Hello blog friends! How are things going? Hope all is well with you. Come on in to my blog space and let’s chat over a cup of tea or coffee.
Summer week 9, from August 16 to 22 inclusive, delivered a beautiful stretch of good weather, sunny skies and pleasant temperatures. Daytime high ranged from 24C to 29C (75F to 84F).
I received a couple of quick messages and phone calls from my friends. My spontaneous response “Yes, let’s do this!” rounded my week with two in-person coffee chats and one Stand Up Paddling afternoon on Toronto islands.
Coffee Chat #1
Friend #1 who lives in the suburb and who has been working from home had to go into the city centre for business on Tuesday. I was flexible with my time so we met up for coffee and catch up. I walked to our meeting place and back home, got 5K done before and after our coffee chat, two birds one stone.
We sat outside on a beautiful day, 2 meters (6 feet) apart, and in a nice public square with plants and flowers. Our chat was non-stop with laughs and smiles. After our meeting was over, I got a photo of this pretty monarch butterfly. Not bad for a cell phone!
Coffee Chat #2
Friend #2 who lives in the west end of the city and who has been busy taking care of an elderly parent was available on Thursday. So we agreed to meet at Humber Bay Arch Bridge. I rode my bike there and back, enjoyed my ride on the scenic waterfront trail, got 20 kilometers done before and after our coffee chat, two birds one stone again.
We sat outside at Sheldon Lookout, 2 meters (6 feet) apart, on another gorgeous day, with stunning views of Humber Bay. Part of the bay, where the sun light hit the water, sparkled like a million diamonds.
Our chat was full of news exchange, laughs, and smiles. On this sunny day by the lake and with nice green space around us, we focused on the present and the good things in life.
Stand Up Paddling (SUP)
Friend #3 was asking me about my Stand Up Paddling excursion in July. So we booked to rent two SUP boards. Each rental includes a return trip on a pontoon boat to where the SUP boards are stored on the islands, a board, a paddle, a life jacket, and a flexible leash with Velcro straps to keep the board attached to our ankles. We did stand up paddling on Toronto islands for about 2.5 hours.
The lake water will be cooler in September and SUP season will be over soon so I was glad to squeeze in this SUP outing. The photos from this trip are a bit unclear because I took them while my phone was secured in a clear waterproof case!
We saw many swans and ducks during our paddling. The cherry-on-top for me was a great blue heron that stood quietly by the water as we left the islands to head home, and the fiery sunset over Toronto Harbour, signaling the end of another stunning day.
Spontaneity and Flexibility
These outings came together on different days with different people and minimal planning. They gave me many joyful moments. One ordinary week became extra-ordinary. I’m glad I have the flexibility in my day to say Yes, let’s do this!
After all the physical activities, I’m ready to sink into one of these big comfy Muskoka chairs and read a good book. Care to join me? I’m about half way through The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.
Once again, nature, sunshine, exercises, friendship, and good books are my not-so secrets to a healthy and enriched life. Summer week 9 was fantastic. I look forward to making the most of summer week 10.
How did your week go? I’d love to hear your comments.
Linking here.
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Natalie the Explorer 
Natalie, thank you for letting us into your week … the paddleboarding looks fun and the glorious nature shines through your post. How true that ‘ nature, sunshine, exercises, friendship, and good books are my not-so secrets to a healthy and enriched life.’ I wholeheartedly agree and I’ve also have enjoyed a week of these elements. The last few days we’ve enjoyed blackberry picking and sharing these with friends over dinners outside in the garden! Wishing you a lovely Sunday and week ahead filled with new adventures! xx
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Annika, Blackberry picking and dinners with friends outside in the garden sound lovely. Thank you for sharing a glimpse into your week. Have a nice weekend and a beautiful upcoming week!
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It looks like you’re weak
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Jill, Your comment made me laugh because no one who knows me well would describe me as weak. I’m human and do have weaknesses 🙂
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LOL! I said, week, but my phone heard weak! No, you certainly are not weak! Sorry. I typed the second message. 🙂
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I apologize for the previous comment, Natalie. I’m trying to dictate on my phone due to wrist issues. Thanks for sharing your week with us. It looks like your weather was picture perfect! Ours has been muggy and rainy. I’m happy you were able to hook up with friends. I’ve been busy getting a book ready to submit, so the week went by in a blur! Have a great upcoming week. xo
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Jill, No apology needed. You’re one of the kindest blogger I’ve had the pleasure to know via blogging. I hope the weather in your area improves and your wrist issues don’t give you too much pain while you’re working on your book. Have a wonderful Sunday and upcoming week!
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❤️
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Lovely photographs. Great coffee post, thanks for sharing.
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Thank you for your comment. I greatly appreciate it.
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Every time a new post of yours arrives in my inbox, I realize another week has passed. Time flies and summer is almost over. 😦 It looks like you made the most of week eight, Natalie. And, such gorgeous weather – perfect summer memories. I agree with your remarks about being flexible. It’s how Mark and I generally live our lives and it’s very rewarding to be able to answer with a spontaneous “yes” to new and expected opportunities!
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Liesbet, Being spontaneous is so freeing, isn’t it? I tend to be spontaneous, especially for fun events with friends. Sometimes the stars align and things just happen beautifully. Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful upcoming week!
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YOu have some beautiful options, Natalie. Thanks for the glimpse.
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Antoinette, The weather has been great here and I won’t let a beautiful day get away.
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Being flexible led you to experience so many wonderful things. Hope you enjoy the next week of your Summer just as much.
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Thank you, Colline, for your comment. I hope you have a wonderful upcoming week.
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Another wonderful week exploring your area Natelie. Lovely as always.
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Thank you, Gary, for your comment. The good weather here has made it easy to go outside and explore.
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Looks lovely!! Keep making the most of that weather!
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Will do. Can’t let a beautiful day get away.
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and the last #MLSTL
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Thanks for this peek into your week Natalie. Your summer photos are beautiful and give me hope that we might get summer again. So cold here just now! The Book Thief is a Wonderful book. I planned to join Wellness Weekend but mixed up the date and missed it. Will be there next month
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Jennifer, Hang in there. Winter will soon be replaced by Spring where you live. The next Wellness Weekend link up is on September 20. Look forward to having you join us. Have a wonderful week!
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Sometimes I think those are the best 4 words ever: Yes, let’s do this. Or even just yes. Thanks for bringing a Monday smile to my face.
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Jo, Those four words made my week so much fun and memorable. Glad I brought you a Monday smile. Have a wonderful week!
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A big chair and a book sounds alright to me.
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Those chairs are comfy and with a good book and the lake view, it will be hard to leave.
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That sounds wonderful! I find weeks spent with family and friends do tend to feel like they go by faster.
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Yes, when we have fun we don’t pay attention to the clock 🙂
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Another great week and wonderful pictures, it would be hard to choose just one, I like that bridge, wish I could get a closer look (in person, that wasn’t a hint for a different picture, but it has caught my eye in other pictures you have posted. I love t he picture of the butterfly too, and Stand Up Paddling looks interesting, intriguing, maybe next summer. Best and blessings, Michele
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Michele, The Humber Bay Arch bridge is very nice to see in person. There are geometric patterns in the ribbed arches, alluding to the Thunderbird, one of the most common spirits in First Nations culture. Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful upcoming week!
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Thanks for the information, always glad to stop in for a visit!
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Such a wonderful post, beautiful photos especially like the sunset, and what could be better than to throw in some great visits with some friends! And to be able to fit in exercise when meeting up! You go girl, very inspiring!! ♥️ Always love to have coffee with you and visit to see how your week has been. I’m trying to stay cool! Have an awesome week ahead! 🤠😍
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Thank you, Diana, for your kind comment. It made me smile. Hope the weather in your area improves so you can enjoy time outside and go trail riding with your horses. Have a wonderful week!
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That’s lovely you managed to get in some SUPing before the water gets colder! Love the views. I always love seeing the sparkling light in the water. It’s so pretty! Oh The Book Thief is a great book – I did read it years ago though! Hope you have a wonderful week ahead Natalie!
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Sanch, I was happy to squeeze in another SUP afternoon in nice weather. After all the standing, I enjoyed sitting down and finished The Book Thief. Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful week!
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Oh this sounds like a great week Natalie. It’s funny I just had a message from a friend I haven’t seen in ages asking me for a catch up – I love a spontaneous moment! I enjoyed the Book Thief too so will be interested to hear what you thought of it too. Great photos! #lifethisweek
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Debbie, I hope you and your friend seize the moment and have an enjoyable catch up. Normally, a coffee chat is no big deal to arrange but with social distancing and COVID-19, it’s a treat to see my friends in person. I enjoyed The Book Thief. It’s a sombre reminder of some of the horrors in human history. Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful week!
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Nothing beats a catch up coffee with friends and I’m so grateful the cafes are open again. Nice that you could meet up with your two coffee dates and also get in a bit of SUP-ing as well Natalie.
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Leanne, Yeah, I had fun seeing my friends in person after several months not seeing them. Normally, a coffee chat is no big deal to arrange but with social distancing and COVID-19, it’s a treat to have it face-to-face even at 2 meters apart. The SUP afternoon was a treat, too because it may be the last one I can do this season. Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful week!
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Hi Natalie – just back for the last #MLSTL and to share on my social media x
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Thank you, Leanne. Have a wonderful week!
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A lovely look at your week. I’m spontaneous by nature but this pandemic has nipped that in the bud. Happy to see that someone can still be so. I love the starfish on your board. Life is in the details.
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Ally, So true about life is in the details. Normally, a coffee chat is no big deal to arrange but with social distancing and COVID-19, it’s a novelty to see my friends in-person, even at 2 meters apart. I’d only do it outdoors though. I haven’t been inside a coffee shop since mid-March.
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What a wonderful week xx…The Book Thief I must add to my list. I would love to sit in those chairs with a fluffy cushion underneath hehe…#SeniSal
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Bree, When I sit down in one of those big chairs with a good book and the lake views, I don’t want to leave 🙂 Did you know that Markus Zusak who wrote The Book Thief is from Australia? Maybe that will entice you to read his book sooner, to support Australian writers.
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No I didn’t know he was Australian. 😊
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I’ve seen people on the stand up paddle boards before but I didn’t realize that was the name. That the board is attached to one’s ankles seems like a good way to make sure one doesn’t lose it.
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Frank, Yes, the ankle leash is useful to keep the board close to the paddler. The board can be used as a floating device, too, in addition to the life jacket.
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Spontaneously meeting up with friends sounds great particularly in these isolating times. I’m sure the SUP excursion was a lot of fun. Have a great week!
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Trent, Yeah, I had a good time seeing my friends. Normally, a coffee chat is no big deal to arrange but with social distancing and COVID-19, it’s a novelty to see them in-person, even at 2 meters apart. SUP excursion is always fun to me. I was glad to get one in last week. Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful week!
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What a wonderful week. It just highlights the benefits of being flexible and spontaneous.
I have always wanted to try SUP. It looks like so much fun. There is a lake near me where you can rent paddleboards. I must give it a try!
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Laurie, To me SUP is much easier than canoeing or kayaking. It’s a good workout for the torso, core muscles, and leg muscles. Best of all it’s fun. I hope you give it a try.
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I was linking up on Esme’s and saw a butterfly-I had to got there. Beautiful photos. I’m glad to have discovered your blog.
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Terri, Welcome to my blog! Glad you liked my photos. I try to take photos of different butterflies. So far the monarch butterflies are the easiest. I hope to see you again soon. Have a wonderful week!
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Hi Natalie, I love your spontaneity and I think I will put Stand Up Paddleboarding on my bucket list to try during this coming Summer. Enjoy your week! #lifethisweek
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Hi Sue, SUP is easy and fun to me. I hope you enjoy it when you try it during the summer. Have a wonderful week!
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Such lovely pictures. Loved reading about your outings. 🙂
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Thank you, GDutta, for your comment. I greatly appreciate it. Have a wonderful week!
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Thank you. Wishing you too a wonderful week ahead. 🙂
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Thank you for taking us along with you on your weekly journey, Natalie. It looks like you’ve had some beautiful summer weather. Not too hot and humid.
And the layout of your blog post is fantastic. It was a pleasure to read.
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Thank you, Hugh, for your positive feedback about the layout of my blog post. I use the block editor which makes it so easy to create a nice layout. I regularly use headings, image, list, and reusable blocks. Over here, the weather has been pretty good this spring and summer. Makes it easier to manage social distancing. I hope you have nice weather in your area, too. Have a wonderful week!
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It’s good to hear how you’re getting on with using the Block editor, Natalie. It has its flawes, but I think the positives outweigh the negatives.
We had a beautiful spring (during lockdown), but the summer has not been great. We’re currently being hit by the 2nd autumnal storm of the season, and it’s not officially Autumn until Sept 22nd. I’m happier with the rain and wind than the heat and humidity, though.
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Hi Natalie, what a lovely week you had! I’m also getting out and about at the moment because we’re living in a new town/country, so there’s lots to explore. The weather’s been great here, even a little too hot sometimes, so it’s been difficult to get outside in the middle of the day. I hope this week’s already going well for you. 🙂
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Hi Cheryl, I love it when I hear “there’s lots to explore”. I hope the weather improves where you are so it’s more comfortable to go outside. I had planned to visit Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia this summer but my flights were cancelled due to the covid-19 pandemic. I look forward to getting a glimpse of Bulgaria via your blog posts. Take care and have a wonderful week!
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Today we had a wonderful thunder storm which has cooled everything down. Tomorrow we’re going to explore the Fortress – I can’t wait! I hope I’ll bring you many interesting posts from Bulgaria – and maybe see you here sometime in the future. Have a great week also!
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Hi, Natalie – I love your spontaneous get-togethers and your ‘two-birds one stone’ approach!
Your photos here are lovely. I especially like the one of the butterfly. Hope all is well for you.
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Hi Donna, My friends and I have been staying close to home due to COVID-19 so it’s a novelty to get together in person outdoors. Glad you liked my photos. I try to take photos of different butterflies as they are abundant this month. So far the monarch butterflies are the easiest. Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful week!
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Natalie – like you I have begun to enjoy distance visits with friends – but with a bit of reluctance – the increasing COVID numbers are daunting. But clearly I need to try SUP. There is something so inviting about being on the water – and we have so much of it around me here on the West Coast! And it makes it easy to social distance. Thank you for reminding me that I need to get on this before the days begin to cool! Helen
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Thank you, Helen, for your visit and comment. I just started seeing my friends this month and would only do it outdoors with at least 2m apart. I also brought my own drinks to our coffee meet-ups. I’ve done kayaking, canoeing and SUP this summer while the weather is good and they’re activities that I can keep a safe distance from other people. The Pacific North West where you live has stunning landscape. I hope you get to enjoy the great outdoors soon and often. Have a wonderful week!
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Such a joyfilled and lovely post, with lots of fun and spontaneity and making the best use of the outdoors while it’s so warm. As for photographing that butterfly…go you!
Thank you for linking up for #lifethisweek and next week the optional prompt is 35/51 Share Your Snaps #7 31.8.2020 and I hope to see you there too. Denyse.
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Thank you, Denyse, for your kind comment. I’m glad to see you back at blogging as it means your post-surgery recovery is going well. Take care and see you soon at the next link up.
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I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy a coffee chat or two myself lately, and even though I considered myself something of an introvert, it’s been a pleasure to share the company of people with experience outside of my bubble. And, well, I’m pretty keen on coffee. Haha.
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Melissa, I’m glad you’ve had your coffee chats, too. Normally, a coffee chat is no big deal to arrange but with social distancing and COVID-19, it’s a novelty to see my friends in-person, even at 2 meters apart. Have a wonderful week!
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You certainly live up to your blog’s name, Natalie. The photos are serene and relaxing to view. SUP is a popular activity around these parts – great balance practice!. Now that I am retired, I am interested in getting out in a kayak! Enjoy your summer!
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Amanda, My archetype is Explorer 🙂 I did several kayaking trips in July. It was a lot of fun. I hope you get to go kayaking soon and share your discoveries. Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful week!
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As it is winter here, I am waiting til the water feels a little warmer to try out the kayak. Only 4 days till the official start of Spring.
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Natalie
I love how you have embraced the flexibility of our current world and taken the time to get out there and appreciate all our world has to give us even now.
SSG xxx
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SSG, Being outdoors keeps me fit and sane 🙂 I follow public health measures and choose activities that are safe to do during the pandemic. Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful week!
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Hi Natalie, It looks like a great week, although still quite warm. Exquisite photo of the Monarch butterfly. You always give a beautiful viewpoint of Toronto. Otherwise, Toronto is often known as the big, busy city. I love all of your not-so secrets. You are always inspirational. A joy to read your posts!🙂
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Hi Erica/ Erika, Toronto is indeed a big city that is not so busy during this pandemic since many huge events have been cancelled. I feel very fortunate to go outside every day by bicycle or on foot. Lots of open space and very few people where I go. Plus I have the time and patience to wait for those monarch butterflies to open their wings 🙂 It’s a joy to read your comments. Have a wonderful weekend!
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I love getting out on the water this time of year. Isn’t it SO relaxing? While I didn’t spend any time on a paddleboard, my husband and I randomly decided to rent a canoe with our 2 dogs and spend some time on a local river here in Windsor/Essex. It was the first time paddling with the pups, and they both loved it!
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Thank you for your visit and comment. How nice that you went canoe paddling with you pups! I was able to do two canoe excursions in August and loved both trips. It’s very relaxing and fun to be on the water and see aquatic plants and bird life up close.
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Natalie, I too share your view that the best response to an invitation is “yes” rather than a default “no.” I’ve tried out so many interesting things and met so many interesting people by saying yes.
That said, I haven’t yet tried stand-up paddling boarding. I have two friends in BC who are paddleboarders. One own her own board and she loves it. The other wants to buy a paddle board but they are all sold out here this summer (because everyone in B.C. spent their summer enjoying the great outdoors as Covid changed other travel plans). So she has been renting for now.
Jude
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Jude, I enjoy the opportunity and flexibility to say yes more often during this phase of life. I like stand up paddling a lot. I hope to go paddling once more time before autumn arrives.
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I love the spontaneity!
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Me too. Thank you, Middle of Somewhere, for your visit and comment. Looks like you’re also in Toronto.
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Yes, I am based out of Toronto!
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That’s great. If you’re downtown and would like to meet up outdoors, please let me know. My Contact form is at the top menu bar on my blog.
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