A Little Treat

   I had planned to defrost some fish for dinner but came across some reduced sushi at the drug store, of all places. So that will be dinner tonight.

   The grandkids were here for a swim this morning - they had great fun in the pool - then I was off to Bridge by noon. Two were away so we had replacements but it worked out well and my partner and I had some good cards. Elliot had asked me this morning how to play Bridge but my attempt to explain it was not great. I have realised it is quite a complicated game!

   I had a visit from a guy who is going to repair my front flagstone walk. It has sunk considerably but I am hoping he will be able to reuse the flagstones after he lays a concrete base.  He didn't sound too optimistic but I think he just wants to sell me some new stone. I like the rustic look of the current walk. Here's a "before" picture. I will post the "after" picture once it is done next month. Then I can get going on landscaping the border.

Busy Weekend

    Usual Saturday routine yesterday then up to Markham to babysit by 5:00. The kids were quite well behaved and we had burgers from the barbecue. Home by midnight and slept well until 8:00 a.m. In the afternoon I had time to make a batch of orange carrot marmalade. It turned out very well and now my preserves cupboard is almost full. Just some rhubarb jam and chutney to make.

   Tennis at 9:00 this morning but I must have still been half asleep as I played very badly - on the losing side in both sets even though we changed partners. I had a long nap this afternoon and hope to feel more energetic tomorrow. 

   It has been another lovely day. I was in the pool several times and spent most of the afternoon reading in the shade. I am reading an interesting memoir "Finding Me in France" by a Canadian, Bobbi French. I also cut the front grass after it got a little cooler, so it has been a busy productive day. 

   Last day for the chicken thighs. I am going to cut the meat from the bone and put it in a Fatoush salad to use up some more tomatoes. This is a middle Eastern salad and uses unusual spices - dried mint, Zattar mix, so has quite a unique taste. Some raspberries from the freezer for dessert. Yum!!

This should last me all year!

Perfectly Summer!

   Lovely day although the wind got up this afternoon and was blowing things around. Tennis until 10:30 then picked up the grandkids - first stop was the "Golden Arches" (McDonald's) for ice cream then home for an hour in the pool.

   A quick lunch (I think I spoiled their appetites with the ice cream, but, hey, that's what Grandmas are for!) then another hour in the pool when Judy arrived. She was very hot from working in her classroom but it is almost ready. 

   A little gardening in the afternoon, another swim and then reading my book in the sun. That's what summer is all about!

Dull and Dreary

   The day started out pleasantly but by noon it had clouded over and soon it was raining. The temperature dropped and now I am in long pants and a sweater - Fall is not far off.

  Probus club this morning with an interesting speaker, then lunch at Red Lobster. Bonnie and I had a Caesar salad and shared the stuffed mushrooms - all for the princely price of $10!  Liz had Lobster bisque and Diane had crab cakes. Everything was delicious and, of course, there were plenty of biscuits!

   Too wet to garden this afternoon so I have been reading - luckily I have a couple of good books on the go. It wouldn't do to run out of something to read!

   A light dinner and a quiet evening in front of the TV after I get off the computer.