Soggy Sunday

What a soggy and dismal day it is!  It's been raining since last night, non stop.  It is also a cool 14 celsius.  Hard to believe that this is the end of June. We certainly haven't had a real Summer so far, except for a few nice days here and there.  Oh well, there is nothing we can do about it and I keep saying that this is better than Winter by a long shot.

It's been a busy week for Russell and I.  Cooper also had a busy one filled with doggie play.  It all started on Monday when Darlah and Nathan came over for lunch with three of their dogs,  Inula, a Tibetan Terrier, and Ella and Saffron, two Havanese.  It was a fun day, for the humans and canines, and it was especially nice to take the time to chat.  The weather cooperated which made it so much more pleasant.  Then Coop went to doggie day care on Thursday and played his heart out with the usual gang.  His week ended with more doggie fun when Saba and her human parents, John & Terri, came over last night.  We had a wonderful evening filled with laughter and the dogs also had fun.  They even each had a kangaroo tendon while us, the humans, indulged in some Wine and Blondies.  We were hoping to have a camp fire and Smore's but the weather was too iffy.  Instead, we spent the evening in the screened porch, with our fleeces on, candles and music.  Can't get any better than that.

So, here we are, about to start a new month.  Half way through the year already.  Amazing how quickly time goes sometimes.

I must say that, with all the rain that we've had lately, our grass is growing nicely.  We seeded a lot in the Spring, and it's paying off.  Our plants are also doing well.  We got a few flower pots for the deck and they add some nice colour.  A friend of ours made us two benches that we use as plant stands to elevate the pots.  Darlah and Nathan gave us an Agapanthus which I transplanted into a bigger pot.  It has a beautiful purple bloom and it attracts hummingbirds.  Very nice!

Today is a quiet day for us.  With this rain, not much to do outdoors.....I went to my 9:30 Bootcamp class, then did a bit of cooking.  With this kind of weather, Russell thought it would be nice to have a  fire.  So, the fireplace is roaring and it smells good.  My guys had a nap earlier on seeing that we went to bed very late last night...I have a feeling that John, Terri and Saba are also napping today! As for me, I don't nap but I may just lie down in front of the fireplace once I'm done blogging.

That's it for this week's blog. I include a few pictures from last night and from the Talemaker visit.  I hope you all have a nice Canada Day on Wednesday.  The weather looks promising.  I wish you all a wonderful week.

Custom plant stands made by Casey.

Agapanthus plant, a nice gift from Darlah and Nathan.

Cooper and Saba on treat watch.....kangaroo tendon, tasty.

Terri and Saba relaxing in the screened porch.

John has something in his pocket and they want it!

Cooper doesn't mind making himself right at home on John's lap.

BFFs Inula and Cooper.

Saffron and Cooper playing fetch.

Ella says NO, it is mine, Cooper says NO way!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there, including doggie dads.  For once, Russell actually woke up Cooper this morning as opposed to the other way around.....he was anxious to get his kisses!  A loving Father's Day wish to my papa and to Russell's dad who is no longer with us, but watches over us.

So, here we are, back in Huntsville, after a wonderful holiday at the Royal Hideway Playacar, in Playa Del Carmen.  This was our first time in Mayan Riviera and we were not disappointed.  After two days of rain, thanks to Tropical Storm Carlos, we had nothing but sunshine for the rest of the week.  We weren't half way through our vacation that we were already talking about going back next Winter.  Lori, you were spot on when you described the hotel.  I could go on an on about it but I will refrain from doing so.  This is a blog, not a book.  Instead, I will give you the highlights of this incredible resort.

First, it is not a huge resort, only 200 rooms so no wrist band required. Adults only. Long wide beach.  The service is excellent, it is very clean, the staff is super friendly and polite. Each villa has a concierge who's job is to take care of our every need.  Incredibly, after a day or so, every staff member knew our name.  We were not just a "room number".  We were Mr & Mrs Duncan everywhere we went.  I would refer to the food as fine dining. The presentations were quite spectacular and the portions not too large.  As a matter of fact, I would say that if someone has a big appetite, the portions may not be big enough.  But since it is all inclusive, people can always order more food.  We had dinner one night at Las Ventanas and took pictures of our food just for the fun of it.  I include one of them just to show you.  This was Russell's appetizer called "A little salad of duck magret baked in fleur de sel crust, orange compote and pistachios".  Very delicious.

Some of the little things that the staff does throughout the day:  at 11 AM, by the poolside, they offer small skewers of big crunchy and cold red grapes.  Very refreshing!  They also offer the use of sunscreen if anyone needs more. In the afternoon, a refreshing and scented face cloth...to wipe away the sweat or whatever.  Regardless, a very nice touch.  Throughout the day, by the poolside, they are activities coordinated by the pool staff, Sergio and Carlos.  Whether people wish to participate or not, they are truly entertaining and fun to watch.  Those two are clowns and truly enjoyable.

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't mention how enjoyable it was to have a Bellini by the poolside every morning, around 11:00 ish.  That would make it noon, Canada time, right?  So it's perfectly all right!

I would also be remiss if I didn't say that we missed our Cooper but we were in touch with him through Darlah's blog.  He had a wonderful time and even went swimming. Nathan was ever so gentle with him when he took him to the pool.  Our hearts just melted when we saw the video.   He also had his coat thinned out, first time ever.  I include a picture, which represents only one batch of hair, out of three. Darlah did an amazing job, albeit a big one.  He looked wonderful when we picked him up and he was oh so happy to see us.

I think that's it for this week's blog.  It's a tad longer than normal but I have a lot to write about.  This coming week is super busy for us.  Tomorrow, Darlah, Nathan and three of their dogs are coming over for lunch.  It will be so much fun and Cooper gets to see some of his Talemaker friends again.  Who knows, they may even see a deer or two. Then, I have a few medical appointments to get ready for my yearly physical in two weeks (yikes).

Before I end, I big thank you to Terri for watering our plants while we were gone.  Everything looked so lush and green when we returned. I wish you all a great week.  I am posting a lot of pics.  Hope you enjoy them.  Good to be home!

Infinity pool at the Royal Hideaway....stunning!

Anne looking out at the Blue hour from the Grill Restaurant.

Anne taking a poolside nap....ZzzzZzz.

Pre-dinner cocktail al fresco...Bar Allegria.

Anne on the island rotunda. 

An aquita...a fancy name for a long legged cousin of the guinea pig.

Hmmm....an iguana. 

Dessert anyone....notice the Canadian Icewine on the menu

Duck salad..yummy!

Coop says, hey that pile of hair used to be in me...WTBleep! 1 of 3 piles.

Ahhh....a refreshing dip in the pool..it is a dog's life!

Back to

Buenos dias!

Good Morning from The Royal Hideway Playacar! We arrived safely on Friday afternoon.  All is good.  Our hotel is very nice, the staff is super friendly and attentive.  The food is delicious and nicely presented. Last night, we had the best salmon ever, cooked to perfection.

The weather has not been good, to say the least.  Tropical storm Carlos decided to pay us a visit yesterday so it rained non stop with incredibly strong winds. But, we didn't let the rain spoil our day and made the best of a very soggy day.

Today is another day and it promises to be a whole lot better, weather wise.  It is not raining, still very windy and the clouds are not so dark.   Bye Bye Carlos.

Cooper is doing well.  We saw some pictures of him on Darlah's blog and he is having a good time. Tomorrow, he gets to have a kangaroo tendon.  Lucky boy.  We miss him.

This is a short blog, just long enough to say that all is well. No pictures as I can't upload. After our breakfast, we will go for a walk on the beach. It now looks like the sun may come out.  Have a great week everyone.  I will report back on our trip next Sunday.  

Vacation time!

Well, our trip to Mayan Riviera is fast approaching and we look forward to it.  Yep, even retirees need a vacation from their every day routine, which can be exhausting at times...... It will be good to just get away for a little while, give our bodies a break from our grueling workouts and walk the beach.  The only caveat is that when we booked the trip, we didn't realize that it would fall during hurricane season.  So, the weather has been iffy for the past week but I remain positive that we will have lots of sunshine.  For sure, it will be hot, hot, hot!  And for sure, regardless of the weather, we will be having a Mojito or two!

This past week was busy.  We both had some appointments here and there.  I also helped with the town planting on Tuesday afternoon.  It was a beautiful and warm day for planting and it was fun.  Once we were done, I called Russell and he came over to take pictures of our work.  Can't wait for the flowers to grow and fill the planters.

On Thursday, we both drove to Barrie to drop off the Mini.  We are now a one car family and so far so good.....we just need to coordinate our respective activities and all will be fine.

I haven't started packing for our trip yet, which is unusual for me, but it will all come together.  I've been busy doing other things.  Our weather has been mostly good for the past week but the nights are still quite cool.  Hoping that Summer will be here for good when we return.

It is a sunny and warmish Sunday.  We just got back from a walk.  Cooper is having a nap, as he always does after a walk, and Russell is pondering what to pack for our trip.  I have a feeling that Russell will be joining Coop for a nap any time now....

We leave Thursday morning for Toronto.  We will drop off the Coop at Camp Talemaker where he will spend 9 nights.  He also deserves a vacation and he will be having a great time.  Who knows, he may even swim.  During his stay, his coat will be thinned out (not trimmed), for the very first time.  We only trust Darlah to do this and we look forward to seeing and feeling his coat when we pick him up.  After dropping the Coop off, we will go for our hair cuts then have dinner with friends.  We will be spending the night at the airport hotel. Our flight leaves at 8 am on Friday morning.

That's it for this week's blog.  I'm hoping to write a short one from Mexico next Sunday, if we have a good internet connection.  Otherwise, it will be when I return.  I wish you all a great week.  I take this opportunity to wish my Dad a wonderful birthday tomorrow!  We love you and will be thinking of you!

A field of yellow butter...buttercups, as seen during our walk today!

Before the planting at Brendale Square.

After the planting.

The planting crew.

Cooper visits to see the action.

Cooper and his human parents.

A Mini bye bye........Dunwrkn2 is gone!