A Super Nice Day!

   The sun was shining all day and we were in the low 20's by noon. That's more like it!

   Fitness class this morning - I am still waiting to join officially but the numbers are dropping so I have been going regardless and no one has challenged me yet! Then book club this afternoon. Our book was "The Squawking Chicken" which met with mixed reviews but there was a great turnout so obviously many were interested in hearing other's comments.

   Finally downloaded my Easter pictures so, here they are:



The Easter Tree

James and Natalie collecting some eggs.

Judy's awesome layered salad!

First Day on the Courts

   Still a bit on the chilly side but I did get over to the tennis courts and hit for a while with Stuart, Soo and Chan. The courts were quite busy and I had a chance to catch up with everyone. We are all devastated by Frank Perity's death over the winter from brain cancer. It was quite a shock to us all since we played with him just last Fall.

   Not much else to tell today - I had hoped to watch the final of the Barcelona Open on TV this afternoon but it was pre-empted. I just read instead.

Getting Better

   Not so miserable today - we at least had some sun! I sat outside for a few minutes but the wind was still quite strong and cool.

   Things are beginning to appear in the garden, lots of daffodils and a few hyacinths. But the crocuses I planted with the grandkids in the fall have yet to show their faces. Did they put them in upside down?  Lots of tulips are on their way and should be open by next week if we get some warmer temperatures, and the Forsythia by the back door is in bloom.  

   Not much on the agenda this weekend except for the RSCDS dance and AGM tonight. I shopped, did laundry and reviewed the dances for tonight but won't have any dinner (bar a few snacks and a drink) before I go out. There's always lots of food at the break.

   Tennis starts next week - can't wait! I am playing indoors with Hendrina and her friends on Tuesday so will get a chance to see if I can still hit the ball after a winter of idleness. However, so far the weather has not been conducive for outdoor games. Here's a warmer picture to cheer us up!

The birds on Fisherman's Island near Olhao, Portugal where we stopped for lunch. They were after the fish scraps the fisherman were dumping in the sea. Fun times! We had a great seafood meal.

Miserable Weather

    After some truly lovely Spring weather earlier this month, it has turned nasty to end April. Lots of rain, some hail, and cold winds plus this morning there was frost on the rooftops and only zero when I got up. We haven't seen the sun all week and I have had the fire on in the evenings. Back to winter coats and gloves!

   Out for lunch (Greek chicken wrap and fries) with the Probus ladies today after a stint in the coffee shop at the Senior's Centre. This is my second lunch out this week as I was at the RWTO lunch on Tuesday. This one was much cheaper - only $12, and I have enough leftovers for supper! Tuesday's was salad, roast beef (very nice but no horseradish) and a chocolate covered cheese cake to die for! I didn't need any supper that night.

   On Tuesday we had Terry Fallis as our speaker. He's the author of many humorous books, the last one being "No Relation" which we read at my book club earlier this year. He was very amusing and kept us in stitches for an hour.

   Got my tax return completed yesterday despite several gaffs and redoings. Although I was required to pay two instalments of tax during the year I still owe them some more money which will clean me out for this month. Luckily my pension arrives before the cheque will be cashed! Converting my RRSP to a RRIF (which I was required to do because of my age)  is what put up my income but, hopefully, I will have it all straightened out before next year's return has to be completed.

   Babysat the grandkids on Saturday (what fun) and also got to see the last episode of "Downton Abbey" which I missed while I was in Portugal. It wasn't the cliffhanger I was expecting but quite a satisfying season ender. Looking forward to the next (and last) season next January. Right now I am into the second season of "Outlander", the series based on Dianne Gabaldon's books, which I love. Rather violent but very intense!