Out on the Golf Course

   I had my first round of golf of the year today and it went better than expected. I went down to Dentonia which is an 18 hole par 3 course with very hilly terrain. You almost need to be a mountain goat to navigate it!

   Although I had a few sixes, most of the holes were bogeys or double bogeys - much to be expected since I haven't played since last fall. However, I did have two pars and, although there was no one to witness it, a birdie at the 10th hole!  also had a couple of unbelieveably long putts which just dropped in

   I skipped a few holes on the back nine as I was getting rather pooped but, all in all, I was quite pleased with my effort. Judy and I are going to a nine-hole course tomorrow morning while the kids are at camp so that should be a little easier.

Tennis at Don Mills

   It was rather a cool overcast morning but perfect for tennis. The crew was out in force, Dick was "on the board", getting us set up for our sets and the coffee was on. Good times!

   I arrived early, stayed right to the bitter end (noon) and played four sets as the conditions were so agreeable.

This is how we keep track of who's playing and who is waiting. All the courts are filled (Court #1 reserved for the Junior Tennis Camp) and 20 people are waiting to play.

We just get to play 8 games (no deuces) then another group gets their turn.

Waiting our turn!

Quiet Weekend

     Not much happening this weekend - laundry and errands on Saturday morning were completed before noon. Electricity is cheaper on the weekend so works in with my schedule. A restful afternoon and some good shows on PBS in the evening.

   Today I was up early and had the ironing done by 8:30. A quick shower and I was off to the tennis courts. It was already quite hot but managed a set with Susan, Chan and Paul. I wasn't playing particularly well but Paul and I managed to pull off a win.

  On returning home I surprised a huge rabbit in the back yard. I suspect he is the one that has been eating my tomatoes. I've lost two now, just as they were ripening. The red pepper is still on the plant but for how much longer? I will need to pick it soon. I tried to get a photo of the intruder but he took off lickety-split.

    After lunch and a nap I got on my bike and had a quick run down to Starbucks for a Frapaccino. I had a $1 off coupon and it was very refreshing after the bike ride. Then just relaxing, reading and swimming for the rest of the afternoon. The air conditioning is currently running although the house stayed quite cool until late afternoon. I made barbecued ribs for dinner last night with potato salad and green beans, and will be having the leftovers tonight so no cooking required!

And there he goes under the gate, just like Peter Rabbit in Mr. McGregor's garden!

 

Another strongly perfumed lily.

Cooling Off

   We have had a few hot days but yesterday and today have been both cooler and fresher.

   Grandkids on Monday for a swim, tennis on Tuesday - I was "0n the board" that is organizing the sets using our name tags and a board with hooks, I will post a photo of it next week. So I didn't play until almost noon and it was really too hot to be enjoyable.

   Wednesday was catching up on chores and I did achieve quite a lot. First a trip to the mall for a few errands including picking up yeast. I  had gone to make bread last week only to find there was no yeast in the house, so had to make do with soda bread. This time I was out of bulgar so had to substitute oat bran and porridge oats. It actually was an improvement, came out very light and tasty, so I may do that again. Of course the temptation of newly baked bread was too powerful to resist so the loaf was half gone before I got it sliced and in the freezer!

   I also made a batch of strawberry rhubarb jam with some berries from the freezer and the last of the rhubarb. The berries were very soft and mushy when defrosted but I gave the jam an extra long boil and it seems to have set perfectly. I will know when I finally get around to eating it. I am still using up my 2012 jam, if you can believe it!

    Thursday and today tennis in the morning (nice cool fresh conditions) and then a bit of gardening in the afternoons - digging out the violets again. I thought I had got rid of them last year but they're back with a vengeance. The nights have been great for sleeping with the windows open and a cool breeze. long may it continue!

Last of the jam making for this summer - strawberry rhubarb.

Can't remember the name and it only lasts for one day, but it is magnificent!

Nothing better than picking a ripe tomato for your lunch - and then eating it still warm from the sun.

My one and only red pepper - will it ripen and be picked before the rabbits/squirrels/raccoons get it?