Furnace Install

   Up bright and early on Thursday to receive the installers. They were right on time and worked diligently all day, finishing around 5:30 p.m. So now I have central air as well as heating (my previous air conditioner was installed in the attic, prey to squirrels and other rodents and almost impossible to access for repair). Now I can switch back and forth from heat to cool from the main thermostat. Much more convenient!

   I had a problem when it came time to pay, using my credit card. I had managed to get the credit limit raised on one card (still not high enough to pay the whole bill) but neglected to check what the limit was on my other card. Surprise, surprise, it was declined! So I still owe a portion of the bill. However, I have arranged to pay the balance with a cheque next week, once I have transferred some money from my savings account to my chequing account. That will take a couple of days.

   Still need the heat on today, but at a cheaper rate (hopefully) as the new furnace is high-efficiency. Quite overcast all day, and windy, but no rain. This morning I had a crown replaced, my final visit to the dentist for 6 months, thank goodness. As the visit was just to replace the temporary crown, no freezing was required and I was in and out in under half-an-hour, payment made and, hopefully, money back from the insurance company in the next few days. 

   I have a busy day tomorrow - tennis club opening in the morning, including lunch, and then a quick run over to the west end for Gala Day, an afternoon of dance followed by high tea. Shouldn't need any dinner after that. So today was running errands that I usually do on Saturday. Only problem may be the weather, rain is forecast. Off to fix chicken drumsticks for dinner and mashed sweet potato and green beans.

Rain and More Rain

   They say, "April showers bring May flowers", and we have had plenty of the former today. The back yard is just one giant puddle due to the fact that the downspout from the roof runs directly into it. I really need to get a rain barrel. Trees still bare but there are big velvety buds on the Mountain Ash, so leaves should appear soon. Even the Forsythia is still bare.

   Since I was stuck inside I tackled an indoor job, removing some ceiling tiles in the basement so the vent for the air conditioner can be installed on Thursday. I got two down but the third is a two person job so I will have to leave it to the installers. They suggested I do it myself in case they damage the tiles but, what the heck, it's not like they are irreplaceable! I also removed the insulation which was a much easier job.

   Rain finally stopped around 4:00 p.m. and I walked down to the mailbox to post my tax return. I owe money as usual which is why I waited until the last moment, but it is on its way and the money will be out of my account before I know it. That is one of my least favourite jobs; I am always glad when it is done.

   Off to fix dinner. Tonight it's a fish pie (of sorts, more like Shepherd's pie with a potato crust) and a broccoli casserole. I scored a huge piece of Parmigiano Reggiano at Longo's last week which had been incorrectly priced - entered as cream cheese so was half the price (is that dishonest?), so I have been putting it on everything!

  

The Weeknd

   A rather late rise today as I had been out late to the RSCDS AGM and Dance last night.  We didn't get to do much dancing as the meeting went on rather long -  a contentious motion to raise the membership fee led to a rather heated discussion. Result was the motion did not pass and the fee remains the same.

   Today I managed to get to the tennis courts by 9:30 and hit with Stewart and Ron for about an hour. It was sunny but a little on the cool side so only 7 people showed up. It won't be long until the courts are filled by 9:00 a.m. and I will have to get my skates on to be over there in time for a spot!

     A little bit of gardening this afternoon and a walk down to the drug store. Checked my blood pressure - in the "normal" range, so no worries there. Now it's time to relax with a snack and aperitif before fixing dinner. It's pork ribs tonight, presently braising in the oven, then I will finish them on the BBQ, basted with a tasty sauce. Garlic potatoes and broccoli on the side. That should keep me going until tomorrow's breakfast. I hope James is well enough to come as we have such fun together. I will really miss him in September when he starts school! 

A Day At Home

    James is sick today so has been kept home. I filled the day with a trip to the library -  I had books to return and found a couple more that look interesting. After I got home and fixed coffee and toast (using some of last year's rhubarb jam) I spent the rest of the morning working on my tax return. That is now completed and ready to put in the mail. However, since I owe money this year, it won't go in the mailbox until the last possible moment!

   The day started off looking reasonable enough but when I went out the wind was still very cold. Now it is raining lightly, good for the garden but rather gloomy. I have the fire on so things are toasty indoors. I am going out early tonight so will forego dinner in lieu of a light snack - I took some shrimp out of the freezer earlier so that, along with cheese and crackers, should suffice

Finally, something growing in the garden!