'Tis That Time of Year

   I don't usually start to think about Christmas until December arrives but, last week, I received my first Christmas card. We are now in the midst of a postal strike so it may very well be the only one I receive! 

    Just to confirm Christmas is not far off, yesterday was the first of several Christmas meals - the retired teachers' luncheon complete with turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce  and very good it was, too! After the meal we were entertained by the "Enchanted Flutes" who played a medley of seasonal tunes and had us singing along to several. One of our members belongs to the troupe which includes several semi-professional musicians. It is always so uplifting to be entertained in this way each Christmas season.

   Today the weather continues to be quite unseasonably mild (long may it continue!) so I walked to the Seniors' Centre for my Fitness class. I dodged a bullet as it rained while I was there but was just drizzling by the time I headed home. I have racked up 8,700 steps so far today!

   

Two Food Adventures

    As often is the case, my blog entry is prompted by a culinary adventure. The day started with a meeting with coffee, fruit and muffins where I ate sparingly as I knew I needed to be hungry come lunch time. So I was back on the road headed for my next destination by 11:30.

   It was the monthly R.O.D.E.O. lunch where we are "Eating Around the World". Last month was Italy (very yummy) so predictably this month was Japan. I love Japanese food, mostly take-out sushi, but had never eaten at the Nakamori Restaurant. It was a tiny, quirky space set in a nondescript strip mall, with bar seating to watch the chef prepare the sushi items. We were 12 ladies at a long table and soon we were tucking into a variety of Oriental items. First came a tiny but tasty salad which was quickly followed by Miso soup. This is a flavourful broth with bits of seaweed and tofu cubes floating in it. For the main course I chose sashimi, not realizing it is raw seafood! There was a large scallop and slices of salmon, tuna and another fish I didn't recognize. I did ask the waitress but it was something unrecognizable. However, it was all delicious and came with a bowl of rice, soy sauce, pickled ginger and wasabi mustard. I had to leave as soon as I had finished eating as I still had another destination before heading for home.

   My next stop was the community centre where we hold our monthly book club. This month we had read "A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. We had a lively discussion but the foodie part, supplied by the members introducing the book and leading the discussion, was a rare treat, Russian caviar on slices of dark bread - so tasty!. They had hoped to also treat us to a cocktail, a Moscow Mule, but liquor isn't allowed in the community centre. Boo hoo! Quite often I have days like this followed by a few where nothing is planned. It may be Monday before I get together with friends again.

   Now I am home and, after a short nap, am contemplating dinner. I think it will be something light. Next month it will probably be Korean food, another new experience for me. Can't wait!

Indian Summer

     This expression is usually reserved for a warm spell in November, but it has been so gloriously hot and over 20C for the last week that I think it qualifies! The trees are quite brilliant at the moment but are beginning to lose their leaves. Soon it will be time to start raking.

   Tomorrow may be the last day, though, as the rest of the week is forecast to be more autumnal - low to mid-teens and some badly needed rain. We had a good game of tennis on Sunday - I actually lasted on the court for the full hour and a half - but didn't do much for the rest of the day. The garden is pretty much tidied for winter but I will keep filling the bird bath until we have minus temperatures. I think the birds are delaying their departure for warmer climes because of the extended summer. Of course, there are still lots who stay around all winter. No idea how they survive!

Giving Thanks

    Today was Thanksgiving Day in Canada but, for me, it has been another week of overeating!

    Last Thursday, at the Seniors' Centre it was pumpkin pie day to all who showed up. There was actually a choice of pumpkin or apple but I had the traditional pumpkin with whipped cream. Yummy!

   On Saturday I was invited to a community dinner at the local church even though I'm not a church-goer. This time it was the full meal - turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, vegetables and coleslaw followed by, you guessed it, pumpkin or apple pie! This time I chose apple and it was excellent as was all the food. I went home rather over stuffed, just like the turkey!

    Sunday was a quiet day at home with very light meals but today, again, it was the whole works with the family, another delicious meal starting with pumpkin soup and this time it was back to pumpkin pie. I brought home some leftovers (mostly brussell sprouts as I'm the only one who really likes them). Guess what I will be eating for dinner tomorrow! By that time I will be thoroughly sick of turkey and anything that tastes of pumpkin!

BTW, before the family meal we went around the table saying what we were thankful for and the main sentiment was to be healthy and to have sufficient food, given how many people around the world who are affected by wars and horrendous weather are having to go without.