Out for Lunch...

Eight of the coffee group went out for lunch today to a restaurant that we had never experienced . It was a great light lunch experience and the ambience was super. It was at a bakery /lunch shop on 124 Street. When one walks into the shop the luscious smells from the items having been baked in the shop earlier this morning waft through the store. Aurora immediately described the baking as gourmet, and rightfully so.. Every item was prepared in the shop. They can only handle 16-18 people for lunch at wee tables at one time. It would be a great place to go for tea and a pastry. We all enjoyed a beautiful croissant with wonderful fillings and warmed if requested. After the main part of our lunch it was then time to choose our pastry delight. Many of us chose banana cream pie and one them chose a delicious looking filled pastry and iced with marzipan. Another popular pick was the mini lemon meringue cake. Some of us shared each others choices and that was conveniently handled by the shop staff. The pastries were eloquent. The space was sparkling clean and you actually ate on china plates and regular utensils. We had a fantastic time socializing, also many laughs plus  many new memories were made by all.

What is your self appraisal?

Life is irreversible and replacing it is not an option. Manage your time in an efficient and productive way so that you can make the most out of it. Management of our time is something many of us have to work at, in order to be in control of our own life. "Practice getting to know yourself. "What are your ambitions and motives, approaches and modes of expression? Each of us has the opportunity to make choices. Make your own choices according to what your needs require and what will work for you. Value yourself!
We are all given an important and unique gift to use our very own ability to make choices. It is each person's privilege , through adventure to discover their own light. Live your life to it's entirety!

Do you take enough breaks?

"Hippo" and "Unshelved" were talking about a person taking time off for themselves even if they are volunteering. Hippo was saying that many of us have strong, solid work ethics and do not take breaks. Break time is necessary regularly and frequently. When we work too much, one becomes less effective. Vacations are needed and holiday time helps change our stuck patterned thinking. They allow some space for our energy to flow. Time away gives us opportunities for reflection, so then we can look at our life from the outside in... Our sensitivity and enlightenment  and comprehension increases with detachment. "Unshelved" said that his focus and concentration improved during a break Our ingenuity also becomes less of a chore and more resourceful and then we are able to become stronger. That  creates a balance between doing and being. Health can be in danger also when your life becomes 'all work and no play.' If we don't take time out then 'Stress" will enter the picture. The best time to take time off is when you are too busy to do it.

A cup of "Green tea"

"Hippo" and "Aurora" thought that it would be a good idea to have a green tea party at the home of "Hippo." So invitations were sent out to the rest of the group and the idea was  received very well.Aurora suggested that we also go a little green with our plans. On the invitation said that nobody was to drive a vehicle that required fuel to the party. They were also asked to each bring one tip on how they have gone  green. We will serve freshly homemade items at the tea (no processed foods) and then we discussed the advantages of green tea. Here are some suggestions : It is made of unfermented leaves and lowers amount of plaque (protein) This protein has been linked to memory loss and nerve damage in the brain.
1. Super fat fighter
2. keeps energy stable
3. may halt colorectal cancer
4. tastes good
5. Many Antioxidants
6 Does not stimulate you
Everyone enjoyed themselves and learned something new at the tea.. even "Seahorse"

The forgotten grain-"Barley" a member of the grass family

It's all about barley. Most people will eat a little tiny bit of barley if there is beef barley soup available. Barley when eaten releases glucose into your system. This will produce a chemical named "acetylcholine" That chemical assists the brain cells communicate with each other effectively.
In a canadian study people over 60-82 years of age improved their memory quite dramatically by eating barley regularly. One half of the barley production is used in preparation of animal feed. Another large portion is used for beer and whiskey creation. When buying barley make sure kernels are pearled or polished. This removes the inedible part of the grain. Pearl barley is when kernels are polished and pot barley has bigger kernels. Pearl barley is good for salads and puddings. Pearl barley cooks a little more quickly than pot barley. If you have an allergy to wheat try barley. They sell barley flakes at the store. Add fruit including dates. Try baking with barley flour ,of course with an adjusted recipe for that type of flour. It's worth a try....

Are you happy?

The pursuit of happiness began in China, India and Greece 2500 years ago. Happiness can be a very fuzzy concept and can mean several things to a lot of people. There are various factors that can be correlated with happiness. We are happiest when we have some or one of these items
  1. Pleasure-good tasty food dishes
  2. How much engagement are you putting into it
  3. Social ties
  4. Meaning
  5. Accomplishments
Happiness forms a theme in many religions . The average richer nations tend to be happier than poorer nations. Economic freedom correlates strongly with happiness.
"Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence" by Aristotle

Out for the evening

What a wonderful time my friend and I had this evening. We  attended an Art show"opening" of Contemporary Art. There was a variety of pictures and some sculptures and it was very well attended.
It was held at the Bay Enterprise Building on Jasper Ave. It was top quality and ambience was excellent.
The show will continue until October 16 th. I cannot wait until tomorrow to share my experiences with my buddies at the cafe.