Volunteering

    Today was the Volunteer Appreciation lunch at the Seniors' Centre. I got the invitation ages ago and almost forgot to RSVP. The Centre has about 50 volunteers and almost all, along with some dignitaries from the City, attended.

   We were served a delicious lunch of chicken schnitzel, salad, roasted vegetables and pasta, followed by a yummy cake and coffee. There were gifts for all, entertainment and a raffle (didn't win anything). All the people from the dance classes were up on the dance floor, showing off their moves, the music was so catchy. I have to admit to joining in although I didn't know the steps.

    Volunteering is a big part of keeping me active in retirement and the day I spend at the Seniors' Centre is only one of several groups I volunteer with. I highly recommend that all retirees find some way in which they can contribute by giving some time each week with some form of volunteering. It's a "feel good" activity!

   

Getting In Some Steps

   Another good hike with the Nordic Pole Walkers today. I remembered to take my step counter and registered 8,000 steps. I may even make it to 10,000 during the rest of the day, my most ever.

   I also remembered my camera so got a few shots. It wasn't as great a day as last week, quite windy and cool although it had warmed up by the time we stopped. We walked down to the lake again but by a different route. We followed Highland Creek but didn't see any salmon swimming upstream to lay their eggs. It's a bit late in the season for them and the water level was quite low.

Here we are strung out along the trail. Everyone walks at their own speed.

There were whitecaps on the waves. Being a lake the waves are not huge.

The hike is an official part of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.

There were tons of these flowers along the trail. The trees haven't started to get their Fall colours yet.  

    We didn't see much wildlife but spotted this hawk on a dead tree. I did hear lots of Blue Jays, though.

   We gathered for coffee afterwards to reward ourselves for the exercise. I needed a nap when I got home and after lunch worked in the garden. Hope the weather continues to be  decent for a few more weeks!

Something New to Try

    There is a book and magazine exchange shelf at the Seniors' Centre and occasionally I will bring in stuff and check out what's there. Today I was there for my Bridge game and found this cookbook. I can't wait to get into it. I love salads!

   This morning was Hava Java, the monthly coffee social - not a huge turnout but I can understand why people had other things to do, it was another glorious Fall day!

A Sign That Summer is Really Over

   Stuck at home as the pools guys were coming to close up the pool. I didn't really need to be here but I like to make sure everything goes in the right place. They didn't get here until 3:30 and were finished by 5:30. Luckily I had lots of things planned to fill the day. First I put on a load of laundry then went for a walk around the neighbourhood as I was pretty sure I would be back before they arrived.

Ready for the oven.

They rose nicely - I will have one later tonight!

    I had put on a batch of yogurt to ferment last night so I dealt with that next this morning. It takes 16 hrs. overnight in the InstaPot. I have read somewhere that you can also use a slow cooker. After it was ready I let it drain until this afternoon and it came out nice and thick. I decided to use three quarters of a cup of the whey to make scones and if they turn out well may make another batch tomorrow with the rest. It seems a shame to throw it out so if anyone knows of other uses for it, please let me know.

First they gave the pool a final clean then removed the diving board and ladders.

Next they lowered the water level to below the skimmer and dried out the lines.

Finally they turned off all the equipment and got the cover unpacked.

This is what I will be looking at for the next 9 months until they come back in May to reverse the process! Sad times.

   Now the guys have gone and I will get started on dinner - chicken thighs in a tomato sauce. Still using up tomatoes but not so many ripening now. I may have to bring in the green ones soon as the nights are getting cooler.