Summer Seasonal Courier is Finished

I spent most of the day huddled inside with blinds closed and fans whirring after my air-conditioning unit ceased to function. I called our usual HVAC company and they sent a repairer within a couple of hours. He determined that the almost 30 year-old unit was 'toast' and could be repaired but considering its age,  a replacement made more sense. I got a call back within an hour that it could be done tomorrow and the very last available unit was earmarked for me. Hallelujah!

I did go to the grocery store and took my time, especially in the refrigerated areas. I’ve kept all the blinds drawn but the house got up to 29C (outside it got up to 37C on my deck).  I did have an offer to hang out at a friend’s house but I kinda wanted to relive some of the steamy days my family experienced when we lived in Mexico in the mid-60s. 

The classrooms in my school there only had ceiling fans. The only A/C unit was in the main office. At home, we didn't have central air conditioning either - only window units in our bedrooms. If I were a kid today, I’d have set up a sprinkler and run through it a few times. Instead I spent some time watering the garden and occasionally sprayed myself to keep cool.

Back inside I thought some quiet stitching would be in order and minimize physical activity. I only had a little bit to finish on the Robin Pickens piece so got that done and the piece pressed. Not sure how I'll fully finish it though.

I then kitted up the next one I want to do - Blackbird's Autumn, and put away the flosses from the Blue Jay piece. I didn't pick fabric for this one yet but it should probably be a bit darker so the Ecru stitches will show up better.

Yesterday, Poppy sent me a photo of Olivia after she received her little bear. She has named her 'Chloe'. Olivia certainly looked pleased. Poppy said Olivia took Chloe to bed with her that night.

For Canada Day yesterday I didn't do much. It was just too stinking hot. When I heard fireworks in the neighbourhood after dark I ventured outside to see if I could see anything but no luck. I do recall a few years ago a spectacular pyrotechnical display behind my across-the-street neighbour's place. 

Years ago - when Scooter was little - there used to always be fireworks for Victoria Day and Canada Day at nearby Pringle Park. The grass slopes down to the baseball field which almost created an amphitheatre for us spectators.  Folks would come from all over Whitby - there would be cars parked everywhere for blocks. It was an easy 5 minute walk for us. Sadly, they discontinued the fireworks there and now  probably do them at a park in south Whitby not far from the lake.

I was born and lived in Sarnia for most of my first 35 years, then moved to Durham Region for work. Summer is a wonderful time to be in Sarnia. The beaches at the bottom of every road running down to the lake are public as well as one of the best beaches of the Great Lakes - the beach at Canatara Park on Lake Huron near the mouth of the St. Clair River. (aerial photo is looking towards the east. The mouth of the St. Clair River and Bluewater Bridge are in the other direction).

Port Huron MI is across the river. The fireworks are taken out into the river on a barge and set off there for the benefit of folks on both sides of the river. I saw videos of last night's display and they were fabulous.

I've now opened all the upstairs windows now and have several fans going to blow the hot air out and get things cooled off a bit for my sleeping tonight. In spite of the fact that it was almost 28ºC in my bedroom last night, I slept really well with open windows and the ceiling fan over the bed on low.

I really look forward to getting the new A/C unit $$$$ tomorrow.