Short and Sweet

   Definitely cooler today but still not sweater weather. The sun was in and out most of the day but no rain. Tennis this morning for about an hour and a half - just me, Cathy, Kathy and Soo. We didn't manage to finish our second set as the teams were practicing and needed the court - not too happy about that. We went to Panera Bread for a coffee after and spent an hour complaining about being kicked off the court. Next time we will refuse to leave!

   A quiet afternoon at the coffee bar at the Senior's Centre - I was left with almost a full carafe of coffee so some people had "freebies". It's very hard to judge just how much to make. Some of my regulars were "no-shows" today. I walked there and back so had plenty of fresh air and exercise today. I'll just have a relaxing evening in front of the TV.

   I have taken a fillet of trout out of the freezer and will have that, poached, with a broccoli casserole, so must away to the kitchen to get things started.

A Change in the Weather

   I went early to tennis today as some nasty weather was forecast. We were playing by 8:20 and it lasted until just before 10:00 when the heavens opened and that was it for the day. However, we had a good turnout  - all the courts were filled - although a few just showed up as the rain was starting. Their bad luck! Since then the temperature has dropped considerably so we will have cool night.

   This afternoon, since there was more heavy rain, I took in a movie, "The Glass Castle". I had read the book it was based on and it was a good version of the book. It is based on true events and included some video and photos of the actual family. I enjoyed it immensely and would recommend it.

   An interesting dinner tonight - it was a bit late to cook when I got home from the movie so I stuffed a Greek pita with interesting stuff, roasted red pepper, avocado, cucumber on a layer of cream cheese. Delicious but rather tricky to eat. This was followed with some almonds and dried apricots so I got plenty of protein. 

   

A Little Treat

   I had planned to defrost some fish for dinner but came across some reduced sushi at the drug store, of all places. So that will be dinner tonight.

   The grandkids were here for a swim this morning - they had great fun in the pool - then I was off to Bridge by noon. Two were away so we had replacements but it worked out well and my partner and I had some good cards. Elliot had asked me this morning how to play Bridge but my attempt to explain it was not great. I have realised it is quite a complicated game!

   I had a visit from a guy who is going to repair my front flagstone walk. It has sunk considerably but I am hoping he will be able to reuse the flagstones after he lays a concrete base.  He didn't sound too optimistic but I think he just wants to sell me some new stone. I like the rustic look of the current walk. Here's a "before" picture. I will post the "after" picture once it is done next month. Then I can get going on landscaping the border.

Busy Weekend

    Usual Saturday routine yesterday then up to Markham to babysit by 5:00. The kids were quite well behaved and we had burgers from the barbecue. Home by midnight and slept well until 8:00 a.m. In the afternoon I had time to make a batch of orange carrot marmalade. It turned out very well and now my preserves cupboard is almost full. Just some rhubarb jam and chutney to make.

   Tennis at 9:00 this morning but I must have still been half asleep as I played very badly - on the losing side in both sets even though we changed partners. I had a long nap this afternoon and hope to feel more energetic tomorrow. 

   It has been another lovely day. I was in the pool several times and spent most of the afternoon reading in the shade. I am reading an interesting memoir "Finding Me in France" by a Canadian, Bobbi French. I also cut the front grass after it got a little cooler, so it has been a busy productive day. 

   Last day for the chicken thighs. I am going to cut the meat from the bone and put it in a Fatoush salad to use up some more tomatoes. This is a middle Eastern salad and uses unusual spices - dried mint, Zattar mix, so has quite a unique taste. Some raspberries from the freezer for dessert. Yum!!

This should last me all year!