A BIG Disappointment

   Rain overnight but still very mild. It got up to 20C this afternoon.

   I had just got the roasted potatoes in the oven (my contribution for our holiday lunch) when I was struck with a stomach bug - so no Thanksgiving dinner for me today. I had to settle for soup and crackers instead. Steve and Alison came by on their way to Judy's and picked up the roasties. They looked so good I was tempted to sample one but decided that would not sit well in my stomach. Such a dismal day for me!

   I spent the rest of the morning reading and sleeping. I actually felt a bit better by the afternoon and was able to get out and bring in all the green tomatoes left on the vines. There were about twenty and will sit in the sun on a tray so they should be ripe by the time I get back in two weeks. I have also brought in some of the outdoor plants just in case there's a frost while I am away.

Getting Ready for Departure

   Didn't manage the third (hardest) Sudoku in the morning paper - had to give up after two tries. The first had a mistake I couldn't fix. Very frustrating. 

   I went over to the tennis courts early despite a strong wind and dark clouds. Luckily Stan arrived at the same time as me and we hit for at least half an hour. Later Kathy and Iona arrived so we were able to play a set. Stan and Iona beat us handily but I was too tired by then to make any effort against the wind. I was desperate for a coffee and had a soak in the tub and a nap when I got home.

    The rest of the day has been sunny and warm and I got a bit more tidying in the garden. The grass is cut and the bins are now full and ready for pickup. Donna came over ( so I had to tidy the house) with the binder I need to run the next Hava Java social on Oct. 30. She is to be on holiday but I will be back the week before so it will all work out.

   Salmon and peas for dinner. I had celery soup with crackers and cheese for lunch and a few cherry tomatoes from the garden. I will need to bring in the green tomatoes tomorrow in case there is a frost while I am away. There should be lots.

Something From Across the Seas

   A very late start, almost 9:00 a.m. before I surfaced.  I had a slow morning - laundry, batch of celery soup on the go and cleaned the kitchen. I did get out to the grocery store for some fresh fruit and vegetables but only spent $11!

   I found a reduced price lamb shoulder chop so that was dinner, and very tasty it was too, braised with a bit of marsala wine. Not only was it 30% off, I got 500 PC points as well to spend later. So, all in all, quite an inexpensive meal.

    A birthday card arrived yesterday from my brother in Johannesburg - their postal service is erratic to say the least. I have given up mailing things to him. But the card was very special so I'm glad it got here safely and just a wee bit late.

Summer and Fall Activities Clashing

   A little rain overnight, just enough to wet the tennis courts so it was a late-ish start today. I went to the Gentle Fit class first, really just to register and show that I wouldn't be there for the next two weeks. I did the stretching and warm-up exercises then left for tennis. I had two good sets with four good players and had some excellent shots. Overall, a satisfying morning.

    I had to take a drive down to Kingston Road this afternoon to deliver the name tags for the next RWTO lunch to Peggy. She is going to do my job while I'm away. The traffic was building up as everyone was heading home or out of town for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend so I didn't stay long at Peggy's. Home by 4:15 p.m.

   Salmon and vegetables for dinner - I'm trying to use up perishables in the fridge and won't buy very many groceries tomorrow. I will have to make some soup but will freeze whatever I don't eat by next Wednesday.