PANAMANIA

It's a holiday weekend in Canada, bringing changes and beginnings. At Kemble, the gallery of vivid birds grows larger, with many of them actually seeming to pose for the camera?! The frenzy at the feeder is so chaotic that we have many bird strikes on the window. Fortunately most of them are just dazed and fly off recovered after a bit of time in a towel. In the veggie patch the soil keeps getting better and better with last year's leaves being tilled in. Asparagus now, lettuce later!

A never-before event---- we sold two of our vehicles in a 3-day span. The trusty van went fast because it was so clean and quiet; I think we'll miss the cargo space and comfort. The gorgeous Mustang went in one day and for way more than I paid a year ago. It sparkled on the Florida trip but ultimately we didn't want to put the first scratch on it! (There's still the Dakota convertible pickup.) Both of them went to worthy new owners.

Back in the Toronto neighbourhood the Beach is packed with strollers (2-legged and/or 4-wheeled), volleyball, and picnics on this long weekend. The photo shoots have resumed but the blossoms get more looks than the models.

This week's big news? Months ago we were recruited as volunteers for the 2015 PanAm Games in Toronto. 41 countries, 10,000 athletes, art and cultural festivals. There has been training, work schedules, and all the rituals we know from our time at the Vancouver Olympics in 2010. But we finally got our uniforms and swag this week. Pretty cool colours, good quality gear, and the perks include tickets for the dress rehearsal of the Opening Ceremonies produced by Cirque du Soleil. We really enjoy any multi-cultural multi-lingual place or time and this should be awesome. Welcome/Bienvenue/Bienvenidos!!