taking a break this summer

This is my first semester without any classes.  My last course was cancelled due to low enrolment - which was likely due to summer vacation. So I am free this summer to do whatever I want.  Not having wine class is pretty weird for me. 

I have decided to stay busy though.  Next month, I will be resuming my cake decorating classes at Michael's craft store.  I have always wanted to go back and continue but ever since I started the wine program, I just didn't have time.  My most recent creation were rose cupcakes for a friend's birthday.  I still enjoy baking but I only do it at certain times of the year.  Usually when I am planning a trip home to see family, I will bake something to take with me.  I don't usually eat a lot of my own baking because I watch my weight.  I would be appalled if I ate two dozen cupcakes myself :)

On the sports front, I also decided to go back to playing tennis.  Every time I watch tennis on TV, I get the urge to hit the ball myself.  Luckily I have a few friends who are quite skilled at tennis and are willing to play with me.

I signed up for tennis lessons this month and I picked things up fairly easily.  My forehand has always been good and my backhand is fine as well.  I can't wait to hit with my friends.

There is a badminton club that is running during the summer if I want to drop in to play.

I will also continue training for a run this year.  I haven't decided which race to participate in.  There is the Army Run which raises money for our veterans.  And then there is the CIBC Run for the Cure which I missed last year.  Both causes are fantastic charities but I can only do one.

I have to plan a long overdue trip to Niagara.  I have chatted with several wineries over the last few months and I really need to get myself out there to meet the winery owners and winemakers.  Work has been extremely busy these days that I haven't had time to plan a vacation.  Off the top of my head - Vineland Estates, Colaneri, and Pilliteri Winery are the must see places for me.

Gosh .. Doesn't sound like much of a break, does it? :)

My last two courses ended on a high note.  I worked hard on these courses and it paid off.  The Beer Course was one of my favorites.  I still keep in touch with my instructor who worked very hard to make sure I walked out of the course with a favorite beer.  He also was a great instructor to have discussions with.

I am going to miss studying wine when this ends.

Anyway .. It's late and I must get some sleep.