Another One Off the List!

I know from reading http://www.chowhound.com/ that I am not the only one that is always looking for the best hamburgers in the city I live in. In Winnipeg this was a hotly debated subject in my family with different members equally loyal to Juniors, VJ's, George's and the like (I'll probably get in trouble for forgetting one of the best...I feel like I am missing one).





Thus, since moving to BC I've been slowly working my way through burger places. I've had some of the best I've ever tasted and some that have paled in comparison to what we can make on the BBQ in our own backyard.





I had been hearing about Fatburger for years since reading about it on food blogs located in the U.S. Then I heard more about it when it came to Vancouver. The thing that held me from suggesting it to Mr. O' M was the name.





Hint: I have a small NAME:FOOD related issue. If you come to my house for dinner I won't offer you Chicken "Breasts". I prefer not to go there. Just 'chicken' will suffice thank you. Therefore, reminding the customers what they would become immediately after eating the product (FAT) seemed like a silly marketing direction to me.





Then I had an appointment at the pain clinic downtown and Mr. O' M suggested trying out lunch there. OK, the moment had arrived. Onward!

Cheerful Interior of Fatburger

The overall black, red, silver and yellow color scheme is very clean and inviting. The menu hangs overhead and is easy to read. There were many things that looked appealing but for my first time I went with a classic Fatburger with all the fixings and added cheese. You have the option of adding things such as an egg to the burger. They also offer Veggie burgers, chili dogs and salads.

The Option of Leaving a Fat or Skinny Tip

I enjoy when restaurants have funny little touches like the above.

The Interior Of the Restaurant

I liked the open-concept design of the place. After we had eaten I walked into the kitchen and asked the 4 employees which one of them had cooked my meal. They looked very concerned and quickly pointed to a young man at the back. I immediately laid their fears to rest and told him that I couldn't leave without telling him that it had been one of the tastiest burgers I've had in years.

It truly was! His huge smile let me know that he was glad to hear it.

The fries were crisp and piping hot. The burger had perfect char and a mildly spicy chili flavor that mixed with the chopped onions and mustard perfectly. It's had me trying to recreate the flavor at home.

As an occasional treat (there's that FAT part of it again) Fatburger wins!

Food In A Tube

Tomato Paste in a Tube

I love food that comes in tube-like containers. It used to drive me crazy, opening a can of tomato paste when I only needed a tablespoon or two for a recipe and then I'd have to freeze the rest until I needed more. Tubes are perfect because you can use just the amount you need, but you often will add little bits into things for taste just because you can. Genius!

I was making a salad dressing recently using this tube of anchovy paste. I've never had a mathamatically inclined mind, but suddenly a possible formula popped into my mind:

Anchovy Paste
+

Snack for Cat


=

Cat Nap

And it worked perfectly! A successful mathamatical equation!

For the Birds

My relationship with the mirrors in this apartment has become increasingly complicated. How do you get along with the mirrors in your place? My main concern is the vast difference in feedback that I receive from one room to the next.





My bathroom mirror loves me. It welcomes me warmly "Come here darling. Yes, wear your hair like that, it looks lovely on you. Here, look at the light shining in the window, just so. Now the planes of your face are softened into that feminine heart shape that suits you so well. You look so cute when you are just your natural self".





I leave the bathroom with a spring in my step and then I stop suddenly aghast when I walk into our bedroom and look into the mirrored closet doors. The hair that looked artfully done only 40 seconds ago, now looks frizzy and unkempt.





The closet mirror seems to sneer at me "That make-up may have looked right in the bathroom light but you aren't going outside like that are you? And, is that what you're wearing?"





The cheek! However, the bathroom can be a bit dark so I am forced to continue to seek the bedroom mirror's opinion (in case it really is the more honest of the two).





Today was such a beautiful summery day. This afternoon I sat out in the backyard with Grandma Junebug and the Artist. I was showing GJunebug how to use a computer with a digital camera.





We were also having fun on the patio, feeding a Steller Jay some peanuts. Actually, he wasn't eating them so much as taking them and hiding them and then coming back for more. Stellar Jays are a lot like Whiskey Jack birds or Blue Jays except for their color and markings and a more pronounced crest. They have so many beautiful different shades of blue on their feathers.

Stellar Jay Grabbing a Peanut

The Artist carves birds and was in the middle of carving a Stellar Jay so he brought one out and we put it beside one of the peanuts. It was cute to watch the Jay react to the "fake" bird. He was brave enough that it's presence did not deter him from taking the food. It is so fun to interact with animals!

Stellar Jay Faces A "Twin"

Bloom Where You R Planted

Flowers On the Sidewalk In Vancouver

I have been living in British Columbia for almost a decade now and yet there are still many aspects in which the novelty has not yet worn off. I continue to be enthralled by the climate here.

The question I have been most asked by curious friends and family is whether I am bothered by the large amounts of rain Vancouver receives in comparison to other parts of Canada. Simply put, I am not.

I grew up in sunny Manitoba so I am glad that there are bright, sun-filled days here as well. As for the darker, rainy days...I simply consider them a trade-off for having milder temperatures and green, lush vegetation year round.

I am head over heels in love with the flower situation in BC. There are nice flower shops and when you want to spend a bit more they do incredible work. However, most corner stores and food markets carry fresh bouquets similar to the one shown at the top of this post.

Coming from the prairies, I was shocked at how reasonably priced these bouquets were. I am able to buy 3 or 4 bouquets for the price I was previously paying for one bouquet in other provinces.

When we went to Pike Place Market in Seattle, I couldn't believe my eyes! It took about 20 minutes for me to start enjoying it because at first I was in such a state of shock and over stimulation.

Pike Place Flower Market

The flowers in the picture above were exceptionally priced. At the end of the day, they were priced even lower. As you can see marked in the picture below, you can get beautiful, huge bouquets for under $5.

Pike Place Bouquet for $4.60

Both Mr. O'M's Mom and my Grandma have the same favorite flower, the Carnation. I used to have an enormous disdain for carnations, back around the time when I was in High School and disliked pink.

Just lately I have started to take a second look at them with a new appreciation. I think that they can look very elegant.

White Carnation

I was reading a recommendation to take a bunch of carnations, without any greenery, and put them in a tight ball shape in a vase. I am going to try that to see what it looks like.

I recently took some out of a bouquet I bought and placed them in small individual vases. I liked how they brought joy to the house.

Pink and White Carnation in the Kitchen

I heard a talk a while ago where it was brought out that everyone no matter what race, what gender, if people are rich or poor etc...they get to enjoy flowers. That they are available as a gift to everyone in the world. I really liked that point.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and gets to enjoy some nature!

In the Words Of Po

Shine's Note: I have had the energy level of an amoeba for the past few days. Therefore, I have invited a guest to blog for today's post. Tampopo is such an integral part of life around here, I thought it would be good for her to introduce herself.

Miss Po

There are some cats who are really cuddly. I'm not one of those. I'm really not big on being petted. I don't mind it once I get to know you, but I still prefer to keep it to about 10 seconds and then move on.

I have nothing against humans though. I really enjoy your species. I love to curl up beside people while they have conversations. It is really important for me to be in the same room as my owners while they go about their lives.

I have a strong intuition about my owners. If Shine has an especially bad day I stay as close to her as a shadow and watch her very carefully. When Mr. O' M had a cardiac arrest I made sure to alert Shine about it.

I have a lot of favorite foods. I love to eat lamb, curry chicken, sashimi, sardines, turkey and other treats. One time Mr. O'M left lemon tarts out and I discovered that it is nice to lick the meringues off the tops of tarts.

I also have a group of foods - that - I only THINK I treasure. I desperately love the smell of spaghetti and french fries and will do anything for a sample, only to remember that I actually can't stand to even take a taste of them.

I like to communicate. When I'm hungry I show it by sitting right in front of my bowl or coming and rubbing up against my owners or butting my head against their shins. If I want a blanket set out for me, I will jump up to the blanket and pat it. I also try to talk with different meow's. I have one that is very indignant and one that is very soft and comforting. The others seem to fall somewhere in between.

I think it is time for a nap now. Next time I will tell you about my very favorite thing to do... PLAY!

More Talk Television

The Triple Satellite House

This house intrigues me. A little TOO much as I found out today when I was across the street trying to zoom in on it and almost ran into a pole as I tried to 'drive and snap'. I didn't want to linger taking a picture and have the occupants wonder why a crazy girl on a scooter was spying on their house.

Our new apartment came with Satellite TV included. That is how I know you get a gazillion channels when you have a satellite dish.

Thus, my curiosity is totally aroused as to why one residence would have three dishes. Are they totally into sports and have various TV's hooked up to PVR's recording games all across North America in various time zones so they never have to miss a game? Is someone in the house employed as a TV critic and they are obligated to watch that much television and actually paid to do so? So many questions!

Today I met my friend for drinks at a local coffee shop. Meeting with friends to just shoot the breeze is something I have SORELY missed when I was more housebound in the past several years.

I always struggle with the answer to the question of whether or not I am an artist. The dictionary partially defines an artist as one who practices art and I have been practicing in various mediums and forms all my life.

On the other hand a lot of the definitions also refer to one who works in art or is an expert, and I have seldom been paid for my output. However, I think my friends would call me an expert in the ART of conversation and it is a solace to partake more fully once again. Yay!

I am fortunate because I always get to drive around in a sporty little red convertible. Especially in the recent blazing heat, it has been nice to feel the wind through my tresses and the breeze on my arms.

My Snazzy Red Convertible

Today I was first to the coffee shop so I didn't see what car my friend B drove up in. When it was time to leave, I told her I would escort her to her car in the parking lot. She pointed to the car pictured below and explained that it was hers, she had just got it this past Saturday. I told her the next time she can pick me up and we will drive in HER convertible!

B's Snazzy White Convertible

A Red Letter Day

Ruby Laden Down With Groceries and Such...

Today was an exhilarating day!

I've spent several of the past years housebound a lot of the time and very dependent on others whenever I've needed things from the 'outside world'.

When it became very difficult to climb the stairs leading out of our previous apartment, the world became a much smaller place.

Recently we moved to a suite without stairs and it has become possible for me to take my motorized scooter, Ruby, outside. Today was the first time I ventured out on my own to the small shopping centre a few blocks away.

It probably sounds like a small accomplishment for someone in their early 30's who has already lived a full life! I'll try to explain a bit why it is a huge step for me...

You know how in some suspenseful movies there are scenes at amusement parks or parades where the director is trying to convey confusion, huge crowds are shown and everything is really noisy? There are usually lots of lights - some bright some dimmed - and usually things are filmed sort of Topsy-turvily.

Since I've been having neurological issues, that is sort of how my brain feels all of the time. I think that is why I I find it less tiring to communicate by email than on the phone. So, to drive alongside the noisy traffic on the very busy road we live on was an intimidating prospect. Even watching for cars along the driveways and street corners takes a lot of extra concentration for me.

I had the rubber grips from Ruby's handles imprinted on my palms when I finally arrived...I had been holding on to her for dear life! People in vehicles are in such a hurry, they seem loathe to wait the time it takes for me to cross the street, so I have to be very attentive.

But, it was so worth it! The feel of the warm sun on my face, and the breeze in my hair! Getting to leisurely peruse everything in the grocery store... Finding a darling little neighborhood bakery with home-made curry chicken pasties someone brings in, fresh-made pizza dough and chocolate eclairs!

I am so thankful for Ruby. The streets are quite hilly and some spots are under construction so they are horribly rocky. Even though she isn't meant for much outdoor riding, she has handled beautifully. When we got back home I felt as if I should give her some carrots or sugar cubes as a reward, but sadly I know such things mean nothing to her. I guess I will just recharge her batteries.

I had my camera with me to take some pics of neat things I saw along the way, but I ended up deciding I had better pay attention to the traffic. I will take pictures of the surroundings another time for another post...

I'm thankful to R and F2 for walking with me to the mall when they were here as that made it a little less scary today. Now I am excited to get out again and have more independence during these beautiful summer days!

Have you done anything lately that scared you?