HBD

Best birthday wishes to Arlene and Cheryl who celebrate on Thursday and Friday respectively.

Another Notable Anniversary

Our beloved country is celebrating its 158th. Doesn’t look a day over 103. All the bombast from down south has made us even more proud. The true North, strong and free! 🇨🇦

Weekly Walks

It looks like temperatures are settling down, albeit still very summery. Remember to keep well hydrated and sunscreened. You may also wish to look into sun protective clothing which has the advantage of not sweating off. Here’s a link to one review of “best of”. Not an endorsement but a good place to start. I also found a shop online called Coolibar that had a wide selection of styles. USA made though, but they ship to Canada. We make no judgement. Again, just for reference. If anyone finds a Canadian source, please post in the comments.

So after all that, Saturday at L@8 and picnic table if it’s not too hot.

Races

A report from Rainer on a good short race:

We did a little 5km ‘fun’ run on saturday. Margy figured this a good way to get me going again.

It was the Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women (downtown from Women’s College Hospital).

Well organized and a good downtown route … of course Margy beat me (again) and came in 2^nd in her age category … not PB times but respectable. Something I am sure some of the other 

Shore Thing ladies would enjoy.

Here is the link for next year’s event should you want to plan that far ahead.

From Ruth, something sooner (September 28) and close, but with a curious name.

Here is a 10K (and 5K and 3K) race in our backyard. The early bird cost is only $23.83, and amazingly, the quoted price includes the taxes and processing fees (rather than the shock of finding out that your advertised $69 entry fee has suddenly morphed into $75).

The name is rather unfortunate. Bimbo is a Mexican company with the Canadian rights to an amazing number of brands.  According to Wikipedia, the name is a combination of Bambi and Dumbo, the favorite movie characters of the daughter of one of the founders. You’d think they’d have thought a bit more about this choice!

Weekly Walks

The forecast is chancy at the time of writing, but leaning towards a good outcome. Let’s hope for the best🤞🏻. L@8 as temperatures are still reasonable in the mornings. So far…

Happy Birthday!

Rainer celebrates his Geburtstag this coming Thursday. Hope it’s the schöniest!

Island Walk In Review

We could not have asked for better weather. It ended well at the Island Cafe for a tasty meal. If you’re hungry, stick with the mains. The tacos are satisfying and intriguingly spiced. Just beware of agressive starlings.

Weekly Walks

L@8 with picnic table gathering post walk, right? Right!

Island Walk

It looks like we have a consensus, and cooperative weather.

The Island walk will be earlier than usual, so I have posted below possible departure times that may fit with most people’s desired distance and site seeing wishes. For more information and options, here is the full schedule link.

What is hoped for is that whatever destination you sail to, we will all end up at the Island Cafe at 6. Let me know either in the comments or WhatsApp if you plan on joining in as I will need to reserve for a group our size.

To purchase tickets online, click here.

Weekly Walks

Saturday morning looks PERFECT! Let’s get out there and enjoy the walk. Walk to Cherry Beach perhaps?

Birthdays

We have two celebrations on the calendar this coming week: first on Wednesday for Trish, then Thursday for Susan. All the best to both!

Weekly Walks

While the temperature has not reached the balmy levels some of us yearn for, it has been good for the gardens. Better yet, it has not prevented us from gathering to put in some distance as well. This Saturday promises to be cloudy and cool, so no shorts yet. Still, no rain in the forecast so that is good. See you all at L@8.

Plants

As most of you know, our no.1 daughter works as gardener and docent at Dundurn Castle in Hamilton. This Saturday, it’s their annual plant sale, starting at noon, and ending at 4.

Here is the write up from the site.

Looking for some interesting plants for your food or flower garden? Dundurn’s annual plant sale offers a unique collection of heirloom annuals and perennials from the Historic Kitchen Garden, including flowers, herbs, fruit and even pups of our grand blue agaves! 

Visit hamilton.ca/dundurn for more museum details & events

While in the Hammer, you might also consider a stroll along Confederation Beach. I understand there is a great place for French fries in the vicinity.

Island Walk

Plans are beginning to gel for the annual Toronto Island Walk. The date is set for the evening of Thursday June 12. Details to follow for the itinerary. And we’re watching the weather…

Toronto Islands Walk

By popular request, there will be an evening Toronto Island walk, at a date tbd. Still waiting for the warmer days…

…and waiting…

So far, the on-site restaurants seem to close too early, so we may still have to sit down somewhere on the mainland. I’m searching for a convenient location close to the docks. Suggestions welcome.

In the meantime, the Portlands are slowly greening and should be finally opened to walk through in July.

Weekly Walks

In the meantime, we can once again meet at Loblaw’s at the usual time. If it’s cool enough (ha!) maybe a spit stroll would work as the midges may be either done for or sheltering.

Will It or Won’t It?

All forecasts point to rain on Saturday morning. Not sure what all of you have planned for this Victoria Day Weekend, so it may be best to stick with Saturday L@8 and dress for the weather, or simply pass? Up to you… please sigh in to let us know either way.

Then again, forecasts have been known to change. 🤞🏻

Reading News!

Monday walk from Tim’s 2, 9am.

Happy Birthday!

All the best to Lyndia this coming Tuesday! 🎂🎉

Weekly Walks

Saturday looks to be ideal, sunny and not too hot in the morning when we head off from L@8. Is it time to convene at the picnic table and avoid scolding for the Wendy’s manager?

Almost Oops!!

As this blog post comes out a few days early, it’s not too late to catch Cynthia’s Birthday this Friday May 2. Wishing her all the best!

Weekly Walks

Everything is bursting out: magnolias, tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and more. Let’s meet a L@8 as usual. While the northern route has challenges, it may provide the best opportunity for garden touring. We can decide then and there. The forecast is for cool and overcast, so good walking and photo weather.

Birthday!

All the best to Lynne this coming Monday! We should be seeing her back in the country soon according to sources.

And Speaking of Monday…

If you haven’t done so yet, a reminder that it’s Election Day on April 28. If you haven’t voted yet, I, sure you are aware of the heightened importance of this one. There will likely be a big turnout of the advance polls are an indication. Busiest times at the polls are usually when they first open, lunchtime and after work, so plan accordingly. Polls are open from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm. Regardless of the wait, it is always worth the time to make our voices heard.

Weekly Walks

Saturday’s forecast is for clouds but no rain, and temperatures creeping towards seasonal. Let’s say goodbye to April with a big gathering at L@8, followed by coffee at Tim’s.