New at the Mall

Changes are happening at the mall as some stores close and others open.

One that recently opened is this cafe and bakery that I recognize from another location near where my daughter used to live...

Don't need to see a bakery on my rounds! I'll find it very tempting!

We used to buy sour dough bread at their other location - but I didn't notice any here. Maybe it will appear in future days.

My Virtual Trek

The weather outside is still cold and icy here in Canada - but, in contrast, I'm enjoying the tropical ocean views I'm encountering on my 2024 km virtual trek in Vietnam.

I'm a little over 40 % of the way done my coastal trek! It's going quickly!

I'm enjoying the street view scenery...

Also the lush vegetation seen on the satellite images of the area.

I never knew what the scenery was like in Vietnam - so this challenge is an interesting learning experience - as usual!

"Spring Skiing"

(Yes, the snow is back!)

There are a number of ski hills in our region - both in Ontario and Quebec.

As "Spring Break" approached every March, teachers I worked with would share information about which ski hills still had great spring skiing. I assume milder spring weather was the selling point here...

("Night skiing" was another term they bantered around - but I have no idea what the attraction of that would be - unless presumably one could go after work.)

On snowy spring days like yesterday, I think of former colleagues like Dave - who loved to ski. They could well be EXCITED about all the snow that is covering our driveway again. (Groan - more shovelling!)

In fact, he and his wife - also a teacher - are probably out there right now - "spring skiing"!

Musical Weekend

The same weekend I attended my first rock concert with my younger son, my older son invited me to a musical play I knew from my younger years - Jesus Christ Superstar. 

It was put on by "Orpheus," a local amateur theatre company that has been doing musicals since 1906 - 120 years!

The music for this play first came out 9 years before my son was born! He was surprised by how "modern" it still sounded.

This time we were asked not to take photos - so I don't have any - but, from start to finish, it was very well done!

Just Two Rectangles

This past winter, I knit two simple "kimono" sweaters.

A grey one...

And a blue one - with pockets. 

Each was made from two knit rectangles - about 32" by 43" - sewn together down the back.

Then halfway down each side, to make sleeves. Such a simple concept! 

Later online, I came across a different garment, also made of two rectangles. A poncho - made by sewing two slightly larger rectangles together just across each shoulder, leaving an opening for the head.

For those of us who like loose-fitting clothing, these simple designs make comfortable cover-ups for extra warmth. 

Last Snowfall?! Here's Hoping...

Yesterday we woke up to... SNOW!! (Oh, no!)

Another major snowfall - after most of our snow had melted!

Once it stopped snowing, I THINK the sun came out... (Didn't see the sun - but I did see SHADOWS...)

Here's hoping that this is our LAST snowfall of the season. I'm ready for spring!

Rock Concert

I don't know if I've ever gone to a rock concert...

But last weekend, my son asked me if I was interested in joining him to hear a band called Journey.

They have been performing for more than 50 years - some musicians leaving and others joining during that time.

The guitarist on the right above is the only original band member left.

It was fun!  A little loud - but fun!

Fun to see the audience  get into it - waving their phones, shining their phone lights like stars...

Lots of visual effects to accompany the music. (They wouldn't have had that possibility when they started out in the 1970's.) At least two camera men were part of the crew. One is visible at the foot of the stage - taking pictures that were flashed on the screen behind the musicians. Lots of action!

They still filled the house - and played non-stop for over two hours! Remarkable - considering two or three of them are senior citizens, like me!