Saturday promises to be more tolerable as far as heat is concerned, so let’s get out there and get in some distance while we can. Loblaw’s and picnic tables post as per usual!
On weekdays, one group has returned to evening walks on Tuesday and Thursday when possible so if this of interest, please post here or follow the ShoreThings Light on WhatsApp.
Birthday!
Congrats to Rainer who celebrates on Sunday! Hopefully he can join us on his Geburtstag eve for a hearty round of Hoch soll er leben! You all know it, right?
As we get into travel season, you might see the occasional picture pop up in this section. If you have any to share, please send them my way.
A Tale of Two Oceans
Weekly Walks
We have resumed our occupation of the Loblaw’s picnic table, so as this Saturday looks like another perfect day, we can look forward to a post-walk coffee there. Baked goods are always welcome (thanks Lou-Ann!). We still have no races on the horizon to the best of my knowledge, but perhaps it could be time to increase our distance from the nominal 8 km to 10? Something to mull over anyway and chat about this Saturday.
Thanks to Olwyn for this tip on the benefits of asparagus, 17 according to the linked article in the photo caption above.
The Stones
Not Mick or Keith, but fun anyway. Olwyn send these meaningful ones seen on a recent walk.
Birthdays This Week
Ah, the lovely month of June! It starts off with a birthday four or own Trish on Saturday, so she gets the serenade at Loblaw’s.
But wait, there’s more as the very next day, it’s Susan’s turn, so warm up those vocal chords!
Weekly Walks
Last week gave us a taste of what temperatures could be like, so remember to hydrate and sunscreen when temperatures soar. Fortunately, Saturday looks very pleasant: clear skies and a promised high of 20˚C. Ideal!
During the week, the various pods are doing their thing in Taylor Creek Park, so reach out if you want to join, such as this lovely group! Tuesday in the East End is also East York Farmer’s Market day, so that could be combined.
June so soon? Perhaps best. I don’t think I can look at another tulip without mixed feelings. Still, time heals all wounds as the expression goes, and the Ottawa contingent seems to be on the mend. Perhaps some may even reappear this weekend. TBD.
Saturday gangVictoria Day gang
Weekly Walks
With luck and a few negative RAT verdicts, a return may be seen for some of us on Saturday, which so far looks absolutely perfect. 🤞
Perhaps the midges will have gone through their life cycle and the Spit could welcome us back? For post walk café, the tables outside Tim’s are now open if you prefer the outdoors, for any number of reasons, but our old standby, the picnic tables at Loblaw’s are still there too, and soooo much closer to the garden centre, for those drawn to such things. That decision can be spontaneous.
Election Day
If you have not voted in advance, this coming Thursday is Election Day. Everyone should have received their registration card by now. If not, this site should help.
In related news, an interesting and locally designed free mobile app has been released that aggregates info on all your riding representatives and candidates. Gov’r only asks for your postal code (so private enough), and is super easy to use. It was featured in the Star which you can read about here. It’s currently only available for Apple products, but an Android version is in the works. Perhaps not in time for this election, but still handy to keep tabs on all our reps all year round.
A group of us headed off to Ottawa to catch the annual Tulip Festival. Unfortunately, a few caught a bit more so will be out of circulation for a bit. The good news is that symptoms seem to be manageable and, according to research, make make those affected even more hale and hardy.
Ottawa is a great city to walk, although with near 30˚C temperatures, it was a challenging “stroll” from Commissioners Park back to the Byward Market area. At least we had a brush with (Dutch) royalty. Helen has the pics to prove.
Happy and unaware perhaps?
Lots of pretty flowers
Weekly Walks
So, minus a few self-isolating absentees, those willing to ignore the risk of thunderstorms on Saturday morning can gather at the usual time and place. Hopefully, everyone should be back in full form for the final May walk on the 28th. Check on WhatsApp for the latest developments.
The weekend looks very promising, with highs finally nudging into the twenties. Will we see bare knees? A reminder that the sun now becomes a factor, so sunscreen and water take on more importance.
There is a rumour some members may be unable to join the group this Saturday, but even more lovely photos like this one could follow in next week’s post.
Social Calendar
No upcoming birthdays this week but a past one of sorts. We have a new “auxiliary member” as Lou-Ann and Paul have a new grand-daughter born most appropriately on Mother’s Day. Get all the details when she is back on the trails…there may even be a picture to go with that. Congratulations!
Weekday Walks
A quick reminder that we have a WhatsApp group, Shore Light, for organizing walks from Monday to Friday. If you are interested, let Jan know and she can add you to the list.
Saturday looks promising so let’s all gather at Loblaw’s at 8 for a distance of our choosing and coffee after. We could even swing through Woodbine Park to see if the cherry trees are budding and for a photo op at the location shown above.
Same Old, Same Old?
If you are looking for a change of scenery for walks, Now magazine has published an article listing 20 walking sites throughout the city. Quite a few we have done at one time or another, but some are new, if not necessarily always close by. Anyway, food for thought.
And One More Thing
Happy birthday to Cynthia who celebrated this past Monday. And of course, to all the moms and mums who have their special day this Sunday!
As I write this post on a cold afternoon, it’s hard to believe that we are going into May, but hope for warmer weather is just down the road. Let’s keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Weekly Walks
Saturday promises to be much more seasonable, so no excuses, right? Meet at Loblaw’s at 8 for what looks like a great walk under sunny skies.
As mentioned in the previous post, weekday walks are happening in the east end. Let Jan know if you want in and she will add you to the ShoreThings Light WhatsApp group where such things are coordinated.
As this weekend is Clean-up (Toronto), I was thinking of cleaning-up the “Peanut” and it could be a Shore Things’ project after we walk.
Meet in the “Peanut” (base of Coxwell parking lot closest to the marina) at 9:30 to partake in the Clean-up Toronto this weekend, Saturday April 23rd. I will provide the latex gloves and plastic grocery bags to put the garbage in. Come for a few minutes or as long as you like…all are welcome…every little bit helps.
This location was thought of as it is an area we often like to walk and is a beautiful piece of the lake front.
If it is pouring rain maybe we will have to postpone it to another weekend, however if it is a drizzle wear your rain jacket…I will post on the blog if it is cancelled.
Mind the Gap
Apologies to all for missed birthday since mid-winter, just did not keep my eyes on the ball.
Ian (in memoriam) March 20
Sheila April 2
Jim April 14
Nishe April 15
Birthdays this week
Sunday is my turn, how time flies! Next Thursday will be Lynne’s celebration, and if we sing “Happy Birthday” loud enough, she might even hear us in Plymouth!
Weekly Walks
Currently the odds are fairly even for rain Saturday morning. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for decent enough weather for a walk and the Peanut clean-up (see above).
For walks during the week, FYI there is a separate group on WhatsApp more specific to coordinating days, times and locations in the east end. If you would like to be added, let Jan know, although be prepared for more back-and-forth notifications.
This fine group of friends achieved their goal and have the hardware and t-shirt wear to prove. Way to go! According to the participants, “It was a perfect day for the race, and we climbed up the Taylor Creek hill as an homage to the High Park ‘kill-the-hill’ at the end of the race!”
For others, it was lovely lakeside walk at Rosetta McClain Gardens, a favourite. Mighty heavenly light shone through the clouds (cue choir).
Weekday Walks
Long-lost relative of the platypus (look it up!)
Saturday looks cool and only possibly wet, but good enough to get us out! As it’s Easter weekend, plans and family commitments may be more idiosyncratic than usual, so please let everyone know where you stand walking-wise. It will be Loblaw’s at 8, as per the ancient tradition. If we don’t see you Saturday, have a great weekend and see you back on the trails to walk off the extra paschal grub. You might see pretty views like this.
Update!
There will be a Monday walk from Tim’s 2 at 9:00! Let everyone know if you can make it.
We are the Shore Things 