Well, wasn't this a very interesting election? I was happy with the outcome and so must have been the majority of voters. The Conservatives finally won a majority and Elizabeth May, after working hard for many years, made it to Parliament. The big surprise, however, was Jack Layton, leader of the NDP party, riding like a white knight, canes and all, into the Province of Quebec, decimating the Bloc's seats to a mere number of four! This feat will not be forgotten for a long time. Who said Canadian elections are dull?
But, on to the royal wedding, I promised to let you know how long my daughter, Yvonne, and I lasted and here it is: We watched and watched 'til 4 a.m. in the morning. We both were so enthralled that we (almost) forgot the crumpets and all the other nice things we had on hand to get us through the night. Our neighbor, Elizabeth, dropped in at about 2 a.m. and helped us watch. Kate and Will were quite the pair — romance never dies! The ceremonies were well done, as only the English can. One picture, though, that really struck me was Queen Elizabeth, Camilla, Dutchess of York, and Mrs. Middleton, mother of the bride, animatedly talking to each other. It was a picture of understanding, forgiveness and hope. And, as someone who also watched the whole thing said, "it gave us all a sense of permanency".
On Sunday, I went to see the tulips - not in the fields but at Minter Gardens. They were still out and looked beautiful. I bought a season's pass, which is a bargain, and joined some friends who are "regulars" at the coffee shop. There, they not only eat and drink coffee, but also play Skip-Bo. Later they took a walk around the gardens to "stretch their legs" as it was, before resuming the beloved card game. While they were walking I listened to two very good country singers and, Inge, who also cannot walk very far, went window shopping at the gift store. Bless Minter Gardens, there is something for everybody!
I was also invited to two dinner parties last week, my favorite pastime. Of course, I will return these favours in the near future and, as always, I will let you know what will be on my menu. By the way, I did "recreate" the Alsacian Onion Pie and my daughter, Julia, who had this treat just recently at an Alsacian restaurant in Vancouver, declared that it was identical. So here it is:
1. Make a short crust (without sugar) and put it in the fridge.
2. Saute 4 - 5 large onions, sliced, in 2 tbsp. vegetable oil until glassy and let them cool.
3. Mix in salt, nutmeg and pepper to taste, 2 Tbsp. flour, 1 cup milk, 1 cup sour cream and 3 beaten eggs.
4. Press dough into a form and top it with the onion mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until the
onion mixture is light brown on top.
5. Serve it with a glass of white wine!
As you can see, I had a full week again and I didn't even make it to the "hottest happening" in Harrison — a special Mothers' Day Crystal Bowl Concert. But, I will try to make the next one for sure.
I might have to skip a week or two of my reports in the near future due to impending cataract surgeries. Most of my friends and relatives at my age had it done a long time ago and tell me "there is nothing to it." Well, I will tell you the truth!