Just Like Summer

   Another hot, sunny day - we may be lulled into a false sense of summer arriving early, but there can still be frosty nights this early in May. I hope not as I wouldn't like to lose the herbs and vegetables I have already planted.

   We had a 2 hour power outage last night just as I was preparing dinner. It seemed to be quite localized as the lights were on in the park and the traffic lights were still working at the corner. Until this happens you don't realize how dependant you are on electricity. I was able to sit outside reading for an hour but when it became too dark to read I was at a loose end, and I was getting hungry.  At last the power returned and I was able to cook supper and watch TV.

   Tennis at Don Mills this morning and I had a horrendous drive to get there! I left as usual around 8:30 and didn't arrive until 9:20. The mornings are usually slow but that's just ridiculous. Road repairs and lane closures were the main culprit today but there did seem to be an inordinate amount of traffic on the road. It makes me wish I could just pull up stakes and move closer to the courts but then I would be further away from my other locations. Coming home around noon, in comparison, is a breeze - usually just under 15 minutes.

   It was very hot ( high 20's) on the courts and we had one player who suffered a nasty spell while playing. Fortunately she recovered after moving into the shade and a judicious application of ice to her head, so there was no need to summon medical help as we have had to do in the past. Most of us are well used to the heat but it is still rather early in the year for these conditions to arrive. Also, many of the players are getting on in years - quite a few in their 80's and one 93 year old!

   After lunch and a nap I was back out in the sun, tidying up the back yard and planting some nasturtium seeds. Then I practiced the dances for the West End Ball tomorrow night. Most of the dances are quite easy or familiar so I shouldn't have any trouble with them.

   Still eating leftovers but with the addition of some fresh vegetables. I have planted kale but I am considering putting in some lettuce plants as and addition to my diet. I really should eat more salad as I do like it but am too lazy to chop vegetables.

Super Day!

    Brilliant sunny day and HOT!!! Played tennis for an hour this morning but had to quite by 10:30 as the temperature was rising. It hit 27C this afternoon.

    Bridge after lunch - just a small crowd, they were all probably at home working in their gardens. I had pretty bad cards and only played one hand which I did, in fact, win with two overtricks. We didn't keep score but I'm pretty sure the other pair came out ahead.

   When I got home I planted the two tomato plants that I bought yesterday. There's still room for a couple more which I will pick up next week. Got my hair cut later this afternoon. Eating leftovers again tonight but will cook up a broccoli casserole to go with it. I have been craving greens this week and am much in need of a nice big salad.

Homemade Soup and Bread

    Over to the Senior's Centre for the "Stretch and Strength" class and coffee afterwards. The ladies told me Wednesday was Senior's Day at the garden centre so that was my next stop. I bought a couple of tomato plants, some herbs (although I forgot basil), red peppers, eggplant and kale. I will make another visit next week to pick up begonia for my hanging baskets, some more tomatoes and the basil - if I remember.

   My smoke detector was beeping last night so I bought a new battery for it. However, once installed, the smoke detector failed to pass the test. I may have to buy a new one. Luckily I have a second one installed in the upstairs hallway.

   Made some soup when I got home and got a loaf in the bread maker just before lunch. I love my bread machine! 

 

The finished product - it sank a little so I will cut back on the yeast next time.

   I dug up the vegetable garden this afternoon, added some plant food and planted most of the herbs and vegetables. Then they got a good watering and are on their way (hopefully!) to a fruitful harvest.

New plants - first week.

Kaffeeklatch

   First day at Kaffeeklatch - and we ran out of coffee! It was rather a cool morning so people were keen to have a warming drink in between tennis games. We made another pot and it was gone by 11:00 a.m. but that was it, so the late comers had to do without.

    I had 4 (yes, 4) games and stayed until almost 12:00 p.m. so had to rush to get home for lunch and then over to the Senior's Centre for my Bridge lesson. Quite a busy day.

   I am cooking a stew tonight using a beef heart that was on special at No Frills, so am interested to see if it will be tasty and tender. It has been cooking in the slow cooker all afternoon and the accompanying vegetables certainly look tender. My freezer is full so I won't need to shop much this weekend. I have a beef tongue and beef liver, also on special this week so will just need vegetables and fruit and a few other staples. All the meat I bought this week, as well as being on special at 30% off, was bought using my PC points so really cost me nothing. My favourite way to shop!