Book ~ "Snow Place for Murder" (2023) Diane Kelly

From Goodreads ~ International resort developer Nigel Goodwin has traveled all the way from London, England, to Misty Murphy’s little corner of North Carolina and bought out the Mountaintop Lodge for the week prior to Christmas. Their intention? To pitch an exclusive new resort concept to wealthy American investors.

But locals are at odds over the idea and when a group comes to the lodge to express their worries to Mr. Goodwin and the potential investors, a blizzard hits Beech Mountain. Like the weather outside, things quickly get frosty and Misty has to call local police to intervene. Handyman Rocky Crowder plows the lodge’s drive and, in an attempt to regain a jovial holiday atmosphere, smooths the snow pile into a makeshift sledding hill for the guests to enjoy.

Misty’s boys have finished their exams and are “home” from college for the winter break, planning to spend most of their time snowboarding at the ski resort. While taking a few runs down Rocky’s sledding hill, they discover a funny-looking, nose-shaped rock. Only it’s not a rock. It’s the frozen nose of Nigel Goodwin, who’s found dead and buried under the mound of snow.

Who put the developer on ice and why?

Misty is fiftyish and has started a new life ... she recently bought a mountain lodge which she'd visited many times with her now ex-husband and their two sons and has fond memories of. Brynn is her assistant, the restaurant across the street provides a buffet breakfast in the mornings and Rocky, a local handyman, lives at the lodge and does maintenance in return for a room. Her sons have a break from college so are working at the lodge while Brynn takes some time holiday time off.

Nigel is a resort developer from England and has invited some potential investors to learn about a property in North Carolina he would like to develop. He invites them to stay nearby at Misty's mountain lodge to learn more and to get to know and enjoy the area. Though Misty is happy to lodge is filled for the week (Nigel is paying for everything), she's not sure she's happy with his plans to knock down the trees to build his resort and is concerned about what will happen to the wildlife that currently lives there. Local people aren't pleased with this either and aren't shy about letting Nigel know. So when Nigel turns up dead and the police determine it's murder, there are a number of people, both local and in his investors' group, who could have wanted him dead.

I've read many books (and series) by this author and I liked this one ... it's the third in the Mountain Lodge Mystery series.  I liked the writing style.  It is written in first person perspective from Misty's point of view and occasional third person perspective from Yeti, Misty's cat's point of view (the author has done this in other series ... had dogs and cats share their point of view, which as an animal lover I find cute).

It was a quick light read and is a "cozy mystery" so there is no swearing, violence or adult activity.  I liked the characters and look forward to reading others in this series.  And I liked that Misty is a more mature age (so closer to mine) than a younger woman.

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 red. 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.

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

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

The leaves on the trees around it are quite colourful ... the leaves on KC's tree are usually the last to start turning.

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 black and light green. 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 ~ "Funny You Should Say That" (2023) Gerry Dee

From Goodreads ~ One of Canada’s top comedians shares the funniest stories from his life and career in this collection of hilarious essays.

For more than two decades, Gerry Dee has made audiences laugh, first as a hard-working stand-up comedian, and then as the star of his own CBC television program, "Mr. D". 

Dee became a physical education teacher, thinking he would have it all - coaching, summers off and a good pension. But he found himself dreaming of a career in comedy, until one day, years later, he turned in his teaching certificate and picked up a microphone. He went on to become one of Canada’s top comics. 

In his new book of essays, Dee writes about his life - being a kid in suburban Toronto, becoming a father, starring in his own TV show, going on the road to comedy clubs across Canada and the U.S. He takes us behind the scenes of "Last Comic Standing", "Mr. D" and everywhere in between. There was the time he set up his own DVD-signing appearances, only to have no one show up. Or the time he was flown to the Bahamas, where he performed for drunken fishermen and their “nieces.” And he shares his lifelong affliction with hypochondria and all the medical conditions he doesn’t have. This is Gerry Dee at his comedic finest.

Gerry Dee is a Canadian actor, stand-up comedian, game show host, director, producer and writer. This book caught my eye because Dee is Canadian, is from Toronto and went to the same university in Nova Scotia as I did (though I was a few years ahead of him). Plus I like reading books to get the behind the scene scoop on how things work in the entertainment world.

Dee tells his life in essays ... he talks about his parents and how they came from Scotland to Canada, how he was small as a child but loved sports (he was competitive ... he wasn't the best but he wasn't the worst), being a teacher until he discovered is passion for being a comic, the struggle of the years to make it as a comedian and actor in Canada and the U.S., his love for his family, being a hypochondriac and more.

I liked this book and Dee's writing style ... it's conversational. It was interesting to read about all he did to get to where he is and how his priorities changed when he got married and starting have children. As a head's up, there is some swearing. It would have been nice if there had been pictures (there were none).

I never watched Mr. D. when it was on from 2012 to 2018 so I'll check it out. He was funny as Donny on Trailer Park Boys: The Movie and Gord and I have been to the live tapings of Family Feud Canada (most recently in August).

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 black and light blue. 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 ~ "Lay It on the Line: A Backstage Pass to Rock Star Adventure, Conflict and TRIUMPH" (2023) Rik Emmett

From Goodreads ~ Merging memoir, anecdotes and masterclasses on guitar, songwriting and the artist’s mindset, "Lay It On The Line" offers insight and perspective into the many roles Rik Emmett took on. 

"It” was always a parboiling, psychological and this book attempts to finally share the recipe. It also includes photos from Emmett’s own archives, plus the definitive, detailed reasons behind why he walked from Triumph - and came back two decades later. 

Rock star, it seems, was a character for Rik Emmett to inhabit … a great gig, a catalytic door-opener … it was a role that led to other adventures - and these are the stories he’s chosen to tell.

Triumph was a rock band that was formed in 1975 in Toronto, Ontario, and were popular in the late 1970s and 1980s. It put out 16 albums and DVDs and received 18 gold and nine platinum awards in Canada and the U.S. Triumph was nominated for many Juno Awards, including group of the year award. It was inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame in 2007, into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2008 and into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2019. 

Rik Emmett is now 70 and was a guitarist and lead/backing vocalist in Triumph until he left in 1988 to pursue a solo career ... this is his story. I know and liked some of Triumph's songs and like reading about Canadians so that's why this book caught my eye. Plus I like getting the behind the scenes scoop.

This book is very detailed and starts off even before Emmett was born with his maternal and paternal family trees. He has done a lot in addition to being in a popular rock bad and shares his experiences and thoughts. I found at times he was preachy and a "grumpy old man" at times but it's his book so he can be any way he wants. There are black and white and colour pictures from over the years at the end of the book.

Coconut Candle Company - Fall 2023

I received my fall Coconut Candle Company subscription box (full size) today. It's always a fun box! Alas, it’s the last box they are sending out which is too bad as I’ve enjoyed this subscription box. Here's what I received:

Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End, Edinburgh, Scotland

A friend had recommend the Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End as a place to stay in Edinburgh and that's where Gord and I stayed from last Tuesday morning until this morning.

Here was our room ...

The bed was really comfy. The TV had lots of channels, including local and American shows. Sometimes a channel would get weak and disappear but eventually would come back. WIFI was complimentary and I found it was strong. Every morning until 10am during the week and 11am on the weekend there is a complimentary buffet breakfast with a good variety of hot and cold items. We would have a big breakfast before we headed off for the day and didn't need to eat again until suppertime.

The hotel is off the beaten path a bit but is just a 10 minute walk to Haymarket area where you can catch trains across the city or elsewhere (we caught a train to Glasgow and back one day and also to Queensferry), trams and buses. There are buses that pass by the hotel on a regular basis. Transit seems really efficient. It's about a 20 minute walk to the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, etc.

There is no restaurant in the hotel but strangely (but it was handy) you can order drinks (wine, beer, mixed drinks, etc.) from the end of the reception desk. You can either drink them in the lobby or take them to your room. There is small menu of foods you can order from them too. We ordered a chicken and bacon pizza one night (it's all they had left for pizza) and it was really good ... the crust was stuffed with tomato sauce, which was fun.

It would have been nice to have a mini fridge in the room as I like having cold water handy. I also like having a morning smoothie but didn't take any ingredients because of the lack of fridge and the powdered greens I mix in with my smoothie need to be refrigerated.

The towel situation was a bit odd ... there was one hand towel and two HUGE bath towels and that was it. I'm sure if we asked we could have gotten more hand towels and perhaps face cloths but we managed without.

We hadn't thought about outlets being different than in Canada but were able to buy a couple adapters at the front desk. If you are just plugging in your phone, etc. there are ports near the power outlets (we had laptops so needed to use the outlets).

The Sheep Heid Inn, Edinburgh, Scotland

Gord and I had supper this evening at the Sheep Heid Inn because it’s apparently the oldest pub in Edinburgh … established in 1360! 

Gord ordered Battered Line-caught Cod & Chips (minted pea pureé, chunky tartare sauce, lemon) and I ordered Steak and Ale Pie (creamed potato, beef-dripping. Plus Gord ordered a black currant mousse. All were good.

Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh, Scotland

Arthur's Seat is an ancient volcano which is the main peak of the group of hills in Edinburgh, which form most of Holyrood Park. The hill rises above the city to a height of 250.5 m (822 ft). And that's where Gord and I headed this afternoon! It was a tough climb (it took me 1.5 hours to get to the top) but the views were fabulous!

Getting ready for the climb

Down the Hatch, Edinburgh, Scotland

Gord and I had supper at Down the Hatch. 

An authentic Canadian diner focusing on diner style food with a fresh locally sourced twist, big flavours, huge portions and all things Canadian!

We went because I thought it would be interesting to check out a Canadian pub in Edinburgh and see what is considered "Canadian" food. Apparently the owner and the chef are Canadian.