Still Mild

   Friday was another brilliant day. I spent the morning on the golf course - at Tam O'Shanter which is 5 minutes from me. Rather a challenging course for my ability level so I just played 9 holes. However, I think I will  go back to the easy par 3 course I usually play even though it's a longer drive. But with the sun shining, 13C and the trees in all their glorious fall colours, it was an exceptional morning.

   That evening was the AGM for my local tennis club and as I am the designated note-taker, my presence was required. It started late and there were many long-winded arguments that I tried to document, but at last it was over and I now just have to type up the Minutes before I forget what my scribbled notes mean! I have until the Spring to do this but if I leave it too long it will be an arduous process.

   A quiet day today apart from the usual Saturday chores - laundry and grocery shopping. I was a bit late getting out and the store was crammed but eventually I was home, had a light lunch and headed for bed. Some rain this afternoon but my laundry was dry enough to bring indoors and is now folded and put away. An evening of TV awaits and there's a chicken casserole in the oven (my favourite, Tuscan chicken, thighs with chick peas, artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes. I also threw in the tiny eggplant from my garden, hope it tastes OK).  

Brilliant Weather!

   I had made tentative plans to meet friends at the tennis courts this morning and we were in luck. The sun was shining, not much wind and reasonable temperatures. We played for an hour then I had to leave as I was heading out to the RTO craft sale and lunch.

   I got to Qssis around 11:15 and checked out the craft tables. I had been looking for the vendor that had marmalade last year but she wasn't there. Nothing else I was interested in but  I met up with two friends from the book club so we sat and chatted about our most recent book until it was time for lunch. Lunch started with a delicious carrot and pumpkin soup. Then roast pork (a bit dry) and vegetables; we were even offered seconds. I had another potato and some more asparagus. Dessert was apple pie and butterscotch ice cream followed by coffee, and once I had polished that off I was well and truly stuffed. All that for just $20!

     Since I was already near by, I went to Edwards Gardens for the Farmer's Market on the way home. I was looking for corn and a special cheese but neither were available. However, since I was already inside the garden centre I picked up some crocus bulbs which the kids and I will plant on Monday, if the weather cooperates. While there I spotted a bush just like the brightly coloured ones I have in my garden. They are Japanese Barberrys, planted by the previous owners. I was very pleased to find out their name. It was so warm and pleasant wandering around the grounds I was very loath to leave.

    Still stuffed from lunch so just going to have leftovers again for dinner.

Marmalade

   I had nothing planned for today other than the thought of a round of golf. But it really was too chilly so decided to give it a pass. However, I had a notion to make some marmalade as I had bought some oranges at Adonis yesterday. Squeezing and slicing the oranges (and one lemon) was quite a tedious chore but was made up for by the delicious aromas created once the sugar was added. From the three oranges I got three reasonable sized jars of marmalade which should set nicely as I used my candy thermometer to reach the "setting point".



So comforting to have home made preserves in the pantry!

 

   A little gardening this afternoon as it warmed up and the sun was out. The roses are protected for the winter and another border is cleaned up. Kathy and Cathy both contacted me regarding tennis tomorrow and we will give it a go. I just hope it's not too chilly.

   Still some ribs to eat up but I will cook some fresh vegetables, probably potatoes and broccoli.

   The news today has been full of an attack on the Parliament buildings in Ottawa. A bit too close for comfort! Tragically, a soldier has been killed and this comes on a recent killing of another soldier in Quebec. Both attacks appear to have been perpetrated by Jihadists.  It is very sad that conflicts in other parts of the world are now coming to our peaceful country. 

Still Cold and Rainy

   It only got up to 9C today - it's too early in the year for these chilly temperatures! We have been promised a warmer few days soon but I'm not holding my breath.

   Lunch out today. It was the RWTO Craft show, lots of interesting tables but I didn't feel tempted to buy anything. Lunch was very good, Caesar salad, steak in a spicy pepper sauce, vegetables and a delicious chocolate dessert.

   Later in the afternoon, as it was still raining, I went to the movies. Also because Tuesday is bargain day - $6 tickets! I saw "The Judge" with Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall. Both were excellent and the story was quite gripping. I must say I didn't notice the time passing and was quite disappointed and reluctant to leave when it ended.

   Just a light supper tonight. I stopped in at Adonis on the way home and picked up some treats which I had with a bowl of soup - a wholewheat baguette, some blue cheese and a smoked mackerel. Unfortunately the fish was terribly salty so I may not be able to eat it. Also it was full of bones. You win some and you lose some.