Another Good Read

     I have just finished this book and enjoyed it although the subject matter isn't easy to read about. It has flashbacks to the Siege of Leningrad in 1941 when Germany invaded Russia and surrounded the city. It's pretty grim reading, told by a survivor, and deals with how it affected her whole life. It made me wonder about the after effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and how the citizens of Mariupol (currently under siege) will deal with the trauma they are enduring.

   Onto something not so gloomy. I made a significant decision the other day to have the giant Spruce tree in my backyard removed. It provides lovely shade on hot summer days but is very messy with needles, pine cones and twigs scattered everywhere, so it has to go. The arborist who is to remove it says it is "in decline" and I am always worried it will come down in a storm. Also it is too close to the pool so I am hoping it can come down before the pool is opened. 

   As it has a diameter of more than 12 inches, a permit is required form the City Planning Department so hope that is granted ASAP. I may be required to replace it with another tree that is more appropriate for the location. Stay tuned!

Peeking Through the Snow

 Yes, we had snow (not much) today so March is going out like a lion. Bad news for the first daffodil shoots daring to poke their heads out.

    I'm sure they will survive with just a bit of frosted tips. There are also some tulips showing up. A while yet until we have some blooms, though.

A Double Hit

   This was Wednesday. My neighbour "helped me out" by spreading some of the pile over the grass. At least I presume that's what happened.

     We had quite a lot of rain since then and today has been milder so the pile has shrunk considerably.

    It won't be long now until it is finally all gone!

    Probus meeting this morning and there were 57 people in attendance. Usually we have over 100 so some are obviously still reluctant to get out in public yet. We are all Seniors so that is understandable. One friend who is over 90 was there. She said she was just desperate for some human contact. The speaker was excellent - his subject was Aretha Franklin and he shared photos and archival footage of some of her early performances. What a "Natural Woman"! Do you remember that song? Also R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

Starting to Get Out More

   It has been a long, long wait  but finally things are beginning to open up here. Masks are no longer mandatory (except for a few exceptions) but many people are planning to keep them on for a few more weeks. I can't wait to resume most of the activities I used to do pre-Covid!  

   Last week I added two Scottish Country dancing classes to my weekly schedule as they finally started back so that is Mon., Tues. and Fri. evenings busy. Tomorrow I will be going back to the Bridge group (will need some refreshers as I have only played online since March 2020 but that will get my brain working) - can't believe that will be two activities on the same day.

   On Thursday the monthly Probus meetings will start up and if that's not enough excitement, I got a call to come in to the Senior's Centre to serve in the kitchen. My shift will be Wednesday afternoon again this year, that starts on April 6th. Also that week the Fitness classes resume and I have signed up for Yoga as well. 

    On top of all that, the tennis clubs are opening in April so I must send in my membership fee so I can get out there when the weather is nice. Hard to believe how everything is coming back to life. Be still my beating heart!