The Fruits of my Garden

   A lovely set of tennis at Bridlewood this morning - blue sky but not humid, very pleasant. Only 6 of us there, it seems such a waste that more people don't attend, but all the more court time for us! A father and his 3 kids arrived around 10 a.m. but we weren't using the third court anyway. It's supposed to be adults only on Thursday mornings.

   The grandkids were over for a swim yesterday and I needed the heater on all morning to get the water warm enough. The nights have been quite cool this week (lovely for sleeping) but it has meant the water is always low 70's  in the morning. Natalie doesn't mind the cool water but the boys are more picky. However, they did go in after lunch for quite a long swim. Neither Judy nor I got in, just too chilly!

   Cooking up a nice dinner - Tuscan chicken. I use chicken thighs and after browning them add onions, artichoke hearts, chick peas, sun-dried tomatoes and, for a change, a small Italian eggplant. All it requires to make it absolutely delicious is some red wine but when I don't have an open bottle I use Marsala and it's a good substitute. So that's what I did today.

   Yesterday I lifted all my shallots - I got nearly 2 lbs. They are presently soaking in salt and tomorrow I will finish pickling them. Last week I made some pickled beetroot which should last me a couple of months so I will be all set for tasty pickles well into the fall!

This year's batch of Strawberry Jam - I still have several jars of last year's to finish even though I gave some away as gifts.

Car Woes

  I can't believe I have neglected my blog for almost a week! Much has happened so I will attempt to catch up.

   Last week I decided  had better heed my mechanic's calls and take my car in for a service. Big mistake! I spent most of one day and a couple of hours on a second trip to have all the things wrong with it fixed. Plus it cost me an arm and a leg!

    On the plus side, all three days I had set up for tennis worked out and I was able to get in several sets each day. Unfortunately, Sunday was rainy but I had housework and gardening to catch upon so I had no problem filling the morning.

Not as many blossoms on this climbing rose as I cut it back severely last year - but it still is beautiful.

   This morning tennis was doubtful due to heavy rain overnight and early in the morning. Ever optimistic, I headed over to the courts and found one court dried off and almost ready for play. After a coffee we started to play although the skies were still very threatening. As the morning progressed the weather improved and by noon we were hot and sweaty (very humid conditions) and had had three good sets. This afternoon the wind became very strong while I cleaned the pool and, although the temperature was in the mid 20's it got too chilly to sit outside. I hope it improves tomorrow as Judy and the kids are coming over for a swim.

Self-seeding sweet peas come up here every year.

My Swet-smelling Garden

    On exiting my back door today I was hit by an intoxicating perfume. I traced it to a lily that had opened overnight. If you recognize it, please tell me its name. It comes up each year and quite enthralls me with its beauty and perfume. The lavender, which I severely cut back in the spring, has recovered well and is also emitting a strong perfume, especially when watered or brushed against.

 

 

I also have several herbs that smell quite strongly - rosemary, oregano and mint - but they need to be handled before their odours become evident.

Canada Day

   On July 1st. we celebrate our great country with friends, feasting and fireworks - at least I got the friends and feasting part organized; the tennis club was holding a round robin and barbecue lunch. Unfortunately, the heavens opened after about 10 minutes of organized play and we were well and truly flooded.

    Luckily, we had tennis to watch on TV in the club house - Milos Raonic playing in the fourth round at Wimbledon. He won his match against a Japanese player who is ranked 11, so lots of smiles and cheers. Meanwhile the courts were being dried off, the sun came out and we were able to have another set before lunch. Chicken skewers, salads and tasty desserts with a plentiful supply of cold drinks - the temperature and humidity were very high.

   Came home for a much needed swim and rest before Steve arrived with his chainsaw to demolish a couple of dead trees in the back yard. After an hour we were both so hot and sweaty we decided to call a halt for today. All the big trunks are cut up and most of the smaller branches but I have no more bins so the remaining stuff will have to wait until the next garden refuse pick up day. Then I can reload the bins again.

   Another swim was called for after al that strenuous activity - the pool has been consistently in the 80's for the last few days - and then a quick tidy up of the yard before relaxing with a drink and snacks. I am still eating the leftovers of the "Festive Special" but dinner tonight should be its last appearance.