The Weather Around These Parts

In Kenyan news

My young friend, Alvin has graduated today with his Bachelor in Engineering. He is hoping to do his Master's Degree in approximately one year but first he needs a job and to save some money.

That is Alvin on the left and Nathan on the right. Alvin is my friend.

 I met Alvin a few years ago when the choir he is in (Kenyan Boys Choir) were in the city.
Saturday they will have a big luncheon with family and friends to celebrate this great achievement.

My elderly "grandma" is still in hospital. She has been back and forth between the Intensive Care Unit and the private ward at the mission hospital where she lives.  She has pneumonia which she contracted while in hospital being treated for a bacterial infection.

She is a strong woman but she is very old and it is hard to recover.
I continue to pray for her recovery.

In sad news, a friend's uncle, Kipkoness has succumbed to heart problems and passed on.

I met him on my very first trip to Kenya. I am sorry I will not have a chance to meet him again when I return next to Kenya.

In local news

I'm keeping very busy getting parcels and cards out in the mail in preparation for Christmas. Next up will be wrapping the presents for family members. I also had to go to the eye specialist for laser surgery this week. Some of you remember I had cataract surgery but scar tissue grew rapidly due to healthy eyes and needs to be removed. One eye was done yesterday. The other will be done in a month. 

I'm breaking up all the errands with one of the things I like best, the opera. I have several performances to attend. I wrote about one of them a few days ago.

 I said I would be reporting on a special event. That will be posted in a day or two.

Thanks for joining me here.

I'll be sure to visit you if you let me know you were here.

Checking in with

Friday Foto Friends

Skywatch Friday

and 

Saturdays Critters

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend. x

Red - Red, African Yam & Friends

Though I took my camera to dinner I completely forgot to take a photo of what my friend served for dinner: Red-Red (Black Eyed Pea Stew) and African Yams. 

These are dishes from Ghana but other African countries also make and consume these tasty dishes.

I searched several recipes on line and the stew I found in the posted video seems to more closely resemble the black eyed pea stew cooked with tomatoes, scotch bonnet peppers, ginger, garlic and onions.

But I know my friend also used cabbage and bay leaf and perhaps some fish.  Fish (salted or dried, sometimes canned) seems to be the ingredient most often added.  But variations exist. My friend made it with chicken cooked until falling off the bone and shredded/  He served the dish with African yams which I've never had before.

(Photo Credit:  Africana L.L.C) ~This is what uncooked African yam looks like.

(Photo source: Adamara's Blog) ~ This is a cooked African yam with stew.

I love potatos and the African yam reminded me of Russet potatos except that it is more dense.
I've never seen these in

the local grocery store. My friend had to go to the next municipality (about an hour out of town) to buy them.

He said he will make fufu (foofoo, foufou) next time.  I have had it before and I love it. Fufu can be made with many things: cassava, African yams, potato, corn and perhaps more. You pound the ingredient for so long until it becomes soft and sticky like dough.  Once fufu is finished you work a bit of it between fingers and use it to scoop up some soup.  I like mine with ground nut soup.

(Photo credit: Whats4eats) Here are some ladies making yam fufu the traditional way.

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If you would like to try a recipe for Red-Red you can click here for one variation. 

There are many others on line.

I always appreciate friends who take time out of their busy schedules to prepare a meal for me.
The food is generally very tasty when you enjoy sitting down to someone else's labour and shared conversation.

I've asked my friend to join me and my family members for the Christmas meal this year.
He usually goes to his auntie's for holiday meals but his uncle's health is in decline.   His aunt is busy looking after her husband's needs and she doesn't have the energy, strength or time to entertain at the holidays.

We are fortunate to live in a city where people are generally quite hospitable especially at holidays meals.
One can often get an invite or several invites to dinner but it is nice to spend time with friends who are like family.

Come back again soon.
 I hope to share a special event with you next time.

♥♥♥

Enjoy the rest of your week.

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Sunday Catch Up

It is pouring rain here (though it stopped for a bit) and a wind storm is expected tonight. 

I managed to get out this afternoon though to see a lovely performance of Verdi's Requiem as performed by senior students in the Vancouver Academy of Music and the Vancouver Bach Choir.

It was pretty much a full house At the Orpheum Theatre and it was lovely to see so many seniors from senior's residences being escorted to the concert too.

The program was Guiseppe Verdi's Requiem Mass. 

I took a friend to the performance in celebration of her birthday next month. 

Both she and I enjoyed it very much.

I managed to snap a few photos before the performance but didn't get a chance to photograph the soloists or the conductor. I'm sure you know how that goes with the rules about no photos at concerts.

 Prior to the main program, there was a mini concert by the younger students of the academy. Unfortunately I wasn't aware of this and I missed it when I went out to the lobby since I wasn't permitted back in until it was finished.

Next up conductor, Leslie Dala gave a moving introduction to the Requiem coming right on the heels of yesterday's Remembrance Day services.  

He and the soloists were all wearing a poppy to honour our war heroes.  

Today's performance  did not disappoint!

 Read more here about the Requiem. If you would like to hear it you can click here for a moving performance at La Scala Theatre in Milan, conducted by Daniel Barenboim.

Monday morning I will meet up with my niece and nephew who are both here from out of town to visit friends.  They are on different travel schedules and in different locations so I'm glad we managed to pull it together for a short visit.  I don't get to see them very often.  The last time was when we laid my late mom, and their paternal grandmother to rest. I am so impressed with how they have matured into gracious, loving and responsible young adults.

 Later in the evening I've been invited to dinner at the home of dear Ghanaian friend I haven't seen for long.  We've got a lot of catching up to do.

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We are expecting to receive a lot of rain this week.  That means limited photo opportunities since I'll be sticking closer to home until Friday.  

I will write more about Friday's event so please do come back soon for another visit. Don't be too shy to leave a comment if you drop by for a visit. 

Have a wonderful week.

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♥♥♥


Linking to Our World Tuesday

Remembering

I'm remembering better weather with clearer skies....

I captured these shots just over a week ago.

Trees are in the sky! 

Seriously these trees are planted high above the ground as they are part of an apartment building built over top a shopping mall.  This photo was taken near the entrance to the shopping mall but if you want to enter the apartment building the entrance is on the opposite end and at ground level.

Some trees have been looking a little bleak.

I'm remembering trees full of green leaves.  Within the last two weeks many trees have lost their leaves. It is at times like this each year that one appreciates the greenery that remains with all the coniferous trees we have. I am truly grateful.

I'm remembering a colourful container garden.  

A few posts ago, I mentioned that I wouldn't clean out the debris from my garden until the Spring. I meant to empty out the container garden and store the pots though I haven't yet. 

I'm amazed to see how the geraniums have managed to stay so green.

I'm remembering walks to the beach on sunlit days.

On my last walk down at the beach I found these cute critters.

I love seeing the ducks on the water as the sun set.

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Most importantly, I'm remembering that on November 11, at 11:00 o'clock, cities and towns across Canada will celebrate our fallen war heroes.

I've always felt the poignancy of this day and the sacrifices made on my behalf.

The poem, In Flanders Field was written by Canadian physician, Lieutenant Colonel, John McCrae after officiating at a funeral of his fallen friend and soldier, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer. If you have a moment watch the video to hear the poem narrated with lovely photos.
If you don't have a moment, I've posted the poem below for you to read.

LEST WE FORGET

Joining with 

Skywatch Friday

Friday Foto Friends

Saturday's Critters

My World Today

 On October 31st I was out a bit late running errands and enjoying the festive vibe.

While I was out I heard all manner of firecrackers coming from seemingly every direction.

 This impromptu fireworks display was a joy.
I tried to upload a short video without success
(I probably have to upload it to YouTube first)
So instead here is a grainy photo taken with the phone.

I think the vendors who opened for a short time just to sell firecrackers coordinated a fireworks display from 3 different directions.

The particular display closest to where I was was fantastic.

We had a small amount of snow on Saturday but it didn't stay. 

Today is a gorgeous, sunny day but rain is expected soon.

I always enjoy seeing trees all in a row.

Seeing several palm tree in a row is a particular delight.

These trees are in a small park near the Greyhound Bus and Amtrak Train Station.

Seeing all the boats at the marina on a beautiful day makes me smile.

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Though I'm enjoying the beauty around me my heart is heavy with concern for a dear elderly lady in Kenya. I call her grandma. She had malaria and a bacterial infection which she overcame but while she was in hospital she contracted a cold. Being very old it is hard for her to fight it and she has been in and out of hospital and is now in ICU.

Prayers appreciated.

Hold fast to your joys dear friends and never take anything for granted.

Today I am grateful for so many things, the beauty all around me, the ability to help others and

loving family and friends.

Today I had a call from my late mom's cousin calling to enquire how I've been doing.

Simple things like this mean a lot.

If you are struggling (health, finances, relationships, other)

 I pray you will overcome your troubles and have the support you need along the way.

Joining with

 Our World Tuesday

and

Image-in-ing

Hello November

Enjoy some photos of my recent walk along the beach. 

The way people are dressed and the way the sky looks in some photos it looks as if it was very cold and windy. I guess people dressed for the way the weather normally is at this time of year;  much cooler.

But in fact, it was a beautiful, gorgeous and warm day. 

It was expected to be one of the last warm days before temperature dips and rains begin in earnest.

I only had on a spring coat and a light sweater underneath. It was so warm I took off my outer jacket and walked wearing only my sweater. 

Skywatch Friday

Friday Foto Friends

Saturday's Critters

Have a wonderful week!

My World is Good at the End of October 2017

I've been feeling so tired since my last post and I haven't been sleeping well. Many things I wanted to get done had to sit by the way side. I put off my much anticipated trip to town and walk along the waterfront.  However all was not lost. I did manage to get many smaller tasks done and out of the way and that adds to my gives me peace of mind.

I do have to get to the waterfront again though because rains are expected to start a few days earlier than I expected. I wanted at least one or two more walks along the waterfront before that happens as it could be months again before we have such warm and beautiful days.

I hope you are enjoying the weather wherever you are. I'm sharing some photos I took last Friday on my errand runs. I haven't shared any nature photos lately from my neighborhood or the adjoining neighborhoods. These ones show all the beautiful fall colours. I read on the internet that this year's fall colours on the west coast are more vibrant than usual due to the lack of rain over the summer and the sudden transition from summer heat to fall cold.

Sorry this photo isn't too clear. I used my phone camera.


These next two photos were taken near a small mall within walking distance of my home. The place is very old and has been there forever. The local school board owns it and is always under pressure from the government to sell it and use the funds for school district needs.  Those of us who shop at the small mall will be sorry to see it go some day.  Though rather outdated the place grows on you and provides all the basic necessities one needs in the neighborhood.

I haven't made much progress on the style course which I signed up for a few weeks ago. I knew that would happen and I tried to get out of signing up now. However the organizer said she wouldn't be offering the course "live" again so I signed up. Now I'm behind by several weeks. I'm keeping fingers crossed that I will be able to catch up soon.  I try to log in when sessions are live to at least listen to the teaching and discussion. It is helping and the good news is I can actually work at my own pace and will be able to access the course forever (or as long as the company and website last anyway), I've been very busy the past few weeks trying to buy new clothing items to "fill the gaps" in my wardrobe (jumping ahead in what I'm sure is much later in the course), look for new winter boots or rain boots for the cold and rainy weather. I haven't decided which one would be best but I am tired of having cold and wet feet on the wettest of days. I guess I will buy whatever fits and whatever I'm able to find first.  At least that will be ahead of where I'm at now.  I also need to get to the tailor to hem several pairs of slacks and jeans. I can do it myself but would rather pay someone else to do it if I have more than one or two items to alter.

One big thing I have managed to accomplish is Christmas shopping.  I've spent a lot of time comparison shopping and ordering on line.  I am a pragmatic person so everyone on my short list of recipients is getting clothing items that they need or I think they could use. One of the recipients is my niece.  I wanted to buy her several nice items of warm clothing for the winter and to match her newest (short) winter jacket.  I managed to find tops but am having more difficulty finding a warm pair of pants.  I decided to give her something I've newly purchased for myself instead but I will have to hem the legs for her before I can wrap it up.  Good thing I've taken her measurements.  I'm feeling rather good about getting most of the Christmas stuff done.  I still have a few others gifts to buy or make and parcels to wrap before the end of November so some things can be posted.  I often don't buy much in the way of gifts but now and then the spirit of generosity takes over and I want to buy for everyone!

When I'm running errands I often need or want to stop for a snack or a meal.  On Saturday I had Vietnamese Pho Soup and a roll dip. I prefer shrimp salad rolls to the roll dip but this is a special and it comes with the roll dip. Have you ever eaten this kind of soup? I like to put fresh bean sprouts, Thai basil leaves and chili oil in mine. I always order the house special which comes with cooked beef, rare beef, tendons, tripe and beef balls.

I love having a bowl of Vietnamese soup and a roll dip for dinner from time to time.

In about 2 weeks a friend and I will attend Verdi's Requiem performed by the Vancouver Music Academy.  Though put on by students, the annual productions are very professional and held at the beautiful Orpheum Theatre downtown. I can't wait to go.

I'm also trying to organize another friend to get to a Verdi Opera, Un Ballo in Machera (A Masked Ball) in the middle of November.  If that doesn't work out I'm hoping she will want to attend a performance of Handel's Messiah. It has been awhile since I went to The Messiah and it is one of my favourite pieces.  This year it seems we have a choice of 3 different choirs and venues.  I am so happy about that because these tend to get sold out very early in the season.  Even if you wish to go you will miss out if you do not get organized very early.  I hope to confirm tickets very soon but my friend has been slow to get back to me which isn't normal behavior on her part. I hope everything is well with her and her family and that we can connect soon.  Other than that I hope to attend some craft fairs in late November and early December.  There will be some artisans that I can only access once a year.  Maybe I will find a unique find.

My reading has slowed down a lot.  In August I met my goal of 35 books for 2017.  Since then I have read several more books including the very long  A Column of Fire  by Ken Follett.  I enjoyed it a lot but reading the reviews some of his fans didn't seem to enjoy it as much as I did or as much as they enjoyed his other books.  Right now I'm reading a book that is taking me forever to read. It isn't that bad but definitely not the kind of style I usually enjoy.   It's called Birmingham Blitz by Annie Murray.

This book is 928 pages long.

If you've been reading me for awhile you know I like to collect loyalty points where I shop at the local pharmacy. I don't shop often in other stores with loyalty points because I don't like all the work involved in keeping track of them and trying to maximize the points obtained.  But I can make good use of pharmacy products since they sell lots of things for day to day household needs.  They also see a lot of food products and some basic technology stuff.

In my last 2 shopping trips I earned about 30,000 points.  That brings me about 250 points shy of a grand total of 95,000 points which will give me $175 Canadian dollars.  I must use all this money to buy stuff at the pharmacy.  I don't normally need to spend  $175 at a pharmacy but it comes in handy when looking to purchase something more costly like a humidifier, electric toothbrushes or water piks, etc.  I have my eye on an air purifier or two but I like buying one big item and then using the rest for the daily household needs.

Whenever I am at the pharmacy I take my blood pressure. Lately it has been optimal or very close to optimal. The diastolic pressure has been lower though (more like 56 or so). The pharmacist doesn't seem too worried though I've asked several different ones about it. I will be seeing my regular doctor in about one month.  Blood pressure readings are usually a bit higher when I am at the doctor's office. They call it white coat syndrome but also the machines they use are probably more accurate than the ones at the pharmacy.

I wish you an excellent week until next time!

Joining up with

 Our World Tuesday

Nature Notes Tuesday

for the last day of October, 2017.