A Day at Niagara Falls

   The skies were cloudy here during the eclipse on Monday but I did catch a glimpse through the clouds as the moon crept across the sun. It was eerily dark though, for a few minutes.

   I had an early start on Wednesday, joining a group for a day trip to the Niagara region. The bus left at 8:15 and we arrived at our first stop by 10:30. It was the Reif Winery, one of several in the region, where we had a tour of the winery followed by a tasting experience. Their star was an ice wine that we all enjoyed (even managed an extra taste) before hitting the store to pick up some bottles.

 

The tasting room. We tried a reisling and a red wine, followed by the sweet ice wine. It's made from grapes that are left on the vine through the first frost which concentrates the flavour.

  Our next stop was at the restaurant where we were to eat lunch. It's right by the Falls so we had a few minutes to take in the view with quite a crowd of other tourists still here after arriving on Monday to view the eclipse. We also had front row seats while we ate lunch! The meal was very tasty, a delicious sunchoke soup followed by a fish course and apple crumble and coffee for dessert. The sunchoke soup was a new experience for most of us, seemingly made from Jerusalem artichokes which are an unusual vegetable here. 

 Very impressive, standing right at the lip of the Falls - and very loud!

The interior of the restaurant with windows overlooking the Falls.

There was quite a bit of spray today but these hardy souls were pretty close to the base of the falls and needed slickers to stay dry.

    After lunch, our next stop was a Butterfly Conservatory where I enjoyed not only the exotic butterflies but also the gorgeous tropical plants. The feeding stations were the best place to take photos.

 

The Lollipop Plant

       Back on the bus and our last stop was another winery where we had 4 tastings and time to shop again.  Then we headed home.

    I have to admit to snoozing most of the way home but, all in all, it was quite the outing. However, it took its toll and I was early to bed and slept like a log!

Weather Woes

    The storm has passed although it's still pretty windy. We've had some snow in the last couple of days but nothing compared to Quebec and further west. This is not uncommon here at this time of year but is unwelcome so I'm glad we missed it.

    I had a busy morning - fitness class at 10:30 then a quick trip to the supermarket for their special on compost and top soil. A very kind young man helped me load it all in my car but I still had to unload it when I got home! Lastly, a stop at the Post Office in the drugstore to check the P.O. box for last minute cheques for this month's lunch. We are at over 80 so far but a few more may dribble in next week as this is our most popular lunch as it includes a fashion show. Some of our members are the models which is always fun to see!

   The nets are up at the tennis courts but it's still a bit chilly to be playing. Maybe next week as it is forecast to be much milder. Fingers crossed!

Whoop-te-doo!

    Big win at Bridge today! I was the second highest scorer and got the grand sum of $8. This was more than usual as we had two extra tables, which meant 40 people attended. We each pay $1 for the privilege  of being a participant so I came away $7 to the good.  Not too shabby for an afternoon's entertainment! 

   Not a very nice day, weatherwise. Heavy rain is forecast but hasn't arrived yet. It's been very windy but that seems to have died down now. I will hunker down until the storm has passed and gloat over my winnings!

Leftovers

    There wasn't much food left over from yesterday's Easter meal, but we barely made a dent in the wine!

   Daughter and SIL came in separate cars so both needed to be fairly abstemious. However, I wasn't driving anywhere so I was able to have a glass (or two) of my favourite Portuguese red, Toro Bravo. Oldest grandson is now old enough to imbibe but hasn't acquired a taste for wine yet, so abstained. Actually, he probably drove one of the cars home. So, for the next few days I will be forced to work my way through these two bottles. What a chore!

    Also on the table, for adding to our coffees, was a bottle of Bailey's Salted Caramel, my favourite liqueur. That will last me several weeks!