The Dragon Meets the Poet

  This was the title of the Gala event we attended yesterday, the dragon to celebrate Chinese New Year and the poet being Robbie Burns whose birthday we celebrated last month. No haggis at this bash but 10 courses of Chinese delicacies. The food was served family style - a huge platter put in the middle of the table and everyone helped themselves (or tried to as we were using chopsticks). Then the next plate arrived and so on. Great fun!

   I nearly missed the whole thing by not reading my e-mails carefully! The venue was changed at the last minute and I must have glossed over that piece of information. The original venue was closed by the Health Inspector for some reason (hate to think what it was) but I seem to be none the worse from the meal at the new spot. There was any number of performances from singers, dancers, and gymnasts - and, of course, the dragon! Forgot to take my camera unfortunately.

   We did a shortened program but had quite a number of attendees up to do "The Gay Gordons" as well. They really seemed to enjoy it.

   Today I was helping out at a Retirement Workshop for teachers, handing out brochures and answering questions. The speaker was excellent and I have a feeling he persuaded quite a few participants to take early retirement!

On the Run

   A jam-packed day but I did manage some down time this afternoon to recharge my batteries.

   I had to make an early phone call to reserve the room at Calabrai Bakery for Hava Java on Monday. Luckily someone was there to take my call. Out to Fitness class by 8:45 and finished with coffee and cookies around 10:15. Then it was a drive up to Aurora to pick up something for the demo this evening. This would not have been necessary if my dance group hadn't been cancelled on Wednesday. The round trip took just over an hour (luckily I found the location easily - I'm not very familiar with Aurora), mostly highway, so I arrived back in time to sign up for Pickleball. As it happens, I really didn't have to be there ahead of time as we didn't have a full complement of players for once.

   Now I just have to get into my demo outfit. I will try to get a photo of the group as we do look pretty smashing! The event we are attending is called "The Dragon Meets the Poet", a combination of Chinese New Year celebrations and a Robert Burns dinner. Wonder what the food will be like?

A Double Shock

    I got my monthly heating bill the other day - I thought last months was bad but this one was just pennies under $300! Hopefully March's won't be so bad or I will be in the poor house. I have been trying not to use the gas fire so much in the evenings but it is such a cheerful sight I am always tempted to turn it on even if the house is quite warm.

   The second shocker came this morning while I was driving to the Probus club meeting. A motorist in the lane next to me motioned that I had a flat tire - I hadn't noticed a thing. I had probably been driving on it for some time. After the meeting I called CAA and got it inflated but we could hear the air coming out.

   I went lickety split to the garage before it deflated again and, as I suspected, the whole tire had to be replaced. This took some time so I had a light lunch in the café while I waited then went to get my hair cut. Finally home just before 5:00 P.M. What an eventful day!

A Good Read

   I have just finished a good book from the library - "Watching You" by Lisa Jewell. If you like murder mysteries, I highly recommend it. It has a very satisfying twist at the end.

My favourite photos of the family - sorry for poor shot. My camera's not at its best in artificial light.

   Snow and freezing rain forecast for tonight - dance group cancelled AGAIN!!
This is the fourth Wednesday in a row.