Residential Schools

 Kathy Gruhl asked Mardi if the birth family of my daughters, Barbara and Jo-Ann, was impacted by the Residential School era.  I asked Jo-Ann, who is the younger but closest to her clan, if she would share any information.  The following is her response:

Hi Dad,

Like a lot of residential school survivors our grandparents did not share any information on their experiences.  

But, because he served in WW 1. my grandfather was enfranchised which meant he was no longer considered an Indian. That meant he could no longer live on the reserve or have rights as a result related to Six Nations, for instance not being a member any more. The premise behind enfranchisement was to assimilate. However, Indians did not have the right to vote until the 1960s. He did retain his language. Also, Indians did not have the right even right after WW II to enter the Royal Canadian Legion. Finding a house to rent in Hamilton would have been a problem for him. Landlords often turned away Indians.

I do know other stories that have been shared.

Mohawk Industrial Indian Residential School, Mush Hole, Brantford, Ontario

The information I have about the Mush Hole that was at Six Nations, in the City of Brantford is general. Some of it was shared by a survivor who did his healing through being an Elvis impersonator and handing out stuffed animals to children. There were two areas that children who were sexually abused wrote their names . The girls wrote their names under a metal table that was used in their work area. The table was still there when I worked at Six Nations. The boys put their names in the back of the school in the bricks. The school was called the Mush Hole from the main food that was served mush. They had big vats in which the mush was cooked. There were names written on the walls near heat vents. The school was cold in the winter so some of the older boys would lift the younger one up to be near the heat. The boys would write their names there. There is a culture centre there now but I don’t know if it is open right now.

Don from Walpole Island, southern Ontario, was taken at the age of 5 to the Spanish Boys’ School, Spanish, Ontario. The boys were made to work in the fields growing the food for the school. They were always hungry and beaten by the Fathers. In the Summer, some of the boys would do odd jobs for other people in the area and then buy a loaf of bread to share to help with their hunger. Don ran away twice. Once he made to the rail way station before being caught. He was caught both times. He didn’t share what punishment he received after being returned to the school. Don was finally let go at the age of 15 after one of the Fathers started to beat him with a cane when he was coming into the school. He grabbed the Father and pushed him up against the wall. He was sent home the next day to what he described as a family of strangers. He no longer knew them or his language.

There are quite a few books out that provide stories of survivor experiences including one on the Mush Hole.

Take care Dad,

Love you

Jo-Ann

Thank you Jo-Ann.  Love you too!  Thanks for reliving and sharing these sad memories.

I think I've previously recounted the conversation that I had with the man that Mardi and I met in the Yukon while buying some of his smoked fish.  He had overcome three decades of alcoholism that occurred as a result of his Residential School experiences.  He gave thanks that by the time he was taken from his family he knew the language, and remembered it, which made it somewhat easier for him upon his return to his family.

There are thousands of such stories and it hasn't stopped yet - witness the following:

New details have emerged about the Roman Catholic Church's controversial multimillion-dollar legal bill paid from a fund intended for residential school survivors.

In documents obtained Friday by CBC News, one of the church's lawyers admits that the money came from that fund and said everything was done with full approval of all 50 Canadian "Catholic entities" contributing to the fund.

Legal and ethics experts interviewed Friday say they're horrified, calling it another example of the Catholic Church's betrayal of survivors.

"Church officials and the lawyers and other professionals they retained to bilk residential school survivors should not be sleeping restfully," said Arthur Schafer, founding director of the Centre for Professional and Applied Ethics at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.

According to the documents, W. Rod Donlevy and his Saskatoon firm McKercher LLP and Pierre L. Baribeau and his Montreal firm Lavery Lawyers were each paid $1.1 million for legal and consulting work related to the 2005 landmark Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA). Other firms working on the file for the Catholic Church also received a total of roughly $500,000.

The $2.7 million in legal expenses were paid from a fund meant to compensate residential school survivors for the sexual and physical abuse, cultural shaming, medical experimentation, malnutrition and other deprivations experienced in the 70 per cent of Canadian residential schools operated by the Catholic Church.

None of the other churches involved in the IRSSA — United, Presbyterian or Anglican — deducted any legal fees from their payments to survivors.

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Cut grass for a couple of hours today.

Blue Jays won again.

Stay well.

Closest To The Pin

First of all, an event that transpired after my premature posting yesterday.

Jim and Nancy Lawn have very recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary (boy, we do hang out with old people!).

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Today was our third and final day at Pike Lake.  It's been a great trip, thanks to our organizers, Lorrie and Kathy Gruhl.  Many thanks for your efforts, including Lorrie's grilling of the steaks for last night's dinner.  Fantastic!  Sorry I offended by opting for medium!  Delicious anyway.

Nevertheless, this morning, Mardi and I discussed whether we were up to trips like this any more.  We were both whipped!

But things were much better than yesterday.  Cool and breezy, but dry.  We were able to drive the golf carts onto the fairway today and that made the task bearable.

We have another trip to Pike Lake planned for September 5 to 7.  Our normal routine is to take a golf outing to Byrncliff in upper New York State at this time of year, and Pike Lake late summer.  We'll have to take stock after this September's trip to determine how we proceed next year.  It may be time to come to grips with our advancing age.  Three or four consecutive days of golf are a challenge for both of us!

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This afternoon we gathered for the prize presentations.

And there was some good news today.  

These folks are reading the sign that was posted on the par three hole designated for men's closest to the hole prize.

Hard to read, but it says that Bud Craig was the first one to land on the par three that was designated for the closest to the hole contest.

It also says that I was bested by Rory Lion, Seemore Hair, and Dick Head.  Since they didn't show up for the presentation ceremony, I walked away with the $10 prize.😀😂

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Blue Jays are back!  A wonderfully emotional opening ceremony,  followed by a well played game, which ended with an unbelievable catch by Santiago Espinal to finish the contest.

Welcome back home team.

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Stay well.

Tough Slogging

They had almost 4 inches of rain here earlier in the week, and it poured again this morning.  So our tee times were delayed abut five hours.

Cart paths only.   Meant a lot of walking for those of us who can't hit straight!  My partner Ron and I limped around the course.

Had one drink and decided to send out the blog before I tap into the next one.  No mosquitos yet (6:50 p.m.).

Talk again tomorrow.  Have to go and eat steak now.

Stay well.

Pike Lake

 Headed for Pike Lake this morning.  The GPS took us up through Elora and Alma.  A very relaxing ride with beautiful, prosperous looking farms along the way.

Some folks had arrived before us.

We were assigned trailer #2.

A nice minimalist option to the motel units.  Unfortunately there is no internet reception in the trailers so I am currently sitting outside the motel, bleeding profusely from mosquito bites as I type.  Tomorrow's issue will be sent while there is still daylight.

After golf we ordered food from the restaurant and ate at the pavilion.

Mardi cooked up some of Snyder's corn to go with the meal.

OK, I'm being eaten alive, so that's it for tonight.

Stay well.

100% Chance Of Rain

Picked up David this morning and headed for MontHill.  Sven panicked at the last minute, forecasting 100% chance of rain, but showed up nevertheless.

Sure enough it did rain, for a few minutes.  Fortunately, we were near the half way house when the thunder crashed close by.

 Even more fortunate, if you look closely you may see a couple of plastic shot glasses sitting on the railing.  Thanks to David for getting a birdie on the hole we just completed, and thanks to Ron for treating us to some birdie juice.

After a few minutes delay we were able to get back out and complete the round.  

At one point, David scored a Dog Meat ( closest to the hole on the green of a par three with his tee shot, and got a par).  We watched the other foursome unsuccessfully try to match him .

Nice to share the day (and some beer) with your son.

We had a good time with some very good friends.

Then it was off to Snyder's to pick up some more corn.

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Tonight, Mardi and I are packing for our three day sojourn to Pike Lake for more golf with friends.  Life is good if you ignore the scores.

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Rain did indeed cancel one event.  The Blue Jays game against the Boston Red Sox was postponed.  So the Jays didn't lose today.

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Canadian athletes, mostly women so far, are competing well at the Olympics.  Good for them.

Be supportive.  Stay well.

Hail Mary Simon

 No birthdays today, which is a good thing.  It allows us to concentrate our celebration on the installation of  Mary Simon as our new Governor General.

The Crown is an anachronism and will undoubtedly unravel after Elizabeth's death (I'm a Harry fan - he's the closest thing to real that the Windsors have).  But, as long as a Canadian fills the role of Governor General I'm OK with it.  And Mary Swain is perfect.  She speaks Inuit, one of the first languages spoken in this country.  Also English, and she's learning French.

Inuuhiqatsiaq!

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For the next four days Mardi and I are golfing.  Tomorrow in our leagues, and then for three days with the Bryncliff folk at Pike Lake, in Clifford, Ontario (hopefully, we'll be back at Byrncliff, in upper New York State, next year).

So, today I cut the grass, watered the baskets, and finished weeding the gardens so I can leave with a good conscience.  Also left David with a list of what needs watering that he can pass along to the team member who replaces me this week.

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Now for a downer item.  Mardi just told me that she looks forward to me going to the greenhouse so she can have some "me time".  

Oh well, some day when we're in a nursing home together, and don't recognize each other any more, I'm sure that things will work out.

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Enjoyed our first fresh Snyder's corn this afternoon.  OMG!!!

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Blue Jays played the Red Sox.  Dagnabit!

Stay well.

Back To Near Normal

 We'll start with the finish to yesterday.

After my usual weeding, cutting and watering stint at the greenhouse, and a quick shower, we were off to the south.

As Barry guessed, the start was a bit of a damper.  It was raining when we got to Snyder's.

And, by the time that wagon was filled up with our purchases, the wind had come up and the rain intensified.  We were both soaked by the time we got back to the car.

But we turned the heater on (strange thing to hear at this time of year) and by the time we got to Port Dover we were mostly dry.

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My mention of Port Dover yesterday had Wayne (in Sydney, B.C.) reminiscing about the town and the Erie Beach Hotel.  Well Wayne, the Erie Beach Hotel is still there, but this is all that is left of the beach.

Water levels in the Great Lakes have been very high for the past couple of years and a lot of Lake Erie beaches have disappeared.

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After a walkabout downtown, our next stop was David's Dover Restaurant.  We sat in these seats for this picture just so you could see the view we had.

But we immediately moved to the other side of the table to enjoy our wine and surf and turf.

A top drawer restaurant and the food and service was awesome.  I was too full for desert, but still managed to eat almost half of Mardi's Key Lime Pie😋.  Best ever!

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Next stop was across the street at the golf course tent.

As you can see, they only sold the tickets in pairs and with spacing.  As well, there was lots of air circulation.  We were there early so we got front row seats.

The show was phenomenal!  A one man show, written and performed by Mark Crawford.  

He was all over the stage and played all the actors, both men and women.  Superb!  Mardi and I would recommend it....it runs till August 8.

A fantastic day all round.  Felt like life had returned after being gone for 16 months.

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Got home in time to see the Blue Jays trounce the Mets.  What a great day.

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So, today was also busy.  Spent an hour and a half at the greenhouse, then home for a shower and headed to Hagersville.

One of Mardi's older neighbours during her childhood (Mardi's childhood) had died, at age 104!  Her son told her life story at the graveside with reverence and humour.  Despite it's length and the sun and heat, I really enjoyed his dissertation.  Sorry that I didn't meet the lady - she was something special.

Afterwards we headed to Mardi's brother Greg's for beer and a snack.  Thanks for your hospitality Greg and Diane.

Then, dinner at Dinger's in Hagersville.  Excellent food and drink.  And thank you for your hospitality there Steve and Bonnie.

A highlight of the day was that we missed the Blue Jays game - they lost.

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Tomorrow is a work day and then Mardi and I have four days of golf.  Our usual Tuesday league round, and then we're off to Pike Lake for three days.

Stay positive.  Stay well.

Going Out Tonight

 Our major news is a shoutout to our friend Barry Kopysh who is celebrating a birthday today.  All the best Barry.

Did some weeding, watering and grass cutting this morning.  We'll be heading out for our corn, dinner and theatre outing soon.  Won't be back until about midnight so you'll have to read about that tomorrow.

Stay well.

Looking Forward

 Did some plumbing this morning for an hour.  Then climbed aboard the new John Deere and completed another tree garden.

Watered the baskets down front and noticed that David's 1,000 pound pumpkins have started to grow.

Just 900 odd pounds to go.  I think I have some heavy duty watering ahead of me.

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Tomorrow is shaping up to be fun.  Work for a while in the morning, get cleaned up, head for Snyder's to pick up eight dozen corn, then to David's Restaurant in Port Dover for a fancy dinner prior to heading across the street to The Links at Dover Coast to see the Lighthouse Theatre play.

Finally, a semblance of normal life.

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Blue Jays played better tonight, but still lost to the Mets.

Stay well.

Petunia Trees

 I missed Mardi's grandson Ethan's birthday yesterday.  He's now 22.  And today is his mother Angela's birthday.  Best wishes to both out in B.C.

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Some more information for Al regarding the Petunia trees.  In the following picture you can see the two at the top of the driveway, and the stand that I planted along the road.

You can also see a bunch on the ground in the middle distance - they haven't started to grow their trunks yet.  Even more impressive are the ones hanging in the structure - they have no trunk at all.  Air plants!  These trees are really amazing.  They can be purchased at Trillium Hill Garden Centre in Grimsby, Ontario (we do not use cookies - we eat them).

Their only drawback is that I can't get up close enough to the trunks with the riding mower.  I have to use the push mower.

The life of a Farm Labour Landscape Architect is not an easy one Al!

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Just think folks.  Before Covid hit you wouldn't have to put up with this drivel.  I would have found other ways to stay in touch.

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The Blue Jays won't lose tonight.  They aren't playing.

Stay well.

New Toy

 The boss has bought me a new toy.

But I'm going to let him christen it before I use it.  So today I cut the grass with the old mower.

I also got another garden under control.

Just 34 trees to go!

But some of them are close together - four or five trees to a garden.

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The swimming pool at the condo is open again and Mardi is participating.  This morning her swim mates were talking about Snyder's corn.  We now have orders for three dozen.

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Blue Jays lost to Boston again, but a better effort tonight.

Stay well.

Four More Sleeps

 Saw this sign on the way to golf this morning.   Yeehaw!

That would make it Saturday.  They're closed Sunday.  I'm afraid that by next Tuesday they may be in pause mode waiting for the next planting to be ready.  Mardi and I may have to make a special trip Saturday or Monday.

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Then I saw another sign at MontHill.

Being a bit of a softy, I agreed to ride with Al.  I enjoyed the Mars bars.  You're welcome Ron King.

But Al managed to pester Ron anyway.

We had a good day, if you discount the golf scores.

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Mardi played nine holes today.  Her first golf game since the hernia operation.  Survived it well.  Friday will be her next outing.

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Tomorrow it's back to gardening.

Stay well.

Another Day, Another Garden

Completed another garden today.

Before............lots of weed under the Potentilla (shrub on the right) and grass in the perennial Geranium (in the middle), ragged edges.

 First step, outline the garden and remove the sod.

As you can see, around the tree I removed about a foot of sod.  The rest of the garden just got a trim.

And the finished product.

And yes, I will do your pond garden Monica.  I have worked out an algorithm to get an estimated date:

- pace of play - similar to my golf, ready and steady

- hours of work - typically two to four each day

- still have about 200 yards of tree line gardens to create and get under control

- must keep three acres of lawn cut

- weed gardens as necessary

So.... how about I pencil you in for your anniversary in August 2025?

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Blue Jays got slaughtered tonight.

Stay well.

Stocking Up

 

Cut some grass and rehabilitated another garden.

Same story.  Three wagon loads of sod relocated, weeds removed, mulch added, sweat wiped.

Actually the temperature and humidity weren't a problem until near the end, when I was spreading the mulch.  A nice day really.

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On the way home I did some shopping.

Before you jump to conclusions, it's not as bad as it looks.

Part of the haul is Covid Medication, part is Farm Worker Recovery Elixir, but most is simply restocking in anticipation of having more visitors show up.  Trust me 😇!

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Blue Jays won the first game of the double header 5-0 over the Texas Rangers, a 7 inning complete game (double headers are just 7 innings each) for Ryu.  They won 10-0 in the second game.  Pretty good day!

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Stay well.

Cool Wet Day

 Some of you may have been offended by my off-putting trivialization of Gary's birthday (he was).  Next time I promise to do better (like maybe by ignoring it).

But seriously, he has written a story about his current birthday.  If you wish, I can forward it to you.

Happy "day after" Gary.

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In case you think we're losing our minds.... OK, that ship has already sailed....by planning to go to the theatre, we need to let you know that the shows will not take place at the Lighthouse Theatre.  Instead they have booked the outdoor tent at The Links of Dover Coast Golf and appropriate spacing will apply.  We're looking forward to it.

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Greg finished his visit with us this morning.  We had a great time while he was here.  Safe trip home Greg!

Nice to see family after all this time.  Hopefully we'll be able to visit, or be visited by, more of our kin soon.  I'm guessing we may make a visit to Ottawa in late August after I become a great grandfather.

I know that Steve and Bonnie are anxious to see daughter Rebecca and family (who are living and working in New York State).  Some of the rest of you probably have similar situations.

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Blue Jays game postponed until tomorrow due to rain.  That won't be a problem for home games after this month - they're moving back to the dome in Toronto for their homestand that starts July 30.

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I skipped work today due to the rain and cool temperature.  Back at it tomorrow.

Stay well.

Getting Back To Normal

 Let's get the trivial stuff out of the way first.  As you are aware, today is Gary/Sven/Andy/Ned/etc.'s birthday. 'Nuff said!

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I went to the barbershop for the first time in sixteen months this morning.  So far, Mardi has not noticed.  Sigh!

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Fixed up another garden today.  Three wagon loads of sod relocated.  Weeds cleared.  Mulch added.  Sweat wiped.

One step at a time!

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Mardi had a flat tire yesterday while driving the old Hyundai.  CAA got her back on the road.

Then today, she and Greg headed to Frank's Tire, just this side of Princess Auto.  Got a used tire, balanced and mounted, for $50. plus tax.  Incredible!

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Booked two upcoming shows at the Lighthouse Theatre, one for next week and the other in August.  The world is turning right side up again.

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As I post this, Blue Jays are winning 10-0 over Texas and Vladdy has two home runs.

Stay well.

"Baby"

 David and Sue got away this morning for a well deserved week's vacation.  My guess is that he will only spend an hour or two on the 'phone each day dealing with greenhouse/garden centre issues.  Enjoy guys!

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Today's feature is the colour coordinated fire hydrant garden.

The flowers don't last long, but they do accent the hydrant well.

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We took "Baby" (Mardi's convertible) in to have a couple of paint chips touched up.  Same day delivery.  Looks good.

But then she let Greg drive home.  Somehow they survived.

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Just a word of warning.  Sven's birthday is tomorrow.  I'll spare you the video he sent out in advance, unless you are silly enough to beg.

Stay well.

Homecoming

 Spent some time at the greenhouse weeding the front gardens.  The heat and humidity were at the top end of the scale.  Came home with a wet shirt.

The pumpkin patch is coming along nicely.

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Mardi's son Greg has arrived from Vancouver Island for a visit.   We all headed to A.J.'s for steak dinner.  They reminisced about their friends and adventures.  Fun time.

Greg will be staying with Mardi and me for a couple of nights before he heads back home.

I talked to him about the events in Afghanistan.  He'd go back in a minute to help the people there.

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Vlad Jr. received the MVP award for the All Star game after I published my blog last night.  Youngest ever!

All four of the Blue Jays All Stars contributed to the game.  Fun to watch.  The future looks good for the team.

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Stay well.

Rain Day

 As expected, we golfed in the rain today.  But it only rained for about five minutes on the 9th hole.  Afterwards the humidity rose, but a nice breeze made it bearable.

I sort of hurt Sven's feelings by including the shot of his needing a haircut last week.  To make amends, I offer the following.

Unfortunately, my barber has announced that she has retired.  Is that allowed?  No more freebies.  Don't know what I'll do now.

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I also owe an apology to Ron King - not about his hair, he's sporting a new cut, but because I matched his Dog Meat and took half of that pot.  Hey Ron, as they say - even a blind squirrel can find a nut.

I suppose that saying could be read several ways 😇.

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On the way home from MontHill I noticed that the first sweet corn planting by the river now has tassels.  Won't be long before Snyder's is open once again.

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The four Blue Jays players who made it to the All Star game handled it well.  Guererro hit a home run.

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Stay safe.

Mowing Again

David had the old mower deck welded, so I don't have to wait for the new mower to arrive.  Reclaimed the (hay) fields from Mother Nature.   That's the neighbour's (not sweet) corn field.

The swallows were glad to see me back.  They did their ballet around me as the mower stirred up insects for their treat.  Lots of fun.

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The cactus florets I planted last year have now been transplanted into six inch pots.  They'll be saleable next year when they bloom.

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While the outside growing areas fill up with garden mum planters, the inside is replenished with hanging baskets.  The crew is staying busy.

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Watched the Baseball All Star Home Run Derby tonight.  Entertaining and fun to watch.

Stay well.

Rain, Rain Go Away

 We have our share of idiots in Canada based upon the protests at the Calgary Stampede.  One thing that has become evident during the pandemic is how twisted the thinking is of some of our citizens.  Scary stuff!

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Mardi attended church today for the second time since the pandemic started.  An important outing for my love.  

Physical distancing, masks and no singing (she did her usual Thursday recording with a few members of the choir and just hummed along today).  

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With the rain this morning I decided to stay home and watch the Blue Jays afternoon game.  I can golf in the rain (watch for Tuesday's blog) but I don't garden in the rain.  It's just one of those things.

Blue Jays won, ending up with a 45 win, 42 loss first half.  Four of them will play in the All Star game on Tuesday.

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Stay well.

Humid Day Eh?

Watered the baskets and gardens down front and then cut grass for just over an hour with the old push mower.  Humidity drove me home.

David has ordered a new John Deere mower, but delivery is 10 days away.  Let's hope the humidity drops some in the meantime because there is lots of grass still to cut.

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Blue Jays lost again.  Damn!

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Coronavirus cases are rising again in the U.S.  More Republicans putting themselves and their fellow citizens lives at risk.

We have three free timeshare days available this year.  Had hoped to spend it in Wisconsin - but that's one of the hot spots.  Maybe by September/October it will be possible.

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Stay well.

What's new?

 Gardened for three hours before the high humidity sent me home.

Blue Jays lost again.

Good night.  Stay well.

Rained Out

 Mardi and I each ran a couple of errands today (I got drenched in the process) and then holed up for the rest of the day due to the wet conditions.  Boring!

And the Blue Jays game was postponed.  Talk about stir crazy!

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But there was some good news today.  Following up on the great story about the choice of our Governor General, the Assembly of First Nations has chosen RoseAnn Archibald as their first female leader.  

And the U.S. is also dealing with a Residential School travesty.  They had twice as many church run schools as Canada and a similar, even more sinister story.

Hopefully these appointments and the recognition of this history are a sign of progress to a better future.

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Stay well.

Garden Therapy

 Since my bartender/first aid attendant/guard has forbidden me to climb the orchard ladder, I enlisted Ewen to do that part of the job.

We finished pruning the pines this afternoon.  Good job buddy!

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The garden centre has Impatiens going for $5 a tray these days.  But some of them have grown pretty leggy and are being ignored.

The customers don't know what they're missing.

Five minutes work to cut them back...........

.........and then plant them.........

.........in a couple of weeks they'll be flowering and spreading like crazy.  To be continued................

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An item that has been circulating on the Internet is appropriate here.

How many wives who read that will stop letting their husbands go to garden centres alone in future?
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Blue Jays won handily tonight.  Unfortunately, the Canadiens lost.

Stay well.

Golf Day

 Headed for MontHill this morning to enjoy our weekly golf gathering.  Despite the forecast, it was a nice day (if you can ignore the scores).  Warm, but not terrible, and there was a nice breeze blowing.

This is the other foursome - Calvin working on his phone to record the golf statistics for the day.  Sven to his right, our left, savouring his money victory, as he won the Honest John and recorded the only Dog Meat.

Following the golf autopsy, David, Calvin, Gordon and I headed to Hewitt's for an ice cream cone (don't tell Mardi or Sue).

I then delivered David home but before leaving I watered the baskets and pumpkin plants down front.  The heat took more out of me in that 15 minutes than it did on the golf course!

Thankfully, when I got home the bartender/first aid attendant brought me a rye and coke so I'm feeling much better now.

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I turned on my computer to discover that Canada has a new Governor-General, i.e. Mary Simon who is Inuit.  Awesome!  Trudeau has his faults, but the timing and choice of Mary Simon is brilliant!  Well done!

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Blue Jays lost.  Oh well.

Stay positive.

Family

 Two birthdays to honour today.  Congratulations to my expectant grandson Yancy who is celebrating his 47th.  Mardi's grand (or great) nephew Jonah is 12.  Best wishes to both.

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The agenda today called for Ewen and I to attend to the pruning of the tops of the Pines.  But, with the heat and humidity I decided to let the boy off the hook 😇 (of course grandpa could have carried on 😎).

But I decided to just attend to the watering and then headed home.  We'll reschedule for Wednesday (tomorrow I have to deal with the heat and humidity on the golf course).

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As I am posting this, the Canadiens have scored the first goal.  I hope they take tonight's game.  Then it's just one at a time - cross your fingers.

Stay well.

Tampa's a winner

 Weeded, watered, and ...... watched the Blue Jays lose to the Rays.  Apparently, Tampa Bay has good teams in two sports.

Stay well.

Yard Sale Day

 The world is returning to normal - I joined Mardi and Judy for their first Yard Sale adventure of the year.

A minstrel was located at one of the street sales.  I made a donation for the picture.

Lots of locations, lots of bargains.  Judy made out just fine.

There are two comforters in that right hand pile.  Total cost $1.

Mardi came home with an arm full of jigsaw puzzles, some wool, drink glasses, etc.

I made out OK too.  Three golf shirts for a total of $5.

The Crossroads Family Restaurant was apparently a victim of the pandemic.  I got these three shirts for a total of $5.

I also bought an ice resurfacer for David to add to his equipment fleet.

While I was at the greenhouse I did my watering and cut the grass down front with the push mower.  The riding mower is out of action again.

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Then I came home in time to watch the start of the Blue Jays game.  They beat Tampa Bay handily once again.

I understand that, in another sport, a Tampa Bay team is doing much better at beating a team from Canada.  Leafs fans are probably happy about that.

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Stay well.