kicking summer out on its treacherous ass as it always does one day sometime after the midpoint of September, it stays awhile like an old friend that you have missed. It settles in the way an old friend will settle into your favourite chair and take out his pipe and light it and then fill the afternoon with stories of places he has been and things he has done since last he saw you.” ― Stephen King, Salem’s Lot.
And then there’s all the colourful Autumn Bounty – Market Fresh“Autumn seemed to arrive suddenly that year. The morning of the first September was crisp and golden as an apple.” – J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
“Know that transformation sometimes begins with a fall. So never curse the fall.”
― Yasmin Mogahed, Reclaim Your Heart: Personal Insights on Breaking Free from Life’s Shackles
“What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but scattered along life’s pathway, the good they do is inconceivable.” – Joseph Addison
The BAD NEWS is time fliesWow…we’re almost into the second week of August. How did that happen? The GOOD NEWS is you’re the pilot or the driverSo don’t conk out too soon. “Whoa………..let’s take the bull by the horns and get a move on partner! No time for a bath; we’ll just dust off”Make the most of the rest of your SUMMER
I’m prepping for a friend’s pool party. Trying to become bikini-bod ready and perfectly tan in time is just too stressful, so for now I’ll focus on some fun things to enjoy around the pool. Like:
FLOATS for Foodies
For Pizza LoversChocolate Covered Pool Pretzel – Macy’s
FLOATING Pool Tray
For those who do wish to enter into the deep end, fashion a raft for food, drinks, magazines or summer reads. But proceed at your own risk–your guests may never (ever) leave. Yeah; one guest being me.
Now for something so deceptively simple:
Watermelon ice cubes
These frozen fruit cubes are subtly sweet, completely refreshing and–best of all–require only one ingredient. From sparkling water to sangria, they’re a no-brainer way to upgrade your summer drinks.
What do I need? A seedless watermelon, a baking sheet and a freezer.
What do I do? Cut your juicy, seedless watermelon into cubes and lay them flat on a baking sheet. You can add a drizzle of sugar or a sprinkle of mint or basil. Put the baking sheet in the freezer for about three hours, or until frozen. Then plop the watermelon cubes into a plastic bag to store them.
That’s it? Yep. Add them to your drinks for a hint of fruit, or eat them plain–these one-ingredient wonders are just as satisfying as ice pops. Remember them? Those little plastic popsicle trays that you fill with juice and you can even spike them. Just saying…
My Weekstarted off with an invite to the annual California Wine Fair presented by Vancouver Arts Club. Followed by dancing…and more drinking….and dancing (but no driving).
Couldn’t decide between the lime or the fruit punch Jarritos at Joe Fortes (Mexican soft drink which may have included a little Tequila) while my handsome date standing behind me prefered to stick with a bottle of refreshing Dos Equis XX beer. Photo: Claude Duke Photography
It is theirsignature spring fundraiser where all proceeds from ticket sales and auction packages go toward the development of new Canadian plays and staging world-class theatre created by local artists. I’m already familiar with many of the wineries from having visited them on several occasions around the beautiful Napa and Sonoma wine regions. Some of the properties are really amazing. One winery is a chateau that looks more like a castle and the Francis Ford Coppola estate winery is very Hollywood glamour. They’re fun to visit and of course, sample some fine tasting wines.
From the California Wine Fair....in Vancouver photo: d. king
The very next afternoon it was off to the Tequila Expo Media Event at Joe Fortes rooftop deck with some of the world’s finest and smoothest tasting tequilas, excellent food, great company & conversation. This was my second time around and it was thoroughly enjoyable especially since the day was so lovely.
The actual event will take place Saturday, May 28th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
From the Rooftop at Joe Fortes. Photo: d. king
The celebration of all things Agave is open to connoisseurs and those who enjoy tequila in general with exclusive offerings not yet available in BC.
“We’re pleased to be the largest event of our kind in Canada”, says founding partner Manuel Otero, President of the Mexican Business Association of Canada. “As a dual citizen of Mexico and Canada, I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this event that celebrates the best of Mexico by introducing Vancouverites to an amazing range of unique Mexican flavours – both culinary and spirits based.” The full week of events runs from May 23 to May 28. The Grand Tasting Event at the Hyatt features top Vancouver restaurants offering unique small bite food pairings created specifically to pair with Tequila and Mezcal.
Featured restaurants are The Edge Social Grille & Lounge, El Santo, Joe Fortes, La Mezcaleria, Las Margaritas, Mosaic Bar & Grille and Showcase Restaurant.
New this year! Ticket purchasers will be entered to win a fantastic trip for two to Puerto Vallarta. AeroMexico, the premier airline of Mexico, is generously providing direct flights from Vancouver. The winner’s stay will be hosted by Velas Vallarta and Casa velas. Tickets are now on sale through Tickets Tonight. Single tickets are $79, with a group rate available for only $69 each for groups of 6 or more. All prices include service charges.
And, as if all that wasn’t enough.. the very next day I got to feeling even more light headed.
Because I’m not a painter this is the best I could come up with to make somewhat of an impression – this week. It seems that unintentionally I was on a little bit of a theme.
I’ve always loved Water lilies.
Wall Waterfall Selfie
“The difference between writers and readers is similar to the difference between expressionism and impressionism. Writers want to express themselves and readers want to be impressed.” – Claire AmberI want both!
Mast Reflections
Yes, No? It doesn’t matter – it’s just nice to capture images in general. AND it’s Friday so nothing else really matters now except for more wine & wine water. Enjoy your weekend.
“Autumn seemed to arrive suddenly that year. The morning of the first September was crisp and golden as an apple.” – J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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