Still Feels Like Summer

   Gorgeous day - mild and sunny. In fact I had to sit in the shade with my book this afternoon as it was too hot in the sun. A horrendous drive to the tennis courts today - I left about half an hour later than usual and it took me 45 minutes (usual is 15-20). I won't be doing that (leaving later) again!

   I had one of my best days on court today. Nearly all my shots were close to or on the line so earned me some cheap points. I was quite chuffed with myself. As a result of the late start I stayed until noon and had an errand to do on the way home. So straight into lunch followed by a nap.

   After that I cleaned the pool (only the third time this summer) as the pool guys are coming tomorrow to close it up. I hate to see it being put to rest dirty! I will try to get a "before" and  "after " photo in the morning. Then they will send me the bill! I think I have spent less on it this year what with not heating it so much, opening it later due to my trip and closing it earlier. Next year I will be replacing the pump so must start saving for that.

   Tuscan chicken tonight - chicken thighs, artichoke hearts and chickpeas - and there will be some left for tomorrow. I made a tasty dip with the leftover artichokes and had it with some veggies and pita bread with a glass of wine - tasty!

A Change For the Better

    First night of my dance group and we have a new teacher. It's one of our members so hope it works out for us (and him!). Our old teacher decided to retire as she is well on in years and was finding it hard to keep up so felt it was time to go. We are sorry to see her leave but, truth be told, it was time.

   I attended a new craft club this morning run by RTO (so free coffee!). We are making, either knit or crochet, "Twiddle Muffs". These are for Alzhiemers or dementia patients who need something to fiddle with. I will post photos when we have made some. It doesn't look hard and we saw several different styles which we will try to emulate.

   I went from there to Bridge group and had a few good hands, then home for a nap. Later I walked up to the library and back (4,000 steps) to pick up a new Liane Moriarty book. I have been on the hunt for something decent to read (i.e. something that will hold my attention for more than a few pages!) and I think I have finally found it. I enjoyed her last book "Big Little Lies". This one is called "Truly, Madly Guilty".

   A quick dinner of leftovers as I have to be out by 6:30, but there will be tea and cookies at break time!

Job Done!

     The new path - now I can start landscaping!

Catching Up With News

  PBS is showing "Wuthering Heights" tonight so I am engrossed in that. I've been out the last two evenings so am enjoying a restful night at home. I have been sleeping badly (too much on my mind, I think) but last night I had a really good sleep and woke up fully rested. 

   The pathway is finished and I will post a photo shortly. The guys worked so hard relaying the heavy flagstones but, luckily it wasn't too hot a day. Just one problem, it ended up higher than the driveway and they had to smooth the difference out with some asphalt - not too aesthetically pleasing. However, I can live with it and it's certainly better than before.

   Very cool overnight for the last few days and I have stopped running the pump on the pool. This is the earliest I have ever stopped using it. This afternoon I spent some time removing a couple of birds' nests from above the awning in the back yard - what a mess! Every year they come back and rebuild in the same spot and it's impossible to discourage them.

   A nice piece of fish tonight along with a big helping of broccoli. I have done quite well on the reduced carbs front today, just a piece of toast with my breakfast coffee!