For the dog lovers!

Book ~ "The Drought" (2011) Steven Scaffardi

From Goodreads ~ Dan Hilles is a pretty regular kind of guy - regular job, regular bunch of mates, regular male aversion to shopping. But following his break-up with long-term girlfriend, Stacey, he finds himself single again. He's been out of the game for a while and is a little out of practice. Soon, the very irregular and increasingly worrying issue in Dan's life is the extended drought he finds himself suffering. And we're not talking the climate change, scorched earth, God I'm parched variety.

You've got to hand it to Dan though - it certainly isn't from a lack of trying. With stalwart mates Ollie, Jack and Rob on hand to lend their collective pearls of male wisdom and arrange the odd road trip, you'd think Dan's days of languishing in a sexual wilderness would be numbered. Even best friends can't help prevent the kind of surreal holes Dan just can't seem to help digging himself into. And with each failed attempt, his self-esteem plummets to the point where he wonders if 'little Dan' will ever work again.

Good job he has Kelly, his reliable and sympathetic colleague, to confide in. As a woman, she can perhaps shed some female light on why he's failing so miserably with the opposite sex, balancing out the testosterone-fuelled 'advice' from the lads. Surely Dan can't go wrong with Kelly teaching him the various intricacies of a woman's mind.

Steven Scaffardi's first novel will have every guy laughing out loud in recognition and every girl secretly worrying - is this how men really think? A new talent to watch out for on the 'lad-lit' scene.

When the book starts, it's September 13 and Dan has just gotten tossed out of a bar, where he was drowning his sorrows, by a female bartender.

Then Dan takes us back nine months earlier, to January 1, to fill us in on how he ended up in this predicament.   He and his girlfriend of three years, Stacey, had just broken up.  They had grown apart since they graduated from university last year ... she'd gotten nasty and clingy.

It's been a while since he's been single and his friends, Rob (the funny one), Jack (the cheating one) and Ollie (the big slow one), are more than happy to give him advice and get him back out there.  As the months go by, Dan isn't looking for a girlfriend, he just wants some action and this becomes their mission. We go on many dates with Dan, all ending in various kinds of disasters.  Poor Dan!

Dan has a sales job and he suspects his boss ("please call me Dick") has a crush on him.  What gets Dan  through the day plus giving him a woman's perspective is the platonic friendship he has with his colleague, Kelly.

I really enjoyed this book and liked the humorous writing style.  It is hilarious!  This is lad-lit (chick-lit for men) so it was interesting reading about a break-up from a male perspective.  The story is based in the London area and the author is English.  As such, there are phrases and expressions that are specific to being English and some I wasn't familiar with (but it wasn't hard to figure it out).  The language and actions are for a mature reader.

I hope Steven writes many more books like this because I'll be reading them!

East Coast Connected Cheer Event, John Labatt Room, Toronto, ON

Gord and I went to the November East Coast Connected Cheer event tonight ... it's the first one we'd been to.

Simply put, East Coast Connected will bring the best of Atlantic Canada to the rest of Canada and bring the best of that back to Atlantic Canada. Specifically, East Coast Connected will create a community hub and strengthen the bonds between Atlantic Canadians living in Toronto.

I'm originally from Nova Scotia.

It was held in the John Labatt Room (the pub for the Labatt employees who work at that site) on the second floor the Queen's Quay Terminal.  Labatt used to be a client of mine when I worked for another company and I did pension seminars in this room about ten years ago.  It was a lot more fun being there tonight!

Apparently Labatt had donated the room and the beer ... so all the money went to tonight's charity, Ward 5 Community Centre in the North end of Halifax.  Thanks, Labatt!

Lone Star Texas Grill, Hamilton, ON

Gord and I drove to Hamilton this afternoon and had an early supper with his son, Ken, at the Lone Star Texas Grill.

They started us off with yummy chips.

Gord ordered a Chicken Chimichanga and I got a burrito (minus the guacamole and sour cream).

Here is Gord's chimichanga.  He enjoyed it.

Here is my burrito ... it was good and really filling.  I just ate the burrito and rice and left the rest.

"Jekyll & Hyde", Ed Mirvish Theatre, Toronto, ON

Gord and I saw Jekyll & Hyde tonight at the Ed Mirvish Theatre.

American Idol star and Tony Award nominee Constantine Maroulis joins with Grammy Award nominee and R&B superstar Deborah Cox to inject new life into the classic tale of good and evil, Jekyll & Hyde.

After four thrilling, chilling years on Broadway and multiple world-wide tours, this dark and dangerous love story from Tony and Grammy Award nominee Frank Wildhorn and Oscar® and Grammy® winner Leslie Bricusse returns in a stunning new pre-Broadway production that includes all the classic songs (This is the Moment, A New Life, Someone Like You) that first grabbed audiences by the throat and transformed Jekyll & Hyde into a theatrical phenomenon.

I printed the tickets last month and put them in my purse this afternoon.  When we got to the restaurant for supper,  I discovered that the tickets weren't there.  Huh?

We didn't have time to go home and get them so I asked our hostess at the restaurant if it was possible to quickly use their computer and print them.  She said she'd check ... but never got back to us.  When we asked again, she said we couldn't.  I can see their point but it would have been nice to have told us.  In desperation, Gord went to the travel agency next door and asked, even offering to pay for their trouble.  All he got was blank stares.  When I asked him if they spoke English, he said he thought so.

So I went to the travel agency to ask.  We didn't have a lot of options so I wasn't taking no for an answer.  I too got four blank stares but pressed on.  Finally a fella said yes but it would cost $1 a page.  Sure!  So I logged onto my email account, printed the tickets and gave them $5 (it was worth it to us).  Yay!

The Toronto Star in their review yesterday gave this musical 1.5 stars out of 4.  So I wasn't expecting much.  After seeing it, I think the Toronto Star was being harsh ... I enjoyed it.   I thought Maroulis and Cox did an good job in their roles and were excellent singers.  I was buying Maroulis as Jekyll and Hyde, two totally different roles.

St. Louis Bar and Grill, Atrium on Bay, Toronto, ON

Before Gord and I saw Jekyll & Hyde, we had supper at St. Louis in the Atrium on Bay.

I love love love St. Louis' wings and have been to lots of their locations many many times ... and this is the worst St. Louis experience I've had.

We realized we didn't have our theatre tickets and didn't have time to go home and get them so I asked our hostess if it was possible to quickly use their computer and print them.  She said she'd check with the manager ... but never got back to us.  When we asked again, she said we couldn't.  I can see their point but it would have been nice to have told us rather than making us wait and wonder.  Then we had to figure something out quickly. 

Once we ordered, it took a long time to get our food.  Our server, Ben, apologized when he delivered our food to our table.

I had ordered my wings medium (as I usually do).  These were small, overdone and burnt.  Nasty!

Because I was hungry and we didn't have a lot of time, I ate them and didn't complain.

Gord ordered Cajun wings and enjoyed his.

But I won't be going back to this location again :(

November 19 update:  I received an apology email this morning from the general manager of this restaurant about my experience (they must read about it here or on Yelp).  They invited me and a guest back for a meal which I've never redeemed.

Book ~ "Fast Food Vindication" (2012) Lisa Tillinger Johansen

From FastFoodVindication.com ~ Written in a lively and informative manner, “Fast Food Vindication” is a realistic look at the industry, examining the thesis from a variety of viewpoints: nutritionally, socially and economically. The author, a former McDonald’s real estate executive, offers an insider’s view of a business that is much maligned but seldom understood.

The fast food industry has been criticized by best-selling books (“Fast Food Nation”), documentaries (“Super Size Me”), and countless television, newspaper and magazine news stories. The author acknowledges that fast food restaurants offer many poor nutritional choices, but by blaming only fast food for the “fattening of America,” critics may be doing more harm than good; they are ignoring a host of other factors such as larger portion sizes at sit-down restaurants, decreased physical activity levels, increased caloric intake from sodas and energy drinks and the content and serving sizes of foods prepared at home, to name a few.

Finally, the author utilizes her expertise as a Registered Dietitian to help the reader make better choices wherever they eat their meals, whether at home, sit-down establishments or fast food restaurants. Education is key, and “Fast Food Vindication” is both a nutritional roadmap and an antidote to the misconceptions about an industry that touches the lives of hundreds of millions of people around the world.

Like most, I have some pounds that I'd like to lose.  And like most, I do eat fast food (pizza is my favourite!) ... so I thought this would be an interesting book.

Unlike most books, the author isn't against fast food restaurants.  In fact, before she went back to school in her 40s to become a dietitian, she worked for McDonalds and still has lots of good things to say about them.

Fast food restaurants get such a bad wrap.  Her points about them are valid.  In the first place, you don't have to go to one ... YOU are choosing to go.  And when you do go to one, you don't have to eat crap ... there are healthier options to choose from.


This book covers a lot of areas.  The author discusses the hazards of being overweight, not eating healthy and not getting enough exercise.  She gives a brief history of how some of the larger fast food chains got started along with all the good these companies do (education to employees, giving back to their communities, helping the economy by being large employers, etc).  When she compares eat-in restaurants with fast food restaurants, surprisingly fast food restaurants come out ahead.  Why?  Because fast food servings are portioned but eat-in restaurants usually aren't.  Plus servings at eat-in restaurants are too large (but we are conditioned to clean off our plates).  Finally just because we cook and eat the majority of our meals at home doesn't mean we are eating more healthy.  The bottom line is that you have to take responsibility for what you put in your body.

It's an interesting book and it might change the way you view McDonalds, KFC, etc. and be more conscious of what you are eating whether you make it yourself or you eat out.

Trius Wine Club - November 2012

Gord and I have been members of the Trius Wine Club (formerly the Hillebrand Wine Club) for about ten years.  Our November box arrived today!

Every month, 2 bottles of our best wine will be delivered to your door along with Winemaker Craig McDonald’s tasting notes and Chef Frank Dodd’s recipes.

The cost is about $40 a month and it's only available in Ontario.

Here's what we got this month:

• Trius Cabernet Franc 2011 ($14.95) ~ The recipe that pairs with it is Icewine, Maple and Apple Brine for Pork Chops
• Trius Brut ($24.95) - The November box is my favourite because there is always a bottle of bubbly in it! ~ The recipe that pairs with it is Maple Pumpkin Soup

Glymm Bag - November

My November Glymm Bag arrived.


It came in a black make-up bag and here's what was inside ...

• Lys Parisien Professionnel Moisturizing Shampoo - 60ml sample = $2.88 (up to 14 uses)
• Lys Parisien Professionnel Moisturizing Balm - 60ml sample = $2.88 (up to 14 uses)
• Dirt Sugar Scrub - 0.5oz sample = $1.88 (up to 7 uses)
• The New Black nail polish - ?? size (up to 20 uses)
• The Beehive Scents - 0.7ml sample = $0.25 (up to 14 uses) 

April 19, 2013 update - Glymm announced they were shutting down.  Alas, I still had three months left in my subscription.   

Book ~ "Dog Trots Globe" (2011) Sheron Long

From Goodreads ~ In this fun read — Chula, a 9-year-old Sheltie, shares her dog’s eye view of France. She sniffs around the boulangeries, lavender fields, and big outdoor markets of Provence. In Paris, she trots across the Seine, stands on her hind legs in awe of the Eiffel Tower, and attends opening night at a gallery. Through more than 150 color photographs, four videos, and Chula’s unique perspective, you’ll get a delightful view of Paris and Provence.

In the videos (built into the enhanced eBook for iPad and online for all customers), you’ll visit markets of Provence, see sheep in the streets, admire the sparkling Eiffel Tower, and take a glorious walk with Chula through Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The book also includes a helpful Afterword with tips and suggestions for taking a dog to France.

I love dogs.  I love travelling.

This book is written by Chula Wula D'Auge  ... she even has her own Facebook page where you can find contests and free ebooks.

Chula, whose first name means "pretty" in Spanish, is a 9-year-old, 30-pound Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) with a true sense of adventure. Whether chasing squirrels in her backyard in Carmel Valley, California, or evicting feline squatters from her backyard in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Chula gives it her all. She's always ready to drop everything and go on a trip to town or across the globe. And she does it all with that lovely Sheltie smile. 

Book ~ "Heroes & Lovers" (2012) Wayne Zurl

From WayneZurlBooks ~ Sam Jenkins might say, “Falling in love is like catching a cold. It’s infectious and involuntary. Just don’t sneeze on any innocent people.”

Getting kidnapped and becoming infatuated with a married policeman never made TV reporter Rachel Williamson’s list of things to do before Christmas. But helping her friend, Sam Jenkins, with a fraud investigation would get her an exclusive story. Sam’s investigation put Rachel in the wrong place at the wrong time and her abduction by a mentally disturbed fan, ruined several days of her life.

When Jenkins learns Rachel has gone missing, he cancels holiday leaves, mobilizes the personnel at Prospect PD and enlists his friends from the FBI to help find her. During the early stages of the investigation, Sam develops several promising leads but as they begin to fizzle, his prime suspect drops off the planet and all the resources of the FBI aren’t helping.

After a lucky break and a little old-fashioned pressure on an informant produce an important clue, the chief leads his team deep into the Smoky Mountains to rescue his friend. But after Rachel is once again safe at home, he finds their problems are far from over.

Sam is a 60-year-old police chief in a small town in Tennessee.  In the past, he was in the army and a New York cop ... which he brings into action when he needs to.  He doesn't hesitate to rough someone up a bit to get the information he wants.  He's been married to Kate for almost forty years.

Rachel is younger than Sam, is a TV reporter, married to Boyd and mother of two sons.  Though Sam and Rachel love their spouses, there is an attraction between them that they both know is there and enjoy but they don't cross the line.

When Sam discovers that a garage in town is ripping off women who bring in their cars, he investigates and gets the proof.  He lets Rachel in on it so she can report on it.  But something goes wrong.  John, her cameraman, gets knocked out and Rachel gets kidnapped.  Was it the owner of the garage?  Or was it someone from one of the stories she had investigated in the past?  Because of their special connection, Sam is determine to find her.


I liked the writing style.  It is funny and sarcastic at times.  Given the storyline, though, the writing style didn't pull me in as a story like this usually does ... I found it less intense, probably given the locale and the fact the author actually lives there.  When the locals speak, it is written phonetically so you get a feel of how the conversation actually is.  Despite being a tough guy, Sam can be quite a charmer to the ladies.  There is some mature language.

Book ~ "Last of the Seals" (2012) Greg Messel

From Goodreads ~ Mystery, romance and baseball in 1957 San Francisco. Sam Slater is a lifetime minor league baseball player for the San Francisco Seals. The Seals have just one more season left as San Francisco is about to become a major league city. Sam has come to the end of his baseball career and is going to join the private detective agency of his best friend. 

When Sam's partner inadvertently sees something he shouldn't have, he is brutally murdered. Sam must go it alone and try to find out why. Along the way he is swept off of his feet by a beautiful, Elvis-obsessed TWA stewardess named Amelia Ryan. Sam and Amelia try to unravel the mystery together. On dark and foggy San Francisco nights, trouble is lurking just around the next corner.

When the New York Giants move to San Francisco, that spells the end of the San Francisco Seals (it was a real team who had been there more than fifty years).  Sam (a fictional character) is a pitcher.  Because his arm isn't what it used to be, he knows he won't get drafted by the Giants.  He joins the private detective agency of Jimmy, one of his best friends.  Unfortunately, Jimmy gets murdered, leaving Sam to run the agency alone. Around this time as his life is changing dramatically, he meets and falls in love Amelia, a TWA stewardess.

I like mysteries and it was interesting to read one that is set in 1957.  Such an innocent time ... so different from today.  Can you imagine no Internet or cell phones?!  No ipods ... you bought records (apparently Johnny Mathis and the Platters played the "dreamiest make-out" music).  Plus stewardesses had rules ... they couldn't be older than 30, be married or engaged, or weigh more than 135 pounds.

I enjoyed the writing style.  It was appropriate for its time period with its mention of dames, the clothing worn, manners, etc.  I liked the characters ... it was cute to experience the budding relationship of Sam and Amelia.  Though attracted to each other, they only "made out" and never the crossed the line ... so refreshing to not get the details we would have gotten had the book been set in today's time.  Scattered throughout the book were pictures from that time of the Seals' stadium, TWA stewardesses, San Francisco, etc.


There are pictures from that time period which help set the time period of the book.

This is the first in the Sam Slater series and I look forward to reading more (I've already read the second one in the series, Deadly Plunge.

Topbox - November 2012

I got my second Topbox today.

For only $12 a month, you will receive a Topbox with 4 carefully selected, indulgent, beauty products. Then test the products in the comfort of your own home.

It comes in a round box.

Here's what was in it ...

• Benefit They're Real Mascara - 3 gram sample ~ $10.24 value
• China Glaze nail polish (Jungle Queen) - full size 14ml ~ $10 - $12 value
• Pari Beauty Lip Paint (red) - 4ml sample ~ $10.18 value
• Vera Wang Lovestruck Floral Rush - 4ml sample ~ $6.32 value

I like this one better than the first one I'd received.

Book ~ "Deadly Plunge" (2012) Greg Messel

From Goodreads ~ Former baseball player and newly-minted private investigator, Sam Slater is hired to find out why a rich, politically-well connected San Francisco man, Arthur Bolender, suddenly ended his life by plunging off of the Golden Gate Bridge. All those who know Arthur say unequivocally that he did not commit suicide. However, Bolender's body was found floating in San Francisco Bay and his car was abandoned in the traffic lane of the bridge. 

Meanwhile, Sam's romance with glamorous TWA stewardess Amelia Ryan continues to blossom and deepen. She is now his secret fiancee. Amelia also eagerly helps Sam solve his cases when she's in town. 

The key to unraveling the mystery seems to be a strange old Victorian-style house. Bolender's widow, a rich, seductive socialite named Maggie Bolender, was not even aware that her husband owned the house. What is really going on behind the doors of the mysterious house? Finding the answers will plunge Sam and Amelia into a dangerous world of political intrigue in the exciting sequel to "Last of the Seals".

It's 1958 ... Sam has left his baseball career behind and is moving forward as a private detective.  He is hired by the widow of Arthur Bolender to figure out why Arthur went over the Golden Gate Bridge.  Was it suicide or murder?

As Sam investigates, he discovers Arthur was involved in a possible plot to kill the Russian leader when he visits San Francisco. It was an interesting story with lots of intrigue given the time period with the cold war.  It was such a different time than today ... everyone was suspicious of the Russians then.

Sam and Amelia are engaged but keeping it a secret except to family and friends so she can continue to work as a TWA stewardess (according to their rules, stewardesses must be under 30 and single).  She helps him with the case when she's in town.


Throughout the book are pictures from that era which is a nice touch.

I found Amelia a tad immature and annoying at times.  She's 25 and Sam is always telling her how much he loves her yet she "snarls" at him while demanding that he stay away from Maggie.  Granted Maggie does put the moves on Sam but he rebuffed her and gave Amelia no reason to be jealous.  Then Amelia snapped out of it immediately and is all loving.

I found the love scenes a bit odd.  Amelia is a good Catholic girl in the 1950s and is saving herself for marriage yet things do get hot with Sam ... and then she'll suddenly bounce up and fix her hair and lipstick or make breakfast like nothing happened.

This is the second in the Sam Slater series (Last of the Seals was the first).  You can read this as a stand alone ... there are lots of references to things that had happened in the first book so you aren't lost and wondering what's going on.

Remembrance Day Service, Fort York, Toronto, ON

Gord and I went to Fort York this morning to watch the Remembrance Day service (we went last year too).

All soldiers of the Toronto Garrison who fell in the War of 1812, the Rebellion Crises, the Crimean War, the Northwest Rebellion, the South African (Boer) War; the two World Wars, and recent conflicts around the globe will be remembered and honoured at one of this city’s most evocative Remembrance Day services at the Strachan Avenue Military Cemetery on Garrison Road. 

There is a larger service downtown but we like this one because it's held in our 'hood, we are fans of Fort York and it's smaller/more intimate.

It was held in the Military Burial Ground.

A contrast of a soldier of today and yesterday.

Remembrance Day

On Remembrance Day 1999, singer Terry Kelly was in a drugstore in Dartmouth, NS.

At 10:55am, an announcement came over the store's PA asking customers who would still be on the premises at 11:00am to give two minutes of silence in respect to the veterans who have sacrificed so much for us.

Terry was impressed with the store's leadership role in adopting the Legion's "two minutes of silence" initiative. He felt that the store's contribution of educating the public to the importance of remembering was commendable.

When 11:00 arrived, an announcement was again made asking for the "two minutes of silence" to commence. All customers, with the exception of a man who was accompanied by his young child, showed their respect.

Terry's anger towards the father for trying to engage the store's clerk in conversation and for setting a bad example for his child was later channeled into "A Pittance of Time".

Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto, ON

Gord and I went to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair this afternoon.

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, colloquially called The Royal, is an annual fall fair in Toronto, Ontario, which takes place over two weeks in November. Inaugurated in 1922 and originally housed in the Coliseum on the grounds of Exhibition Place, the event has expanded to also take up the Direct Energy National Trade Centre and remains an important exhibit for livestock breeders. Elizabeth II, as Queen of Canada, is the fair's royal patron. 

There were lots of stalls in the shopping area with mostly horse-related products to choose from.   We checked it out but didn't buy anything.

Look at all those bees!

Want some award winning cheese?

We checked out the butter sculptures ... yes, butter sculptures.

Book ~ "Powerful Phrases for Effective Customer Service" (2012) Renee Evenson

From Goodreads ~ Let’s face it, dealing with customers isn’t easy. They aren’t always right—or even pleasant—but knowing the right words to use can make all the difference.

Powerful Phrases for Effective Customer Service shares over 700 phrases and scripts that have been proven time and again to defuse even the most difficult interactions. Covering 30 challenging customer behaviors and 20 tough employee-caused situations, this indispensible reference makes it easy for readers to assess the circumstances, find the appropriate response, and confidently deliver satisfaction to every customer. In addition, readers will learn how to incorporate language into their daily routine that communicates welcome, courtesy, rapport, enthusiasm, assurance, regret, empathy, and appreciation. Every chapter includes helpful Do This! sample scenarios that bring the phrases to life as well as Why This Works sections that provide detailed explanations.

Practical and insightful, Powerful Phrases for Effective Customer Service ensures that employees will never again be at a loss for words when dealing with customers.

Regardless of what your job is, we all need customer service skills and this is a good book to help in any situation.

It starts with providing communicating powerful phrases and actions that enhance these powerful phrases. Then there are lots of examples such as how to deal with agitated customers, impulsive customers, overly friendly customers and more (they are listed alphabetical for quick reference).  Each example has a description of the customer, identifying the behavior, a role play of what the employe and customer might say, why it works and applying the approach.  The same is done with challenging employee situations.

I find that customer service is lacking today.  Is anyone being trained or monitored anymore?  When I encounter poor customer service, I wish I had a copy of this book to give to them.

My pet peeve is when I thank someone for their service and they say, "No problem" rather than "You're welcome".  I feel like asking why there would have been a problem.  What's your pet peeve with customer service?

I  received a copy of this book at no charge in exchange for my honest review.

Back to the present

Two weeks ago I was whining about how the clocks in our office had been broken for a while.

They had stopped and then when "fixed" were eight hours fast or four hours slow (same difference).

This week I was pleasantly surprised to look and discover they were fixed ... yay!

BTW, I hadn't changed the time on my camera with daylight savings time on Sunday ... hence the hour difference.

Bâton Rouge Steakhouse & Bar, Montreal, QC

I have a couple meetings in Montreal tomorrow so flew in this morning.

I'm tired and didn't feel like going too far for supper so went to Bâton Rouge, which was nearby.

I ordered one of my favourite meals at Bâton Rouge ... Chicken Tenders.  I got them with garlic mashed potatoes (there was also bacon in them).