Return to Normal

    Well, we certainly have seen the end of our pleasant temperatures. Thursday was rainy but not too cool. Yesterday got up into the low double digits but today there was an icy wind and, although sunny, decidedly frosty. 

   I got my new garden shed ordered the other day, not online, which I would have preferred but I had to go to the store as the website wasn't cooperating. But now it is done and will come in a few days, delivered to the curb. Hopefully Steve will be able to put it together but he may have to call on help from my SIL.

   A day in the kitchen today - my only break a walk with the dog. I made turkey soup with the carcass that I had stowed in the freezer last weekend, lemon cheesecake bars to share with my tennis buddies tomorrow (if the weather cooperates) and now I am off to make a cauliflower casserole to have with the second turkey breast, also stored in the freezer since Thanksgiving dinner. A relatively easy meal all told!

Lucy practicing for her trip to Victoria next week. She has been in and out of the cage all evening.

A New Toy

    For the first time in ages we have had continuous rain all day today. After a very dry summer the lawn has been abysmal with lots of dead patches so this good soaking should help it recover before it goes into hibernation for the winter. 

    DIL and I had a stay-at-home day and only ventured out when the dog needed to relieve herself. In fact, at one point I put her on her leash (the dog, not DIL!) and stood on the front porch while she wandered around and found a good spot to "do her business". She didn't want to stay out long anyway. 

   I am now the proud owner of a rowing machine! Son and DIL didn't want to take it to Victoria when they go later this month, and they couldn't find a friend to take it, so it will stay here. I tried it out this morning for 10 minutes and managed to work up a sweat so it might become a part of my fitness regime. I have it set on the lowest tension and that was plenty for me!

Luckily I have plenty of room for it in my basement.

Too Hot!

    It started off cool and sunny but we were soon peeling off layers on the tennis courts. The courts were wet to begin with (overnight rain) so we had to be careful for the first half hour. We played until after 11:00 a.m. I was the big loser today but it was wonderful to be out in the fresh air and sunshine!

   I did a bit of gardening this afternoon (mulching and removing some annuals) then sat in the sun for half an hour. I was definitely over dressed as it felt as hot as an early summer day. The temperature was to go to 18C but I'm sure it was more than that!

   Last of the turkey leftovers tonight. I am making a frittata with the last slice of turkey breast and bacon, cheese and grated potato. This will be served with a salad and leftover stuffing (if anyone can face it another day). 

Things to be Thankful For

    Thankful for family and friends to celebrate with, a wonderful feast and our continued good health. The day started with a lively couple of sets of tennis even though the temperature barely made it into double digits! We will continue until the snow flies - or the nets come down, whichever happens first!

   We were just a small group of three for the Thanksgiving meal today (obeying the new regulations) but were able to connect with the others on Skype.

Turkey and all the trimmings despite our small group.

 This was followed by apple pie and ice cream. Talk about being well fed!