Moments D665: Comfort foods

Today was Family Day.  A welcomed February statutory holiday here in Ontario.  It ended up being a lazy-stay-in-you-PJ's kind of day.  

Perfect for a lunch filled with comfort foods.  And so, we made fancy grilled cheese sandwiches (okay, who's kidding who, *I* had a fancy grilled cheese sandwich with coriander and avocado in it and EQ had a plain cheddar cheese sandwich) along side, yes, you guessed it, tomato soup!

Delightful.  Simple.  Perfect for a lazy day.

And then I stewed a big (too big) pot of chili for dinner. (Yes, that's right, I overflowed into a second pot!  Whoops!)

Yes, it was a comfort food kind of day.

Moments having a simple quiet day.

Moments enjoying simple comfort foods.

Moments D434: Chicago, my favourite city in the US

Now I suppose that's not really a fair statement given that I haven't been in a lot of cities in the US.  I've been to most of the big ones though (LA, San Diego, San Francisco, Palm Springs, Dallas, Fort Worth, NYC, a bunch in New York State, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and I'm sure a few I've forgotten about in OH & PA!) and somehow Chicago stole my heart.  As we drove up to the city late last night, I couldn't help but pause our conversation to say "Helloooo Chicago!".

Today's moment was sitting back and really enjoying Navy Pier.  Normally I'd have a plan of at least three major things to cram into the day, but this time around I decided to let go and see where the flow took me.  My typical life/personality doesn't really allow for this type of travelling, for I love to explore all the nooks and crannies of a new local.  The last time I was here though, I saw a lot of the touristy places (and a few not) - it was a crammed trip.  This time around, I was more than content to soak in the navy pier atmosphere.

It was a perfect venue for a stroll (even if I did keep losing the hat on my head to the wind!) and to swap stories and try to solve some world problems.  Sitting at the end of the pier, wind running through our hair, EQ and I watched as the boats come and went for quite some time.  I honestly don't recall for how long as time seemed to still.  The conversation was inspiring and uplifting to my soul.  

On our walk back we stopped to ride the Ferris wheel.  I can't remember the last time I rode on one.  The ride was quick, but I managed to get a few nice pictures of the city from the air.

A pretty city indeed.  It's too bad that I missed out on their famous deep dish pizza (a foodie could die for that pizza!) or even one of their crazy "Chicago" hotdogs.  But I was saving myself for an amazing dinner at  Joe's and I was not disappointed!

Chicago stole my heart a couple of years ago and my love has only been inflamed once again for Chicago is even pretty in the rain and prettier yet when trying to solve the world's problems in a day.

Moments to relax and take your time with a day.

Moments knowing that good conversation is a keystone to the best of friends and life in general.

p.s.  HAPPY CANADA DAY!

Moments D284: Soaking in the sun and the winds of change

Today we enjoyed a day by the pool, but in the sand. Yes, our resort has a man-made beach! Drinks from Jay the ever attentive bartender, pizza lunch on the beach. A perfect day out enjoying some tunes and each other.


The best part of the day was late in the afternoon. It was just my uncle and I left soaking up the sun as the girls bailed on us. We continued to soak in the last of the day’s rays in complete silence. How zen it was! It was in these last quiet moments that I found a deep sense of quiet & relaxation. It was incredible. No distractions, just me, myself and I, enjoying the heat of the sun.

In those last moments of the day I thought about many things. From a brief overview of my last year of change and growth to a more in depth processing of next steps looking forward. I feel a great change coming. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it is coming. The question becomes: Am I ready for it?

Yes. I think I am. There’s no reason to simply be comfortable. Change makes us uncomfortable. But I think, I’m ready for that stir up. My new year’s resolution: To be more true to self. and not fear change.

Moments in the quiet.

Moments with one’s thoughts.