Yesterday morning brought us a few brief and one brief-but-heavy downpour before eventually persuading the clouds to part and emit some rays of sunshine. But the day, until the late afternoon arrived was hot and humid, uncomfortably so. After our garden perambulation we set out on a regular ravine walk.

Another factor that distinguished the day's atmosphere was the ferocity of the wind, so ravenous of the air that it whirled through the ravine, cooling us, and keeping mosquitoes at bay. And even providing some orchestration, soughing loudly through the canopy with a cardinal providing the melodious upper notes.

We decided it was as good a day as any to go off to Byward Market, and did so, stopping by the magazine shop for my husband's anticipated latest publications of the American Art Review and the Maine Antique Digest. Moseying about to look at the exotic wares in folk-art apparel and jewellery at various stalls is fascinating. Seeing the fruits and vegetables piled high on other vendors' stalls; with the emphasis on spring fruits at this time of year and their abundance is always appreciated.

And taking advantage of all the choices at the Market shops specializing in cheeses is an additional bonus, more than validating our regular trips to the popular destination crammed with speciality boutiques, bars, restaurants and other food outlets. It's arguably the liveliest place in town for perusing food offerings.

And since, earlier in the morning I had prepared cheese blintzes for dinner for my husband, awaiting just the last step before presentation (I prefer grilled cheese sandwiches myself and that's what I had, along with a fresh vegetable salad for each of us and sliced fresh peaches and cherries from California for desert), there was no hurry to return home at any given time, so we took our leisure.