Afghan - Finished!!

My goal these days is to complete unfinished projects I started some time ago, and - for one reason or another - put aside.

The past two weeks I've been focusing on this afghan I started earlier this year...

I finally finished it!

It's not that big...  But I did use up all my yarn in that color. I guess I could add more border later on if I come across some matching yarn.

But for now, I'm going to celebrate just finishing it!!

One down...! (At least half a dozen more projects are waiting in the wings!)

How Tall?!!

A few years ago, a run-down flower shop in our neighborhood was purchased by a group planning to build a church.

Some of us doubted that the lot was big enough for the structure planned. After all, wouldn't they need parking spaces as well?

Construction is finally under way. Every time I walk to my mother's nursing home, I pass the site. It has been interesting to watch the building go up...

But recently, they started assembling the roof beside the main structure... It's enormous!!

How tall is this building going to be when it's done?!!

Lunch at the Mackenzie King Estate

After our recent Gatineau Park hike, Rhonda suggested we have lunch at the home of the late Canadian Prime Minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King.

His house has been transformed into a museum and tea room.

The gardens are lovely.

The tea room was lovely, too! It's open from May till October.

After my long hike, I didn't have the stamina to climb the stairs to the second floor museum...

Rhonda went up and said it was very interesting...

Oh well! Next time!

Hiking in Gatineau Park

I haven't gone hiking in years, but recently a group of ladies from our church organized a hike in Gatineau Park, just across the Ottawa River in Quebec, so I thought it might be fun to go along.

My cousin Rhonda, from Edmonton, who is studying in the city for a year, likes to experience as much of Eastern Canada as possible, so she came along as well.

Some of the paths were a little steep and uneven - so I was glad I had my walking stick along!

It was a fun day... though a walk described as three kilometers of beginner to intermediate trail that is supposed to take about an hour took us two! (Hopefully not just because of me!!)

(Several of the younger ladies in the group were pregnant, so maybe a few of us were a little slow!)

Now I want to go back again!

Trying New Vegetables

This fall, for the first time, I've bought veggies from the Algonquin College horticultural program gardens.

One surprise is that they grow vegetables I don't usually see in the supermarket, like these small, round cucumbers.

I decided to give them a try!

Together with the large black tomatoes I bought, they make an interesting addition to our meal!

(The college garden has definitely expanded our experience of vegetables!)

"Seize the Day!"

Carpe Diem, "seize the day" - is an old Latin expression that has new relevance for me at my current stage of life. Life in retirement (for me) has very few deadlines! It's easy for me to procrastinate and leave things I fully intend to do till tomorrow... or next week... or next month...!! And time passes!

Listening to Joyce Meyer's online talks (as I often do) has recently made me aware of setting deadlines for myself in getting things done! (Her most recent book is entitled "Seize the Day," and her recent talks have reflected that theme.)

So I have set myself a goal of finishing quilts I started months - or even years ago!

I am also sorting through books and clothing I no longer need and giving them away!

I'm using her expression to motivate me to deal with unfinished household business.

Interestingly, Joyce doesn't talk so much about being more active (unless that is a problem).

Two ideas of hers that have stuck with me are:

Any day you spend angry is a day wasted.

And: Time you spend working so much that you neglect your family is time wasted! 

I guess it's all about balance - and knowing what is important in life!

Black Rapids Lock

Terry and I were recently hunting for the Black Rapids Lock, a lock I had gone through on my Rideau River cruise earlier this year. I knew it was  within the city of Ottawa, somewhere between Carleton University and the village of Manotick. But where?!

Parts of the shore line are inaccessible to cars, other parts are on private property - so Terry and I drove along carefully, looking for some indication of access to a lock.

Eventually we found a sign - and turned down a long gravel driveway.

After parking, we explored the little park that had grown up around the lock.

This lock is operated electrically...

I sat for a while, enjoying the peace and tranquility

What a perfect place to relax, have a picnic, or come to sketch and paint!