August Recap!

What a crazy summer!  It flew by - who knows what happened to August because I blinked and it was gone!  I packed in a lot of fun events as well as lots of work and pool time!

- We are still plugging along with the Civic Awards - we have been busy working on new awards and re-writing the bylaws as the mayor and town council want huge changes for next year's awards.  My ideas are to have agriculture, beautification and wildlife awards....basically we need to create categories for more people to fit into.

- Our town has a bandshell in the park (we are so small town there is a baby Jesus in it at Christmastime) and all summer they have concerts on Thursday nights.  Lots of people go to sit in the park and listen to the music, each week is a different style of music.  I took the Little Prince to see the swing band and he loved it...but then he does have my taste in music.  We took a blanket and a little picnic and picked a spot on the grass to lounge and be entertained!

- 50kms north of us is a much bigger city so we go there for shopping, there is a big mall, Costco, Sbux and lot's more.  We love making a whole day of it so we took the Little Prince to the zoo up there which is free and small enough for a 3 year old to manage.  We took a picnic lunch and wandered around looking at the meercats, otters, camels and ostriches.  Once we were finished there we made all of our shopping stops and bought everything we need to fill the freezer.

- We took the Little Prince to see the Smurfs movie.  I thought it was cute but the Little Prince said it was a bit scarey.  He hasnt mentioned it since so I think we are safe!

- We sent the Little Prince to Camp Granny for a day.  It was the weirdest day - to not be rushing around to get things done before he wakes us and to not hear him laughing and squealing in the house was so strange.

- Hermes Scarf Friend got tickets to see Hairspray so I went with her, her son and her best friend.  It was a great show and we got to go to the cocktail reception and rub elbows with all the town bigwigs and the actors.

- We went to a bbq at the home of a guy the Suburban Prince's brother grew up with.  All these guys knew each other and it turns out this one lives just 15 minutes away from us.  We were told too bring a chair, a dish for the food table and our own booze.  Hm.  I know we have discussed this before but I still believe if it's the first time someone is coming to your house you should extend some hospitality and not make them bring all kinds of things so you can have a party.  Anyhoo...it was pretty boring for me as I didnt know anyone and didnt go to the same schools as all of them so we stayed for a few hours then made our way home.  Maybe we will invite the hosts for a coffee or something in the next few weeks and show them how it's done.

- Our contractor and his girlfriend (one of my babysitters) were in an ATV accident a few weeks ago.  The ATV flipped over and landed on them while they were out riding it.  Fortunately they got through it mostly with just lots of bumps, bruises and bandages tho our contractor needed surgery on his ankle and had a few broken bones.  I was busy for a week or so making them meals and going back and forth to make sure they had everything they needed.  Hermes Scarf Friend's husband is good friends with the contractor and he came home from visiting them telling HSF that I was the only person who did anything to help them.  I hope they take this opportunity to re-evaluate the relationships they have with people because if I had an accident and not one of my friends came by or brought a casserole or did a single thing to help me, they would be removed from my life.

- There was one day this last month that made me realize what people who work full time go through - I had a hair appopintment 45 minutes away, then rushed back to see a potential customer, then dashed across the street to have lunch with the Happy Reaper (code name for the local funeral director who is very cheerful) to discuss a Christmas fundraiser then raced home to cook dinner for the contractor and girlfriend....while cooking dinner got a phone call from my longest friend who recently moved from NJ to Kansas City so it was nice to catch up with her.  Then I packed up the dinner, dropped it off and went to pick up HSF to go to a Chamber of Commerce cocktail party.  I get a bit tired just reading that!

- The Mayor and I went to see The Help and we both loved it!  Neither of us has read the book yet but really wanted to see it in the theater.  The book is on my list...in my ereader waiting for me.

- The Little Prince went to Canadian Tire with the Suburban Prince and bought himself some stickers...with a stack of Canadian Tire money.  His first purchase! 

- I had nibblies and cocktails with a couple who do a lot of work in town on arts festivals and the like.  Currently they are working on building schools in Laos and have a fundraising event planned so they came over to chat about that and they gave me some great ideas for the 1920s gala I am planning for next spring.  I haven't seen these guys for a couple of years so it was so nice to get a couple of hours with them to catch up.

- Housekeeper had a corn roast at her house about 20 minutes from me.  You know you are in the country when there isnt a single landmark to help with directions.  She told me to go to the stop sign and her street is the third on after that.  My gps could barely find it!  But we got there and had a drink, sat by the fire listening to country music (Lawdy, what has happened to me?!) and had some corn and s'mores.  The Little Prince loved the s'mores and kept wanting to 'go for a little walk' by the food table!

- The basement renovation is still coming along.  We found another electrician after the one we hired in the spring just stopped showing up and put us a few months behind schedule.  Ugh I bumped into him in the grocery store the other day - what a jerk.  I still like his girlfriend tho as she is my seamstress but he just rubs me the wrong way.  Anyhoo, the electrical passed inspection and the insulation has been installed and now it needs to be inspected before we drywall.  

- We spent an afternoon with my in-laws.  They made a nice lunch and we sat outside in the sun enjoying it.  These days they are getting on my nerves...which is awful, I know, but MIL is getting needier and needier and I just cant handle it.  She wants to see us alllllll the time and we barely have any free time (Hello!  I've been out alone with my husband twice this year!!) so we don't want to be pressured into spending what little time we have going back and forth.  We have tried to tell her that if we could do short visits we could do them more often but then she gets all weepy *sigh*  She just doesn't understand that just because she has nothing to do doesn't mean the rest of us aren't run off our feet trying to keep up with our lives!  The Suburban Prince gets annoyed at her notion that if we don't have a meal together it doesn't count as a visit.  The has been Christmas drama already and I am thinking about booking a holiday for a few days to avoid it all!

- GEM Munro came to my Rotary club to talk about his work in the slums of Bangladesh - he is so fascinating and such a great storyteller.  We were all on the edge of our seats waiting to hear how it all turned out!  He has written a book about his experiences so if you are interested in reading about how he did the impossible you can purchase it here.

- The leader of the official opposition in Canada died.  Jack Layton was only 61 and at the height of his career.  I wont politically out myself here but regardless of what he fought for or against he was an amazing politician, passionate Canadian and made politics in this country interesting.  I feel he was this generation's Trudeau and I doubt his party will be the same without him.

- I have been in discussions with a big company for ages and got the word that I got the ribbon contract!  Yay!  So I will be printing up lots of ribbon for them to go with their marketing materials and donations they make to every charity in the area.  It's all so exciting how fast my ribbon business has taken off!  In case you havn't seen it yet, my ribbon business site is www.Royal-Ribbons.com and I create personalized ribbon!

- I spent the summer watching Downton Abbey in the kitchen while I made meals and did dishes.  I just watched the last episode a few days ago and now have a touch of Downton Depression.  If you haven't seen this show get the dvds asap!  It is so good - I couldn't take my eyes off it!

- Let's not forget Big Brother 13 - I can't believe we have been subjected to Rachael's voice for all these weeks!  I didn't have a favourite this season so there was no one I was rooting for except anyone who had the power to evict Rachael.

- I cant believe I only got to golf twice all summer!  I am having visions of being in my parka knee-deep in snow just to hit a few balls!  I must book some time with my teacher before the weather turns...only 8 weeks or so left!

- We went to my Rotary club's corn roast and got to hang out with everyone and their children and grandchildren.  The weirdest thing is a woman I met...she was saying how cute the Little Prince is and I joked and laughed and said I don't even need my husband anymore, I just stare at my son all day long.  Well.  I think she thought I was serious because she said 'I know!  If my vibr**or could mow the lawn I wouldn't be married anymore!'.  Ummm ok.  Holy inappropriate!  I was sitting with HSF and we were just looking at each other like WTH?  and this woman kept it up saying 'Am I right?!'.  The worst of it is...I know her husband!!!! 

- The juiciest goss of the summer...the neighbours across the street...the ones who are anti-social and only speak to us when they want something...have been seen with legal separation papers.  And he is sleeping in the basement.  I guess two self-centered people just dont make for a good marriage.  So I am hoping this means their house is up for sale soon - I never understood why they moved into a neighbourhood when they want nothing to do with anyone or socializing or anything.  They have a little girl the same age as the Little Prince and never had play dates or anything!  I will be happy to see the back of them and hopefully some nice, friendly people move in.


And now it's September already and Thanksgiving is in 6 weeks or so and I need to hit the ground running!  All of my autumn decor is packed in the storage room and I had no idea the basement renovation would take this long so now I need to figure out how to get in there and get it all out and get the house ready for fall!  I have been pinning like mad on Pinterest and have a million ideas for food, decorations and everything I want to do while the leaves change colour.  First up...a PSL from the new Sbucks just down the highway!  After that I can put some old jeans and a t-shirt on and see what I can do in the basement to get things a bit organized and ready.

And how was your summer?


Have a fabulous day!

Cross Border Shopping

I am often asked what I buy when I cross the border for the day so I decided to take photos and share what is on my cross border list!  I normally only buy things I know I can't get in Canada or are at a much lower price.  With the dollar being so close to par it is easy to get some great deals!  I remember when I was pregnant we went to Target to pick up all the baby gear and everything cost us half what it would here! 

I live close to a quiet border crossing and tend to see the same guards over and over - one American guard always laughs and tells us we are crazy to drive 2 hours to shop!  He obviously doesnt understand women at all!  We always tell him it's our moms day out and we had to get far enough way that no one could call us back to find their pants or Cheerios or anything silly like that!

A lot of people are afraid of what will happen when they come back with all of their stuff but there is nothing to fear - the customs officers just want you to pay your bills and be on your merry way!  I arrive at the customs booth with my passport and reciepts in hand and know exactly how much I spent.  I am polite and cheerful with the officer and make it clear I am there to pay my bill, not trying to get out of it. 

The guard will give us a yellow ticket with instructions to park...but I tell them I know the drill!  Once inside the customs building it's always a good idea to remember the guards are human beings and deserve respect and kindness.  You wouldn't believe the number of times a guard has deleted a section of my bill after some friendly banter and a smile.  I dont recommend crossing at Niagara Falls...the guards out here have told me that's the worst place to work and cross.

Canadians have to pay tax on certain items...some guards will ask for the details of every item on your receipt...others will scan it and estimate.  Either way, be prepared to answer questions.  Most items are not subject to duty fees contrary to popular myth but just about everything is subject to Federal and Provincial taxes.  Even with the 13% we pay in Ontario I still save a lot of money!

Snowman shaped marshmallows.  Nuff said.

Minty chocolate - my favourite!

Ibuprofen PM - for those nights I just cant sleep!

Vitamin C powders - we do have these in Canada but they are 26.00 a box in most places.  In Target they start at 6.00 and go up to 9.00 depending on the flavour.  I bought 6 boxes...saved approximately 120.00 right there and got to spend the day with a friend I adore and rarely get to see!

Zinc lozenges - I am obviously terrified of getting sick!

Archer Farms fruit and yoghurt bars. 

I keep these in my purse, car, desk!

I had High Heeled Life bring these back for me once!

Flavoured coffee! 

Yes we have coffee in Canada but not pumpkin coffee!

Would you believe these are made in Toronto but not sold in Canada?

We have about 4 flavours of Coffee-Mate in Canada. 

I cant resist the huge assortment I can get in the US!

Have I mentioned I live 45kms from the closest Sbux?

We have Goldfish but not the assortment in the US stores.

The little cartons went into the Little Prince's stocking!

We have very little in the way of nut selection

(keep your filthy mind in check) and this is the perfect combination!

Fiber!  In a gummy!  Who knew!?

VitD and Calcium in a gummy - I am quite facinated with these!

A girl's second best friend!

Fiber, vitamins, bio-flavinoids and anti-oxidents. 

The keys to nice skin, hair and staying youthful!

The Suburban Prince actually shook me awake at 6am to ask me to remember to get the chips he likes!

Luna Bars!  Oh my...deeeeelish!  We have a few flavours in Canada but certainly not chocolate peppermint stick, chocolate raspberry or blueberry bliss!  I cleaned off the shelves.  I eat these as a healthy snack on the run or when I am craving a chocolate bar.

I had no idea Luna bars come in protein too!

  

I use loose power over my foundation to set it and recently I noticed every brand seems to be switching to mineral makeup.  I havn't been able to find loose powder anywhere that isnt mineral so I got online and found a couple of brands available in Target. 

So there you have it!  Of course this doesnt include the clothes, boots, Dreft (not available in Canada) and Christmas presents I bought for the Princes but it is a good example of what I will stock up on when I spend a day stateside!

Have a fabulous day!

Snow..snow...snow...I feel like I jinxed myself!

Happy Wednesday!

It has been a quiet day for me as the Suburban Prince took the Little Prince to the zoo for the morning and I have spent the day working on the Christmas tree (which is not my favourite thing to do!).  This afternoon I have plans to go to a mall 45 minutes from here but since it has been snowing all day I dont know if that will happen...I have been looking forward to it all week and...it's the closest Sbux!  I need my fix!  I promised the local exchange student (well she isn't that local, she is from Chile) that we would go shopping today.  Snowed in never works for me as I always have so much to do!

I am guest blogging over at Skip's blog today!  I did another 'Dressing Avery' post and I think it is so super adorable!  You have to check it out!

Our Christmas party is on Saturday so I am busybusy getting the house ready for everyone coming - I think we have about 30 people coming over!  I'm not doing anything fancy this year and didn't put up even half of the decorations.  Next year I will go all out again but this year I'm just not feeling it.  I swear I am hiring someone to do it next year!

Have a fabulous day!

Friday's Random Thoughts

Happy Friday!!!  I can't believe it is September already!

- Let's keep our thoughts with our friends and family on the East coast.  I know a few of our bloggy friends and my brother-in-law are in the path of Earl.

- I am so impressed with people who do meal planning.  I have tried but then never know what I am going to feel like eating a week from now or if I will be invited out or will have time to cook on a certain day.  How do they stick to the plan?

- I had an iced tea lemonade the other day.  Now I know what all the fuss is about.

- The Little Prince was playing with a little girl's toy stroller and of course the result was a bit of a fight and some tears on the little girl's part (the Little Prince is very much like me, just give him what he wants and no one will be crying) and we were commenting on how all of the little boys don't bother with a toy until someone else is playing with it and I said this is why there are so many songs like Jesse's Girl and My Best Friend's Girlfriend.  Five moms in my age backet laughed...the 25 year old mom stared blankly.  Le sigh.

- My mom called on Wednesday night to complain that I never call her, to find out why she has had to call so many times to get a hold of me and to tell me they will be coming down on Saturday.  Background info...they sold their house and have not bought a house to move into and their current house closes on September 30th.  Pray for me.

- I had my first PSL of the season yesterday.  YUM!  But it was wayyy to hot in Toronto to be drinking hot, autumnal beverages.

- When I went to the school to pick up the Little Prince the other day his teacher said 'Bye Honey!' as we were leaving....the Little Prince turned back, waved and yelled 'Bye Honey!!!!'  *giggle*


Have a fabulous day!

PS...I have a giveaway coming on Monday!

A Wednesday Adventure!

We are taking the Little Prince to the zoo this morning!

First stop - Starbucks for a grande, non-fat, extra coffee, caramel frappuccino, no-whip then maybe a teensie little peek in Michaels then we will wander the zoo for an hour. 

We will be going to my inlaws house then lunch at a wheat-free, gluten-free restaurant - I saw the website and the menu looks very nice so I am excited to try it!  It is at the top of the list for the 50th anniversary party so we are sneaky and using this chance to try the food and make our final decision.

Have a fabulous day!

My Day in The City - Recap!

Don't miss your chance to enter my Lobstah giveaway!

I had an amazing day in the city yesterday with High Heeled Life!  The drive there was uneventful until I realised the route I took did not have a highway exit for the road I wanted!  I ended up seeing half of the city by the time I got there!  I wasn't lost per se....I just wasn't where I needed to be!

We met at Starbucks for a cold drink and a surprise gift exchange - is there anything better than presents?!  I gave HHL a set of stationary in a Paris box and she gave me....

How cute is that!  HHL has her own mugs!  Now I have to admit I am very slightly competitive so now I am wondering why I don't have MY own mugs!  This side of HHL's mug is her blog logo and the other side is her motivational speaking logo! 

We ate lunch at a Middle Eastern restaurant called Tabule - the decor and atmosphere was ok, not the most spectacular but since I don't know that area of the city very well and it was recommended by a friend....we survived!  First up...bevvies!

On the left is HHL's raspberry pomegranate juice and on the right is my mint limeade which tastes like a low octane mojito.  YUM!  We asked for 2 straws each so we could try each other's drinks!

The view from above - I love the red currants!  Yes I am a bit of a currant connoisseur - did you know there are white currants too?

We forgot to take photos of our lunches - this is what happens when two similar people are together - nothing else exists!  I had an arugula salad with pan seared cheese (don't you feel good just thinking about that?) and falafel...HHL had a kebab with rice and salad and it was all very yummy! 

After lunch we went to a cosmetics store that is the only place in Toronto that sells Mario Badescu products.  I love them so I knew all along we would be going there....nothing too exciting happened there except when I paid for my products I gave the cashier my little shopping bag and he completely ignored me.  I asked him if I had bought one of their bags would he bag my purchases for me - he said yes.  I asked him why he wouldn't bag my purchases if I am using my own bag!  I find this happens in a lot of stores with this 'bring your own bag' business.  I'm all for saving the planet but not at the expense of customer service!

We also popped into a French linen store - there were so many beautiful pieces, I didn't know where I would begin!  I should've taken a photo of the store but I forgot.  Next time!

We spent most of the day talking about ourselves (our favourite topic), our books (our second favourite topic) and our snooty pursuits.  I am slightly tinged with green when I hear about all of the activities going on where HHL lives!

We went to Chapters to roam around - they always have so many fun gift items!  I even saw the Vapur bottles in there!  I picked up Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster.  I started reading it last night in bed and woke up the Suburban Prince every time I burst out laughing!  This book is very very funny.  If you are a perfectionist, A-type, control freak like me - you will think it is hilarious!  I love books that are a series so I am happy I found this one - she has 4 more books so they will keep me busy and out of mischief for a while.

We were in dire need of more Starbucks (well, I was) so we made another stop....

On the right is my 'grande non-fat extra coffee caramel frappuccino no whip' and on the right is HHL's 'strawberry and cream frappuccino'.  Could I be a little more complicated?  I suddenly feel like Sally Albright!

By 5:30 we were both getting tired and with a 90 minute (at least) drive ahead of both of us we hugged, air kissed and got on the road. 

It was such a fun day - HHL is my soul mate!  She speaks my language, loves the same things I love, talks about much as I do, she has dreams, goals and ambitions and is very interested in her friends' dreams, goals and ambitions.  It is so much fun hanging out with her!  I can't wait to do it again!

Have a fabulous day!

Our Latest Trip to Toronto!

First - please enter my October giveaway! Good luck!

Last weekend we packed up the Little Prince, lunch and lots of bit and pieces and headed into the city for the day! We had big plans! Shopping for Bento box supplies, meeting one of my favourite chefs at a book festival, buying Autumn soaps and candles from Bath & Body Works and dinner with old friends of my in-laws. I am starting to wonder if I am cursed.



The day started well! There was very little traffic on the highway so we got to downtown Toronto in just over an hour. We parked at the Eaton Centre (our usual place to park), got the stroller loaded with toddler snacks and the Little Prince and did our shopping in the mall.



Bath & Body works is very new to Canada so being able to buy it here is so exciting! No more begging our American friends to bring our favourite soaps and lotions when they visit! No more writing lists hoping I don't forget anything! Now we just head into the city to the big store and I can shop to my heart's content! I was on a mission - I knew I had to have a pumpkin soap dispenser! Fortunately they had plenty in stock along with their seasonal soap, candles and air fresheners - apparently I have some sort of addiction to scents! I got everything I wanted! Success!

I knew there was a Sanrio store in the mall so we made our way there (Sanrio is the Japanese company that makes all the Hello Kitty items - we were looking for some Bento box supplies). When I say made our way, I really mean it! This mall is very big and has multiple levels. There are lots of stairs and escalators but with the stroller we need to use the elevators. Unfortunately the designers of the mall did not think anyone might need to get from the 4th floor to the 1st floor in any sort of timely fashion. One elevator only goes to the parking levels. One elevator only goes to the 1st floor. One elevator only goes to the 2nd and 3rd levels and so on! I think we took 3 elevators in the mall and one in The Gap to get to the bottom of the mall and to the Sanrio store which is about 500 square feet of pink!

Bliss! We looked around the store for the things I was looking for and finally I asked the man behind the counter if they had anything for Bento boxes (Japanese lunch boxes which are becoming a very popular way to take lunch to work etc - google Bento and you will see what I mean!). He didn't even know what I was talking about! I was standing in a store devoted to Japan's best known cultural icon and the man didn't even know what a Bento is! We left the store. Immediately.



I knew I wasn't going to survive much longer without a Pumpkin Spice Latte so everything came to a halt while I ran into Starbucks and (thank goodness!) emerged with 2 of the most delicious cups of coffee I have ever had...in fact the Suburban Prince asked me to hold his for a minute and I ended up drinking it! My story will always be that I forgot I finished mine and was holding his! This was the very first time we had Pumpkin Spice Lattes since we live a long way from Starbucks. Sad, I know. I have decided I will be plotting my routes so I can stop at Starbucks from now on! Success! (Oh and we picked up some Godiva chocolates for the journey - we knew we would probably collapse without them!).



We starting heading towards the Word on the Street book festival. Toronto has so many near building and features. This is a moose decorated in front of the Italian Embassy. These moose statues are all over the city and different companies and organizations paint them!

We got to the book festival and I couldn't believe the crowd! This event takes place once a year and is on for only one day so everyone has to descend upon it at the same time. I read they estimated 20,000 people were there. It takes place in a park so it was just a mess. There is a path but people kept stopping to just stand there...in front of anyone trying to get through the park...with strollers...and no choice but to use the path - can you tell this is a huge pet peeve of mine?!

We got to the booth we needed to be at to meet Laura Calder who is a chef and author of French Food at Home. I had been looking forward to getting my book signed for my collection so when we finally got to her booth I was thrilled! We made it through that crowd with time to spare and we were ready to find seats and get ready to hear her talk! The only problem is that she decided to go out of town instead. She wasn't there. We had travelled over 100kms by car, walked for 30 minutes, fought the crowd, brought the book and she wasn't there. Epic fail.

We were hungry and fed up so we found the closest way out and headed back to the street and decided to find somewhere to relax and eat lunch.



Since we always have a stroller with us we have learned long ago it is impossible to find a place to eat in Toronto. We used to go to a great restaurant called The City Grill in the Eaton Centre but they closed in the summer. They were always so great about the strollers and kids even though the restaurant is more of an grown up place. We were so sad they closed and have not been able to find another place we found as easy to take the Little Prince to.

I decided to pack a lunch for all of us since it was a nice day and a picnic sounded like fun! In the pink box is fresh veggies and tuna mixed with Maille grainy mustard and a little bit of Thommy mayonnaise. In the orange box is hummus and crackers, extra tomatoes and some little dark chocolate balls. In the green box is almonds, La Vache Qui Rit cheese, BabyBelle Swiss cheese, chocolate cookies, pickles and olives. We had some Tropicana orange juice to wash it all down with. I packed spreaders and little forks along with napkins in an insulated backpack. The 'table cloth' is a changing pad I got as a part of a set. Don't panic! When you are pregnant every company in the world sends you diaper bags with changing pads...I just took one that had never been used and it makes a great little cover so you don't need to put your foods on what could be an unhygienic table or bench.

We enjoyed our lunch in a peaceful courtyard and when we finished we packed everything up again and started walking to Chinatown.



I was told about a Japanese grocery store that sells supplies for Bento boxes (yes I am still looking for them!) so I googled the address and got the map and went with a determined heart!

This photo is about half of the Pocky they had that day! Pocky is a Japanese snack make of a stick a bit like a pretzel which is dipped in chocolate. You can get all different flavours and some are even dipped in almonds and coconut!

They didn't have the Bento supplies I wanted but I did have a great conversation with the man who runs the shop. He was telling me what all of the candies, cookies and cakes are and that his grandmother doesn't want him to eat too many sweets so he has to pretend he doesn't know what they ALL taste like!



These are Pretz and they are made by the same company that makes Pocky. These ones are maple flavour and the man who runs the store told me they are made in Japan but only available in Canada! Yes, because Canadians must have everything in maple flavour!

We left the Japanese grocery store and when we saw the time we realised we needed to get back to the car so we could get to our friends' apartment. By the time we got to the Eaton Centre we were both hot, grimy and well, sweaty! We both wore heavy clothes since it was supposed to be cool and rainy all day so when the day turned out to be warm and muggy we were in no state to meet friends and go for dinner! Fortunately we were at a mall.

We ran into The Bay (a department store) and we each bought lighter shirts, had the sales clerks cut the tags off and dashed to the car to get the Little Prince changed and ready to go! By this point we were exhausted! We had travelled so far and walked so much we could've slept in the car right there in the parking lot!

But we didn't. We went to visit our dear family friends, had a drink with them and went to the restaurant in their building. They live right on the lake and they have a terrific view! Dinner was yummy, the Little Prince was his usual charming self and we were glad to end this frustrating day on a happy note.

Unfortunately, the next day my mother in law called to tell us the male half of the couple we had dinner with had collapsed on his daily walk and had been rushed to the hospital. Fortunately this happened right in front of a hotel I know has a doorman so he would've been helped immediately. He is fine but he did have a pacemaker put in (I almost typed 'installed') so he had to stay in the hospital for a few days but he is home now and on the mend.

Hopefully our next trip into the city will be a lot easier!

Have a fabulous day!