On Friday, August 10 Dot and Barbara went into town to get a manicure. Meanwhile Roger and I went for a walk in the woods at Mono cliffs, initially to find some ancient cedars, but we took an early wrong turn and found ourselves negotiating lesser used parts of the Bruce Trail, which was OK.

Later we all went to Adamo’s winery for a small-plate meal, and Dot and I had another bottle of Gamay Rosé, which is excellent. A two-man group were playing, and they did an excellent version of a couple of Elton John songs and The Weight. We congratulated them on the way out, while they were taking their break. Back at home, watched episodes 3, 4 and 5 of State of Play.

Saturday was warm, and we all walked the Palmer Circle figure of eight, before watching the final episode of State of Play, which was a bit disappointing. Still, as a whole it was very good. Then drove to Oakville for meal with Nick and Shirley (barbecue), after which we walked into town to see the music festival in progress. Excellent group called Whitehorse playing, but unfortunately while we bought gelato it started raining, which made the walk back to their house a bit damp.

Had a chat before driving home. Nick and Shirley’s house was very unusual, getting a lot into a small space. Impressive. I have booked a cottage in Ballater (18 Golf Road) next August so that we can host N&S with B&R for five days on part of their European tour. Before then, however the Murrays are going to Australia and New Zealand, and as I write are looking at a tour of Peru and the Galapagos for November.

Sunday was warm and dry, and the four of us walked the Mount Hope loop (about three miles). We then went to Adamo’s for a wine tasting but returned home to eat after we couldn’t get into the either Adamo’s or the nearby resort to eat. One had a wedding reception, and the other was full. Still, we had a nice meal at home and then watched all three episodes of The Politician’s Wife, which was satisfying. Couldn’t quite remember if I’d seen it before, but we all knew what was going to happen. Not enough Minnie Driver.

Afterwards we went outside on damp grass to try see some Perseids, and we did see one or two.

Yesterday was cloudy, but warm as usual. We drove to Sherway Gardens Mall, where we split up. Roger and I went to Indigo bookshop, but then separated. I did quite a lot of walking and almost got trapped in Hudson’s Bay. Roger and I got back to the cocktail bar in time, and I had a Cosmopolitan, but the girls were 22 minutes  late, though they did have cocktails anyway. Noted that Indigo had four sections on pets, but none on poetry.

Later finished my birthday present sci-fi book from David. Really imaginative stuff, and compelling. Interesting that it was written by a Chinese and so saw everything from their angle.

Later still went to the resort (after booking to make sure we could get in) and had an excellent meal. The best chicken I’ve had in a long time, with some cheesy fries as starters! At home watched film – Catch me if you can – till 12.40.

Today has been warmer. Dot and I started with figure-of-eight, then had a swim followed by a  shower, followed by packing. Before this had checked in and booked seats in co-ordination with David; so we will be sitting with Oliver and Amy on the flight. Not expecting either of them to be very happy. We’ve also been for a drive round the north country, taking in Hockley, Violet Hill and Rosemont. Within the hour we shall be starting off for the airport.