Astoria in the Great Hall, Toronto, ON

Gord and I had supper this evening at Astoria in the Great Hall (on the corner of Queen Street W and Dovercourt Road). They just opened in July and are French-American eatery and cocktail bar ... it has a nice vibe.

Basic knitted slippers

I finished knitting a pair of slippers that I'll be donating to Be a Santa For a Senior Gift Drive.  

I used Soft Classic Solid Yarn by Loops & Threads and 5mm needles. I used this pattern and adapted it a bit since I was using a thinner and so I'd have less seams to sew up afterwards. They are quick and easy.

Sizes:
To fit lady’s shoe size 5/6 (7/8 - 9/10).

Finished Foot length
Small 5/6 - 9" (23 cm)
Medium 7/8 - 9½" (24 cm)
Large 9/10 - 10½" (26.5 cm)

Abbreviations:
Beg = Beginning
Inc = Increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of next stitch
K = Knit
K2tog = Knit next 2 stitches together
Rep = Repeat
Rem = Remaining
RS = Right side
St(s) = Stitch(es)
WS = Wrong side

Instructions:
Note: The instructions are written for smallest size. If changes are necessary for larger sizes the instructions will be written thus ( ).

• Beg at back, cast on 2 sts.
• 1st row: (RS). Knit.
• 2nd row: Inc 1 st in first st. K1.
• 3rd and 4th rows: Knit.
• 5th row: Inc 1 st in first st. Knit to end of row.
• Rep 3rd to 5th rows 8 times more. 12 sts.
• Next 2 rows: Cast on 14 sts. Knit to end of row. 40 sts after 2nd row. 

Work in garter st (knit every row) until work from marked row, measures 4½" [11.5 cm].

Put on double pointed needles.  Continue in stocking stitch for a further 3 (3½ - 4)" [7.5 (9 -10) cm].

Shape toe:

• 1st row: K3. *K2tog. K3. Rep from * to end of row.
• 2nd, 4th and 6th rows: Knit.
• 3rd row: K3. *K2tog. K3. Rep from * to end of row.
• 5th row: K3. *K2tog. K3. Rep from * to end of row.
• 7th row: *K2tog. K1. Rep from * to end of row.
• 8th row: (K2tog) 6 times. 6 sts.
• Break yarn, leaving a long end. Thread end through rem sts and draw up firmly. Fasten securely. 
• Sew edges of back triangle to cast on sts of sides to form heel.
• Sew a pompom to each slipper if desired.

Basic knitted slippers

I finished knitting a pair of slippers that I'll be donating to Be a Santa For a Senior Gift Drive.  

I used Soft Classic Solid Yarn by Loops & Threads and 5mm needles. I used this pattern and adapted it a bit since I was using a thinner and so I'd have less seams to sew up afterwards. They are quick and easy.

Sizes:
To fit lady’s shoe size 5/6 (7/8 - 9/10).

Finished Foot length
Small 5/6 - 9" (23 cm)
Medium 7/8 - 9½" (24 cm)
Large 9/10 - 10½" (26.5 cm)

Abbreviations:
Beg = Beginning
Inc = Increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of next stitch
K = Knit
K2tog = Knit next 2 stitches together
Rep = Repeat
Rem = Remaining
RS = Right side
St(s) = Stitch(es)
WS = Wrong side

Instructions:
Note: The instructions are written for smallest size. If changes are necessary for larger sizes the instructions will be written thus ( ).

• Beg at back, cast on 2 sts.
• 1st row: (RS). Knit.
• 2nd row: Inc 1 st in first st. K1.
• 3rd and 4th rows: Knit.
• 5th row: Inc 1 st in first st. Knit to end of row.
• Rep 3rd to 5th rows 8 times more. 12 sts.
• Next 2 rows: Cast on 14 sts. Knit to end of row. 40 sts after 2nd row. 

Work in garter st (knit every row) until work from marked row, measures 4½" [11.5 cm].

Put on double pointed needles.  Continue in stocking stitch for a further 3 (3½ - 4)" [7.5 (9 -10) cm].

Shape toe:

• 1st row: K3. *K2tog. K3. Rep from * to end of row.
• 2nd, 4th and 6th rows: Knit.
• 3rd row: K3. *K2tog. K3. Rep from * to end of row.
• 5th row: K3. *K2tog. K3. Rep from * to end of row.
• 7th row: *K2tog. K1. Rep from * to end of row.
• 8th row: (K2tog) 6 times. 6 sts.
• Break yarn, leaving a long end. Thread end through rem sts and draw up firmly. Fasten securely. 
• Sew edges of back triangle to cast on sts of sides to form heel.
• Sew a pompom to each slipper if desired.

KC's tree, Trinity Bellwoods Park, Toronto, ON

I visited KC's tree this afternoon at Trinity Bellwoods Park.

The leaves on her tree were just starting to change when I was there last Monday and I figured I didn't have much time left before they'd be gone.

Burrito Boyz, Etobicoke, ON (Queensway)

I was in Etobicoke and in the mood for a burrito so I headed to Burrito Boyz on the Queensway (just east of Kipling) ... it's a been a while since I've have a Burrito Boyz burrito.

I had a chicken burrito with refried beans, black beans, cheese, rice, tomatoes, salsa, corn and burrito sauce. Tasty and filling!

Book ~ "When in Rome" (2022) Sarah Adams

From Goodreads ~ Amelia Rose, known as Rae Rose to her adoring fans, is burned-out from years of maintaining her "princess of pop" image. Inspired by her favorite Audrey Hepburn film, "Roman Holiday", she drives off in the middle of the night for a break in Rome ... Rome, Kentucky, that is.

When Noah Walker finds Amelia on his front lawn in her broken-down car, he makes it clear he doesn't have the time or patience for celebrity problems. He's too busy running the pie shop his grandmother left him and reminding his nosy but lovable neighbors to mind their own damn business. Despite his better judgment, he lets her stay in his guest room - but only until her car is fixed - then she's on her own.

Then Noah starts to see a different side of Rae Rose - she's Amelia: kindhearted and goofy, yet lonely from years in the public eye. He can't help but get close to her. Soon she'll have to return to her glamorous life on tour, but until then, Noah will show Amelia all the charming small-town experiences she's been missing, and she'll help him open his heart to more.

Amelia can't resist falling for the cozy town and her grumpy tour guide but even Audrey had to leave Rome eventually.

Amelia, aka Rae Rose, is the "princess of pop" ... always on tour, recording albums, doing PR and more. She hasn't had a break in a long time and has had enough. Sad and lonely, she watches Roman Holiday and gets inspired by Audrey Hepburn to run away to Rome. The closest Rome to her, though, is Rome, KY, so she jumps in her beater of a car and takes off. Just as she arrives in Rome, her car breaks down ... it turns out in Noah's front yard. He begrudgingly invites her to spend the night in his spare room and when she discovers the next day that her room at the B&B is no longer available, Noah lets her stay in his house until her car can be fixed.

Rome is the perfect spot for Amelia as it's small and friendly. Though everyone knows who she is, no one makes a big fuss because she is a celebrity. What they do make a fuss about it that she's staying with Noah and the busybody town is hopeful he can find love again after a break-up a couple years ago by a big city woman. Noah and Amelia can't deny their attraction but know it doesn't make sense to pursue anything since she will be off touring for the  next nine months and the last thing Noah wants is to have his heart broken again.

This is the first book I've read by this author and it was cute and light, not something I usually read (where a couple falls in love within a week), but it was just what I needed as I've been reading bios and more heavier books lately. Not a surprise but it does have a happy ending. It's written in first person perspective from Amelia and Noah's points of view (the chapters are labeled). It's the first in the When in Rome series and I look forward to reading the next one (it apparently focuses on one of Noah's sisters). As a head's up, there is swearing.

Book ~ "The Woman in Me" (2023) Britney Spears

From Goodreads ~"The Woman in Me" is a brave and astonishingly moving story about freedom, fame, motherhood, survival, faith and hope.

In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice - her truth - was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. "The Woman in Me" reveals for the first time her incredible journey - and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history.

Written with remarkable candor and humor, Spears’s groundbreaking book illuminates the enduring power of music and love - and the importance of a woman telling her own story, on her own terms, at last.

I like readings and bios/autobios. I'm not a huge fan of Britney's but after all she's gone through in the last 20 years or so, I thought it would be an interesting read.

She starts by talking about where she came from and her grandparents, who definitely had issues and influenced how her parents were raised and why they are the way they are. She found fame early on and it's appalling how much people, especially her family, took advantage of her. She talks about her relationships and marriages and what went wrong, her children and the limitations of the conservatorship (which must have been brutal and I wonder if they were able to put such restrictions on her without just cause) that ended last year.

The book ends while she is still happily married to Sam, her third husband, so we don't know what happened with their break-up. And if you believe the news, her sons don't want to see her and are embarrassed by her Instagram account (I check it out occasionally).  She justifies being sexy on her Instagram account because she finally has control over her body, which is fine, but she's still a mom and should be taking her sons' feelings into consideration. Hopefully she finds the peace and happiness she is looking for.

The book is very high level. While I didn't want a lot of detail, more would have been nice at times as she glosses over many things. Though this is her life and her stories, it's definitely not her voice ... I'm guessing it was ghostwritten as it doesn't sound like the persona of her that out there. It's a quick read (I read it in less than a day). I was surprised there were zero pictures. As a head's up, there is swearing.

Book ~ "Dirty Thirty" (2023) Janet Evanovich

From Goodreads ~ Stephanie Plum, Trenton’s hardest working, most underappreciated bounty hunter, is offered a freelance assignment that seems simple enough. Local jeweler Martin Rabner wants her to locate his former security guard, Andy Manley (a.k.a. Nutsy), who he is convinced stole a fortune in diamonds out of his safe. Stephanie is also looking for another troubled man, Duncan Dugan, a fugitive from justice arrested for robbing the same jewelry store on the same day.

With her boyfriend Morelli away in Miami on police business, Stephanie is taking care of Bob, Morelli’s giant orange dog who will devour anything, from Stephanie’s stray donuts to the upholstery in her car. Morelli’s absence also means the inscrutable, irresistible security expert Ranger is front and center in Stephanie’s life when things inevitably go sideways. And he seems determined to stay there.

To complicate matters, her best friend Lula is convinced she is being stalked by a mythological demon hell-bent on relieving her of her wardrobe. An overnight stakeout with Stephanie’s mother and Grandma Mazur reveals three generations of women with nerves of steel and driving skills worthy of NASCAR champions.

As the body count rises and witnesses start to disappear, it won’t be easy for Stephanie to keep herself clean when everyone else is playing dirty. It’s a good thing Stephanie isn’t afraid of getting a little dirty, too.

Stephanie works for Vince, her bail bondsman cousin, and Lulu, a former 'ho, works with her. They have people they have to track down who didn't show up for their court date, including Duncan who was arrested for robbing a jewelry store and has disappeared. Coincidentally, Stephanie is hired by the owner of the jewelry store to find Andy, an ex-employee, who he is accusing of stealing more jewelry during the confusion of the first robbery. During this, Morelli, her longtime boyfriend who is a police officer, is out of town and she's taking care of Bob, his huge dog. So she has to depend on Ranger, her former colleague, who is more than happy to help her ... but is she willing to pay the price?

This is the 30th in the Stephanie Plum series and I've read them all. They are mindless familiar quick reads. As in previous books, Evanovich continues to follow her formula:

• Though dating long time boyfriend, Morelli, she is lusting after both Joe and Ranger ... check
• Lulu talks about food all the time and eating lots ... check
• Lulu gets mad when people insult her about her weight ... check
• Stephanie goes home to mooch meals from her parents ... check
• Ranger calls Stephanie "Babe" and just wants to have sex with her ... check
• Stephanie's car explodes or gets totalled ... check
• Lulu says "on account of" about a million times ... check

This book was okay.  I would have liked it better without Lulu thinking she is being tormented by an ogre, which was a ridiculous side story.  It's written in first person perspective from Stephanie's point of view.  Stephanie is still torn between Morelli and Ranger ... she feels that she loves both Morelli and Ranger and there appears to be the possibility of a resolution at the end of the book (a cliffhanger?). As a head's up, there is swearing.

High Park, Toronto, ON

It was a fairly warm day and I wanted to get outside for a walk. I headed to High Park this afternoon ... I lived near the park from 1996 to 2001 and had spent a lot of time walking through it. I don't get there as often as I'd like.

High Park is a municipal park in Toronto, Ontario. It spans 161 hectares (400 acres) and is a mixed recreational and natural park, with sporting facilities, cultural facilities, educational facilities, gardens, playgrounds and a zoo. One third of the park remains in a natural state, with a rare oak savannah ecology. 

High Park was opened to the public in 1876 and is based on a bequest of land from John George Howard to the City of Toronto. It is the largest park entirely within the city.

I took the Queen Street replacement bus and streetcar and got off at Colborne Lodge Drive. I headed towards Grenadier Pond, as I usually do, because I wanted to see how the leaves on the trees were changing around the pond ... and I wasn't disappointed. It was a lovely walk.

Basic chunky knitted slippers

I finished knitting a pair of slippers that I'll be donating to Be a Santa For a Senior Gift Drive.  I used a strand of purple and purplish variegated. I used this pattern and adapted it a bit so I'd have less seams to sew up afterwards. They are quick and easy.

Sizes:
To fit lady’s shoe size 5/6 (7/8 - 9/10).

Finished Foot length
Small 5/6 - 9" (23 cm)
Medium 7/8 - 9½" (24 cm)
Large 9/10 - 10½" (26.5 cm)

Abbreviations:
Beg = Beginning
Inc = Increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of next stitch
K = Knit
K2tog = Knit next 2 stitches together
Rep = Repeat
Rem = Remaining
RS = Right side
St(s) = Stitch(es)
WS = Wrong side

Instructions:
Note: The instructions are written for smallest size. If changes are necessary for larger sizes the instructions will be written thus ( ).

• Beg at back, cast on 2 sts.
• 1st row: (RS). Knit.
• 2nd row: Inc 1 st in first st. K1.
• 3rd and 4th rows: Knit.
• 5th row: Inc 1 st in first st. Knit to end of row.
• Rep 3rd to 5th rows 4 times more. 8 sts.
• Next 2 rows: Cast on 10 sts. Knit to end of row. 28 sts after 2nd row. 

Work in garter st (knit every row) until work from marked row, measures 4½" [11.5 cm].

Put on double pointed needles.  Continue in garter stitch (knit one row, purl the next, etc.) for a further 3 (3½ - 4)" [7.5 (9 -10) cm] ending with a WS row.

Shape toe:

• 1st row: K3. *K2tog. K3. Rep from * to end of row. 23 sts.
• 2nd and 4th rows: Purl.
• 3rd row: K3. *K2tog. K2. Rep from * to end of row. 18 sts.
• 5th row: *K2tog. K1. Rep from * to end of row. 12 sts.
• 6th row: (P2tog) 6 times. 6 sts.
• Break yarn, leaving a long end. Thread end through rem sts and draw up firmly. Fasten securely. 
• Sew edges of back triangle to cast on sts of sides to form heel.
• Sew a pompom to each slipper if desired.

Basic chunky knitted slippers

I finished knitting a pair of slippers that I'll be donating to Be a Santa For a Senior Gift Drive.  I used a strand of wine and white/grey. I used this pattern and adapted it a bit so I'd have less seams to sew up afterwards. They are quick and easy.

Sizes:
To fit lady’s shoe size 5/6 (7/8 - 9/10).

Finished Foot length
Small 5/6 - 9" (23 cm)
Medium 7/8 - 9½" (24 cm)
Large 9/10 - 10½" (26.5 cm)

Abbreviations:
Beg = Beginning
Inc = Increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of next stitch
K = Knit
K2tog = Knit next 2 stitches together
Rep = Repeat
Rem = Remaining
RS = Right side
St(s) = Stitch(es)
WS = Wrong side

Instructions:
Note: The instructions are written for smallest size. If changes are necessary for larger sizes the instructions will be written thus ( ).

• Beg at back, cast on 2 sts.
• 1st row: (RS). Knit.
• 2nd row: Inc 1 st in first st. K1.
• 3rd and 4th rows: Knit.
• 5th row: Inc 1 st in first st. Knit to end of row.
• Rep 3rd to 5th rows 4 times more. 8 sts.
• Next 2 rows: Cast on 10 sts. Knit to end of row. 28 sts after 2nd row. 

Work in garter st (knit every row) until work from marked row, measures 4½" [11.5 cm].

Put on double pointed needles.  Continue in garter stitch (knit one row, purl the next, etc.) for a further 3 (3½ - 4)" [7.5 (9 -10) cm] ending with a WS row.

Shape toe:

• 1st row: K3. *K2tog. K3. Rep from * to end of row. 23 sts.
• 2nd and 4th rows: Purl.
• 3rd row: K3. *K2tog. K2. Rep from * to end of row. 18 sts.
• 5th row: *K2tog. K1. Rep from * to end of row. 12 sts.
• 6th row: (P2tog) 6 times. 6 sts.
• Break yarn, leaving a long end. Thread end through rem sts and draw up firmly. Fasten securely. 
• Sew edges of back triangle to cast on sts of sides to form heel.
• Sew a pompom to each slipper if desired.

Book ~ "Being Henry: The Fonz ... and Beyond" (2023) Henry Winkler

From Goodreads ~ From Emmy-award winning actor, author, comedian, producer, and director Henry Winkler, a deeply thoughtful memoir of the lifelong effects of stardom and the struggle to become whole.

Henry Winkler, launched into prominence by his role as “The Fonz” in the beloved "Happy Days", has transcended the role that made him who he is. Brilliant, funny and widely-regarded as the nicest man in Hollywood (though he would be the first to tell you that it’s simply not the case, he’s really just grateful to be here), Henry shares in this achingly vulnerable memoir the disheartening truth of his childhood, the difficulties of a life with severe dyslexia, the pressures of a role that takes on a life of its own and the path forward once your wildest dream seems behind you.

Since the glorious era of "Happy Days" fame, Henry has endeared himself to a new generation with roles in such adored shows as "Arrested Development", "Parks and Recreation" and "Barry", where he’s revealed himself as an actor with immense depth and pathos, a departure from the period of his life when he was so distinctly typecast as The Fonz, he could hardly find work.

Filled with profound heart, charm, and self-deprecating humor, "Being Henry" is a memoir about so much more than a life in Hollywood and the curse of stardom. It is a meaningful testament to the power of sharing truth and kindness and of finding fulfillment within yourself.

I like reading bios/autobios and I thought Henry Winkler would have an interesting story to tell ... and he does.

Hard to believe that Winkler is in his late seventies! He was born to German parents who didn't show him any love or affection, something that has affected how he feels about himself and how he deals with others his whole life. He didn't do well in school and his parents called him stupid ... he discovered years later that he has dyslexia. When he wanted to be an actor rather than follow in his father's footsteps, he got no support from his parents until he was famous.

Winkler followed his dream and became an actor, finding success early on as Fonzie on Happy Days. Initially it was a show about Richie but the audience was drawn to Fonzie character and the show shifted its focus. While Winkler enjoyed the attention and money, he felt bad for the others in the cast because they weren't treated as well as he was. Once the show was over, he didn't want to be typecast as Fonzie and there were periods when he didn't work, which concerned him emotionally and financially. 

I liked this book and Winkler sounds like a nice fella. I liked the writing style (it was humorous at times) and I found his story interesting. I didn't realize how much he's done over the years ... I most recently saw him in Barry. Unlike in the past, he now embraces that he was Fonzie when it helps others (children with learning disabilities, for example).  As a head's up, there is swearing.

Mr. Souvlaki, Etobicoke, ON

I had lunch today at Mr. Souvlaki on North Queen Street ... it's been a while since I've been there.

I got my usual ... chicken souvlaki with rice, potatoes and tzatziki. It was soooo good ... hot and fresh. And there was enough that I took half home that I'll have for my supper this evening.

Coronation Park and Trillium Park and William G. Davis Trail, Toronto, ON

It's such a nice day and I felt like going to a long walk this afternoon so I headed out.

I heard there was a pumpkin patch photo opp in Liberty Village so checked it out.

I spent some time in Coronation Park ... the leaves on the trees are gorgeous!

Basic chunky knitted slippers

I finished knitting a pair of slippers that I'll be donating to Be a Santa For a Senior Gift Drive.  I used a strand of purple and white/grey. I used this pattern and adapted it a bit so I'd have less seams to sew up afterwards. They are quick and easy.

Sizes:
To fit lady’s shoe size 5/6 (7/8 - 9/10).

Finished Foot length
Small 5/6 - 9" (23 cm)
Medium 7/8 - 9½" (24 cm)
Large 9/10 - 10½" (26.5 cm)

Abbreviations:
Beg = Beginning
Inc = Increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of next stitch
K = Knit
K2tog = Knit next 2 stitches together
Rep = Repeat
Rem = Remaining
RS = Right side
St(s) = Stitch(es)
WS = Wrong side

Instructions:
Note: The instructions are written for smallest size. If changes are necessary for larger sizes the instructions will be written thus ( ).

• Beg at back, cast on 2 sts.
• 1st row: (RS). Knit.
• 2nd row: Inc 1 st in first st. K1.
• 3rd and 4th rows: Knit.
• 5th row: Inc 1 st in first st. Knit to end of row.
• Rep 3rd to 5th rows 4 times more. 8 sts.
• Next 2 rows: Cast on 10 sts. Knit to end of row. 28 sts after 2nd row. 

Work in garter st (knit every row) until work from marked row, measures 4½" [11.5 cm].

Put on double pointed needles.  Continue in garter stitch (knit one row, purl the next, etc.) for a further 3 (3½ - 4)" [7.5 (9 -10) cm] ending with a WS row.

Shape toe:

• 1st row: K3. *K2tog. K3. Rep from * to end of row. 23 sts.
• 2nd and 4th rows: Purl.
• 3rd row: K3. *K2tog. K2. Rep from * to end of row. 18 sts.
• 5th row: *K2tog. K1. Rep from * to end of row. 12 sts.
• 6th row: (P2tog) 6 times. 6 sts.
• Break yarn, leaving a long end. Thread end through rem sts and draw up firmly. Fasten securely. 
• Sew edges of back triangle to cast on sts of sides to form heel.
• Sew a pompom to each slipper if desired.