Book ~ "Lost in Cabbagetown: A Memoir of Surviving Boyhood in 1960s Toronto" (2022) Terry Burke

From Goodreads ~ Burke takes us back to a boyhood shaped by hunger, pain, love and loss on the streets of Toronto’s Cabbagetown.

When the Burke family left Ireland, in 1959, they thought they were leaving the trials and tribulations of the Dublin slums behind. Instead, Molly, Bill and their nine children found the same poverty and hardship awaiting them in the east end of Toronto.

For their sixth-born son, Terry, growing up in Cabbagetown was a daily struggle to survive. Whether it was the bullies on the street or the gangs in Regent Park, fights were an everyday occurrence. School should have been a refuge but some of the priests and nuns were more terrifying than any street bully. The only escape for Terry was to find his way down into the Don Valley, where he could search the river for muskrat or imagine himself escaping on one of the freight trains, chucking north, up the valley floor.

But a childhood in Cabbagetown didn’t seem to last very long. Forced into adulthood and driven from home in the wake of tragedy, Terry struggled to survive on his own and find a way back to his family.

In this touching memoir, Terry Burke pulls no punches, providing a poignant story of the hardships of poverty and the enduring bond of family.

Young Terry and his family (his mother, father and eight siblings) moved to Toronto in the late 1950s from Ireland, hoping for a better life. Alas, that's not what they found. At that time, their neighbourhood in Cabbagetown, which was made up of mostly immigrants, was run down and everyone was in the same situation. Money and work was hard to come by and their father worked when he could find it. Their mother held everything together at home.

There was no extra money for anything so if Terry wanted to go see a movie or grab a bite to eat with friends, he had to get creative by collecting pop bottles, helping women home with their groceries and hoping for a tip, fetching food for drunks coming out of tavern and getting to keep the change, and more. He and his siblings were sent to Catholic schools where the priests and nuns had no hesitation to keep students in line with a strap or ruler.

Terry didn't get along with his father and left home at age 15. He had to find a job and a place to live but without a driver's license that was difficult. He did what he could to survive but then things took drastic turn and everything seemed to be hopeless.

What attracted me to this book is that it is a true story set in Toronto. I liked the writing style and and the honesty. Despite the hard times, the love for his mother and siblings was always there ... they may not have had much but they had each other. I'm glad things worked out for him.

Knitted dog sweater

I finished knitting a small dog sweater.  I recently came across a charity called ElderDog Canada who are looking for knitters to make and donate them.

I found the pattern at Yarnspirations.

Book ~ "Princess" (2008) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ It seems like it's going to be just another normal Peterson family trip for haircuts - that is until Charles meets Princess, a spoiled but irresistible Yorkie pup. She belongs to one of the stylists but Princess's owner is moving and can't take the puppy with her. Charles volunteers to care for Princess until they find her a new home. 

But it doesn't take long for the Petersons to get tired of Princess's privileged ways. How will Charles ever find the right family for this high maintenance pup?

Charles and his older sister, Lizzie, are in elementary school. The Peterson family have a puppy named Buddy plus they foster dogs and help them find homes.

While Charles and his family are getting haircuts, one of the stylists rushes in excitedly tells everyone she is heading to California to study under a master stylist. She has a yorkie named Princess who she can't take with her. Charles offers to foster Princess and find her a new home ... something the Peterson family regret when they discover how spoiled Princess is. She comes with a long list of instructions and a suitcase of clothes, bowls, placemats and more!

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 Princess' point of view. It is the twelfth in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 64 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

Book ~ "Freak" (2012) Jennifer Hillier

From Goodreads ~ Sitting alone in a maximum-security prison cell, Abby Maddox is a celebrity. Her claim to fame is the envy of every freak on the outside: she’s the former lover of Ethan Wolfe, the killer who left more than a dozen dead women in his wake and nearly added Puget Sound State professor Sheila Tao to the tally. Now Abby, serving a nine-year sentence for slashing a police officer’s throat in a moment of rage, has little human contact - save for the letters that pour in from demented fans, lunatics, and creeps. But a new wave of murders has given Abby a possible chance for a plea bargain - because this killer has been sending her love letters, and carving a message on the bodies of the victims: Free Abby Maddox.

Jerry Isaac will never forget the attack - or his attacker. The hideous scarring and tortured speech are daily reminders that the one-time Seattle PD officer, now a private investigator, is just lucky to be alive. Abby Maddox deserves to rot in jail - forever, as far as Jerry’s concerned. But she alone may possess crucial evidence - letters from this newest killer - that could crack open the disturbing case. With the help of Professor Sheila Tao, seasoned police detective Mike Torrance, and intuitive criminology student Danny Mercy, Jerry must coax the shattering truth from isolated, dangerous Abby Maddox. Can he put the pieces together before Abby’s number one fan takes another life in the name of a killer’s perverted idea of justice?

Ethan had been a teaching assistant to Sheila, a professor, and they had an affair. When she broke up with him, he didn't take it well and he kidnapped her. They were eventually found and Ethan was killed. Ethan had apparently killed many women and it is suspected that Abby, his girlfriend, was also involved, though she denies it. She is serving a nine year sentence in prison for slashing the throat of Jerry, a private detective, so she could escape when it was discovered what Ethan had done.

A year later, women who look like Abby are murdered and "Free Abby Maddox" is carved into their backs. Abby agrees to help catch the murderer if she is moved into a minimum security prison. As much as Jerry despises Abby for what she did to him, he agrees to help Mike, his ex-partner police officer, in doing what he has to do to save women's lives.

I've liked other books by this author and thought this one was ridiculous. It is written in third person perspective with a focus on where the action was. It was unbelievable how Abby was able to manipulate everyone just so she could get revenge on Sheila. It was gross how Jerry kept scratching at is scar. Though it is second in the Creep series, it works as a stand alone but I would suggest you read the first one first so you get the full background. As a head's up, there is swearing and extreme violence.

Coronation Park and Trillium Park and William G. Davis Trail, Toronto, ON

I walked to  Coronation Park this morning ... it's been a while. It's a chilly grey day.

Knitted dog sweater

I finished knitting a medium dog sweater.  I'd made a couple for my sister's dog, Frankie, last year and recently came across a charity called ElderDog Canada who are looking for knitters to make and donate them.

I found the pattern at Yarnspirations.

Book ~ "Bear" (2009) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ 10-year-old Lizzie Peterson and her family are on an adventurous winter vacation in snowy Vermont when she meets Bear, an adorable husky called lazy and then abandoned by his sled-dog racing team. Lizzie falls in love with Bear and rescues him when he gets lost during a big snowstorm. 

Will Lizzie be able to find Bear a home where he is appreciated? When she meets Fern, a young musher, Lizzie goes on the ride of her life - and thinks she may have found the answer.

Lizzie and her younger brother, Charles, are in elementary school. The Peterson family have a puppy named Buddy plus they foster dogs and help them find homes.

The Petersons heads to Vermont on vacation to enjoy the snow. They stay at a lodge run by a couple of sisters who are fostering a husky puppy named Bear. The puppy's owner has headed off to Alaska to run in a dogsled race ... he feels Bear is too lazy and unmotivated to be a sled dog so has asked the sisters to find him a home. Lizzie gets attached to Bear and is determined to prove the owner wrong.

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 Bear's point of view. It is the fifteenth in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 64 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

The Good Son, Toronto, ON

Gord and I had supper this evening at The Good Son (Queen Street W/Dovercourt Road). 

Open Cribbage Tournament, Royal Canadian Legion - Branch 31 Mount Dennis, Toronto, ON

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 31 Mount Dennis (on Weston Road) had a cribbage tournament this afternoon and Gord and I were there. We've been going to them for a few years and it's always a fun afternoon.

There were 48 teams and the top prize was $280! We were hoping to do better than we have in the past there … our best has been 5 wins/5 losses and that’s how we did today. We got skunked three games (!!!!!) but double skunked the last team we played. Needless to say, we didn’t make it onto the winners board. It was a fun afternoon. A fella on the second team we played got a 29 hand (the most points you can get in a hand) in one of the later games … they are very rare and I’ve never seen one! 

Book ~ "Cody" (2009) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ Charles and Lizzie Peterson have a special talent when it comes to taking care of animals and somehow there always seems to be another dog who needs their help! 

So it is no surprise that Lizzie offers to lend a hand when an overly energetic Dalmatian is left on their porch. But after Cody destroys Lizzie's Halloween costume she's not certain she can convince the perfect owner to adopt him. Will this pup's curious teeth cost him a home? 

Lizzie and her younger brother, Charles, are in elementary school. They have a puppy named Buddy plus foster dogs and help them find homes.

 Their neighbour brings over a pup that was mistakenly tied to her tree and meant for the Petersons so they could find a home for him. Cody is a Dalmatian puppy and a note said he is too hyper and sheds too much. After Lizzie trains him to settle down and open commands, she finds him the perfect 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 Cody's point of view. It is the thirteenth in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 64 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

The Scented Market, Guelph, ON

My scented candle subscription box from The Scented Market (of Guelph, ON) arrived today.

Each box is filled with 3 seasonal candles + 1 exclusive candle only available in the subscription box.

The winter box includes:

• Cracklin' Birch - a smell of birch wood crackling on a warm winter's fire 
• North Pole - a crisp peppermint smell with a hint of sweetness 
• Sleigh Ride - a fresh blend of outdoor greenery and crisp apples
• Sweet Tooth - a fun caramel dessert when you have a sweet tooth

Book ~ "Some Women" (2016) Emily Liebert

From Goodreads ~ Annabel Ford has everything under control, devoting her time to her twin five-year-old boys and to keeping her household running seamlessly. So when her husband of a decade announces that he’s leaving her, without warning, she’s blindsided. And suddenly her world begins to unravel.

Single mother Piper Whitley has always done her best to balance it all - raising her daughter, Fern, by herself and advancing her career as a crime reporter. Only now that she’s finally met the man of her dreams, Fern’s absentee father arrives on the scene and throws everything into a tailspin.

Married to the heir of a thriving media conglomerate, Mackenzie Mead has many reasons to count her blessings. But with an imperious mother-in-law - who’s also her boss - and a husband with whom she can no longer seem to connect, something has to give.

On the surface, these three women may not have much in common. Yet when their lives are thrust together and unlikely friendships are formed - at a time when they all need someone to lean on - Annabel, Piper, and Mackenzie band together to help each navigate their new realities.

Annabel has been married to Henry for about ten years. She gave up her demanding career when they had twin boys five years ago. Though she is now a stay-at-home mom and wife, she is still controlling. Henry finally has enough and moves out ... Annabel didn't see this coming and is heartbroken.

When Piper got pregnant ten years ago, her boyfriend, Max, said he needed some time to himself and she never saw him again. Needless to say, she was hurt and pissed but she eventually moved on and made a life for her and Fern, eventually meeting and falling in love with Todd. When Max unexpectedly comes back into their lives, it threatens the happiness she has been able find.

Mackenzie is married to Todd and they both work for Todd's mother's company. Mackenzie has been trying to get pregnant and the pressure her mother-in-law is putting on her to give her grandson isn't helping.

Annabel, Piper and Mackenzie recently met at an exercise class (before their lives started falling apart) and became friends, though they did't seem to have anything in common. But as their lives become disrupted, they were there for each other.

This is the third book I've read by this author and I thought it was okay. It is written is third person perspective. As a head's up, there is swearing.

Casa Loma, Toronto, ON

Casa Loma has their Christmas at the Castle event happening until January 8 and I wanted to check it out before it was over so I headed there this morning. I'm glad I did as there was so much to see and it was done very well.

Book ~ "Noodle" (2008) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ Charles and Lizzie Peterson love puppies. They have a puppy of their own but they still foster other puppies who need their help.

When Lizzie spots Noodle he's in some major trouble. Once they rescue him, the Peterson's can't figure out where his people are. Lizzie is determined to find Noodle's family, but the question is, do they want to be found?

Lizzie and her younger brother, Charles, are in elementary school. They have a puppy named Buddy plus foster dogs and help them find homes.

 

The Peterson family are having their annual winter picnic at the lake when Lizzie notices something in the water. Looking through binoculars, she realizes a puppy had fallen in the the semi-frozen lake and is struggling to gt out. Mr. Peterson is a fireman and contacts his colleagues who save the puppy. With no collar, the Petersons take him home and name him Noodle and try to find his family. They wonder if he has been abandoned since it seems like no one is looking for him.

 

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 Noodle's point of view. It is the eleventh in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 64 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

Book ~ "Pretty Revenge" (2019) Emily Liebert

From Goodreads ~ Kerrie O’Malley, jobless and in an unfulfilling relationship, can isolate the singular moment in her life when things veered off course - the night she was irrevocably wronged by someone she looked up to. Eighteen years later, when Kerrie sees the very woman who destroyed her life on television, a fire ignites inside her. The stakes are high. The risks are perilous. But she’ll stop at nothing to achieve the retribution she deserves.

Jordana Pierson is a gilded New Yorker who appears to have it all: wealth, glamour, a successful and handsome husband, and a thriving wedding concierge business. Her record is spotless. Her business is flourishing. No one knows the truth about her and the dark shadows of her past.

No one, that is, except Kerrie. 

Kerrie and Jordan were neighbours in a small town in Connecticut. Kerrie was 12 years old and watched Jordan, who was 17, and wanted to be friends but Jordan didn't know she existed. One night, the only night they ever met, Kerrie saved Jordan's life. While Jordan was grateful, things happened that night to make Kerrie regret it and vowed to get revenge ever since.

Eighteen years later, Jordan is now Jordana, living in New York City, is married to a rich husband and has a successful wedding conciege business. Kerrie is still in Connecticut and struggling. When she sees Jordana being interviewed, she vows to get revenge on what happened that night 18 years ago. She moves to New York City, becomes Olivia and manages to get the position of Jordana's assistant and gaining her trust and friendship, and sees that Jordana's life isn't as great as she'd like you to think. Olivia starts her plan by sabotaging Jordana and her business without Jordana suspecting a thing.

This is the second book I've read by this author and I thought it was okay. It is written is first person perspective in Kerrie/Olivia and Jordan/Jordana's voices (the chapters are labelled). Most of the story takes place in present day but it does bounce back to the past so we can eventually find out why Kerrie/Olivia is seeking revenge. The ending came together quickly and was a bit unbelievable. As a head's up, there is swearing and adult activity.

Knitted scarf

I just finished knitting another scarf with Bernat Baby Velvet Stripes yarn.

I used 4.5mm needles.  I cast on 40 stitches and did garter stitch  until the end.

The scarf is about 5.5 feet long … soft and cozy!

Beertown Public House, Toronto, ON

Darlene, Gord and I had a late lunch/early supper this evening at Beertown Public House (Wellington Street/University Avenue). It was fun to catch up with Darlene.

Darlene had a Plant-based Baja Chick'n Sandwich (meatless chick'n breast, cheddar sheeze, guacamole, sliced tomato, shredded lettuce, dill ranch dressing, toasted artisan bun).

Gord had Beertown Pad Thai (red peppers, bean sprouts, julienne carrots, tried egg, rice noodles, sweet + sour peanut sauce, scallions and spiced peanuts).

I had Southern Fried Chicken (buttermilk brined boneless chicken, creamy cider slaw, dill ranch, carolina mustard, fresh russet fries).

All were yummy!

Kaitlin was our server.  She was friendly and took good care of us.

Happy New Year!

I wish you health ... so you may enjoy each day in comfort.

I wish you the love of friends and family ... and peace within your heart.

I wish you the beauty of nature ... that you may enjoy the work of Mother Nature.

I wish you wisdom to choose priorities ... for those things that really matter in life.

I wish you generosity so you may share ... all good things that come to you.

I wish you happiness and joy ... and blessings for the New Year.

I wish you the best of everything ... that you so well deserve.