In the Garden

   Rainy overnight and still damp this morning but not cold. The sun came out later - it got up to 16C - but also a north wind which I hadn't anticipated. I had only worn a light jacket to walk to Bridge this afternoon and was quite chilled by the time I got home. However, the sun has warmed up the house so no need for the fire tonight.

    I sat outside (well wrapped up) after Bridge and even did a bit of weeding but only half filled the bucket before I'd had enough. I spotted a couple of dandelions on the front lawn so that will be my next job as they will soon come up thick and fast. Also the grass already needs cutting! I had hoped to postpone it until May.

   This may have been my last Friday Fitness class as it is cancelled next week for the Senior's Executive meeting and after that I will be going to Kaffeeklatsch at the tennis courts on Fridays. I feel badly about missing it but there will be someone on the waiting list who will be glad to take my place.

    I picked up a pasta dinner at the free giveaway this afternoon (also a couple of soups) and had it with a big salad for dinner tonight. It was very filling and there are still some noodles left for tomorrow. You can't beat free food! 

A New Recipe

    I had a brainwave today and googled an easy tapenade recipe as I had some  olives left over from yesterday's dinner. As well as the olives it had a few smoked oysters (the recipe called for anchovies but I had the oysters from yesterday too so used them), capers, lemon juice and olive oil. Thirty seconds in the food processor and I had a delicious dip to nibble on with tostitos and a glass of wine.

    Yesterday's dinner was Portuguese chicken and potatoes. I used the Piri-piri sauce I brought home from Portugal (a little too much as it turned out - it was quite spicy). Piri-piri chicken is a dish that originated in the Algarve and I had it a couple of times while I was there.

   I got my shingles shot this morning - at the pharmacy by 8:45 to pick it up and straight to the doctor's office for the jab. Then it was the Probus meeting, rather a tedious presentation of a trip around the world but the photos were good. After a quick lunch it was Zumba class and I am finally getting the hang of the routines. I was quite sweaty when it finished and it went by fast!

    I have the fire on tonight as it was a bit chilly in the house. Rainy and cool today and just up to 17C. I think we are in for a few rainy days - April showers!

Raising Money

   The sunny days continue but not quite as warm - the wind kept the temperature down in the low teens. Nice enough for pottering in the garden but I didn't do much of that as I was out from early morning until 3:00 p.m.

    First was the RWTO Executive meeting and I got there early to set up the used book table. There were no dramatic moments in the meeting but at least there was coffee! Lunch followed - first salad then roast beef, carrots and mashed potatoes (there was horseradish today, they forgot last time). Dessert was a delicious cheesecake with raspberry coulee (I think that's what it's called, anyway it was yummy!).

    The speaker was very amusing - Frankie's Flowers - gardening anecdotes and tips. He also answered some questions we had so it was an informative and entertaining hour. I sold over 100 books ($50) but still had to bring home the large bin and two boxes full of books. Thank goodness we just collect paperbacks! I intend to ask people not to donate any books next month and we will have a sale, 3 for a dollar instead of 50 cents each, so that should reduce the collection somewhat. Some of the remaining books I intend to donate to a church that is having a bazaar to raise money for orphans overseas but I will keep a few of the better ones aside for September.

   After the big lunch I just had a light supper, a salad with lots of fresh stuff - lettuce (of course), tomato, cucumber, roasted peppers, avocado, red onion and hard boiled eggs. I made my own dressing from mustard, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice and EVO oil. Then topped the whole thing with grated cheese. Quite filling.

The Heat Continues

   20C was the high today and sunny, although it is cooling off a bit now. I walked to and from the Senior's Centre (2,000 steps each way) for Bridge and will make up a few more at dance class tonight. I am still a bit stiff from all me exertions  yesterday but I hope it did me some good.

   Got in a bit of yard work this morning  - clearing and straightening the front border - and had my outside windows cleaned (not by me!) this afternoon so everything is looking much smarter. A quick dinner of leftovers and now I am off to dance!