Book ~ "Revved! : An Incredible Way to Rev Up Your Workplace and Achieve Amazing Results" - Harry Paul and Ross Reck (2006)

From Amazon.com ~ Authors Paul (FISH! Tales and FISH! Sticks) and Reck (The X-Factor) offer a guide to the business of caring and how to maximize its effect on the workplace environment. Their advice is packaged as a story about Katie Adams, a working mother of two whose husband suddenly leaves her. Her career suffers when she brings her sour mood to work, until she sees Dr. Allen, host of a self-improvement radio show and inventor of a three-step program for business success: "Winning Them Over," "Blowing Them Away," and "Keeping Them Revved." Paul and Reck's parable serves as a vehicle for their advice on improving interpersonal skills. Katie follows Dr. Allen's advice to make allies at work, show appreciation for those that go the extra mile and be consistent in business relationships, becoming "director of human potential" and turning her company into a sought-after workplace. This is a simple read with a useful idea-caring for workers motivates them to care for their work-told, ironically (perhaps purposely), through a character that readers will find hard to care about.

Cute and corny ... but an inspirational quick read.

Book ~ "The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference" - Malcolm Gladwell (2002)

From Goodreads ~ The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire. Just as a single sick person can start an epidemic of the flu, so too can a small but precisely targeted push cause a fashion trend, the popularity of a new product, or a drop in the crime rate. This widely acclaimed bestseller, in which Malcolm Gladwell explores and brilliantly illuminates the tipping point phenomenon, is already changing the way people throughout the world think about selling products and disseminating ideas.

Gladwell introduces us to the particular personality types who are natural pollinators of new ideas and trends, the people who create the phenomenon of word of mouth. He analyzes fashion trends, smoking, children's television, direct mail, and the early days of the American Revolution for clues about making ideas infectious, and visits a religious commune, a successful high-tech company, and one of the world's greatest salesmen to show how to start and sustain social epidemics.

Interesting analysis and an enjoyable read.

Montreal ~ Day Four

No rain! Finally! Yay!!

For a change from pub grub, we had an early lunch at a McDonald's in a food court. Though it was a holiday (Patriot's Day in Quebec and Victoria Day in the rest of Canada), Saint Catherine's Street was buzzing with the stores open.

We walked up Mont Royal, a "mountain" not far from downtown (about a km away). It's a steep incline up Peel Street, then a path in Mont Royal Park and finally lots of stairs. The climb up once inside the Park is 232 metres. But it's worth the climb! We took some pix from Kondiaronk Belvedere and then checked out the chalet.

We went back down the mountain and came across Ben's Deli. According to the info I read, it's where smoked meat sandwiches originated in Montreal. So I had to have one! The waiters were old cranky men but they fit in well since the deli had the original flooring, counters, etc. My smoked meat sandwich was really good but the prices are kinda high. $1.95 for a small glass of fountain pop??!! $5 for a milkshake??!!

We had left our bags at the hotel when we checked out. So we picked them up and Sister Sarah and I parted ways ... me heading to the train station five blocks away and her to the airport.

So ended another sisters' getaway. We had a great time, touring around Montreal (neither of us had been there before) and catching up.

Where will we meet up next year?? We've started a tradition of getting together over this long weekend. Last year we went to a resort outside of Halifax ... and it rained ALL weekend. Ha!!

Montreal ~ Day Three

We walked to the Peel Pub for lunch for their 19¢ wings. Yummy!

More rain! So we took the subway to the Biodome. They have four sections including a one for rain forest, Laurentian and Antartica. There were lots of cool fish, animals, birds and plants. We spent a lot of time watching the 40 penguins at feeding time.

When we were finished touring around, we saw that it was sunny so decided to do the Tower next door at Olympic Park. When we bought our ticket for the Biodome, the cashier talked us out of buying a ticket for the Tower because of the rain. Because we stood in line for a half hour the first time (and it looked like it would be the same again), we tried to convince security to let us jump in line (we told her our tale of woe) but she said no.

So instead we headed back to Old Montreal to do a horse and carriage tour. Dennis and CC took good care of us, driving us around for a half hour and giving us some history. From the sounds of it, most of Old Montreal is now full of expensive condos.

We walked back downtown and had supper at the Claddagh Irish Pub. We had stopped in there on Friday night for a drink but the service sucked so we left. It wasn't any better today but we persevered. We both had fish 'n chips, which were good. Then we had a couple drinks at Dundees Bar & Grill before heading back to the hotel.

Montreal ~ Day Two

When we woke up this morning, there was a light rain.

We headed off along Rue Saint Catherine (a great street for shopping downtown) and had lunch at Nickels, a chain created by Celine Dion. I had a pepperoni pizza and Sister Sarah had a club sandwich. Both were good.

As we were walking, we came upon a show featuring New Brunswick with tents with tourist info, soaps, etc., and a beer tent with a duo playing Celtic tunes. Then we walked through Chinatown to Old Montreal and did a tour of Notre Dame. It's gorgeous inside! We walked around Old Montreal for a bit and had an ice cream at Ben & Jerry's. Then we walked back to the hotel and chilled for bit.

Supper was at the Peel Pub. They are moving locations next week so the place isn't fancy. We both had pizza.

After that, we headed to the Old Dublin Pub. There was a good Celtic duo playing tunes.

Because we are so close to everything, it makes walking around to places easy.

Montreal ~ Day One

Sister Sarah and I arrived at the hotel around the same time (3:00ish). I took the train (five hours) and she flew from Halifax (1.5 hours). It was a nice ride ~ I knitted, watched a couple movies (on my portable DVD player) and read to pass the time.

The hotel room is really nice. We paid a bit extra for an upgrade but it is worth it. The hotel is in a great location ~ less than a block from the main shopping street in downtown and the restaurant area.

Hurleys Irish Pub ~ We were hungry after travelling and it was pouring rain so we went to a local pub the receptionist at the hotel recommended. It took us a few minutes to realize that people were smoking. Ewwww! We've become so spoiled because it's not allowed in public establishments in Ontario and Nova Scotia. I had fish 'n chips and Sister Sarah had a burger 'n fries. Both were really good.

Hard Rock Cafe ~ We stopped in the Hard Rock Cafe and had a Hurricane and a Purple Haze. On the inside, it looks like a Hard Rock Cafe all over the world.

Sir Winston Churchill Pub ~ We stopped in for a couple coolers and, though it was cold and raining, we sat on the covered patio. It was a bit of a pricy place but the band inside sounded good.

McKibbin's Irish Pub ~ We ended the evening here and ended up hanging out at the front with three people we met (Brenda, Jeff and their friend). Though it's an Irish pub, they had a rock band playing that was pretty good.

Happy Victoria Day Weekend!

In Canada, the celebration of Victoria Day occurs every year on Monday, prior to May 25th. It is the official celebration of the birthdays of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II. Victoria Day was established as a holiday in Canada West (now Ontario) in 1845 and became a national holiday in 1901. Before Victoria Day became a national holiday, we had celebrated Empire Day , beginning in the 1890s as Victoria approached her Diamond jubilee in 1897.

Victoria, queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and empress of India, was born on 24 May 1819. She ascended the throne after the death of her uncle, George IV, in 1837 when she was only 18. She ruled until her death in 1901 when her son Edward the VII became king of England.

I'll be spending the Victoria Day weekend in Montreal with my sister, Sarah (who is meeting me there from Halifax)! I'm catching the 9:30am train there today and will return on Monday evening. Au revoir!!

Alas, it's one of the stat holidays that Gord has to work.

"Cabaret", Stage West, Toronto, ON

Step inside the legendary Kit Kat Klub. In here, life is beautiful and all the danger and decadence of your wildest dreams to come true every night.

They did a good job with this play. The guy playing the emcee is was one of the Forever Plaids ~ quite the extreme in characters ~ and I thought he was the best of all.

And because it was Mother's Day, they had a draw for an Armani gift basket ... alas, I didn't win, though they gave the women a sample of their new cologne. Plus they gave all the women a gift of bubble bath shaped like roses.

Book ~ "Fish! for Life: A Remarkable Way to Achieve Your Dreams" (2004) Stephen C. Lundin, John Christensen and Philip Strand

From Goodreads ~ There's a new FISH! in the pond! 

Here's a brilliant parable for everyone who wants to lead a fuller, happier life millions of business people have already used the bestselling FISH! books to improve the way they work. 

Now, the authors turn their attention to life's daily personal challenges, helping readers deal with them simply and effectively. By applying the FISH! principles of Play, Make Their Day, Choose Your Attitude, and Be Present, "FISH! for Life" shows readers how to confront life's issues and to reach their full potential. With advice on such life issues as weight loss, personal finance, and relationships, the book is a road map for achieving personal happiness and well-being in all areas of life. After all, life shouldn't be work.

I find these books very inspirational. And the principles are so easy!

Book ~ "Sick as a Parrot" - Liz Evans (2005)

From Amazon.com ~ Adopted at birth, Hanna Conti attempts to trace her family. She turns up a mother who, twenty years earlier, was convicted of murder. Convinced that her mother is innocent, Hannah hires PI Grace Smith to prove it. Grace uncovers the story of the very messy murder of Trudy Hepburn, a teacher at St. Martin’s Comprehensive — but there are a lot of people who’d rather she stopped digging. On Grace’s side, is an ex–cop with a shady past (and present) and Betterman177, a mysterious emailer who sends tantalizing clues about what was happening at St. Martin’s two decades ago. To add to these complications, Grace has been conned into birdsitting a psychotic parrot, and Terry Rosco, the most chauvinistic cop in Seatoun, is trying to move into Grace’s spare room. And, oh yes—someone keeps trying to kill her.

The best yet in the series!

Book ~ "Don't Mess with Mrs In-Between" - Liz Evans (2002)

From Amazon.com ~ What kind of person decides to leave a considerable fortune to total strangers? PI Grace Smith is about to find out when Barbra Delaney retains her services to trace a group of people she photographed at the grocery store. One or more of them may become her beneficiaries. Barbra thinks her grown son may be trying to do her in. In no time, Grace encounters a dead body, a smuggling ring, a gorgeous man in drag and enough tangled family relationships to make celibacy seem viable. In addition, she must contend with an eccentric cast of locals whose agendas are, more often than not, at odds with her own. Once Grace is on the scene things certainly liven up. Whether suffering from food poisoning or the effects of twenty-mile bike rides when her car breaks down, she's always on the case, even if she doesn't have a clue where it will lead.

Usual funny writing style with an interesting ending.

Book ~ "Fish! Sticks: A Remarkable Way to Adapt to Changing Times and Keep Your Work Fresh" (2003) John Christensen, Harry Paul, Stephen C. Lundin

From Goodreads ~ The 'o-FISH!-al' follow-up to the phenomenal bestselling "Fish!" and "Fish! Tales", "Fish! Sticks" is a stand-alone business parable that shows you how to come up with a vision for your business and how to keep it alive, vital, and renewed through tough times, such as turnover in management and staff or a troubled economy. 

Using the example of a hugely successful, fictional sushi restaurant as a model for a vision of continual renewal, "Fish! Sticks" employs the same kind of easy-to-read story that was used in "Fish!" to illustrate its three major principals of continued success: Commit, Be It, and Coach It. 

When Stephanie, a new manager, takes over from a wildly popular and now promoted boss, she is faced with the problem of how to keep spirits up in a corporate unit that has, frankly, started to get bored and cranky and revert to its old ways. But then she visits the amazing Taka Sushi (formerly Taka Teriyaki), with its lines of customers cheerfully waiting for hours to get in. Soon, she realizes that the way to keep her employees motivated and her customers delighted can be learned from a bunch of waiters who teach one another everything they need to know. And when she finds out just how the owner of Taka knew to switch her main bill of fare from teriyaki to sushi long before anyone else, what she really discovers is the secret of keeping your work fresh.

Quick motivational read.

"Hair", Bluma/CanStage, Toronto, ON

It is the dawning of The Age of Aquarius. The tribe is rebelling. American youth are screaming out against The Establishment, Vietnam, segregation and sexual rigidity. Hair, the iconic 60s musical is part pop, part rock, part nostalgia and total visual delight. Recapture your spirit of hope in a strife-torn world.

Excellent play! They did a good job on it. And there was always something going on on all parts of the stage and the actors were very good. I'd definitely recommend it (though my sister does a slightly better version of Hari Krishna!)

After the play, we had a couple beer at C'est What? (I had raspberry flavored, which was tasty). We had supper at the Flatiron Firken (my wings were very yummy!). We popped by Jamie Oliver's wine bar for some reisling before heading home.

Book ~ "Fish! A remarkable way to boost morale and improve results" (2002) Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul and John Christensen

From Goodreads ~ Imagine a workplace where everyone chooses to bring energy, passion and a positive attitude to the job every day. 

In this engrossing parable, a fictional manager has the responsibility of turning a chronically unenthusiastic and unhelpful department into an effective team. 

Seattle's Pike Place Fish is a world famous market that is wildly successful thanks to its fun, bustling, joyful atmosphere and great customer service. 

By applying ingeniously simple lessons learned from the Pike Place, our manager discovers how to energise and transform her workplace. Addressing today's most pressing work issues with an engaging metaphor and an appealing message, "FISH!" offers wisdom that is easy to grasp, instantly applicable, and profound.

I read this book a couple years ago and it was fun to reread it. I'd seen the video in my Marketing Management course a couple months ago. They looked like they were having so much fun that I wanted to be reminded about the message.

The principles are easy:

1. Choose your attitude
2. Play
3. Be present
4. Make their day

Condo repairs update

So the sticks have disappeared from our windows and they were supposed to be back this week to finish the painting. And then we'd finally be done. Simple, right? Think again!

The builder has decided that they don't want to put the metal plating around everyone's windows. Too much work and too expensive to do all 180 units. Instead, they want to put fire resistant paint on wooden frames. But they have to test it ... and that will take four to six weeks.

We've told them to finish painting our trim (as it looks like crap!). They can come back and do whatever they have to do once they figure it out.

Keep in mind that we are heading into week six of what was supposed to be a three day job!

Sigh ....

Book ~ "Kindred" - Octavia E. Butler (2004)

From Amazon.com ~ Kindred utilizes the devices of science fiction in order to answer the question "how could anybody be a slave?" A woman from the twentieth century, Dana, is repeatedly brought back in time by her slave-owning ancestor, Rufus, when his life is endangered. She chooses to save him, knowing that because of her actions, a free-born black woman will eventually become his slave and her own grandmother. When forced to live the life of a slave, Dana realizes she is not as strong as her ancestors. As Dana is sent back and forth through time, she continues to save Rufus's life, attempting during each visit to care for Alice, even as she is encouraging Alice to allow Rufus to rape her and thus ensure Dana's own birth. As a twentieth-century African-American woman trying to endure the brutalities of nineteenth-century slavery, Dana answers the question, "See how easily slaves are made?" For Dana, to choose to preserve an institution, to save a life and nurture victimization, is to choose to survive.

I read this book for our street's book club. Finally a book club book I really enjoyed! Thanks for picking it, Mon!

Though I read this book in four days, the book club meeting isn't until next month. Should make for some interesting conversations.

Book ~ "Toronto City Guide" - Marconi Baird (2005)

From Amazon.com ~ A concise and handy compendium focusing on neighborhoods, places of interest, museums and restaurants and clubs.

Good book about Toronto, its neighbourhoods and all the many things to do here.

Condo repairs update

So with our condo repairs that started on March 22, the windows are still left.

There was nothing done for a couple weeks. We still have a bunch of stuff in boxes that we'll put away once all the work is done. So we still aren't settled. But we love the new paint!

On Monday, they came in and measured our windows (we only have three) to fix the crappy job they had done on March 29. They put the metal plating in yesterday and were supposed to be back today to do the trim and touch up the paint. And then we'd be finally finished. No one showed up :(

So this is what our windows look like. The wooden sticks are holding the metal plating in (I'm assuming they have been glued on) and the sticks are acting as braces. From the outside, it looks like we are in jail. We're hoping to make bail soon ...

Book ~ "JFK Is Missing!" - Liz Evans (2002)

From Amazon.com ~ Grace’s client, Henry Summerstone, has been blind for years. He has no idea of the name of the girl he’s trying to trace, what she looks like, where she lives and works. In fact, he’s not even sure that she’s missing. But he’s concerned about the whereabouts of the young jogger who talks to him on his solitary early morning walks, and he’s offering cash – an offer Grace finds hard to turn down. Before long, she’s got a lead on the girl – several leads as it turns out – though each time she gets close, Miss X slips away. Grace, however, is a girl who knows how to persevere and persevere she does, becoming entangled with squatters, invisible pigs, a twelve-year-old estate agent and the man of her dreams – who unfortunately seems to be the man of his wife’s dreams too ...

Another in the series of PI Grace Smith. As with the other two I've read, I enjoyed it. Evan's writing is funny and quick.

Lost raccoon?

When Gord left for work this morning, he saw a raccoon on our terrace.

This evening when he was BBQing, he saw it curled up inside the BBQ cover (he hadn't covered the BBQ when he used it yesterday).

There was a lot of movement and noise on our terrace today (the contractors were back) so it's surprising the little guy spent the day there ... it was probably too scared to leave.

Gord went to check it out just now. It has left the comfort of the BBQ cover and is now in a tree across the street.

Toronto has a lot of raccoons and we live on a fairly busy street.

Book ~ "Fodor's Around Toronto with Kids: 68 Great Things to Do Together" - Kate Pocock (2001)

Amazon.com ~ For this smart, cheerful little book, Fodor's parent-experts have hand-picked 68 terrific things to do around Toronto with a child in tow from The Bata Shoe Museum to The Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books. Written by parents who live in Toronto, this book is smart about what kids like and about what parents need. It includes all the details for planning (addresses, phone numbers, admission prices, and age-appropriateness); "Hey Kids!" info boxes filled with fun facts; ideas for places to grab a bite to eat nearby; and a cool "Games" section that will keep everyone happily occupied while waiting in line.

Even though we don't have kids, it's a great reminder and description of some of the fun stuff to do around Toronto.

Sunday Snooze

As I'm doing my homework, it dawns on me suddenly how quiet it is. So I went to the living room and there is no one there. Where is everyone!!??

So I went past the bedroom and here's what I saw ...

Everyone but me is having a Sunday snooze!

There's Gord curled up. And KC is tucked up on the pillows by Gord's head (her usual spot). And Morgan is at Gord's feet. And Byron is in his usual spot (by my pillows). And even Nova, who we are dogsitting this weekend, is getting in on the act!

And no one seems to mind that there are clothes on the bed that should be put away!

Book ~ "Into Thin Air : A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster" - Jon Krakauer (1999)

From Amazon.com ~ Into Thin Air is a riveting first-hand account of a catastrophic expedition up Mount Everest. In March 1996, Outside magazine sent veteran journalist and seasoned climber, Jon Krakauer, on an expedition led by celebrated Everest guide, Rob Hall. Despite the expertise of Hall and the other leaders, by the end of summit day eight people were dead. Krakauer's book is at once the story of the ill-fated adventure and an analysis of the factors leading up to its tragic end. Written within months of the events it chronicles, Into Thin Air clearly evokes the majestic Everest landscape. As the journey up the mountain progresses, Krakauer puts it in context by recalling the triumphs and perils of other Everest trips throughout history. The author's own anguish over what happened on the mountain is palpable as he leads readers to ponder timeless questions.

Fascinating story! One that I probably wouldn't have looked for if my friend, Kim, hadn't just read it (so thanks, Kim!).

Pinwheel Afghan

I started a new afghan tonight called a Pinwheel. Here's a pinwheel gallery so you know what it will look like when it's finished. It's a bit tricky to get started but once you get going, it's easy.

Yarn
It can be either a bulky weight, worsted weight, or double knit weight.

Needles
Size to work with your yarn. Both double points and a circular.

Pattern
Cast on 5 stitches, knit around. Place a marker to mark the beginning of the round.
Next round, make 1 stitch in each stitch (10 stitches).
Round 5: *k1, yo* around to marker. (20 stitches).
Round 6: knit
Round 7: *k2, yo* around to marker.
Round 8: knit
Round 9: *k3, yo* around to marker.
Round 10: knit

Continue this pattern of adding a stitch in each section- there are 10 sections, 10 more stitches. When needed, switch from using the double points to a circular needle.

When the blanket has reached the desired diameter, cast/bind off. Now your blanket is complete, unless you want to embellish it with an edging.

Now for your edging: You can add fringes or tassels or even pom-poms. Or you can crochet a bit of a lace edge around. You can also knit in stripes, and on the even rows, throw in some purl stitches for a bit of texture. It also works well with a variegated yarn.

Source: Knit List

Finished ~ June 13

Ripple Afghan

My mother-in-law, Minnie, gave me a pattern for a knitted afghan - she has made many over the years. It has a ripple effect, hence the name. I started mine in October.

Ripple Afghan ~ 49 inches X 66 inches


What do you need?
2 4-oz skeins of dark green knitted worsted weight yarn
3 4-oz skeins of white knitted worsted weight yarn
3 4-oz skeins of hunter green knitted worsted weight yarn
3 4-oz skeins of mint green knitted worsted weight yarn
36 inch needle, size 4mm

Pattern ~ 303 stitches on needle
2 rows dark green
12 rows white
2 rows dark green
12 rows mint green

2 rows dark green
12 rows hunter green

Do this 6 times, then ...

2 rows dark green
12 rows white
2 rows dark green

Row 1
K1, slip 1, K1, passover stitch, *K9, insert needle into next 2 stitches as if to knit them together and slip them, K1, passover 2 slipped*, repeat * to *, K2 together, K1

Row 2
P6, *P into front and back of next stitch, P9*, repeat * to *, P6

Keep repeating these two rows.

I made mine with three colours rather than four (because I couldn't find a fourth colour I liked). I'm using black instead of dark green and purple and yellow (my favs) as the main colours.

Happy Good Friday!

Happy Good Friday!!

It's a stat holiday so I'm off today. Yay!!!

Alas, Gord has to work three stats a year and today is one of them.

"Forever Plaid", Stage West, Toronto, ON

One of the most popular and successful musicals in recent memory, this deliciously goofy revue centre on four young singers killed in a car crash in the 1950s on the way to their first concert, and now miraculously revived for the posthumous chance to fulfill their dreams and perform the show that never was. Singing in the closest of harmony, squabbling boyishly and executing their outlandish choreography with overzealous precision, the "Plaids" are a guaranteed smash. With a program of beloved songs and patter that keeps audiences rolling in the aisles when they're not humming along with great nostalgic pop hits of the 50s.

This is the third time I've seen this over the years and I enjoyed this version. The voices harmonized really well and I like the old tunes.

Ghost Tour of Toronto

We did a Single Horizons' event tonight ... the Ghost Tour by Genova Tours:

This tour starts at the Royal Ontario Museum. Toronto has hosts of ghosts, some that go back to the War of 1812 and some more recent. We’ll visit many sites where ghosts haunt as we journey through Trinity College, Soldiers Memorial, University College, over to Queen’s Park and the Toronto General Hospital, on to China Town, the Grange and then the area around the Old City Hall including Scadding house and Mackenzie House. You’ll hear ghost stories and learn about the history of Toronto.

Gord and I are both history buffs so love this kind of thing, especially when we learn more about Toronto. It was a very good tour and Bill, our guide, was full of stories and information. It was almost four hours so we learned a lot and got a good workout! I'm looking forward to doing more of Bill's tours.

Before we went on the tour, Gord, Kelly and I had supper at Gabby's on Bloor W. Though our waitress was good, the preparation of our meals was slow (30+ minutes!). The last time I was at this Gabby's, the service was overall wasn't good either. Needless to say, I won't be back.

After the tour, a few of us went to the Duke of Richmond for a drink and Bill told us some more stories. After that, Gord and I started walking home and stopped in at Tortilla Flats for some Texas Ice Tea and chilly nacho chips. Yummy!

Book ~ "Who Killed Marilyn Monroe" - Liz Evans (2002)

From Amazon.com ~ The Marilyn Monroe in question is a beach donkey and Grace Smith – too broke to be selective when it's a question of work – is called in by the donkey's owner, Drysdale, to investigate this bizarre crime. While doing so she finds herself inexorably drawn into the mystery surrounding the murder of a young woman, Tina, whose aunt lived in the house backing on to Drysdale's land. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that the murders of Marilyn and Tina are connected and that Grace has stumbled on a whole lot more than she bargained for.

I enjoyed Cue the Easter Bunny so wanted to read the rest in the series. As with the first one, it's was enjoyable ... a mystery with humorous writing.

Condo repairs

Gord went to his baseball pool draft and I spent the day cleaning and putting stuff away. There is still stuff to do I'm pleased with the progress I made. Quite a difference from this time last week! Gord did a bunch of stuff when he got home so we are almost back to normal.

We love our new walls!!

Our living room - banana yellow!

The bathroom ... tangerine!

Our bedroom ... grass green!

The builders still have to fix the windows and then we'll be all done. Yay!!

Millcroft Spa, Alton, ON

Gord and I have a tradition in that we don't buy each other anything for our birthdays. Instead, we treat each other to an afternoon at the spa. After the last two weeks, it was just what we needed!

Gord assumed we were heading to the Elmwood Spa. Instead I surprised him by taking him to the Millcroft Spa, which is in Alton (about 90 minutes NW of Toronto). What a lovely place! It's in the country and is a former mill. We were a bit early so had a glass of sparkling rosé in the dining room that overlooks a waterfall. Very nice :)
Before we started our spa services, we took a quick a dip in the pool and hot tub. We discovered there was another hot tub outside so spent more time there. It wasn't an overly warm day and the hot tub was 99F.

We started off with a couple's massage (a 60 minute massage in the same room but with our own massage therapists). Then we moved on to a 45 minute scalp massage, which was followed by a pedicure. In honour of our new bathroom, I had my toes painted orange :)

We didn't want to leave the Inn so we had another glass of wine in the lounge before heading back to the city. We'd like to go back sometime and spend a weekend. But, alas, it's not a cheap place.


We stopped off at Kelsey's in Bolton for a late supper (thanks to Gord's mom and sister for giving us gift certificates for Christmas!).

My friend, Yvette, had a housewarming party so we stopped in for a bit. Both of us were exhausted from the last two weeks of condo repairs and were still feeling relaxed from the spa so we didn't stay long.

Condo repairs - day eight

We couldn't come home until 7:30ish because the painters would be there 'til then so Gord and I met at Fionn McCool's for supper. Mark and Monica had given us a gift certificate for Christmas so we used it (thanks, Mark and Mon!).

When we got home, our place was still a disaster. But the painting was done and it looked fabulous! We picked up the kitties from Mark and Monica's and set to work to make it somewhat liveable for the night. At least our bed is clear so we can sleep here tonight.

The kitchen

Looking into the kitchen from the living room

Happy birthday, Gord!

Today is Gord's 52nd birthday!

He never works on his birthday
and I hope he has a fun day off!

Condo repairs - day seven

Knowing we couldn't go home until after 7:30pm because they were painting, Gord and I went to Gabby's on King Street W for supper.

Then we raced home so we could watch Survivor. We were expecting the same mess we've been living with for the last week or so. But it was much worse. Things were even more jammed in and EVERYTHING was covered in plastic. Duh! Of course!

The living room, kitchen, hallway and part of the back bedroom have been painted. We love the banana yellow in the living room and hallway. And we love the tangerine in the bathroom. Both are very bright and loud but we are very happy with them. Quite a change from "builder white"! They will be back tomorrow to finish up.

All the boxes that were in the hallway because there was no room for them anywhere else were on our bed along with shelving and everything in the bedroom. Plus all covered with plastic. Monica and Mark said they could keep the kitties over night. There's no way we could stay at our place and Mon and Mark offered up their spare room to us. We have the best neighbours!!

We have imposed enough on Mon and Mark (they have taken in our kitties every day ~ we didn't think it was going to take this long) so we got a room at the Travelodge on King Street W. It's just outside the downtown core so was only $109 for the night (free parking and free continental brekkie). So we packed quickly and off we went. Then I realized I'd brought everything but a comb and make-up. There will be a quick stop at the drugstore on my way to work tomorrow! And because I couldn't get into my closet, I'm wearing the same clothes as yesterday. Eeeew! I was able to get a change of underwear, though. Yay!!

Tomorrow is Gord's birthday and he's taking the day off (he never works his birthday). He'll be able to chill and relax on his day without the stress of having to be up and out before 8:00am because of the painters.

Condo repairs - day six

They came in today to put up the trim, baseboards, etc.

They nailed a metal plate around the inside of the windows and then did some caulking. It looks like crap. Not acceptable!!

Isn't this a lovely caulking job? NOT!!

So our Super said the builder will have to figure out what to do instead and then come back and do it. Hopefully in the next couple of days ... which will bump the painting into next week or the next.

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So the painters are still coming in tomorrow and Friday. That gives the builder time to figure out what they are going to do. Then they can fix it ... and then the painters can come back in again to touch up. There's no way we can keep living with all our stuff in the middle of our place. We're not the neatest people but it's never THIS bad!

Our living room ... they expect us to keep living like this??

From our kitchen

Condo repairs - day five

We came home tonight to find that the primer has been applied to the effected walls. Yay! There is still no trim.

Gord and I both had shitty days at work today. So we met after work and consoled ourselves with a burrito at Burrito Boyz. Very yummy! We needed nourishment for the night ahead.

We had to pack EVERYTHING as the painters are coming in tomorrow. I've got a ton of books in my bookcase so it wasn't a fun chore. We ran out of boxes so I put my back issues of fitness magazines in groceries bags and put them in the trunk of our car out of the way (I didn't want them mistaken for garbage). Gord took everything out of our "shrine" and the shelving units in the living room.

So the mess in our place has gotten worse. Keep in mind that it isn't all that big and right now everything is piled in the middle of it.

Everything we own is in the middle of the rooms ...

This is driving us NUTS!!

The deal is that just the effected walls are getting repainted. But since our place hasn't been painted since the summer of 2002 and needs a painting (and we hate painting!!), we are going to have the painters paint our entire place and pay the difference. May as well since they are there anyway.

Condo repairs - day four

They didn't show up ...

... so our Super called the builder to see what was going on. They promise to be there tomorrow.

So we have been inconvenienced for seven days so far for the "three day job". Sigh ...

Book ~ "Two Plus Two" - Alan Cochran (1980)

This was a murder mystery set in a swinging singles club. It was written by Alan Cochran (aka Ken Grimwood). I've read his Replay a couple of times and really enjoyed it so thought I would check out his other stuff.

This was a fast read. The writing was good and the subject matter was interesting. Definitely a different style of writing than Replay.

Mildred Pierce, Toronto, ON

Our property manager took the condo board out for supper tonight at Mildred Pierce. Mildred Pierce is an upper end restaurant at the end of our street. From the outside, it doesn't look like much. It's in a baby blue building that looks like a factory. We get stopped all the time by people looking for it because it's so hard to find. But it's quite different in the inside.

I've been there about six times since I moved to the 'hood five years ago. I always get the same thing ... roast chicken biryani and clove-scented basmati pilaf with cashews, apricots and date chutney. Very yummy! And for dessert, I had Classic Mildred Pierce profiteroles with Lindt milk chocolate ice cream drizzled with a rich dark chocolate sauce. Again, very yummy!!!

Condo repairs - day three

All the plastering and sanding has been done.

The dust factor is very low.

Yay!

The back bedroom

The back bedroom

Condo repairs - day two

All the drywall is up and the dust factor is fairly low. Yay!!

Our back bedroom (the computer is usually on this desk ...
um, when it's not on its side)

The desk on its side and their vacuum cleaner

The back bedroom ... the desk chair is buried on top of the futon