absent.canadian

I was all ready to write a pissy and rather bitter post this morning about people who chew gum and cut across lanes when they turn … until I found this link:

http://www.earthhour.org

I read about it and felt all warm and fuzzy and decided to sign up. Take a look and leave a comment if you think this is worthwhile.

It’s also worth noting that I made it back from Toronto in one piece, and I’ll share a few slices of my journey with you now.

The first shot is of the Uxbridge Trans Canada Trail pavilion. I bought a metre of this trail back in 2006 – and while my name still hasn’t appeared in the pavilion, it’s nice to have supported such a good cause. Someday I’d like to hoof part (or all) of this trail …

Next up is the new face of Yonge and Dundas. This is quickly becoming one of those “magical” intersections, and I think it’s really giving Toronto a cosmopolitan, metropolitan look. As much as I miss the dingy old buildings, I do have to say that this part of the city has a new energy I’ve never felt before.

The venerable Eatons Centre (or whatever they call it now) is still a magnificent edifice, and I enjoyed paying homage (and some hard-earned) to Roots and lululemon. I can remember coming here in the early 1980’s when I was just a sprout, and the place still dazzles me with its expanses of glass roof, art, and ever-so-polite hustle and bustle that epotomizes Toronto life.

Last is a shot of my beloved TTC. “Ride the Rocket” in Toronto isn’t just innuendo, and there’s nothing more enjoyable than riding a red streetcar after chowing down on a hot dog from a Toronto street vendor. This particular streetcar kindly took me across Queen Street.

I had the pleasure of feasting with Ginny at Coopers BBQ today. Remarkably, she began our culinary excursion with a gift; a little postcard booklet from the “Sanctuary of Perpetual Adoration and Convent” in Quebec. I have since learned that this booklet dates back to the 1930’s, and I’m just tickled that she thought of me when she saw this at the flea market.

We debated many things, including the merits of Volkswagen automatic transmissions (Mike’s conclusion: they traditionally have weak bands and are poorly lubricated. Ginny’s conclusion: it gets me to the mall), peer pressure to get a newer car (Mike’s conclusion: women who drive older Volkswagens are automatically one degree cooler in my books, so back off), and whether or not to have an “about me” page on your blog (Ginny’s conclusion: do it!).

But the crowning jewel of today’s lunch was when Ginny was lamenting the idea of a car payment. In her own sweet way she admonished the idea; “I wouldn’t be able to go clothes shopping every week!”

On the way out, I uttered a silent prayer to the Volkswagen gods on her behalf.