We're going to a party!!!!!

Friday night saw us at a "gathering" at  Peter and Leslie's where we all brought food and were entained by Peter and Leslie as well as their guests Earl and Sam and our near neighbour Kirsty. Good food, good wine and good company made a great start to the weekend.

For the past couple of years when the Mighty Saints have got really close to that elusive Premiership we have met Canadians who have for various reasons been supporters of the team that have beaten us in the Grand Final. In 2009 it was Mario and Melodie from BC who were Cats supporters. Then in 2010 it was Greg and Marianna from Collingwood of all places. They are great people but why did they have to support teams that beat St Kilda.

Why am I writing this and what on earth has it got to do with the Frost's in Canada in 2011? We Saints supporters are a magnanimous lot and and put friendship above Club loyalty (except of course in "Big Rog's" case). And we love a party! Especially when it is a birthday! And we had an invite to a 1st birthday party! Woohoo!!!!!!

So back into the CuRVey and on with Mrs Garmin and back to Greg and Marianna's at Collingwood for Julia's first birthday party. Apart from the Collingwood (Magpies) link we were extremely lucky to have met Marianna, Caralina, Maea and Greg in Australia and that was made even better when we met the then 10 day old Julia. This exchange program that we are a part of gives you much more than a chance to see new places it gives you the opportunity to meet new people. Priceless!!

We left for Collingwood after breakfast and travelled long a road that we knew fairly well but it was vastly different to the first time we travelled this way.The big difference was that there was very little snow and when you got out of the car you didn't need to get your jacket, gloves, beanie on just too try and stay warm. And it didn't seem really necessary to have the emergency blanket in the car in case we got caught in a blizzard!!!

To celebrate these and many other things, AND for old times sake..Salad Rolls!!!!

And by the way that isn't surf in the background, it's ice! So we didn't go swimming!!!

Having satisified our hunger we headed into the excitement of Julia's birthday. It's probably been around 21 years since I've been to  a 1st birthday party (Greg's 22) so I was a little out of place but the people who were there were extremely welcoming and the party was lots of fun.

Following the birthday party we went to Mass at the adjoining Catholic Church where Julia was welcomed into the parish. The party shifted again and we went back to Greg and Marianna's place where we had a couple of quiet drinks and a bit of a chat with greg and Marianna's extended family who are all both interesting and entertaining.

Sunday commenced with pancake breakfast with maple syrup. Yum Yum!!! Greg and Marianna are both committed Mountain Bikers (they each brought 2 bikes when they came to Australia in 2010) and their cycling team Arrow had a team meeting and ride planned for the morning. It was also the morning when the team uniforms were handed out they were all looking very professional when we took this photo.

Unfortunately the cycling weather gods weren't on their side and when a thunderstorm joined the very heavy rain the ride was cancelled! Don't know whether Lance Armstrong would have cancelled a ride but then Lance is a bit special, isn't he?

As Easter wasn't too far away and we were in a house full of children we had a bit of fun decorating eggs while the serious cycling talk was going on.

Another fun weekend!

Ottawa a Capital Idea

After the week we (or I) spent recovering from our restful weekend it was time to get up and go. So we got up and went....
We had been invited back to Ottawa to Sharon and Jim's for a couple of reasons but there was one thing we were expecting or hoping to see when we drove through Algonquin Park...

We wanted to see a Moose!!!!!

Now some questioned our sanity as they can be quite dangerous as they congregate near the sides of roads and lick the salt when the snow is thawing. They must have been on other roads during our drive because we didn't see any. We are beginning to wonder whether they are like the bears of British Columbia who seemed to hibernate for all twelve months while we were there. Maybe we need Melissa the Moose finder!!! There were even rumours of 2 Moose in Gravenhurst.

Apart from the lack of Moose or indeed Mooses or even Moce it was a very nice and even easy drive. We had done same the drive earlier in the year when the weather was not great and it was dark and Mrs Garmin wanted to send us on a road that we knew was a little "dodgy" so this time we got to enjoy some lovely scenery.

BUT NO MOOSE!!!!

After a quick bite to eat (Tim Horton's again) we rolled into Sharon and Jim's at around 9.30 and after a couple of drinks and a long and enjoyable chat we called it a night. They are a very great family and are always a pleasure to be around so the evening was nice. Sharon and I have one thing in common. Multiple Sclerosis!

One of the reason we had come back to Ottawa was to attend a meeting where they were going to be discussing Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency or CCSVI. This is a treatment that People With Multiple Sclerosis have been  using for some time with apparent success and I was interested in finding out some more, for obvious reasons. 

The meeting was very well attended and there is quite a lot of anger with the Canadian Government and the Canadian MS Society who aren't recommending the treatment at this stage. This is causing Canadians to travel overseas and undertake the procedure at considerable cost so I can understand the angst. I'm not sure whather the Canadians have a MS Advocates Program. Hmmmmm I wonder! Although I didn't have many answers I did have the opportunity to speak on the situation having friends who have undergone the treatment in Australia and on how the MS Community in Australia is advocating on their behalf.

And I only needed a  translator from time to time

 

From the meeting which was held in a well appointed  community centre (gym, 2 skating rinks, 3 swimming pools, basketball courts) we had a bit of a drive around the area (Nepean) where Sharon and Jim live. We looked for a park to go for a walk but the inclement weather made that difficult so we returned and prepared for a night out.
Now what was that night out going to be? And where were we going  to go? We were headed to Scotia Bank Place in Ottawa and it was Saturday night so that could only mean one thing.
Yes, we were off to enjoy Canada's favourite sport/pastime/religion Hockey, that's Ice Hockey to the Aussies. And this was going to be a game that featured arguably Canada's most popular team the Toronto Maple Leafs (sorry Habs/Canucks/Flames and Oilers fans) playing the home town Ottawa Senators.

Mrs Frost entered into the spirit with a Senators Jersey as we were going with true Sens fans and we entered a sold out Arena full of all the passion that neighbouring teams have (for Aussies think Manly Warringah v Anyone: Collingwood v Anyone). The leadup was fun and the giant Canadian Flag that was passed around the fans lead to an amazing rendition of the Canadian National Anthem. Oh Canada http://www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/ceem-cced/symbl/MP3/O-Canada-eng.MP3 or if we were in Montreal http://www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/ceem-cced/symbl/MP3/O-Canada-bil.MP3 It is a wonderful anthem either way but really sounds great with 19,000 people in a packed arena all singing!!

The colour, passion and noise when the game started was amazing and even though the home supporters were outnumbered by the Leafs fans there was plenty of fun that kept all of involved. Unfortunately the Senators came second but it was sure good to be back watching a National Hockey League game.

Don't know whether I mentioned that there are some rabid Leafs fans. Change the colours to Black and White and he would easily be part of the Magpie Army. Similar intellect as well!!!!

Having a driver who had knowledge of the parking and the roads home sure made for an easy trip. What a great night, thanks James!!!

Bright blue skies greeted us (haven't we been lucky with the weather) on Sunday and after a great breakfast (thanks Jim) we went to look at some of the nearby Ottawa scenery. As with everywhere we go in Canada we find water and Ottawa is certainly no exception.

About 20 minutes drive took us to  this.......

And another Canadian trait that I can't help to admire. A sunny day and out come the toys



We left around 1.30pm and enjoyed a lovely drive through picture perfect countryside

Until that is we made a detour for coffee which led to some confusion for Mrs Garmin and led us the proverbial garden path........

Luckily we still had the snow tyres and the mighty CuRVy and the super driver made it look easy indeed. 

Muskoka weekend after a trip to the Sugar Shack

I guess I must say at this point that not everything we have been doing over here is all about wonderful weekends and holiday adventures. Oh but then, maybe it is. A year like this gives such a lot of opportunity to do things that we wouldn't do if it was only a 2, 4 or even 6 week holiday.

Originally I started this blog as a form of diary of our trip and I was going to give a day to day account of what the Frost's were doing. As with many of my plans they don't quite follow a plan and go as intended. I will start another blog that will give more of my/our day to day adventures, soon.........

One midweek adventure that must be recorded was our trip to Leslie and Peter's friend Jay's "Sugar Shack". Leslie and Peter picked us up just after Julie got home from school and we headed  40 minutes north to near Baysville.The sight that greeted us on our arrival was special. Here was Jay sitting in the sugar shack as the maple syrup bubbled away over an open fire Better than that Jay had prepared a Maple Whisky. Much nicer than spread on pancakes!!!

 

The shed was sort of rough with the walls being made of split firewood that was ready to keep the stove hot and the sap bubbling. This is so that the liquid is reduced and the end product (syrup)nis produced. No part of the process is quick so there is time to talk if there are people around and time for music, reading or contemplation if you are alone.

We went for a nice gentle walk around Jay's 32 "tapped" maple trees which was good but it reminded me of the fact that you need cold weather for the sap to be produced. It was around -10C so the return to the warmth of the fire was good. As my friend Jimmy would say it's nice meeting nice people.

There are some difficult times in my life. I don't count this as one of them!!!!!

The weekend started, as it generally does, on Friday night. We didn't intend to travel too far from home this weekend so it started with a quiet little drink and some planning for our Easter trip. Looks like we'll be travelling across the border at Niagara Falls and heading into New York State in the Ithaca, Lake Placid area. Something new for both of us.

Following an excellent dinner (who IS that wonderful chef) we headed to the Rene Caisse Centre at Bracebridge for the opening night of the Muskoka ARTS and CRAFTS Annual Spring Members Show www.muskokaartsandcrafts.com which was very good. Finished the evening by sharing a bottle of Hook & Ladder Zinfandel with Peter and Leslie. Great way to start the weekend.

Saturday morning gave us the opportunity to enjoy a lazy breakfast. After that luxurious start we took the opportunity of a lovely sunny but cool day to go for a walk to Zensations to check whether Julie had been successful with her bids for some interesting "felt art". As the day was nice and Frosty was a little tired from the walking he retired to the TV and Hockey Night in Canada (starts at noon goes till midnight) while Julie went Cross Country Skiing at the Resource Management Centre. The skiing was OK but when she came upon a pool of blood it was a little unnerving. Probably a coyote killing something but she took no chances and came straight home. One of life's mysteries.....

To Brian and Marcia's place for a BBQ and then to a folk night with them where we were entertained by a great duo Joanne Crabtree and Paul Mills. Nice people nice music and even got some tourism information from Joanne who suggested our summer trip should start at Thunder Bay and follow Highway 61 http://www.joannecrabtree.com/crabtree&mills/index.html 

After a few weeks where travel was the order of the day we were suffering a little bit of withdrawal so we saw that there was Festival on at Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre at Midland. We piled into the mighty CuRVy and were on the road again, nice drive and the Wildlife Centre was worth it. It has been the centre for saving the Trumpeter Swan, a bird that was headed toward extinction due to interraction with people. http://www.wyemarsh.com/index.html

After forgoing a picnic due to the cold we settled on a Tim Horton's Soup and Chili http://www.timhortons.com/ca/en/menu/lunch.html which satisified us and allowed us to warm up. Tim Horton's is a religion in Canada and I haven't been able to really enjoy the coffee but I must admit they do some good things.

To make the trip a bit different we travelled on different roads and through different places on the way home. Yes a loop!!! We travelled through Wahta Mohawk Territory http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wahta_Mohawk_Territory,_Ontario and through Bala. 

Got home in time for an early tea before going to Bracebridge to watch our South Muskoka Shield http://southmuskokashield.com/ win a close playoff game.

Yes it was another quiet weekend..........





We're baaaack!!!!!!

While the flight was good and the extra space that bulkhead seats provided for our legs was nice the decrease in seat size still didn't make for a totally rested couple of Frosties when we arrived at Lester Pearson at 7am. After the usual rigmarole of getting through airport security we collected our bags and went through customs. We had declared some things and after a discussion with the customs guy whose comment as he passed us was you Australians should be used to this "you have the toughest restrictions in the world". They should be tougher!!!

Next stop was the Hotel where we had left the CuRVy. Nice bonus from the Holiday Inn at Mississaugua http://www.hiexpress.com/hotels/us/en/mississauga/msgap/hoteldetail as they allowed us an early check in and also let us have breakfast A generous offer that was accepted with gusto.

We were in Toronto with accommodation at the hotel. We had full bellies and clean bodies. But we had no real idea of what we could or would do! First thought get tickets to the Maple Leafs game, that was unsuccessful, so it was all aboard the CuRVy press Mrs Garmins buttons and head to Toronto.

We had looked at what was on TOtix http://www.totix.ca/ There were a number of things that looked good but we settled on South Pacific at the Toronto Centre for the Arts http://www.tocentre.com/ 

Tickets bought and the night sorted out we started to look things to do for the rest of the day. First stop was the Art Gallery of Ontario but I couldn't come at $20 each to view a photographic exhibition. Maybe I was too tight and maybe I was swayed by the fact that the Art Galleries at home are generally free. On reflection it may have been better to look through Canadian eyes and spend the money.

The decision being made we crossed Yonge Street to a small private gallery http://www.galerie-lausberg.com/webexhibition.php?lang=en&loc=tor where there was a fascinating Glass Art exhibition. There are some talented and innovative people around.

We were worried that we were in danger of absorbing too much culture so a change was needed!!! Neither Julie or I had ever been to a Hard Rock and as we walked past one earlier near the TOTix booth we thought a drink would be a good idea. Interesting place and talked to an interesting couple who were headed to the Maple Leafs v Bruins game.

Thirst and interest sated we looked for food. Toronto has plenty of choice both for variety and cost, we chose Japanese and a Bento . Nice food, good value in an interesting place. Not sure it would pass the health and safety people of the Eurobodalla Shire but we won't tell anyone. It was good!!!!!

Back to the CuRVy and on with Mrs Garmin and back onto Yonge Street (interesting fact: Younge Street at 1896km, 1178 miles is the longest street in the world), luckily we found the Toronto Centre for the Arts. We fitted right in and mingled with the well dressed and stylish. 

Now was South Pacific http://www.dancaptickets.com/newsitems/view/46  going to be any good? Would it be dated? Can Canadians sing and act? The answers to those questions was a resounding YES, YES, YES!!! We left with Julie singing and me humming
(out of tune).

To say we slept well that night is a little like saying Donald Bradman could bat!!!!

With a the benefit of a full night's sleep and a substantial breakfast we headed after we checked out (at 11am) back into Toronto and this time we looked around some of Ontario's Parliament Buildings and Toronto University. Very nice and very old, but by this time we were starting flag a little so we pressed home on Mrs Garmin.

We almost made it there but there was a sign..........................

And one final diversion was http://www.magnotta.com/

Oh well. Such is life !!!!