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If you told me a year ago that I would be taking a scuba course in November, I would have said that you were crazy.  You see, I was never really comfortable in deep water.  I was always the one who would spend their time hanging out in the deep end, but always within an arm’s length of the edge of the pool.  I guess it’s because I was never  a strong swimmer and was never really confident I could swim back to the edge of the pool without sinking to the bottom.

When Don and I were in Mexico, I started doing a bit of snorkeling.  I really enjoyed looking at all the fish, but I wasn’t really comfortable and I would snorkel with a life jacket.  Becoming a strong swimmer was always on my life list but I never had the opportunity to do anything about it.  While Don and I were in Mexico, we got a membership to a pool and Don helped me become a better swimmer.  First, I had to figure out what I didn’t like about swimming (getting water in my nose and my eyes) so I got goggles and a nose plug.  After that, Don helped me improve my stroke, taught me how to dive off the edge of the pool and to tread water.  By the time we left Mexico, I was snorkeling without the life jacket, diving underwater to get a better look at the fish and I now have the ability to tread water for about 6 days (although never tested, I am pretty sure I could do it).  I am very proud of my accomplishment and I have that checked off my life list.

Don is a certified scuba diver and it was always something that intrigued me, but the whole deep water thing always kept me from trying it.  After Mexico, I was starting to consider taking a scuba course, but I wasn’t certain that it was for me.  At the annual Kidney Foundation silent auction, there was a certificate for part 1 of a scuba course.  I decided to bid on it.  I figured that it would be a great opportunity, the Kidney Foundation would get money and I would learn to dive.  I ended up winning the auction and the certificate had to be used up by the end of the year, so it didn’t leave me much time to talk myself out of doing the course.

The course was offered through Cross Current Divers  last weekend and it included in-class time and pool dives on both Saturday and Sunday.   There were 11 people in the class ranging from 10 years old to 35 years old.  During the pool time, we were split into pairs and assigned an assistant instructor so that we had plenty of time to practice our skills.  To be honest, the first time I went underwater breathing with a regulator, I didn’t enjoy it.  It seemed really difficult.  But after relaxing a bit and getting a feel for how to breathe with a regulator, I was off.   I thought it would be a scarier than it was and I really enjoyed the class.  My assistant instructor was really patient and helpful and I couldn’t have asked for a better company to do the course with.  It also really boosted my confidence in the water and I can’t wait to do my open water dives!   I have 4 open water dives to complete–which of course won’t be completed until the summer, and then I will be a PADI certified scuba diver.  It’s all pretty amazing when I think about how uncomfortable I was in the water this time last year and I am so proud of my accomplishment.

Info: Cross Current Divers 753 Richmond Street (at Oxford), London 519-645-8820

Don and I have recently discovered the Farmer’s Market at the Western Fair.  We checked it out about 3 weekends ago and we pleasantly surprised with the quality and selection of food.  The Market is in the Confederation Building of the Fairgrounds, which is on the corner of Dundas & Ontario Street (former home of the Rotary Elegant Rummage Sale).   This market is not as upscale as the Covent Garden Market (which I also enjoy) and prices do seem more reasonable. 

The Farmer’s Market has a great selection of meats, baked goods, fresh fruits and vegetables.  On the second floor, there are crafty-type vendors, but that’s not really my thing, so we don’t venture beyond the main floor.  Some of my favourite finds so far are:

• Witteveen’s Jalapeño & Cheddar Sausages
• Witteveen’s Mexican Sausage
• Samosas
• Jamaican Patties
• Almond Tarts (from the Dutch Bakery on your right as you walk in the door)
• Raisin Bread & Rolls (also from the Dutch Bakery)

My absolute FAVOURITE find here are the appelfloppen sold at the Dutch Bakery on your right as you walk in the door.  These tasty treats are apple rings with a bit of custard in the middle, battered and deep fried and then plunged into cinnamon and sugar.  They are served warm, and should be eaten this way to truly appreciate them.   They are $1 each or 6 for $5 (so you really should buy 6 as you are saving money this way!)

The Farmers Market is open on Saturdays from 7-3 and it’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning.

Details:  Western Fair Farmer’s Market, Confederation Building (Corner of Dundas & Ontario St), Open Saturdays 7-3, no phone number