Incredibly, summer is already almost over. Where does the time go . . . We have been busy with our families, our mother, our homes, our projects. Hopefully, you were able to relax a bit and enjoy your summer, with some alone time, or with family and friends.
The first week of September is like New Years Lite. It marks the start of a new school year, but even for those of us who are not students or teachers or a parent of a student or have anything to do with the school calendar, September still feels like a new beginning. It’s the time to organize your desk, start some new routines, or maybe start a new project. It’s also a time to look back and think about what has been accomplished so far.
One of the “pros” of September New Year is that there’s less pressure to make resolutions, but instead I try to do a deep organization of one room and make a to-do list for the last 4 months of the year. It’s kind of a first semester to-do list, with small projects to work on or finish, and tasks that need to be finished by the years’ end.
My to-do list this year includes finishing my powder room, which needs a few things done, including painting. Main floor bathrooms can be dramatic, so I am going to make it colourful.
September is also a time to look back and take stock of what I’ve accomplished so far this year. Today on the post we’re looking at some of the things we posted about this summer.
I didn’t travel very much this year but I did do a lot of cooking. I’ve started making my own hummus, which is so much better than any store bought version I’ve ever tried. And so much fresher. I takes only 5 minutes to make and it’s always a hit in my family.
On previous Summer Sunday posts I included recipes for tacos, peperonata and Mocktails.
Speaking of to-do lists, driving up to the Muskoka region, specifically Gravenhurst, is something I would love to do this fall. As well as a beautiful place to relax in the summer, it is widely known for its amazingly gorgeous fall colours.
Gravenhurst
Gravenhurst, at the southern gateway to the world-famous Muskoka Region, is another interesting place to visit. You can take a boat cruise. Or visit the summer Gravenhurst Farmers Market – from June to the beginning of October. There are summer theatre productions or you can watch a movie under the stars.
While in Gravenhurst you may want to drive the 20 minutes to Bala for some of the best ice cream in the Muskoka region here. And of course, there is the annual Bala Cranberry Festival the weekend after (Canadian) Thanksgiving, October 18-20, 2024.
I never get tired of this photo: scrumptious food, unique, wow! I can’t believe I’m here surroundings, and a delicious drink in the sunshine. It doesn’t get much better than this . . .
The Aperol Spritz originated in the northeast of Italy, our family’s home turf, in the 1950s. It became trendier and even more popular approximately 20 years ago. It is made with Prosecco, a sparkling wine adored in our part of Italy and which I like to have on hand at home, Aperol, a bitter Italian aperitif, and chilled soda. If you like a sophisticated delicious drink that is not too sweet, try this lovely sunset in a glass.
When I was a young girl I had a purple bike with a banana seat. It was the coolest bike! I rode my bike everywhere. It got me to school (almost on-time) and around my neighborhood. As I grew up I rode my bike longer and further afield. I rode along the connecting bike trails that follow the Don Valley Parkway, as well as the Waterfront Trail. I completed the 7-day Oklahoma Freewheel cross-state ride, from just north of Texas up into Kansas. There are tarantulas in Oklahoma it turns out and although nothing bad happened to me, I’m told you should not try to nudge them with your bike wheel when you see one.
Here are some of the most beautiful gardens in Canada: the tulips in Ottawa announcing, with their bountiful variety of colours, that spring has arrived; the diversity of garden styles in Montreal; the Butchart Gardens in Vancouver, which is a National Historic Site of Canada.
What has been the highlight of your summer? Did you plant something new in your garden? Did you visit somewhere you really enjoyed? Did you try a new food or drink? Tell us about it in the comments.
Leave a Reply