Roll Up the Rim

   At our Probus meeting we have Tim Horton's coffee and last week I managed to find two cups with freebies under the rim. One was my own and the other was from a friend who didn't want hers. Now, I am really against disposable cups and usually take my own mug but can't say no to free stuff. 

   Today, while on my morning walk I deliberately took the route that went by my local Timmies and cashed in my winnings. I got an extra large decaf and an apple fritter. I saved some of the coffee for tomorrow as it was huge! Free stuff always seems to taste better than if you have had to pay for it.

   Bridge this afternoon and I was the lucky loser and got $3. This just means I didn't win anything from having a high score but had my name pulled from the jar. This will pay for my next three times at Bridge. After my unlucky events last week it was nice to feel my luck may have turned.

Storm Warning

   We have been warned to batten down the hatches tonight as a massive storm is approaching - up to 100kph winds and snow and ice rain. So far it has rained off and on all day and the wind is starting to pick up. I have to be out by 9:30 tomorrow morning so I hope I don't encounter any downed trees or power lines.

   An indoor day - I made some mango chutney and pickled beetroot this morning. Watched a Canadian lad in the tennis final in Rio - he's only 19 so kudos to him for getting so far in the tournament. Unfortunately he lost 6-4, 7-5. Better luck next time!

The Dragon Meets the Poet

  This was the title of the Gala event we attended yesterday, the dragon to celebrate Chinese New Year and the poet being Robbie Burns whose birthday we celebrated last month. No haggis at this bash but 10 courses of Chinese delicacies. The food was served family style - a huge platter put in the middle of the table and everyone helped themselves (or tried to as we were using chopsticks). Then the next plate arrived and so on. Great fun!

   I nearly missed the whole thing by not reading my e-mails carefully! The venue was changed at the last minute and I must have glossed over that piece of information. The original venue was closed by the Health Inspector for some reason (hate to think what it was) but I seem to be none the worse from the meal at the new spot. There was any number of performances from singers, dancers, and gymnasts - and, of course, the dragon! Forgot to take my camera unfortunately.

   We did a shortened program but had quite a number of attendees up to do "The Gay Gordons" as well. They really seemed to enjoy it.

   Today I was helping out at a Retirement Workshop for teachers, handing out brochures and answering questions. The speaker was excellent and I have a feeling he persuaded quite a few participants to take early retirement!

On the Run

   A jam-packed day but I did manage some down time this afternoon to recharge my batteries.

   I had to make an early phone call to reserve the room at Calabrai Bakery for Hava Java on Monday. Luckily someone was there to take my call. Out to Fitness class by 8:45 and finished with coffee and cookies around 10:15. Then it was a drive up to Aurora to pick up something for the demo this evening. This would not have been necessary if my dance group hadn't been cancelled on Wednesday. The round trip took just over an hour (luckily I found the location easily - I'm not very familiar with Aurora), mostly highway, so I arrived back in time to sign up for Pickleball. As it happens, I really didn't have to be there ahead of time as we didn't have a full complement of players for once.

   Now I just have to get into my demo outfit. I will try to get a photo of the group as we do look pretty smashing! The event we are attending is called "The Dragon Meets the Poet", a combination of Chinese New Year celebrations and a Robert Burns dinner. Wonder what the food will be like?