It has rained on and off most of today but I didn't mind - I started my new winter activity today - bridge lessons! When I was at the Recreation Centre last week to vote in the Advance poll, I picked up a brochure advertising all the activities available for seniors. There are several drop-in activities but I discovered that free bridge lessons are offered on Tuesdays so I signed up for them and went there this morning. There are three classes, the first on bidding for beginners, the second on conventions (I skipped that as it was for more experienced players) and the third was "Play of the Hand" where we actually got to deal hands, bid on them and play them out. I watched for the first part then got to play a couple of hands. It is coming back to me, but slowly (it's been at least 20 years since I last played) and a lot of the terms are new. It may take me a while to get up to speed but I have signed up for all the winter sessions.
Yesterday the grandkids were here (a P.A. day in York region schools) and kept me hopping. James and I made soup for lunch (Elliot made the devilled eggs and Natalie helped with the sandwiches), they singlehandedly decorated a gingerbread Hallowe'en house, we planted crocus bulbs, visited the library, and spent an hour at the park. Luckily it was quite mild and I took along the tennis raquets. Elliot had fun hitting the balls over the fence although I told him the idea was to keep the ball in the blue court. He has quite good eye-hand coordination whereas Natalie had trouble connecting with the ball. James just chased the balls around the court. Even with all these activities we still had time left over so I let them use my computer for the last hour before Judy arrived to pick them up. After they left I had a nap!
Dinner tonight is the leftover Tuscan chicken with garlic mashed potatoes and green beans. Just a matter of some chopping and reheating. Easy-peasy, just the way I like it!
Tuesday, 28 October 2014
Saturday, 25 October 2014
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).
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).
Thursday, 23 October 2014
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.
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.
Wednesday, 22 October 2014
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".
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.
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| So comforting to have home made preserves in the pantry! |
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.
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