Week Five: Good company and a toot
All in all, Week Five is nearly finished, with no hiccups to report. The past leg and foot swellings, appear now to be on the wane. The official word is, no more daily bandaging. For sure, I'm also going to miss my rented shower seat from the Red Cross. What a great investment! It's packed up already in the car trunk for an early Monday return. This is all good progress.
Midweek, I had a luncheon visitor. Pal Gary, dropped in at noon sharp on Wednesday, having purchased most of the deadly luncheon sins possible from a nearby deli. I suggested earlier he just bring along two large Timmies, and we'd forage here upon his arrival. Not to be. I'm happy to report, that going half-measure has never been his style. For the record, I had mostly the salads and limited amounts of 'other' reheated goodies. The quick take-away: a veritable feast was enjoyed by all, which clearly proves - notwithstanding the great company - it's time to start seriously getting out more often!
On that subject, according to the insurance sector; I'm now mobile, once again. It's nice to know, I formally got my wheels back yesterday, having not driven since Thanksgiving Weekend. This may signal progresses of another sort, but the truth is, I really haven't missed the hassles of driving one bit. Without sounding a tad melodramatic, the very thought of a safety air bag exploding from the steering wheel into my chest, gives one slight pause.
I'm sure a month from now, this backseat mode of transport will have simply run out of gas. By that time, it will be the customary hustle-and-bustle like manner of transport. The demands of last-minute Christmas shopping will alone take care of that noble concept. Until then though, I'll still savour the transition.
WE HAD A PLANNED TOOT TODAY to nearby Stratford. For my efforts, I got bundled up in the back seat; a la Miss Daisy, complete with heart pillow and winter attire.
Day outings to rural small-town Ontario have always been special with me. Friendly merchants abound offering up plenty of small town atmosphere, not unlike what you might encounter at an urban Farmer's Market. More often than not, you're chatting directly with a caring owner, rather than an indifferent clerk on minimum wage. With this mind-set, you can zip in and out of boutique or specialty stores to your liking; discuss various cuts of meat with the local butcher; with the baker, who you know has been up since 3am performing magic over their ovens; or area organic gardeners displaying the same care in selling their fresh vegetables or fruit, as they did earlier growing their produce. There's pocketed communities of interest throughout Toronto that also come to mind, such as the Beaches areas in the Eastern part of Hog Town, the downtown area around the St. Lawrence Market, or on both sides of Bayview Avenue in the Leaside area. But for a 'small-town' atmosphere, you'd be hard pressed to beat the main streets of Stratford, Guelph, Oakville or Niagara-On-The-Lake. Even Elora on a sunny day. Whatever your favourite stroll, I heartedly recommend this small business entrepreneurial interaction, as a pleasant antidote to Mall shopping, everywhere. Lord knows, they put in long enough hours, and need the business.
Weather permitting, there's usually ample time for sidewalk-sale book rummaging along the high street, all the while the missus browses inside Bradshaws. We usually find time to enjoy menu reading outside the many funky bistros and backstreet cafes, that dot the inner town core. Depending on the mood or funds, lunch in Stratford is always the real-deal.
AND NOT TO FORGET, a full complement of interesting barista's, who express their craft so well on these special occasions. For out-of-towners, there are two good coffee houses of note, in the downtown core of Stratford. Well, maybe three, if you want to include Tango Coffee Bistro, part of the Mercer Hall Inn located street level, in the old Stratford Beacon-Herald building. My sense is, in the process of trying to find their brand, they've gravitated a new generation of young scruffy looking James Dean wannabes to their site. So this may be your spot, if you require one-stop main street lodging, food, wine, evening entertainment, on the sunny side of the street. You could do worse. Me, I'm just looking for a little diversion and decadence of a caloric kind, on these fond outings. Sputnik's is the smallest (and newest) spot at the far end of the core area, as you're leaving town for Goderich. Most reviewers rave about it, but the place never seemed to be busy on the last two times I stopped there. Pity, for there must have been some- thing special in their beans, on a recent visit. A case of deja-vu was quietly ramping up to full court press level. I couldn't help but overhear from two earnest lovers at the next table, that Sputnik's cramped hooker-red wall papered loo, was seriously being con- sidered for imminent ground level 'mile-high-club' activity. High-noon in Stratford, no less. And me in cardiac recovery, with warm past memories on the subject matter. Sigh. A short walk up the other tourist end of Ontario Street (past Tango) is Balzac's, on the shady side of the main drag. This is important to remember during the warmer months, especially if you need a street side table in the company of your resident pooch (there's always a complimentary serving of fresh water and 'chien-gentil' bickies at the main entrance.) The 'old Tony' can attest, both preferred sites serve excellent specialty coffees and an assortment of wicked pastries. Personally, I prefer a crowd on these occasions. And a slightly bent serving staff -- complete with pepto-pink streaked hair-do's -- rather than being the only person on the dance floor. Balzac's, somehow, never seems to disappoint.
Unfortunately, our local TV weatherman finally gets it right, for all of the wrong reasons: The overcast day can best be described as simply early-stage brutal; typical raw November weekend weather, with blustery rains for which umbrellas are no match. Or, as they might grumble on Prince Edward Island, "It's not a fit day for a fencepost." There's no dilly-dallying this Saturday. Travel plans today require pin-point shopping, with Kleenex close at hand.
This past winter, the owners at Anything Grows packed up everything from what seemed to be a nice location on the main street and relocated nearby to larger digs. Strange, I would have fought to keep my business in the busy tourist area. Their new site on Patrick Street, is slightly out of the way, but still an annual must pre-Christmas stop, now that area gardens have been put to bed for another season. Patty also purchased her Christmas chocolate orders at Rheo Thompson's, in advance of their expected Sunday Christmas Sale horde, planned for tomorrow. I'm advised, if you're a chocoholic, then this is your spot! 'Nuff said. Next was a brisk walk around the Armory with umbrella firmly planted into the drizzly wind, just long enough to reach the back entrance of Balzac's for a much needed warmup and latte. As usual, the mostly eclectic Saturday morning crowd (assorted theatre folk, aging boomers and young professionals with kids in tow) was in high form of seeing and being seen. This morning was a vocal sea of obligatory red poppies in motion, keeping the counter work staff clearly on hustle-speed. Fortunately, we took dibs on the last table and hunkered down with coffees, nourishments, and a handful of Toronto weekend dailies. Good recuperative strategies, I'm told today, from those apparently in the know.
By about 10:50am, the place had thinned out considerably for the local Remembrance Day service being held a few blocks away, down by the Avon river. At the appropriate moment, I blocked out all of the bistro din, as I watched the wall clock hand sweep past 11am. This seemed the perfect opportunity, to quietly reflect on the past, present, and future. Done. Mission accomplished.
Midweek, I had a luncheon visitor. Pal Gary, dropped in at noon sharp on Wednesday, having purchased most of the deadly luncheon sins possible from a nearby deli. I suggested earlier he just bring along two large Timmies, and we'd forage here upon his arrival. Not to be. I'm happy to report, that going half-measure has never been his style. For the record, I had mostly the salads and limited amounts of 'other' reheated goodies. The quick take-away: a veritable feast was enjoyed by all, which clearly proves - notwithstanding the great company - it's time to start seriously getting out more often!
On that subject, according to the insurance sector; I'm now mobile, once again. It's nice to know, I formally got my wheels back yesterday, having not driven since Thanksgiving Weekend. This may signal progresses of another sort, but the truth is, I really haven't missed the hassles of driving one bit. Without sounding a tad melodramatic, the very thought of a safety air bag exploding from the steering wheel into my chest, gives one slight pause.
I'm sure a month from now, this backseat mode of transport will have simply run out of gas. By that time, it will be the customary hustle-and-bustle like manner of transport. The demands of last-minute Christmas shopping will alone take care of that noble concept. Until then though, I'll still savour the transition.
WE HAD A PLANNED TOOT TODAY to nearby Stratford. For my efforts, I got bundled up in the back seat; a la Miss Daisy, complete with heart pillow and winter attire.
Day outings to rural small-town Ontario have always been special with me. Friendly merchants abound offering up plenty of small town atmosphere, not unlike what you might encounter at an urban Farmer's Market. More often than not, you're chatting directly with a caring owner, rather than an indifferent clerk on minimum wage. With this mind-set, you can zip in and out of boutique or specialty stores to your liking; discuss various cuts of meat with the local butcher; with the baker, who you know has been up since 3am performing magic over their ovens; or area organic gardeners displaying the same care in selling their fresh vegetables or fruit, as they did earlier growing their produce. There's pocketed communities of interest throughout Toronto that also come to mind, such as the Beaches areas in the Eastern part of Hog Town, the downtown area around the St. Lawrence Market, or on both sides of Bayview Avenue in the Leaside area. But for a 'small-town' atmosphere, you'd be hard pressed to beat the main streets of Stratford, Guelph, Oakville or Niagara-On-The-Lake. Even Elora on a sunny day. Whatever your favourite stroll, I heartedly recommend this small business entrepreneurial interaction, as a pleasant antidote to Mall shopping, everywhere. Lord knows, they put in long enough hours, and need the business.
Weather permitting, there's usually ample time for sidewalk-sale book rummaging along the high street, all the while the missus browses inside Bradshaws. We usually find time to enjoy menu reading outside the many funky bistros and backstreet cafes, that dot the inner town core. Depending on the mood or funds, lunch in Stratford is always the real-deal.
AND NOT TO FORGET, a full complement of interesting barista's, who express their craft so well on these special occasions. For out-of-towners, there are two good coffee houses of note, in the downtown core of Stratford. Well, maybe three, if you want to include Tango Coffee Bistro, part of the Mercer Hall Inn located street level, in the old Stratford Beacon-Herald building. My sense is, in the process of trying to find their brand, they've gravitated a new generation of young scruffy looking James Dean wannabes to their site. So this may be your spot, if you require one-stop main street lodging, food, wine, evening entertainment, on the sunny side of the street. You could do worse. Me, I'm just looking for a little diversion and decadence of a caloric kind, on these fond outings. Sputnik's is the smallest (and newest) spot at the far end of the core area, as you're leaving town for Goderich. Most reviewers rave about it, but the place never seemed to be busy on the last two times I stopped there. Pity, for there must have been some- thing special in their beans, on a recent visit. A case of deja-vu was quietly ramping up to full court press level. I couldn't help but overhear from two earnest lovers at the next table, that Sputnik's cramped hooker-red wall papered loo, was seriously being con- sidered for imminent ground level 'mile-high-club' activity. High-noon in Stratford, no less. And me in cardiac recovery, with warm past memories on the subject matter. Sigh. A short walk up the other tourist end of Ontario Street (past Tango) is Balzac's, on the shady side of the main drag. This is important to remember during the warmer months, especially if you need a street side table in the company of your resident pooch (there's always a complimentary serving of fresh water and 'chien-gentil' bickies at the main entrance.) The 'old Tony' can attest, both preferred sites serve excellent specialty coffees and an assortment of wicked pastries. Personally, I prefer a crowd on these occasions. And a slightly bent serving staff -- complete with pepto-pink streaked hair-do's -- rather than being the only person on the dance floor. Balzac's, somehow, never seems to disappoint.
Unfortunately, our local TV weatherman finally gets it right, for all of the wrong reasons: The overcast day can best be described as simply early-stage brutal; typical raw November weekend weather, with blustery rains for which umbrellas are no match. Or, as they might grumble on Prince Edward Island, "It's not a fit day for a fencepost." There's no dilly-dallying this Saturday. Travel plans today require pin-point shopping, with Kleenex close at hand.
This past winter, the owners at Anything Grows packed up everything from what seemed to be a nice location on the main street and relocated nearby to larger digs. Strange, I would have fought to keep my business in the busy tourist area. Their new site on Patrick Street, is slightly out of the way, but still an annual must pre-Christmas stop, now that area gardens have been put to bed for another season. Patty also purchased her Christmas chocolate orders at Rheo Thompson's, in advance of their expected Sunday Christmas Sale horde, planned for tomorrow. I'm advised, if you're a chocoholic, then this is your spot! 'Nuff said. Next was a brisk walk around the Armory with umbrella firmly planted into the drizzly wind, just long enough to reach the back entrance of Balzac's for a much needed warmup and latte. As usual, the mostly eclectic Saturday morning crowd (assorted theatre folk, aging boomers and young professionals with kids in tow) was in high form of seeing and being seen. This morning was a vocal sea of obligatory red poppies in motion, keeping the counter work staff clearly on hustle-speed. Fortunately, we took dibs on the last table and hunkered down with coffees, nourishments, and a handful of Toronto weekend dailies. Good recuperative strategies, I'm told today, from those apparently in the know.
By about 10:50am, the place had thinned out considerably for the local Remembrance Day service being held a few blocks away, down by the Avon river. At the appropriate moment, I blocked out all of the bistro din, as I watched the wall clock hand sweep past 11am. This seemed the perfect opportunity, to quietly reflect on the past, present, and future. Done. Mission accomplished.
posted by leisurelan at 8:11 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home