"Sunday" dinner

Yesterday's run was a bit of a disaster- we were supposed to do 17 miles, but I hadn't been feeling great on Thursday (about once a month here you eat something bad and feel sick for about a day) and woke up feeling the same on Friay AM- I debated not going, but thought I'd try and see how it was- unfortunately I had to give up and get in the support car (it follows us and carries our gatorade and collects our jackets, gloves and extra shirts when we get too hot) after 11 miles. I was annoyed since the marathon is only 7 weeks away and we're building every week (next week we are doing 20 miles) so if you miss one week it is really noticeable the next run because you haven't laid the foundation. In any case, there was nothing I could do so I am trying to look on the bright side- 2 months ago 11 miles would have seemed a long way to me.



So, as the hotel gets closer (we hope) to opening, a few more expats have joined the team. Most of us live in the same area and since we're all away from our families we decided to start a weekly "Sunday" night "family" dinner (of course Saturday is our Sunday here)- last week was the first one, at Ryan and Esther's, and tonight is my turn to host. Since there are a few chefs in the group, usually the food is pretty good, but I have to say, my contribution this week is pretty good- I am supplying appies and was at a loss since I couldn't put together my signature appetizer- goat cheese and raincoast crisps- THEN I remembered that a few years ago, Jen had a recipe for them-- I know she emailed it to me but couldn't find it (Jen can you send it to me again?) but I googled it and found a pretty good one -I didn't have all of the ingredients, but they still turned out pretty well. Here's a picture of them. I suppose the real test will be when people try them tonight. tonight's dessert will be served by candlelight in honour of EARTH HOUR! Don't forget to do it too!

Saturday morning is usually a shopping day for me- since Ryan and Esther don't have a car, we all went on a field trip to carrefour (the French version of wal-mart) and then to Gourmet Egypt- it's pricey but it's one of the only places here you can get meat that isn't raised in Egypt (which I've heard can be infested with screw worm, a particularly nasty parasite). After that we went to our favourite organic fruit stand. Ryan is sourcing some veggies there for our California restaurant so they bent over backwards trying to help us- when Ryan asked for Jicama, they said they didn't have it, but to write down the name and they'd get some seeds and grow it for us! I was admiring this rosemary bush (plant?) and the guy gave it to me- I insisted on paying but he wouldn't hear of it.



Today I told a woman in Starbucks that I liked her shoes, and we got talking and it turns out she's from Vernon. Small world. Also, apparently there is a new clownfish delivery service in town... I got this flyer under my door... no clue what they sell...


Okay, I have to prepare for the feast, but I'll post some earth hour pics later on. Hope you're all having a great weekend!

xoxo C