Canada Day

     I was a little late putting up the flag today but, never mind, I was out all morning at the tennis courts for a round robin and lunch. It was very hot and humid and I only managed one set. In fact I felt quite nauseous after I came off the court and had to sit in the air conditioned lounge to recover, maybe a combination of the heat and the smoky conditions. I was amazed that people managed to stay out there for over an hour!

     We were served a lovely lunch of BBQ chicken and pork kebabs, potato and green salad and a special Canada Day cake. We all dressed in some combination of red and white, our national colours, and there were drills for those energetic enough to prolong their stay outdoors. Finally, some lucky draws but I didn't win anything this time.

    There was thunder rumbling around by the time I got home and a spattering of rain but not enough to soak the garden. At least it stayed away until after the festivities were over! I expect there will be fireworks this evening but I hope not too many as it would only add to the poor air quality. Our new normal, I guess.

A Summer Cruise

     Yesterday's weather was a huge improvement with a nice cool breeze and clear(er) skies. We could actually see the sun! Still a bit of smoke in the air but the wind has changed direction so it should dissipate in a day or two.

   This was very fortunate as it was the day of the Toronto Harbour Cruise to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the retired teachers group I belong to. We departed by bus right on time at 10:00 a.m. for downtown and were deposited at Harbourfront in plenty of time for the cruise. A stroll along the waterfront gave us a chance to stretch our legs before boarding the ship.

   Once we were well underway a delightful lunch was served followed by a celebratory cake. As we had the ship all to ourselves we could roam between decks, ogle all the extravagant water craft (how the "other half" live) and check out people enjoying the beaches and swimming spots on the islands. However, I imagine the water was still pretty cool.

   Back in dock and then another bus ride home. I had a nap so it seemed no time until we were ending the day back where we started!

Strawberry Fields Forever

   Smoky skies in T.O. at the moment from the forest fires in Northern Ontario and Quebec. I could smell the smoke as soon as I got up this morning and the light was quite yellow. We have been advised to stay indoors if possible but I see the sun has finally broken through so the air must be clearing.  

   I was out at the crack of dawn today to the PYO strawberry farm. There used to be several within a short drive but now there is only one and it is very popular. Seniors get to pick between 7:00 and 8:30 without having to make a reservation and it wasn't very busy which I prefer. It was rather muddy underfoot as we have had so much rain recently and my car is well and truly spattered with mud. The car in front of me got off the track and got stuck!

   Many of the strawberries were past their best from all the rain, I imagine, but I managed two basketfuls which is about all I can deal with. Normally I would make one batch of jam today and another tomorrow but I will be on a trip tomorrow so made both today. Now I am exhausted and there are still more berries to deal with. I will eat them and then freeze any that are still hanging around in a day or two.

The jars on the right are Strawberry and on the left Strawberry Rhubarb. That should see me through the winter.

    Can't get enough of the berries at this time of year! We can get strawberries all year round but the imported ones don't taste anything like fresh picked!

Rain and More Rain

    A pretty wild storm last night - sheet lightning, thunder and lashing rain - but at least no need to fill up the pool this morning. We have had several unsettled days recently but managed tennis on Friday and Sunday mornings as the rain held off both days until the afternoon.

    Today was pretty busy, first the monthly coffee social, then lunch at my house with my daughter before she returned to work and I headed to the Seniors Centre for Bridge. Finally, on my way home I stopped off to vote for our new Mayor. There were 102 candidates which made choosing the right one very difficult. I am currently waiting impatiently to hear the results especially as I didn't vote for the front runner. 

   This was lunch, a delectable sushi plate. After we had our fill, some went in my fridge for later and the rest went home with Judy.

   Not a great photo but this is a sprig of Orange Blossom that poked through my fence from my neighbour's back garden.