Nine and Dine

 Kathryn and I headed to the greenhouse this morning, but only lasted a half hour in the heat before I called it a day.  But we each finished up two small gardens in that time.  We'll eventually get there!

Then, this afternoon, Mardi and I joined Rose and Ed for a "nine and dine" at Dunnville Golf Club.

It's been over 50 years since I last played this interesting little course.  Some Optimist members used to play there on a fairly regular basis.  It has just nine holes, but each hole has two sets of tees in different locations/distances, so you can pretend to play eighteen holes if you wish.  And it's in really good shape!  We'll do it again and maybe play from the ten through eighteen tees next time.

-------------------------------------------

In case I don't publish tomorrow, happy birthday Yancy!

Stay well everyone.

R.I.P Joyce

 Today we said our goodbyes to Joyce.  It was a very moving ceremony.

The church choir,  where Mardi met Joyce about 40 years ago, started the celebration.  And several folks spoke about Joyce, including Mardi.

One of my high school buddies, Neil Whitfield, was her cousin, and through him I met Joyce a couple of times back then.  And my friend Wayne was in her class from grade 1 to 7.

Joyce was part of the ladies golf group with Mardi, Maureen, Irene, Monica, Helen, Mary, Rose and Barb.

Fast forward to Mardi and I getting together and Joyce became a good friend of mine, as she was of Mardi.

She will be missed.  Rest in peace Joyce.

CANADA DAY1

 Yesterday, I managed to golf for the first time this year in the Cambridge Men's League.  Started well, with two pars, finished the front nine with 46, but age and heat got to me on the back nine.  Shot 56 to end up with an even 100.

The course was hit with six inches of rain on Friday and even three days later there were still several new lakes to navigate.  We had to take a long detour to get to the tee on this hole.

And Matt and the boys found three balls in this sand trap before they recovered Matt's.

But it was the annual league field day, so we enjoyed burgs after golf.  Nice to be back in harness, especially being together again with my seeing eye companions.

-----------------------------------------------

I started today by getting a couple of gardens ready for Canada Day.

Even the cactus got dressed up for the big day.

But then I apparently needed a rest!

We enjoyed the opening of the Blue Jays Canada Day game and they put on quite a show.  Team players and employees helped the military with the flag.

Quite a sight!  And they won big time!

Then it was time for the Shoreliner's Canada Day get-together.........

..........with other owners, including our friends Carol and Pat.

I hope you all had a good day, celebrating our special country.

Stay well.

Gardening and Happiness

 I didn't post yesterday, so I missed mentioning that Liz Knapp celebrated a birthday.  Hope that Al treated you in style Liz.

----------------------------------------

I finished the next stage of the garden that I've been working on.  The lights are in place.

The next step is to put some plants in the middle and finish mulching.

-------------------------------------------

Folks sometimes seem bemused about why I spend time in the gardens at the greenhouse. 

An article in the Spec about Thistle House Care Farm perhaps will shed some light on the subject.  Particularly the following quote:

"The idea behind care farms is that spending time in nature and doing agricultural activities reduces stress, anxiety and depression while giving a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It provides social interaction and boosts self-esteem."

Aside from helping David in keeping the place looking good, that reason seems just fine with me.  Thanks to the Trillium Hill Care Farm!

--------------------------------------------

And thanks to Ed and Rose for tonight's invitation to a swim and dinner at their place.  We've been good friends for many years, and Mardi and I will be forever thankful for their involvement in getting the two of us together.  Very special friends.

Stay well.

Sod Busting

 Today's project was widening the garden around the sign.  Tomorrow, I'll move the sod and use it to repair other sites.

The lights for the sign were previously placed in the grass on either side of the sign.  When it came time to cut the grass, I either had to move the lights or risk cutting the wires.  Both have occurred 😟.

So the plan now is to locate the lights in the garden and eliminate the problem.  Should be done within the next few days.

--------------------------------------

On Fridays, David treats the staff.

Today the menu was cheeseburgs, chips and watermelon.  While I moved sod, Mardi deadheaded geraniums and Kathryn weeded the gardens, so we got to join the banquet.

Great job on the BBQ Ewen!

--------------------------------------------

Recently, a young university student approached the Optimist Club for information on the grandfather he never knew who had been a club president before his death.

I responded and provided some information and he took that and, with added information from the library and the historical society, put together a nice book for his dad for Father's Day.

Tonight we met and he showed me his achievement.  Quite a nice job.

I'm sure that this young man will be a success in life.  He won five awards at his high school graduation and is presently enrolled in Space Engineering at Carleton University.  A nice young man, and an achiever, and meeting him was a positive experience for Mardi and me.

-----------------------------------------

Blue Jays blew away the Red Sox tonight 9 - 0.  Fun to watch.

Stay well.

Golf Again

 Mardi and I hit the links at Southbrook today.  Mixed results 😖but we enjoyed the fresh air.  We want to play together more - last year our league commitments made that a big challenge.  Dunnville has a nine and dine on Friday nights so we'll give that a try.

Back to today - Mardi was struggling with her driver, so partway through the round I let her use mine.  She wouldn't give it back, so I now have hers.

Note to Calvin: Mardi now owes you for the driver.  How about a lifetime supply of ginger cookies?

--------------------------------------

Thursday is the regular day for the Dofasco Men's Golf League.  We have five guys signed up which leaves one guy as a spare.  With my two month absence I decided that it wouldn't be fair to ask one of the guys to sit while I played, so I decided that I would be the spare for the rest of the season.  Only if someone can't make it will I fill in.  That's why I golfed with Mardi today (besides, I love her 😍).

--------------------------------------

I have to say that I am impressed with what Trump has accomplished in the last few days.  Iran cowed, Netanyahu too, and NATO as well.  Let's just hope that he and Carney can come to a trade agreement that Canada can live with.

--------------------------------------

Stay well. 

Another Hot Day

 First off, Happy Birthday greetings to my sister Judy, and my niece Rosie.  

I remember the day that Judy was born, four months after our Dad died.  I was fourteen and I had labour pains!  That's the day that I became a man - no choice.  

The doctor showed up in riding clothes - he had been heading to a ranch.  Distant memories - you are getting on sis!  All the best!

----------------------------------------

Visited the eye doctor in Mississauga this morning.  This time if was the glaucoma doc.  The eye pressure in both eyes, which had been well above normal, is now in the desired range.  The eye drops are working.

----------------------------------------

Decided to take on the heat this afternoon.  Moved some sod, cut some grass, and enjoyed the cactus.  The ones in the garden are starting to bloom.

And, if you are interested, you can have this beauty for just $39.99.

Read your mind Al. That beauty is the plant.  And I'm worth more anyway.  But thanks for the thought.

Still lots of blooms yet to open.  And I have more plants coming along behind it.

------------------------------------------

Stay well.