AWOL Blogger Reporting
Um… hi. Remember me?
I know it’s been a
while since you last heard from me and I apologize. The thing is, I’m taking
August off to write the next Your Life with RA book (or at least part of it)
and that’s required quite a bit of work to get ready. I could go into detail,
but suffice to say it’s been a lot of writing (only 4 more days…). Well, that
is when Lucy doesn’t insist on the cuddle. The Boy claims he pays her in Angus
roast beef to make sure. I’ve started calling her The Enforcer.
(as always, click photos to embiggen)
There has been so much
writing that a) there hasn't been time for anything else is; and b) my brain is empty at
the end of the day. I have several topics that I intend to blog about, but not
the energy to actually do it. So instead, I’ll let you know what I’ve been
doing in the past two weeks that hasn’t involved writing. Because I have taken
some time off here and there.
As you may know, Toronto
hosted the Pan Am Games and we are now on a two-week break until the Para Pan
Am Games start on August 7. It’s been a great party, combining sports and an
arts and culture festival called Panamania. Living downtown, so close to the Athletes'
Village was a treat, as well. They weren’t hard to spot in the neighbourhood,
always wearing their uniform with a identifying badge around the neck. The
volunteers in their orange shirts were also easy to spot.
The city was
transformed and Nathan Phillips Square (in front of City Wall) became
something else entirely. Three stages, with concerts every night or so, great
artists celebrating Panamania, and the famous Toronto sign. It really did make
you feel proud of the way the city has hosted the Games.
Living so close to one
of the competition venues was also fun. Sugar Beach was transformed into an
excellent sailing venue, lots of people taking in what was happening in the
harbour. I heard it was also a great experience for the competitors, who aren’t
used to sailing so close to the audience and actually being able to hear the
cheering.
I did discover that I know nothing about sailing and the preliminary
races were hard to understand. Once the medal events took place, we had a
commentator and that made things much better. I was lucky enough to catch the
metal race of the Hobie 16, which is completely crazy sailing, but I sort of
want to try.
There were also a few
long walks and both of them on the islands. I’ve become a little addicted to
that space. During one of these walks, I re-discovered the wonder that is a
cold bottle of Coca-Cola on a hot day. It’s been years since I’ve indulged in
this caffeinated bubbly drink and I have no idea why I stopped. Maybe because
it’s like battery acid in your stomach? Never mind, it’s tasty!
Another walk involved
the Tinks invading the Islands this weekend. This happened during an
interactive art festival, which was a lot of fun. The biggest hit was the
hammocks — the kids were hard to get out of these wonderful contraptions. So
was their mother.
Of course, the roller
coaster (and other rides) in Centreville was a good draw, as well
Also this weekend, we
had tickets to see Sandra Shamas, a fantastic Canadian comedian. It took place
in a wonderful theatre in the Distillery District, also a Panamania site. That
area at night is truly magical. And pretty cool during the day, as well.
So. That was me. What
did you been doing in the past two weeks?
Comments
I got a free Prime trial and watched "The Imitation Game" last night. If August gives you any free time, you would enjoy that. Maybe "enjoy" isn't the right word.
Take care, and "see" you back blogwise in September!