Teena in Toronto
Saturday, 1 August 2026
Mistake Rib Knitted Scarf
I knitted another scarf to donate using a squishy mistake rib pattern, an easy fun pattern.
Friday, 31 July 2026
Book ~ "Who's That Girl: The Untold, Definitive History of New Girl" (2026) Thea Glassman
From Goodreads ~ Since its finale, "New Girl" has quietly become one of the most rewatched shows in streaming history - a certified comfort classic. Taking the well-worn hangout sitcom formula and giving it a weird, wonderful twist, the series landed in that rare space between "Friends"-style warmth and sheer comedic chaos. Sitcom conventions were bent (if not broken), as the cast and writers shaped characters in real time - from Nick Miller’s legendary “turtle face” and Winston’s codependent relationship with his cat, to Schmidt’s endless barrage of absurd, quotable one-liners.
More than just a sitcom, "New Girl" became a generational touchstone, embedding itself in pop culture and personal routines alike. Fans still yell “No notes!” at friends, argue over the rules of True American and nod to the Douchebag Jar as a model of self-regulation. It’s the show that made “adorkable” a household word, gave Prince and Taylor Swif, two of TV’s greatest cameos, and delivered some of the most beloved moments in modern comedy -like the slow-burn brilliance of Nick and Jess’s kiss, the utter chaos of Prank Sinatra or Schmidt’s passionate monologue about “chut-a-ney.”
In "Who’s That Girl", entertainment journalist Thea Glassman takes readers behind the scenes with in-depth interviews with creator Liz Meriwether and the creative team, telling the story of how a scrappy, offbeat pilot evolved into a streaming juggernaut. Packed with heart, hilarity and never-before-heard stories, this is the definitive tribute to the ultimate feel-good show.
New Girl aired from 2011 to 2018. I hadn't watched it then ... I hadn't even heard of it. I found it on the Disney+ channel this spring and started watching it and like it. It's a fun 22 minute show (no commercials) ... sometimes I'll watch just one, sometimes a bunch. When I came across this book, I thought it would be interesting to get the scoop about the show.
More than just a sitcom, "New Girl" became a generational touchstone, embedding itself in pop culture and personal routines alike. Fans still yell “No notes!” at friends, argue over the rules of True American and nod to the Douchebag Jar as a model of self-regulation. It’s the show that made “adorkable” a household word, gave Prince and Taylor Swif, two of TV’s greatest cameos, and delivered some of the most beloved moments in modern comedy -like the slow-burn brilliance of Nick and Jess’s kiss, the utter chaos of Prank Sinatra or Schmidt’s passionate monologue about “chut-a-ney.”
In "Who’s That Girl", entertainment journalist Thea Glassman takes readers behind the scenes with in-depth interviews with creator Liz Meriwether and the creative team, telling the story of how a scrappy, offbeat pilot evolved into a streaming juggernaut. Packed with heart, hilarity and never-before-heard stories, this is the definitive tribute to the ultimate feel-good show.
New Girl aired from 2011 to 2018. I hadn't watched it then ... I hadn't even heard of it. I found it on the Disney+ channel this spring and started watching it and like it. It's a fun 22 minute show (no commercials) ... sometimes I'll watch just one, sometimes a bunch. When I came across this book, I thought it would be interesting to get the scoop about the show.
This book describes the creation, production and cultural legacy of the show. It examines the show's origins, development, casting process, writing, filming and evolution over its seven-season run.
Through interviews with cast members, writers, producers, directors and crew, the author tells how the series came together, the decisions behind its characters and storylines and the work involved in bringing the show to television. The book also explores the series' reception, its influence on popular culture and its continued popularity after its original broadcast (COVID helped since we were all stuck inside).
I liked the writing style. It provided a behind-the-scenes account and was written in a chronological order from its initial concept through its conclusion, highlighting key moments in the show's production and history. I've just recently started season 5 so now know what's going to happen in the remaining chapters but I'm okay with that. As a head's up, there is swearing.
Red Cranberries, Toronto, ON
I had lunch today with the Toronto Social Seniors and Retirees gang at Red Cranberries (on Parliament Street just south of Wellesley Street E).
Here we are ...
Thursday, 30 July 2026
Mistake Rib Knitted Scarf
I knitted another scarf to donate using a squishy mistake rib pattern, an easy fun pattern.
Wednesday, 29 July 2026
Mistake Rib Knitted Scarf
I knitted another scarf to donate using a squishy mistake rib pattern, an easy fun pattern.
Erie Beach Hotel, Port Dover, ON
Our home away from home since Monday was the Erie Beach Hotel (it’s more of a motel than a hotel) that has been “famously serving Perch & Pickerel since 1946”.
You can’t reserve a room online ... you have to call. There are 18 rooms and we were on the second floor (there isn’t an elevator). It was about $200/night and parking was free.
It wasn’t fancy but it was comfy. The furniture throughout seemed to be from the 1980s. There wasn’t a mini fridge or coffee maker in our room (there is a cafe across the street and a Tim Horton’s a couple blocks away) and the a/c worked well. The sink, toilet and shower head were strange as they were really low (you can imagine how low they were if I found them low!).
You can’t reserve a room online ... you have to call. There are 18 rooms and we were on the second floor (there isn’t an elevator). It was about $200/night and parking was free.
It wasn’t fancy but it was comfy. The furniture throughout seemed to be from the 1980s. There wasn’t a mini fridge or coffee maker in our room (there is a cafe across the street and a Tim Horton’s a couple blocks away) and the a/c worked well. The sink, toilet and shower head were strange as they were really low (you can imagine how low they were if I found them low!).
Tuesday, 28 July 2026
The Terrace Room Rooftop Patio, Port Dover, ON
Gord and I had supper on The Terrace Room Rooftop Patio in the Erie Beach Hotel.
Gord had Perch (5 oz.; lightly breaded the Erie Beach way) and fries, cabbage salad and celery bread. They are known for their celery bread so we were interested in trying it. It was okay, not overly exciting.
I had Beef on a Bun (slow roasted in house; served with au jus for dipping) and mashed potatoes.
The Ice Cream Tank, Port Dover, ON
After a hot walk to the marina and back, we had ice cream at The Ice Cream Tank.
Gord had a scoop of red raspberry sorbet in a cone and I had a scoop of Canadian mint chunk in a cup. Yum!
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| So much choice! |
McQueen Cemetary, Port Dover, ON
McQueen's Cemetery is one of Port Dover's oldest burial grounds and is a reminder of the community's early history. Located on Prospect Street overlooking the Lynn River, the cemetery is the final resting place of many of the area's early settlers, pioneers, veterans and prominent local families.
The cemetery is named after the McQueen family, who were among the early settlers in the region. Established during the 19th century, there are a variety of historic monuments and headstones, some dating back nearly 200 years
Among those buried here are veterans of conflicts including the War of 1812 and later military service, as well as residents whose lives were closely connected to the town's agricultural, industrial and maritime history. McQueen's Cemetery is recognized not only as an active cemetery but also as a place of historical significance, preserving the stories of the families who built and sustained one of Ontario's oldest lakeside communities.
Lynn River Falls, Port Dover, ON
Gord and I checked out Lynn River Falls, a small waterfall on the Lynn River in Port Dover.
The falls were once part of the early milling industry that helped establish the original settlement of Dover Mills. Around 1808-1809, Scottish-born businessman and politician Robert Nichol established a gristmill at this site, later expanding his operations to include a sawmill, brewery, distillery and cooperage. The mills became an important part of the community and local economy.
During the War of 1812, Port Dover was raided by American forces in May 1814. Nichol's mills and home were deliberately burned, along with much of the settlement. The mills were later rebuilt, and the area continued to play an important role in the development of Port Dover.
Today Lynn River Falls is best known as a quiet natural landmark. Although the waterfall itself is small in size, it stands at a location that reflects both the natural beauty and the early industrial history of Port Dover. The falls are surrounded by private property and they can be viewed legally and safely from the roadside.
The falls were once part of the early milling industry that helped establish the original settlement of Dover Mills. Around 1808-1809, Scottish-born businessman and politician Robert Nichol established a gristmill at this site, later expanding his operations to include a sawmill, brewery, distillery and cooperage. The mills became an important part of the community and local economy.
During the War of 1812, Port Dover was raided by American forces in May 1814. Nichol's mills and home were deliberately burned, along with much of the settlement. The mills were later rebuilt, and the area continued to play an important role in the development of Port Dover.
Today Lynn River Falls is best known as a quiet natural landmark. Although the waterfall itself is small in size, it stands at a location that reflects both the natural beauty and the early industrial history of Port Dover. The falls are surrounded by private property and they can be viewed legally and safely from the roadside.
Monday, 27 July 2026
Port Dover Lighthouse, Port Dover, ON
Gord and I checked out the Port Dover Lighthouse, at the end of the west pier at the entrance to Port Dover Harbour, on Lake Erie.
The first lighthouse on the site, built around 1846, was destroyed by fire and the existing lighthouse on the west pier was built around 1850. The village of Port Dover developed around 1835 at the juncture of the Lynn River and Lake Erie and it soon became an important port for the north-south trade route as well as the east-west St. Lawrence system. At the same time, Port Dover became a center for shipbuilding as well as the budding fishing industry. Port Dover continues to serve the commercial fishing industry as well as recreational fishers and boaters, and its wharf and lighthouse remain vital.
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