A Good Book

   Luck was with me last week when I decided to drop by the Agincourt Library. I had run out of anything to read and that particular branch has a "Best Bets" shelf where I've had some lucky finds. And so it was that day - a new Diana Gabaldon novel in her "Outlander" series, which I didn't even know was out! It didn't take me long to become enthralled with the plot and renew my acquaintance with the characters. I may not finish it in the three weeks allowed, but I am giving it my best try. Also, I learned yesterday that the books are serialized on television starting next week. Can't wait!

   We had a fun day last Friday up at Port Perry where Alison keeps her horse. The kids got to ride Mischief out at the stables, then we went into town for a late lunch by the lake. I had played tennis in the morning and was pretty beat by the time I got home. It was quite a long drive to the stables.

   Saturday I was back up to Markham to babysit the kids so it was a late night again. Sunday, up early for tennis but didn't play long. Golf on Monday morning - played a whole round on the par 3 course. Tennis on Tuesday morning then went to a movie in the afternoon - "The Hundred-foot Journey" - not bad but not particularly spectacular either. That evening was pot luck night at the Bridlewood House League so I made some sausage rolls and wandered over around 8:15. There was a nice spread and good socializing but I  was home, with not much in the way of leftovers, by 9:00.

    Today I had a quiet start but Judy brought the kids over for lunch then left them while she went back to her classroom to get it ready for September - can't believe there are only two more weeks until then! I made a big batch of cauliflower soup, which everyone enjoyed, and egg salad sandwiches which are always  popular. Dave picked the kids up around 4:30 as Judy was off to Dragon Boating. After they left I tried out a gluten free Focaccia bread recipe and am somewhat undecided if it was worth the effort. It was quite successful but with a texture and underlying taste that weren't completely to my liking. The main ingredients were tapioca flour, coconut milk and eggs. I tried it with some smoked salmon and blue cheese and perhaps it's just a matter of getting used to it. Now I'm off to warm up leftover lasagna and cook a cob of corn for dinner.

Roger's Cup Week

   It was a busy but fun week of tennis at the Rexall Centre at York University. Only one day of rained out matches and the final winner was Jo-Wilfred Tsonga. This was the result I had hoped for but, unfortunately, his opponent in the final was Roger Federer, another favourite of mine. It was a spectacular match but Jo-Willie was definitely the better player, winning in two sets. Attendance was up this year with several sold out sessions as most of the top players were present, so it was pretty hectic at the entrance, scanning all these tickets.

   After the final on Sunday all the volunteers were treated to a "thank-you" party. By then I was pretty exhausted (too many long sessions and too much sun) so I left quite early. The party was just getting started but I had eaten and drunk my fill so I headed home for an early night.

   Judy and the kids were over for a swim on Monday and today was tennis in the morning (after a rainy start) then Judy and I had afternoon tea at The Marleigh in Unionville. No need for much dinner tonight!

Rexall Centre, main entrance to the Stadium Court.

 

The Doubles Final from the 100 level.

 

The Singles final from the "nosebleed" section, the 300's.

 

Presentation of the trophies. All the dignitaries in attendance!

 

The Ticket Takers table at the Volunteer party. There were over 1000 volunteers this year!

Lunch With the Family

    Judy had us for brunch today to celebrate Dave's birthday.  We had an egg and cheese dish and fried potatoes and bacon. The kids were in fine form and very excited at the prospect of cake. Elliot had made the cake (with help from Judy) and it was delicious.

   I have been invited to join Judy and the kids when they visit Alison and her horse, Mischief, at the stables. That will be a week from next Friday.  Natalie is especially keen to ride Mischief as she enjoyed the horse riding at camp this week.

    Next week I will be at the Rexall Centre most days for the Roger's Cup tennis, so won't be blogging (except for some photos, perhaps). When I'm not taking tickets at the gate, I will be watching the matches.  Hopefully some Canadians will make it into the main draw.

   Don't need much dinner tonight after the big lunch - leftovers, probably, and no dessert!

August arrives

  A hot morning on the tennis courts today but I managed 4 sets. Cut the back grass this afternoon then needed a p[lunge in the pool. Huge thunderstorm later that filled the pool up so no need to turn on the hose for a few days. Picked some yellow cherry tomatoes to have in a croissant for lunch with cauliflower soup.

   Golf with Judy yesterday - both our games were very much up and down although she certainly can hit the ball further than me! We just played nine holes as we had to be done in time to pick up James from camp. After picking him up, we went to "Johnny's Bistro" in Markham for lunch. It was very pleasant out on the covered patio and James was very good although he didn't eat much. I had a steak souvlaki and Judy had a turkey and bacon sandwich. Even with a heavier lunch than I am used to, I still managed to cook and eat butter chicken for dinner. Lots left for dinner tonight.