Blog Break

Here are some cool maple leaf shots I took while walking one morning in early summer.

I'll be taking a blog break for at least a couple of weeks as I'm having an elective hysterectomy due to a large fibroid I've had for years. It's major surgery, but very common with about a 6 week recovery period. It's a bit scary, but I haven't been thinking about it much, well, until the past few days as it looms closer.

I decided to go ahead with the procedure sooner rather than later, while I'm in good health. I also have a good rapport with this gynecologist and feel confident she'll do a good job.

It's a busy weekend ahead. We're spending a day at a friend's cottage then I have to prepare to spend 2 or 3 days in hospital next week.

Creative Tuesdays-Summer Break 2

I took this photo on a clear summer day. I was admiring the clouds against the blue sky.

Mr. Toast had to postpone Creative Tuesdays - Summer Break until today due to work commitments. So today's the day to link up our Summer Break entries for his big collage. Here's mine.

I was also the lucky winner of his last giveaway. You can see what I won in my July 14th post.

Please stop by and see what everyone else has done.

Donny and Marie, Gift Certificate

I just pointed my camera up into the sky the other day, the sun coming through the clouds was too bright to look at directly. Then I wondered if this would damage the lens of the camera, but it seems to be ok! I'm happy with the results. From what I can google, point and shoot cameras should be ok but I think I'll avoid doing this as a habit.

Julie Prichard had a giveaway on a lovely post about 'style' and I was the lucky winner of a Dick Blick gift certificate! It was a lovely surprise, my thanks to Julie.

I went to the Donny and Marie show on the weekend with some friends and enjoyed it very much. It was very nostalgic. Unfortunately Marie had lost her voice, but did make an appearance. Donny is such a role model. A lady sitting near us said she actually converted to the Mormon faith, being inspired by the Osmond family. That was a little over the top, but she seemed pretty normal, and a big fan although she said she wasn't a groupie. Oh, Donny and Marie came through the audience and we even got a 'high five' from Donny!

Before the show, the 4 of us went to an Italian restaurant near to the theatre and participated in their Summerlicious fixed price menu special. I was happy with my choices of mussels, cannelloni, and a refreshing sorbet for dessert. The tuna pasta dish looked good too. They seemed to have a lot of vegetarian choices on the menu, a healthy trend, perhaps.

K started his formal driving lessons, the instructor is having an easy time because he's pretty much driving already. He'll just have to go through the finer points. He has already had his in-class sessions.

Sunday Sketches - The Wave

Welcome to Sophia's Sunday Sketches. This one's called 'The Wave'. It's done with my usual watercolour pencils.

Please be sure to stop by and see what the other talented participants did today.

Sweet Saturdays - Wildflower Pathway

For Sweet Saturdays, I'd like to show you this pretty wildflower pathway. Our town is moving towards natural landscaping as opposed to the use of pesticides and manicured lawns. It's good for the environment.



Please be sure to visit the other participants!

Paint Party Friday - Orchids and Roses

I bought some orchids and roses at the grocery store and put them together in an arrangement as pictured below. I was pleased with the result and decided to draw them for Paint Party Friday.

Be sure to visit the other talented participants.

Gifts from Mr. Toast

I was the lucky Creative Tuesdays winner of the last draw and was most pleased to receive a package in the mail from Mr. Toast! It was a delight unwrapping each thoughtful little gift and I have to give Mmm a BIG thank you. I think Christmas does come more than once a year!

First, there was the monogrammed card with a nice note enclosed. Then came the personalized peppermints, a box of soothing Yorkshire teabags, a demitasse spoon, a lovely journal, a bath ball, a cute little ceramic bird and magnet. My favorites were the mini sticky notes with the Van Gogh Almond Blossom design and the amber satsuma tealight, it smells sooo good. I also loved that smooth, creamy Yorkie chocolate bar (that definitely IS for girls too!)

Thanks again Mmm, you made my day!