Happy Times in Canada

All systems were go to pick up Rick from his Canadian bike tour. The trip was designed to combine a longtime friendship and a reunion with Rick. It all began the day before my birthday when I took off to see my friend Suzanne in London. I couldn't wait for my doc appointment to be done so I could hit the road. I'd been watching the clock all day!

Suzanne and I have known each other since high school and it's one of those rare friendships where even if you change, you change the same (and of course, many things remain as they always were). My eagerly awaited departure was, however, somewhat delayed, having to first clean up my basement following a record-breaking rain storm that even made the CBS News! Not a fun way to start a journey but a warm welcome made up for it!

The next couple of days were filled with fun. We caught the movie "Mr. Holmes," which I really enjoyed and celebrated my birthday with an all-you-can-eat sushi dinner. Which, I might add, was wonderful!



Then it was time for shopping (thank you, Canadian dollar, for being so generous to me on my purchases of many books and a few Christmas gifts!) and enjoying a classic movie musical on the large screen in Suzanne's home theatre! Finally, it was off to Toronto to meet Rick, who had been working in the office of one of his clients for a couple of days in the Toronto suburbs. I am happy to say he made close to 1,000 miles on his bike with nary a band-aid! He was simply elated about the fun of his trip. Of course, we had birthday all over again!

It was a delightful Italian restaurant and the weather cooperated so we could enjoy our delicious dinner on the terrace, with its grape arbor overhead. They even brought a little cake!



The next day Rick had to work so I took the subway to downtown Toronto for a little shopping inside and a lot of window shopping. Don't you think there's something almost ghost-like about these mannequins as reflected in the Hudson's Bay windows?

                    

Being a theatre lover, I was thrilled to find a free exhibit at the magnificent Elgin/Winter Garden theatres honoring Ross Petty, an actor who had starred in their pantomimes for two decades.

 Included was a selection of costumes from his career and I loved seeing them up close.


              

But even more, I loved the incredible architecture of this historic spot.

While we weren't allowed in the theatres, the lobby itself offered many delights.



It was almost like a hall of mirrors, with golden Corinthian columns and tributes to the various arts.



The original box office stands outside. As you can see, little has changed since the theatre opened in 1913 (although I suspect a lot changed, prior to the magnificent restoration.)

                 

Then it was off to get Rick from work and head toward home. We stopped for dinner in Cambridge at a Middle Eastern restaurant called Diwan. I don't recommend it. Honestly, my dinner looked like Lizzie's litterbox after number two and I just couldn't finish it! Then we took off again and encountered nasty rain. We were going to try to make it all the way home but Suzanne gratefully provided a port in a storm and after a good rest, we were off the next morning! And to make it all the sweeter, the welcoming committee was on hand with big purrs!

All in all, a  glorious holiday! And home in time for Cork Poppers -- look for our taste of wines to accompany fish in the next post!