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| January: The end of the trail The lighthouse dumping area gives up its dead deep midwinter |
Dateline: 2021 December 31st Toronto, Ontario
Just another year, Family, friends etc
January - December 2021
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| I'm back to walking, today streetcar, then down Tommy Thompson park |
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| I've walked with Taffy and Mosann from Tommy Thompson parking lot to the Distillery for coffee & back Now I'm off through the park to the lighthouse and then back home Early January. 35Km total walk. My feet were raw for a week |
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| Life at home continues Covid plague notwithstanding |
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| My feet are really out of it, but Ontario Place still surprises |
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| I need parts for the sink cupboard drawer at Rona. I've read somewhere that supermarkets are allowing Canadian sun seekers free parking for the winter months as they can't get into the states. There's a lot of sad stories out there |
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| Our own special way of saying "FUCK OFF" to Trump January 20th 2021 |
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| Everyone agrees! FUCK OFF TRUMP! |
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| Ron doing his best to look forward to the next sailing season |
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| Burn's Night. Is this a Haggis and Malt I see before me? |
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| Yeah, yeah. Winters Statutory grip descends |
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| Get the idea? Food plays a big part in Covid lockdowns |
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| Another familiar route. Lakeshore bike path Normally, I'd be somewhere warm right now But no country wants me |
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| I must be crazy out in this on a bike |
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| Mute testimony, or something |
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| Have bike, will do stupid bike rides |
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| As ever, I always end up knowing why I'm out here Just found out that "Ontario" is derived from the Iroquois word "kanadario" which means sparkling water |
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| It's really quite a joyous event being the only person taking part in this |
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| Did you get the idea that I was enjoying all this? |
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| And there's lots more knadario All to myself |
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| This is now special league for weirdo bike riders |
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| Toronto continues under Covid |
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| Commit me now. But I'm here alone |
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| By waking up at 4:30AM to reserve on their website, I'm now the proud owner of a XC skiing kit. I try it out. Cold Creek, about 60Kms north of Toronto |
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| I wouldn't say that I've mastered the skill, but I'm ready for more |
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| I'm dreadful, fall over, have frozen fingers and give up after 10 minutes, but stay up, mostly the next time out The gloves are the problem. Can't get them on. Everything freezes |
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| Somehow, I don't get bored with this shot. Frozen lake |
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| I'm back on the mid winter walks. Bitter & twisted, as usual |
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| And so it continues. It's a long cold Canadian trial by the elements and no wonderful vacations this year either |
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| The Covid reality is here and in full frontal in your face mode. Queueing for sobeys (it gets worse) but we eventually get used to it all |
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| Beautiful snow and an empty Tommy Thompson park My first real ski since 1985 I think I'm dreadfully over dressed, I sweat a lot and my hair freezes, acts like dreads and whips me. Wonderful! |
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| An incredible delight. I saw one other skiier here |
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| Well, what do you know? fall over once in 3 hours |
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| Canadian magic, unbounded These tracks were the other skiiers. I'm scared of ice |
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| Incredible blue skies and white snow. Now all mine |
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| Just in case you didn't get the idea yet |
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| Some post apocalyptic movie set |
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| The trail far less travelled The reason? It wrecked my skis, but incredible this, the second outing |
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| Looks pretty apocalyptic from here |
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| The lighthouse, this time by skiing Oh yes, it snowed for an hour on the way here |
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| What else is a guy supposed to do in Toronto in the deep winter? |
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| Well, I was absolutely delighted with this trip. Really beating back (my) boundaries |
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| There wasn't much snow around here, so no close ups |
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| The local south Kingsway park. I've never looked at it as photo subject before |
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| But snow and a new sense of observance helps |
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| The lakeshore has new aspects after snow |
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| The Boulevard club. In winter Ah yes, now I remember |
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| Chairs against the empire |
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| Colours of winter, and spring and summer |
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| Time to head home |
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| During my chair period |
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| On the path to Outer Harbour. The urgent need for nature is everywhere |
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| Last Years Boating Delight. "On the hard" as us sailors say What a mess |
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| Biking again, hope and flowers stir quietly at the music gardens |
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| The Tommy Thompson park road is more navigable. I walk, ride but not ski without snow |
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| The lighthouse lookout is my regular redoubt |
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| There's no salting here, but the bike gets lots of cleaning |
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| Another post apocalyptic movie prop |
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| I guess it's for one of those post apocalyptic movies. Never see any crews though |
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| Don't envy anyone making a movie outside in these temperatures |
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| Still life with lighthouse |
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| Hey! this is my personal ego centric blog. I got over it If you can't, mouse to the "X" above |
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| More winter, more malt |
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| My walking and first part of my biking routes rarely change Ontario Place bike path |
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| On my various treks, I'm in photo journal mode for a friend who prefers to stay indoors and work This is one of the shots I'd never normally take |
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| The ice sick I nearly died on Slid on my bike and head first into the concrete upright |
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| Spring, and those wonderful volunteers everywhere who dig out all the dumped trash from the winter (thanks folks) |
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| Swiftly flows the Don Modelled by a fellow Don traveller |
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| The Don Valley trail is still deadly Massive amounts of ice, but this time I'm on foot |
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| I guess that I come here a lot. Not yet spring |
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| Another part of my photo journal for a special lady |
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| Sure beats the usual graffiti. At the Palais Royale |
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| B and friend overcoming various ailments |
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| I occasionally off load full covering, but sunshine usually allows my legs some gentle breezes, and occasionally, tiny insects |
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| Intermediate Nav course In a way, the cause of my downfall I pass, but not the big test |
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| Sherbourne street, just north of Queen These poor buggers have to live somewhere. Here it's close to the local social services |
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| Ron and I plot the summer events and the likely participants |
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It's still only March, but the Earth continues inexorably towards warmer climes |
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| Oh God! What a welcome sight Everyone knows that it can't last, but its such a treat after a total winter lockdown |
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| Ah! A distant memory of my childhood. Snowdrops if I'm not mistaken |
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| Life and crocus' springs eternal? |
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I've volunteered to help Rod with his intended craft for the coming season. I need water so I bring my camping accoutrements. I'm sanding noxious chemicals from boats and intend to do everything myself |
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| I crack open one of my well deserved bottles from Christmas' past A delightful Bowmore |
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| On my way back. It's still here and real in March |
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It's always a great place, and often a memorable locale for pix at the Ontario Place viewing point |
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| I'm back on the Don Valley trail It's safe, and pleasant again |
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| I help Ron fix up his loan/ lease boat: April |
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There are so many undiscovered (by me) streams and parks around |
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Sometimes, being retired with very little reason to live is OK |
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| I've seen people swimming here in November Just part of my biking trek out into Toronto |
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| Mid April on my way home from another dirty day boat cleaning. I guess I'm type cast now |
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| I'm now into Google maps looking for adventure I find it on a new creek near the airport (can yo believe?) |
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| Outer Harbour. My home for 2020 A lot of people here have the right idea already, although the Covid Plague is in full force and we're not allowed to actually sail yet or even stay on board |
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| Another bike ride to the lighthouse. I skiied here just 2 months ago |
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| A glorious day to be aware of life |
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| Your correspondent demonstrating what 45 years of squash can do to your arm |
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| Now I'm sure it's spring. Cherry Beach road |
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| It never bores me. I'm sure you are fed up with this shot |
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| Jubilee Park opposite Princes Gate |
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| opposite |
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| I also have another life (Shock Horror!) Rus has replaced his deck, and I got there first to get the remnants I've been working on the "new" deck for a month |
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| The old pre used deck. Treated cedar is so rare now I sold this 30 year old stuff for $300 The buyer was delighted (as was the seller) |
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| Normadene, Ron and vehicle at Outer Harbour |
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| Ron standing in the spot where his summer home had just departed from |
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| Normadene and Ron Contemplating summer adventures |
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Normadene and Ron check the masting processes at outer harbour |
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| The little park just south of the PetroCan station For about 5 years I've bugged Toronto to get these park lights to work Finally, I got my wish |
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| The summer season advances on us. The new deck wows the neighbours |
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| A quintessential Canadian exercise Queueing at a bike traffic light |
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| Volunteering duties supplied, salty seadog looking for a good time Anyone got some ideas? |
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| some i |
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| I'm volunteering at National again It's launch and cradle stowage That's my speciality now |
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| The shared shot that destroyed all my well laid plans and works Don't ask! |
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| Summer, at last, and I have Balzac's almost to myself |
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| If you really must be retired, enjoy the process |
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| There's always the lighthouse trail (again?) This time with the sun and without ice and snow |
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| Two neophytes are initiated into the sacred route of The Don |
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| It's great to be back at National on the patio, even if I'm on my own Covid has really sucked the life out of this place |
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| Even after several operational cock ups and crash and burns with various activities, life is still beautiful |
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| I'm challenging myself to ever more adventurous rides This cloud is just East of Warden, and shortly after dumps on me |
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| Kayla Challenges me to a craft brewery trek to Oakville It's fantastic. About 60Km and free beer The ride is dangerous and boring, but it's lovely getting pissed (on one beer) once we arrive It's a hot danger filled day |
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| We also do various other loops. This one ends up on Queen East at my favourite paneer place Yes! It made it through the long dark covid winter |
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| This is it! Ian and his boat Lindyhop are totally viable and with Mosann as new crew, we head out to race |
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| As cool as ever (whatever that is) All that sailing and volunteering has paid off I'm back at a helm. God! It feels great! NOT to be repeated |
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| I purloin a few discarded accoutrement locally sourced for the base |
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| and up it (finally) goes in mid July We wait for arsehole neighbours to call in the book library police |
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| Probably one of the babies I saw last year Yep, it's certainly pretty deserted down at the lighthouse now |
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| Kayla has perfected her sourdough bread It's extremely popular with all the boat crew. I need to restrict it |
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| Ian's boat is desperately in need of maintenance I offer my meagre skills and resources After I fix it, I'm the forever hero |
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| Ah! Summer of payback But, I sense that personal issues are slipping from my control |
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| Phillipe on the foredeck This guy is amazing. A truly religious experience this evening! |
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| It was difficult to believe, but this sail was close to a mystical or religious experience There was an immense amount of intangible magic to this evening |
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| The lower Don Valley path |
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| Andrew and skip Ian. Racing is an incredible thrill. I think I enjoy it so much because I have not grown up with it |
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Street scene on my regular lighthouse/ Victoria Park run |
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My answer to most problems: Gin'n'Tonic Note inscription on glass |
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| on the |
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| Coaxing wind into the sail |
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| imberin |
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| Javier, Josh and Ian limbering up |
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| Ron & NormaDene back at National. My treat Always fun Apparently she's still pissed off with me. Oh well |
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| One night we sailed with just the 3 of us We came last again, but we never bother about that |
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| Back on my bike run, this time in the real heat of summer |
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| Everyone on board Ians boat is far better qualified than I am No one cares. I certainly don't |
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| We do take it seriously except I don't realise what's important |
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| I've shown some folks on board my shots at dinner I'm unanimously elected to be the boats official photographer |
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| The mini library box is now in production and very popular Now we wait to see if the local arsehole neighbours or city library box police object |
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| July and I sense that the world is no longer smiling on me and the gods of 2020 have deserted me. But I will always have my memories (courtesy of M. Proust) |
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| I have sourced some base materials from local abandoned materials Works perfectly |
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| Home is still a lovely place to be |
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| Want a good time boys? You bet |
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| I let go of the past Not really, thats far ahead in an uncertain future, but I'm aware that it's now essential |
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| Andrew takes a pix of the crew, this time, I'm included |
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| Covid is not beaten, it's just resting. Ontario Place bustles in it's absence |
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| I've finally got a can of paint, and the total deck mismatches are no longer so glaringly obvious |
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| Hey! I'm pretty good at this stuff |
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| Summertime, And the living is easy |
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| Heading out to do battle Lindyhop style |
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| Some nights, no one has any idea whats going on This was one of them. The committee boat was training newbies. It was a mess. Lots of fun |
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| We're ready, but a beer also sounds good |
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| It's always magical |
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| This is a crap job, but we don't fly spinnakers, ever |
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| My travels take me to my fave Indian restaurant on Queen east |
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| It's just a fabulous time out here |
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| It must be Tuesday, so it's just the 3 of us again I'm happy to be out here too |
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| Maybe we will fly a spinnaker next season.... |
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| Pausing only for birthday cake I seem to remember it was a special vegan job |
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| Our social life revolves around Kayla's bread and Gerry's sister |
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| We've done good, this is our last kick at the racing can |
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| But it's wonderful, of course What would I do without my racing fix? I'll find out soon enough |
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| It's all end of season from here folks |
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| A metaphor for the end of the season, no doubt |
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| Our last motor into harbour. Oh well, Fabulous folks Just move on |
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| I'm back to fall colours on the trails. Don Valley |
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| My special glade in the Taylor Creek park |
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| And helping Ian decommission the boat |
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| Which will obviously end up here on Queen Eastr again |
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| Life returns to a new, less than normal single monotony |
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| Entering the Don Valley from Taylor Creek always delightful |
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| Demastculated, the teak has been painted to within an inch of respectability |
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| I'm on cradle lay out as part of my volunteering, again We need to fix Ian's boats cradle or there may not be a boat next year |
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| Last of the summer bike rides |
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| Hudson and Grandma (VonEma?) |
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| Come the day, it's haul out at National Yes, more volunteering |
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| Number one son and newish parent |
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| The back yard is still viable, but far less G'n'T's now |
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| I check out the view from my winter residence |
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| Ian is keen to get a new coat of anti fouling on before winter I'm all for it, but it's a balls up |
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| Everywhere |
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| My idea of probable clean up 10 kitchen plastic bags Try 1000Kg |
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| Oooops! Lots of toxics |
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| A member complained about the mess and we do the right thing, scrape it all up, bag it and and pay for someone else to take care of the problem We ended up taking about 20 bags, about a tonne+ to landfill |
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| Yes, this does look vaguely familiar I'm older, but not wiser Far more cynical and resigned to my place in the world |
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| Chlorophylls all gone, winters comin' on |
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| My route remains much as it has done for a year, as does the road studio |
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| Ian and I invest in hazmat suits and masks Jesus! It's so bloody cold |
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| Even with full hazmat and respirator the dust gets past my beard I can feel it in my lungs I have to give it up You can see the blue just under my nose |
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| It's about 10 degrees, but I'm really cold out here We take all the halyards off the mast for the laundry |
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| I'm back to walking and doing my photo journal for a friend who's just left for quarantine in Australia. Grenadier Pond |
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| These guys didn't piss around, done and dusted in about 4 days |
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| Ian being a great executive, decided that this should be done professionally |
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| And a disaster humanity zone too |
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| Queen street is a disaster construction zone. I'm back to long walks St. Lawrence & Distillery and back |
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| Toronto city hall looking like a picture post card |
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| Finally, Rus trusts me not to give him Covid David & Brenna's new place Actually, he's incapable of using his messed up shoulder so he has no choice |
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Well, it had to happen, be recorded and appear here I drape some Christmas lights on the book house |
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| Shows over! Chlorophyll's all gone. Winters comin' on Come back in April |
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| The Distillery district becomes a thriving hub, both commercially and probably covidly. I avoid it till next year |
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| Heading back home from my massage on a cold December evening |
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| I have a late life crisis and buy some seriously cool sunglasses |
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And so 2021 ends with a whimper and a newly enlivened plague, with new friends and the loss of some more recently found ones
Some of what I had gained is no more, but I've also gained much
At the end of this year, although age does not weigh heavily on me, the future and the now all too foreseeable distant future is almost in view. I fear it not, but it will come for me eventually.
Hopefully, not for while yet
This way to 2022 ===>>>
And that's all he hyped Doc
From your correspondent