some Quinoa!

New Recipe for Frittata

For 2 to 4 servings, depending on what else you are eating:

3 or 4 eggs
1 or 2 egg whites
1 to 2 cups chopped cooked broccoli
2 roasted peppers from a jar, cut in dice
Salt
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. smoked Spanish paprika or other paprika
1 Tb. butter
4 to 6 slices ham (one oz. slices), cut up
3 to 4 oz shredded cheese (like KerryGold Irish cheese or cheddar)

Beat eggs with salt & paprika; add broccoli and peppers. Melt butter in large oven-proof frying pan and add ham; cook briefly on high. Add egg mixture, turn heat to low, cover, and cook 5 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the broiler.

After the eggs are cooked but not entirely set, sprinkle with the cheese (which can be mixed with another 1/4 tsp. of paprika). Place under broiler as illustrated above, and cook until cheese is brown and bubbly. Watch carefully so it doesn't burn -- it takes around 5 minutes.

Allow the fritatta to set for a few minutes, cut in quarters, and serve:

New Recipe for Frittata

For 2 to 4 servings, depending on what else you are eating:

3 or 4 eggs
1 or 2 egg whites
1 to 2 cups chopped cooked broccoli
2 roasted peppers from a jar, cut in dice
Salt
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. smoked Spanish paprika or other paprika
1 Tb. butter
4 to 6 slices ham (one oz. slices), cut up
3 to 4 oz shredded cheese (like KerryGold Irish cheese or cheddar)

Beat eggs with salt & paprika; add broccoli and peppers. Melt butter in large oven-proof frying pan and add ham; cook briefly on high. Add egg mixture, turn heat to low, cover, and cook 5 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the broiler.

After the eggs are cooked but not entirely set, sprinkle with the cheese (which can be mixed with another 1/4 tsp. of paprika). Place under broiler as illustrated above, and cook until cheese is brown and bubbly. Watch carefully so it doesn't burn -- it takes around 5 minutes.

Allow the fritatta to set for a few minutes, cut in quarters, and serve:

New Recipe for Frittata

For 2 to 4 servings, depending on what else you are eating:

3 or 4 eggs
1 or 2 egg whites
1 to 2 cups chopped cooked broccoli
2 roasted peppers from a jar, cut in dice
Salt
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. smoked Spanish paprika or other paprika
1 Tb. butter
4 to 6 slices ham (one oz. slices), cut up
3 to 4 oz shredded cheese (like KerryGold Irish cheese or cheddar)

Beat eggs with salt & paprika; add broccoli and peppers. Melt butter in large oven-proof frying pan and add ham; cook briefly on high. Add egg mixture, turn heat to low, cover, and cook 5 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the broiler.

After the eggs are cooked but not entirely set, sprinkle with the cheese (which can be mixed with another 1/4 tsp. of paprika). Place under broiler as illustrated above, and cook until cheese is brown and bubbly. Watch carefully so it doesn't burn -- it takes around 5 minutes.

Allow the fritatta to set for a few minutes, cut in quarters, and serve:

A Beautiful Plate

Evelyn made me this beautiful ceramic plate, which I am using for the first time. The salad is apples, fennel, walnuts, and lemon vinaigrette, inspired by an item on the menu where we ate tapas. (We didn't order this one, I was inspired by the description only.)

Another view of the plate, this time with cheese-filled (though leaking) meatballs:

A Beautiful Plate

Evelyn made me this beautiful ceramic plate, which I am using for the first time. The salad is apples, fennel, walnuts, and lemon vinaigrette, inspired by an item on the menu where we ate tapas. (We didn't order this one, I was inspired by the description only.)

Another view of the plate, this time with cheese-filled (though leaking) meatballs:

A Beautiful Plate

Evelyn made me this beautiful ceramic plate, which I am using for the first time. The salad is apples, fennel, walnuts, and lemon vinaigrette, inspired by an item on the menu where we ate tapas. (We didn't order this one, I was inspired by the description only.)

Another view of the plate, this time with cheese-filled (though leaking) meatballs:

Niagara Falls Hotels 2009

Niagara Falls is made up of three waterfalls. The Horseshoe Falls sends about 2.5 million litres of water over the edge every second.

In 2003, a US tourist survived an unaided plunge over the Horseshoe Falls, also in an attempted suicide. He eventually joined the circus as a stunt man.
The spokesman said police have closed their investigation and concluded that the Canadian man, initially identified as an American tourist, was attempting suicide and no charges will be pressed.

The man resisted efforts to be rescued and was naked when he was pulled from the frigid waters below the falls in front of hundreds of tourists.

Police said the man was dressed when he jumped in the water but that the force of the powerful waterfall is enough to strip the clothes off someone.
A young boy also survived a fall in 1960 after the boat he was in capsized.

Decades ago, daredevils would tempt fate and venture over the Horseshoe Falls in barrels or other protective devices - often without much luck.
But stunts at the massive waterfall are much less common, with the last known attempt in 1995 when an American man attempted to ride a jet-ski over the falls and trigger a parachute. His body was never recovered.
The man, who was swept over the roaring 51-metre falls after jumping into the Niagara River, was treated for hypothermia, shock and cuts to his forehead.

He is just the second person to live through an unaided, intentional plunge over the falls.

"The male is conscious and he has been upgraded to a stable condition, and doctors are telling us that he is expected to make a full recovery in the near future," said a spokesman for the Niagara Parks Police.