Summer Reading

I am all set for the rest of the Summer with literature.

Last week at work I won a gift certificate for our largest bookstore chain and decided to buy a bunch of books with it.

After reading Val's African Ways, it took me back to a book I read in Fiji a couple of years ago called Ladies #1 Detective Agency. It's about a woman, Precious, who opens up the detective agency in Botswana. This delightful light read was written by a Alexander McCall Smith, a professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh who was born in Botswana. For awhile I knew that he has written sequels so that is what I spent my gift certificate on. There are seven books in the entire series and I bought four of them, including one titled "Morality for Beautiful Girls" (take note my blogger friends!!!)

I'm looking forward to reading them at my leisure during my holidays and lazy evenings after work.

ps: the gift certificate was for winning a quiz at work on Olympic trivia.... little did they know I used to work for the Canadian Olympic Association (hehehe)

... next blog I'll have to write about my perfect day.

Canada Day

This Sunday, Canada will be celebrating its 140th anniversary of Confederation.

It is therefore a holiday for all of us "Canucks" on Monday


I will be heading up to the mountains in Quebec (the largest province above in blue, travelling from the second largest province in beige) to spend some time with family and friends.


No doubt, I will enjoy some of what Canada is well known for

I hope everyone has a great week-end!

David

Ladies and Gentlemen please meet David, he is the official mascot of Fort Henry. A historic fort that looks over Lake Ontario and the mouth of the St. Lawrence River.

I met him this weekend when I visited Prince Edward County (as isthmus on the northern shore of Lake Ontario), Kingston a historic city that is home of one of Canada's best universities and Gananoque, Canada's gateway to Canada's thousand island region.

He was more interested in eating clover than saying hello to us.

Here are some snaps I took on the week-end.

Fort Henry, Kingston Ontario

The Kingston port at the Rideau River

Below are photos from the Thousand Island region of the St. Lawrence River.

Up to four years ago, I spent much of my time in this region as I was lucky enough to be with a man who had two boats and a house on the shores of this river. It was not only a week-end of relaxation, but also of wonderful reflection from days gone by.

In a few weeks I'll be coming back to Prince Edward County for camping (hopefully if my holidays come thru). A couple of weeks ago it was officially declared a designated wine region and I have a map of where the vinyards are. I think I'll have to go shopping when I'm up there and share the goods with my wine-loving friends ;-)

On My Way Home From Work Today ....

I saw ...

Condos across the street from my office building near the shores of Lake Ontario ....

One of Canada's sporting Shrines ....

The world's tallest free-standing structure ....

Lots of office skyscrapers ....

Appropriate Friday afternoon "political messages" ....

Blends of old and new architecture ....

The flagship store for Canada's Oldest company, established in the 1600's

Dundas Square, where lots of events take place, including a recent soccer (football) event ....

The original Hard Rock Cafe. Also home to Toronto's classic rock station Q107 ....

The Ryerson University campus ....

A church a block away from home (we're getting close now) ....

Alan Garden's ....

Toronto's Urban "Wildlife" ....

and, alas ..... Home Sweet Home.

Memories

I’m here thinking that I should have something intelligent to say. Instead, my mind has been taking me for trips down memory lane. Here are some of the reasons why:

Today for lunch I ate at one of my favourite French restaurants in Toronto called “Le Papillon” (The Butterfly). The last time I was there was on my last date with Stephen who broke up with me just a little over a year ago. I’m pretty much over him and am ready to move on if an opportunity were to come my way. But with him it was love and then his cold feet.

Next week, during Toronto’s Gay Pride festival (which totally dominates my gay neighbourhood) I’m heading out of town with a friend to Kingston/Gananoque, along the St. Lawrence River and the famous Thousand Island region. It was about five years ago that I practically lived in that region in a house along the river and in boats with another old “beau” Barry.

I also was surfing the net the other day and came across the name of one of my best High School Friends (Rhonda) who moved to Alberta about 25 years ago. I sent her an email and she replied.

Sometimes new beginnings and routines get me to think about my current life and how I ended up living it the way I do. I’m feeling really great about things, including my new job. This has given me an excess amount of restless energy taking my mind to past memories and wondering what the future will bring.

What to do and how to do it? rowing, photography courses, exercise … so many decisions, but I know it'll be good...

Like right now .... I’m enjoying the sunshine of these great days and reading Val’s great book, which is about memories too.

For Val

"By George, I think I've Got It"


I'm looking forward to reading it now!

Thank You Dear Val

I'm back

I am returning to my blog to make another well over-due entry. I began my new job last week and have been consumed with meeting new people, learning new subject material and navigating a new office system. On top of this, a key member of my new staff tendered her resignation on my second day in the office. She was just back in the office after her honeymoon and was offered a job while she was away. So I’ve also been busy writing new job descriptions and shuffling work projects around. Oh, I’ve also got a presentation to do this week to the Board of Directors …. and attend the Board meeting. Was it only a week ago that I was refreshed after spending some time away? Phew…

I like my new place of employment and the very professional staff who work there. What a change! I also like the location of the office, which is situated at the base of Yonge St., the world’s longest street. From my new office I get a wonderful vista of Toronto’s waterfront and well-treed islands just off-shore.

Sorry I’ve been away so long, but I’ve been tremendously busy! Hopefully I’ll get into a rhythm soon