Summer in the City Begins… Now!

Last weekend (May 21-23) was to Canada what Memorial Day weekend is to the United States – the first long weekend of summer. The weather cooperated with the calendar and it was the perfect blend of breezy, sunny warmth.

This is the weekend when folks who have cottages open them for the season. Homebodies do their big yard and garage clean up. Lots of folks like to visit gardening centres to select the plants that will grace their yard, patio or balcony. In between, there’s fun with family and friends. Relaxing outdoors, eating BBQ, and looking ahead to the long lazy days of summer.

Long Weekend Start and Finish

I took an extra long weekend, thrilled at the prospect of four days off work. Sheer luxury for me was sleeping in every morning and enjoying an extra mug of rich dark roast coffee as I contemplated my day. I had a rough plan for each of the four days, but allowed plenty of margin between the activities on my ‘to do’ list.

My weekend was book-ended by two sad conversations. On Friday, my dearest friend called to unburden herself about ongoing family problems – hubby and three twenty-something kids. I listened, encouraged her, prayed with her. Then, on Monday, I had a similar call from a family member, who shared her most recent relationship woes. I listened, encouraged her, prayed with her. It grieved me to know these dear lovely women were suffering such anguish, but I was glad I could be there for them.

The Middle

Friday afternoon, I went for my first-of-the-season mani-pedi. From there, I went to Bloor West Village, wiggling my toes as I walked along sun-dappled side-walks in one of my favourite neighbourhoods. I was eager to get my shopping done so I could revel in the remaining three days of the long weekend. My walk took me past my old high-school, teary nostalgia blurring my vision as I passed the track, tennis court and grassy tree-dotted schoolyard. Those were the days, my friend…

On Sunday, I went to a party at the home of an old ex-boyfriend . He and I reconnected every 8-10 years, and he had a gracious home, a big yard with lovely gardens and a gazebo overlooking the hillside above the parkway. His parents and sisters were there, a couple of people I’d met before and several new ones. It was a slightly older crowd than had been at the previous event I attended 10 years ago; not surprising, since we were both over 50. The food was good, drink plentiful, and we shared laughs as we reminisced about our youthful adventures. When we dated, I was living on my own and he was still at home. He helped me decorate my apartment and we had a blast making pasta from scratch, blueberry jam and his Grandma’s secret-recipe pickles together. Those were the days, my friend…

Monday, late afternoon, I sat on my balcony, sipping red wine and reflected on the past few days as the weekend wound down.

As I considered the plight of my dear friends, I whispered my gratitude to The One who is always faithful, every present, constant and true. Thank you, Lord, that:

• I am very happy to be alone, unmarried, unfettered. Ironically, I spent my late teens, twenties and thirties ‘looking for love in all the wrong places…wrong faces’, making some dreadful relationship choices – only to end up alone and loving it!
• I live in a peaceful home surrounded by lush greenery in a safe part of the city
• I have family and friends living nearby
• My job is pleasant, low stress and provides for my needs
• I am fit and healthy and able bodied and free

Thank you Lord!