Picton Picturesque

A small group of us made it out to Prince Edward County over the past long weekend for some country vistas, good food and a bit of dancing to this writer’s son-in-law to he’s band, The Lonely Hearts. We also a a lovely visit with Stacey who showed us her new house, currently under construction. It will be spectacular. We’ve scouted out the area and should a return visit happen, some interesting options are available.

Happy Birthday This Week

Best wishes for a splendid day go to Margie this coming Tuesday. 🎉🎂

Neighborhood Strolls

Dovetailing nicely with last week’s piece on alternate walking sites, this article from StrollTO dives more granularly into our city’s wards and neighbourhoods, with details of local landmarks, some familiar, and others better hidden. This might add a bit of variety and interest for even our most oft used paths. Check it out here.

Weekly Walks

Another sunny Saturday in the forecast, with temperatures around 20°C in the morning, so not yet time to put away the shorts. Looking forward to a good showing of knees at Loblaw’s at 8:00. And in case there are wasps buzzing about, here is an interesting piece about why so many more appear at the end of summer. The short version is, they have nothing to do back at the nest, and eat for distraction. Leave them be, as vigorous swatting might trigger their defence behaviour. A good way to keep them away is to leave a container a bit of sugary liquid (cola, etc.) a bit away from you to distract them.

The annual pool party was a huge hit, and the turnout was great. A gazillion thanks to Lou-Ann and Paul for hosting, and to everyone for the fab feast contributions

Happy Birthdays!

Best birthday wishes go out to both Charlotte and Eileen for a super day this Sunday! 🎉🎂

Weekly Walks

Saturday looks perfect—not too hut and sunny—so we hope to see “a bunch of youze” out at Loblaw’s for a personal choice distance. There is some talk of pushing up a wee bit after a leisurely summer. Whatever helps you put one foot in front of the other.

And We’re Back…

Yes, the prodigal walkers have returned after a 6-week gallivant through Europe, and eager to join the gang this Saturday. Weather looks good for the walk, and other activities thereafter.

And Speaking of Which

Lou-Ann and Paul Have this to say, “Yes we are going to have our annual pool party this year…missed our time together!”

So, this Saturday, August 20th, starting at 2:00 pm, we hope to see everyone to splash about. Afternoon temperature is slated to hit 30°C, perfect swimming conditions. Best to bring a chair, towel, and perhaps a swim suit (hey, after Mediterranean beaches, whatever works for you), and some food to share. Paul and Lou-Ann will provide sliders

Hope you can make it…let Lou-Ann know if you are coming so she knows how many sliders to make! Please check your emails for the invitation with further details.

Rain date Sunday, August 21st.

Belated Birthday Wishes

Blame it on the jet lag, a senior moment, or a calendar glitch, but Kim’s birthday on Monday the 22nd got missed in the initial upload of this post. Caught it just in time 🥵! And happy birthday, Kim!

The Last Remote Post

By the time you read this, H and I will be following Gertrude the duck into a volcano.

Too obscure for you? That is a reference to the 1959 film “Journey to the Centre of the Earth, originally authored by Jules Verne. In it, a scientist and his companions find a path to the centre of the Earth by entering an extinct volcano in Iceland. Let’s hope ours remains extinct as well so that this time next week, the blog can once again be written from home.

Thanks for following along!

Weekly Walks

Saturday is looking simply awesome—13C warmer and sunnier than Reykjavik! Lots of opportunities for flower spotting and playground swinging. Join the gang for a distance that suits your fancy at 8:00, Loblaw’s per usual.

Plenty of ominous warnings in two of three of these ales but we can focus on a proper job.

Weekly Walks

And that is what can (seriously) happen this Saturday. As usual at the usual, as it should be a bright sunny morning. Please take pics so I can post them next time!

There Be Castles

One of the things one can count on in Val-de-Loire is castles, and we have seen a few, and passed on many more, as time didn’t allow for all. The one in the photo below, Chenonceau, is not the biggest but has a very in interesting history.

Weekly Walks

The météoscope (I made that up) shows gorgeous weather for Saturday. Please join everyone at Loblaw’s for a lovely walk. We will be with you in spirit (and in London).

Everywhere il fait chaud

Temperatures in France have been intensely hot, and it seems the same can be said for the gang back in T.O., to some extent from what we hear. Perhaps an earlier-than-eight start would help? Please let the others know where you stand either in the comments or on WhatsApp. Staying near the lake is probably the best, and hydrate! I can recommend rosé, but only after the walk!

French Health Care

France has a reputation for having one of the best health care systems in the world. Nevertheless, it seems from the poster below, they have similar concerns with cluttering the hospitals with less than critical care.

Greetings From Afar

Bonjour from sunny and 🥵 France! It’s been challenging keeping up the walking due not only to the stifling heat but the narrow roads. Consoling ourselves with good cheap wine, fresh fruit, cheese and bread.

Weekly Walks

Conditions in TO seem much better suited to a Saturday morning walk. Same time and place as usual. Allez-y!

Remote Control

As there will be travelling involved, the next month and a half will be posted remotely. As long as I have wifi or decent mobile access, that should continue to work. If the posts are late or altogether missing, assume Saturdays at Loblaw’s, 8:00 am as usual. Weather conditions may change things so please refer to WhatsApp and the comments here for updates from the rest of the group.

Weekly Walks

Saturday looks gorgeous at the time of this writing, so hoping for a great turnout. Travellers will be with you in spirit.

Making a Splash

We are informed through reliable sources that Saturday August 20 should be in your calendar for the annual pool party. Details have been sent to everyone via group email, so keep an eye open for that, and check your spam folders just in case. Rain date is Sunday the 21st.

Happy Birthday

Birthday greetings to Arlene this Sunday! Wish her your best, if you can keep up!

Also! Cheryl is celebrating a birthday on Monday. Thanks to Barbara for giving me the heads-up on that!

Many happy returns to both!

Weekly Walks

Saturday looks to be hot and sunny, so let’s look for a shady route as much as possible, and hydrate well. Post walk at the picnic tables at Loblaw’s, unless someone is sleeping there (again!).