Productivity = A+

This past weekend was a very productive one, as you can tell from Byron's post. We both managed to get a lot done. An added bonus - the weather was beautiful out our way, which I think really helped get us motivated!

When we got up Saturday morning, this was our view off our back deck ...

the fog had rolled in overnight. It looked a little eerie but also so beautiful and I just had to snap a photo.


I figured what better way to end our nice weekend, than with a freshly baked homemade peach pie (thanks to my wonderful mother-in-law for making it in advance for us. All I had to do was bake it).

It was delicious! Thank you! Hope we have some more beautiful days like that this week!

Boler Reno - Full Day 1

So I just finished my first full day of boler reno work and got the frame off. It is not out from under the body but I should be able to get that done tomorrow, or next weekend. I had a couple hiccups, but that was due to the previous owner. I don't know if I am getting over my head with this project, but it's going to be fun. I am super sore after today so here are a couple pictures that show the problems and the progress I was able accomplish.

Boler Work after work

So after doing a 10 hour shift at work I was feeling ok and figure I should start working on the boler. So I took out the two rear benches and the water tank. Only took a hour or so but makes progress to the project. Snapped a quick picture just so I remember how bad or good this boler really is. Hope to start and work on getting the frame off over the next couple weekends.

Got to get ready to camp this summer.

Potato Kielbasa Skillet

The weather has been nice and sunny lately (finally getting some much needed vitamin D). The days are getting longer, which is such a treat for this time of the year (when it is difficult not to get the winter blues).  Last night when we were eating dinner, it was bright enough in the house that we didn't even have to turn on the lights {so nice}. Daylight savings time happens this coming weekend already (have to remember to change the clocks 1 hour forward). We will be losing 1 hour of sleep which sucks, but it is a sign that spring and the warm weather are around the corner {yippee}.

The other week we tried a new recipe. Potato Kielbasa Skillet. I followed the recipe with one exception (I added 1/2 a red pepper). It was quick and easy to make (bonus) and delicious!!

Some of the ingredients ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

The end product ...

 

 

The recipe is from taste of home - Potato Kielbasa Skillet if you want to give it a try. We enjoyed it and I will definitely be making it again!

Potato Kielbasa Skillet

Ingredients:

1 pound red potatoes, cubed
3 tablespoons water
¾ pound smoked kielbasa or Polish sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices
½ cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon pepper
4 cups fresh baby spinach
5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Directions:

Place potatoes and water in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 4 minutes or until tender; drain.

In a large skillet, sauté kielbasa and onion in oil until onion is tender. Add potatoes; sauté 3-5 minutes longer or until kielbasa and potatoes are lightly browned.

Combine the brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, thyme and pepper; stir into skillet. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Add spinach and bacon; cook and stir until spinach is wilted. Yield: 4 servings.

Hope you have a great weekend. Don't forget to change your clocks forward Saturday night before going to bed or you might get to where you're going an hour early on Sunday!

S N O W - PART 2

This past week Hugo was extremely fascinated with the snow Roxy brought in on her paws and Byron on his boots. As soon as he saw it on the mat at the back door he wanted to investigate it.

I asked Byron to bring in a clean piece from outside and this is how his investigation went down...

He touched it ...

 

... turned it over and examined the other side

He then picked it up with both hands.

 

Byron put it on his lap and he pocked it.

 

 

He watched it melt on his fingers

Then he decided to try it

 

 

 

His experience with snow this time was a lot better. He didn't seem to mind that it was cold, oddly enough.

 

10/52 - Tiny Apple + Little Hands

We were out of McIntosh apples and these were the only ones I could purchase from the Superstore. They are really tiny, but oh so cute. The perfect size for a lil man! I'm just grateful that it's the middle of the winter and we are able to find them at the grocery store. It's a bonus that they are a product of Canada and tasty!

 

 

Toronto international bike show.

So this weekend was the bike show. I like to go every year and just look at all the deals. However this year I went down with my list of wants and prices and I was extremely disappointed. I packed up the family to get there just after opening and all that went fine. Hugo slept in the 5 until Tania had to take a pee break. He was fine for the last 30 min of the trip. When we get to the show and go to park we pay 14 bucks, not bad for T. O. but that's just the start. We feed Hugo before heading in to the show and he could not stop checking out the 2 BMX kids doing some flat land in the empty spaces near us. So once we are done feeding him we head into the show and have to pay 13 bucks each to head in.
 

I had a very simple list this year. A Blue Mountain season pass for downhill, and a Hardwood Hills pass for cross country. Some tires, knee/shin pads, pedals, and I hoped 5-10 shoes. So off to find hardwood first, get there and the person know nothing about anything, says to come back in 30 minutes when another person is there. So off to blue I go (they got big plans this year), when I get there they are having issues and had to use a ipad to get my pass. All I can say on that front is apple and there auto correct sucks. Once I slapped the ipad around a bit I finished what I needed to and paid. Little painfull but I was able to manage. Next I figured I would tour the shows market place and see what I could find.
 

I am not a spandex wearing roadie, and this year's show was I figure 98% spandex loving shops. So it was hard to find anything I wanted. I found an awesome deal on an old stock 661 knee/shin padding and what I thought would be an awesome cross country tire, only problem is the tire I got was for a 29er and I didn't notice this till I got home. But me and my inability to read a package is my own fault. I am sure either I can sell it on pinkbike or it gives me a perfect reason to buy a 29er. I was unable to find a deal on pedals, and could not even find a pair of 5-10 shoes. Before we left though we went back to Hardwood Hills booth for one more try and the unknowing person said she found the forms, and to just fax it in. So I left figuring I would call Saturday and do it over the phone like other years. I have now since tried to get a hold of them 3 times and deal with their dumb website checkout that does not work. So I am thinking I might just skip them this year.
 

Over all the family was great dealing with me and my hobby, the show however sucked hard and I will not be going next year.

 

 

At the Bike Show 2013

 

 

At the Bike Show 2012

Trying to decide what bike he wants to get.