A Birthday Staycation

My birthday week didn't get off to the best start when I got sick on the Thursday and didn't feel better until the Sunday.  We had thought about going away somewhere for the weekend as Kane only had the Monday and Tuesday off work, but being sick meant that we didn't go anywhere.

Kane did buy me some beautiful flowers that definitely helped me feel better.


Get Well Flowers and Birthday Cards

By Monday I was back to my old self so we went out shopping for a few things and I bought a Breville Fast Slow cooker, which is an electric pot that has a pressure cooker function and a slow cooker function.  And just across from the store where we got the fast slow cooker was The Cheesecake Shop and I got a delicious black forest gateaux to have the next day for my birthday.



Cakes and Desserts from The Cheesecake Shop

Instead of the usual birthday pancakes we had toaster sweet waffles and maple syrup - too good!  And then I got to open cards and presents :)

 

I had to go into town to pick up two library books and I got a couple more when I was there.  I was worried about reaching my limit as I already have 2 library books at home but the librarian told me the limit was 35!

 

We then had a big late lunch at Al's Deli which is a Montreal and Canadian style dinner specialising in bagels.  I had a bagel with Philadelphia cream cheese and tomato and we shared a small portion of poutine.  I was disappointed that they didn't have any Canadian beers, I think the Canadian club meet up the weekend before must have drank them all!  I did get to share a beaver tail with Kane, although it's called a moose ear on the menu.

 

Later, I had to go to my new a cappella choir and then make a dash at the end to get to the pub quiz.  I had missed the first 2 rounds but Kane was doing remarkably well on his own and had got full marks!  Clearly he is the brains of the operation, so I decided to have a drink or two.  I had such a fun night and to cap it off we won!

Guinness and Cpt Morgan's Spiced Rum - my favs

The next day Kane had to go back to work so it was just me and the cats.  I made split pea soup in the pressure cooker and then the slow cooker marinara sauce recipe I saw over at Budget Bytes and have been dying to try.  Then I made a сafetière of coffee, cut a slice of gateaux and started (and subsequently finished) The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins.  The comforter was still on the sofa from when I wasn't feeling very well and every afternoon we would all have a nap snuggled up in it.

Rainy day, cosy cats and a book

The rest of the week followed a similar pattern and I just really enjoyed hanging out at home, trying out some recipes I hadn't made before, eating cake and reading books.