Ron's Big Dinner

Milestone birthdays are a bit strange. What makes it a milestone? Every year is the only year we'll be that particular age, so why is one year any different from the others? I think it's a legitimate question and yet, I acknowledge that we still mark certain ages as more noteworthy than others.

Wicked tall wine glasses are gifts

We were supposed to be travelling in South East Asia this year, as we've got a whole host of "important" dates...we like to call it our "big year", but then we relocated to New Brunswick and there's the whole COVID-19 thing happening, so here we are in Moncton, watching our hair grow and the grass get greener and generally contemplating our navel lint. It seems that our big year is going to be a big bust, but I refuse to surrender...yet.

Masks from friends

Because I have so much time on my hands, and one of the way's I show love is to cook, I started imagining Ron's perfect dinner, not his death row meal, but a meal that would incorporate as much of his favourite foods as possible and how to make it all special. The result? Ron's Almost Perfect 8 Course Dinner.

What was the craziest part? I decided I'd actually execute it. I don't think a general has ever gone into a battle more prepared than I, to tackle this challenge. And I actually pulled it off. Was everything perfect? Heaven's no, but it was all really good, the plating was attractive and the hot food was hot and the cold food not. (Yes, I'm giving myself a bit of a pat on the back.) I think he enjoyed it, as did our friends and we certainly enjoyed having a bit of company, now that some of the restrictions have been lifted.

Without further ado, the meal (missing is the cheese plate as we just forgot to take the picture):

Roasted pepper and smoked gouda

Smoked salmon with capers

Pan seared scallops with crispy onion and
lemon chicken broth

Red pepper bisque

Spring salad with  caramelized onion dressing

Mango sorbet

Roast lamb with mash and roast veg

Lemon tart, chocolate pate and
raspberry mousse

Most of it came off really well, and the few problems were dealt with and no one was the wiser. Did I mention we did wine pairings? Oh, hell yes. (I lost my mind, somewhere in the planning, but except for one wine, (a rose with the salad I switched from a citrus dressing to onion and apple cider vinegar...oops) it was paired fairly nicely. I might try it again, but no time soon. The planning took well over a month, but that's why "self-isolation" worked, in this case. So, happy birthday, dearest. Glad you enjoyed the culinary adventure.

Poverty - A story of home ownership

Okay, I admit that the post title is pretty bleak, but we really shouldn't have anything to complain about. It's not like the majority of things we've had to pay for were unknown. Sure, we've spent more on the rental suite than we planned, but we both knew expenses would exceed what we anticipated, and we're hoping that it pays off in the long run.

It's not just about the house...

Patio stuff...who woulda thought to budget for that?

 

For any of you out there that aren't home owners, there are lots of unexpected costs. Not only are there legal fees, inspection fees, property transfer taxes and the lot, no one ever plans for the extras. Things like furniture...that little items, like the exact right table for that quirky little corner, or the perfect paint colour. I could rhapsodise over the "little" things. Electrical work, exterior painting, coffee tables, a new TV.

Of course, you don't NEED many of those things (except electricity...why have a dining room, if there isn't any light?). We've learned along the way, that it's better to invest in good quality furniture than dropping several hundred dollars on a mid-range sofa every 3-5 years, that solid wood for dining tables is better than MDF, at least, more often than not. Does that mean that we're always prepared for the unexpected? That we over budget and under spend? Hells 2 the no.

Never framed something, better learn!

Great you have a lawnmower, but you need a snowblower!

Ran out of gas...in minus 25...no problem

 Home ownership (particularly a house over 100 years) is not for the faint of heart or light of pocket book. (Oh well, fake it 'til you make it, am I right?)

Our summer is pretty well laid out for us...exterior repair (window sills and other wood works), exterior paintintg some minor glazing..yup, some of our sun porch windows need reglazing. Plus the bug screens that need replacing and general cleaning, tidying, gutter cleaning and trim work...we're in for a long summer full of work, expenditures and (hopefully) a truly beautiful house at the end of it. (As MasterCard says "priceless"!)

 

 

 Is it worth it? Yeah, usually, with some prudent decisions and damned good luck. Is it for everyone? No. Houses are la bit like children, they need stuff. They need love and maintenance, they need limits and a certain fatalistic calm. Generally, we enjoy it, with all the headaches, endless requirements for money and attention. Just don't get into it without realizing the dedication required.