Pick-your-own

    What with all my other concerns I almost forgot to get out to the Berry farm before they were all gone. It has been extremely hot for the last few days (high 30's with the humidex in the 40's) so I went extra early - the sun was barely up! Seniors are allowed to pick between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. without having to reserve a spot so that suited me very well.

   I just picked one basketful and was home before 8:30. I made a batch of Strawberry Rhubarb jam this afternoon and tomorrow I will make a batch of just strawberry jam. I got 8 jars today and hope to get the same tomorrow so that will last me through the winter, plus I still have some of the 2024 batch to eat first.

 I still have lots of rhubarb left so must think about picking it for a pie, cake or the freezer. By the end of the rhubarb season it's getting a bit tough so I use it to make rhubarb and mango chutney, another favourite treat of mine. All these things are also useful as hostess gifts or to share with family and friends.

   It was my granddaughters High School graduation today but I didn't attend as it was just parents - it's a big school. However, we had a small celebration yesterday at home and, yes, cake was involved! 

Update

    The trip to the surgical clinic at the hospital was successful but has resulted in me having to visit my local clinic daily to get the dressing changed. This may go on for weeks! The doctor at the hospital removed a huge blood clot and seemingly it's tricky to get these healed. I'm just happy to have the care I need handy and free of charge. Thank goodness for our excellent health care system. 

   This has curtailed my activities somewhat but I am well stocked up with good books, can still get to the library and there's tennis to watch on TV. It won't do me any harm to take it easy for the next month or so. I can still drive, do my grocery shopping and keep up with my housework and gardening. I am on another round of antibiotics which are making me queasy so, who knows, I may even lose some weight!

This Too Shall Pass

   Went yesterday to get the basal cell carcinoma spots removed from my nose and neck. It was an early start as I had to be downtown by 8:15 a.m. and was taking public transit. Things went smoothly, no complications, and I was done and on my way home by noon.

   Well, that's over with and, fortuitously, I got a phone call from the plastics clinic today with an appointment to get the wound on my leg fixed on Thursday. So, things are finally falling into place. 

   One unfortunate result of these two procedures is that I probably won't be able to use my pool for much of the summer. It is just now getting nicely warmed up and very tempting to plunge in, but I will have to be patient and wait out the healing period.

   Today was the first steamy hot day we have experienced so far and I would have loved a swim. I am taking it easy for the next few days but should be back to my normal energetic self by next week!

Update

   Thanks to all who wished me a speedy recovery. Unfortunately I am still hobbling around as the swelling hasn't gone down much and my leg is still very swollen. Luckily I had no commitments this past weekend or today so was able to keep my leg elevated quite a bit. I still haven't been able to get an appointment at the plastics clinic despite calling twice, think my injury may be healed before they see me! Unfortunately I don't think there will be any tennis in my future any time soon.

   My Monday Bridge game seems to have petered out as either one or other of my three friends has been ill or busy with appointments. I hope we get back together soon as my Tuesday Bridge finishes at the end of this month. I really enjoy the stimulus of the bidding and "play of the hand". I plan to go tomorrow despite still being uncomfortable sitting in one position too long. It will be good to get together with friends again.

   I did manage one event last week - Afternoon Tea with the ladies from RODEO (I had already committed to and paid for it, so made the effort). Instead of a restaurant we met at a beautiful home in the suburbs and were served an assortment of delicious goodies and our choice of fragrant teas. It was a lovely afternoon and we all dressed appropriately which included fascinators or exotic hats. That will be our last outing until September but I did hear through the grapevine that there may be a "Dim Sum" excursion next month. Can't wait!