I can not believe that more than a month has passed since my last blog post š²š²š²
When I started this blog in June 2020, it was a daily encounter: each day I wrote up something that took only ONE minute to read but it was rarely an effort shorter than half an hour, sometimes it could take up to one hour just to write that one minute read š³š³š³
I enjoyed those daily writing activities though, otherwise, I would not have written over 700 straight postsš«”š«”š«”
Since I moved back to the city last May, my post became less frequent as I started living more, with newly found freedom and vibrant city life. I made a conscious decision to disconnect from screens more and to reconnect with living more ššš
This August, I had no internet for more than two weeks at home and I did not even miss it that muchš„µš„µš„µ
That is why, no updates since "Summer Summer" was posted on July 24th ššš
I want to resume my regular once-a-week post from this month. If I can not keep that, at least once a month ššš
I love to document those simple little pleasures and share it with my friends and family. I can not find a better way to describe what an enjoyable summer it has been other than listing a dozen highlights (texts in red are clickable ššš
The OSM VirĆ©e classique concert in the mall after dinner with friends (there were five of us) one Friday evening. It was A beautiful musical celebration bringing together family and friends. We were lucky to have the opportunity to appreciate classical music...right next door. It was the same place where they set up the stage a few weeks ago for the amazing "Human Flag" performance š¼šµš¹šøšŗš·š¶š·šŗ
My first sleepover at a friend's spotless place in South Shore then a free REM ride back to the city the second day. I connected with a few more friends in South Shore and met Tom - a curious cat. I walked into the mall, had an iced cappuccino, and tasted tea from Japan and rose cake from Yunan. After the ride back to the city, I also picked up free ice cream on the street šāā¬šØš«š°
My second parade: the first was the Canada Day parade. I also had my first stage performance at Quartier des Spectacles. It was a parade being cheered by a big crowd. We danced with great enthusiasm. The performance on the stage was affected but the rain but there were still some watchers. I loved the team spirit and enjoyed the parade, more than I enjoyed the Canada Day parade ššš
Watched the Pride parade: It has been years since I watched that parade. In the past, the starting point used to be the empty parking lot near my home. It was cancelled last minute last year so It was fun to see so many dressed-up people cheering for the once a year remarkable event šš³ļøāššš³ļøāš
Tuesdays movies: Since my last post, I watched One Summer (French with EST), Mission Impossible, Barbie and One and Only, all with the lovely company of friends and family. Feels like watching movies on Tuesdays has become my new "thing" after I stopped attending "Toastmasters meetings". This evening I am watching a film called No More Bets š½š½š½
Passport renewal: If you need to renew your passport in Montreal, here is a tip from an insider (past employee): hand in your application around 3:30 on Wednesday. It took me less than 10 minutes in and out. I got the renewed passport by registered mail a week later. Every morning when I walked into the building and saw people lining up in the morning (the same building where I work). I felt compelled to walk up there and tell them that tip but I didn't because there were security people ššš
Monthly biking with two ladies to Rapid Park. It was an active day for me, I went to the Botanical Garden in the morning, picked up some stuff I ordered on the way home, and had lunch and a little nap before heading out for the bike ride. It was a gorgeous day and a very pleasant ride šµšµšµ
An unexpected bixi ride home from Angrignon. The sun was still high up so I decided to bike home instead of taking the metro. I rarely bike for over 10 km on a heavy bike like bixi. The trip reminded me of the last time I biked with my son for his Halloween costume at the Mall Angrignon. It was quite a distance for him with a 22 or 24-inch bike. He wanted to give up biking back after we made it there. I didn't want to give in to his request but had to take the metro home because my bike got stolen when we went in for a bit. That was at least 15 years ago! Time flies!
The usual pleasures: visits to the Botanical Garden, dancing by the river, and my weekly badminton. The unusual: a rose garden party after the Botanical Garden. There were six of us who all showed up for the line dancing by the river. We played cards on the 55th floor with an impeccable view while it was raining all day. I didn't watch that many movies at home like I used to do but I still enjoy going to the libraryššš
Eric's visit: It was a short and sweet week of visit. We enjoyed having dinner in Chinatown, watching a Chinese movie, and biking home. I had lunch at Google and we built the bed together. Having him stay at home and saying good night was wonderful. His girlfriend joined us for a brief night and I hope next time she can stay longer with us. Here is a short videoššš
Jin's garden party: There were eleven of us, we enjoyed singing, playing cards, eating, chatting, and taking photos. The hostess's sister made a short video while we were still at the party. Click here to view a short video.
This Labor Day weekend (from Friday evening to Monday)
Friday evening, I went to dancing by the river. It reminded me of the good old days (ten years ago) when I used to dance all night on a Saturday night and sometimes even caught the fireworks after I got home or ate in China town around midnight. It was a day of 26,000 steps plus a 20 km bike ride ššš
Mont-Royal with a friend on Saturday and we were joined by a couple. The weather was gorgeous. After having lunch together, we were invited for a dumpling dinner. It was a day of 32,000 steps with 150 floors (not sure how Fitbit calculated that)ššš
Sunday morning at the church. My friend sang in the choir and the service was performed in both French and Chinese. After, I strolled along St Laurent Street for the sidewalk sale while sipping an ice cappuccino. The day ended with a movie Barbie with another friend, my second round of this movie, plus a delicious dinner in a Chinese restaurant ššš
Monday was a hot and humid day. What is a better thing to do than playing cards with friends in a cool place with a great view? We started with a BBQ on the terrace and then we moved to the 55th floor to play cards...all the way into the evening. The game was intense at times but I did learn a trick or two on how to play better... āāā
Summer has not said it last word as the Weather networks say. More than 40 degrees will be felt after Labor Day.
I don't have AC at home so I reserved my workstation weekday for the month š„š„š„
I won't complain.
With a cruise trip of 11 nights to the Western Mediterranean booked with Enchanted Princess line, my 8th cruise trip coming up in October, I am enjoying the summer as much as I can.
Indeed, life can be so enchanting, and sometimes I feel like a princess...ššš
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