The Loose Goose Resto Pub & Lounge, Windsor, ON

Gord and I had supper at the Loose Goose (on Ouellette Avenue).

I had wings with medium sauce (they were huge and very saucy) ... yum!

Book ~ "And Then You're Dead: What Really Happens If You Get Swallowed by a Whale, Are Shot from a Cannon, or Go Barreling Over Niagara" (2017) Cody Cassidy and Paul Doherty

From Goodreads ~ A gleefully gruesome look at the actual science behind the most outlandish, cartoonish and impossible deaths you can imagine. 

What would happen if you took a swim outside a deep-sea submarine wearing only a swimsuit? How long could you last if you stood on the surface of the sun? How far could you actually get in digging a hole to China? Paul Doherty, senior staff scientist at San Francisco's famed Exploratorium Museum, and writer Cody Cassidy explore the real science behind these and other fantastical scenarios, offering insights into physics, astronomy, anatomy, and more along the way.

Is slipping on a banana peel really as hazardous to your health as the cartoons imply? Answer: Yes. Banana peels ooze a gel that turns out to be extremely slippery. Your foot and body weight provide the pressure. The gel provides the humor (and resulting head trauma). 

Can you die by shaking someone s hand? Answer: Yes. That's because, due to atomic repulsion, you've never actually touched another person s hand. If you could, the results would be as disastrous as a medium-sized hydrogen bomb. 

If you were Cookie Monster, just how many cookies could you actually eat in one sitting? Answer: Most stomachs can hold up to sixty cookies or around four liters. If you eat or drink more than that, you re approaching the point at which the cookies would break through the lesser curvature of your stomach, and then you d better call an ambulance to Sesame Street." 

I came across this book and it sounded interesting and wacky ... and it was.  The range of subjects was all over the place.

I liked the writing style.  It was technical yet amusing.  The chapters are short and chunky.

What would happen if you were in a plane and the window popped out?  First of all, you don't want to be in the window seat because you are going to get sucked out (thus benefiting the others sitting next to you because you are going to plug up the hole because the window isn't big enough for your whole body to get out).  You're going to notice that it's very windy and cold out (your nose will become frostbitten in seconds).  Because of the change in the air pressure, you would keep breathing like everything was fine but you'd pass out after 15 seconds ... then be brain dead in four minutes.  I usually request a window seat when I fly ... hmmmm, maybe not anymore.

What would happen if you are about being attacked by a swarm of bees?  A fella named Michael Smith tested on himself to see what were the least painful spots to get stung (he discovered it's your skull, your middle toe and your upper arm) and the most painful spots to get stung (he discovered it's your face, penis and inside of your nose).  Ouch!

What if your elevator cable broke?  Contrary to popular belief, jumping up isn't going to save you (you'll still land and cause an organ pile-up).  You have a better chance of surviving if you lay flat out on your back.  Good to know!

Book ~ "Fluffy & Freckles" (2020) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ Charles is so excited for his spring break trip to his dad's friend Steve's cozy cabin in Vermont. Especially once he spots Freckles, a shy, stray pup out alone on the snowy trail. Dad and Steve agree to foster the lonely pup. 

When they're joined by Fluffy, an undersized newborn lamb from a nearby farm, the baby animals become quick friends. Charles is going to have his hands full with these two little ones!

Charles is in elementary school. His family, the Petersons, have a puppy named Buddy plus they foster dogs and help them find homes.

Charles and his father are visiting his father's friend, Steve, who lives in the woods in Vermont. Every spring Steve taps maple syrup and Charles and his father will be there to help him this time. As they are snowshoeing, they see tracks and realize it must be a dog. They follow the tracks and find a puppy, who Charles names Freckles, finding shelter in a cave. They take the puppy back to Steve's to figure out what to do with him. Then one of Steve's friends asks him for temporary help with a baby lamb whose mother has rejected it. They take the lamb, who Charles names Fluffy, and Freckles and Fluffy become fast friends. Charles is determined, though, to find Freckles a furever home.

Though this book is a quick read and directed at elementary-aged children, I found it entertaining. There is a learning experience and a puppy tip at the end. It is written in third person perspective and first person from Freckle's point of view. It is the 58th in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 66 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

Men's knitted dorm boots

I just finished knitting a pair of men's medium dorm boots.  I used 6.5mm needles. The bottoms are navy and the tops are cornflower.

Abbreviations:

• k = knit
• p = purl
• yo = yarn over sl-1 = slip one
• PSSO = pass slipped stitch over
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• WS = wrong side
• RS = right side
• PM = place marker
• Rep = repeat

Men's sizes:
Sm (8-9), M (9.5-10.5), Lg (11-12), XL (13)

Starting with sole:

• Cast on 52(55, 57, 59) stitches.
• Row 1: Knit.
• Row 2: K1, yo, k24(25,26,27), yo, k2(3,3,3), yo, k24(25,26,27), yo, k1. [56(59,61,63) sts]
• Row 3 and all odd rows: Knit. *knit the yo’s through the back of the loop. 
• Row 4: K2, yo, k24(25,26,27), yo, k4(5,5,5), yo, k24(25,26,27), yo, k2. [60(63,65,67)sts]
• Row 6: K3, yo, k24(25,26,27), yo, k6(7,7,7), yo, k24(25,26,27), yo, k3. [64(67,69,71)sts]
• Row 8: K4, yo, k24(25,26,27), yo, k8(9,9,9), yo, k24(25,26,27), yo, k4. [68(71,73,75) sts]
• Row 10: K5, yo, K24(25,26,27), yo, k10(11,11,11), yo, k24(25,26,27), yo, k5. [72(75,77,79)sts]
• Row 12: Size Sm ONLY: K6, yo, k(24), yo, k6, yo, k6, yo, (k24), yo, k6. [77 sts]
• Row 12: Size M ONLY: K6, yo, k32, yo, k31, yo, k6. [78 sts]
• Row 12: Size L ONLY: K6, yo, k to last 6 sts, yo, k6. [79 sts]
• Row 12: Size XL ONLY: K39, yo, k40. [80 sts]
• Row 13: Knit (knit any yo's through the back of the loop)

Foot

• Row 1: Knit
• Row 2: (WS) P34(34,34,34,), PM, p9(10,11,12), PM, p34(34,34,34,).
• Row 3: K27(27,27,27), ssk 2x, k3tog, k9(10,11,12), sl-1, k2tog, psso, k2tog 2x, k27(27,27,27). [69(70,71,72) sts)
• Row 4: Purl
• Row 5: K23(23,23,23), ssk 2x, k3tog, k9(10,11,12), sl-1, k2tog, psso, k2tog 2x, k23(23,23,23). [61(62,63,64)sts]
• Row 6: Purl
• Row 7: K35(36,37,38), ssk, turn. [60(61,62,63) sts]
• Row 8: Sl-1, p9(10,11,12), p2tog, turn. [59(60,61,62) sts]
• Row 9: Sl-1, k9(10,11,12), ssk, turn. [58(59,60,61) sts]
• Row 10: Sl-1, p9(10,11,12), p2tog, turn. [57(58,59,60) sts]
• Rows 11-26: Repeat rows 9 and 10. [41(42,43,44) sts]
• Row 27: (RS) Sl-1, k9(10,11,12), ssk, DON’T TURN, k14(14,14,14). [40(41,42,43) sts]
• Row 28: P24(25,26,27), p2tog, p14(14,14,14). [39(40,41,42) sts]
• Row 29: Size S/M ONLY: (Removing markers as you come to them) Knit. Now proceed to row 32.
• Row 29: Size L/XL ONLY: (Removing markers as you come to them) Knit.
• Row 30: Size L/XL ONLY: Purl
• Row 31: Size L/XL ONLY: Knit
• Row 32: P1, p2tog, p2tog, p across to last 5 sts, p2tog, p2tog, p1. [35(36,37,38) sts]
• Row 33: Knit
• Row 34: Purl
• Rows 35-36: Rep rows 33 and 34 once more.

Ribbed Cuff

• Row 37: Sizes S/L ONLY: [k1,p1] 8(-,8,-)x more, k2tog, p1, [k1,p1] to end. [34(-,36,-) sts]
• Row 37: Size M/XL ONLY: [k1, p1] to end.
• Rows 38-45: Work 8 rows of 1x1 rib.

Bind off loosely.

I turned the slippers inside out and sewed the seams. Weave in loose ends.

"Chaos Menu: Disorder Up!", The Second City, Toronto, ON

Trish and I saw Chaos Menu: Disorder Up! at The Second City tonight. 

The world is on a tilt-a-whirl, everyday is dizzying and The Second City Toronto is serving hilarity in their 88th Mainstage Revue "Chaos Menu: Disorder Up!" Join our star-studded, award-winning ensemble as they navigate the confusion that is regular life. From the absurd content of pop music through the ages to the realities of virtual reality to the unpredictable adventure that is ... driving a car. Filled with the music, mischief and mayhem that only The Second City can deliver. Because the only thing we can do is laugh. Hard.

Soooo funny! The eagle and Ravioli Man were hilarious.

Beertown Public House, Toronto, ON

I had supper this evening at Beertown Public House (Wellington Street/University Avenue) with my friend, Trish.

She is vegan and was craving nachos and had plant-based nachos (and took home leftovers). She said they were good.

I had what I usually have there ... fried chicken (minus coleslaw as I'm not a coleslaw fan). The chicken was really good but the potato salad was too mushy ... there weren't many chunks of potatoes.

Trinity was our server and was friendly.

And here we are ... me and Trish.

Book ~ "Barney" (2020) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ Lizzie Peterson is excited to watch her best friend, Maria, in an equestrian competition. As the horses get ready to compete, a curious dachshund races straight into the ring! 

When Lizzie finds that the puppy belongs to a family who is a bit overwhelmed, she decides to help them re-home Barney. But finding the perfect owners for this loud and peppy dog might not be so easy.

Lizzie is in elementary school. Her family, the Petersons, have a puppy named Buddy plus they foster dogs and help them find homes.

Lizzie's best friend, Maria, loves horses and Lizzie attends an equestrian competition that Maria is competing in. During it, Barney, a Dachshund puppy, runs into the ring barking at the horses. Barney's family includes a couple children and having rambunctious Barney is too much ... too much barking and too much energy. They make the difficult decision to let Lizzie and her family find him a new home.

Though this book is a quick read and directed at elementary-aged children, I found it entertaining. There is a learning experience and a puppy tip at the end. It is written in third person perspective and first person from Barney's point of view. It is the 57th in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 66 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

TOCA, Toronto, ON

I had supper this evening  at TOCA (in the Ritz Carlton Hotel on Wellington Street W) with Rona, Deb, Franca and Liz … we’ve been friends for almost 30 years (we used to work together). It’s the first time we have all been together in 4 years. 

Book ~ "The Vacation" (2023) John Marrs

From Goodreads ~ How far would you run to escape your past? 

Venice Beach, Los Angeles. A paradise on earth. Tourists flock to the golden coast and the promise of Hollywood. But for eight strangers at a beach-front hostel, there is far more on their minds than an extended vacation. All of them are running from something. And they all have secrets they’d kill to keep.

There is a rundown hostel in Venice Beach. It's not fancy but it's cheap and that's the attraction for many. This story focuses on eight people who staying there including Tommy who started off with his friend, Louis, touring around the States and is working there in exchange for room and board, Nicole and Eric who are reliving the adventure of an elderly patient of Nicole's who had recently passed away, Matty and Declan who are two young fun Irishmen, and Savanah who has run away from her controlling father and is trying to start a new life.

I liked this book. This is the fourth book I've read by this author and I liked the writing style. I found that it started off a bit slow but really picked up about halfway through. It is written in third person perspective in the various voices depending on what's going on. I found there were a lot of characters so it took a while to get to know them and keep them straight. The timeless jumps back and forth from present day to the past and it took a bit to get used to the rhythm. The endings of the characters' storylines were a bit farfetched but I went with it. As a head's up, there is swearing and violence.

Be a Santa for a Senior Holiday Gift Drive, Toronto, ON

When I'm watching TV, I like to keep my hands busy so I knit small quick projects like mittens, dishcloths, slippers, doggy sweaters, etc.

This is the third year I've knitted for the Be a Santa for a Senior Holiday Gift Drive program, run by Gwen (she's in my 'hood). Gifts donated go to recipients of the Meals on Wheels program run out of West Neighbourhood House (Ossington/Dundas W). Most of these men and women are over 55 and live alone. 

Gwen had asked for slippers this year and since the summer I've knitted 27 pairs. I'm also donating a pair of mittens and a beanie. Gwen is picking them up this afternoon.

Basic knitted slippers

I finished knitting a pair of bright red 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.

Cat Shelter Building Workshop, Toronto Street Cats, Toronto, ON

I spent this morning volunteering with Toronto Street Cats building cat shelters which are sold to the public. The workshops are held throughout the fall and winter season at the Toronto Humane Society.  I've been volunteering with them since 2018 ... it's so nice helping the kitties in Toronto keep warm and dry during the cold winter.

In addition to selling the shelters for $15 or three for $30, Toronto Street Cats also provides free straw to replenish existing shelters.

My pal, Darlene, and I

Katherine and Prudence

We taped the insulated walls together in the bins and then taped the tubing entrances. Thom cut the tubing for the entrance ways, cut the Styrofoam for insulated walls and drilled holes into the bins after the insulated walls had been taped inside.

Basic knitted slippers

I finished knitting a pair of bright red 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.

Island Foods, Toronto, ON (Gladstone Avenue)

Gord and I had a late lunch today at Island Foods at Gladstone Avenue/Queen Street W.

I ordered what I always order at Island Foods ... a boneless chicken roti. Yum! It was Gord's first experience with Caribbean-style curry.

Float Toronto, Toronto, ON

Gord and I went for hour floats today at Float Toronto (on Queen Street W at Gladstone). We find floats very relaxing.

Also known as Floatation Therapy, REST Therapy (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique) or Sensory Deprivation, floating involves lying in a salt-water solution in a specially designed tank (often referred to as a float tank, sensory deprivation tank, or isolation tank). Your experience in a floatation tank is about everything you won’t be doing. You won’t be fighting gravity. The 850 pounds of Epsom salt in the water takes care of that while you lie on your back. The water is kept at a skin receptor neutral temperature which means that you lose track of where your body ends and the water begins. Your ears stay just below the water, and the tanks are insulated against sound – noise from the outside is unable to reach you. After you shut the door to the tank, you float in total darkness. 

During your float the outside world is gone and amazing things happen. It turns out that when you’re not fighting gravity or constantly taking in information your body has a lot of extra resources at its disposal. Your mind is free to navigate without distraction, your brain pumps out dopamine and endorphins, and your body gets to rest, de-stress and heal. It’s likely to be the most relaxing thing you’ve ever experienced.

The tank is high enough for me to stand up, wide enough for me to stretch my arms out and my fingers just touch the side and a lot longer then me.  Today I left the meditative music on and the light off so was in total blackness.

At the end of the hour, the music changed and the lights came on to let me know my hour was up. Get out and take a shower (which is in your room), which you need because you're all slimy and crusty from the salt.  They have nice shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. 

• Relaxation Response 
  Floating weightless in the tank suppresses the functioning of the sympathetic nervous system which is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response. Simultaneously, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated which is responsible for relaxation, stimulation of digestive secretions, replenishment and general recuperation. 
• Increased Immune Function 
  Immune function is enhanced by suppressing stress hormones which not only weaken the immune system but also suppress the digestion and reproductive systems, affect regeneration processes, and decrease insulin sensitivity. 
• Use in Athletic Training 
  Water in the tank has the added benefit of being saturated with Epsom salts, which have well-established healing effects, helping to draw out toxins and lactic acid build-up, and speeding up recovery time. 
• Heightened Senses 
  Research indicates that regular floating leads to increased visual acuity, improved tangible perception, increased taste sensitivities and improved auditory sensitivity. 
• Magnesium Absorption
  The high concentration of Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) are absorbed through skin. Magnesium has been shown to be deficient in the standard North American diet. Magnesium assists in regulating high blood pressure, preventing cardiovascular disease, preventing osteoporosis, relieving menopause symptoms, providing PMS relief, creating healthier bones and teeth, and is involved with detoxification. Magnesium is awesome. 
• Stress Reduction 
  Modern life is full of deadlines, frustrations, and demands. For many people, stress is so commonplace that it has become a way of life. Floatation therapy is the most powerful stress relief technique known. Floating has been shown many times, (in controlled studies compared to bed rest), to be the most relaxing experience on earth. (Relaxation measured by perceived stress, by hormone measurement and by brain waves all confirms the truth of this claim.) 
• Improved Creativity
  A small study of five university professors found that six float sessions allowed them to generate more “creative” ideas, which coincided with a self-reported increase in free imagery and remote associations. Similarly, in a study with 40 university students, a single flotation increased their scores on a standardized test used to measure creativity. 
• Left Brain/Right Brain 
  The two sides of the brain operate in very different ways. The left side deals with detail, processing information, maths, order, logic it operates analytically and systematically, it’s basically the essential yet boring side of the brain. The right side of the brain is the hub for creativity, problem solving, music, art, pleasure and emotion. It operates visually, intuitively, rapidly absorbing large scale information. The right side is usually constrained and held back by the dominant left brain. Floating massively boosts right-brain function by turning off all external input making the left brain finally shut up, allowing the right side of the brain to run uninterrupted at full tilt.