Golden Sunshine (not the heavenly sort)

     I worked through my tax return today and it looks like I may get a small refund. I just have to double check all the figures and make sure I haven't missed any deductions. At least it keeps my brain active!

    This afternoon, in order to take a break, I made some marmalade. It's an unusual recipe I got from a TV show (Nigella Lawson for those foodies out there) and it requires the oranges to be boiled whole for two hours until they are quite soft. I did that part yesterday. Today I just had to slice them thinly and boil with sugar. I did use a packet of pectin as I have had trouble getting marmalade to set in the past. It seems to be quite firm.

    This was from three oranges and a kilo of sugar. Can't wait to try it!

Dashing Around

    Today I had a busy morning but I organized it perfectly so everything fell into place. An early (for me) breakfast before Yoga class at 9:00 a.m followed by a dental appointment, just a cleaning. After that I headed straight to Tim Horton's for coffee and a doughnut as I was missing my caffeine fix, it was yummy! I try not to hit Tim's more than once a week as I know the calories mount up.

   Yesterday the arborist arrived to take down some cedars in my front yard so there was a bit of a clean up to do today. He has left the larger logs for someone (not sure who) to pick up. That hasn't happened yet so this afternoon I tidied the pile and removed some of the smaller logs to use in the fireplace. If the pile is still here tomorrow I will ask him to remove it before I hand over the cash for the work done. No news yet on the permit for the spruce in my back yard but it's still early days.

Lots of good wood here but I'm not about to start chopping it into logs!

   Now I am exhausted and glad of a night at home. Luckily there is still food (and wine) left over from the weekend so no cooking required!

What the.....?

 Just stuck my nose out the door and was  greeted with this.....

Yes, it's snowing and quite heavily! I will have to be careful driving to my dancing class tonight!

    This was supposed to be a quiet, restful day after having the family over yesterday for Easter lunch, but it turned out to be quite packed. The morning started with clearing the dishwasher and coping with all the greasy pots left over from the lunch. After a cold, windy walk I got bread started in the bread machine. 

   After lunch and a nap I got out what I needed to complete my tax return. I only got as far as establishing my net income for 2021 before my brain begged for a break so I stopped for a glass of wine and some nibbles. Then it was time to start a batch of yogurt in the InstaPot and it will work its magic overnight. I'll finish my tax return in the next few days. No need to overdo it as it's not due until April30th.

   Jay (the arborist) called to say he will come tomorrow to take down some of the overgrown trees at my front. I think the snow may make him reconsider, though! The permit is in for the Spruce in my back yard but it won't be approved for a few weeks yet. I have postponed my pool opening until June in the hope the tree will be down before then. 

Yoga and Some Shopping

    As luck would have it, I managed to register for the Yoga class at the Seniors' Centre this session. These classes are extremely popular as they are free and the teacher, Jai, is excellent. I have been to two classes so far and although it has stretched me beyond what I thought I was capable of, it has been enjoyable. The balance poses are the hardest but this week I managed to hold them for a few seconds - a definite improvement on last week. I even managed a (somewhat) shoulder stand! I'm sure I will keep improving.

   On Friday, when most places were closed, I went to the Garden Centre and made some good purchases. I really wanted to see if they had any early Kale as I missed it last year, but not yet. However, there were lots of other things.

   Some pansies for the front porch.

A couple of primulas to fill in the front border while I await the arrival of the tulips. They are slow this year, no buds showing yet.

...... and a new Spring wreath for my front door. This was a bit of a splurge but it is to replace the one I have used for many years which has gotten decidedly dowdy. I may even have had it in my previous house and I've been here 24 years!