In the Pool

   Had a fun day with the grandkids while Judy was taking part in a 15k run - she did well, finishing in 1:39.


All kitted out but no swimsuit.

   The kids had a great time in the pool as it was a perfect afternoon. James took a little while to make up his mind about going in but was eventually persuaded to get in to his swim suit. Once in, he was splashing with the best of them!
We finally got out and dried off by 5:00 p.m. and they kept themselves busy while I cooked dinner. I had decided on baked chicken drumsticks in a crispy coating, corn-on-the-cob and sweet potato fries. They were all good and hungry by the time it was ready and cooled off, so not much was left. Natalie ate the best - three drumsticks and two corn cobs - but the boys ate their share too. Dessert was rhubarb cake and ice cream with a variety of toppings.
   James hadn't slept in the afternoon (too much going on) so he faded later in the evening and was sound asleep when Judy arrived to take them home. The other two managed to stay awake but I'm sure slept in the car! I will find out today when I go to their house for a barbecue.

Not sure about the temperature!

 

More better

   Managed three short sets of tennis this morning and a bit of a swim so things are definitely looking up. Now I will take a break until Tuesday and should be back to normal by then.

   Judy and the boys over for lunch (egg salad sandwiches again but at least they are popular!). Elliot helped(!) me clean the pool and then we had a brief dip as the water was still a bit on the chilly side. They were off to watch Natalie's final dance performance later in the afternoon so I had an opportunity for a nap and felt better for it.

   Basa fillet for dinner. I think I will fry it in a little butter and make some quinoa with peas. I have started on the onions from the garden so will add one. Should take me all of 20 minutes to prepare. My kind of meal!

Food

   I made a tasty dinner yesterday, rotini pasta tossed in a cheesy veggie sauce. It started with an onion, then I added a couple of mushrooms, a tomato from the garden, sun-dried tomatoes and, finally a couple of ounces of goat cheese to make a sauce and, lastly some shrimp from the freezer. This time I defrosted and peeled the shrimp first which made for easier eating. It made a huge plateful but was so good I ate the whole thing!

   Tonight I have a big corn cob from the farmer's market - picked this morning - and garlic and bacon mashed potatoes. Some cherry tomatoes from the garden will round off the meal. Sadly, there are only a few tomatoes left on the vine but I am enjoying them while they last.

   I hit a bit on the tennis courts this morning but not able to run for any balls yet. Will try again tomorrow.

Almost Back to Normal

   Woke up feeling good yesterday and managed to play two sets of tennis this morning. I think the secret was a good long break between sets! Spent an hour or so over coffee and chats with friends. It was a perfect day for tennis - quite cool, a mix of sun and clouds and with a bit of a breeze. Surprisingly, for August, the temperature only reached 21C.

   I went to a movie in the afternoon - Tuesday is "cheap" day at the movies! The film was "Blue Jasmine", a Woody Allen film quite different from his usual light comedies. Kate Blanchett gave an outstanding performance as a disgraced socialite having to endure reduced circumstances. You couldn't help feeling sorry for her although she definitely deserved her comeuppance.

   I picked up some sushi on the way home for a supper treat. Can't believe I ate the whole thing! But it was yummy.