Sun, wine and nice meal

It is hot in Vancouver. Like Africa hot. I think I got a burn today and I spent very little time outside. I try to remind myself that I am Scottish and while I love a nice tan my skin does not.

I procrastinated slightly on the gym this morning but it didn't seem to impact the overall time lines of the day. Met up with R and we took the bus to North Van to check out the wine store. I committed to buying only 2 bottles and spending no more than $50 but bought 4 bottles and spent just over $50. Decided to sample the cheaper wines and see if I could find a favorite to use as my 'house' wine.

The selection was awesome and it was a good thing we arrived on public transport...if we had had a car with us we would have been tempted to buy by the box.

R and I then went to Indigo across the street and I bought a book on Beijing so I can study up on what I want to see when I am there. I realise most of my time will be eaten up by travelling to and fro from the rowing course but there should be at least one day of no rowing when I plan to take in some sites.

We headed back downtown and had lunch at the Library Square pub. The burger was awesome! Not sure if I was really hungry but it was well above average. The soup was boring and we saved on the meal by using the entertainment book coupon. Am committing to using these more often. Not eating out more often just making sure that when I do I try to go somewhere with a coupon.

I lazed about reading the paper and R made an amazing meal for M, H and I on her wedding china. It was awesome. Tomato basil soup with homemade croutons, a wicked salad with figs, feta and hazelnuts on a bed of mixed greens, some amazing tarts with cheese, onion and pancetta (see photo) followed by a homemade rhubarb and strawberry sorbet with a homemade oatmeal cookie. I feel like I ate a 4 star restaurant and all I contributed to the meal was a very average bottle of red wine. Good thing Rachel enjoys cooking.