Saturday. A spontaneous invitation from Fran and John to visit them for a barbecue. A real one. Burgers, potatoes and onions and other little bits and bobs were consumed by all of us, complete with a nice Australian Shiraz and lots of punch. Sitting on the decking, overlooking the huge back lawn, which adjoins next door, and another neighbour’s field that was being mowed by a huge tractor-thing.

Sam misbehaved again, as he usually does when visitors are about. Stopping occasionally for a rest, or to bound down the steps to say ‘hello’ to an elderly German Shepherd that frequently wanders through. Or to sit at the corner of the house looking over the other side of the street to look out for his other doggy friend Elmo.

The strawberries were sensational. This area is known as the strawberry capital of Canada, and the ones we had were picked up at one of the wooden stalls that dot the highways during a couple of weeks of each year. The “You Picks” are open too.

Here’s Sam, hypnotised by the promise of popcorn:

I also now know how to pronounce Emm Gryner’s surname properly.

This year’s visit to Montreal got postponed due to logistical issues. Next year: Niagara Falls and lots of wine tasting, but I have to make a list of where exactly I want to go.