This weekend we ushered in the Year of the Dog the only two ways we know how: eating lots of food and gambling.

The yee sang (the prosperity toss) in the shape of a dog (if you look really hard)

(small gambling, at least).

I love Peking Duck, but it’s a not-so-healthy dish full of those horrid trans and saturated fats. But I think once a year, it’s okay to indulge. It’s usually it’s eaten in a wrap (like a small tortilla) with cucumber, duck sauce, and green onion. Since I can’t eat the flour-based wrap, I go for the low-carb option. I could eat an entire plate myself, but I remind myself I must share with others if I want to invite the good luck and prosperity of Chinese New Year.

Peking duck sans wrap

So on evening #1, we stuffed ourselves silly on traditional Chinese dishes.

I don’t remember what it’s called, but it was yummy!

On evening #2, the family stays home, cooks up a storm, and eats it all in front of the TV while watching the Olympics in Pyeongchang. Once again, we stuff ourselves.

On evening #3, we had a potluck full of all kinds of yummy foods and far too much chocolate. To wash down the noodles and chocolate, we play a rip-roaring game of Texus Hold’em until the kids get tired and we must pack up for the evening. For the third time, we’ve stuffed ourselves.

What new year is complete without choco?

It’s -24 outside when we leave; this is the coldest Chinese New Year and Family Day long weekend I can remember. Even our frosted car has troubles turning over.

It seems like the long weekend is over just as quickly as it begins, and I’m up at the crack of dawn to go to work. At least this time of the year, the days are getting longer. The sun is just peaking over the horizon as I get into work, snow pants and all. Unfortunately, there are still pinks and purples in the sky, which means spring is nowhere near coming. (Sigh.) I watch the forecast eagerly waiting for seasonal temperatures.

Pinks and purples in the sunrise/sunset means winter’s still hanging on

Hopefully next weekend I’ll get to pack the snowpants for good until next winter.