A Summer Cruise

     Yesterday's weather was a huge improvement with a nice cool breeze and clear(er) skies. We could actually see the sun! Still a bit of smoke in the air but the wind has changed direction so it should dissipate in a day or two.

   This was very fortunate as it was the day of the Toronto Harbour Cruise to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the retired teachers group I belong to. We departed by bus right on time at 10:00 a.m. for downtown and were deposited at Harbourfront in plenty of time for the cruise. A stroll along the waterfront gave us a chance to stretch our legs before boarding the ship.

   Once we were well underway a delightful lunch was served followed by a celebratory cake. As we had the ship all to ourselves we could roam between decks, ogle all the extravagant water craft (how the "other half" live) and check out people enjoying the beaches and swimming spots on the islands. However, I imagine the water was still pretty cool.

   Back in dock and then another bus ride home. I had a nap so it seemed no time until we were ending the day back where we started!

Strawberry Fields Forever

   Smoky skies in T.O. at the moment from the forest fires in Northern Ontario and Quebec. I could smell the smoke as soon as I got up this morning and the light was quite yellow. We have been advised to stay indoors if possible but I see the sun has finally broken through so the air must be clearing.  

   I was out at the crack of dawn today to the PYO strawberry farm. There used to be several within a short drive but now there is only one and it is very popular. Seniors get to pick between 7:00 and 8:30 without having to make a reservation and it wasn't very busy which I prefer. It was rather muddy underfoot as we have had so much rain recently and my car is well and truly spattered with mud. The car in front of me got off the track and got stuck!

   Many of the strawberries were past their best from all the rain, I imagine, but I managed two basketfuls which is about all I can deal with. Normally I would make one batch of jam today and another tomorrow but I will be on a trip tomorrow so made both today. Now I am exhausted and there are still more berries to deal with. I will eat them and then freeze any that are still hanging around in a day or two.

The jars on the right are Strawberry and on the left Strawberry Rhubarb. That should see me through the winter.

    Can't get enough of the berries at this time of year! We can get strawberries all year round but the imported ones don't taste anything like fresh picked!

Rain and More Rain

    A pretty wild storm last night - sheet lightning, thunder and lashing rain - but at least no need to fill up the pool this morning. We have had several unsettled days recently but managed tennis on Friday and Sunday mornings as the rain held off both days until the afternoon.

    Today was pretty busy, first the monthly coffee social, then lunch at my house with my daughter before she returned to work and I headed to the Seniors Centre for Bridge. Finally, on my way home I stopped off to vote for our new Mayor. There were 102 candidates which made choosing the right one very difficult. I am currently waiting impatiently to hear the results especially as I didn't vote for the front runner. 

   This was lunch, a delectable sushi plate. After we had our fill, some went in my fridge for later and the rest went home with Judy.

   Not a great photo but this is a sprig of Orange Blossom that poked through my fence from my neighbour's back garden. 

Heating Up

    Two dips in the pool today, once after tennis and again when I got home from my afternoon Bridge game. The pool is gradually getting warmer but having to top it up with cold water every other day is slowing the process. At the moment it's 73C and, with temperatures predicted to increase until Friday, that should continue to rise. No word yet when it will be repaired but at least I can continue to use it. 

    Interesting item in the news today - people who nap during the day for at least 30 mins. have larger brains and live longer! I love my afternoon nap. Most afternoons I get right into bed, read and doze for about an hour. Today was the last Bridge game until September so that will be an extra day when I can nap. My Monday Bridge game will continue through the summer and I don't always manage a nap on Wednesdays when I am at the Seniors' Centre serving lunches and coffee until 2:30. But, apart from these two days I will be regularly getting my head down on the pillow after lunch!

    

   

Pool Problems

    Leak has been located (return line in the deep end) and will be fixed eventually. I stayed in all morning waiting for the guys to come but had to be at the Seniors' Centre for a couple of hours around noon. Wouldn't you know it, that's when they came so I missed my Fitness class for nothing!

   I really didn't need another big amount on my credit card but at least I won't have to pay it until the end of July. Jay (the arborist) is coming this week to plant my replacement tree so that will run down my bank balance a bit as well. I paid my car insurance (credit again) this week too - just one payment as I refuse to pay the fee for using the installment plan! At least I am earning lots of P.C. Points which will translate into free groceries!

What to do on a Rainy Day?

    What I did today during the constant rain (yes, we finally did get a really good soaking, much needed by the garden) was work on a jigsaw puzzle that has been awaiting completion for what seems like ages. The tricky part about it was that all the pieces were irregular shapes so no help in that direction. However, now it's done and can be returned to its owner, one of my puzzle friends from Bridge. We had quite a productive exchange program going over the winter.

    The rain has finally stopped, the pool is almost filled to the brink and I won't have to add any water for a few days. Leak is still not located and fixed but I understand that the pool guys are probably busy with other emergencies so I will just have to be patient.

Out With My Camera

 A few more things blooming in my garden.

A splash of yellow by the back door. They are just starting to bloom.

This is the later Weigela. It was cut back drastically last year but has rewarded me by producing lots of blooms.

This is a perennial geranium of which I now have three clumps. It took me a while to find spots it likes but it has rewarded me by growing larger each year in all three locations.

Another First

    Had to turn on the air conditioning unit today as we were up in the 30's by noon. Unfortunately, I left the walkout partially open when I went for a nap so I was basically cooling the outdoors! Tomorrow will continue very hot but then it is set to cool down a bit over the weekend, thank goodness.

     We still don't have much humidity so things cool off considerably overnight. That's when I open all the windows and let nature's cooling system take over. Another dip today and while I was still wet from my swim I watered the veggie patch and some of the borders that are in direct sun. Also filled the bird bath where the robins can have a drink and a paddle. Other than that I have stayed indoors where it is blissfully cool!