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A Birds Eye View of Toronto

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Toronto a City of almost 3 million people, just 1 hour West of Wellington County is a great City to go day tripping.  We finally had the opportunity to take the amazing hop on hop off City SightSeeing Toronto bus tour the other day with a friend and our kids. 

My 12-year-old daughters dream of riding a double-decker bus had finally come true!  We hopped on the last ride of the day at the habourfront pick up point at 249 Queens Quay West.

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What a view, if you have never had the opportunity to go on an open air double-decker bus it is highly suggested from my daughter Meaghan!  Our travel friend Dawn always takes the bus tours when traveling, and knew the City of Toronto well.  It is always great to go with someone who can add their favorite comments about your travels.

The bus departed and we were off!  The tour of the City, took us about 2.5 – 3 hours (normally a 2 hour tour), to take the whole tour and it was well worth the ticket price. 

It also includes access for 48 hours and a boat tour.  The boat tour is so amazing, we set sail from the Toronto Harbourfront around the Toronto Islands.  The photos we took from the boat tour on the Serendipity Princess Cruise added to our wonderful memories of our day in the City!

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Having taken the tour, which included a commentary it allowed us to walk away with much more knowledge of this amazing City.  Here are my 5 things I learned on the tour.

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  • Toronto has 140 ethnic neighbourhoods in the City.
  • The St. Lawrence Market has been a culinary focal point since, 1803.
  • The Distillery district has no car access, looks like its own little Village.
  • John Graves Simcoe moved the capital of Upper Canada to Toronto, which he named York, not wanting an aboriginal name.
  • The R.O.M. Royal Ontario Museum, only has 5% of their collection on display, with the other 95% at a secret underground location.

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We got to see sights and sounds you wouldn’t normally be able to see driving on your own.  Such as when the bus stopped we all watched a band play in front of the Eaton’s Center. 

It was an amazing way to just sit back and relax and not worry about the crazy rush hour traffic.  It was a beautiful warm sunny day, however there was a lovely breeze to keep us cool as we drove along the scenic streets.

We got to see all of the major sites in the City which included a little history about each of the sites.  I loved all of the architecture and the different ethnic communities we traveled.  Here is the link to the tour, https://citysightseeingtoronto.com/

Talk soon ~

 

Nancy

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This Girl would have been 101 Today!

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There are some benefits of social media, such as the memories feature on your Facebook.  While sipping my first coffee of the day I checked out my social media.  I am not so sure this is the best use of my time, or if it is the most beneficial way to start the day.  

I hear yoga is a great way to start the day with a little meditation.  It sounds good, but I am privy to my FB and checking out what’s going on in the world of my friends updates, and news updates.  I admit I am forgetful and don’t always know when someone’s Birthday is.  I like FB for that type of reminder.  

This morning this picture showed up of my Grandmother.  It was taken on May 16th, 2014, she had turned 96 that year.  She so wanted to join the 100-year-old club.  Sadly she didn’t make it.  However she did live 96 long years of life and today would have marked her 101 year Birthday!

Grandma I thought of you today and I remember when I snapped this picture of you above.  The silly Birthday hat, and colourful balloon and few little things to make you feel special.    Here are 50 thoughts I have today on your 101 Birthday.

  1. Happy Birthday Grandma
  2. Life is awesome
  3. We Miss You
  4. Love you
  5. Meaghan and Noah are getting so big
  6. The weather is finally getting better
  7. The birds are coming now
  8. I bet your squirrel will be coming soon to see you
  9. Do you want to play scrabble
  10. Did I say we miss you
  11. Your house you lived in for all those years has a young happy family in it now
  12. Miss those Christmas’s at your house
  13. Remember when we went swimming in the summer
  14. I loved your raspberries
  15. You were a great gardener
  16. I love your toastites
  17. Sandy was the best Dog ever
  18. I ll bet you miss going to Midland
  19. How did you have 5 kids, 5 years apart
  20. What was your greatest fear
  21. You never really liked a lot of affection, not kissy feely
  22. You always listened to every word when people spoke
  23. You were the best scrabble player 
  24. You love big
  25. You were so kind
  26. Big hearted person
  27. I remember your funky Nissan van
  28. Thanks for all the great memories with David and I
  29. You took my other Grandma places, she loved it
  30. Thanks for the “special Nancy, David, days”
  31. You would not believe your house now
  32. The Airport sold
  33. You loved a big lunch, it was your meal of the day
  34. How did you have so many kids
  35. You were the same age as me, when you had your last 2 kids
  36. I know I was your favourite oldest Granddaughter
  37. I am writing in the Guelph Today
  38. I bought a house finally
  39. We are so happy now, Meg, Noah and Me.
  40. Matt always talks so fondly of you.
  41. Mom and Dad are good
  42. I wish I could take you out a Rocky’s hotdog
  43. Len was your greatest love
  44. We loved you fiercely
  45. You kept the family together
  46. It is not the same without you
  47. How come you didn’t have more comfortable things
  48. Did you have a party when you went to Heaven
  49. I loved reading to you
  50. Simple Abundance

5 Things to do this Weekend in Wellington County!

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This time of year the mornings are cooler but still warm enough to wear only a light sweater or two, when attending one of the many events going on in our community.  Where is the sunshine the weather reporter promised us today with a high of 20…..MMMM I think they were wrong again.

Well this is not my favorite time of year with the shorter days and the cooler nights.  However the leaves are beautiful, with stunning colors dotting the harvested landscapes of the rural communities.  There is a lot going on in the Wellington County community this Fall, here are 5 top things you can mark on your calendars, and take advantageous of all of the adventures in our backyard!

 

  1.  FALL RURAL ROMP  (September 29th 10-4pm)

There is a wonderful self guided tour https://www.wellington.ca/en/business/tr-fallruralromp.aspx.  Print out the Map, fill the gas tank, grab a coffee and explore.

     2.  Fergus – Elora Studio Tour (September 22-23 / 29-30th 10-4pm)

Ever wondered what an artist’s studio looks like?  Now is your chance to check out fabulous artisans in Elora Fergus.  Here is the link for more information and a map to follow.  https://elorafergusstudiotour.com/

    3.  Culture Days (September 28, 29, 30)

This is a Canada wide event with the local areas in Wellington County hosting tons of great, free cultural events.  https://culturedays.ca/en/2018-activities/search/grid?location=city&postal_search=&postal_radius=25&province=&city_search=fergus+elora&city_radius=25&region_search=4801&search_all_activities=&day=&day%5B%5D=2018-09-28&day%5B%5D=2018-09-29&day%5B%5D=2018-09-30&start_time=&name=&organizer=&language=&wheelchair=0&type=&type%5B%5D=&category=&category%5B%5D=&keyword=&query=

  4.  Donkey Sanctuary Open Day – (September 30)

You have to go visit this amazing donkey sanctuary and maybe adopt your very own donkey?  https://www.guelphmercury.com/events/8881954-749859-donkey-sanctuary-open-day/

   5.  Aberfoyle Market (Saturday’s & Sunday’s)

Why not browse at the many vendors at this great outdoor market, open weekends.  https://aberfoyleantiquemarket.com/

 

Talk soon 

 

Nancy

Riverfest Elora 2018

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riverfest

Have you ever attended RiverFest in Elora?  I hope you said YES; this is my 3rd year as an attendee at this amazing musical event which takes place along the banks of the Grand River in Elora.  They have been entertaining music lovers for 10 years and this was the biggest one yet, with the tens of thousands grooving back and forth under the moonlight!

The 3 day event takes place on the 3rd week in August, with local festival presenters working year round to bring this incredible weekend show to the town of Elora.  The weather was perfect this year, just a little drizzle of rain on the Friday night with the opening act JULY TALK, and Saturday evening was FLAMING LIPS and another big act was BLUE RODEO on Sunday night. 

A lot of other local talented bands such as Boo Radley Project, Bearskins, and Madison Galloway to name a few, kept the 3 stages rocking all weekend.  I had the opportunity to take in the Flaming Lips on Saturday night, and it felt surreal.  When I looked up into the sky all you could  these big colorful balls in the air with the biggest disco ball shining light on them along with huge blow up figures.  The crowd just roared when they came on stage, I must admit I had never heard of them, but walked away a new fan.

There were a lot of really cool vendors from henna tattoos, jewelery and fashions.  Check out my chat with the fashion designer, StudioKampino, who designs her own line of upcyled clothing. 

You can check out my FB page for the interview, https://www.facebook.com/wanderingwellingtoncounty/?hc_ref=ARRFC5ximMqK54VfugPsRM4yY8NMd2cx6XwPD7T9SXfBQm_o6CRc5TavmKdkAO21WqQ.  If you have never been before to this event,   mark your calendar for next years event, it is family friendly with a host of food vendors, so bring your appetite.  One of the great things is there is a ban on plastic bottles at the event, you will see everyone walking around with reusable mugs.    They fully support green initiatives which help save our environment such as the, “SAVE THE WATER Campaign”.   This year the blue mugs were easy to spot as this is the color of the beautiful water flowing from the Grand River along the boardwalk of the event. 

Talk soon ~

 

Nancy

 

 

 

5 THINGS to Do this WEEKEND

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Hey Canada … It’s the official May 24 weekend upon us!   Yeah… for me and many more Canadian’s that always signifies the unofficial start of the SUMMER.  I hope you enjoy your long weekend and the many adventures which await you this start of the season ahead of us.  Perhaps your jumping in your car heading to your cottage or camping at one of the local provincial parks.  Or maybe you are hanging out locally and just chilling.  Here are some great local events going on in Wellington County this weekend.  

 

Elora PLEIN AIR :  http://grandandgorgeous.com/event/elora-en-plein-air/

Grand River Raceway Fireworks:  https://www.wellingtonadvertiser.com/index.cfm?page=detail&itmno=3272

2Rivers Festival:  https://www.guelphmercury.com/events/8594070-701051-2rivers-festival-2018/

The Royal Wedding at the Secret Garden Tea House: http://www.thesecretgardenteahouse.com/upcoming-events

Hillsburgh Garden Club Plant Sale:  http://www.erin.ca/whats-on/details?id=ff84113f-e7f2-41b5-974b-d4024b9b1466

 

Happy Birthday Queen Victoria!

 

Talk soon ~

 

Nancy

 

 

 

 

Dreaming of Far Away Places

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It is the start of March Break, and this is one of the first years in a while my daughter and I are not going South.  I know what your probably thinking, BOO HOO.  I just spoke with my daughter and said, “Are you excited for March Break?” Her response was, “OH yeah… March Break…”  I think the little people will probably be happy just to stay home and take a break from the day-to-day busyness of school life and extracurricular activities. 

It is always nice to go away for a little adventure and a little break from reality if even for a day or two.  When I read this little gem of a quote, it really made me pause and reflect.  Today  I choose HAPPY wherever I am and today.   I am in Guelph at work.  Tomorrow I will be in Fergus for the weekend, and then Guelph for the work week next week.  You know what, that’s OK, because, that is where I am supposed to be for the time being.  You know what I am kinda of excited the workday is almost over.

I have a night to myself.  My plan is to put the Tea Kettle & Fireplace on, grab my cozy blanket, light my candles and watch a few episodes of my current favorite Netflix series, “Grace & Frankie”.  

You might catch me dreaming of faraway places this weekend; climbing mountains, discovering little treasures on the beach, or drifting off into the sunset holding my daughters hand in a hot air balloon.  Or maybe that was Grace & Frankie carrying on with their antics?

Life is good!

Talk Soon ~

Nancy