Date Night

Date night. 

Leave me alone.

Date Night II

So, in spite of several roadblocks thrown into our path, Neomom and I made it out last night for our second date night since we arrived in Thompson.

Roadblocks seem to be a date night theme.

Anyway, yesterday morning, we were set. Babysitter was booked and we had tentative plans to call another couple to join us for a night out. Doing what? We weren't sure as there is not exactly an active nightlife in Thompson for those that aren't gang members.

Must look into membership.

So, at noon, we had planned to take the boys to the swimming pool here in town, to get them all nice and tired for the babysitter. And, as we were putting the boys jackets and mitts on, the phone rang. I foolishly answered it. It was Neomom's boss. There'd apparently been an assault on a reserve about an hour from here and she was needed. Ugh.

Neomom headed to get dressed while I undressed the boys and tried to explain to a very disappointed Sonwun that we were not going swimming. I then called and cancelled the babysitter, as odds were good Neomom would not be home until very late.

I then put the boys down for their naps.

An hour later, Neomom called from the office here in Thompson. Seems her services would not be required after all. Soo . . . we rebooked the babysitter and, after nap time, headed out to the swimming pool, where a good time was had by all.

And, to make a long story short, after supper (and after getting a very uncooperative Sontoo to sleep) Neomom and I headed out with no particular destination in mind. We grabbed ourselves a couple of Tim Horton's coffees and drove around to check out the Christmas lights. And there were some really nice displays on some of the houses here in town. Yeah, I should have taken the camera.

We finished the evening off at Boston Pizza watching football and hockey with a cold beer.

Upon arrival home, however, I made the mistake of sitting down to watch the Survivor finale - all three hours. We've been fans of the show since the first episode - sorry if that bothers you. Seems folks either love the show or think it's the dumbest waste of time on the planet.

Anyway, I won't waste too much of your time on the finale, other than to say that the majority of folks this particular jury were the most self-righteous, sore loser types I've ever seen.

Russell should have won. That coat-tailing, did-nothing-but-ride-the-wave blond did not deserve the million. But the wusses on the jury just couldn't get over themselves and the fact that they'd been outplayed, outwitted and outlasted by one of the best players in the history of the game. End of story.

Anyway, big week ahead. We've invited a bunch of Neomom's colleagues over for Boxing Day dinner. Shopping, cooking, cleaning ahead.

And if any of you have suggestions for things I can cook ahead of time, feel free to leave a recipe. I need to cook a big turkey and I have a small oven, which ain't gonna leave any room for side dishes in there. So, recipes for side dishes that can be cooked on the stove, or cooked in advance and nuked on the big day, would be appreciated.

Have a great Monday!