Tax Return Weekend

     After the usual Saturday chores (laundry, baking, shopping) I got started on my tax return. I had filled in all the details earlier this month and had a good idea that I would only owe a small amount. It is due to be mailed by Tuesday so I started checking and rechecking the numbers. Only found one small error which didn't change much and I should be able to finish it tomorrow. It's always a relief to finally drop it in the mailbox!

   Starting to see some buds on the trees but the forsythia is almost over and a neighbour's magnolia tree is in full bloom. I have a generous showing of daffodils this year and the tulips should be appearing soon. So, Spring is definitely in the air. Next week will be busy with a lunch out, visit to the dentist and Book Club - all on the same day, so will relax for the rest of the weekend.

    

Easter Weekend

     I have had a lovely four-day weekend, mostly because I came to the end of my wine and chocolate abstinence! I had my first glass of wine (actually a vodka cooler) on Friday followed by wine with the Easter meal yesterday and more of the same today. There was lots of chocolate on offer yesterday too and I more than had my fair share with oodles still to polish off in the coming days. 

   Despite abstaining for almost three months I haven't lost any weight whatsoever but at least these two treats are obviously not contributing to my current weight. Now I will concentrate on my diet - maybe cutting back on carbs and increasing my workouts. Tennis will start up soon so that will undoubtably help.

   Easter meal yesterday went off well - a delicious leg of lamb with all the fixings - although oldest grandson was missing as he still had one more exam to complete before returning home from Trent U. later this week. I sent some goodies home for him and there were still some leftovers for me today.

    The weather has been a mixed bag but I got out to vote in the advance poll today between rain showers. The sun is now shining and once the grass dries off I will be out to give it its first cut of the year. I managed to pick some daffodils and forsythia for the Easter dinner table, a cheerful display!

Tariffs

    I had my first experience of tariff fallout this week when I grocery shopped. The can of orange juice concentrate which I normally buy, has always been around $1.79 for years. Now it is $3! I will have to be more careful when shopping, obviously! Luckily I only bought one but I think I will have to switch to apple juice which I presume will be a product of Canada. I didn't buy potatoes as they were from the U.S., which I don't understand as we grow plenty of potatoes in Canada. I bought sweet potatoes instead and they were cheaper anyway. We are being encouraged to buy local produce whenever possible.

    I have started a new Wednesday routine which is working well - a new (and free) fitness class at a local church at 9:30, home for my second breakfast of coffee and toast, then a 20 minute walk at 11:30 (more exercise) to the Seniors' Centre for my volunteer duty in the kitchen. Then more exercise walking home again at 3:00 p.m. I will sleep well tonight with all that fresh air and exercise!

   In case you're wondering, my first breakfast was a banana and yogurt smoothie which I drank in the car while stopped at traffic lights on the way to the church. Also, after the class we were offered a protein shake and granola bar but I brought them home to have another time. I'm not trying to lose weight, just eat sensibly and, more importantly, only eat when I'm actually hungry!

   

The Monthly Lunch

    Lunch out on Thursday was lovely - friendly company and good conversations. The food, not so much. We were at Anejo, a Mexican restaurant with a pleasant ambience and accommodating staff in a slightly upscale plaza. I would have liked to window shop after lunch but I had to rush off to my Book club meeting. We were discussing "Hello Beautiful" by Ann Napolitano and I didn't want to miss the discussion.

   Most of the ladies ordered tacos at the Mexican Restaurant but, as I'm not a big fan of tacos, I ordered the House salsa plate. I love salsa and have it at home quite often but always buy the mild version. This one had five different types and two of them were just too spicy for me although I made a valiant effort! The refried beans, the Pico de Gallo and the guacamole were hot but not too much so, so I polished them off with lots of water to wash them down. 

   After one gorgeous day last week we are back to dismal weather - rainy and chilly. I am itching to get started on the garden but, except for clearing some of the leaf detritus from around the crocuses that are just beginning to sprout, that hasn't been possible. Hopefully, next weekend?