A Cold Thanksgiving

    Monday was the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday and the weather was very unseasonable. Usually October is just an extension of summer but not this year! A bitter north wind combined with dull overcast skies made for a miserable weekend with temperatures in the low 'teens. In fact the overnight low was only 8C.  

The family were out of town for a couple of days so we had the Thanksgiving feast on Monday and a right lively event it was too! As you can imagine, with three teenagers, there's never a dull moment. Suffice it to say the food and the conversation were plentiful - pumpkin soup, turkey and all the trimmings (two kinds of potatoes) and pumpkin pie with whipped cream for dessert. Dave cooked the turkey in the BBQ and it was a sight to behold, brown and glistening and so tender! There also was white wine and oldest grandson made the pumpkin pie. After the meal I waddled home and had a nap then vegged in front of the TV for the rest of the evening. 

    I had to miss the Thanksgiving social at the tennis club which also was on Monday but I didn't mind as it was "pot luck" and the weather was so unpleasant that not too many showed up. I heard after that everyone was playing in their winter jackets! The following day, the end of the coffee socials at the same club, wasn't much better, a rather dismal end to the season but I did attend that and at least managed to shed one layer of clothing as the sun came out for a bit.  There was even some leftover food from the previous day's party so not a bad morning after all. Later this week the bubble goes up for the winter club but I don't plan on joining. It's pretty expensive.

    Since then it hasn't warmed up at all but I am sure we will have an "Indian Summer" later this month or even in November. One can only hope!

What I'm Reading

    I don't think I've shared a pile of books on my bedside table for a while so here's what's there at the moment.

 This month's Book Club book, ready to be returned to the library, which I have already written about. Not one of my favourite reads but the whole idea of Book Club is to read stuff you wouldn't normally choose.

Next month's Book Club book. It took me a while to get into it but now I am really enjoying it. It has the element of surprise to it. I will report on the ensuing discussion in November.

I have been on a bit of a roll with Shari Lapena this summer and this is her latest - all good mysteries if you enjoy that kind of book.

    I was between books at one point recently and went to my bookshelf for something to read. I couldn't remember how this came out and it is keeping me intrigued. It's a handy book to read on the bus or at the senior's centre when it's quiet as it is small and can be tucked in your bag. Even though I'm half way through it I still haven't figured out "who done it"!

   So, there you have it. As you can see, most of the books are from the libray for which I am eternally grateful. There are now no late fines so you can keep the books indefinitely!

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!