I don’t like dishwashers. I don’t trust them to get my dishes clean. I’ve owned my condo for almost 8 years and I think I’ve used the dishwasher once. Maybe. I can’t really remember. We never had a dishwasher growing up so my brother and I were assigned dishwashing duty every night after dinner. We would play, fight, and then report transgressions to my parents, who were seriously trying to ignore our petty squabbles while drinking tea and reading the newspaper in the living room.
Rob owns a dishwasher and uses it for everything. I swear, if he could wash his clothes in there, he would! Not really but he is as obsessed with his dishwasher as I am inclined to avoid it. He doesn’t run it every night, especially when he’s there alone during the week. Sometimes, we will run it once or twice on the weekend when I am visiting but I refuse to load it. The thought of opening a contraption, half filled with dirty dishes, to put in more dirty dishes, does not appeal to me.
I love it when I go to set the table and I find schmeek (unidentified food stuff) on his “clean” dishes. It gives me great pleasure to show these dirty dishes to him and then wash them by hand. It is only then that I feel they are really clean. I know I’m weird. Don’t even get me started on dirty sinks. My mother thinks that obsession started at a very young age when she used to ask me to clean the bathroom. I would do the sink but not the toilet or the bathtub. They were just too ‘icky’ for me. Dishwasher = icky.
I also don’t like cell phones. They are the bane of 21st century civilization. I know I’ve ranted about this before but lack of cell phone etiquette bears repeating. Don’t you just hate it when you’re in a conversation with someone, face-to-face, and they interrupt you so that they can check their Blackberry or answer their cell phone? Most of my friends who are handicapped with cell phones know that I do not tolerate this behaviour and think twice about answering anything, except maybe the doorbell, when they’re sharing my personal space. I sometimes catch Rob taking surreptitious glances at his Blackberry when he thinks I’m still sleeping. I feel sorry for him, standing there, bathed in the synthetic blue glow of his little addictive, electronic friend. *sigh*
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Going Off The Grid
As many of you know, we are leaving Thursday evening for our European Tour. Not exactly a tour in the true sense of the word since we are only visiting two countries (England and France) but I am excited nevertheless. Packing has been a bit challenging because of the unpredictable weather so I settled on taking a fleece jacket, a jean jacket, a leather jacket and a short trench coat. Rob says if we’re overweight at check in, we will simply pay the extra charges.
I know I will personally be overweight when we get home because of all the food and drink I plan to consume. I’m a little worried about the food in England and am thinking that I will probably eat fish & chips every day. And Paris will be the opposite, with too many wonderful treats to savour. I want to have chocolate croissants for breakfast every morning. Good thing our apartment is situated right above a boulangerie so My Beloved won’t have far to go to search out this delicacy for me.
And because my friends think I know everyone in the world (which I don’t – yet), I am of course meeting familiar people in Europe while I’m there. My best girlfriend from Vallarta, Scott, will be arriving with his new partner, Noel, and we’re meeting for drinks on Saturday night at The Audley. I’m also meeting an internet friend, Jackie, there for the first time. I can’t remember how we met online so we’ll have to figure that out over many drinks.
Other friends, who winter in Puerto Vallarta, will be arriving in Paris on October 4th and we are meeting them for drinks as well. That way, Mike and I can celebrate our birthdays together (his is the day after mine). Before they arrive, we are planning a trip to Vimy on October 3rd to see the Canadian National War Memorial. Some people think that visiting such things is depressing but I see it as an important part of our history, especially given current affairs.
We decided not to take a laptop with us because of the aforementioned weight restrictions but also because we won’t have a lot of time to be sitting around the keyboard. I look forward to hearing from all of you when we get back. I’m sure we’ll have tons of stories and even more photos. My digital camera holds over 700 pictures and Rob’s holds 1000. So be prepared to be inundated with all kinds of good stuff, including English toffee, when we return.
Love, Me xo
I know I will personally be overweight when we get home because of all the food and drink I plan to consume. I’m a little worried about the food in England and am thinking that I will probably eat fish & chips every day. And Paris will be the opposite, with too many wonderful treats to savour. I want to have chocolate croissants for breakfast every morning. Good thing our apartment is situated right above a boulangerie so My Beloved won’t have far to go to search out this delicacy for me.
And because my friends think I know everyone in the world (which I don’t – yet), I am of course meeting familiar people in Europe while I’m there. My best girlfriend from Vallarta, Scott, will be arriving with his new partner, Noel, and we’re meeting for drinks on Saturday night at The Audley. I’m also meeting an internet friend, Jackie, there for the first time. I can’t remember how we met online so we’ll have to figure that out over many drinks.
Other friends, who winter in Puerto Vallarta, will be arriving in Paris on October 4th and we are meeting them for drinks as well. That way, Mike and I can celebrate our birthdays together (his is the day after mine). Before they arrive, we are planning a trip to Vimy on October 3rd to see the Canadian National War Memorial. Some people think that visiting such things is depressing but I see it as an important part of our history, especially given current affairs.
We decided not to take a laptop with us because of the aforementioned weight restrictions but also because we won’t have a lot of time to be sitting around the keyboard. I look forward to hearing from all of you when we get back. I’m sure we’ll have tons of stories and even more photos. My digital camera holds over 700 pictures and Rob’s holds 1000. So be prepared to be inundated with all kinds of good stuff, including English toffee, when we return.
Love, Me xo
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
My Birthday In Paris
I'm going to Paris for my birthday (I never get tired of saying that). Here's where My Beloved is taking me for dinner (after lunch at the Eiffel Tower and a day of shopping along Blvd. St-Germain) ... can you say YUM???
Le Train Bleu
Le Train Bleu
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
To Whom It May Concern
I am an original owner at Parliament Square. I was a first-time homeowner when I bought my condominium. I was very impressed with the building and the possibilities for the development of the neighbourhood as well as our community. While the view from my unit isn’t one of the Lake, I quickly learned the advantages of living on the north-facing side of the building. It is much cooler in the summertime and the sunsets are amazing! I also enjoy the City view at night, with all the lights of downtown lighting up the sky. I bought some patio furniture and a lounge chair to make the balcony a comfortable living space during the warmer months.
Since the construction started last year, I have not used my balcony. I did not use it last summer and I have not used it this summer. It is impossible to keep clean. The dirt is incredible. In fact, I rarely open my windows other than a few inches for a few hours at a time because of the dirt that accumulates on the curtains and the carpet. In addition, the noise during the day makes it impossible to open the windows while watching TV, listening to music, talking on the phone or reading quietly.
I like a lot of light in my living space so my curtains do not reach the top of the window frame. There is space above all my curtain rods in both the living room and the bedroom to allow the light to enter my suite at all times of the day. The windows in the bedroom are floor to ceiling and wrap around to the side of the balcony. I chose to put sheer curtains here to get maximum light exposure.
During the initial phase of the tower construction, there was a very large, brilliant spotlight affixed to the crane and it shone into my bedroom every night, for weeks at a time, lighting up my room like an airport runway. I made repeated complaints to Comsec and eventually, had to involve the help of Pat McConnell’s office to get this light turned off at night. Lewis Builds would turn it off for a night or two, and then it would come back on again. The entire process had to be repeated again and again and again. Finally, the tower advanced upward to the point where the light no longer impacted on my unit but rather, the people who lived above me. No explanation about the purpose for this light was ever given, even though I repeatedly asked for one.
During the construction process of the lower portion of the building, my privacy has been an issue, especially now that the workers are working directly opposite my unit. They are less than 100 yards away from me and my living space. Eventually, I will have to deal with my neighbours having the same perspective. I literally have to sneak out of bed in the morning, on the “wrong” side of the bed, so they won’t see me. The crane operator on this part of the building had a bird’s eye view of my bed for weeks, through the upper part of my windows not covered by curtains. I have to make sure I am appropriately attired at all times when I am near a window and covered up while I am in bed.
Since buying my property in 1999, the value has increased steadily each year due to the completion of the third condo building at 80 Mill Street and the continued development of The Distillery District. I now believe the proximity of the new building on the north side of Parliament Square will have a detrimental effect on the value of the units in my building, especially those on the north side between the second and seventh floors, whose views are partially or completely blocked by this monstrosity. Considering how the building was first “pitched” to us (i.e. the western most edge of the tower will start at the eastern most edge of our building, the lower portion will only be six stories, etc.), I am adamant that any further development on the site be scrutinized with the utmost concern for the overall affect on current and future residents. The current project was a total “white-wash” and we were given false information so that the developers could get approval to push ahead with their plan.
It makes me sad to think of how the original dream for The Distillery District has become so distorted by the greed and manipulation of Cityscape, not to mention the gross and continued lack of consideration shown by Lewis Builds to the occupants of Parliament Square. This 32 storey tower hardly embodies the spirit intended by the original developers of The District and it does absolutely nothing to maintain the integrity of this extremely important historical site.
Since the construction started last year, I have not used my balcony. I did not use it last summer and I have not used it this summer. It is impossible to keep clean. The dirt is incredible. In fact, I rarely open my windows other than a few inches for a few hours at a time because of the dirt that accumulates on the curtains and the carpet. In addition, the noise during the day makes it impossible to open the windows while watching TV, listening to music, talking on the phone or reading quietly.
I like a lot of light in my living space so my curtains do not reach the top of the window frame. There is space above all my curtain rods in both the living room and the bedroom to allow the light to enter my suite at all times of the day. The windows in the bedroom are floor to ceiling and wrap around to the side of the balcony. I chose to put sheer curtains here to get maximum light exposure.
During the initial phase of the tower construction, there was a very large, brilliant spotlight affixed to the crane and it shone into my bedroom every night, for weeks at a time, lighting up my room like an airport runway. I made repeated complaints to Comsec and eventually, had to involve the help of Pat McConnell’s office to get this light turned off at night. Lewis Builds would turn it off for a night or two, and then it would come back on again. The entire process had to be repeated again and again and again. Finally, the tower advanced upward to the point where the light no longer impacted on my unit but rather, the people who lived above me. No explanation about the purpose for this light was ever given, even though I repeatedly asked for one.
During the construction process of the lower portion of the building, my privacy has been an issue, especially now that the workers are working directly opposite my unit. They are less than 100 yards away from me and my living space. Eventually, I will have to deal with my neighbours having the same perspective. I literally have to sneak out of bed in the morning, on the “wrong” side of the bed, so they won’t see me. The crane operator on this part of the building had a bird’s eye view of my bed for weeks, through the upper part of my windows not covered by curtains. I have to make sure I am appropriately attired at all times when I am near a window and covered up while I am in bed.
Since buying my property in 1999, the value has increased steadily each year due to the completion of the third condo building at 80 Mill Street and the continued development of The Distillery District. I now believe the proximity of the new building on the north side of Parliament Square will have a detrimental effect on the value of the units in my building, especially those on the north side between the second and seventh floors, whose views are partially or completely blocked by this monstrosity. Considering how the building was first “pitched” to us (i.e. the western most edge of the tower will start at the eastern most edge of our building, the lower portion will only be six stories, etc.), I am adamant that any further development on the site be scrutinized with the utmost concern for the overall affect on current and future residents. The current project was a total “white-wash” and we were given false information so that the developers could get approval to push ahead with their plan.
It makes me sad to think of how the original dream for The Distillery District has become so distorted by the greed and manipulation of Cityscape, not to mention the gross and continued lack of consideration shown by Lewis Builds to the occupants of Parliament Square. This 32 storey tower hardly embodies the spirit intended by the original developers of The District and it does absolutely nothing to maintain the integrity of this extremely important historical site.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Eagle Eyes
I’ve never thought that my eyesight was particularly good or outstanding. I actually have to wear glasses to see into the distance and my night vision sucks. One thing I’m good at, however, is finding things. The smaller, and the more inconvenient the spot, the better I am at locating it.
A few years ago, I remember sitting at an outdoor bar in Puerto Vallarta, about six feet from the beach, when the guy I was sitting beside yelped because he had lost one of his contacts. Apparently it popped right out of his eye. (I don’t wear contacts so I’m not sure how these things can happen …). We were sitting with a large group of drunken tourists and the floor was comprised of large, uneven tiles, cemented together.
Within seconds, everyone was scrambling around on their hands and knees under the table. After they all gave up, I found his contact lens and handed it to him. He was very thankful as he had just started his vacation and was imagining trying to buy contact lenses in Mexico.
Last month, I attended a girls’ weekend up at a friend’s cottage. We were all sitting outside, when our hostess gasped and grabbed her ear lob. She had been fiddling with one of her gold earrings and it fell off, through the slats in the wooden deck and onto the ground below us. We all headed down to see if we could find it. At this point, I was somewhat sure of my skills so I told everyone not to worry, that I would find it.
The underside of the deck was some 15 feet above the spot where her earring landed and the space was covered with dirt, dried pine needles and small rocks. We all started looking but eventually they all gave up, except for me. I sent her back up to the deck with some small stones and asked her to drop them through the slats in the deck so that I could see their trajectory. Sure enough, I found her earring, which was about ½ inch in diameter.
My latest “find” involves one of the articling students with whom I work and another earring. This time, it was a 1 mm. pearl stud. Fortunately, she hadn’t travelled far since she arrived that morning -- she had been to my desk, went into the copy room and was sitting in her office. I assured her I would find it and relayed the contact lens story.
We checked around my desk space, through the copy room and I finally followed her into her office where I advised her to check the inside of her clothes. It was at this point that I came around her desk and looked underneath. The earring was lying in one of her loafers, under her desk. As you can see, my recovery record is pretty impressive and my confidence is growing.
It’s a gift. LOL
A few years ago, I remember sitting at an outdoor bar in Puerto Vallarta, about six feet from the beach, when the guy I was sitting beside yelped because he had lost one of his contacts. Apparently it popped right out of his eye. (I don’t wear contacts so I’m not sure how these things can happen …). We were sitting with a large group of drunken tourists and the floor was comprised of large, uneven tiles, cemented together.
Within seconds, everyone was scrambling around on their hands and knees under the table. After they all gave up, I found his contact lens and handed it to him. He was very thankful as he had just started his vacation and was imagining trying to buy contact lenses in Mexico.
Last month, I attended a girls’ weekend up at a friend’s cottage. We were all sitting outside, when our hostess gasped and grabbed her ear lob. She had been fiddling with one of her gold earrings and it fell off, through the slats in the wooden deck and onto the ground below us. We all headed down to see if we could find it. At this point, I was somewhat sure of my skills so I told everyone not to worry, that I would find it.
The underside of the deck was some 15 feet above the spot where her earring landed and the space was covered with dirt, dried pine needles and small rocks. We all started looking but eventually they all gave up, except for me. I sent her back up to the deck with some small stones and asked her to drop them through the slats in the deck so that I could see their trajectory. Sure enough, I found her earring, which was about ½ inch in diameter.
My latest “find” involves one of the articling students with whom I work and another earring. This time, it was a 1 mm. pearl stud. Fortunately, she hadn’t travelled far since she arrived that morning -- she had been to my desk, went into the copy room and was sitting in her office. I assured her I would find it and relayed the contact lens story.
We checked around my desk space, through the copy room and I finally followed her into her office where I advised her to check the inside of her clothes. It was at this point that I came around her desk and looked underneath. The earring was lying in one of her loafers, under her desk. As you can see, my recovery record is pretty impressive and my confidence is growing.
It’s a gift. LOL
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Highway of Heroes
The following link is for an on-line petition, to name the portion of Highway 401 from Trenton to Toronto to the "Highway of Heroes" ... this is the portion of highway that all fallen soldiers travel, when they are returned home.
Click here to sign the petition.
Click here to sign the petition.
Friday, August 17, 2007
For The Love Of Shoes!
What is it with women and shoes? I used to think my love of shoes was a result of the Italian blood coursing through my veins. (For some reason, when I was younger, I always attributed great fashion and style to the Italians. Go figure?) Now I believe it has more to do with hormones than blood-ties. Almost every woman I know is obsessed with (1) their hair (2) their weight and (3) shoes!!!
When I was still in high school (mid-70s), platforms and wedgies were all the rage. I was barely working part-time while going to school and didn’t have any money to buy my own shoes. My mother was adamant that I wasn’t getting them but I wore her down and she gave me the money for a pair of metallic blue vinyl Mary Janes with a wedgie sole. I wore those shoes until the vinyl cracked!
On my first long distance trip away from home to Florida during March Break in Grade 10 or 11, I bought a pair of platform sandals, again in blue, with a four inch woven platform and blue leather straps on the sandal. I could barely wobble around in those shoes on my (then) skinny legs but I thought I was the BOMB!
My obsession with shoes began in earnest when I started working full-time and earning a paycheque. For a while, I went through the “antique” shoe phase, especially when I found two pairs, circa 1950, in a second-hand clothing store in my home town. It was in the late 70s and the shoes were pointy-toes stilettos. I wore those shoes dancing every weekend at the disco! I wore them down to the point of no recovery and threw them out. (What was I thinking???) However, I still have the antique handbag I bought with them.
After I moved to Ottawa in the 80s, I was still very much into high heels, along with short skirts. (I had the legs and the ass to pull it off back then, since I was doing aerobics almost every day!) My favourite pair were white leather, with a four inch heel and a piece of gold-toned metal wrapped around the point of the toe. I remember taking my shoes off one night in Hull, at about 4AM and asking my dance partner for a foot massage. He recoiled in horror, accusing me of having “stinky” feet. I shoved my shoe in his face and made him take a whiff – there was no smell. I learned early on that real leather shoes do not cause foot odor! I also had a pair of black suede pumps with a gold metal spike heel. These shoes were fierce! I used to take one off and hammer it on the table or bar menacingly to scare off creepy guys. That shoe could do serious damage in the right hands!
Then the line dancing craze started and everyone had to own a pair of cowboy boots. I, of course, bought a red pair and wore them so much, they had holes in them. The thing with boots is, you can wear almost all year round except for a couple of months in the summer when it’s too hot. After I moved to Toronto and started making “serious” money, I worked for a small law firm downtown, ½ block off Yonge Street. Right around the corner were two stores with rows and rows of colourful cowboy boots. I splurged on a pair of red and black Sanchos (Made in Spain) for approximately $500. I still have those boots and only wear them on cool, dry days. They are lined in leather and fit like soft velvet gloves. I love those boots!!!
After living in Mexico for almost three years, I was so happy to come home to the four different seasons in the year. Autumn really is my favourite because I can start wearing my leather coats and boot collection (see my Favourite Things blog for pics). My latest addition is a pair of Nine West dark brown leather ankle boots, for which I paid $35US (regular $105US, no tax in PA!). Sandy, email me if you want a pic of them. LOL
Now that I've grown up (!) and my world has expanded to incorporate other styles and designers, I've discovered Christian Louboutin. This man is an artist -- so much so that his shoes are on display at The Bata Shoe Museum. Sumptuous leather, 75mm to a staggering 140 mm stiletto heels, with a red laquered sole. YUM!!! Each pair of shoes is handmade and takes four craftsmen over a week to complete. The shoes are surprisingly comfortable ... I should know! I just tried on a pair of $625 black leather pumps. I'm a size 36.5 in case anyone is feeling particularly generous. I'll be checking out the boutique when I'm Paris in October. To see what I'm talking about, go to Christian Louboutin's website here. Vive la France!!!
When I was still in high school (mid-70s), platforms and wedgies were all the rage. I was barely working part-time while going to school and didn’t have any money to buy my own shoes. My mother was adamant that I wasn’t getting them but I wore her down and she gave me the money for a pair of metallic blue vinyl Mary Janes with a wedgie sole. I wore those shoes until the vinyl cracked!
On my first long distance trip away from home to Florida during March Break in Grade 10 or 11, I bought a pair of platform sandals, again in blue, with a four inch woven platform and blue leather straps on the sandal. I could barely wobble around in those shoes on my (then) skinny legs but I thought I was the BOMB!
My obsession with shoes began in earnest when I started working full-time and earning a paycheque. For a while, I went through the “antique” shoe phase, especially when I found two pairs, circa 1950, in a second-hand clothing store in my home town. It was in the late 70s and the shoes were pointy-toes stilettos. I wore those shoes dancing every weekend at the disco! I wore them down to the point of no recovery and threw them out. (What was I thinking???) However, I still have the antique handbag I bought with them.
After I moved to Ottawa in the 80s, I was still very much into high heels, along with short skirts. (I had the legs and the ass to pull it off back then, since I was doing aerobics almost every day!) My favourite pair were white leather, with a four inch heel and a piece of gold-toned metal wrapped around the point of the toe. I remember taking my shoes off one night in Hull, at about 4AM and asking my dance partner for a foot massage. He recoiled in horror, accusing me of having “stinky” feet. I shoved my shoe in his face and made him take a whiff – there was no smell. I learned early on that real leather shoes do not cause foot odor! I also had a pair of black suede pumps with a gold metal spike heel. These shoes were fierce! I used to take one off and hammer it on the table or bar menacingly to scare off creepy guys. That shoe could do serious damage in the right hands!
Then the line dancing craze started and everyone had to own a pair of cowboy boots. I, of course, bought a red pair and wore them so much, they had holes in them. The thing with boots is, you can wear almost all year round except for a couple of months in the summer when it’s too hot. After I moved to Toronto and started making “serious” money, I worked for a small law firm downtown, ½ block off Yonge Street. Right around the corner were two stores with rows and rows of colourful cowboy boots. I splurged on a pair of red and black Sanchos (Made in Spain) for approximately $500. I still have those boots and only wear them on cool, dry days. They are lined in leather and fit like soft velvet gloves. I love those boots!!!
After living in Mexico for almost three years, I was so happy to come home to the four different seasons in the year. Autumn really is my favourite because I can start wearing my leather coats and boot collection (see my Favourite Things blog for pics). My latest addition is a pair of Nine West dark brown leather ankle boots, for which I paid $35US (regular $105US, no tax in PA!). Sandy, email me if you want a pic of them. LOL
Now that I've grown up (!) and my world has expanded to incorporate other styles and designers, I've discovered Christian Louboutin. This man is an artist -- so much so that his shoes are on display at The Bata Shoe Museum. Sumptuous leather, 75mm to a staggering 140 mm stiletto heels, with a red laquered sole. YUM!!! Each pair of shoes is handmade and takes four craftsmen over a week to complete. The shoes are surprisingly comfortable ... I should know! I just tried on a pair of $625 black leather pumps. I'm a size 36.5 in case anyone is feeling particularly generous. I'll be checking out the boutique when I'm Paris in October. To see what I'm talking about, go to Christian Louboutin's website here. Vive la France!!!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Horoscope for July 11, 2007
LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23): The sun at the career angle of your chart, allied to Uranus, planet of surprises, means that new opportunities are heading your way, so be ready for them. If you expect the unexpected over the next few days you won't go far wrong, and come the new moon on Saturday you'll be on the up escalator to success!
P.S. I got the job! WOO HOO!!! :)
P.S. I got the job! WOO HOO!!! :)
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Stupid Stupid Stupid
I stopped in the grocery store last night after work and headed towards the produce section so I could buy some Granny Smith apples. I suddenly realized there was this woman there, feeling up the empire apples with one hand, while holding her cellphone to her ear with the other. Her cart was blocking my access to the apples, so I said "Excuse me".
Nothing.
"Excuse Me!"
Again, nothing.
"EXCUSE ME!!!"
Finally she turns around and tells me that she is trying to stop all the apples from rolling on the floor (but she's only using one hand).
So I said, "Maybe if you put your cellphone down, you could use both hands."
"Oh no! I just HAVE to talk to my friend Joanne!!!"
She eventually moved her cart and I was able to choose some apples. As I left the store some time later, she was still wandering around, with an empty cart, but finally off the phone. I guess whatever earth shattering crisis she and Joanne simply HAD to solve was over and the world was again as it should be.
Nothing.
"Excuse Me!"
Again, nothing.
"EXCUSE ME!!!"
Finally she turns around and tells me that she is trying to stop all the apples from rolling on the floor (but she's only using one hand).
So I said, "Maybe if you put your cellphone down, you could use both hands."
"Oh no! I just HAVE to talk to my friend Joanne!!!"
She eventually moved her cart and I was able to choose some apples. As I left the store some time later, she was still wandering around, with an empty cart, but finally off the phone. I guess whatever earth shattering crisis she and Joanne simply HAD to solve was over and the world was again as it should be.
Monday, July 09, 2007
The Procession
On our way back from out of town last night, Rob happened to turn on the radio to the news/weather/traffic station and we were informed that the Don Valley Parkway was closed for "The Procession". My stomach contracted as the reality of what those two words meant. The latest six fallen Canadian soldiers were on their way from a repatriation ceremony at CFB Trenton, after being received by their loved ones, to the Coroner's Office here in downtown Toronto. This has been the protocol for all of our dead, once they have been returned from the field.
We were almost home when I turned to Rob and said that I would like to see it, if possible. We headed up to Bloor Street, with the hopes of making our way to the bridge spanning the Parkway. As we made the turn towards the intersection, I could see the flashing lights of police cruisers and an officer with his flourescent green traffic vest stopping all traffic on Church Street, while directing the dwindling traffic on Bloor Street onto nearby side streets. The guys in the car beside me asked what was going on and after I explained it to them, the passenger in the car said, "So you mean we're just going to have to sit here until its over?" I gave him a rather terse "Yes".
Finally, there was no traffic and at Rob's suggestion, I got out of the car and walked to the corner. People were out strolling, enjoying the hot summer evening, their faces showing confusion as to why one of the largest streets in downtown Toronto had suddenly grown eerily quiet, police and flashing lights all around them. I think they sensed something important was happening but I doubt any of them really knew the significance of the moment. I distinctly heard the crackle of a walkie talkie on the belt of the officer nearest to me and a voice say, "They are at Castlefrank." This is the exit from the DVP to Bloor Street.
Suddenly the quiet of the night was broken by the sound of sirens and the officers all around us snapped to attention, saluting the empty street. The lights from three police motorcycles approached us from the east and as Rob joined me on the corner, I grabbed his hand with my left hand and put my right hand over my heart as the first of the six hearses came into view. I was expecting them but it was still a shock to see them so close. Tears rolled down my face when I realized how many dark limos were following them for I knew they were filled with the families and friends of the fallen. They seemed to stretch on forever.
As suddenly as it began, it was over. Rob and I made out way back to the car and I noticed that the passengers in the cars all around us were quiet. Within minutes, the cops were gone, the traffic was moving and it was if the moment never happened. To my mind, the ultimate sacrifice paid by these young men, along with their families, and the thousands of men who came before them, should be honoured daily as a reminder to all of us to treasure this country and the riches found in our everyday lives.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Canada Day in the U.S.A.
We went to Columbus, Ohio this past weekend to see an old friend of Rob's. It was fun because we flew on Saturday afternoon as opposed to sitting in traffic for hours on Friday after work, trying to get to the border at Buffalo, so we could wait in line at Customs with a bazillion other Canadians trying to get into the States, while a bazillion Americans tried to get into Canada. Flying is much more civilized, even when you have to be bussed from Terminal 1 to a much smaller terminal and get on a Dash 8 (can you say prop plane?) with 15 other people. And although I am a pilot's daughter, I still get nervous flying and I still suffer from motion sickness. Like a 4-year-old, I have to take Gravol or I will barf everywhere. *sigh*
So what is there to do in Columbus, Ohio you ask? Not much except eat and drink with my new American friends. Our hostess invited over her niece and nephew-in-law who, as it turns out, were also born in 1958. So I kept referring to them as "my peeps". As much as I usually hate using current vernacular, this seemed somewhat fitting since we were all a mere two months apart in age. But I learned that the world of a teenager growing up in Columbus, Ohio is much, much different than growing up in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Columbus is ruled by football; Ohio State football to be exact, and the biggest and brightest achievement for a young woman in the late 1970s was to be accepted to the male-dominated Ohio State Marching Band. I think my biggest achievement was not being arrested for drinking under age. Vive la difference, eh!
And then we went shopping. Rob had never been to Target (we call it "Tar-ZZZEAY") and was not sure what to expect. He got into the groove with a pair of $15 jeans and a 5' x 8' Jute carpet for $80. I bought two tops, four pieces of work out wear (ostensibly to provide me with the impetus to work out -- HAHA!), and a Chihuahua fridge magnet (don't ask). Then we hit Kohl’s. I bought a beach cover up and a skirt and a white cowboy hat (don’t ask AGAIN). Rob bought dryer balls for the condo in PV and spent the rest of the afternoon talking about his “blue balls” (insert rolling eyes icon here).
We saved the best for last: Filene’s Basement. I’m afraid to admit that I made a bit of a fool of myself in the shoe department. I started “ooo-ing” and “ah-ing” so loud at the Italian shoes, Rob had to leave me and go to the men’s wear department. After drooling all over the $400 (ON SALE!) European imports, I settled for a pair of Franco Sarto’s for only $60 and a linen suit for $70. Rob got a gorgeous blue silk Bill Blass jacket and a yummy Nautica terry robe for only $20. I almost forgot that we made a quick trip to Macy's on Monday after brunch. It was my first time EVER in a Macy's. I think it is comparable to The Bay in Canada. I bought a gorgeous red silk sweater (spotted on the sales rack by My Beloved) for only $15. The sales clerk seemed fascinated when we told her we were visiting from Canada. :)
When it came time to pack, I knew we were in trouble when I looked at the bags and bags and BAGS of stuff we bought, compared to our two rather smallish suitcases. Rob packed his stuff and after looking at the suitcase, I took it all out to start over. After moving back and forth to Mexico a couple of times, I feel that I am an expert on packing lots of stuff into smallish spaces! I showed him the concept of rolling clothes and managed to fit everything (except the carpet) in our two suitcases.
We carried on our pillows and my ridiculous cowboy hat (which is now residing in the back of the Merc, waiting for our next “topless driving experience”). Rob thoughtfully suggested I buy the hat (and to be fair, he wanted to pay for it) so that when we’re in the convertible this summer, I won’t complain so much about the heat and the sun beating down on my unprotected head. He thinks I look adorable in it so I guess I will wear it just to see his sweet, goofy grin when I do.
So what is there to do in Columbus, Ohio you ask? Not much except eat and drink with my new American friends. Our hostess invited over her niece and nephew-in-law who, as it turns out, were also born in 1958. So I kept referring to them as "my peeps". As much as I usually hate using current vernacular, this seemed somewhat fitting since we were all a mere two months apart in age. But I learned that the world of a teenager growing up in Columbus, Ohio is much, much different than growing up in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Columbus is ruled by football; Ohio State football to be exact, and the biggest and brightest achievement for a young woman in the late 1970s was to be accepted to the male-dominated Ohio State Marching Band. I think my biggest achievement was not being arrested for drinking under age. Vive la difference, eh!
And then we went shopping. Rob had never been to Target (we call it "Tar-ZZZEAY") and was not sure what to expect. He got into the groove with a pair of $15 jeans and a 5' x 8' Jute carpet for $80. I bought two tops, four pieces of work out wear (ostensibly to provide me with the impetus to work out -- HAHA!), and a Chihuahua fridge magnet (don't ask). Then we hit Kohl’s. I bought a beach cover up and a skirt and a white cowboy hat (don’t ask AGAIN). Rob bought dryer balls for the condo in PV and spent the rest of the afternoon talking about his “blue balls” (insert rolling eyes icon here).
We saved the best for last: Filene’s Basement. I’m afraid to admit that I made a bit of a fool of myself in the shoe department. I started “ooo-ing” and “ah-ing” so loud at the Italian shoes, Rob had to leave me and go to the men’s wear department. After drooling all over the $400 (ON SALE!) European imports, I settled for a pair of Franco Sarto’s for only $60 and a linen suit for $70. Rob got a gorgeous blue silk Bill Blass jacket and a yummy Nautica terry robe for only $20. I almost forgot that we made a quick trip to Macy's on Monday after brunch. It was my first time EVER in a Macy's. I think it is comparable to The Bay in Canada. I bought a gorgeous red silk sweater (spotted on the sales rack by My Beloved) for only $15. The sales clerk seemed fascinated when we told her we were visiting from Canada. :)
When it came time to pack, I knew we were in trouble when I looked at the bags and bags and BAGS of stuff we bought, compared to our two rather smallish suitcases. Rob packed his stuff and after looking at the suitcase, I took it all out to start over. After moving back and forth to Mexico a couple of times, I feel that I am an expert on packing lots of stuff into smallish spaces! I showed him the concept of rolling clothes and managed to fit everything (except the carpet) in our two suitcases.
We carried on our pillows and my ridiculous cowboy hat (which is now residing in the back of the Merc, waiting for our next “topless driving experience”). Rob thoughtfully suggested I buy the hat (and to be fair, he wanted to pay for it) so that when we’re in the convertible this summer, I won’t complain so much about the heat and the sun beating down on my unprotected head. He thinks I look adorable in it so I guess I will wear it just to see his sweet, goofy grin when I do.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Is Blogging Nerdy?
I've been reading other people's blogs lately and there's some really good stuff out there! One I've been following for some time is M-A's blog in Europe. It's very technically tight as she is a computer whiz. I might also have sent a few of you the link to Laurie's blog, which I think is absolutely hilarious. Today, I've just discovered another great blog written by an American "attorney" (I guess they're not called "lawyers" south of the border) who refers to herself as "R". Here is the link to R's blog. It seems that some of us are a little bit ashamed of our blogging so I've decided to come out of hiding again. Hopefully, it won't come back to bite me in the ass.
BTW, all these other bloggers have HUGE followings and people actually post comments on their blogs. So far, my most consistent commenter is my friend, "S" in the 'Peg. She and I have similar senses of humour as well as the same hair and skin and taste in television shows. I think the comments are cool on these other blogs. What do I have to do to get you all to comment? I guess I'll just have to blog more often, about stupid and/or funny things, and hope it fires you up enough to write a comment. Oh, and my brother has commented on my blog. Thanks BRO! Anyway, I'm now embracing my blog-nerdiness and am commenting frequently on other blogs. Maybe I can get them to read my blog too and we can all become one, big, happy blog family. It hasn't escaped my attention that all of these bloggers are intelligent, funny, articulate women.
Let me know what you think.
BTW, all these other bloggers have HUGE followings and people actually post comments on their blogs. So far, my most consistent commenter is my friend, "S" in the 'Peg. She and I have similar senses of humour as well as the same hair and skin and taste in television shows. I think the comments are cool on these other blogs. What do I have to do to get you all to comment? I guess I'll just have to blog more often, about stupid and/or funny things, and hope it fires you up enough to write a comment. Oh, and my brother has commented on my blog. Thanks BRO! Anyway, I'm now embracing my blog-nerdiness and am commenting frequently on other blogs. Maybe I can get them to read my blog too and we can all become one, big, happy blog family. It hasn't escaped my attention that all of these bloggers are intelligent, funny, articulate women.
Let me know what you think.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
I'm Going To London To See The Queen!!!
Rob just got back from the UK this weekend. He spent the week visiting his parents in Yorkshire and then tottered over to Wales for a few days. He wanted me to go with him but I don't get any vacation in my new job until I've been here for three months. Rob's schedule is very tight with deadlines for the long-term project on which he's working, so we settled for a week in Mexico this August. :)
A review of his schedule showed 12 days available in late September and early October so we're going to the UK then. Since my birthday is incorporated in those dates, we're also going to France. Paris, France to be more exact. On my birthday. Can you imagine? I AM SO EXCITED!!! We're also going to Vimy, France, to see the Canadian war memorial there. And to London. And to Yorkshire.
By now you must be thinking: How much is all this going to cost? Well you'd be surprised at how inexpensive it is to go to Europe this year. Check out these prices:
1. Return airfare from Toronto to Manchester: $715CDN
2. One way train from London to Paris: $243CDN
3. One way airfare from Paris to Manchester: $100CDN
BTW, those prices are for BOTH OF US, TAXES INCLUDED. I kid you not. Only $1058 for both of us. By comparison, one ticket to Mexico in August was almost $800. *sigh* At least we have free accomodations in PV. So now, we just need to find suitable accomodations in Paris for four nights. That will probably cost us the same as all the flights and train trips combined.
So if you know of anything or anyone who might be able to help, please send me an email. We are looking for a small rental apartment, not a hotel room. Preferably a studio or one bedroom. Maybe you have a timeshare you haven't used or know someone who does? We prefer to be in the first seven arondissments, close to the centre of the City of Lights.
Here is a link to photos from Rob's recent UK trip.
A review of his schedule showed 12 days available in late September and early October so we're going to the UK then. Since my birthday is incorporated in those dates, we're also going to France. Paris, France to be more exact. On my birthday. Can you imagine? I AM SO EXCITED!!! We're also going to Vimy, France, to see the Canadian war memorial there. And to London. And to Yorkshire.
By now you must be thinking: How much is all this going to cost? Well you'd be surprised at how inexpensive it is to go to Europe this year. Check out these prices:
1. Return airfare from Toronto to Manchester: $715CDN
2. One way train from London to Paris: $243CDN
3. One way airfare from Paris to Manchester: $100CDN
BTW, those prices are for BOTH OF US, TAXES INCLUDED. I kid you not. Only $1058 for both of us. By comparison, one ticket to Mexico in August was almost $800. *sigh* At least we have free accomodations in PV. So now, we just need to find suitable accomodations in Paris for four nights. That will probably cost us the same as all the flights and train trips combined.
So if you know of anything or anyone who might be able to help, please send me an email. We are looking for a small rental apartment, not a hotel room. Preferably a studio or one bedroom. Maybe you have a timeshare you haven't used or know someone who does? We prefer to be in the first seven arondissments, close to the centre of the City of Lights.
Here is a link to photos from Rob's recent UK trip.
Pollution
I've had a sore throat for a couple of days and, at first thought I was coming down with a cold. But now I think it is a result of air conditioning and/or pollution. We've had some lovely, warm, sunny days here in Toronto for the past week but the air quality has been deteriorating as the humidity climbs. I haven't really noticed it myself, other than the aforesaid scratchy throat. The A/C at work is set ridiculously high and, while I try to dress for the weather outside, I need a blanket at my desk after 11AM when the coldness really starts to set in. It's like a meat locker in there some days! Come to think of it, I wouldn't mind handing a few of the lawyers upside down by their shoelaces ... LOL
Another form of pollution that really bugs me is noise pollution. You're probably rolling your eyes right about now, thinking to yourselves "Well, she does live downtown Toronto .. DUH!" I'm not talking about the sounds of the City, which I love. I'm talking about the people who get on public transit or an elevator with their music plugged into their ears. Normally, I can't hear anything, which is fine with me. If they want to totally "tune out" to their surroundings, that is their choice. But every once in a while, someone gets on the elevator with the music just BLASTING. It's so loud everyone on the elevator can hear it. I can only imagine what that is doing to their hearing. EGADS! I'm turning into my mother ... :)
Another form of pollution that really bugs me is noise pollution. You're probably rolling your eyes right about now, thinking to yourselves "Well, she does live downtown Toronto .. DUH!" I'm not talking about the sounds of the City, which I love. I'm talking about the people who get on public transit or an elevator with their music plugged into their ears. Normally, I can't hear anything, which is fine with me. If they want to totally "tune out" to their surroundings, that is their choice. But every once in a while, someone gets on the elevator with the music just BLASTING. It's so loud everyone on the elevator can hear it. I can only imagine what that is doing to their hearing. EGADS! I'm turning into my mother ... :)
Friday, June 01, 2007
Why I Hate My Job
My boss asked me to find a document called "Written Representations" in a file today. This is the procedure I have to go through in order to find stuff around here:
1. First I have to open the pleadings index in Word and search for the words "Written Representations". In this case, there were 107 references to "Written Representations" in a 34-page list of 500 documents.
2. Once I find the specific Written Representations I'm looking for, I take note of their pleading number: in this case, it was 453.
3. Then I close this pleading index and open the sub-file index, which is 22 pages long and contains 144 different boxes of documents.
4. I search for pleading #453 and discover it is located in Box 48L, in slot 110. Thankfully, this box is still onsite. Most of them are located offsite and have to be ordered from Records Management.
5. Then I have to go to the file room, find the box, lift the heavy box off the shelf and search through it for pleading #453.
6. It's a motion record so once I find it, I have to open it to look for the Written Representations, which are located at Tab 17.
7. Then I have to go the photocopy room, unbind the motion record and copy the 20 pages of Written Representations.
8. I also decide to scan the document so that if he ever decides he wants it again, I can access it easily on my computer as opposed to having to physically find it.
9. I send the document to myself from the scanner, re-bind the motion record, return it to the box, put the box back on the shelf, put the photocopy in his tray, go back to my desk and save the documents on the system for future reference.
10. All of this takes approximately 15-30 minutes and I have to do this over and over, every day.
Now you know why I hate my job!
1. First I have to open the pleadings index in Word and search for the words "Written Representations". In this case, there were 107 references to "Written Representations" in a 34-page list of 500 documents.
2. Once I find the specific Written Representations I'm looking for, I take note of their pleading number: in this case, it was 453.
3. Then I close this pleading index and open the sub-file index, which is 22 pages long and contains 144 different boxes of documents.
4. I search for pleading #453 and discover it is located in Box 48L, in slot 110. Thankfully, this box is still onsite. Most of them are located offsite and have to be ordered from Records Management.
5. Then I have to go to the file room, find the box, lift the heavy box off the shelf and search through it for pleading #453.
6. It's a motion record so once I find it, I have to open it to look for the Written Representations, which are located at Tab 17.
7. Then I have to go the photocopy room, unbind the motion record and copy the 20 pages of Written Representations.
8. I also decide to scan the document so that if he ever decides he wants it again, I can access it easily on my computer as opposed to having to physically find it.
9. I send the document to myself from the scanner, re-bind the motion record, return it to the box, put the box back on the shelf, put the photocopy in his tray, go back to my desk and save the documents on the system for future reference.
10. All of this takes approximately 15-30 minutes and I have to do this over and over, every day.
Now you know why I hate my job!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Ottawa Food
We had some amazing meals in Ottawa which was actually quite surprising since all of my memories of Ottawa (I lived there for 6+ years) do not include food. As mentioned previously, the breakfast at the Mayflower is a tradition since this restaurant has been around since the 70's. Here's a short review, in case you're interested: Mayflower
We had done some research on restaurants before heading to Ottawa and I knew all about the touristy-type places in the Byward Market. I also remember a number of "Mexican" (I put that in quotes because you and I both know my definition of Mexican food has changed somewhat in the last few years) and Tex-Mex places where I might have tasted my first margarita but I wondered whether there was any real Mexican food to be found. I read about the Azteca online and learned it was owned by a Mexican family so I thought that bode well for authentic Mexican food. We were amazed and charmed by this little restaurant.
We arrived for a typical Mexican lunch, at around 2:30PM. The place was not busy but the only table in the window overlooking the busy marketplace was already taken so, when invited to look around by the non-Mexican waitress, we headed upstairs and found a delightful room with a fresh breeze blowing in the second storey through an open window. We grabbed a table in the corner and looked at the menu. Rob was still feeling a little overheated so we ordered tap water and micheladas con Corona. It was nice to see this refreshing libation offered (a Michelada is actually beer, served over ice with lime and hot sauce or salsa) and I thought it was a great start to our lunch!
Despite it being a hot, sunny day, we both decided we wanted soup so I ordered us some Azteca soup. I love tortilla soup when in Mexico and have tried many different varieties there but this soup was sensational! It came steaming to the table in two large bowls containing tortilla chips, chicken, cheese, avocado, and sour cream in a tomato broth and the cost was only $5! We decided to stick with small dishes to share so we could sample more of this delicious food and finally settled on ensalada de nopales (cactus salad), shrimp sopes and mushrooms stuffed with guacamole and coated in melted cheese. Everything was beautifully presented and extremely tasty. This was the real deal! I took some photos of the food and the restaurant (see previous blog). For more information on this great little restaurant, check out their website at Calendario Azteca.
After lunch, we took a much needed walk around the market to help digest lunch and then headed back to the hotel for a much needed siesta. :) Our choices for dinner were numerous but I knew I wanted to stay away from the overly-trendy Byward Market because the Ottawa Senators had just won the Eastern Division final late that afternoon and hockey fans were everywhere (and quite obnoxious too!). I had read about the Metropolitan Brasserie and realized it was kitty corner to our hotel. I figured it was just high-scale enough to thwart most hockey fans and I was right. The patio was coolish and dark so we opted to eat inside. The restaurant is styled after a Parisian brasserie and we were quite impressed with (1) the drinks menu, (2) the wine list and (3) the food menu!
Rob ordered draft beer and I tried a tequila champagne cocktail: ice cold tequila (Sauza Gold, I think) served in a champagne flute with some bubbly and a salted rim. It was an interesting drink but not one I would order again. I settled on a glass of merlot with my steak and frites and Rob ordered the pork tenderloin. The food and service were great. Our waiter was attentive without being intrusive. The restaurant was boisterous and there is a separate bar from the eating area which seemed pretty lively when we left around 11PM after our late dinner. I would recommend it but only if you're not on a budget: Metropolitain Brasserie
And here are Rob's photos from our trip.
We had done some research on restaurants before heading to Ottawa and I knew all about the touristy-type places in the Byward Market. I also remember a number of "Mexican" (I put that in quotes because you and I both know my definition of Mexican food has changed somewhat in the last few years) and Tex-Mex places where I might have tasted my first margarita but I wondered whether there was any real Mexican food to be found. I read about the Azteca online and learned it was owned by a Mexican family so I thought that bode well for authentic Mexican food. We were amazed and charmed by this little restaurant.
We arrived for a typical Mexican lunch, at around 2:30PM. The place was not busy but the only table in the window overlooking the busy marketplace was already taken so, when invited to look around by the non-Mexican waitress, we headed upstairs and found a delightful room with a fresh breeze blowing in the second storey through an open window. We grabbed a table in the corner and looked at the menu. Rob was still feeling a little overheated so we ordered tap water and micheladas con Corona. It was nice to see this refreshing libation offered (a Michelada is actually beer, served over ice with lime and hot sauce or salsa) and I thought it was a great start to our lunch!
Despite it being a hot, sunny day, we both decided we wanted soup so I ordered us some Azteca soup. I love tortilla soup when in Mexico and have tried many different varieties there but this soup was sensational! It came steaming to the table in two large bowls containing tortilla chips, chicken, cheese, avocado, and sour cream in a tomato broth and the cost was only $5! We decided to stick with small dishes to share so we could sample more of this delicious food and finally settled on ensalada de nopales (cactus salad), shrimp sopes and mushrooms stuffed with guacamole and coated in melted cheese. Everything was beautifully presented and extremely tasty. This was the real deal! I took some photos of the food and the restaurant (see previous blog). For more information on this great little restaurant, check out their website at Calendario Azteca.
After lunch, we took a much needed walk around the market to help digest lunch and then headed back to the hotel for a much needed siesta. :) Our choices for dinner were numerous but I knew I wanted to stay away from the overly-trendy Byward Market because the Ottawa Senators had just won the Eastern Division final late that afternoon and hockey fans were everywhere (and quite obnoxious too!). I had read about the Metropolitan Brasserie and realized it was kitty corner to our hotel. I figured it was just high-scale enough to thwart most hockey fans and I was right. The patio was coolish and dark so we opted to eat inside. The restaurant is styled after a Parisian brasserie and we were quite impressed with (1) the drinks menu, (2) the wine list and (3) the food menu!
Rob ordered draft beer and I tried a tequila champagne cocktail: ice cold tequila (Sauza Gold, I think) served in a champagne flute with some bubbly and a salted rim. It was an interesting drink but not one I would order again. I settled on a glass of merlot with my steak and frites and Rob ordered the pork tenderloin. The food and service were great. Our waiter was attentive without being intrusive. The restaurant was boisterous and there is a separate bar from the eating area which seemed pretty lively when we left around 11PM after our late dinner. I would recommend it but only if you're not on a budget: Metropolitain Brasserie
And here are Rob's photos from our trip.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
On The Road Again ...
Rob and I spent a lot of time on the highway this last long weekend, between Toronto and Ottawa. We noticed a lot of bad drivers on the road and, therefore, a lot of (in my opinion) unnecessary traffic snarls.
We've decided that mini-vans are the scourge of the earth. Nine times out of ten, the people driving these view-blocking mammoths don't have a clue about how to drive on the highway. We figure it is because they spend more time driving between home and Wal-Mart and hockey arenas than actually doing any consistent highway driving. The rule in Ontario and, in fact, most roads in North America and the UK (according to Rob) is that you drive in the right lane unless you are passing someone in the right lane. You are supposed to signal your intentions, move over to the left lane, pass the car moving slower than you and return to the right lane.
But some drivers get into the left lane, see it is clear and remain there, forgetting to check their rearview mirrors for traffic coming up fast behind them. We passed more cars from the right hand lane than was necessary. And we weren't the only ones doing it. Invariably, a mini-van was tottering along in the passing lane, doing just over the speed limit, which a hugh line of cars formed behind them, hoping they'd get the hint and move over. I can totally understand how road rage develops. I wasn't even driving but I was getting frustrated with these idiots. Anyways, enough of that rant. Watch your driving next time you're on the highway!
Ottawa itself was such a treat. I haven't been there in almost two years and it is as gorgeous as I remember it. We stayed at the Westin, right downtown and attached to the Rideau Centre. We were close to Elgin Street, the Sparks Street Mall, Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal and the Byward Market. The hotel was under construction so we were given a free room upgrade which afforded us a spectacular view of the many of the above-mentioned sites. We arrived late on Friday night and crashed after the long drive. Saturday morning saw us up early, raring to go on a walking tour that I had planned for Rob. We started with a hearty breakfast at the Mayflower on Elgin Street. Good food, lousy service (why can't waiters multi-task?) and a high price of almost $30 for our meals and a marginal tip.
We walked south on Elgin Street, West on Waverley Street (I used to live in an apartment building on Waverley) and then north on Bank Street. We veered slightly off course because of the construction on Bank Street but ended up on the Sparks Street Mall and walked east the length of it, back to Elgin Street and then across the street to the War Memorial. As you can imagine, this Memorial has special meaning to me so we stopped and took a lot of great photos. I will post the links to pics at the end of this blog. Then we headed across the street and up to the Hill.
Canada's Parliament buildings and grounds are readily accessible to tourists and, because of the fabulous weather, the place was really crowded with people from many different cultures. We toured all around them, front and back and took tons of photos. We walked along the Canal and viewed a boat going through the locks on the Rideau Canal. We finally had to return to the hotel because we were overheated and short on water. Anyway, here's a few pics to keep you going until I continue this mini trip report:
Ottawa Photos
We've decided that mini-vans are the scourge of the earth. Nine times out of ten, the people driving these view-blocking mammoths don't have a clue about how to drive on the highway. We figure it is because they spend more time driving between home and Wal-Mart and hockey arenas than actually doing any consistent highway driving. The rule in Ontario and, in fact, most roads in North America and the UK (according to Rob) is that you drive in the right lane unless you are passing someone in the right lane. You are supposed to signal your intentions, move over to the left lane, pass the car moving slower than you and return to the right lane.
But some drivers get into the left lane, see it is clear and remain there, forgetting to check their rearview mirrors for traffic coming up fast behind them. We passed more cars from the right hand lane than was necessary. And we weren't the only ones doing it. Invariably, a mini-van was tottering along in the passing lane, doing just over the speed limit, which a hugh line of cars formed behind them, hoping they'd get the hint and move over. I can totally understand how road rage develops. I wasn't even driving but I was getting frustrated with these idiots. Anyways, enough of that rant. Watch your driving next time you're on the highway!
Ottawa itself was such a treat. I haven't been there in almost two years and it is as gorgeous as I remember it. We stayed at the Westin, right downtown and attached to the Rideau Centre. We were close to Elgin Street, the Sparks Street Mall, Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal and the Byward Market. The hotel was under construction so we were given a free room upgrade which afforded us a spectacular view of the many of the above-mentioned sites. We arrived late on Friday night and crashed after the long drive. Saturday morning saw us up early, raring to go on a walking tour that I had planned for Rob. We started with a hearty breakfast at the Mayflower on Elgin Street. Good food, lousy service (why can't waiters multi-task?) and a high price of almost $30 for our meals and a marginal tip.
We walked south on Elgin Street, West on Waverley Street (I used to live in an apartment building on Waverley) and then north on Bank Street. We veered slightly off course because of the construction on Bank Street but ended up on the Sparks Street Mall and walked east the length of it, back to Elgin Street and then across the street to the War Memorial. As you can imagine, this Memorial has special meaning to me so we stopped and took a lot of great photos. I will post the links to pics at the end of this blog. Then we headed across the street and up to the Hill.
Canada's Parliament buildings and grounds are readily accessible to tourists and, because of the fabulous weather, the place was really crowded with people from many different cultures. We toured all around them, front and back and took tons of photos. We walked along the Canal and viewed a boat going through the locks on the Rideau Canal. We finally had to return to the hotel because we were overheated and short on water. Anyway, here's a few pics to keep you going until I continue this mini trip report:
Ottawa Photos
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