Trius wine club - January 2017

Our January Trius wine club box arrived today.

Gord and I have been members of the Trius Wine Club for almost fifteen years.

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

The cost is $46 a month and it's only available in Ontario.

Here is the newsletter ...

 Here is what we received ...

• Trius Merlot (2014) - $14.95 - the recipe included it's paired with is Vegeterian Chili
• Trius Showcase Vidal Icewine (2015) - $54.10 - the recipe included it's paired with is Apple Upside Down Cake

Book ~ "The River at Night" (2017) Erica Ferencik

From Goodreads ~ Winifred Allen needs a vacation.

Stifled by a soul-crushing job, devastated by the death of her beloved brother, and lonely after the end of a fifteen-year marriage, Wini is feeling vulnerable. So when her three best friends insist on a high-octane getaway for their annual girls’ trip, she signs on, despite her misgivings.

What starts out as an invigorating hiking and rafting excursion in the remote Allagash Wilderness soon becomes an all-too-real nightmare: A freak accident leaves the women stranded, separating them from their raft and everything they need to survive. When night descends, a fire on the mountainside lures them to a ramshackle camp that appears to be their lifeline. But as Wini and her friends grasp the true intent of their supposed saviors, long buried secrets emerge and lifelong allegiances are put to the test. To survive, Wini must reach beyond the world she knows to harness an inner strength she never knew she possessed.

With intimately observed characters, visceral prose, and pacing as ruthless as the river itself, The River at Night is a dark exploration of creatures - both friend and foe - that you won’t soon forget.

Wini is in her mid-thirties and she and her three best friends get together every year for a girls' trip.  This year, Pia is pushing for a hiking/white water rafting trip in rural Maine.  This is not something Wini wants to do as it's way out of her comfort zone but she's convinced to go for it.  She's not crazy about her job, her brother has recently died and her ex-husband is dating one of his students.

The four set off and are led by Rory, a young trailsman with a outdoor adventure company.  Along the way, things don't go as planned and tragedy strikes and they lose their raft and all their belongings.  Left to their own devices, they have to figure out how to get back to civilization.  They come across a campsite in the middle of the woods with a mother and son who they hope will help them but turn out to be very strange.

This is the first book I've read by this author and I thought it was okay.  It is written in first person perspective in Wini's voice.  As a head's up, there is swearing (lots of F-bombs dropped).

I wasn't really crazy about the characters and couldn't find myself relating to or cheering for them.  I found Wini to be pretty wimpy and a pushover in the beginning ... she seems scared and nervous about everything.  I guess the point of the story is to show us her growth.  Pia was unlikable ... very pushy and selfish.  Sandra was a cancer-survivor and married to husband number three.  Rachel was a recovering alcoholic who was an ER nurse.  With all the clashing and bickering before and during the trip, I don't know how these women are friends, especially with Pia.  I found the mother and son they found at the campsite and their situation too bizarre and unbelievable.

It did make me never to want to go on a wilderness adventure in the middle of nowhere!

Toronto Rock 13, Saskatchewan Rush 11

Gord and I are season ticket holders for the Toronto Rock lacrosse team games ... the Rock is a professional lacrosse franchise in the National Lacrosse League (NLL).  This is our fifth year going to the games and our fourth year having seasons tickets.

They were playing the Saskatchewan Rush tonight in their home opener of the 2017 season (they won their first away game).

We got there early enough to watch the Rock warm up.

Scotty Newlands sang the national anthem.

Book ~ "Mount Pleasant Cemetery: An Illustrated Guide" (1999) Mike Filey

From Goodreads ~ Established in 1876, Mount Pleasant Cemetery has a rich and textured history. It is the keeper of thousands of stories, each of which has contributed to the history of our city, province, and country.

Many of Canada's most beloved figures rest there - William Lyon Mackenzie King, Foster Hewitt, Glenn Gould, and Timothy Eaton are just a few. Other, less known historical figures are buried there also - the first Canadian soldier killed in First World War and victims of the 1949 Noronic disaster.

Along with a fascinating account of the cemetery's history, this illustrated guide includes descriptions of the remarkable monuments and the beautiful horticultural features. Accompanying maps detailing their locations make this book a perfect companion for a walking tour through the grounds. 

Mount Pleasant Cemetery is here in Toronto near where I work.  In the early 19th century, the only authorized cemeteries within the city of Toronto (then known as York) were limited to the members of either the Roman Catholic Church or the Church of England. Deceased citizens who didn't belong to either of these Christian denominations had no choice but to find burial arrangements outside of the city.

In 1873, a new cemetery available to all citizens was conceived. Originally a 200-acre farm on the far outskirts of Toronto (it's now in the centre of the city), Mount Pleasant Cemetery opened November 1876.  It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2000.

The book begins with the early history of the cemetery, followed by chapters about the monuments and their histories and the trees and shrubs.  What follows are almost 300 stories about some of the people who are buried there (it is the final resting place of more than 168,000 people).  They range from the famous to the non-famous ... veterans, survivors of the Titanic, medical personalities, entertainers (Mary Pickford's father is buried there), businessmen, politicians, sports personalities, etc.  The stories are bite-sized with info about where the person was born, what they did and where they died.  It's a handy guide if you are touring the cemetery.

Though there are pictures of some of the people buried there, it would have been nice to have some pictures of their monuments, gravestones, etc.

Mike Filey had a column in the Toronto Sun for about 30 years and I read it for many years (I like learning about the history of Toronto).  I've read a lot of his books about the history of Toronto and have enjoyed them.

Book ~ "My Not So Perfect Life" (2017) Sophie Kinsella

From Goodreads ~ Katie Brenner has the perfect life: a flat in London, a glamorous job, and a super-cool Instagram feed.

Ok, so the real truth is that she rents a tiny room with no space for a wardrobe, has a hideous commute to a lowly admin job and the life she shares on Instagram isn’t really hers.

But one day her dreams are bound to come true, aren’t they?

Until her not-so perfect life comes crashing down when her mega-successful boss Demeter gives her the sack. All Katie’s hopes are shattered. She has to move home to Somerset, where she helps her dad with his new glamping business.

Then Demeter and her family book in for a holiday and Katie sees her chance. But should she get revenge on the woman who ruined her dreams? Or try to get her job back? Does Demeter - the woman with everything - have such an idyllic life herself? Maybe they have more in common than it seems.

And what’s wrong with not-so-perfect, anyway? 

Katie grew up on a farm but her dream was to work in London, have a great job and fabulous friends.  She does indeed move to London and becomes "Cat", gets a low paying entry level job, shares an apartment with two odd strangers and can't afford to have a glamourous life.  Just when things couldn't get any worse, her boss, Demeter, fires her.  Unable to find another job, she heads back home to the farm and helps her parents start a glamping business until something else comes along.

The business is a success and and Katie is shocked to discover that Demeter and her family are vacationing at their glampground.  Demeter doesn't recognize Katie so she takes this opportunity to get revenge.  But Katie discovers the real Demeter and she realizes the Demeter doesn't have it all after all.

Though I've read a lot of Kinsella's books, it's been a couple years since I read one.  I've been reading a lot of heavy murder mysteries lately and was looking for something light ... and this did the trick.  I liked the author's writing style and found the storyline predictable but fun.  Her father and stepmother were caring and humorous.  It's written in first person perspective in Katie's voice.  As a head's up, there is swearing and adult activity.

Ipsy Glam Bag - January 2017

My January Ipsy Glam Bag arrived today ... the theme is carpe p.m.

• 4 to 5 beauty products in a collectible makeup bag 
• Monthly videos showing you how to get the Look 
• Win free products in contests and giveaways

Subscriptions are $10US a month or $110US for a year.  Shipping is free in the U.S. and $4.95US per month to Canada.  It works out to $226.36CN for the year ($18.86CN a month).

Here's what I received ...

• Make-up bag
• Pacifica BLUSHIOUS in Wildrose - $12 value
• NOTE Fragrances Pink Peony Eau de Parfum - 5ml - $14.80 value - I wasn't crazy about the scent :(
• Briogeo Rosarco Blow Dry Perfection Heat Protectant Crème - 0.75oz - $4 value
• Naked Cosmetics Mica Pigment in Desert Sunset #02 - $14.99 value
• Smashbox Cosmetics Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 - 0.25oz - $9.75 value

Total value: $55.54US (without the make-up bag)

Book ~ "The Second Wife" (2011) Brenda Chapman

From Goodreads ~  Gwen Lake is a forty-five-year-old police officer with a desk job, an ex-husband and a future not even close to the American dream. 

A year after her divorce, and more out of boredom and curiosity than anything else, she agrees to a meeting with her ex's new wife. She has no idea that the encounter will lead to murder. And she has decidedly mixed emotions when her ex-husband is arrested for the crime. 

Instead of accepting the lead detective's advice to book a Club Med vacation and leave the investigation to the professionals, Gwen decides to work the case on her own. Her life is about to get a lot less predictable and a lot more dangerous.

Gwen Lake is a cop but the chief of police has her in a desk job because she has a great memory for numbers and information.  She's in her mid-forties and her husband, Brian, recently left her for someone else.  When Marjory, the new wife, wants to meet her for a coffee, Gwen agrees out of curiosity.  Marjory tells Gwen that she is scared of Brian, which Gwen scoffs at since he is a mild-mannered shoe salesman.  Marjory then turns up dead and Brian is arrested for her murder.  Gwen is the only one who believes in his innocence and it's up to her to prove it.

I've read a few books by this author and I liked this one.  It's a quick read at less than 100 pages and moves at a quick pace.  I like this author's writing style.  It is written in first person perspective in Gwen's voice.  There is some swearing.

Book ~ "Shallow End" (2017) Brenda Chapman

From Goodreads ~ Teacher, mother, wife and convicted child molester Jane Thompson makes parole after losing everything - her husband, her children, her career and her reputation. But just as she begins trying to build a life out of the public eye, the bludgeoned body of the student she abused four years earlier is found on the shores of Lake Ontario. Sergeant Rouleau assigns officers Stonechild and Gundersund to head up the murder investigation and Jane quickly becomes their prime suspect. 

Meanwhile, Stonechild’s niece, Dawn, has been skipping school and running into trouble in foster care. Gundersund is more trapped than ever in his failing marriage and Rouleau struggles to come to terms with the death of his ex-wife. But all their problems take a back seat as the investigation picks up steam. Stonechild and Gundersund wade through buried secrets to find the truth, which will take them on a twisted journey to the heart of cruelty. The question is - who will come out alive on the other side?

When Jane Thompson was sent to prison for having relations with one of her twelve-year-old students, despite declaring her innocence, she lost everything ... her job, her husband, her children and her freedom.  She is now out on parole and the boy, now seventeen, is found murdered.  His parents demand that Jane be arrested since she is the obvious choice.  Rouleau and his team are assigned the investigation.  Jane's ex-husband has custody of their children and refuses to let Jane see them until this matter is settled.

In the meantime, Rouleau is still grieving the passing of his beloved ex-wife and taking care of his elderly father.  After having her niece removed from her guardianship and placed in a foster home, Kala Stonechild is trying to get on with her life without Dawn.  Stonechild was also brought up in the foster system and wants Dawn to have some normalcy and stability.  Paul Gundersund has accepted that his marriage is over and wants to move on but his wife is determined to win him back.

This is the fifth book I've read by this author (I read the others in last couple of weeks) and I enjoyed it.  It's always nice to read a book that is happening in Ontario (these characters live in Kingston).  I liked the writing style and found the storylines interesting.  It is written in third person perspective with the focus on the various characters wherever the action was happening.  Though it is the fourth (and latest) in the Stonechild and Rouleau series, it works as a stand alone and you don't need to have read the first one to read this one (there is enough background given).  As a head's up, there is swearing.

I look forward to reading future books in this series.

Book ~ "My Sister's Keeper" (2013) Brenda Chapman

From Goodreads ~ Anna Sweet, ex-cop turned waitress, is bar-hopping her way across the U.S.A. But a middle-of-the-night phone call to Anna's hotel room in Kermit, Texas, is about to end her life on the road. The brakes on her sister Cheri's car have failed, and she's lying banged up in an Ottawa hospital. Cheri warns that unless Anna comes right home, she will be dead by Christmas. 

Anna has more than enough reason to stay away from her hometown. Yet her sister's terror is a calling card she cannot ignore. Is Cheri's life really in danger? Or is this another bid for attention? A doubting Anna Sweet is about to find out.

Anna was a cop in Ottawa until she was forced to kill someone in the line of duty.  Though she was found not guilty of any wrong doing, she quit the force and started mindlessly traveling around the States picking up waitressing jobs.

Anna gets a call from her dad that her sister, Cheri, was involved in a car accident and needs to speak with her.  Cheri is recently separated from her husband and fears he is trying to kill her.  So Anna heads home to Ottawa to unofficially investigate what's going on.

This is the fourth book I've read by this author and I liked it.  It's a quick read at less than 100 pages.  It's set in the author's hometown of Ottawa ... it's always fun to read a book set in Ontario and Canada.  I like this author's writing style.  It is written in first person perspective in Anna's voice.

It is the first in the Anna Sweet series and I look forward to reading the others.

Books ~ "Bath Knits: 30 Projects Made to Pamper" (2017) Mary Beth Temple

From Goodreads ~ Pamper yourself with knitted bathroom style 

Create a spa-like feel in your own bath with luxurious knitted towels and accessories. These designs offer a clean, modern look in contemporary colors and fibers. Most patterns are easy to intermediate in skill level and are quick knits that will have your bathroom looking its best in no time. 

Looking to knit the perfect gift? These items make thoughtful housewarming or hostess gifts, and are also great for recent grads and even new moms. Features washcloths and mitts - even a robe, slippers, and pedicure socks! Room decor designs include storage baskets, bath mats, wall hangings, and more 30 original knitting patterns and instructions.

I enjoy knitting and the last few years I've been making dish cloths because they are quick to make.  This book caught my eye because I figured the end results would be also be quick to do and something other than a dish cloth.

The book is divided into sections based on colour and style:

• The Naturals
• Flower Garden
• Oceantide
• Sunny Days
• Bright and Cheery

Within each section, there are towels, washcloths, bath mitts, bathmats and even a bathrobe with a matching headband and slipper socks!  All knitters, beginners to advanced, will find some fun projects!

There are lots of colour pictures and the instructions seem clear.

Lots of inspiration for things to knit!

Book ~ "Tumbled Graves" (2016) Brenda Chapman

From Goodreads ~ A missing child. A dead mother. Kala Stonechild is about to discover what one betrayal can lead to.

When Adele Delaney and her daughter, Violet, go missing, Jacques Rouleau is called upon to investigate. However, struggling with the impending death of his ill ex-wife, he sends Kala Stonechild and Paul Gundersund instead. Stonechild has been trying to adapt to life as her young cousin Dawn’s guardian, and even though Gundersund has offered support, Stonechild is at risk of losing custody.

On the second day of the investigation, Adele’s body turns up, dumped on the shoulder of the highway with no sign of her daughter. Her husband, Ivo, denies any involvement with either his wife’s death of their child’s disappearance but not everyone is convinced. As the investigation unfolds, Stonechild learns that Adele was once entangled with a Montreal biker gang and heads to Quebec to investigate further.

As Stonechild and Gundersund juggle personal troubles and a complicated dangerous case, they find themselves piecing together a chain of disasters leading back to a single betrayal.

Adele and her young daughter,Violet, from Kingston, ON, are missing and officers Kala Stonechild and Paul Gundersund are assigned the case.  When Adele's body is found on the highway and it appears that Violet has drown, everyone assumes it was Ivo, the woman's husband, who killed his family.  Stonechild and Gundersund, though, head to Montreal to check into Adele's past and discover she used to work in a strip bar and was involved with some questionable people.

In the meantime, Stonechild has temporary guardianship of her cousin's daughter, Dawn, whose parents are now in prison.  Stonechild is used to just having to take care of herself but now wants to make sure that Dawn doesn't have the same upbringing she had in foster care.

Jacques Rouleau has some time off to be with his ex-wife, who he still loves, who is dying.  Gundersund is dealing with his wife who had left him for someone else but has made it clear she wants him back.

This is the third book I've read by this author (I read two last week) and I enjoyed it.  It's always nice to read a book that is happening in Ontario (and Canada).  I liked the writing style and found the storylines interesting.  It is written in third person perspective with the focus on the various characters wherever the action was happening.  Though it is the third in the Stonechild and Rouleau series, it works as a stand alone and you don't need to have read the first one to read this one (there is enough background given).  As a head's up, there is swearing.

I look forward to reading the others in the series.

Highlands Nordic, Duntroon, ON

After a fun day last Sunday snowshoeing with Trakkers (my friend, Trish has been a member for a few years and we went as her guests), Gord and I joined the club this week.

Trakkers is a volunteer, non-profit, recreational ski club dedicated to the support and enjoyment of cross-country skiing and has been providing Sunday ski trips in luxury highway coaches to southern Ontario ski resorts for over 30 years. 

Trakkers welcomes members of all ages and all skill levels, from novice to the expert. Trakkers is the club for you if you want to learn to ski or improve your skills.

Today's trip was to Highlands Nordic in Duntroon, about two hours northwest of Toronto.  We caught one of two buses at 9am and were back in Toronto about 6pm.  We were glad we weren't doing the driving because the roads were snowy and icy.

When we got to Highlands Nordic, I checked the temperature ... brrrr!

Gord and I got ready and headed off to the snowshoe trails.

Gord

Me all bundled up!

We decided to do the Skyway Trail (yellow - 2.5 km) and then hook onto the Log Roll Trail (orange - 1km) and then hook back onto the Skyway Trail.  We were gone for two hours and, according to my activity tracker, I went 4.5km.

It was really cold starting off but as we got into the trail, we warmed up ... we were taking layers off.  When we started climbing uphill on the Log Roll Trail, we were more open and it got really cold again ... so we put layers back on.  The trails were fun because they weren't groomed.  There was a lot of snow and it was heavy ... it was snowing at times.

Book ~ "Super Smoothies: 61 Recipes and 12 Detox Plans" (2017) Fern Green

From Goodreads ~ A fresh collection of more than 60 illustrated recipes for delicious, healthful blended beverages with targeted detox plans and step-by-step instructions for creating custom smoothies. 

This easy-to-follow and informative guide pares smoothie-making back to its essence. The recipes are presented in highly visual spreads, with each ingredient photographed for at-a-glance instruction. Suggested 3- and 5-day detox plans target specific concerns, such as weight loss, metabolism, digestion and clear skin, and the smoothies are optimized to enhance and rejuvenate well-being, with health benefits noted for each recipe. 

Using fresh fruits and vegetables, "Super Smoothies" provides the perfect introduction for novice smoothie makers, as well as new inspiration for experienced blenders.

Gord and I have been starting our mornings with smoothies for many years.  My smoothie includes protein powder, water (Gord uses grapefruit juice instead), fish oil (Gord puts Chia seeds in his instead), Greens+ Multi+ powder, frozen berries (usually raspberries or blueberries) and frozen wheatgrass juice.  I find it's a filling healthy way to start my day.

Because we've been using the same ingredients to make our smoothies, I thought it would be interesting to get other ideas.

This book starts with an introduction to smoothie detoxes, the equipment you need and how to design your own detox plan.  Top fruits and veggies for a detox are listed for skin health, stress busting, blood cleansing, better digestion and energy boosting ... which inspired me to buy more apples than usual, fresh kale and grapefruit today.

The detox plans are three to five days and there are six smoothies per day.  The plans are:

1. Metabolism
2. Clean skin
3. Energy booster
4. Digestion
5. Stress buster
6. Purifying
7. Probiotic
8. Alkalizing
9. Summer booster
10. Immunity booster
11. Weight loss booster
12. January detox

Each chapter starts with information about what the detox is (for example, metabolism), what to do, why and when.

Each smoothie is clearly laid out with the list of ingredients, including a picture, how to make it, why it is so beneficial, what it does (for example, blood regulating, anti-inflammatory and hydrating) and a picture of what it will look like.

It's an inspiring colourful book to make smoothies using fairly normal ingredients for different reasons and I look forward to trying some.

Book ~ "Butterfly Kills" (2015) Brenda Chapman

From Goodreads ~ Two separate crimes, two tragic outcomes.

Jacques Rouleau has moved to Kingston to look after his father and take up the position of head of the town’s Criminal Investigations Division. One hot week in late September, university student Leah Sampson is murdered in her apartment. In another corner of the city, Della Munroe is raped by her husband. At first the crimes appear unrelated but as Sergeant Rouleau and his new team of officers dig into the women’s pasts, they discover unsettling coincidences. When Kala Stonechild, one of Rouleau’s former officers from Ottawa, suddenly appears in Kingston, Rouleau enlists her to help.

Stonechild isn’t sure if she wants to stay in Kingston but agrees to help Rouleau in the short term. While she struggles with trying to decide if she can make a life in this new town, a ghost from her past starts to haunt her.

As the detectives delve deeper into the cases, it seems more questions pop up than answers. Who murdered Leah Sampson? And why does Della Monroe’s name keep showing up in the murder investigation? Both women were hiding secrets that have unleashed a string of violence. Stonechild and Rouleau race to discover the truth before the violence rips more families apart.

Jacques Rouleau recently moved from Ottawa to be near his elderly father to head up Kingston's Criminal Investigations Division.  He has a position open on his team and is hoping fellow police officer Kala Stonechild, who had worked for him in Ottawa, will take the job.  She has gone off the grid for the last four months (she has gone home to Northern Ontario).

Leah is a university student and works part-time on an anonymous helpline.  She is found murdered in her apartment ... did it have something to do with her job at the helpline or because of her supposed married lover?  On the same night, Della has been raped by her husband and wants to press charges.  Kala arrives in town around this time and agrees to help Jacques and his team with these two cases, while she decides if she wants to stay on or not.

Dalal and Meeza are the young daughters of Indian immigrants.  Despite now living in Canada, their parents are staying true to their Indian background and ways.  This causes conflict in the family as Dalal yearns to have the similar freer life of her friends at school.

This is the second book I've read by this author (I read the first one earlier this week) and I enjoyed it.  It's always nice to read a book that is happening in Ontario and Canada.  I liked the writing style and found the storylines interesting.  It is written in third person perspective with the focus on the various characters wherever the action was happening.  Though it is the second in the Stonechild and Rouleau series, it works as a stand alone and you don't need to have read the first one to read this one (there is enough background given).  As a head's up, there is swearing.

I liked the main characters, Kala and Jacques.  Kala is used to working alone but is reluctantly enjoying working with her partner, Gundersund.  We get to know more about Jacques through his interactions with his dad.

I look forward to reading the others in the series.

Burrito Boyz, Etobicoke, ON (Queensway)

I love burritos and my favourite place to go is Burrito Boyz.

I was in Etobicoke today so stopped in at their Queensway location for lunch ... I'd never been there before.  I got there just before the noon rush.

I ate in their dining room

I ordered my usual ... a large chicken burrito and a pop.

Book ~ "Knit Blankets and Throws with Mademoiselle Sophie" (2017) Mademoiselle Sophie

From Goodreads ~ Mlle. Sophie's designs have a timeless vibe that works well in any decor; just change the yarn color to suit your favorite palette. 

The 18 fun-to-knit patterns are suitable for beginners but with just enough detail to keep the knitting interesting. Knit for your family room, nursery, bedroom, and more. A stylish throw makes any room more welcoming. A blanket makes a great gift, too. Send off a recent grad to college with a throw in school colors. Welcome a baby with fluffy softness. Warm a home with a new elegant afghan. 

This is a book that you will turn to for years to come. 

I am a knitter and I have been getting the urge to knit lately but I don't know what.  I've made a few afghans over the years and looked to this book for inspiration.

The book starts with an introduction about the materials needed.  Then there are knitting lessons with diagrams on casting on and binding off stitches, knitting and purling, stockinette and garter stitches, ribbing, increasing and decreasing stitches, etc.

There are patterns for 18 throws and blankets ... some are ideal for a beginner while others are more complicated for the more experienced knitters (they are coded according to their complexity).  The throws and blankets are lovely and presented with full colour pictures and have names like Color Block, Checkerboard, Tweed, Sweet Ballerina and Neon Cat.

It's a very nice book!

Book ~ "Cold Mourning" (2014) Brenda Chapman

From Goodreads ~ When murder stalks a family over Christmas, Kala Stonechild trusts her intuition to get results.

It’s a week before Christmas when wealthy businessman Tom Underwood disappears into thin air - with more than enough people wanting him dead.

New police recruit Kala Stonechild, who has left her northern Ontario detachment to join a specialized Ottawa crime unit, is tasked with returning Underwood home in time for the holidays. Stonechild, who is from a First Nations reserve, is a lone wolf who is used to surviving on her wits. Her new boss, Detective Jacques Rouleau, has his hands full controlling her, his team and an investigation that keeps threatening to go off track.

Old betrayals and complicated family relationships brutally collide when love turns to hate and murder stalks a family. 

Kala Stonechild is a police officer working in Northern Ontario.  To put some space between her and an ex-boyfriend, she takes a job in a specialized crime unit in Ottawa.  On her first day, she becomes part of the team that is investigating the disappearance of a local businessman, Tom Underwood.  When he is found dead, left to grieve are his young wife, his two adult children, his son-in-law, his ex-wife and his business partner.  Is one of them a murderer or was it random?

Kala's boss, Jacques Rouleau, knows his team has been set up to fail so is pushing them to solve this murder.  They also have two other cases on the go, though ... a missing homeless woman and a man who is assaulting women.  With a shortage of staff and all this happening over the Christmas holidays, the pressure is on.

This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it.  I liked that it happened in Ontario.  I've been to downtown Ottawa a few times so kind of knew some of the areas that were referred to.  I liked the writing style and thought it moved at a good pace.  It is written in third person perspective with the focus on the various characters wherever the action was happening.

I liked the main characters, Kala and Jacques.  Kala is used to working alone on a small police force and it's an adjustment for her to have to work as a team.  Jacques sounds like a fair and caring boss.  He has just received some devastating personal news that he is trying to deal with.

It is the first in the Stonechild and Rouleau series and I look forward to reading the others.

Chihuly, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, ON

The Chihuly exhibition has been in Toronto at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) since the summer and is leaving on January 8 ... so I checked it out today.

Immerse yourself in a spectacular exhibition exploring colour, light and form by one of the world’s foremost artists working in glass today. 

Created by sand, fire and human breath, these brilliantly coloured works of art produce a magical, sensory experience that will never be forgotten.

To be honest, I didn't know a lot about it or the artist (apparently all the kool kids do, though).  The pieces were quite amazing, colourful and huge.  I'm so glad I got to see it before it leaves.

#NotLostTO, Trinity Bellwoods Park, Toronto, ON

I walked through Trinity Bellwoods Park this morning and came upon a colourful sight just south of the unleashed dog area.

As I got closer, I realized that scarves, hats, etc. were tied to trees, poles, etc.  They all had notes attached to them that read ...

We are not lost but if you are wandering and cold, 

please take one!  

#NotLostTO.  Join the movement.

I'd heard about this initiative a couple months ago happening south of my 'hood but it was the first time I'd see it.