Misnomer

    I really should not have named my blog "Days In My Life" as the days seem to hurtle past without me leaving any record of them! This has been a busy week but no excuse for neglecting my blog.

   Sunday was a post birthday party for moi and I was treated to a delicious brunch at daughter's house and lovely presents. Luckily tennis was cancelled that day as there was a tournament at the courts. We had mimosas along with the food which resulted in me requiring a nap once I got home. A quiet evening with just a phone call from my son on the west coast to celebrate my birthday.

    Monday was the Knitters and Crafters group in the morning and Bridge in the afternoon. I had to skip the lunch with the crafty ladies as I wasn't able to get a substitute for Bridge. Another quiet evening at home.

   Tuesday started with tennis and it was so blisteringly hot people were dropping like flies. It had been hot for several days but this one was extreme for October. I think it set a record of 31C. I managed three sets but was home to cool off by 11:00 a.m. Bridge in the afternoon was more comfortable as the community centre where we play still has their A/C on, thank goodness. 

   Wednesday it was still hot but I had decided to walk to the Seniors' Centre for my kitchen duty. The walk there was fine but coming home was a bit of an ordeal. It's only a 20 minute walk and is shady in parts (thankfully the trees still have their leaves) but I was relieved to get home. The only good thing about this recent hot spell is that the evenings have cooled off considerably so the house has been comfortable again by the morning. In the evening Susan and I had the Thanksgiving Special at Swiss Chalet, our fave place for eating out and it didn't disappoint!

    Today brought a change in the weather as it was overcast but still warm (low 20'sC) so we had a comfortable two hours of tennis this morning. Book Club in the afternoon saw only 9 of us ( I suspect quite a few were starting the long weekend early - next Monday is Thanksgiving) but nevertheless we had a lively discussion of "The Wish" by Nicholas Sparks. And the treats were to die for!

   Rain is in the forecast for the next few days and will be very welcome. The gardens are in dire need of a good soaking. I am still picking tomatoes and will get a few more zucchini but the rest of the garden is ready to be put to sleep for the winter. That will keep me busy and out of trouble!

Volunteering

    Today was the Volunteer Appreciation lunch at the Seniors' Centre. I got the invitation ages ago and almost forgot to RSVP. The Centre has about 50 volunteers and almost all, along with some dignitaries from the City, attended.

   We were served a delicious lunch of chicken schnitzel, salad, roasted vegetables and pasta, followed by a yummy cake and coffee. There were gifts for all, entertainment and a raffle (didn't win anything). All the people from the dance classes were up on the dance floor, showing off their moves, the music was so catchy. I have to admit to joining in although I didn't know the steps.

    Volunteering is a big part of keeping me active in retirement and the day I spend at the Seniors' Centre is only one of several groups I volunteer with. I highly recommend that all retirees find some way in which they can contribute by giving some time each week with some form of volunteering. It's a "feel good" activity!

   

Getting In Some Steps

   Another good hike with the Nordic Pole Walkers today. I remembered to take my step counter and registered 8,000 steps. I may even make it to 10,000 during the rest of the day, my most ever.

   I also remembered my camera so got a few shots. It wasn't as great a day as last week, quite windy and cool although it had warmed up by the time we stopped. We walked down to the lake again but by a different route. We followed Highland Creek but didn't see any salmon swimming upstream to lay their eggs. It's a bit late in the season for them and the water level was quite low.

Here we are strung out along the trail. Everyone walks at their own speed.

There were whitecaps on the waves. Being a lake the waves are not huge.

The hike is an official part of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.

There were tons of these flowers along the trail. The trees haven't started to get their Fall colours yet.  

    We didn't see much wildlife but spotted this hawk on a dead tree. I did hear lots of Blue Jays, though.

   We gathered for coffee afterwards to reward ourselves for the exercise. I needed a nap when I got home and after lunch worked in the garden. Hope the weather continues to be  decent for a few more weeks!

Something New to Try

    There is a book and magazine exchange shelf at the Seniors' Centre and occasionally I will bring in stuff and check out what's there. Today I was there for my Bridge game and found this cookbook. I can't wait to get into it. I love salads!

   This morning was Hava Java, the monthly coffee social - not a huge turnout but I can understand why people had other things to do, it was another glorious Fall day!