Driving in downtown Toronto is nuts...absolutely nuts. They really should not allow street parking on busy streets. The insanity of Queen Street!!!
It was great to spend the afternoon with GL and her lovely baby boy. She made me a yummy dinner of barbecued pork chops with sauteed swiss chard. I will definitely try cooking the swiss chard at home. Hubby and I had lunch with one of his former coworkers...just wish I could remember the name of the restaurant. Think it was called Torino...funky Italian eatery on Queen Street West.
At the moment I'm chilling on the 34th floor of the Sheraton while Hubby is drinking himself silly at some bar. Hope he's not hungover and cranky tomorrow as we must drive 4hrs to Pembroke.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Friday, July 13, 2007
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Packing=Procrastination
In two days hubby and I will be flying home to Canada. Am I excited? Yes...can't wait. Have I started packing? No. I hate packing. The only thing I hate more than packing a suitcase is unpacking one.
I certainly intend to pack -- can't leave home without a well-packed suitcase. Two days ago I started a list of what-to-pack, not only for myself but for hubby as well. You can't get better intentions than a to-do-list. I've started thinking about clothes and what should be laundered. But, I just can't bring myself to get the suitcase out and make piles of clothes. And so I will procrastinate...I will wait until a couple of hours before we must leave for DFW and I will throw items into the suitcase with no rhyme or reason.
I certainly intend to pack -- can't leave home without a well-packed suitcase. Two days ago I started a list of what-to-pack, not only for myself but for hubby as well. You can't get better intentions than a to-do-list. I've started thinking about clothes and what should be laundered. But, I just can't bring myself to get the suitcase out and make piles of clothes. And so I will procrastinate...I will wait until a couple of hours before we must leave for DFW and I will throw items into the suitcase with no rhyme or reason.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Last month North Texas received more rain than it did for all of 2006. In fact, there were ten consecutive days in which it rained -- which hasn't happened since 1932. I don't know if this is climate change or a freak of nature, but I am officially sick of it.
Well, actually I am sick from it. All this rain has raised the fungus/mold count in this area, and so my nasal passages are clogged and I'm feeling miserable. I wish the rain and dark clouds would vanish until November. Last summer we had one day of rain and I could breathe easily. Bring back the hot, dry Texas summers.
I wonder if there is an anti-rain dance...
Well, actually I am sick from it. All this rain has raised the fungus/mold count in this area, and so my nasal passages are clogged and I'm feeling miserable. I wish the rain and dark clouds would vanish until November. Last summer we had one day of rain and I could breathe easily. Bring back the hot, dry Texas summers.
I wonder if there is an anti-rain dance...
Thursday, June 28, 2007
The Police Concert
Tuesday, June 26, 2007, I finally got to see The Police in concert at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. It was the summer of 1983 when I became an adoring fan at the height of their popularity just as the Synchronicity album (remember those vinyl discs?) was topping the charts. When they announced they were taking a sabbatical in 1984, I waited...and waited....and waited for another album, another tour. It finally happened...in 2007. Guess they needed to top up their retirement funds.
The concert was great. I would like to say it was phenomenal, but there was something missing. The three of them played with little interaction...barely tolerating one another. I wonder if they actually speak backstage or between concerts. Sting either flubbed the lyrics to several songs and/or he couldn't hit the high notes so he just didn't bother singing them. This really irritated me and detracted from the performance. I don't mind changing the timing of songs and altering them from the recordings as was the case with Beds Too Big Without You (which I loved) --if you want them to sound like the recording don't go to a concert. Loved their rendition of Can't Stand Losing You, and King of Pain -- it was neat to see Stewart Copeland using the different percussion instruments. Andy Summers was phenomenal on guitar. I can't believe he's in his 60s. While Stewart Copeland was king of percussion...in his own unique way. The concert just felt too stiff and scripted. They probably play the same set list every show.
I am glad that I finally got to see The Police in concert. I am also glad that we didn't pay $250 each for seats on the floor. The nosebleed seats weren't that bad considering we had binoculars/opera glasses, apart from the woman a couple of seats from us who had a piercing scream between songs. Not sure what she was on because this concert certainly wasn't scream-worthy, but I know she wasn't on pot because this is one of the few concerts where the smell of pot was not hanging in the air. Perhaps it's the smoking ban indoors...or perhaps it's because it's Dallas.
The concert was great. I would like to say it was phenomenal, but there was something missing. The three of them played with little interaction...barely tolerating one another. I wonder if they actually speak backstage or between concerts. Sting either flubbed the lyrics to several songs and/or he couldn't hit the high notes so he just didn't bother singing them. This really irritated me and detracted from the performance. I don't mind changing the timing of songs and altering them from the recordings as was the case with Beds Too Big Without You (which I loved) --if you want them to sound like the recording don't go to a concert. Loved their rendition of Can't Stand Losing You, and King of Pain -- it was neat to see Stewart Copeland using the different percussion instruments. Andy Summers was phenomenal on guitar. I can't believe he's in his 60s. While Stewart Copeland was king of percussion...in his own unique way. The concert just felt too stiff and scripted. They probably play the same set list every show.
I am glad that I finally got to see The Police in concert. I am also glad that we didn't pay $250 each for seats on the floor. The nosebleed seats weren't that bad considering we had binoculars/opera glasses, apart from the woman a couple of seats from us who had a piercing scream between songs. Not sure what she was on because this concert certainly wasn't scream-worthy, but I know she wasn't on pot because this is one of the few concerts where the smell of pot was not hanging in the air. Perhaps it's the smoking ban indoors...or perhaps it's because it's Dallas.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Sosa Joins 600 Club
Sammy Sosa joined the 600 home-run club last night during a game against the Chicago Cubs. Only four other players have reached this pinnacle: Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds, Willie Mays, and Babe Ruth. Not bad company. And....we missed it by one night...
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Saved by an Irish Pub
The Dubliner, an Irish pub located at the Rangers ballpark, saved my life last night. Hubby is quite amused by this as he was able to partake of Guinness while this episode took place.
Yesterday we decided to go see the Texas Rangers take on the Chicago Cubs. We had tickets from a rained out Boston Red Sox game in May that we needed to exchange. Unfortunately we could not do the exchange via telephone or email, so we took our chances by doing it at the ballpark. Needless to say the selection for comparable tickets was limited. So we ended up on the Lexus Club Level, Third Base with seats in the sun. Oh, it was 96F yesterday excluding the humidex (which I didn't want to know)...the hottest day of 2007 in Dallas...so far. By the time we made it up to the club level and checked our seats we were sweating buckets.
After picking up a couple of Sosa souvenir t-shirts we grabbed a hotdog in a place that was air conditioned, then we decided to hit The Dubliner as it had the a.c. blasting. It was a great reprieve. Watched the first four innings waiting for Sammy Sosa to hit the 600 home run mark then the headache started. The sun had set about 30 minutes previously, but I was feeling overwhelmed by the heat. Finally I told hubby I could not longer take it and had to leave. He was concerned and walked out with me and suggested we stop by the Irish Pub. Well, the Dubliner fixed me up, and after a half hour in the air conditioned heaven (as hubby had another Guinness) I felt like the pub had saved my life....Drama queen, I am. We decided to watch the rest of the game in our seats.
No, Sammy Sosa did not hit the 600 home-run mark that evening. But, it was thrilling each time he went to bat as thousands of camera flashes sparkled in collective anticipation and the ballpark was enveloped in magic.
Yesterday we decided to go see the Texas Rangers take on the Chicago Cubs. We had tickets from a rained out Boston Red Sox game in May that we needed to exchange. Unfortunately we could not do the exchange via telephone or email, so we took our chances by doing it at the ballpark. Needless to say the selection for comparable tickets was limited. So we ended up on the Lexus Club Level, Third Base with seats in the sun. Oh, it was 96F yesterday excluding the humidex (which I didn't want to know)...the hottest day of 2007 in Dallas...so far. By the time we made it up to the club level and checked our seats we were sweating buckets.
After picking up a couple of Sosa souvenir t-shirts we grabbed a hotdog in a place that was air conditioned, then we decided to hit The Dubliner as it had the a.c. blasting. It was a great reprieve. Watched the first four innings waiting for Sammy Sosa to hit the 600 home run mark then the headache started. The sun had set about 30 minutes previously, but I was feeling overwhelmed by the heat. Finally I told hubby I could not longer take it and had to leave. He was concerned and walked out with me and suggested we stop by the Irish Pub. Well, the Dubliner fixed me up, and after a half hour in the air conditioned heaven (as hubby had another Guinness) I felt like the pub had saved my life....Drama queen, I am. We decided to watch the rest of the game in our seats.
No, Sammy Sosa did not hit the 600 home-run mark that evening. But, it was thrilling each time he went to bat as thousands of camera flashes sparkled in collective anticipation and the ballpark was enveloped in magic.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Paris, je t'aime
Although I've never been to Paris, I fell in love with the city this past weekend. How is this possible? Hubby and I went to see the movie "Paris, je t'aime" this past weekend. It took a bit of persuading, but luckily for me the new pirates movie has received bad reviews and so we saw a matinee viewing at the Angelika.
The movie is a compilation of short movies by various directors depicting different parts of Paris with theme of love. It was compelling and at various times I was laughing (at the mimes in "Tour Eiffel"), and then moments later had tears in my eyes (watching Juliette Binoche as the grief-stricken mother in "Place des Victories"). Always interesting to see the different directing and creative styles of each director. Now I want to visit Paris...maybe next year.
The movie is a compilation of short movies by various directors depicting different parts of Paris with theme of love. It was compelling and at various times I was laughing (at the mimes in "Tour Eiffel"), and then moments later had tears in my eyes (watching Juliette Binoche as the grief-stricken mother in "Place des Victories"). Always interesting to see the different directing and creative styles of each director. Now I want to visit Paris...maybe next year.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Twister
Last Friday was April 13...Friday the 13th. I thought nothing of it. Just not into superstitions: I love black cats, think nothing of walking on cracks on the sidewalk or spilling salt. Perhaps I should clarify, I am selectively superstitious as I purposely avoid passing anyone on a staircase, I touch wood to avoid jinxing something I've said, and opening an umbrella over one's head while indoors is something I avoid.
Last Friday was our first experience in Texas with a major storm front that produced tornadoes We've seen the tornado warnings on the local Dallas stations, but they have usually been for rural areas beyond DFW...until last Friday.
The air last Friday was thick with humidity and dreadfully still. When the air is humid and still you know a storm is on its way. I didn't really think much of the tornado warnings late that afternoon, although I did ask hubby to try and leave work a bit early to avoid the storm. When they announced that sirens had been sounded in Ft Worth I developed a sinking feeling in my stomach. (I had a dream about a tornado Wednesday night.)
When I actually heard the sirens in Dallas my pulse started racing. I tried to stay calm, but I was worried about hubby who was picking up take out at Blue Orchid on Oaklawn. He was home within minutes and we ate downstairs in the spare bedroom huddled in front of the tv watching the local weather people trying to predict where the tornadoes might touch down. Then we lost electricity, although luckily it was only for about 15-20 minutes and when it came back on the possible tornadoes had passed us by heading on an eastward path. We were lucky. What a freaky Friday the 13th.
On a side note, the movie Twister was shown on one of the movie channels the next night. After Friday night I have a new appreciation for the film. (I was surprised to see Philip Seymour Hoffman in a supporting role as a storm chaser.)
Last Friday was our first experience in Texas with a major storm front that produced tornadoes We've seen the tornado warnings on the local Dallas stations, but they have usually been for rural areas beyond DFW...until last Friday.
The air last Friday was thick with humidity and dreadfully still. When the air is humid and still you know a storm is on its way. I didn't really think much of the tornado warnings late that afternoon, although I did ask hubby to try and leave work a bit early to avoid the storm. When they announced that sirens had been sounded in Ft Worth I developed a sinking feeling in my stomach. (I had a dream about a tornado Wednesday night.)
When I actually heard the sirens in Dallas my pulse started racing. I tried to stay calm, but I was worried about hubby who was picking up take out at Blue Orchid on Oaklawn. He was home within minutes and we ate downstairs in the spare bedroom huddled in front of the tv watching the local weather people trying to predict where the tornadoes might touch down. Then we lost electricity, although luckily it was only for about 15-20 minutes and when it came back on the possible tornadoes had passed us by heading on an eastward path. We were lucky. What a freaky Friday the 13th.
On a side note, the movie Twister was shown on one of the movie channels the next night. After Friday night I have a new appreciation for the film. (I was surprised to see Philip Seymour Hoffman in a supporting role as a storm chaser.)
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Orlando
Last Sunday hubby and I finally returned from a trip to Orlando. Hubby was there for a trade-show and I tagged along to keep him company....as well as checking out Disney World. The anticipation of the journey also helped me through the in-laws visit. Of course now that it's all over -- the in-laws visiting and the Orlando trip -- I am zonked.
We stayed at the Swan -- not an 'official' Disney hotel, but it is a Starwood Hotel (http://www.starwoodhotels.com) and we like getting those SPG points (although we have yet to use them). The hotel has these giant swans on the roof, which helped immensely to spot it as we traversed the maze of Disney roadways that mysteriously lack street signs. Hubby was disappointed by the hotel's inability to deliver packages without signatures, as I was disappointed by the decor (the rooms need a fresh coat of paint and the bathrooms need new tiles). The benefit was its close proximity to EPCOT and Disney-MGM. Another plus was the Todd English restaurant Bluezoo (http://www.thebluezoo.com) at the neighbouring Dolphin Hotel.
Hubby and I managed to spend a few hours exploring EPCOT the Sunday before the trade show (he was quite pleased with the Guinness at the UK pub). Then I explored EPCOT the next day with my parents as they joined me for part of the day. They just happened to be in Florida (Daytona Beach) that same week. My Mum couldn't get over "how fat everyone is down here"! Of course I can't say much since my size 4 years are long gone. It was lovely to see them and spend time with them.
I visited Disney-MGM Studios on Tuesday. Fun place for adults, but I can't understand why people bring babies and young toddlers to this park. On this note, visiting Disney has been an excellent form of birth control. While I did see some well-behaved children with excellent parents, the vast majority were ill-behaved and lacking manners. It's unfortunate that "Nanny 911" can't be cloned and sent to homes on an 'as needed' basis.
Wednesday was spent purchasing Disney souvenirs and then lounging by the pool and swimming a few laps. Foolishly I forgot to put sunscreen on my legs and got a nasty burn. Sitting down was a bit uncomfortable for a few days.
Thursday evening we arrived early at the airport and eagerly awaited our flight to Dallas, which was first delayed and then finally cancelled due to inclement weather at DFW. We scrambled to find a hotel close to the airport, a Hilton Garden (I think), and then to re-book a flight. The earliest flight hubby could find was 8:50 a.m. on Sunday, three days later!!! We made the best of it and luckily Orlando is not a bad place to be stranded. A clunky air conditioning unit at the Hilton Garden made us switch hotels to the Sheraton Suites (http://www.sheratonairport.com) just up the road. The outside of this airport hotel belies the freshly refurbished interior. It was a pleasant and much 'nicer' room/suite than at the Swan (especially the bathtub/watercloset). Only bad part was the breakfast room/buffet.
Hubby rented a car Friday (fire-engine red Ford Mustang -- must be a guy thing) and we were off to visit my parents at Daytona Beach (after he finished a phone meeting). They were staying with my Mum's childhood friend (this friendship goes back more than a half-century) at her time-share. We spent the afternoon there and joined them for dinner at a buffet. My parents had gone on about the buffets earlier in the week so I really wanted to try one. Unfortunately, my tummy was upset later that evening so buffets are not for me.
Saturday was spent sleeping in as hubby was exhausted from the trade-show, and exploring Kennedy Space Center (hubby was in his glory). I made hubby take the long-way there so we could drive through Cocoa Beach. Ever since watching I Dream of Jeannie http://www.idreamofjeannie.com after school as a child I have wanted to visit Cocoa Beach, home of astronaut Tony Nelson and Jeannie. Hubby, who has never watched I Dream of Jeannie, did not share my excitement but indulged me nonetheless. He was very excited about Kennedy Space Center and it was really neat to see the Saturn rocket.
We were so happy to get back to Dallas on Sunday!!! There's no place like home.
We stayed at the Swan -- not an 'official' Disney hotel, but it is a Starwood Hotel (http://www.starwoodhotels.com) and we like getting those SPG points (although we have yet to use them). The hotel has these giant swans on the roof, which helped immensely to spot it as we traversed the maze of Disney roadways that mysteriously lack street signs. Hubby was disappointed by the hotel's inability to deliver packages without signatures, as I was disappointed by the decor (the rooms need a fresh coat of paint and the bathrooms need new tiles). The benefit was its close proximity to EPCOT and Disney-MGM. Another plus was the Todd English restaurant Bluezoo (http://www.thebluezoo.com) at the neighbouring Dolphin Hotel.
Hubby and I managed to spend a few hours exploring EPCOT the Sunday before the trade show (he was quite pleased with the Guinness at the UK pub). Then I explored EPCOT the next day with my parents as they joined me for part of the day. They just happened to be in Florida (Daytona Beach) that same week. My Mum couldn't get over "how fat everyone is down here"! Of course I can't say much since my size 4 years are long gone. It was lovely to see them and spend time with them.
I visited Disney-MGM Studios on Tuesday. Fun place for adults, but I can't understand why people bring babies and young toddlers to this park. On this note, visiting Disney has been an excellent form of birth control. While I did see some well-behaved children with excellent parents, the vast majority were ill-behaved and lacking manners. It's unfortunate that "Nanny 911" can't be cloned and sent to homes on an 'as needed' basis.
Wednesday was spent purchasing Disney souvenirs and then lounging by the pool and swimming a few laps. Foolishly I forgot to put sunscreen on my legs and got a nasty burn. Sitting down was a bit uncomfortable for a few days.
Thursday evening we arrived early at the airport and eagerly awaited our flight to Dallas, which was first delayed and then finally cancelled due to inclement weather at DFW. We scrambled to find a hotel close to the airport, a Hilton Garden (I think), and then to re-book a flight. The earliest flight hubby could find was 8:50 a.m. on Sunday, three days later!!! We made the best of it and luckily Orlando is not a bad place to be stranded. A clunky air conditioning unit at the Hilton Garden made us switch hotels to the Sheraton Suites (http://www.sheratonairport.com) just up the road. The outside of this airport hotel belies the freshly refurbished interior. It was a pleasant and much 'nicer' room/suite than at the Swan (especially the bathtub/watercloset). Only bad part was the breakfast room/buffet.
Hubby rented a car Friday (fire-engine red Ford Mustang -- must be a guy thing) and we were off to visit my parents at Daytona Beach (after he finished a phone meeting). They were staying with my Mum's childhood friend (this friendship goes back more than a half-century) at her time-share. We spent the afternoon there and joined them for dinner at a buffet. My parents had gone on about the buffets earlier in the week so I really wanted to try one. Unfortunately, my tummy was upset later that evening so buffets are not for me.
Saturday was spent sleeping in as hubby was exhausted from the trade-show, and exploring Kennedy Space Center (hubby was in his glory). I made hubby take the long-way there so we could drive through Cocoa Beach. Ever since watching I Dream of Jeannie http://www.idreamofjeannie.com after school as a child I have wanted to visit Cocoa Beach, home of astronaut Tony Nelson and Jeannie. Hubby, who has never watched I Dream of Jeannie, did not share my excitement but indulged me nonetheless. He was very excited about Kennedy Space Center and it was really neat to see the Saturn rocket.
We were so happy to get back to Dallas on Sunday!!! There's no place like home.
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