Menu Plan Monday - April 13

I've gotta get out of this shopping-every-day rut that I have fallen in to.  This morning, I made my Mon-Thurs menu plan and did a full shop.  I will still need a couple of things that I couldn't find (goat milk, in particular, for Michael) but I can pick that up when I'm doing a karate run tomorrow.

Monday:  Chili-Lime Chicken, broccoli, red fingerling potatoes.

Tuesday:  Shrimp & veggie stir-fry, rice.

Wednesday:  Marinated and grilled flank steak for burritos, refried beans, homemade guacamole & pico de gallo

Thursday:  Smoked salmon and brocolli quiche, salad.

Friday:  chef's night off.

Menu Plan Monday - April 13

I've gotta get out of this shopping-every-day rut that I have fallen in to.  This morning, I made my Mon-Thurs menu plan and did a full shop.  I will still need a couple of things that I couldn't find (goat milk, in particular, for Michael) but I can pick that up when I'm doing a karate run tomorrow.

Monday:  Chili-Lime Chicken, broccoli, red fingerling potatoes.

Tuesday:  Shrimp & veggie stir-fry, rice.

Wednesday:  Marinated and grilled flank steak for burritos, refried beans, homemade guacamole & pico de gallo

Thursday:  Smoked salmon and brocolli quiche, salad.

Friday:  chef's night off.

The story of a small dog and his spe-shul holiday weekend.

I spent the aftenoon cleaning up dog puke after Wilson got into a bag of Easter chocolate.  Luckily, he vomited so copiously that a vet call wasn't necessary.  He was doing, all on his own, what the vet would have induced.  Unfortunately, he seemed to prefer carpets and a hard-to-reach-corner under Alex's bed.  

All is back to normal now.  

Easter celebration details to follow.  I need to get some sleep after the four-liturgies-in-four-days choir marathon that was the weekend!  

Up early tomorrow to take Alex to the movie set.

The story of a small dog and his spe-shul holiday weekend.

I spent the aftenoon cleaning up dog puke after Wilson got into a bag of Easter chocolate.  Luckily, he vomited so copiously that a vet call wasn't necessary.  He was doing, all on his own, what the vet would have induced.  Unfortunately, he seemed to prefer carpets and a hard-to-reach-corner under Alex's bed.  

All is back to normal now.  

Easter celebration details to follow.  I need to get some sleep after the four-liturgies-in-four-days choir marathon that was the weekend!  

Up early tomorrow to take Alex to the movie set.

Film Fun - Part II

Alex got a call and email from the casting company for his upcoming stint as an extra.  The email had details about wardrobe requirements.  The scenes are set in winter, and he needs to be wearing his school uniform, plus bring two sets of winter outerwear (jackets, scarves, hats, boots, etc) and two sets of (winter) street clothes.  There are some specifications about colours of the clothing and a directive of "no logos".   No cellphones and no personal cameras on the set....a big disappointment to all the lads, I'm sure!

We had been advised that, because he is under 18, he would need a guardian on set for the entire day.  This struck me as odd.  This boy has a driver's permit, has travelled internationally on his own, and will be heading off to university in a few months.  I haven't acted as a "guardian" for these types of things for years.  (I still do his laundry and cook his meals, though!)

The casting company sent a second email today advising that they had checked with ACTRA and extras over 16 don't need a guardian so, other than getting him to the set at 6:20 a.m. on Monday morning, I'm off the hook.  I'm assuming that they got some pushback from other parents on this topic and decided to determine what the actual regulations are in this respect.  I was not looking forward to cooling my heels for 12-14 hours on Monday.

Sounds like a fun day for a 17-year-old though!

Good Friday

Another quiet and moving liturgy today.  Entering the church to the empty tabernacle never ceases to take me aback, and this afternoon was no different.  The silent procession and the prostration of the priest and deacon are also very emotional moments.

St John's Passion Narrative was read and the choir sang the crowd responses.  An unaccompanied soloist sang the spiritual Were You There while the offering was collected.  This was followed by congregational singing of O Sacred Head, Surrounded, one of my favourite hymns that regularly brings me to tears.

During communion, the choir sang When David Heard by Thomas Tomkins, an achingly beautiful piece that was somewhat under-rehearsed (and showed it).  Check out this YouTube version. Warning:  there are some heartbreaking images as you get in to the video.  The text of the piece is roughly 

When David heard that Absalom was slain, 
He went up to his chamber over the gate and wept; and thus he said:  
Oh my son, Absalom my son.  
Would God I had died for thee.

The liturgy ended with veneration of the cross while the choir sang The Old Rugged Cross.

Film Fun - Part II

Alex got a call and email from the casting company for his upcoming stint as an extra.  The email had details about wardrobe requirements.  The scenes are set in winter, and he needs to be wearing his school uniform, plus bring two sets of winter outerwear (jackets, scarves, hats, boots, etc) and two sets of (winter) street clothes.  There are some specifications about colours of the clothing and a directive of "no logos".   No cellphones and no personal cameras on the set....a big disappointment to all the lads, I'm sure!

We had been advised that, because he is under 18, he would need a guardian on set for the entire day.  This struck me as odd.  This boy has a driver's permit, has travelled internationally on his own, and will be heading off to university in a few months.  I haven't acted as a "guardian" for these types of things for years.  (I still do his laundry and cook his meals, though!)

The casting company sent a second email today advising that they had checked with ACTRA and extras over 16 don't need a guardian so, other than getting him to the set at 6:20 a.m. on Monday morning, I'm off the hook.  I'm assuming that they got some pushback from other parents on this topic and decided to determine what the actual regulations are in this respect.  I was not looking forward to cooling my heels for 12-14 hours on Monday.

Sounds like a fun day for a 17-year-old though!

Good Friday

Another quiet and moving liturgy today.  Entering the church to the empty tabernacle never ceases to take me aback, and this afternoon was no different.  The silent procession and the prostration of the priest and deacon are also very emotional moments.

St John's Passion Narrative was read and the choir sang the crowd responses.  An unaccompanied soloist sang the spiritual Were You There while the offering was collected.  This was followed by congregational singing of O Sacred Head, Surrounded, one of my favourite hymns that regularly brings me to tears.

During communion, the choir sang When David Heard by Thomas Tomkins, an achingly beautiful piece that was somewhat under-rehearsed (and showed it).  Check out this YouTube version. Warning:  there are some heartbreaking images as you get in to the video.  The text of the piece is roughly 

When David heard that Absalom was slain, 
He went up to his chamber over the gate and wept; and thus he said:  
Oh my son, Absalom my son.  
Would God I had died for thee.

The liturgy ended with veneration of the cross while the choir sang The Old Rugged Cross.

Holy Thursday

The Holy Thursday litugy was solemn and beautiful.  I was particularly moved by the readings; the lector was new to me (perhaps she reads at a different Sunday service than the one I normally attend) and her reading was clear and well-paced.  

Processional:  Christians, Let Us Love One Another (Picardy)

During Foot Washing:  Ubi Caritas (in latin)

During Offering of Gifts:  To Thee O Lord (Rachmaninoff) (mp3)

During Communion:  Tantum Ergo (Durufle) (YouTube)

After communion, the blessed sacrament was processed around the church while everyone sang Pange Lingua (YouTube).  I was pleasantly surprised, as I processed with the choir, to hear so many parishoners singing this chant with great fervour.  I guess, not being a cradle Catholic, I am unaware of how much these traditions become part of those who have grown up in the Church.

Holy Thursday

The Holy Thursday litugy was solemn and beautiful.  I was particularly moved by the readings; the lector was new to me (perhaps she reads at a different Sunday service than the one I normally attend) and her reading was clear and well-paced.  

Processional:  Christians, Let Us Love One Another (Picardy)

During Foot Washing:  Ubi Caritas (in latin)

During Offering of Gifts:  To Thee O Lord (Rachmaninoff) (mp3)

During Communion:  Tantum Ergo (Durufle) (YouTube)

After communion, the blessed sacrament was processed around the church while everyone sang Pange Lingua (YouTube).  I was pleasantly surprised, as I processed with the choir, to hear so many parishoners singing this chant with great fervour.  I guess, not being a cradle Catholic, I am unaware of how much these traditions become part of those who have grown up in the Church.

Film Fun

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is currently filming in Toronto and Alex has been cast as an extra! His school is being used as a location in the film, and the casting agency was in the cafeteria one day last week signing up some of the lads for filming next Monday.  Because he's under 18, they couldn't take his photo at the school, but he filled out all the paperwork and emailed them a photo from home. Sunday night he got the word that he was cast and that they'd call him Friday with further details.

Needless to say, he's ecstatic.  The film stars Michael Cera (Superbad, Juno) and is directed by Edgar Wright of "Shaun of the Dead" fame.  

Watch for this guy!

Film Fun

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is currently filming in Toronto and Alex has been cast as an extra! His school is being used as a location in the film, and the casting agency was in the cafeteria one day last week signing up some of the lads for filming next Monday.  Because he's under 18, they couldn't take his photo at the school, but he filled out all the paperwork and emailed them a photo from home. Sunday night he got the word that he was cast and that they'd call him Friday with further details.

Needless to say, he's ecstatic.  The film stars Michael Cera (Superbad, Juno) and is directed by Edgar Wright of "Shaun of the Dead" fame.  

Watch for this guy!

Guerilla Dance

Over the past two days, I have come across two wonderful videos of what  I have termed "Guerilla Dancing".  Joyous to watch.

The first is in Liverpool Station.  H/T to The Deacon's Bench.

And here's how they made it.  Well worth a look, just for the reaction of a few of the onlookers in the last segment of the video.

The second is a promo for a reality show "In Search of Maria" in Antwerp. A similar show has run on the BBC and in Canada.   H/T to Mental Multivitamin.

Both these videos make me unaccountably happy.

Guerilla Dance

Over the past two days, I have come across two wonderful videos of what  I have termed "Guerilla Dancing".  Joyous to watch.

The first is in Liverpool Station.  H/T to The Deacon's Bench.

And here's how they made it.  Well worth a look, just for the reaction of a few of the onlookers in the last segment of the video.

The second is a promo for a reality show "In Search of Maria" in Antwerp. A similar show has run on the BBC and in Canada.   H/T to Mental Multivitamin.

Both these videos make me unaccountably happy.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, April 6, 2009...

Outside My Window... it's snowing!  Yesterday we were cleaning up the garden and today there is a light dusting of snow everywhere.  Just-budding trees silhouetted against grey skies.

I am thinking...that I need to organize Easter weekend meals and treats.

I am thankful for...new friendships, happy spouse and children, and a relaxing weekend.

From the kitchen...the huevos rancheros we made last week were delish.  I need to get some meals planned for the next few days.

I am wearing... nightgown and robe, birkenstocks.

I am creating... order in the house.  Kind of.

I am going...to finish our Canadian and US taxes today.

I am reading... The Diary of a Country Priest by Georges Bernanos.

I am hoping... that Michael and Z get over their prolonged sore throats and that Z's eyes clear up.

I am hearing... the woosh of the forced air furnace, the sound of cars on wet pavement, and a snoring dog.

Around the house...I'd like to get some spring decor out and make some new, light-coloured covers for the throw cushions.

One of my favorite things...these days is family history research.  I have restarted a subscription with ancestry.com and am enjoying filling in lots of holes in my family tree!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: I will be singing with the choir at Holy Week liturgies on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Me and my Aunt Edith, watching some bowling action at her 80th birthday party last month.

Meme from The Simple Woman's Daybook.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, April 6, 2009...

Outside My Window

... it's snowing!  Yesterday we were cleaning up the garden and today there is a light dusting of snow everywhere.  Just-budding trees silhouetted against grey skies.

I am thinking

...that I need to organize Easter weekend meals and treats.

I am thankful for

...new friendships, happy spouse and children, and a relaxing weekend.

From the kitchen.

..the huevos rancheros we made last week were delish.  I need to get some meals planned for the next few days.

I am wearing

... nightgown and robe, birkenstocks.

I am creating

... order in the house.  Kind of.

I am going

...to finish our Canadian and US taxes today.

I am reading

... The Diary of a Country Priest

 by Georges Bernanos.

I am hoping

... that Michael and Z get over their prolonged sore throats and that Z's eyes clear up.

I am hearing

... the woosh of the forced air furnace, the sound of cars on wet pavement, and a snoring dog.

Around the house

...I'd like to get some spring decor out and make some new, light-coloured covers for the throw cushions.

One of my favorite things.

..these days is family history research.  I have restarted a subscription with ancestry.com and am enjoying filling in lots of holes in my family tree!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week

: I will be singing with the choir at Holy Week liturgies on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  

Here is picture thought I am sharing

...

Me and my Aunt Edith, watching some bowling action at her 80th birthday party last month.

Meme from The Simple Woman's Daybook

.