Hello and welcome to Weekend Coffee Share #26! I’m glad you’re here. Please come on in, help yourself to a cup of coffee, tea, hot chocolate or a cold drink at my coffee station and let’s chat.
It was a warm and humid week with thunderstorms. I had a reflective Thursday July 1. It was Canada Day and the beginning of a new month. As usual, I look back at the previous month (June) and look forward to fun activities in July. Let me share what made June joyful with my nature-inspired photos.
Nature
Nature gave wonderful gifts in June: Sunny days, blue skies, green trees in parks, beautiful flowers in the gardens, sparkling water by the lake, fluffy white clouds, warmer temperatures, and some rain. Summer arrived on June 20 evening. I’ve been spending more time outdoors to savour all the good things that summer brings.
Health
In June, I continued to keep myself healthy with regular cycling, walking, playing disc golf, body weight training, meditation and yoga. I’m fully vaccinated and feel good to do my part in stopping the spread of COVID-19.
It helps that vaccination uptake has been phenomenal in Toronto and the city’s mask mandate in all indoor public spaces continues to September. On Sunday June 27, Toronto set a world record after 26,771 doses were administered in a single day in one clinic.
Home
On June 2, Ontario ended the province-wide lockdown and allowed the province to gradually reopen in three steps. We started Step 1 on June 11 and Step 2 on June 30. This means I can do things such as outdoor dining with my family and friends and get a haircut.
I love exploring my home city by bike and on foot. I can easily stop when I see something interesting and go when I’m ready. Here are three public art displays that I stopped to photograph impromptu.
Leisure
What I enjoyed
- Cycling on the Waterfront trail and Toronto’s bike network.
- Walking on green grass in parks.
- Smelling floral scents and identifying new plants in the gardens.
- Watching young goslings by the lake and listening to bird songs.
- Savouring summer fruits and the occasional ice cream.
- Viewing public art and learning about the artists.
- Visiting Heritage buildings and tracing Toronto’s history.
- Taking photographs of places and things that I like.
- Blogging and hosting Weekend Coffee Share link-ups.
- Learning French and Spanish on Duolingo.
June was a month with many beautiful flowers in the gardens.
Allium 
Bistort 
Daisy 
Iris 
Lupin 
Oriental poppy 
Oriental poppy 
Peony 
Weigela
What I read
I read five novels and brought my total of Books in 2021 to forty five. Here’s my list with asterisk indicating new-to-me author:
- The Only Story – Julian Barnes.
- The Great Alone – Kristin Hannah. *
- People We Meet On Vacation – Emily Henry.
- War Horse – Michael Morpurgo. *
- The Refugees – Viet Thanh Nguyen. *
What I wrote
- What Made May Marvellous
- Things To See in Canary District
- Visiting City Halls and Courthouses
- Big House Canoe and Corktown Common
I’m grateful for all the good things that happened in June. My July Fun calendar is looking fabulous. Happy weekend, everyone!
Linked to #TreeSquares, #TheChangingSeasons, #PPAC, #LifeThisWeek.
How was June for you? What do you look forward to in July? I’d love to hear your comments.
Copyright © 2024 natalietheexplorer.home.blog – All rights reserved.
Natalie the Explorer 
Oh Natalie, those of us here in Australia have been watching the awful high temperatures and fires that are happening in your country but from what you wrote, I am guessing not affecting your part of Canada. It’s like our country is huge as well and unless others know the geography (I admit I do not know yours) we can get confused. So, I am hoping that where there have been such awful weather and devastation that there is some settling soon. Now, how good it must feel for you and your family and friends to be experiencing longed for freedoms gradually being returned. Go you on the fully vaxxed too. Sadly in many parts of Australia, including where we live in greater Sydney area, there have been new outbreaks of covid and more restrictions on movement, and holidays. Right in the midst of school break. Nevertheless we get on with it. However, our vaccination program is not well planned and we as a nation are more than embarrassed to be “last” on the world list right now. Sigh. Both of us are fully vaxxed so that is something!!
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Hi Denyse, The intense heat wave and fires are in Western Canada. I’m in Central Canada, about 4500 km away by car and I’m fortunately not affected. My heart goes out to people who are affected by the devastation. I heard about the snap lockdown in Australia. I’m glad to hear you and B are both fully vaxxed. This covid-19 virus is stubborn and Public Health officers everywhere really need to keep it under control. Have a nice weekend!
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Thanks so much for your good wishes Natalie. We are not doing well right now (our country I mean) in terms of getting vaccinations happening.
I appreciate your shout out of my link up too.
See you on the weekend…
Thank you for linking up for #LifeThisWeek last Monday. I am always pleased to see my old(er) and new(er) blogging friends link up. Your comments make my Mondays rock. Next week, the optional prompt is Self Care Stories. I hope to see you there too. Denyse.
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Thank you, Denyse. See you on the weekend.
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Hi Natalie – great that your vaccination levels are so high – hopefully Canada will get on top of the virus soon. Levels here in Australia still remain extremely low. Loved the crabapple tree in blossom – beautiful.
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Hi Leanne, Things are looking great in Canada with various provinces re-open. Hopefully we won’t have any major setback. I’m glad the last few months have been good to you as per your blog update. I don’t use Facebook so I’m just commenting here. Thank you for linking up with #weekendcoffeeshare.
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Here in my area of the States, New Jersey, we have had a lot more freedoms for a while. We are also seeing a lot of people get vaccinated. I will have my second shot on July 12th. I’m glad restrictions are loosening up for you and that you were also able to enjoy so many lovely things and stay inspired in spite of the restrictions.
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Yes, the outdoors and summer have been great so far. I’m glad to hear your 2nd shot is coming up. Enjoy the weekend!
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I’m happy to hear restrictions are loosening, Natalie. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous photos!
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Thank you, Jill, for stopping by. Happy July 4th weekend to you!
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I absolutely love all the flower photos you look in June! They are gorgeous. I know you append time outdoors every month, but June really is a beautiful month to explore outdoors. I’m not fully vaccinated yet. I got my first shot the first available time for my age group, still waiting on the second one. Things are starting to ease up here as well. We never had any lockdowns, more recommendations that you were expected to follow. Thank you for the coffee!
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June brought many beautiful flowers. I tried to limit my flower photos to 9 in this post 🙂 Glad to hear things start to ease up in Sweden and you’ve already got your first vaccine shot. Happy weekend!
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Happy weekend!
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I’m so glad you’re now fully vaccinated and that Toronto is doing so well with its vaccination rate. I’m also so glad you were able to enjoy nature so much over the past month.
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Thank you, Astrid. Things are looking great here. Hopefully we won’t have any setback. Happy weekend to you.
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Love your photos as I always do. So pretty. The book by kristen hannah and the people we meet on vacation sound interesting. I need to be more intentional with reading so I can get more books read. Have a great weekend.
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Thank you, Kirstin. I’m glad you liked my photos. Both books are good reads. The Great Alone by Hannah is much longer than the book by Henry. Henry’s book is a fun summer read. Happy July 4th weekend to you!
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Always great photos Natalie. Great to hear that Toronto is coming out from the Covid storm and is returning to normal life. I suspect that few will take it for granted for quite some time.
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Thank you, Gary, for your comment. After a long lockdown, I’m glad to have less restrictions. Have a great weekend!
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Your flower pictures are beautiful.
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Welcome, Natalie, to my blog and thank you for your comment. June brought so many beautiful flowers. I tried to limit myself to post just 9 flower photos.
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I hope that limit goes up next month 😉
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It’s do-able 🙂
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Your monthly round ups are always so wonderful, and I am touched by the multiple #TreeSquares. A beautiful post
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Thank you, Becky, for hosting #TreeSquares. Tree-themed is perfect for July in the Northern hemisphere.
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🙂
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That is a cool tree structure. 😀 😀 Wonderful post!!
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Thank you, Cee. I’m glad you liked my PPAC entry and post 🙂
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Isn’t it great to be fully vaxxed? I don’t think I’ll ever understand the thinking of those who choose not to be (not, of course, including those who can’t get the vaccine). Your flower photos are lovely… and I’m very jealous of your peony: it’s my favorite flower and almost impossible to grow around here.
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It’s great to be fully vaxxed, Janis. I started thinking about traveling, something that’s been out of my mind since March 2020. The peony blooms are huge here in May and June. I’ve seen them in white, yellow, pink and red. They’re beautiful.
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June is such a pretty month for us, too. The colors of the flowers and trees are mesmerizing. I can understand why you like June where you live. Sounds like you have a big July coming up. I look forward to seeing and reading about it here.
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Ally, June is usually a gorgeous month visually and weather-wise here. I’m excited about this July with the re-openings and summer fun activities return. Happy July 4th weekend to you!
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Lovely flower pictures
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Thank you, Barbara, for your comment. I greatly appreciate it.
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Hi Natalie, that’s so good that your area is doing well with the vaccine rollout. You must be relieved that restrictions are being lifted. Australia is lagging behind the rest of the world and we’ve been having outbreaks and snap lockdowns again.
I read that Canada has had a huge heatwave. Has your area been affected? We’re having a very wet winter. Stay safe, and have a lovely weekend. Regards Christina
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Hi Christina, The record-breaking heat wave is in Western Canada. I’m in Central Canada, about 4500km away by car so my area is not affected. We do have occasional heat waves in the summer here. I’m relieved to see COVID-19 case numbers continue to decrease as our vaccination numbers continue to increase. Stay safe and warm during your winter season.
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You really do find some neat art installations to photograph! All your flower photos are so pretty.
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Thank you, Joanne. There are many public art installations in my city and the gardens are full of beautiful flowers. I had a hard time narrowing down the number of photos to post.
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I seriously can’t believe that June is over! Summer always goes by much too quickly in my mind. Glad you’re enjoying so much outdoor bliss….me too!
As usual, your pictures are beautiful! Happy weekend 💜
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Yes, half of 2021 gone. Thank you Dinah for your compliment about my photos. I’m glad you’re enjoying the summer. Happy weekend to you!
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26,771 doses administered by a single clinic, in a single day!! That’s incredible and truly inspirational.
I’m glad that your June was awesome and joyful. Wishing you a safe, happy and healthy July!
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Hi Donna, I’m glad to see the phenomenal vaccination uptake in Toronto. I hope you’re doing well in spite of the heat wave and fires in BC. Wishing you a safe, happy and healthy July, too!
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2021 is officially half over. That seems impossible,
I really like your photos.
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Dan, It does seem strange that half of 2021 is over. I’m glad you liked my photos. Happy July 4th weekend to you!
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I love the flowers and the path. Bravo for reading so much. You’ve inspired me.
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Thank you, Susan, for your kind comment. I enjoy reading and lucky me, there are so many good books at the library.
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Hurray on the re-opening … more possibilities for your summer now!
So happy to have you at The Changing Seasons … I’ve been following your monthly updates for a while now, and I did think everytime I read one, that it was a perfect #TheChangingSeasons post!
I love the “Runaway Forest” so much …. you capture so many lovely sculptures around Toronto … such fun!
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Hurray, indeed. I’m excited about the possibilities in July. Thank you, Ju-Lyn, for hosting The Changing Seasons and thinking my monthly updates are a good fit for your link-up. I’m glad you liked the Runaway Forest. It caught my eyes and once I saw the title, I liked the artist’s creativity even more.
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Hope you are enjoying the outdoors and that the heat is not holding you back too much!
I am so glad you are joining in The Changing Seasons – it is a lovely space which I’ve enjoyed very much!
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Ju-Lyn, I’m enjoying the outdoors with the usual sun protection, hydration and going outside when it’s cooler. We got some rain today which should cool things down. I wonder what day the next The Changing Seasons is on. I hope to join again.
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Good to hear that you go with the flow of the weather! With sun protection & hydration!
Next Changing Seasons should go live end of the month – Brian at https://bushboy.blog/ will host
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Thank you, Ju-Lyn. I’ll visit Brian’s blog.
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I will post a reminder on my blogsite as well come end of the month.
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I agree with Ju-Lyn that the Runaway Forest outdoor art is brilliant and having you join us with The Challenging Seasons. The Canadian summer weather has been a topic on our nightly 6 pm News. Unbelievable temperatures!
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Suzanne, I’m glad you liked the Runaway Forest sculpture. The record-breaking hot temperatures and wild fires in Western Canada are devastating and deadly.
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Whoops that is supposed to read The Changing Seasons. Senior moment 🙂 Natalie, I also enjoyed your other tree photos.
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No worries. I got it 🙂
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Hi Natalie Beautiful photos as usual. I have the cottage garden flowers and have all of them in my garden, except peonies. I’ve never had any luck with them, but I do love them. The Great Alone is one of my most loved books in recent years. Great to hear that June was so kind to you
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Hi Jennifer, Good for you to have so many plants in your garden. It’s hard work to maintain them. The peonies do well here in May and June. Each branch is laden with huge blooms. I’ve seen them in pink, red, white and yellow. I enjoyed The Great Alone very much, too.
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What a great month! Thanks a bunch.
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Antoinette, I hope June was good to you. Have a great weekend!
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Crab apple trees in bloom…another fond memory from childhood! There were lots of them where we grew up, and I could eat them until I didn’t have room for supper. Nice for climbing, too, when we we were small. Love the picture of the peony flower. The people across the back fence from us buy plants every spring. The flowers never last long enough. I am looking forward to the rain. Best wishes for the week to come!
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Lizl, I’m glad my tree photos brought back fond memories from your childhood. Crab apple trees look beautiful with the pink flowers against the green leaves and the brown tree trunks. They’d be fun to climb. The peony blooms last a few weeks here if we don’t have strong winds or heavy rain that tend to damage them. They’re so beautiful and delicate.
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What a refreshing post between the lovely images and the talk of COVID lessening its grip!
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Thank you, Shari. I hope June was good to you and July is off to a great start.
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Natalie, wonderful photos as always! I like the format of your coffee share, as I normally include info about what I’m reading or have been writing as well. Have a great week, and thanks for all you do!
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Thank you, Pamela, for your comment. I greatly appreciate it. Have a fun July 4th weekend!
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Delighted to hear about Toronto’s achievement with vaccinations! As of this week, I’m also fully vaccinated and like you, glad to do my part in stopping this misery.
That crabapple tree looks fantastic! Likewise the redbud. When I’ve looked up trees that are recommended to plant to promote wildlife, crabapple always comes up so maybe I’ll get one! I’ll definitely look for more information about it. I hope you’re enjoying your weekend!
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It’s great to be fully vaxxed, isn’t it? The crabapple trees look pretty in spring with their pink flowers against the green leaves and brown tree trunks. They’re popular here. Have a great weekend!
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Thanks for the wonderful garden stroll. It was lovely. I dig that sculpture, too.
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Thank you for your comment. I greatly appreciate it.
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Loving the pictures as always – that crabapple tree is spectacular! I’m glad to hear there is a plan in place for Ontario/Canada in general around ending lockdowns. It sounds sensible and considered. It’s also great to see your vaccination rollout! I hope you continue to enjoy good summer weather and time with family outdoors now! Have a lovely week ahead
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Sanch, As you may be aware, Toronto was in a long 7-month lockdown until June 11, 2021. It feels fab to see the city gradually re-open and comes alive in the summer. I hope Sydney will re-open next week as planned. Have a great week!
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Looks like you had a wonderful June. Every happy for you. We are gradually opening up also and it is very cool.
Thanks for hosting and Happy Canada Day to you and your family.
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Thank you Patrick for your kind comment. I’m glad to hear your state is also gradually opening up. Happy July 4th weekend to you.
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June is such a pretty month. We were able to see the rhodos and peonies at Bruckner Gardens.
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There were so many beautiful flower blooms in June. The rhodos and peonies at the Bruckner Gardens must be gorgeous.
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You really plough through the books! Love the antique looking fire engine with huge pride flag and what looks like a pride sticker emblem too? The flowers and crabapple tree are just beautiful. We’re in winter so the colours have gone from everything – even the sky last week cos there was so much fog and rain!
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Yes, there is a Pride sticker emblem on the truck. The good news is winter will pass and the sun will come out again.
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Hi Natalie. Well done on being fully vaccinated! I’m wondering what vaccine they use where you are? I had Astra Zenica and have to wait 12 weeks from my first dose to my second dose. My second dose is due on 28 July. Canada is doing far better with the vaccine rollout than we are here in Australia – that’s for sure! It’s wonderful that things are opening up for you over there. You always amaze me with how many books you manage to read and thank you again for all the lovely photographs of your flowers and gardens over there – beautiful! Have a great week! xo
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Hi Min, Canada approved AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna and J&J vaccines for adults age 18 and up. For youth ages 12 to 17, it’s Pfizer only at this time. Initially the vaccination rollout was slow here as Canada doesn’t produce the vaccines and we rely on manufacturers to deliver them. However, once the supplies arrive steadily, our vaccination rollout has been a huge success and the intervals between the doses are shortened. The vaccination rollout is still going strong. Hopefully by the end of August, most Canadians would be fully vaccinated. It’s good news that you have your 2nd dose coming up. Stay safe and well. Have a great week!
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That’s wonderful to hear about the rise in vaccination rates. Here in Los Angeles, though restrictions have lessened, a lot of people continue to wear masks. There are some places that let you not wear a mask if you have already been vaccinated and there are some places where all people must wear a mask. If there’s a sign saying that I must wear a mask in order to shop in a store, I’ll do it and not make a fuss lol.
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Toronto’s mask mandate makes it clear for everyone what’s required and continues safe public health practices while our vaccination is going on. Every jurisdiction handles covid-19 in their own way but I think everyone would agree that this virus is stubborn and can be deadly.
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The trees are so beautiful in spring there Natalie. I’ve been hearing about heatwaves in Canada, but not in your part I gather? (I don’t know Canada’s geography at all!)
We’ve had a few lockdowns in Australia recently but with low outbreak numbers. Our vaccination rates are low so it’s a good thing we have had much transmission over the past 18mths.
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Deborah, The recent severe heat waves were in Western Canada. I’m in Central Canada, about 4500 km away. We do have heat waves in the summer here, usually 2-3 days long but nothing record-breaking as what happened in Western Canada so far.
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So much joy for you in June and another busy month for you! The irony is not lost on me that as Toronto is opening up, Sydney is locking down. Great news that you’re full vaccinated and that Toronto is doing so well with the vaccination rollout. I wish our government was as organised! Hope you get to enjoy the best of summer with your friends and family.
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Sam, I hope the lockdown in Sydney ends soon and in time for your birthday celebration. It’s great to see Toronto’s re-openings after a very long lockdown. Stay safe and well. Give Teddy a paw shake from me.
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Another great recap of your month Natalie. I have enjoyed a few books by Kristin Hannah and am looking forward to reading The Great Alone. Your spring flowers are beautiful!
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Thank you, Debbie. June was wonderful. The Great Alone novel was my first time reading K. Hannah’s books. I enjoyed it and will look for her other novels. If you have one to recommend, please let me know. Have a wonderful week!
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I love the lupins photo and hearing that things are looking better for you now over in Canada. It must feel wonderful being able to move around again after so long. We have just had a little lockdown but are getting back to normal. As it was the nasty variant, everyone is a bit scared but this will happen from time to time.
Loved your bright sunny photo tour! The runaway forest sculpture was interesting too. Good to see some of your city’s public art!
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Amanda, Glad to hear you’re getting back to normal after a short lockdown. I’m very pleased that Toronto’s vaccination rates and re-openings are going in the right direction now. Perfect timing for us to enjoy summer. It’s beautiful here at this time of the year.
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I hope our Government picks up the pace on vaccinations. It is quite slow here.
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The vaccination uptake has made a big drop in our case numbers and hospitalizations and allowed for re-openings across Canada.
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I know. It is a great move. Unfortunately our country’s leader backed the cheapest vaccine which turned out to be a dud. We can’t get any more stocks of Pfizer til October or November. Borders will stay closed til then. No one seems to want A-Z due to clotting and other issues. So we wait and socially distance.
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I feel for you. Do what’s within your control to stay safe and well.
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Thank you, Natalie. Our saving grace is highly competent medical officers and hospitals.
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I love your title, Natalie! I am happy to hear how Toronto is opening up. Your photos are all great and interesting. Exquisite flower photos. Many good reviews of “The Great Along.”
I great deal of visiting in and out of town and exploring up until mid October for us. Yay!
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Great to hear from you, Erica/ Erika. Sounds like you’re having a busy and fun-filled time from summer to fall. I look forward to your updates and photos when you have time to write and post. Have a wonderful week!
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