Learned a lot from today's garage sale...Getting other family  and friends involved; whilst it takes more planning; is more fun.  There're more things for sale and it helps to generate larger crowds.  Location, as always, is also key.  

Today, we had 3-4 families involved; took over one of the families' driveway (the one with the best location...Right off a main road); and planned a big BBQ.  Except it rained.  The BBQ was cancelled and we were kept busy moving tables back and forth between the garage and the driveway.  But it wasn't a complete write-off; believe it or not, people were still driving by and stopping!  Even when we decided to finally close shop for the day, close the garage and  retreated indoors to enjoy a pot of tea; people were still swinging by; one even walked up to ring the doorbell! 

Disappointed that the weather didn't cooperate (was supposed to only possibly rain in the morning); we did make some money and ended the evening with a great dinner.  

Keeping fingers crossed for better weather tomorrow. 

I had made a deal with mom, for having her help out with the garage sale on Mother's Day weekend, I will treat her to tea.  A deal came up on-line for C House Lounge Café in Yorkville, high-tea for two for $29.00+ tax/gratuities.  Mom doesn't usually get to venture Downtown or the vicinity so I thought it might be nice...High tea in a fashionable neighbourhood and then interesting shops to browse around.

The place is nicely decked out with a reasonably spacious front-door bistro area.  White and black and mirrored walls lends an air of sophistication.  There were a number of smartly dressed ladies enjoying the high-tea on this sunny, hot afternoon.  The small cool flute of champagne that started off the high-tea experience was a welcomed drink indeed.  

The tea selection was minimal and as we were utilizing a coupon/voucher, we were told it would be a shared pot of tea.  This seemed rather unusual;  and the pot was quite a small pot though it was readily re-filled with hot water.  It really was just a teabag after all and it didn't seem like it would be that much more costly to have two small pots going.  Although I know I'm using a voucher, I expected loose-leaf teas...Something a little more classy to match the environment of the establishment.  The food started with finger sandwiches  (smoked salmon, salami etc.) on the bottom tier, flavoured French bread with three macaroons on the middle tier and four petit (one-bite) chocolate tarts on the top.  Funny things was, we were browsing at the Pusateri's fine foods store next door and saw the exact same flavoured French bread ($4.99).  While the food tasted ok and I did enjoy the macaroons, it seemed somewhat underwhelming.  I was a bit surprised that scones, a staple for high-teas, was not offered.

Was it good?  This depends on how one looks at it.  As a high-tea; the one I had a Royal York was so much better.  But then again, that was $35/person there.  Here, it's almost like a 2-for-1.  The food wasn't as fine but the ambiance and location was nice.  If you're after the real high-tea experience, then don't skimp, pay for the real deal at Windsor Arms or Royal York.  But if you're looking for a nice place to chill with a friend and have some light bites, then this was fine (just don't expect a true high-tea).  The host was attentive and the food; while nothing fancy; was fine.  On the way out, I saw an advert for Sunday Brunch  (buffet?), 11am - 3pm for $30/person...Might be nice to lounge in their outdoor area for a Sunday brunch if in the area.

Been busy volunteering at the zoo as a Panda Ambassador.  Over 20 000 people visted the zoo this past Victoria Day long weekend.  The wait to go into the panda exhibit ranged from 1/2 hour to an hour...It was just one of those times where one had to excerise patience and tolerance.

As a volunteer sharing and talking about panda facts;busy days can be quite tiring; but on really quiet days, like today, it made the shift seem much longer.  Am happy to have experienced working under different conditions. 

Fortunately, we had a special staff viewing day prior to the grand public opening and so we didn't have to deal with the crowd.  However, the pandas were sleeping with their backs to us and so we didn't get many great photos.  Today, being a much quieter day (it even stormed on us!), I was able to run over for a sneak peek.  They truely are very adorable animals!

Do you see anything interesting about this tree?  It was pink when we first planted it many years ago.  Some time ago, it must have crossed pollinated with another one and we've got a two-in-one tree.  

It's a beautiful time now, cherry blossoms, magnolias and other flowering trees have blossomed or budding tender green leaves; all creating a delicate canopy against the blue sky. 

I've been doing a little bit gardening; transplanting some fo the spring flowers from crowded flowerbeds to other parts. I've planted some of the leftover poppy and strawberry seeds and have been watching anxiously for the first leaves. 

Here's an update pic on the poppy and strawberry seeds a planted a week back. Strawberries on the left and poppies on the right.  Still so small!  I wonder if I'll have strawberries to eat this year. 

I've been delighting in discoveries of new clumps of early spring flowers in bloom.  Unfortunately, I'm experiencing a mild case of the jealous-neighbour-next-door when I see how others have proud displays of bright yellow and brilliant purple crocus' or colourful tulips.  All I seem to have in my own yard is headless tulips and early spring onions...At least I can eat those. 

But today, I finally noticed a tiny little clump of small purple flowers in my own backyard...Hardly anything to gloat and show-off.  This however has spurred some gardening fun.  

Picked up a cheap strawberry and poppy flower gardening kit; $1.00 each; the type for kids to play and mostly likely not going to work.  But, just for the fun of it, I decided to give it a try...And who knows?  Maybe something can be coaxed to grow from that small little peat pellet enclosed in the package.  Maybe that's the fun part; not knowing if it'll really work.  And if does; I'll be boasting my strawberries in a later blog entry ;p

Was in the mood for something hot and spicy!  Si Chuan House on 394 Spadina Ave is little restaurant that serves up some spicy dishes.  I noticed spicy frog legs but wasn't really in the mood to sample it.

Free appetizers were served.  There was spicy marinated kelp and roasted salty peanuts...Enjoyable to munch on while we waited for our dishes. 

The spicy offal noodle was the favourite of the day.  Not too spicy, the noodles had a nice chew and the offal were tender. 

The lycee pork, while all right, but didn't have a lycee flavour and I found it a bit over-done. 

The xiaolong bau was not as good as some of the other places I've been; but then, this is not a Shanghai restaurant so I'll excuse them for the lack of presentation. 

I'm quite excited about the panda training at the zoo...Too bad the weather is drizzly and grey.  Can't wait to see the pandas!

There were about 15 of us, out of over 88 volunteers hired. Today's training was was day 2 of Interpretive Volunteer where one demonstrates/shows related biofacts at the panda exhibit tent. I originally chose to be Special Events volunteer thinking I'd help out with even coordination.  Doesn't seem to be what I think it'll be so am switching over to join this group of equally excited volunteers.

Made a few nice acquaintances!  I'm looking forward to my first day real work day at the zoo! 

I had my interview about a month ago and took the opportunity to wander through the grounds for a bit...Haven't been there in a while.  As it's off-season, the mood and atmosphere was quiet and some of the animals were taken inside to shield from the cold.  But, I did get to see a number of pavilions; many birds and the orangutans and gorillas!  Never tire of seeing these animals at play. 

Had a Beavertail...What a treat!  Funny story; a friend of mine posted on her FB that see enjoyed a Beavertail; a non-Canadian friend saw the post and gasped!  Beavertail?  Really?  Eww...!  I had a good laugh at that one. 

With wintry weather still not ready to leave us, spending time indoor at the Green Living Show was the thing to do. 

Lots of interesting things to see and best of all, organic or other health food products to sample!  Tasted coffee, yoghurt, cheese and dips! There were cooking and yoga demonstrations...Was tempted to join except the people already there were too awesome...Twisting themselves into human pretzels.  There were organic cotton clothing but what really caught my eye were the cleverly recycled clothing and products.  They take old items and re-fashion them into new products and gave tips on DIY projects. 

Another neat idea was found at the Terracycle booth.  They make use tetra packs, chocolate wrappers, chip foil bags and other non-recyclable matter and using them to fashion pencil bags, small purses, headbands and all sorts of other neat products.  The company encourages people to collect these non-recyclable matter, boxed them up and send it the company for free.  They'll turn the 'rubbish' into affordable green goods.

Swapsity Swap Zone was a place where for $2.00 one could bring in their books and CDs and swap them for other ones.  Another neat idea to update one's own collection.  Unfortunately, they don't yet have their own permanent shop and so will have to keep an eye out for when they're setting up shop again. 

Oh my, such frivolous luxury...Where to start?  It was just such a nice experience!  Amid the hustle and bustle of everyday city life; tucking oneself into a cozy recess of old fashioned charm and soaking up elegant ambivalence makes for such a delightful treat. 

According to their website, Fairmount Royal York has been serving Afternoon Tea since 1929!  One is truly indulging in history here!

The experience starts with individual choice of fine teas served in dainty floral teapots.  I chose the Kyoto Cherry Jasmine which was light and refreshing on its own.  Not much of a cream and sugar tea person unless it's HK-styled milk-tea.
 

I was pleasantly surprised that other than the finger-food and pastries served on the 3-tier dishes; here, two other dishes were served first.  First, there was Crumpets with Berries; the warm buttery crumpets matched and the sweet tartness of fruit complemented each other nicely.

This was followed with delicate finger sandwiches; lobster and mango salad, smoked salmon, smoked turkey with cheese and lastly, goat cheese with strawberry.  As sandwiches go, they were alright.  I enjoyed the lobster and mango one best.  One felt a bit too dry and the goat cheese didn't stand out as much as I had anticipated.  

Finally, the long awaited lovely 3-tiered dishes came; warm scones on the bottom and these were good.  Madeleines and Financiers on the middle tray and delicate pastries on the top.  The strawberry tart at the top was delicious but neither my friend or I cared for the swan pastry.  It was pretty to look at and while the Chantilly cream in the swan was nice; the swam itself was dry. 

Throughout the seating, our host came around to add hot water to our teapots and inquire how we were getting along.  Each time she brought a new dish, she'd take a minute to explain what it was.  Indeed, she was attentive and we felt well-looked after. 

For a complete menu, please click on the attached file. 

It's the first Easter I've spent in Toronto for close to 10 years.  Today's April 2 and looking out the window...There's snow!  Just a bit...but there's snow!  Many have complained how I've brought wintry weather back...It was warm this time last year; people were already golfing!

Fortunately, this past weekend, there was bright sunshine; perfect day for little children dressed in rabbit ears; Easter egg hunts and all things furry and sweet...Thinking of little chicks and fluff-ball bunnies.  I've had two sightings of wild rabbits hopping about  and am charmed by these sure signs of Spring waking up from her slumber. 


Wishing everyone a beautiful Spring; may it bring new welcomed beginnings to all.