Rather Chilly

   A nippy but sunny morning (8C) and we had a surprisingly good turnout at tennis. I had to keep making extra pots of coffee as more people rolled in. Usually we make a 32 cup urn but hadn't been expecting so many to show up. Everyone was in their warm-up gear but stripped off as they worked up a sweat.

   As a follow up to my Emerg visit two weeks ago I had to go for a breathing analysis this afternoon. It was quite uncomfortable (nose clip, breathing tube, being asked to pant heavily) but it is done and hopefully the results will be good. The respirologist I saw earlier this week just sent me as a precaution. I was surprised how quickly I was seen by him and will go back next week for the results.

   The sun is still shining in the windows but we may have a frost tonight so I have brought in some plants I want to save over the winter.

Some tomatoes ripening in a sunny window.

My birthday flowers still looking good!

Talking About Books

   A very cool, dull day with a bit of rain. I went to the tennis courts in between showers but no one else showed up so I just hit against the back board for a while, then home for coffee and toast. I put some French bread in the breadmaker and soon I had a couple of baguettes. I plan to have bruschetta tonight with the last of the ripe tomatoes.

   After a bit of housework I got out a puzzle I haven't done in a while and soon it was lunch time. Then off to Book Club. We were discussing "Nine Perfect Strangers" by Lianne Moriarty (she of "Big, Little Lies" fame). We weren't very impressed with the book as we like something with a bit more meat to it. We have decided to be more judicious with our book choices next year. There are only so many books we can read in our time remaining on Earth so it might as well be something more interesting with a bit of a challenge!

   The presenters had brought in some lovely treats - mini muffins, scones, fruit and veggies and dip. Claire and I are presenters next month and this will be a hard act to follow! Tea and coffee are always on tap so it is almost like afternoon tea. I will just be eating leftovers for dinner tonight.

Another Special Day

  Lovely morning, up to 28C. We were all sweating on the tennis courts - a last blast of summer! It is going to be 12C later this week and that's the daytime high! Such a big change in temperature is hard on our bodies. We need a gradual adjustment.

   At tennis today someone brought in a birthday cake for me - I didn't realize anyone knew it was my birthday yesterday but I must have let it slip. Luckily they don't know how old I am! We all had a slice of cake with our morning coffee so it was a little bit special.

   Bridge this afternoon (I played rather badly but was not the lowest scorer) and it began to rain just as we were leaving. Torrential rain after I got home - the garden was grateful. Now a quiet night in front of the TV

The Big Reveal

    If you have been following my blog this summer you will know that my daughter and family were staying with me while they had renovations done on their house. Well, today was "the big reveal"!

The central island was enlarged when the wall was removed. Now it is where they eat breakfast.

    Lots more cupboards and storage space which was sadly lacking before. With a family of five they were always tripping over each other in the kitchen.

    The best part is this new pantry (stolen from Dave's office) so beautifully organized. Hope it stays that way!

    It was my birthday party. Here I am blowing out the candles with youngest grandson helping.

  When I came home I got busy dealing with a glut of tomatoes. I made a jar of passata and another jar of green tomato chutney. There are still more tomatoes to come but I don't expect they will ripen any time soon.