Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar, Oakville, ON

I had a late lunch this afternoon at Scaddabush in Oakville (Winston Churchill Blvd./QEW).  It's been open since last April.  I'd had lunch there a few times when it was an Alice Fazooli's so I experienced a bit of déjà vu.

I sat in the dining room

I ordered what I usually get at a Scaddabush ... an Americano pizza.  I love love love pizza and they make good pizzas.  Today mine was delicious ... cheesy and loaded with pepperoni.  The chef had neglected to put the Scaddabush spice on it and I was okay with that as I sometimes request it without it.

Book ~ "I Could Pee on This: And Other Poems by Cats" (2012) Francesco Marciuliano

From Goodreads ~ Cat lovers will laugh out loud at the quirkiness of their feline friends with these insightful and curious poems from the singular minds of housecats.

In this hilarious book of tongue-in-cheek poetry, the author of the internationally syndicated comic strip Sally Forth helps cats unlock their creative potential and explain their odd behaviour to ignorant humans.

With titles like Who Is That on Your Lap?, This Is My Chair, Kneel Before Me, Nudge, and Some of My Best Friends Are Dogs, the poems collected in "I Could Pee on This" perfectly capture the inner workings of the cat psyche.

With photos of the cat authors throughout, this whimsical volume reveals kitties at their wackiest, and most exasperating (but always lovable). 

I'm not into poetry but I'm into cats and that's why this book caught my eye.  Look at that cutie on the cover!

The poems are "written" by cats and are grouped into four categories ... family, work, play and existence.  They give you insight into what your cat is thinking and why they do what they do.  Plus there are lots of colour pictures of gorgeous kittens and cats.

This is a quick cute read and I look forward to reading others by this author.  Here are some examples from the book ...

Book ~ "The Doggie in the Window: How One Beloved Dog Opened My Eyes to the Complicated Story Behind Man's Best Friend" (2018) Rory Kress

From Goodreads ~ When Rory Kress began to wonder where her beloved Wheaten Terrier, Izzie, had really come from, she had no idea of the horrors she would uncover. 

With stunning insight and tenacity, Kress launches an investigation into the harsh realities of the American dog-breeding industry, exposing troubling ties to factory farming and big agriculture.

From a pet shop on Long Island to the puppy mills of rural Missouri, from the author’s own living room to a ride-along with a dog rescue organization, "The Doggie in the Window" is a must-read for all dog owners and a call to action for improving the lives of man’s best friend. 

Izzie and Rory

I'm a dog lover and enjoy reading books about them.

Rory Kress is a journalist.  She and her boyfriend (now husband), Dan, had just moved in together and decided to get a dog.  They went to what they thought was a reputable pet store and spontaneously bought a Wheaten Terrier which they named Izzie.

Rory started to wonder about Izzie's background and that led her to start investigating the commercial dog-breeding industry in the United States and this book is the result.  She did a massive amount of detailed investigation, speaking with government officials and undercover agents who went into puppy mills, visiting puppy mills, breeders and dog auctions, interviewing people who have bought puppies from pet stores and puppy mills, and more.  She even had Izzie analyzed to see what effect being a puppy mill puppy had on her (it did).

The book was hard at times to read given the treatment of the dogs.  It's amazing that with all the regulations and laws in place that puppy mills still exist and breeding dogs are treated has horrific as they are.  Yet with all this knowledge out there, buyer still turn a blind eye and buy dogs from pet stores or breeders without first checking out the conditions.

Here in Toronto pet stores can't sell cats and dogs (yay!).  They can, though, sponsor adopt a thons with animals from rescues.  That's how we've gotten our cats.

Adopt, don't shop!

Book ~ "Harry: Life, Loss, and Love" (2018) Katie Nicholl

From Goodreads ~ From his earliest public appearances as a mischievous redheaded toddler, Prince Harry has captured the hearts of royal enthusiasts around the world. In "Harry", Britain's leading expert on the young royals offers an in-depth look at the wayward prince turned national treasure. Nicholl sheds new light on growing up royal, Harry's relationship with his mother, his troubled youth and early adulthood, and how his military service in Afghanistan inspired him to create his legacy, the Invictus Games.

"Harry: Life, Loss, and Love" features interviews with friends, those who have worked with the prince, and former Palace aides. Nicholl explores Harry's relationship with his family, in particular, the Queen, his father, stepmother and brother, and reveals his secret "second family" in Botswana. She uncovers new information about his former girlfriends and chronicles his romance and engagement to American actress Meghan Markle.

"Harry" is a compelling portrait of one of the most popular members of the royal family, and reveals the inside story of the most intriguing royal romance in a decade.

Everyone knows who Prince Harry is ... grandson of Queen Elizabeth, son of Prince Charles and the late Diana, Princess of Wales, and brother of Prince William.  This book is all about Prince Harry, starting with his birth (actually a bit before his birth), growing up with divorced parents, the death of his mother (and finally dealing with the grief later in life), his military career, his love life, his partying, his charities and ending with his engagement to Meghan Markle.

I found it to be an interesting read.  There was just enough information without having too much detail.  There were quotes and stories from people close to the prince, his family and friends, and Meghan's family and friends, but also from anonymous sources (those I always take with a grain of salt).  It was interesting to get a peek inside how the Royals live, what is expected of them, etc.  At the end, there are lots of colour pictures of Prince Harry over the years.

If you are interested in the Royals, especially the younger ones, you will probably enjoy this book.

Swiss Chalet Rotisserie & Grill, Toronto, ON (Woodbine Avenue)

I had an early lunch today at Swiss Chalet at Woodbine Avenue/Steeles Avenue.

I knew what I wanted and ordered right away what I have been ordering lately at Swiss Chalet ... a half chicken dinner with corn. It's Weight Watcher friendly (just seven points!) and it was good. The corn was previously frozen but warm. The chicken was a large serving and hot and really tender. The roll was warm and the sauce had a nice bite.

Lisa was my server.  She was really friendly and chatty (she too is doing Weight Watchers and we exchanged tips) and took good care of me.

Book ~ "T is for Trespass" (2007) Sue Grafton

From Goodreads ~ A miser and a hoarder, Gus Vronsky is so crotchety that after he takes a bad fall, his only living relative is anxious to find him some hired help and get back home as soon as she can. In an effort to help, Gus's neighbor, private investigator Kinsey Millhone, runs a check on an applicant for the job, Solana Rojas. Social Security, driver's license, nursing certification: It all checks out. And it sounds like she did a good job for her former employers. So Kinsey gives her the thumbs-up, figuring Gus will be the ideal assignment for this diligent, experienced caregiver. 

And the real Solana Rojas was indeed an excellent caregiver. But the woman who has stolen her identity is not, and for her, Gus will be the ideal victim.

It's late 1987 and Kinsey Millhone is a 37-year-old private detective in Santa Teresa, CA.  Her cantankerous neighbor, Gus, is badly injured in a fall.  His only living relative is a niece in New York and can't care for him so she hires Solana Rojas, a private nurse, to help him while he recuperates.  The niece hires Kinsey to check out Solana and everything seems okay.  But Kinsey becomes suspicious of Solana when Solana doesn't allow anyone to see Gus, is cleaning his place out and is rude.

In the meantime, Kinsey is investigating a case of possible insurance fraud involving a woman who drove into another car. The female passenger in the other car had serious injuries and she and her husband are suing.  Kinsey must track down a reluctant witness who can tell what really happened.

I thought this story was okay.  It was interesting to see how manipulative a person can be and get away with it.  It's written in first person perspective in Kinsey's voice but in third person perspective when it's Solana's voice.   As a head's up, there is swearing.

This is the twentieth in the "alphabet series" featuring Kinsey Millhone.  Though it is part of a series, it works as a stand alone.  I discovered this series in the mid-1990s and have read them all.  I started rereading them last year.  With the author's recent death, Y is for Yesterday will be the end of the series.

Book ~ "Damaged" (2010) Pamela Callow

From Goodreads ~ Haunted by the death of her sister and wounded by her ex-fiancé's accusations, Kate Lange throws herself into her new career at a high-powered law firm.

When the grandmother of a lonely private school student seeks her counsel, Kate thinks it's just another custody case. But then the teen is brutally murdered. And it isn't only Kate who wonders if her legal advice led to the girl's death.

How far are you willing to go to redeem yourself?

Put on notice by Randall Barrett, the firm's charismatic managing partner, Kate must fight for her career, for her reputation - and for redemption.

Unwilling to live with the damage she may have caused, Kate pursues the case on her own and unearths some chilling facts.

Facts that lead straight to the heart of a legal conspiracy.

Facts that lead Kate directly into the surgically skilled hands of the Body Butcher.

Kate is a lawyer and has just started working for a powerful law firm.  She's feeling frustrated because instead of giving exciting juicy cases, she's being handed boring ones.  Then one of the partners directs a client to her.  She's an older woman who is concerned about her teenage granddaughter ... her parents have split up and the grandmother feels she is being neglected.  Kate advises her to contact the authorities if she felt there was a abuse and sends her on her way.  The granddaughter turns up murdered the next day.  Kate feels like she has let the girl down and is determined to find out what happened.

In the meantime, Kate is still dealing her recent break-up with Ethan, a police officer.  She's moved on ... bought a house, got a dog, got a new job, etc. ... but keeps running into Ethan which keeps stirring up old feelings.

This is the first book I've read by this author and I liked it.  It is written in third person perspective with the focus on wherever the action is.  As a head's up, there is swearing and violence.  The author was raised and lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and that's where the story is set (I was born and lived in Nova Scotia until I was in my twenties ... my sister lives in Halifax).  I liked that the author set the story in Halifax and didn't make it look like it was Any Town, USA ... there are local references such as Kate's office is down by the water on Upper Water Street, she goes jogging in Point Pleasant Park and she visited the area of Dartmouth where I lived until I was ten.

This is the first in the Kate Lange series (so far there are four) and I look forward to reading the others in the series.

Harry Stone's Pizza, Burger & Ale House, Harriston, ON

I had a late lunch today at Harry Stone's Pizza, Burger & Ale House.

The bar side looked like fun

Book ~ "The Summer of New Beginnings" (2018) Bette Lee Crosby

From Goodreads ~ Aspiring journalist Meghan Briggs has always been the responsible one in the family. So when her father passes away unexpectedly, leaving behind his at-risk business, she steps up to save his legacy - even if that means putting her own dreams on hold.

Tracy couldn’t be more different from her sister. She’s always been the rebellious type, without much direction in life. But in the wake of her latest romantic disaster, she finds herself moving back home as a single mother.

As Tracy experiences the difficulties of new motherhood, Meghan faces her own struggle: trying not to fall for the stray puppy she rescued. This is no time for attachments - not to the adorable “Sox,” whose owner is bound to turn up any day, and certainly not to the handsome new vet in town. But as the summer unfolds, she discovers that, like Sox, she may need rescuing, too.

As both sisters navigate unexpected challenges and exciting new relationships, they’ll find that putting the past to rest can make way for beautiful new beginnings.

George and Lila live in the small town of Magnolia Grove and have two daughters ... Tracy is the oldest and bit of a wild one and Meghan is the good daughter.  When George passes away suddenly, Meghan postpones her dream of going to journalism school to run his small-town magazine.  Rather than letting it go, she sees it as a way of keeping a piece of her father.  Tracy, on the other hand, heads off to Philadelphia where Dominic, her boyfriend, has gotten a job.  The relationship doesn't work out and Tracy moves back home with her infant son.  As Tracy tries to get her life together, Meghan finds a stray pup who she names Sox and hopes his owner doesn't turn up to claim him. 

I thought this book was okay.  It is written in third person perspective, though some chapters are in first person perspective ... they are short and italicized and the name of the person is at the beginning of these chapters so you know who the focus is.  This style worked for me as it let me get into their heads and know what they were thinking and feeling.

I wasn't crazy about Lila.  Considering all that Meghan had given up and taken on, she didn't seem very grateful and still treated her like a child (for example, initially forbidding her to keep Sox).  Dominic was a jerk who hadn't treated Tracy or their son very well yet she still waffled for years about going back to him.

If you are looking for a nice clean wholesome story, you will enjoy it.  It is the first in the Magnolia Grove series.

Chop Steakhouse & Bar, Toronto, ON

Gord and I had an early supper today at Chop Steakhouse & Bar (it's near the airport).

The lounge

We sat in the dining room

Humber Bay Park East, Toronto, ON

It was such a nice afternoon (chilly but sunny) so Gord and I went for a walk in Humber Bay Park East.  We like this park and hadn't been since July.

We did the loop around the park and noticed there were places where the trees, bushes, etc. have been removed so it's more open.  There were lots of people out with dogs and cameras.

Sunnyside across the water

Humber Bridge across the water

CN Tower across the water

Air India 182 Memorial

Book ~ "The Family Tree Historical Newspapers Guide: How to Find Your Ancestors in Archived Newspapers" (2018) James M. Beidler

From Goodreads ~ There are more historical newspaper resources than you think - and they're easier to access than you know. When researched properly, no other type of record can beat historical newspapers in "taking the pulse" of their times and places, recording not just the names, but also information important to the community. 

This comprehensive how-to guide will show you how to harvest the "social media" of centuries past to learn about your ancestors and the times and places they lived in. With step-by-step examples, case studies, templates, worksheets, and screenshots, this book shows you what you can find in online (and offline) historical newspapers, from city dailies to weekly community papers to foreign-language gazetteers.

"The Family Tree Historical Newspapers Guide" features: 

• Tips and techniques for finding crucial genealogy records in newspapers, such as birth announcements, obituaries, and even news reports 
• Step-by-step guides for using popular online newspaper databases such as GenealogyBank and Newspapers.com 
• Case studies that will put information found in newspapers to use

I track my family tree on Ancestry and books like this always interest me.  This one focuses on finding information about your ancestors through newspapers.  Surprisingly there were a lot more pages and information than I was expecting.

The chapters are:

1. The historical role of newspapers
2. Records in newspapers
3. Vital records and life events in newspapers
4. Obituaries and other death notices
5. Understanding newspaper media
6. Free newspaper websites
7. Newspapers.com
8. Genealogybank
9. Other subscription websites
10. Seeking out other newspapers
11. Ethnic-focused newspapers
12. International newspapers
13. Preserving, collecting and citing newspapers
14. Putting it all together 

Throughout the book there are photo examples of articles, obituaries, notices (birth, marriage announcements, death and divorces), etc. from various newspapers from different times.  There are also worksheets you can use to record your information along with many links which take you to the sources described.

Though it's geared towards American sources (I'm in Canada), my father's family and my maternal grandmother's family were from the States so I'll probably find these sources helpful.

Topbox - March 2018

My March Topbox arrived today.

For only $12 a month, you will receive a Topbox with 4 carefully selected, indulgent, beauty products. Then test the products in the comfort of your own home.

 Here's what I received ...

• Delectable by Cake Beauty Sweet Mint & Cream Ultra Nourishing Hand Cream - 60ml - $6 value
• Benefit Cosmetics BADgal BANG! Volumizing mascara - 3g - $9 value
• Smashbox Be Legendary Liquid Lip (Mauve Wife) - $12 value
• LANEIGE Multiberry Yogurt Repairing Mask - 20ml - $8.25 value

Total value = $35.25 value

Book ~ "The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern: A Complete History" (2017) David McPherson

From Goodreads ~ Like the Queen Street strip that has been its home for seven decades, the Horseshoe Tavern continues to evolve. It remains as relevant today as it did when Jack Starr founded the country club on the site of a former blacksmith shop. From country and rockabilly to rock ‘n’ roll, punk, alt/country, and back to roots music, the venerable live music venue has evolved with the times and trends — always keeping pace with the music. 

Over its seventy-year history, the Horseshoe has seen a flood of talent pass through. From Willie Nelson to Loretta Lynn, Stompin’ Tom Connors to the Band, and Bryan Adams to the Tragically Hip, the Horseshoe has attracted premier acts from all eras of music. In The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern, David McPherson captures the turbulent life of the bar, and of Canadian rock. 

The Horseshoe Tavern (aka "The 'Shoe") is a bar at Queen Street W and Spadina here in Toronto.  It opened in 1947 and though it has had different owners over the years, it's still in operation today as a music venue.  The building itself dates back to 1861, when it opened as a blacksmith shop.  It originally opened as a restaurant but soon became known for its country and western concerts, hosting soon-to-be superstars such as Willie Nelson, Conway Twitty, Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lyn, Charlie Pride and Ian & Sylvia Tyson.

Over the years, the music styles have changed ... blues, folk, reggae, mod rock, punk, new wave, alternative rock, ska, surf, swing, Celtic, alternative country and more.  Iconic Canadian bands played there when they were starting out ... Bryan Adams, Blue Rodeo, the Tragically Hip, the Watchmen, Big Sugar, Wide Mouth Mason, Great Big Sea, Stompin' Tom Connors, the Band, Helix, Prairie Oyster, The Jeff Healey Band and Our Lady Peace.  Surprise concerts include the The Rolling Stones, Bryan Adams, The ‘Hip, Melissa Ethridge, Sammy Hagar and The Blues Brothers.

I enjoyed this book as I like reading about the history of Toronto, I like music and I used to go to The 'Shoe.  When I moved to Toronto in the late 1980s, it was one of the places I went to hear live music as that was the time when Amanda Marshall, The Phantoms, Jeff Healey, etc. were just starting out.  It was a dive bar but it was a fun dive bar.  I haven't been to The 'Shoe in years.  Their music focus has changed and evolved and they are bringing in bands I haven't heard of.  After reading this book, though, I want to go back and check them out again.

I liked the writing style of the book and it brought back memories of bands and bars I'd forgotten about (like The Diamond Club [now The Phoenix] and Albert's Hall).  In addition to lots of interesting information and stories about The 'Shoe, there are interviews with those involved (like the owners, performers and even the bartenders) along with pictures.  As a head's up, there is swearing.

It's a must-read for anyone who is interested in the music scene over the years here in Toronto and/or has been to The 'Shoe.

Book ~ "R is for Ricochet" (2004) Sue Grafton

From Goodreads ~ Kinsey Millhone, employed by Nord Lafferty to drive his daughter home from her incarceration at the Californian Institute for Women, marvels at the simplicity of the task. But Reba Lafferty emerges feisty and rebellious, and Kinsey is soon fighting to prevent her charge from breaking the conditions of her parole. 

As she finds herself befriending the ex-gambler, ex-alcoholic and ex-con, Kinsey discovers that Reba had taken the fall for her boss, also her lover, when he conducted a highly-crafted money laundering scam. Alan Beckwith has so far escaped the clutches of the FBI. Now they believe he is laundering money for a Columbian drug cartel - they just need the proof. 

When Kinsey is asked by the police to persuade Reba to unveil crucial evidence guaranteed to put Beckwith behind bars, she doesn't expect cooperation. But when she hears of shocking new information about her lover, Reba is suddenly all too eager to do everything she can to ruin him. Embroiled in a cunning challenge of wits, and meanwhile bemused by her own blossoming romance, Kinsey must try to control the bitter, angry Reba as she launches her dangerous revenge.

It's the late 1980s and Kinsey Millhone is a 37-year-old private detective in Santa Teresa, CA.  She is hired by an elderly ill man to pick up his daughter, Reba, who is being released from prison, bring her home and ensure she gets to the meeting with her parole officer the next day.  An easy job!  They kind of become friends and Reba hooks up the next night with Alan, her former boyfriend and boss who she had embezzled money from, hence the reason she went to prison.  But Reba discovers Alan isn't as honest as she thought he was so considers turning evidence against him to the police and FBI when she's approached.

In the meantime, Kinsey is now dating Cheney, a police office, who she has been attracted to for a few years.  Things get hot and heavy very quickly.  Henry, Kinsey's elderly landlord, is having issues with his love life.  A woman he met on a recent cruise has been visiting but Henry's older brothers interfere in the potential romance.  Instead of telling his brothers to buzz off, he wimps out and backs off, which I thought was dumb.

I thought this story was just okay.  Kinsey was hired basically as a babysitter for a couple days and for some reason she, who has always been a loner, is interested in becoming friends with Reba.  She even looks to Reba for fashion advice, which seemed out of character for Kinsey (she's never cared about clothes and would trim her hair when necessary with nail scissors).  I found the Kinsey/Cheney relationship odd and unbelievable.  As far as she knew, he was married.  It turns out he was but it only lasted less than two months.  Kinsey and Cheney get together very quickly and he's all she seems to be thinking about.  It didn't seem like the Kinsey we've gotten to know.  It's written in first person perspective in Kinsey's voice.   As a head's up, there is swearing and adult activity.

This is the eighteenth in the "alphabet series" featuring Kinsey Millhone.  Though it is part of a series, it works as a stand alone.  I discovered this series in the mid-1990s and have read them all.  I started rereading them last year.  With the author's recent death, Y is for Yesterday will be the end of the series.

Ipsy Glam Bag - March 2018

My March Ipsy Glam Bag arrived today.

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

Subscriptions are $10US a month or $110US for a year.  Shipping is free in the U.S. and $4.95US per month to Canada.

Here's what I received ...

• Make-up bag
• HIKARI Cream Pigment Eyeshadow (Shine) - $3.50 value
• BENEFIT COSMETICS BADGal Bang Mascara (Pitch Black) - 3g - $9 value
• TARTE COSMETICS Sex Kitten Eyeliner - $6.67 value
• GLOSSIER Balm Dotcom (Coconut) - 0.24oz - $7.20 value - I like it!
• ANDALOU NATURALS 1000 Roses Body Lotion - $1.99 value 

Total value: $28.36US (without the make-up bag)

Swiss Chalet Rotisserie & Grill, Toronto, ON (Dufferin Mall)

I had a late lunch today at Swiss Chalet in the Dufferin Mall (Dufferin Street, south of Bloor Street W).  I live near the Dufferin Mall and have been there about a million times but haven't been to this restaurant before (I usually eat in the foodcourt if I'm hungry).

I was seated right away ... but then had to wait about ten minutes before my server acknowledged me and came over to see if I wanted anything to drink.  I knew what I wanted and ordered right away what I have been ordering lately at Swiss Chalet ... a half chicken dinner with corn. It's Weight Watcher friendly (just seven points!) and it was good. The corn was previously frozen but hot. The chicken was a large serving and hot and tender. The roll was warm and the sauce had a nice bite.

After my meal arrived, my server was quick to ask me if I wanted a refill on my pop (and yes, I did).