An Elegant Bloom

    Sometimes I stick things in the garden and hope for the best. This is one that really worked out - an Easter lily that has continued flowering each summer for several years. It is not only beautiful but very fragrant - a joy to behold!

Unfortunately it only produces one bloom but it and its perfume lasts for a week.

Canada Day

   There were big plans for Canada Day on Friday but the weather interfered. I had planned to go to the social at the tennis club but woke up to quite heavy rain. I pottered around tidying the house for my dinner guests, setting the table, vacuuming, and putting the ribs on in the slow cooker. By 10:00 a.m., even though it was still raining slightly, I decided to head over to the tennis courts. At least there would be coffee and Timbits and, possibly, some others there to watch Wimbledon on TV.

   There were quite a few at the courts and a good match on TV. By the time I had finished my coffee the rain had stopped and we had the courts dry by 11:00. We played until 12:30 when lunch was ready - chicken souvlaki, green and potato salads - and delicious strawberry desserts.

   Then home to switch on the pool heater, stir the crock pot and have a nap. Unfortnately, with the skies clearing came a change in the wind and a drop in temperature so no chance of having a swim. Steve and Alison arrived around 4:00 p.m. and the Athertons by 4:30. It was even too chilly to sit or eat outside (although Elliot did try!) so we had nibbles around the coffee table.

    Judy (and James) helped with the barbecuing and we had dinner around the table, even though it was only set for the food. We ladies retired to the kitchen table and ate in peace while the guys ate with the kids, My strawberry rhubarb pie went down a treat along with two kinds of ice cream, blueberries and cupcakes. There was no pie left but I will have strawberries and ice cream tonight!

    I am still eating the leftovers for dinner tonight. It has remained cool and the big event today was that the technician from Enercare finally figured out what is wrong with my A/C. It needs a new part which will come in a day or two and then it will finally be fixed (I hope!) Luckily it is not going to be too hot for the next few days.

Fun With the Grandkids

     Judy went into school today and dropped the kids off just before 8:30. We had a good day which included watching tennis (me), playing with a new electronic game (Elliot), making cards and other crafts (Natalie and James), and walking up to the library (all of us) which included  a stop at Tim Hortons for a coffee (me) and Creamy Chills (the kids). After our long walk we needed some down time so we all watched a DVD that Natalie had borrowed from the Library.

    Despite our morning snack everyone was ready for lunch by 12:30 - ham sandwiches, devilled eggs and a cheese and veggies plate. Elliot, James and I had some soup too and Judy had what was left when she got back around 1:30. We played Monopoly while we waited for her so it was a busy, fun day for all.

   I cleaned the pool later in the afternoon - followed by a swim - and it looks much better. I even gave it a backwash and then filled it up a bit. I hope the weather tomorrow is warm enough for everyone to have a swim, but thunderstorms are forecast.

   A baked fish fillet for dinner tonight with some kale from the garden. I also made a bean casserole for tomorrow's dinner and had some of that too. Some Pralines and Cream ice ream for a treat after. Naughty me!

A Frustrating Day

   The pool guy came quite early this morning and fixed the leak. He did a great clean up afterwards but will be back in a day or two to replace the portion of deck he had to dig up. Since then (apart from a quick nip out to pick up groceries I will need tomorrow and Friday) I have been stuck at home waiting for the Enercare guys to show up. I had two different guys come at different times and the A/C is still not fixed. Someone will come back on Saturday to (hopefully) finish up. I couldn't even go out in the back yard in case I missed their phone call or doorbell! Meanwhile the A/C is still not working and I am praying for cool weather for the next few days, especially at night.

    I managed to amuse myself by keeping busy in the kitchen. I made a batch of carrot and lentil soup and baked a big strawberry rhubarb pie for Friday. It does look scrumptious. (OK I did go out in the back yard for five minutes to pick some rhubarb!). Since they left I have been reading "The Ice Child" by Camilla Lackberg. I highly recommend it, although it is quite gruesome, and I am at the exciting denoument. I had to miss Book Club this afternoon which was very annoying but it was either that or have to stay home tomorrow.

   I also watched some good tennis matches on TV although it was raining at Wimbledon. Luckily they have a roof on Centre Court. Both Canadians are quite easily through to the second round so next week will be exciting.

   Off to warm up some leftovers for dinner and there are still some strawberries left for dessert. Yum!