Joining a "Bubble"

   We are now allowed to connect with one other family group while still maintaining social distance, so today I visited my family in Markham for a back yard barbecue. It's the longest trip I've taken in weeks (about 30 km there and back) and the roads were significantly quieter than usual. I was honoured to be chosen to join their family bubble.

   We had lunch outside with me on one side of the table and the family on the other. But we were close enough to talk. No hugs, though!

It was sunny and quite warm, hence the shade. Dave (SIL) manned the barbecue, Elliot baked a loaf and Judy and Natalie made corn and a Caesar salad. I brought a baked bean casserole.

James, youngest grandson, made this delicious dessert. Light and fluffy, not too sweet, with just the right amount of fruit. No need for supper tonight!

Technical glitches

   A rainy day but much milder - more like May. I managed a run (not literally but I did walk smartly as it was still spitting) down to the corner shop between showers to pick up a couple of items. They were completely out of milk but, luckily, I still have enough for my tea. When I did my grocery shop on Thursday (seniors' hours) the milk was all about to expire so I declined to buy.

   The rain finally stopped later this afternoon but it was too wet underfoot to do any gardening. I did some book keeping chores for RTO that I have been putting off - just organizing some reports for our Annual Meeting which has been postponed until October at the earliest. So, nothing urgent. My laptop has been playing up - may need to be replaced - but for once it was cooperating.

 We were to have a Zoom meeting this morning but it didn't happen. We were all ready at our computers at the designated time to no avail. Apologies all round from the meeting chair, but no explanation as to the cause. We will try again next week.

Learning to Live With Social Distancing

   My big task today was to go to the hardware store which has just been allowed to have customers inside. Previously it was just curbside pickup. I needed some gardening supplies and was able to get everything I wanted - in and out in ten minutes, wearing my mask.

   So now I can get started on weeding, feeding and seeding the lawn, clipping bushes and generally tidying up the property. It has finally warmed up and I was out with just a sweater today. I didn't buy any plants or veggies yet as we may still get frost but the garden centres are also opening this week. Now we just need to be allowed to get back on the tennis courts. I am really missing tennis and my friends at the club.

   I also went to the bulk food store and, although I had to wait to get in for a few minutes, that also went smoothly. They have an assistant do the bagging for you to cut down on contamination which I think is a good idea. 

P.S. I got yeast today!!

Significantly Distant Mother's Day

   Judy came over on Sunday with a Mother's Day treat - afternoon tea in a box. I just had to boil the kettle!

   An enterprising local tea shop came up with the idea as they are only allowed to operate take out. It was delicious! Of course, we had to eat on the front porch to conform to the current restrictions and it was a bit chilly. We were both in our winter coats, but at least there was no snow. It has been very cold here recently. Saturday overnight set a record of -4C!

Cards from the grandkids and tea in my French Press.

There were sandwiches, scones, shortbread cookies and fairy cakes.

The scones came with little dishes of clotted cream and jam.

The loose tea was "Mother's Day Blend" Delicious!