Hello and welcome to Weekend Coffee Share #22! I’m glad you’re here. Please come on in, help yourself to a cup of coffee, or tea, or hot chocolate at my coffee station and let’s chat.
I know we are a few days into June already. In the first week of every new month, I usually look back at the month that was and plan fun activities for the new month. So what made May marvellous for me?
Nature
Temperatures quickly warmed up in May and it was like the switch flipped. Vegetation just go from buds on a tree to full leaf, and all of that happened within about 10 days. There were many beautiful blooms in the gardens in May as my photos show below. Click on any image to see it bigger.
Health
I continued my health routine in May with cycling, walking, playing disc golf, body weight training, meditation and yoga. I’ve enjoyed more cycling on weekends in May thanks to 2 conditions: 1) Good weather and 2) Weekend road closures when a few routes are closed to vehicles and open to cyclists and pedestrians.
Home
My family and friends are well. Most of us have received our first COVID-19 vaccine dose, some of us are fully vaccinated. Starting May 22, outdoor social gatherings of up to 5 people are allowed so I met my sister for a walk on a beautiful day.
On May 20, Ontario announced a three-step plan to gradually reopen the province through June, July and August based on vaccination rates and key public health and health care indicators. Things are looking up after a long lockdown. Hurrah!
Summer Snowflakes 
Chess Lilies 
Crown Imperials
Leisure
What I did for fun in May
- Explored the city by bike and on foot.
- Walked in public gardens and smelled the scents of flowers.
- Played disc golf in a beautiful park.
- Watched bird families and listened to bird songs.
- Visited Heritage buildings, art murals and sculptures.
- Took photographs.
- Hosted 4 Weekend Coffee Share link-ups.
- Started a small herb garden.
- Learned French and Spanish on Duolingo.
What I read in May
I enjoyed reading 8 fiction novels in May and increased my Books in 2021 total to 40. Here’s my list of books with asterisk indicating new-to-me author:
- Keeping The Moon – Sarah Dessen.
- The Trespasser – Tana French.
- Force of Nature – Jane Harper.
- The Dry – Jane Harper.
- The Survivors – Jane Harper.
- Naïve. Super – Erlend Loe. *
- Camp – L. C. Rosen. *
- The Burning Girls – C.J. Tudor.
I’m now caught up with C.J. Tudor’s and Jane Harper’s published books, 4 from each author. This includes The Burning Girls and The Survivors, both were released in 2021.
Anemones 
What I wrote in May
- 5 Fun Finds
- A Medley of Colours
- Spadina Quay Wetlands and Fun List
- Things To Do in The Distillery District
Looking forward
May was marvellous! I’m grateful for all the good things that happened. I hope you had a good May, too. I’ve blocked time for my health, home, and leisure activities in June. I look forward to making the most of every day.
What do you look forward to in June? Let me know in the Comments.
Copyright © 2024 natalietheexplorer.home.blog – All rights reserved.
Natalie the Explorer 
May read and looked very good indeed. Loved the progress review and catching up with the floral shots too. Very gentle and warm post, Natalie. I look forward to hearing about the fewer restrictions over time for you. Sadly here in Australia many are not even bothering to get vaccinated and we have another state/capital city in lockdown. Complacency is not helping. On a brighter note, I have shared the story of another woman of courage and she is from USA. I hope your weekend is a good one. Thanks for #weekendcoffeeshare. I will be back over the weekend to read others’ posts.
Denyse
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Denyse, After Canada ramps up vaccinations in May, things are looking much better than in March-April. In Ontario, the restrictions are lessened gradually which is a cautious thing to do because there are variants of the virus out there. I was happy to see my sister in person. Better days ahead. Thank you for linking up with #weekendcoffeeshare. Have a great week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Natalie. How good it is to see improvements. Ones that mean catching up with loved ones are the best. See you Monday.
LikeLike
Thanks again, Denyse. Stay healthy and happy over there in Australia. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Natalie – another great month for you and I’m so glad that restrictions are easing in time to enjoy the beautiful weather and to be able to get together with others again. You must have really enjoyed walking with your sister after the restrictions eased a little. We take it so much for granted here in Australia, but I know how special it will be for all of you overseas.
LikeLike
Hi Leanne, I was very happy to see my sister in person. With the ramped up vaccinations, the covid-19 case numbers have decreased here. I’m optimistic about the rest of this summer and this year.
I read your post. I’m not on FB so e-mail would be the tool for me to contact you. I hope by closing comments on your blog, you’ll achieve the space and clarity that you’re looking for. Thank you for linking up with #weekendcoffeeshare. Have a great week!
LikeLike
It looks like you had a month full of interesting activity. Those chess lilies are very interesting too. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you, Susan, for your visit and comment. The chess lilies were also new to me this year. Nature is amazing to have flowers that look like a chess board.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
Susan, I forgot to ask how you found my blog 🙂 I host a weekly Weekend Coffee Share, from 8 a.m. Friday to midnight Sunday night, Toronto time. You’re welcome to join in any and every week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. Actually, I’m not sure I remember how I came across your blog, but maybe learned about it from another blogger. What kinds of things do you share for the Weekend Coffee Share?
LikeLike
Weekend Coffee Share topics are open – e.g. What’s been going on in your life? What are your weekend plans? Is there a topic you’ve just been ruminating on that you want to talk about? I have a tab called Blog Links at the top of my blog that gives more details about the link-up.
If you click on the Inlinkz button at the bottom of my post, you’ll see the dashboard of participants’ thumbnails. If you have time to browse their blog posts, you’ll see what they share. The participants join any time from Friday to Sunday. There are on average 35 each week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Natalie.
LikeLike
You’re welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your May sounds like it was the best. ‘Tis a lovely time of year here, too. As for June, I’m looking forward to sunshine and getting out into a few parks for a walk. My goals are small, but doable!
LikeLike
Ally, Small and doable goals are the best. I’m glad to hear you have good weather, too. Hurrah to sunshine and walking in parks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Seems like you had a great May! My May highlight was getting away for a few days to Newcastle in north east England, my husband’s home town. We were able to meet up with some friends and saw a few of his family including his aunt who’s in a care home. We also went to the cinema for the first time since last August!
LikeLike
Sarah, Your get-away and going to the cinema sound wonderful. I’ll have to wait until July 26 at the earliest to see a movie in an indoor theatre. I’m waiting for my 2nd dose, hopefully at the end of June, before planning any trip. Have a great week!
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing another great month, Natalie. Your photographs are stunning! I’m looking forward to completing my copy and line edits and starting a new story! Have a great weekend!
LikeLike
Thank you, Jill, for your kind words about my photos. Spring blooms have been gorgeous around here. I’m in awe of your dedication to your writing. I hope the weather has been good at your location. Have a wonderful week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those chess lilies are so neat!! I have never seen a flower like those. Sounds like you had a wonderful month filled with lots of fresh air, nature, and exercise.
LikeLike
Joanne, This year was the first time I saw those chess lilies, too. I had to look up their names. May was marvellous and June is off to a good start. Have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLike
It’s so nice that we are beginning to see Covid protocols unwind. I’m past ready to get back to a normal life. Glad there are signs of post-covid life appearing in Toronto too.
LikeLike
Gary, It’s very nice to see the light at the end of a long tunnel. I’m optimistic about this summer and the rest of this year. Have a great weekend!
LikeLike
We are on the cusp of opening here. My husband and I have started resuming some of the old normal and gone inside the grocery stores and to medical/dental appointments. We are still wearing masks here for now unless in small groups with vaccinated people. Your flower photos are lovely. I have read a few Tara French books as I really like mysteries.
LikeLike
Deborah, It’s great to hear about the full opening in CA. I really liked The Searcher by Tana French.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will have to look up that book. Thanks for stopping by, Natalie.
LikeLike
Oh I see you are reading through Jane Harper’s books as well! I’ve read two so far and have a third in my pile to read. Lovely flowers. I think here in New Zealand, because we were in lockdown for a much shorter time, we don’t really appreciate what it must be like to get out again (though I know I did when we opened up over a year ago now).
LikeLike
I discovered Jane Harper this year and enjoyed her four books. Toronto’s lockdown has been long. Fortunately, we’re encouraged to go outside for exercise or essentials and there has not been any curfew. We’re opening up gradually after most people have received their first dose of the covid-19 vaccine.
LikeLike
Everything in the garden looks rosy, Natalie. Hope it stays that way. Wishing you a wonderful summer 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
Jo, The gardens have been beautiful here. I saw on your blog that you’re taking a summer break. I’m going to miss your walks and cakes but breaks are necessary. Wishing you a wonderful summer, too 🙂
LikeLike
I love the alliteration in your title. I am continually impressed with your unending healthy lifestyle. I need you to come back this way and help me with mine! 😀
LikeLike
Oh Donna, I think you lead a very healthy lifestyle. I’ll come back to Vancouver Island and follow your footsteps. Have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLike
Hi Natalie, does it seem like 22 weeks of Weekend Coffee Share? Perhaps so because of all the reading and commenting you do in hosting. Love the pictures. Some of our flowers here in Pennsylvania have come and gone, but enjoying the buds on flowers yet to bloom. We have one large peony bush in our back yard and two small peony plants that Roger planted 2 years ago. This is the first year anything came up. Both of two stems and one has buds ready to pop open. He planted seeds for perennial flowers in our front yard and sprouting seeds for our sunflowers that he will plant soon. I am a plant killer so I try to stick with flower appreciation! I have slowly started to ease into my summer reading plan that I hope to post about soon. In many ways, health, reading, interest in life, commitment you are a wonderful model. Best and blessings, Michele
LikeLike
Hi Michele, Yes, 22 weeks of 2021 already. I refer to a calendar when I create the blog link-up hoping that I won’t make a mistake with the dates or times. Peonies and sunflowers are such beautiful flowers. I wonder what colours your peonies are. I’ve seen soft pink, hot pink, red, and yellow peonies. Thank you for your kind words. Have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Natalie looks like May was very kind to you. I loved your beautiful spring flower photos. You must be feeling happy that restrictions are being lifted. I e read the three Jane Harper novels and loved them. I’m having my first vaccination today. #weekendcoffeeshare
LikeLike
Hi Jennifer, Spring blooms have been gorgeous around here. I’m very happy with the gradual re-openings throughout this summer, just in time for us to enjoy the nice weather. I hope your first vaccination goes well. I’m glad you could join the link-up this weekend. Have a great week!
LikeLike
Hi Natalie your photography always brings me joy and I also am interested in the books your have read. I’ve read the three Jane Harper books you mentioned and I’m currently hooked on the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series by Louise Penny which are set in Quebec. Thanks for the #weekendcoffeeshare link up and have a great June xx
LikeLike
Hi Sue, Louise Penny is a well-loved Canadian author. I’ve enjoyed reading some of her books and her Gamache series. She’s co-writing a book with Hillary Clinton. Wishing you the best at your half marathon. Have a great weekend!
LikeLike
Thanks for the book updates Natalie, I’m always interested to see what you are reading. I’ve read all the Jane Harper books too, which was your favourite? I like the idea of the roads being closed so that cyclists and pedestrians can use them, we came across that in Paris on one visit, it was fabulous to be able to ride safely. Your spring shots are lovely and the weather looks like it’s been lovely! Enjoy.
LikeLike
Hi Debbie, I enjoyed all four books by Jane Harper. The Lost Man is my favourite. I saw the official trailer of The Dry movie. Have you seen the movie? if you like thriller/ mysteries, C.J. Tudor books are very good, too. Tudor’s debut novel was The Chalk Man. Spring has been beautiful here and great for cycling. Have a wonderful week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay for the vaccine and being able to visit with our sisters again. Bill and I are fully vaccinated as are my sister and her husband. We are visiting for the first time in over a year and a half. I love Toronto’s idea of closing some roads to cars on the weekends and opening them up to cyclists and pedestrians. I wish more cities would do that. thank you for sharing the beautiful spring flower photos.
LikeLike
Laurie, Yay for traveling and visiting your family again. You must be so excited. The expanded cycling network and weekend road closures in Toronto are some of the positives that come out of the pandemic. Have a great June!
LikeLike
Hi Natalie, I’m so happy that your long lockdown is finally easing off. Your photos are beautiful – it must look so pretty with all the spring flowers in bloom. I’m impressed by how many books you read! I’m lucky to get through one a month! Regards Christina
LikeLike
Hi Christina, Yes, it’s been good to know the restrictions are easing throughout this summer here. Spring has been beautiful with so many flower blooms. I read every day and the fiction novels are easy to read. I hope you’ve been doing well. Have a great week!
LikeLike
Such a satisfying month you’ve had, Natalie! I love looking back at my month too – for better or for worse, it allows a reflection that puts lots of things in perspective.
You’ve had wonderful weather – lots of fun things outdoors … thank you for sharing them with us through the month!
LikeLike
Ju-Lyn, A monthly reflection is good, not too short, not too long, and easy to follow the calendar. Thank you for reading my posts and commenting. I greatly appreciate our blogging connections.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s allows us to cast our thoughts a little wider than weekly – focuses our contemplation!
Likewise Natalie – I very much appreciate your positivity and inspiration!
LikeLike
Loved your updates Natalie. Those flowers are all so gorgeous. A few like the middle lily, I had never heard of. Sounds like you had a great month.
LikeLike
Kirstin, The chess lilies were new to me, too. Nature is amazing to offer a flower with a chess board pattern.
LikeLike
here for the May flowers ^_^
they say April showers bring May flowers
~B
LikeLike
Welcome back, B. Hope you’ve been doing well. May flowers here have been abundant and gorgeous. Thank you for linking up with #weekendcoffeeshare.
LikeLike
Wow! You really had a very productive month, Natalie. That you are an expert in striking a perfect balance in your lifestyle is quite evident from your posts 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you, Moumita, for your comment. We only have one life to live so I do my best to live a healthy and enriched life 🙂
LikeLike
Your flower photos are stunning, Natalie. Such color, vibrancy, and beauty. I’m happy to read your friends and family are doing well and the city is slowly opening up. An impressive reading list as always. Despite being “settled” in Massachusetts for a while and not watching TV, I still don’t manage to read. I’ve been “stuck” with the same book – an enjoyable one – for almost three months now. Started it in Baja California, on the beach, in March! Happy June!!
LikeLike
Liesbet, Spring flowers have been amazing here. I love visiting the gardens and see what’s blooming. Reading is easy for me because I’m usually active during the day, by evening time I welcome the opportunity to sit down or lie down to read. If the book I start is good, I devour it 🙂 Hope all’s well with you in MA. Thank you for linking up with #WeekendCoffeeShare. Have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a great May. We had pretty good weather here as well, so it was nice to get out. And Covid restrictions are easing, so… I hope you have a good weekend, week ahead and, well, I hope you have a great month of June!
LikeLike
Thank you, Trent. Looks like we have similar weather systems. We have a heat wave starting today into mid-week next week. Stay cool and have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad you’ve been able to enjoy nature! So have I. I’m also happy the restrictions are gradually being lifted.
LikeLike
Glad to hear you’ve been enjoying nature. I hope you have a good weekend and great week next week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such lovely flowers! Here, we have had a fast transition from freeze warnings to high temps in the 90s to 101 F. I hope the weather remains conducive to outdoor activities. Easier to take in the healthful activities, walking and biking and such. Best wishes to you!
LikeLike
Thank you, Lizl, for your comment and kind wishes. We have a heat wave starting today for a few days. I hope you have a good weekend and a great week next week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The flowers are beautiful. I have to content myself with pictures since there aren’t many flowers around me and I dont’ get out and walk the neighborhood to see what everyone has in their gardens.
LikeLike
Tessa, I’m glad you liked my flower photos. I hope your weekend is going well and you have a great week next week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing the flower photos!! 🥰
LikeLike
Thank you for stopping by Ruth. Have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too!!
LikeLike
Beautiful pics. So very nice. Looking forward to getting out as I am fully vaccinated. Also, heading out to see a bunch of A’s games. I have missed going to baseball games.
Looks like you had a wonderful May.
LikeLike
Glad to hear you’re fully vaccinated. Enjoy the games when you go.
LikeLike
It sounds like COVID is facing defeat. Yay! I had my second vaccination on March 3. I had some side effects for about 24 hours, then felt fine. Your flowers are wonderful – so colorful. I haven’t done the reading that you are doing, but I’ve had a busy month blogging and still playing Pickleball. We have friends coming from California tomorrow for three days, so I’m trying to get all my posts scheduled including posts with two of your regular Link Party friends, Debbie Harris on Tuesday and Denyse Whelan on Friday. Have a great June. Talk to you soon, Natalie. 🙂
LikeLike
Marsha, Good for you to be fully vaccinated since March. In Canada, the interval between 1st and 2nd dose of covid-19 vaccine is up to 16 weeks and we had a slow start due to delays in the vaccine delivery. Vaccinations have ramped up significantly in May and the interval between the doses is now shortened.
Enjoy your friends’ visit. I look forward to reading your posts. Thank you for linking with #weekendcoffeeshare.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We were very fortunate to get started so early.
LikeLike
It’s good to get the vaccines done and move on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, for me it’s been three months.
LikeLike
Looks like May was a wonderful month for you! I’m glad to hear you’re all almost vaccinated. The rollout here has been appalling! Love how much you got up to in May and glad you could see your sister! What was your favourite Jane Harper so far? She is certainly a good writer! Hope June is just as lovely for you!
LikeLike
Sanch, My favourite Jane Harper’s book so far was The Lost Man. What was yours? Vaccinations have been ramping up here. I’m optimistic about this summer and the rest of this year.
LikeLike
Same- The Lost Man was brilliant!
LikeLike
Those tulips are gorgeous!!
LikeLike
Yes, we got a wide assortment of tulips here in May, from white to almost black and just about every colour there is.
LikeLike
You are one busy blogger. The flowers are gorgeous. I
LikeLike
Antoinette, I focus on what’s important to me and have fun throughout the month. I’m glad you liked the flowers.
LikeLike
Hi Natalie!
May was a wonderful month for you and for me too! I really was not horse shopping, I just happened to come across a horse I thought would be a perfect fit for me and I bought my new horse May 14th. He arrived May 22nd. I’m loving May! Looking forward to tons of horse fun in June.
I love all your photos! The tulips are beautiful! I wish I had time to read as much as you do, I barely open up a book these days but I work full time and am a busy cowgirl!! I enjoyed coffee with you this weekend!! ❤️🐴
LikeLike
Hi Diana, Thank you for making the time to join my Weekend Coffee Share link up. I greatly appreciate your participation. Congratulations on the purchase of your new horse! You and Murph are going to have so much fun together. I understand how working full-time and tending to your horses leave no time for reading. In the future, once you decide to retire from work, you’ll have time for reading or other leisure activities. Have a wonderful week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Natalie,
I actually made it along this week. I love all the photos, especially those beautiful Spring blooms, which e don’t get around here. We’re more of a coastal beach landscape here.
I particularly love the blocks spelling out “LOVE”. I picked up a number of those blocks second-hand recently but not the full set. Managed to spell my daughter’s name and they’re sitting on the bookshelf here.
Hope you have a great week.
Best wishes,
Rowena
LikeLike
Hi Rowena, I’m glad to see you were able to join my Weekend Coffee Share link up this week. I greatly appreciate your participation. The blocks are nice and easy to personalize a space, like you did with your daughter’s name. Have a wonderful week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such beautiful flowers Natalie! I’m so glad things are looking up with regards to covid restrictions over there. I’ve had one vaccination. My second is booked on 28 July. Have a great week!
LikeLike
Hi Min, Things are looking up here and I’m optimistic about re-openings this summer and getting closer to normalcy the rest of this year. It’s great that you have a date for your second dose. Have a wonderful week!
LikeLike
I’m currently reading “The Dry” too. And I read “The Trepasser” a few years back. I would like to read more of Tana French books. I have a large “to be read” pile. I am glad I made the intention to read at least 21 minutes per day this year. It started rocky, but now I read 30-60 minutes before falling asleep. On some weekends I go through reading marathons.
LikeLike
Tana French’s The Searcher was my favourite so far. I found it atmospheric, tight story line and very different from The Trespasser. Jane Harper’s The Lost Man was my favourite so far. I liked it more than The Dry and I liked The Dry.
Reading is a habit, like many other activities. You’ve got a good approach, to start with 21 minutes/ day, something that works with your schedule. Once it’s a habit and you have good books, a reading marathon is no problem 🙂
Thank you for linking with #weekendcoffeeshare. Have a great week!
LikeLike
You had a wonderful May, Natalie! I just enjoyed a great cup of coffee I ordered from Kau Mills in Hilo, Hawaii! I’m glad to read provinces in Canada are gradually opening. My family was so blessed to mostly all be vaccinated as we attended a celebration of life for my cousin’s dear husband in Portland, Oregon. I hadn’t seen most of them for 3-4 years and to miss out on caring for my cousin during this time would have been terrible. Keep up your good fitness routine! I’m always inspired by your energy!
LikeLike
Thank you, Terri, for your encouragement. I do what I can to stay healthy. I’m glad to hear you and your family could be together in Portland. The vaccination started slowly in Canada due to supply and delivery issues but it has ramped up significantly in April and May. I’m optimistic about the rest of this year as we re-open and return closer to normalcy. I look forward to your Pink colour challenge on Sunday 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Marvellous May…great choice of words, Natalie. You are right, how certain flowers do make me feel cheerful. You always inspire me Natalie how you do make the most of every day. ❤️
LikeLike
Thank you, Erica/ Erika, for your ongoing encouragement. We’ve got to enjoy every day, especially while still in our go-go years, before slow-go and then no-go 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t believe you will ever be a slow-go or a no-go Natalie 😀
LikeLike
LOL. My spirit stays in go-go mode but I don’t think I can avoid the physical decline that comes with aging.
LikeLiked by 1 person