Day Trip

    I had signed up (and paid for) a bus trip today but the weather forecast was atrocious! Thunder storms and constant rain right through the day. We were travelling a bit north east but the weather there was to be equally awful. My friend bailed but I decided to go anyway and so did most of the other seniors who had committed weeks ago.

   The trip was a cruise on the Severn canal to see the lift locks, one of which is quite unique in the world. I was totally impressed with the mechanics of raising boats up to 4 metres, we went through two locks and then returned through them again. There are over 40 locks on the canal before it reaches Lake Ontario so a major piece of engineering. So glad I have seen it.

   The weather didn't spoil things too much. We didn't get rained on  while moving from bus to boat to lunch spot and back again although there were several showers while we were on the boat. There were two decks, one enclosed and the other quite adequately covered so we stayed dry and could still observe the lock gates opening and closing. After the cruise, almost three hours, we headed to a local joint, Jack's Fish House, for fish and chips which was delicious. Having breakfasted early (our bus departed at 8:30 a.m.) we were all ravenous so the food really hit the spot. It was followed by Coconut Cream Pie, which was to die for, and coffee. 

   On the return trip we were scheduled to stop at an Ojibwe (local Indian tribe) craft shop and museum but, when we arrived it was closed. Later we learned there had been a tornado warning in the area and everyone had been advised to shelter in place. As an alternative, on the way home our driver stopped at a country store which held an abundance of locally made food and crafts so we were able to satisfy our shopping urge. Home by 6:30 and by then the sun was out. No need for a proper meal, just a small snack and  glass of wine after a busy and eventful day.

Air Quality

     I woke up this morning to a very strange sky. The sun was a barely visible orange ball and the sky was quite dark with a weird brown colour. Turns out this is air pollution from forest fires in Northern Ontario. This has lasted all day but yesterday's awful heat has fortunately dissipated. 

    I haven't been affected by the poor air quality but several people did say they were having trouble breathing and not too many were at Fitness class this morning. We just need the wind direction to change a bit - it was from the north west most of the day and is now WNW.

    I have all the windows open and the house has cooled down considerably. Yesterday was really unbearable even with the AC working overtime. At one point my car temp gauge registered 37C. Currently it's 22C. but tomorrow it is forecast to get up to 29C. We are due some rain by the end of the week which will also help to clear the air.

First Tomato

 .......just a little cherry tomato and I ate it straight off the vine. It was delicious. I only have five plants this year and, although most have lots of flowers, there are only a few green tomatoes so far. 

   A little bugger got one of my tiny zucchini last night - I can't think that it was worth the effort as it's still early days with the zucchini plants. Lots of flowers but not much produce so far. I will keep them well watered and fingers crossed.

   So hot today, I was in the pool three times just to cool off. Too hot to sit in the sun as I usually do to dry off, just straight back inside. I did trim a couple of bushes which were in the shade (the reason I required the cooling dips) but once all the clippings were cleared away, that was it for gardening today. Once the sun is down I will put away all my gardening tools and bins of clippings.

   I have been trying to clear my ears of wax this week in preparation for consulting my doctor about my hearing. People are complaining I am forever asking them to repeat things and it is annoying for me too. The ear wax removal treatment doesn't seem to be very effective (drops in each ear for a few minutes then rinse, twice a day) but I will persevere for another day or two. Also, today I had to book a driving test which has to be done every other year here once you are 80. It's just a vision and cognitive test and doesn't take long, no road test, thank goodness - this will be my third time!

First Raspberries

    I picked and immediately ate two raspberries today. They were delicious but could have been two more days to full ripeness. Lots more on the way!

   Today was the Wimbledon social at the tennis club. One of the members provides scones and other members bring strawberries, cream and other goodies. So it is quite a feast. There were sandwiches, quiches, salads and fruit trays. I brought some crackers and cheese and my friend Kathy brought devilled eggs. Unfotunately I felt quite ill afterwards - don't know if it was the food or the heat. I did play two sets beforehand and it was getting quite hot by the time we stopped for the food. When I got home I lay down for a couple of hours and feel much better now.

   The pool guys found some algae in the pool today and treated it with a strong dose of chemicals. So I wasn't able to swim until 6:00 p.m. and by then I really needed a swim as I was quite hot and sticky. I watched some tennis from Wimbledon and the last Canadian in the singles draw was eliminated (by Novak Djokovic) There are still a couple of Ladies in Doubles play. 

   So, it's been quite a busy and eventful day. I should sleep well tonight!