Reaping rewards after the stinky Summer of 2026

29 Tuesday Sep 2026

Posted by in Art, community, creativity, family, Food and Cooking, gardening, Health, photography, reading, therapy, Travel, writing

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I have accepted that I have no control over world events or the weather. I am just maintaining personal health, nurturing relationships, contributing to local community causes and charities of choice.

The following photographs and thoughts may be of interest to the general reader. If not, they will serve as memory care records after my brain succumbs to old age.

So, buh-bye, stinky summer heat! We are winding down gardening season and reaping small rewards.

In the Lee Valley Vegepod, sifting stones from houseplant pots (playing in the dirt)
Empty containers (possibilities for next year)

Cooking and experimenting

The weather in the Ottawa region recently has been perfect for comfortable outdoor activities, and indoor kitchen cooking projects. Even prior to the official autumn equinox, I was practising with preparing some favourite comfort foods.

First pot of chili con carne (a weekly go-to for winter cooking)
Farmer’s Market apple pie (a favourite Sunday dinner dessert)

On Sunday I tried a combination of two internet recipes for stuffed spaghetti squash. It received mixed reviews. I don’t think I will try this one again.

Stuffed spaghetti squash (I used the garden tomatoes and basil ingredients)

Balancing decadence with support for an immigrant friend

A couple of weeks ago, I treated myself to hotel stay downtown in preparation to attend as a guest at a friend’s Canadian citizenship swearing in ceremony. It was scheduled for the early morning next day and I did not look forward to commuting by bus or taxi. At the ceremony, I observed 74 new Canadians swearing in, some were entire families with small children. It brought tears to my eyes. Afterwards, I treated my college classmate to a gift bag of Canadiana goodies (maple sugar concoctions, a shiny souvenir) and a lunch at a posh downtown restaurant.

If my budget can allow it, I plan to do more of these downtown stays, scheduled around cultural events, meetups with friends and old coworkers.

bubble bath in a posh hotel (luxury and relaxation)

The room with a bath also offered two Queen size beds. I used the many pillows to build a nest in one bed, to curl up in while snacking like a kid and exploring 100 channels on the wide screen TV. It was great!

LAC view from hotel window

Although I lost the “river view” option by requesting a room with a bathtub, I gained a view of a quiet street, what looked like a government building going through renovations, and the Library and Archives building (LAC) in the distance. I have an affinity to the LAC and fondly remembered the Doors Open Ottawa tour I took in June.

I have been testing my social anxiety limits and entertainment budget by:

  • Lunching out and catching up with friends.
  • Participating in Rotary club events to raise funds, socialize at lovely locations, and occasionally attend a lunch meeting in person.
  • Attending an Ottawa International Writer’s Festival event with a friend who holds a season pass. That required commuting to and navigating busy downtown Ottawa by foot, observing crowds of people attending events for the city’s 200th birthday and Nuit Blanche – all under a full moon. The author interview was good but the church pews were not comfortable for long sits with short legs. After ten minutes of searching the underground parking garage for my friend’s car, she kindly gave me a ride home. I appreciate the generosity of folks with vehicles who can transport me to and from places.
Book cover of Agrippa by Robert Harris and OIWF 2026 fall schedule

The Author warned us that his latest historical fiction contained some acts of cruelty and violence, a common trait of the ancient Roman elites. We drew many parallels to the current US administration.

Planning for the cooler months

  • Volunteer in person at the library, at Rotary club and community association events (I appreciate that I can perform the majority of tasks online).
  • Set up the DayLight lamp in the living room / home office area.
  • Continue the seasonal wardrobe organization, phase II (keeping a few summery outfits in case we get a warm Thanksgiving).
  • Get new Winter boots.
  • Try more comfort food recipes for sharing with loved ones, focusing on the healthy options.
  • Move that body!
DayLight Lamp on a kitchen counter above a dining table

I like to think that the DayLight Lamp supports positive feelings during the dark mornings of winter. That’s when I do my best writing. Well… you be the judge.

Thanks for dropping by. See you in a few weeks.

T

Growth and survival during a harsh Canadian summer

20 Thursday Aug 2026

Posted by in community, Food and Cooking, gardening, Health, photography, therapy

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One can feel relief by avoiding natural disasters and political turmoil in North America this summer.

Our little area in Eastern Ontario avoided the Canada Day flooding of basements and roads. Others in our city did not. We encountered heatwaves, plus smokey haze and air quality warnings due to regional wildfires. Once again, I turned to our little garden for nurturing growth and wonder. That experience soon turned sour.

Black Beauty zucchini harvest July 2026. Apple for size comparison.

I chopped and baked these large zucchinis in a macaroni and cheese casserole. Dinner reviews were about a 6/10.

The invasion began with a bold neighbourhood grey squirrel plucking ripening tomatoes from the plant on our porch. The little fucker.

Grey squirrel enjoying a ripe tomato from my Ottawa plant

I tried to distract the squirrels with an offering of green bean pods I placed on the fence. One little brute sniffed then quickly dropped a pod before scampering up the porch steps to check out that tomato plant. I proceeded to chase the little fucker away.

Grey squirrel sniffing then rejecting a green bean pod

In early August I discovered what was eating holes in the leaves of my beloved Scarlet Runner bean vines: Japanese Beetles.

Japanese Beetle invasion

According to neighbours, the beetles were feeding on other garden plants, especially rose bushes. I captured proof of the beetles’ mating activities on my beloved Scarlet Runner Bean vines. The little fuckers.

Snapshot of Japanese Beetles mating on Scarlet Runner bean flowers.

How does one put a positive spin on these invasions and disappointments?

I captured proof of determined survival, a bean vine stretching out from damaged leaves, seeking to hold onto something along its journey.

Scarlet Runner Bean vine stretching out from lacy damaged leaves

I noticed the petunias were still thriving under the compost drum. I also noticed two new zucchinis sprouting from the remaining plant.

Compost drum petunias thriving beside new zucchini plant growth

Now in late August, I feel that my involvement with the gardening season is coming to a close. I have been venturing out to attend social gatherings and nurture friendships with people in my community and afar. I intend to keep my colourful language situation-appropriate.

Thanks for dropping by. How has your summer been?

T