Hello blog friends! How are things going? I hope all is well with you. Come on in to my blog space and let’s share our news over a cup of tea or coffee.
The weather during Summer week 8, from August 9 to 15 inclusive, was warm and pleasant. The high temperatures ranged from 26C to 32C (79F to 90F). I’ve got all my planned activities done. The highlights? A canoe outing, my siblings’ visit, and several good reads.
Canoe Outing
My friend and I rented a canoe that came with two paddles, two life jackets, and a return trip on a pontoon boat to the islands where the canoes are stored. We spent about six hours paddling on the Toronto islands with a lunch break around mid-day.
The weather on the day of our excursion was perfect with sunny skies, light wind, low humidity, and high temperature around 26C. We paddled in the calm and clear water and had so much fun exploring the wetlands and the islands. Here’s some of my photos:
It was a beautiful day and a wonderful excursion. Nature, sunshine, peace, and friendship…All “addictive” ingredients for a good life. I have high hope to go canoeing again later this month, weather permitting.
Family Visit
My sister and brother came for a visit so I baked a coconut loaf for them. The recipe is a winner because both my siblings liked the loaf.
We sat outside to chat and enjoy a glorious afternoon by the lake. I was happy to see my siblings in person with uninterrupted time to talk and laugh together.
Reading
I’ve eagerly continued my “bookworm” status, reading seven books: two by Jojo Moyes, two by K.A. Tucker, one young adult fiction by Katie Cotugno, one psychological thriller by Gillan Flynn, and one spy fiction by Lauren Wilkinson.
The spy fiction titled American Spy, a debut novel by Lauren Wilkinson, was on Barack Obama’s 2019 Recommended Reading List. The story covers a lot more than spy missions, such as human emotions, relationships, ideology, and social issues.
American Spy prompted me to learn more about Thomas Sankara, his family, and his presidency in Burkina Faso, a country in Africa, before he was assassinated.
It also took me to Martinique, an island located in the eastern Caribbean Sea and a place that I wanted to visit.
This novel led me to more exploring and learning something new. I’d recommend it.
Summer week 8 was excellent. I’m grateful for all the good things that happened. I look forward to making the most of summer week 9.
How did your week go? I’d like to hear your comments.
Linking here.
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Natalie the Explorer 
I saved the recipe and next trip to the store will pick up some coconut. I don’t know if I can find “fine” coconut, but I’ll look. Canoing for a day sounds just so much fun! I grew up on a lake and we had a canoe, so it reminds me of lots of fun days from long ago.
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Dawn, How wonderful that you grew up on a lake and had a canoe. I imagine all sorts of fun in the water and what to see around the lake as you paddle. I enjoy canoeing a lot. I’m grateful to have the canoe rental option and the islands to do canoeing so close to the city centre. For the coconut bread recipe, I used the finely shredded dry coconut flakes and the loaf was very good.
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That canoe trip looks wonderful! Sounds like you read some really great books too.
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Joanne, Yes, I really enjoyed the canoe trip. I hope to do it again later this month. The books have all been very good page turners and they keep me reading.
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Sounds like you had a great week, Natalie. Your canoe outing sounds wonderful. Enjoy the week ahead!
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Jill, It was a great week. I hope to do another canoe outing this month. Hope your weekend is going well. Have a wonderful upcoming week!
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So much to be grateful fro! We have about the same weather here. Canoeing seem like it would be a perfect activity for days like this! I have not been canoeing, but we did walk to the lake this morning. Thank you for the coffee, may next week be as nice as this one my friend.
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Maria, I feel grateful waking up to a new day every day. I enjoy canoeing and hope to go again later this month while the weather is still nice and warm. Glad you had your morning walk to the lake. It’s a perfect start for the day. Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful upcoming week!
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Happy to see and read you had another excellent week, Natalie. It’s so nice to live close by the water, especially in summer. I have nothing to report about my last week, as it could be called “boring”. I’m in work-mode, so that’s all that’s happening this summer. 🙂
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Liesbet, Yes, I appreciate living close by Lake Ontario. It’s been a wonderful place to hang out and enjoy summer during this COVID-19 pandemic. It sounds like you had a productive week while in work-mode. I’m sure you’ll have some play time soon. Hang in there. Have a wonderful upcoming week!
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It does sound like a wonderful week. I haven’t been canoeing in a long time and your photos really made me miss it. I may have to make plans for a trip. I’m happy you had a chance to visit with your siblings. We had my sister and niece over last weekend for a much needed visit as well. I’ve always been very close with my sisters even though I am over 10 years younger than both of them. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be an only child. Thanks for the book recommendation! My favorite JoJo Moyes book is “One Plus One” a fun light hearted adventure. Have you read that one? Enjoy the upcoming week!
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Nancy, Glad to hear you like canoeing and met up with your sister and niece. Close sisters are fun to have. I enjoy canoeing on Toronto islands. It’s tranquil over there and lots to see in nature. I hope to do another canoeing trip later this month. Meeting my siblings was great, especially my brother as I haven’t seen him for several months due to the pandemic. I’ve met my sister a couple of times since the lockdown in March and it’s always lovely to see her as we’re close. I read Jojo Moyes trilogy Me Before You, After You, and Still Me. Thank you for sharing your favourite of hers. I added “One Plus One” to my reading list. Have a wonderful upcoming week!
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Hi Natalie, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a coconut loaf. I’m not a big fan of coconut, but I’d give this a taste try any day.
Smooth water, perfect weather; you really got the best of Toronto that day.
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Gary, It was a perfect day for canoeing. I hope for a second canoe excursion this month. The coconut loaf passed my siblings’ taste test so I know it’s good 🙂 Thank you for stopping by. Have a great upcoming week!
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That canoeing trip looks lovely & the coconut loaf sounds like a winner. I’m adding American Spy to my reading list…Have a great week.
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Jo, I had a great time on that canoe trip. I’m thinking to get one more trip in this month. Hope you enjoy American Spy when you read it. Have a wonderful upcoming week!
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I think the water lily picture may be my favorite, but so many good pictures as usual. Sounds like a great day. The coconut bread sounds interesting, but I am putting baking on the back burner, while I keep trying to be stronger than the cookie! Can’t wait to see what next week’s pictures and books are. Have a good week, Michele
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Michele, Stay stronger than the cookie 🙂 The water lilies were on full bloom and in abundance when I was on the islands. Always lots of things to see over there and yet it’s very tranquil. I hope to make another canoe trip in the next week or so. Have a wonderful upcoming week!
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Looks great. The area is beautiful. Nothing like spending the day on the water.
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I feel grateful to live close to the islands and can get there easily. Thanks, Antoinette, for stopping by. Have a wonderful week!
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What fun! I don’t think I’ve ever been canoeing! Lovely area too 🙂
Di from Max The Unicorn
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Di, There are a lot of lakes and rivers in Ontario (my province) so canoeing is part of the heritage. If you like the outdoors and be on the water, canoeing is wonderful. Have a great week!
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Hi Natalie – loved the canoeing shots and the cake baking. My oven’s element has arrived and been installed, so my baking might even start again soon. Enjoy your lovely summer weather x
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Leanne, A fully functioning oven, hurray! I baked the coconut loaf as I had the ingredients and knew my sister liked it. Now I know my brother liked it, too. Have a great week!
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Hi Natalie – just back for #MLSTL and I’ve shared on my social media.
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It’s soooo beautiful! My husband Kel has a kayak and he brings home the most beautiful photos from on the water. Gorgeous.
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Yes, kayaks and canoes let us be closer to nature and experience a different world from the water. I’m glad you liked my photos. I hope you get to go kayaking soon. Have a great week!
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A lovely canoe trip with a friends sounds like an ideal summer activity. I’m very impressed with your reading seven books in one week. Your photos are gorgeous. I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring in Australia.
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Veronica, Spring will be on your doorsteps in a few weeks and autumn on mine. I hope to make another canoe trip soon. I’m glad you liked my photos. I was able to read seven books in a week as they were all good page turners and I didn’t watch TV. Have a great week!
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I haven’t canoed in a hundred years–my wrists won’t put up with it anymore–but it’s nice to take a virtual paddle with you. Thanks for the photos.
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Thank you, Ellen, for your visit and comment. Yeah, we need to listen to our body and adjust our activities accordingly. Have a great week!
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The canoe outing sounds nice. I very rarely canoe these days (last year I did an excursion) preferring the kayak, but a full day does sound nice. Glad you had a visit from your sister and brother. i haven’t seen family in a year, partially due to the virus…
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The canoe is heavy for me carry so when I go canoeing, I want to make a full day excursion. Kayaking is very nice, too. I’ve seen my sister a couple of times since covid-19 restrictions started here in March. It was the first time I saw my brother since the start of 2020 so it was great to see them both.
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Your canoe adventure sounds wonderful, Natalie! Before I retired from teaching, I would take some students on a canoe trip lead by The Chesapeake Bay Foundation every year. We would assess the water quality in a local lake by looking at its chemistry and biology. The highlight of the trip was the canoes, though, especially for the kids. There is no better way to explore!
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Laurie, Yes, it feels pretty special to sit and paddle in a canoe, plus it’s the best way to get close to a lake and its biology and chemistry. I can see how your students loved the canoes. I hope to have another canoe trip this month, weather permitting.
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Canoeing sounds like fun where you are. I tried once many moons ago up in Queensland, of course back then such a worry wort and all I could see was me falling out onto the rocks below. Down here on the Pen a lot go paddle boarding when the bay is like glass. #SeniSal
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I just saw the beautiful photos of where you live on your blog. I’d be paddling and doing beach-related activities if I was there and if it’s legally allowed.
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Yes I think so people were still doing it on Saturday the beach was like glass
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Sounds like ideal conditions for paddling.
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Hi, Natalie – Your coconut loaf sounds excellent. I’ve also saved the recipe. I look forward to giving it a try!
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Hi Donna, Please let me know what you think once you bake the coconut loaf. It’s a recipe from our Canadian cookbook author Jean Paré.
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Thanks, Natalie – I love Jean Pare recipes. No wonder you liked this recipe so much.
I’ve also shared this on my SM. #MLSTL
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Great photos of a lovely day out canoeing Natalie! What a great life 🙂 I started a new writing course this week and have enjoyed being creative, taking photos for a family challenge as well. #lifethisweek
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Debbie, Creativity is fun and leads to more creative ideas. It’s part of living a good life 🙂 I look forward to hearing more about your course and your family’s photo challenge.
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Sounds like a great week – and perfect canoeing weather.
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Yes, totally lucked out with the weather on the day of our canoe trip.
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Such beautiful pictures. Loved reading about your canoe trip. 🙂
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Thank you for your visit and comment. I’m glad you liked my post and photos. I hope to see you again. Have a wonderful week!
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Thank you. Wish you a wonderful week ahead too.
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Your canoeing adventure looks like loads of fun. Such a pretty place to paddle around. American Spy sounds like a book I’d enjoy. I’ll look for it. Thanks for the suggestion.
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Ally, I feel fortunate to be close to the Toronto islands and can go paddling there this summer. I hope I didn’t set up false expectations for American Spy. I’d love to know your thoughts after you read it. I think the author did a great job for a debut novel.
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Such a lovely post with amazing summer FUN!! You are such a book worm, amazing all you read! And the best part is meeting up with family, so happy you were able to enjoy some time with your siblings. ❤️ Have a wonderful week! 😀
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Diana, I was happy to share a uninterrupted coffee chat with my siblings in person. I’m thinking of doing a second canoe trip weather permitting. I’ve been lucky with my book selection. The books are all good page-turners and I’m totally into each story. Have a wonderful week!
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Not relevant but I love the name Bukina Faso and it’s capital Ouagadougou (which I learnt from the days the Dakar blazed through there.) #MLSTL
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The country name and its capital name do sound exotic.
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We have not been canoeing yet this summer, and your post makes me realize we are running out of time! It looks like you day on the water was lovely.
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Michele, It was a wonderful canoe day. I hope to squeeze in one more canoe outing before September. Fingers crossed for pleasant weather.
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Hi Natalie, I’ve never tried canoing but it looks tranquil and a peaceful way to glide along the river. Loved the water lily and I thought the tortoise was real! The cake looks delicious and I’m a fan of coconut. Thanks so much for being part of #MLSTL x
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Hi Sue, That turtle was real. Its name is Painted turtle due to the lower portion of the turtle’s shell is red or yellow in color while the central portion is dark colored. Its legs, tail and the neck are dotted with red and yellow marks when you see it up close. Thanks for hosting MLSTL. Have a wonderful week!
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What a wonderful trip. So very lovely. Thanks for sharing it with us. #MLSTL
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Thank you, Patrick, for your comment. I greatly appreciate it.
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That canoe excursion must have been fabulous … the photos look great. Great you live in such a beautiful place, and were able to enjoy meeting up with your brother and sister. Much better than Zoom! #MLSTL
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Enda, The canoe outing was great fun. The Toronto islands are beautiful and I love going there. Meeting my brother and sister in person was way better than Zoom. Have a wonderful week!
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You too Natalie!
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What lovely summer memories you are making, Natalie. Uninterrupted time with family is very special. That loaf sounded awesome. I am a big coconut fan.
Thanks for linking up this week for #LifeThisWeek. Next week the optional prompt is 34/51 Self-Care Stories. #5. 24.8.2020 and I hope to see you there. Take care, Denyse.
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Denyse, This summer so far exceeds my expectations. I’m grateful to be able to experience the beauty of the land around me. I look forward to joining you at the next link-up. Have a great week!
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I love leisurely canoe or kayak adventures. While everyone is paddling off at a mad fury, I’m taking pictures of wildlife and lotus flowers gently floating on the water. Your pictures remind me of those trips.
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Me too, Jennifer. I enjoy leisure paddling and close inspection of plants and wildlife. Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful week!
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Oh, the tranquility of being out on a canoe in that still water. Must have been delightful. Not sure that I have ever canoed but had one dreadful experience in a sailboat. I don’t know from personal experience but I have a feeling cruise ships are probably my favorite mode of water transportation.
Glad your coconut loaf was a big hit with the family. I made a German chocolate cream pie last night and it was delish. PC isn’t nearly as big a fan of coconut as I am but he ate every calorie.
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Leslie, Canoeing in and around the Toronto islands is relaxing and lots of plants and animals to see. Sorry to hear you had a bad experience in a sailboat. I think you’ll like canoeing though.
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Your heading photo is gorgeous, Natalie. The quiet and tranquility is immediately evident. It is always a treat to see a painted turtle on a log sunning themselves. Great capture!
Home baked is always the best. The last couple of days I was fortunate to spend some time with out of town blogger, Joanne,(I know you have met) and relatively close bloggers Deb and Donna. Some trail hikes and fun as always. Thank you for sharing the beauty that surrounds your week, Natalie. A great post!
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Erica/ Erika, Yes, the beauty and tranquility on Toronto islands draw me in every time. I was glad to take a photo of that painted turtle right before it jumped into the water.
Thank you for stopping by despite your busy summer schedule. Have a great time with our fellow bloggers! I look forward to hearing more about your fun outings.
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That cake looks yum! We are off camping this weekend and I can’t wait!
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Anne, Have fun camping and enjoy the great outdoors!
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I liked the photo of the painted turtle.
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Frank, I was pleased to get a photo before the painted turtle jumped into the water. Glad you liked it.
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Oh my goodness that canoeing looked divine!! Perfect weather too. 26 degrees is my idea of perfection
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Yup, it was a perfect excursion. The stars aligned with the weather. I was a happy canoeist 🙂
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Natalie, I love canoeing. When we lived in northwestern BC, Rob had an 18 foot freighter canoe and we used to canoe at a nearby lake. We also went on an 8-day canoe trip with some friends in 2009. Unfortunately, we left the canoe behind when we moved to the prairies. You must have had a lot of fun exploring the Toronto Islands by canoe. When the weather is warm, it is so nice to be out on the water.
Jude
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Jude, Canoeing is so fun and relaxing. I love canoeing in and out of the 13 Toronto islands. Lots of nature and wildlife to experience.
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