There, I've baked the gingersnaps our oldest son has expressed a wish to have awaiting his arrival late tomorrow. And tomorrow I'll bake large chocolate cupcakes, his wife's favourite, rather than a birthday cake for her 53rd birthday, since cupcakes are more portable and from here they're setting out after a short layover from Toronto with us, to Nova Scotia to spend time with our daughter-in-law's family, a regular summertime treat for a busy couple. On their return they'll spend more time with us before heading back for home, in Toronto.

My husband is out mowing the back lawn, the weather having turned abruptly hot and sunny again, though there are thundershowers predicted for the afternoon; kind of perfect, in my opinion. He amswered the telephone this morning to inform someone from the Arthritis Society that I would not be available to canvass for them this year; my canvassing days are over.

Yesterday we were informed by our neighbours living ten houses up the street from us that they too have now joined the ranks of the retired. Originally from Hong Kong, they've been living in their house on this street as long as we have. They and the single occupant of the house next to them are the only people on the street who have installed a video-camera and voice-contact system at the front of their house. And both are the sweetest-temperamented people imaginable.

Their neighbour is originally from eastern Europe, but his wife left him to ramble about in their large home on his own when she decided years ago to return to Europe taking their son with her, and he insisted it was his intention to remain in Canada. He's lived there, in that house, ever since, telling me that he keeps himself involved by participating in the events of his ethnic community, smiling his shy smile.

As for the other pair, their two daughters have married, but they too have no intention of downsizing, selling their house for a condominium unit or an apartment, as they become yet another pair of householders on this street who have retired. Living among younger families with young children who have purchased houses from original owners who have moved on. Our neighbours weighed those options and found them wanting, comfortable where they are, and here they intend to remain, as long as they can.

Their older daughter had taken a hospitality management course years ago and for several years had worked on cruise ships out of Florida. She married and has settled down to live in Florida, giving them reason to fly over for occasional visits. The younger daughter married a military man and they have been stationed in New Brunswick, where our neighbours' first grandchild was born in January and where they had undertaken a weather-frightful road trip soon afterward, to stay with their daughter, son-in-law and new baby for several weeks. Latterly, the trips aren't quite as long, since relocation to London, Ontario.

And a neighbour who lives directly across the street from them adjacent to the ravine entrance on our street joined our little group with her new little dog, a four-year-old Yorkie with a distinctly shy personality, an adorable little fellow whose previous owners were unable to cope for some reason. The little dog had never been taken for walks, and was one of a pack of three, the other two larger dogs and all were mostly confined to the house and backyard. They were loved, however, our neighbour tells us, having met the family of three teen-age girls who cuddled and smothered the little dog with love.

This little pet of a dog is taking the place of another household-beloved companion a small dog named Bentley, the same age as our Riley. Bentley had died suddenly one night, when his heart just gave out. He was some character, saucily bold. This little guy whose name is Newton is of another personality breed altogether.

And in today's heat Riley isn't quite certain he really wants to stay outside.