Ahh Summer!
Foxgloves line the boardwalk near the Martin Goodman trail
Summer has arrived with a vengeance in Toronto. While many fellow city dwellers escape to their summer cottages at idyllic lakes in Muskoka or on islands in Georgian Bay, those of us who don’t have that option have to come up with alternate diversions.
Modelling the Sabai top.
Pretty happy with the outcome - it’s comfy and fits well.
Of course I always have a knitting project on the go. Having finished my linen/cotton blend Sabai top, I’ve embarked on the Perle Sweater by Lena Holme Samsoe. I’m purposely taking my time with this one, partly because it will be months before it’s cool enough to actually wear it, but also the knit-purl-repeat seed stitch is not one my fingers fly through.
The Perle sweater - love the nubby texture
Since returning from my hiking vacation in France, I’ve had an urge to do more walking. Luckily, Toronto has a number of hiking clubs with different itineraries and paces. I’ve been out a few times on not-so-hot days and enjoyed meeting friendly new people and discovering new parks and trails.
The garden in summer is a delight. Peonies, roses, clematis…I love snipping blooms from the garden to display indoors.
Another favourite pastime in the summer is discovering new cafes for my favourite flat white espresso drink. Having the option to ride my bike opens up new horizons for that all-important morning pick me up.
This is at AD Cafe on Davenport - very fancy!
When it’s truly stifling outside I give thanks for AC and settle in for more sedentary activities or even a (short😉) afternoon siesta. Going to a movie matinee in an air conditioned theatre is another guilty pleasure on a sweltering afternoon.
There’s no need to heat up the house with baking - summer produce is at its finest and what could be better for dessert (or any time) than fresh raspberries or strawberrries and ice cream?
When friends came to visit recently I served Arnold Palmers - iced tea mixed with lemonade in any proportion you prefer. Over ice, naturally. Scones from a nearby bakery and fresh watermelon and grapes made for easy peasy entertaining.
Finally, there’s always the summer reading/viewing list. I just finished Heartwood by Amity Gaige and can definitely recommend it. On Netflix I loved Matthew Goode in Dept. Q - the rest of the cast is stellar too, as is the screenwriting.
Have a wonderful summer everyone!
