A Busy Couple of Weeks

    I had to go back to my calendar to remind myself all that has happened recently.

  Last week I was out at meetings followed by lunch on Wednesday and Thursday. This week there was a bus trip on Tuesday to Niagara-on-the-Lake for some shopping therapy, a rather swanky lunch and a theatre show. It was "Damn Yankees" and was an excellent production. The choreography and performers were fantastic. Unfortunately I forgot my camera but took some photos with my phone so will try to upload them.  NOTL is a very scenic town and was thronged with tourists even at this time of the year, many from across the Niagara River in the U.S.

   On Wednesday I had to go for my driving test - it's a group written test (very simple) to make sure we are still fit to drive as we reach the grand old age of (gulp) 80! Today I had to stand in line for an hour to get my driving license validated and I got my vehicle registration renewed at the same time. So that's done for the next two years.

   So a pretty busy week or two as we are still playing tennis a couple of times a week, and Bridge club and my evening dance groups are getting going. Masks are still required for most activities but I have noticed people are a bit more relaxed about wearing them all the time.

   Things should be a little quieter in October although Thanksgiving and Hallowe'en are coming up. Nothing like having a busy schedule to make time fly!

Changes

    The weather has definitely turned autumnal. We've had rain, off and on, all day today and temperatures didn't get much above the mid 'teens. I brought in the last of my indoor plants that have been summering on my front porch. They have done well and look great for their holiday outdoors!

   I've also pulled up all but one of my tomato plants. They didn't do too well with the extreme heat this summer so no green tomato chutney this year. It's time to start putting the garden to bed but first I must fertilize the lawn and maybe put down some seed to cover the brown spots.

   Most of my winter activities are starting up this week so I have a busy few days ahead. We didn't get on the tennis court this morning because of the rain but we should get a few more games in before the nets come down next month. One year we kept playing into November!

End of a Season

    Notwithstanding that Thursday is the first day of Fall, I have my own way of noting the end of summer. It all happened this week.

        The beach towels were washed and put away until next year.

I had my last dip yesterday, the water was chilly but still refreshing after a long hike.

Today the winter cover went on so that's it until Victoria Day next year!

 

By My Bedside

    A new crop of books from the library - some recommended, some I have been awaiting for some time and a few that just serendipitously came to my attention.

   I have almost finished the Anne Perry book, her excellent plotting and machinations about to come to a satisfying conclusion. The Malcolm Gladwell book is for our next Book Club meeting and I'm afraid I am really struggling with it. The Louise Penny came from a friend and has also been left unfinished while others catch my fancy.

 I have been waiting for the Val McDermid book from the library for ages and can't wait to get cracking on it! The others, Amy and Lan and The Seven Sisters are unknown quantities but were recommended and sound like something I would enjoy. It is so great to have sources of good reads!

Sad and Happy

    Thinking back the other day to Queen Elizabeth's coronation. I was 9 years old and loved the pomp and ceremony. There will be much ceremony around her funeral but of a very different sort, remembering her long and faithful service to the country and Commonwealth.

   On a happier note - it has stayed very warm here and I have been swimming the last two days. I usually don't get in the pool much come September. Maybe this year will be the exception. The closing is booked for September 20 so I still have several more opportunities to get in.

Labour Day

    A holiday here, traditionally the last day before school starts up again after the summer off. This year the teachers are back tomorrow but the kids will have to wait until Wednesday to see their friends and meet their teachers.

    It is also traditionally when my tennis club hosts a round robin and BBQ but it didn't happen the last two years due to lockdowns and restrictions on gatherings. It wasn't a great day weather wise but the rain held off and the temperature was pleasant. There was a great turn out, over 50 people, for the first Labour Day celebration since 2019!

On Wednesday a friend and I will be celebrating NOT having to return to school as we are both retired from teaching. We will toast our still-working colleagues with something alcoholic over lunch at Red Lobster. Photos to follow!

Afternoon Tea

     A lovely time at the Old Curiosity Tea Room this afternoon with my two favourite ladies - Judy and Natalie! We ate until we had no more room and took the rest home. I had prepared by eating only a small breakfast and managed to avoid most of the treats at the tennis social this morning, so was quite hungry.

Situated on Main Street, Markham, it's a picturesque and popular spot.

We each chose a different tea and had our own pot. Mine was a herbal blend, very refreshing!

Trying to look very genteel!

The sandwich stand. There was something for every taste. My favourite was the cheese and Branston Pickle, Natalie's was the egg slice and Judy's was the cucumber and mint (instead of watercress).

And, of course, the dessert stand. Judy's favourite, Empire biscuits as well as shortbread cookies and scones with jam and clotted cream - clotted cream first, then the jam in case you're wondering.

    No dinner tonight although I may have a small snack before bed.