Tuesday, 10 February 2026

Mesh Knitted Scarf

I knitted a scarf to donate using a mesh pattern.


I used a Caron Anniversary Cake Special Edition (the colour is Opal) and 6.5mm needles. 

I cast on 22 stitches (multiples of 3 plus 1 stitches).

It's a one row repeat: K1, *yarn over, purl 2 together, repeat from * to last stitch, k1. Bind off in a purl stitch.

Monday, 9 February 2026

A DarkWinter Press Celebration, Epochal Imp, Toronto, ON

Paul Edward Costa hosted a celebration of DarkWinter Press authors this evening at Epochal Imp on the Danforth (DarkWinter Press is Gord’s publisher).


There were books by the authors for sale.

Saturday, 7 February 2026

Mistake Rib Knitted Scarf

I knitted a scarf to donate using a squishy mistake rib pattern, an easy fun pattern.


I used a Caron Anniversary Cake Special Edition (the colour is Opal) and 6.5mm needles. 

I cast on 23 stitches (multiples of 4 plus 3 stitches).

It's a one row repeat: slip 1 knitwise, k1, *p2, k2, repeat from * to last stitch, p1.

Thursday, 5 February 2026

Toronto Raptors 123 ~ Chicago Bulls 107, Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON

Our friend and neighbour, Dawn, organized a work event for employees at tonight’s Toronto Raptors game (they were playing the Chicago Bulls) and invited Gord and I. Thanks, Dawn!

Gord and I

I haven't been to many Raptors games and it was a fun time. There was always something going on. Great to see the Raptors win!

The national anthems
And the game began

Wednesday, 4 February 2026

Diagonal Seed Stitch Knitted Scarf

I knitted a scarf to donate using a diagonal seed stitch pattern. I adapted the pattern I found here.


I used a Caron Anniversary Cake Special Edition (the colour is Opal) and 6.5mm needles. 

I cast on 24 stitches (multiples of 16 plus 8 border stitches).

Bottom border - seed stitch
  • Row 1: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end of row. 
  • Row 2: *P1, k1; repeat from * to end of row.
  • Row 3: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end of row. 
  • Row 4: *P1, k1; repeat from * to end of row.

Body
  • Row 1: (K1, p1) twice, *k3, (p1, k1) three times, p1, k6; repeat from * to last 4 sts, (k1, p1) twice. 
  • Row 2: (P1, k1) twice, *p5, (k1, p1) three times, k1, p4; repeat from * to last 4 sts, (p1, k1) twice. 
  • Row 3: (K1, p1) twice, *k5, (p1, k1) three times, p1, k4; repeat from * to last 4 sts, (k1, p1) twice. 
  • Row 4: (P1, k1) twice, *p3, (k1, p1) three times, k1, p6; repeat from * to last 4 sts, (p1, k1) twice. 
  • Row 5: (K1, p1) twice, *k7, (p1, k1) three times, p1, k2; repeat from * to last 4 sts, (k1, p1) twice. 
  • Row 6: (P1, k1) twice, *(p1, k1) four times, p8; repeat from * to last 4 sts, (p1, k1) twice. 
  • Row 7: (K1, p1) twice, *k9, (p1, k1) three times, p1; repeat from * to last 4 sts, (k1, p1) twice. 
  • Row 8: (P1, k1) twice, *(p1, k1) three times, p9, k1; repeat from * to last 4 sts, (p1, k1) twice. 
  • Row 9: (K1, p1) twice, *k1, p1, k9, (p1, k1) twice, p1; repeat from * to last 4 sts, (k1, p1) twice.  
  • Row 10: (P1, k1) twice, *(p1, k1) twice, p9, k1, p1, k1; repeat from * to last 4 sts, (p1, k1) twice. 
  • Row 11: (K1, p1) twice, *(k1, p1) twice, k9, p1, k1, p1; repeat from * to last 4 sts, (k1, p1) twice. 
  • Row 12: (P1, k1) twice, *p1, k1, p9, (k1, p1) twice, k1; repeat from * to last 4 sts, (p1, k1) twice. 
  • Row 13: (K1, p1) twice, *(k1, p1) three times, k9, p1; repeat from * to last 4 sts, (k1, p1) twice. 
  • Row 14: (P1, k1) twice, *p9, (k1, p1) three times, k1; repeat from * to last 4 sts, (p1, k1) twice. 
  • Row 15: (K1, p1) twice, *(k1, p1) four times, k8; repeat from * to last 4 sts, (k1, p1) twice. 
  • Row 16: (P1, k1) twice, *p7, (k1, p1) three times, k1, p2; repeat from * to last 4 sts, (p1, k1) twice. 
  • Repeat until the desired length.
Top border - seed stitch
  • Row 1: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end of row. 
  • Row 2: *P1, k1; repeat from * to end of row.
  • Row 3: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end of row. 
  • Row 4: *P1, k1; repeat from * to end of row.
  • Bind off.

Book ~ "I'm Movin' On: The Life and Legacy of Hank Snow" (2014) Vernon Oickle

From Goodreads ~ Born in tiny Brooklyn, Nova Scotia, Hank Snow enjoyed a musical career that spanned five decades and sales of more than 80 million albums. 

In "I’m Movin’ On", journalist Vernon Oickle chronicles Snow’s hardscrabble life, from his destitute childhood in Queens County to international fame. Leaving no stone unturned in his richly detailed profile of The Singing Ranger, Oickle exposes the highs and lows of Snow’s career, and his journey (“Everywhere, man,”) from small East Coast radio stations to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. 

Includes a foreword from Hank’s son, Jimmie Rodgers Snow, a timeline, discography, and 75 photographs.

Born in Brooklyn, Nova Scotia, in 1914, Hank Snow rose from a tough childhood to become one of the most influential figures in country music history. By the 1940s and ’50s, his smooth voice, sharp guitar playing and storytelling lyrics had made him an international star, something few Canadian artists had achieved at the time. Known as “The Singing Ranger,” Hank racked up massive hits like “I’m Moving On,” “The Golden Rocket,” and “I’ve Been Everywhere,” songs that helped define the sound of classic country. He became a fixture at the Grand Ole Opry, performing there for nearly 50 years and earning deep respect on both sides of the border.

I didn't know a lot about Hank Snow. My sister was reading this book and I like reading memoirs/bios/autobios, so I thought I'd check it out. It's written on a high level with just enough detail. It was interesting to read how he started off in poverty and being abused to where he ended up. There are quotes from people who knew and respected him such as his only child and former band members and lots of pictures.

A Blessing in Disguise Bistro, Toronto, ON

I had supper at A Blessing in Disguise Bistro (at John Street and Richmond Street W). They opened at the end of September. 

“& Juliet”, Royal Alexander Theatre, Toronto, ON

I saw & Juliet  this afternoon at the Royal Alexander Theatre and enjoyed it. 


Created by the Emmy-winning writer from ‘Schitt’s Creek”, this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. ‘& Juliet’ asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way. 

Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including ‘Since U Been Gone’‚ ‘Roar’, ‘Baby One More Time’, ‘Larger Than Life’‚ ‘That’s The Way It Is’, and ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling’—all from the genius songwriter/producer behind more #1 hits than any other artist this century. Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it.

My seat was in the first row of the dress circle in the middle … excellent view! It’s a fun musical and the songs cleverly worked. Everyone played their part well and the voices were fabulous.

Saturday, 31 January 2026

Bingo Loco, Toronto, ON

This evening I attended Bingo Loco with Franca and Anne at Annabel’s Music Hall (next to Queen Elizabeth Building at Exhibition Place). 

Me, Anne and Franca

It was a combo bingo/dance party. There were 5 games of bingo (with lots of singing and dancing in between games) and the prizes were a disco helmet, a dildo, an air fryer, a karaoke machine and a trip for 2 to Las Vegas (we didn’t win). If you won, you had to earn your prize. Dave was a fun and lively host and DJ Super O played some great tunes. It was a fun time and the sold out crowd was really enthusiastic!

Friday, 30 January 2026

Nothing Bundt Cakes, Etobicoke, ON

I received a “buy 1 bundtlet, get 1 free” email from Nothing Bundt Cakes during the week. I stopped in today at their Etobicoke location this afternoon.


I got Gord and I a couple white chocolate raspberry ones. Yum! So moist and sweet!

BarBurrito, Etobicoke, ON

I've been craving a burrito lately and had one for lunch today at BarBurrito in Etobicoke. 


I had a large burrito. My intent was getting 2 meals out of it … and I have half left for tomorrow. It was a jammed burrito with chicken, black beans, pinto beans, tomatoes, corn, salsa, rice and burrito sauce. Though hearty, I found it a bit bland.