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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

• Treat myself to small luxuries and enjoyable experiences. As my dear old Dad used to say, “hang the expense! Give the cat another canary!“

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