BOBBY ORR HOCKEY HALL OF FAME

So I guess I must be missing hockey this season or maybe it's the reruns that I'm tired of watching. Either way it was about time I took a two hour drive to go see the Bobby Orr Hockey Hall of Fame in Parry Sound, Ontario. Now not too many of my friends would be up for a trip like this. But alas, one of my friends was up for the adventure with me  (and I didn't even have to bribe her), and we set out one Saturday morning on a short road trip.

Now I grew up watching Bobby Orr  and to this day I am a Boston Bruins fan. The Bobby Orr Hockey Hall of Fame is housed at the Charles Stockey Centre for Performing Arts. As luck would have it the two of us had the whole place to ourselves - I think everyone was still sleeping seeing as we were there seconds after it opened. Was I a bit excited?

The museum holds a lot of memories, memorabilia, interactive games to play, clips from past games, and of course, the "goal". As life would have it, my neighbour a few doors down from me was playing that game on the opposite team when Bobby scored the "goal". The now famous picture of Bobby flying through the air was captured and can be found everywhere - even at my neighbour's home.

 You couldn't help but let it take you back to the years when Bobby Orr was playing and when there were only the original teams. These days there are so many teams, I can't keep up. I recommend anyone who is a fan to take a trip down memory lane and visit the museum.

THE FALLS INN WALTERS FALLS

One of the trips I took this summer was to The Falls Inn Walters Falls  at 113 Robert Street, Walters Falls, Ontario. Thinking my mom would enjoy a bit of a break, we headed south in my red convertible with her in the passenger seat. Although it was a bit of a drive...my mom can only take so much of having her curly locks blow in the wind, we did ultimately get there. Cellphone reception was a hit and miss - but then we were there to see the falls and enjoy some of the outdoors.

A wedding had just taken place when we arrived, and the whole inn looked beautiful. Our room had high ceilings and a balcony overlooking the falls where we could sit and have a drink. There are trails around the area for walking and hiking, but we didn't venture too far. We  spent our time relaxing, touring the small city and spent some time in Collingwood at the Village of the Blue. The food was delicious....the atmosphere was very homey...the scenery was calming and relaxing, and it was a good time with my mom.

TIFF 2012

I know, I know...I have been so busy this summer that I haven't had time to write and tell you what I have been up to. But don't you worry, I have a lot of stories to tell you. For today, though, since I just got back from the Toronto Film Festival, I thought I would give you the scope of what went on down there.

So no George Clooney this time...but there were plenty of other hotties. The crowds at the Prince of Wales went crazy for Ryan Gosling (another of my favourites) and Bradley Cooper. Ryan and Eva Mendes arrived separately, although we all know they are dating....They were there for The Place Beyond the Pines.

And Jude Law didn't disappoint either. While in the Infinite Lounge at the Elgin waiting for the start of Ginger and Rosa with Elle Fanning and Cristina Hendricks, I got quite the shock when about five feet away I saw Jude Law. Did I stare? Of course I did! Girls, he is just as handsome as you have imagined.  All I could think of was the scene in the movie "The Holiday" with Carmen Diaz and he as the semi drunk brother of Kate Winslet who knocks on the door needing a place to sleep overnight...Well he can knock on my door anytime.


At the Ritz Carlton in the back bar after celebrating upstairs at the Hello Magazine Party on Saturday night, I was able to see Colin Farrell and Ian Somerhalder (Vampire Diaries and Lost). I hear he will be staring in Fifty Shades of Grey, so you better hurry and read the books so you are ready for the movie when it comes out. Rumour is that Ryan Gosling also might be in the movie. We will have to wait and see...

SUMMER HEAT

Summer has been keeping me pretty hoping lately...barely enough time to sit and write. And what a summer it has been....The weather here is sure cooperating. I can't remember a summer this nice in our city in a long time. In fact, it has been good weather since about May...hot, hot, and hotter. And that little red convertible is getting lots of action. Don't be surprised to see me on the highways as I zip on by to my next adventure.


And what have I been up to? Well, I was in Toronto for my niece's prom where she had about 67 of her "closest" friends come to her place (or should I say her parents:' place) to take pictures before they all set out in their limos (I think there were three  huge SUV limos) to their dinner and party. Having a couple of teenagers around - no problem. Having that many....THAT WAS A LOT. While the guys looked their cool selves, I have to say the girls looked beautiful. Once we got passed all the little mishaps - nails falling off, hair coming undone...it all came together. I gotta give credit to my sister and brother-in-law for being so adventurous. What with all the kids coming to take pictures, all the parents and family members wanted to come too, adding to the number of people. NOW THAT WAS A LOT. There was plenty of room in her backyard for everyone and no one fell into the pool. Hmmm...makes me think it would be a good place for weddings...If my niece ever needs some extra cash, she can rent her backyard out...sounds like a good idea to me.

After Toronto, it was off to Vegas. Vegas wasn't just hot....it was super hot - 112 degrees. Vegas is my city.  I only wish my friend Shelli had told me about Vegas a lot sooner. She has had so much more of Vegas than I have.  Had to hit Messa Grill... got to meet Pete Rose...indulged in my frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity, relaxed by the pool, and even won a little on the slots. And how was Vegas you ask me. Well it was fantastic. I have lots of highlights to share with you.

Did I miss any flights? Of course I did ...it wouldn't be normal if I didn't miss a flight or two as I travelled. I was late leaving which made me miss my connection, so they changed my flight and I arrived 12 hours early to Vegas. On the way back, we got on the plane...and we got off the plane. Seems something was wrong with the plane and we were once again delayed. Eventually I made my connections and did make it home.

TREVI FOUNTAIN

The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is the largest and most famous fountain in Rome.  As we know it today, it was designed by Nicola Salvi in 1732 and completed in 1762.

The main figures of the fountain are Neptune, god of the sea, with two Tritons. The fountain is truly beautiful.

It always amazes me how many people gather there day after day and stay just watching the fountain. Security is always on watch making sure no one climbs over railings, no one goes into the water, and no one is sitting on any part of the structure. You know someone is a culprit when you hear the shrill of the whistle.

There is a little shop right there just near Hotel Fontana where you can purchase a sandwich, some cubed watermelon and a drink and then take it to a seating area over by the fountain.This is quite a nice way to take a break, catch a bite, and then go on with sightseeing. But before you head out, don't forget to throw a coin in the fountain. Legend has it you will return to Rome if you throw a coin in the water. Oh and I have learned that there is a specific way to throw it in as well....you should toss it over your shoulder with your back to the fountain.



Crowds at the fountain



The fountain at night



Perfect way to toss the coin

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LAS VEGAS AGAIN

Summer has finally come to our city. A beautiful long weekend with wonderful weather, meals cooked on the barbeque, and three days off from work. I put aside some of the yard work that really needs to get done for a spin, well actually a  few spins, in my new convertible. With the wind in my hair and the tunes blaring, it just doesn't get any better. I am just warming up before my trip to Las Vegas.

Although it will be hot...very hot...there is no humidity, so it's pretty bearable. I also like the mists of water they have in some of the outdoor restaurants that just lightly spray you just enough to keep you cool.

I am already looking forward to reservations at some nice restaurants and can't wait to see some shows. Although, this year one of the shows I plan to see again but go all out for with VIP passes will be the Donny and Marie show. I know you are saying...are you kidding me? And I will say that if you can name me someone who has been performing/singing for as many years and are still around.....then I would really like to meet them. I think Donny may be hitting 50 years. I caught their show last year and in a blink of an eye it was over. The time just flew. It was an amazing show and well worth going again.

Perfect treat for a hot day

LAUGH A LITTLE

I'm seriously thinking that the world must be a bit off kilter this past week. Really? Snow again? I thought it was spring....That new red convertible is not going to see much action  at this rate. I find the universe is like that...I buy a convertible and it starts to snow. Kind of like having my plane cancelled due to a strike in Germany, arriving to the storm of the winter in Boston, or encountering your ex while dressed in a hospital gown.

You just gotta laugh at it and not take it too seriously. So today I thought I would post a few pictures that I find kind of odd and funny....to brighten up your day as well as mine seeing as I won't be doing any yard work because of the snow.

Seriously...this was in San Francisco



It really wasn't windy. This is how he was.





On your way to Port Carling....





Las Vegas...no harm intended.



FERRARI

Alright....I know, you are saying what is a Ferrari formula 1 car doing here when we are currently in the midst of NHL hockey playoffs? Well although I do like hockey (and am hoping that the Boston Bruins will win once again), formula 1 car racing has already started for the year and that's something that tops the hockey for me. 

I don't know when the obsession started, but I can't go without entering a Ferrari Store when I see one. I also collect the cars...signed racing car memorabilia, and the rec room currently has an authentic leather Ferrari chair. It has got to be the red colour I think...or maybe because I think I must have been a race car driver in a past life. Either way, if you are switching the channels on TV and I happen to notice  a race..., you might as well leave it there because I will have to watch every lap until the finish. Fast, red cars....is there anything better?

GOWAN, MOONLIGHT DESIRES

Was that really Gowan I was watching jumping off a stool, teetering on his piano, and moving so fast across the

stage that even my camera had  a hard time capturing him? You bet it was.

Gowan performed four Canadian tour dates in between his Styx performances. I have had the opportunity to see Gowan for the last 25 years, by himself, with a band, and performing with Styx where he has been for the past ten years. He has just re-released "Gowan Great Dirty World" with the addition of a few new songs. He gets better with age. His voice is clear, precise, and melodic; never out of tune. His acrobatic performances across the stage add drama and a theatrical stage presence that mirrors his music perfectly. It's no wonder he was chosen to be included in the Styx band.

The show was riveting to say the least. With an all star cast which included Todd Sucherman (Styx), Peter Nunn (Honeymoon Suite), Terrence Gowan (his brother), Danny Ricardo (Toronto fame), and back up singer, Taylor Mills (Brian Wilson), who is married to Todd Sucherman, time stood still. Not  only was I listening to their music but it had a sense of taking me back to the past, reliving my younger years and reminding me where I was when I first heard the songs. The show was ultimately "amazing" and one of the best I have been to in the past few years.

Larry Gowan was very personable and friendly as were the other members in his band. I enjoyed the night immensely as well as the conversations had. Yes Todd Sucherman IS one of the best drummers (sorry - the best). With Peter Nunn playing piano in the background, as I drank a glass of wine and spoke to Danny....I think.... does it get any better?

SHERWOOD INN, MUSKOKA

Not more than about two hours away from here in Port Carling tucked in amongst huge pines on Lake Joseph is Sherwood Inn. Port Carling is just starting to wake up from winter, so you won't find a lot of restaurants open yet. In fact, most shops don't open until May. But that didn't matter to me because I was going to snowshoe and ski on Lake Joseph, hit the hot tub, go to the spa, and relax overlooking the beautiful lake with a glass of wine and the fireplace going.

NOT....For the middle of March, it was the hottest weather ever for this time of year and the lake was not safe to go on. If I did, you would have found me at the bottom. It won't be long before you can swim in the lake instead of skiing on it. Sherwood Inn has a main lodge or Inn but it also has lodges and rooms across the property with a fitness centre, tennis courts, spa, restaurant, lounge, hot tub and many activities for all seasons. I have seen weddings taking place here, both in the winter and summer. It feels like a home away from home. Staff are very friendly and helpful and I always find it so peaceful just sitting outside in the muskoka chairs with a fire burning. So I did relax, enjoy some wonderful food, and have that glass of wine and for a bit forget about everything else.