There is no commercially available bread products that are as skilfully, flavourfully and thoughtfully baked as breads and rolls from a Jewish bakery. Which is why, from time to time, we head up to Rideau Street and the Byward Market to stock up on cheeses both imported and produced in Canada, and breads; enough to last us until the lust for fine quality in both sends us back along the Eastern Parkway determined to acquire more.

Yesterday was one such day. After our morning ravine walk we drove to downtown Ottawa for that purpose. It's a pleasant drive, but one where we kept the windows rolled up and the air conditioning system on. Close to 30 degrees Celsius and high humidity, it was another one of those in a series of days that require light clothing and shelter from the sun, if and when possible.

We passed all the familiar places along the drive, from the RCMP pastures and installation for the magnificent black stallions used in the Musical Ride they're famous for, to the aeronautical museum with its small airport for small private planes. There are always dog-walkers striding along the pathways close by the banks of the Ottawa River, and bicycling enthusiasts to be seen in their numbers. It is, after all, summer, the time of year when everyone wants to be out and about, heat irrespective.

Looking across the Ottawa River on our way, there is the sight of the communities on the Quebec side, resembling a 19th Century painting.

The Byward Market was, as usual, crowded with people shopping at the stalls offering local vegetables in season, maple syrup products and regionally-grown fruit, a colourful display of plenty. There are booths set up along the main market streets selling cut flowers and bedding plants, herbs and handicrafts, both local and exotic ones from abroad. And we came across a group of beautiful young women, obviously university students, cheerful and sweet, collecting donations for Cystic Fibrosis.

And there were street entertainers at various street corners, plying their talents for the gratification of those who cluster around their performances, applaud and offer rewards for their exuberantly proud efforts.

A pleasant way to spend a few hours away from the house in such a vibrant atmosphere, to collect basic foodstuffs whose nutritional value and taste satisfaction is hard to beat.