Although I am not religious, I still observe this custom as it gives me an opportunity to re-assess some of my bad eating choices by cutting out certain items (i.e. chocolate and alcohol) for a few weeks. So, I will be "dry" until Easter and may even save some money into the bargain!
I was all set to attend a Pancake Breakfast at the Community Centre - had my $5 ticket - then realized it was the same day as the Retired Women Teachers lunch, which I had already paid for! No contest which one to choose and I managed to unload the $5 ticket to a friend. I'm sure she enjoyed the camaraderie of a shared breakfast with friends.
The lunch, at our local country club (Tam Heather, Google it), was quite delicious although we had to share a space with the curlers who were out in force. Seemingly there was a Bonspiel in progress and much jollity when it finished. No matter, by that time we were well fed (lovely salad and the most tender stuffed chicken, plus cake and coffee) and our speaker had a loud voice!
So now it's a time of abstinence and mindfulness, to refresh my body and my spirits with a little self-control. Wish me luck!