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Monday, 25 August 2025

Botanical Gardens - Close to Burlington/Hamilton

 The Botanical Gardens almost went bankrupt and a business man donated one million to save it successfully.   It has changed since I last went there.   Before there were a series of locations and a bus would take you from one area to another.  There was a lovely Rose Garden which I adored and another location where I had lunch with friends.  There was also a manor's house to explore - all gone.  However, the one saved which is the main location is still worth visiting.  I have more pictures to post at a later time.





Shipping to USA for my books is no longer practical - Sorry. Too expensive.

From Canada Post Office 

What's changing 

 

"Goods valued at US$800 or less that are shipped to the United States through the postal network will be subject to an ad valorem duty. This duty will be equal to the effective tariff rate applicable to the product's country of origin under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). For Canada, the current IEEPA rate is 35% for most goods." 



      I was asked not too long ago if I am still wiling to send my books to the States.  I replied of course, why not?  Well, I am afraid 35% is too much and it was expensive before and now well .................Toronto is a great destination as well as Niagara Falls for American tourists.  I would recommend buying my books when you visit.   You may buy directly from me.  It is unfortunate that this is the situation.  Just last night I was talking to a neighbour who is American but has decided to live here.  She said that Americans contacting her are telling her they are so sorry of what is happening to us because of Trump.  They had voted for him, not expecting this attack against Canada.  Americans  I don't blame you for what is happening, this round.  Anyhow, I am glad you are still coming to Toronto and Niagara Falls because I see you and welcome you.  I will be selling my books at Word On The Street, Saturday and Sunday, 27 & 28 September on King Street this year.  Depending on whether I sell my house or not, this may be my last time at Word On the Street.  It is now a two day event each year and locations seem to change which is not always ideal for me.  So please come and if you American, I shall give you a free copy of "Hey Guy Buy Me" as a token of no hard feelings.

 

Thursday, 21 August 2025

Thoughts of the Week

The weather has cooled, though it doesn't seem to have helped our fires and I am not going to repeat myself about that.  I spent time again in Niagara Falls/Niagara on the Lake and as usual wish I could sell my home and move there.  I know, I am repeating myself.  It doesn't look like I am going to sell.  People who do have to sell are lowering their prices consistently.  I will not be doing that.  I am communicating with people who have sold and not those who have opinions galore but are not selling.   I now understand why my fifth grade teacher taped my mouth shut (wouldn't be able to do that now, huh?).  Of course I had to be the comedian when I wasn't getting the strap.  Anyhow, back to the Falls area.  I met a few Americans.  One had a T Shirt with the Canadian flag on it and the words, "I'm sorry," printed on it.  "I forgive you." I shouted since I was in Mama Cucina dining and the American couple were outside.  They became emotional and I too a tad, as they formed hearts with their hands and placed it against their hearts.  It is sad, isn't it, all this mess?  Anyhow, I didn't know that someone I know is also American and he complained that when he was coming to Canada, he was asked by American Custom's why he wanted to live in Canada.  He was quite upset by that and said he liked it better up here.  He actually has three citizenships and I informed him he was greedy.  Chuckles away.  I also met an older woman while I was sitting alone and taking a breather to look at the Falls from the casino.  She too has three citizenships.  She married an American and lives in the States in a place I never heard of, but it must be nice, because she said she feels safer in the States than here.  She hails from Hamilton, Ontario and is stunned by the increase in crime.  She said she came to Toronto and found it to be filthy, a pig sty?  She said there was garbage all over the place.  I didn't ask where in Toronto she saw this, but ironically, the news reported a mess of garbage somewhere.  The news has been unsettling as well.  Some white guy spit at a Tim Horton's server in Mississauga (remember I was there to buy Olive's book?)  He gave the old, go back to your country stuff and then really gave a horrible spit from a distance.  They should have no problems finding this guy.  He is stocky and not to pleasant, and drives a big truck with an aluminum extension.  Yup, easy to spot and with a bright coloured red or orange t shirt.  Yup, if you are going to do something like that, dress for the part so you can easily be found.  Then we had a guy out on bail, breaking into a guy's apartment in Lindsay, Ontario and yup, the bad boy woke up someone who gave him a beating with something.  The bad boy is in hospital and the guy he surprised has been charged by the Police.  Yup, all too interesting.  Our Premier Rob Ford, you should know him.  He likes to  go to the States and tell them how we are neighbours and they should be nice to us.  He was doing summersaults and very frustrated that the home guy was charged.  Then you have all these guest lawyers who report why it is ok for a guy who is on bail as they all seem to be these days can go into someone's home in the middle of the night and cannot be beaten up badly.  I know it is excessive force and the police are not to do that, but regular citizens don't get that course.  They don't teach you in high school that it is not ok to beat someone excessively who has broken into your house.  Now, I am not a lawyer, but if I was, I would want this case.  Yup, great tv.  "My client feared for his life." " My client lost control (because ignorance is no defence).   My client feared that his family's life, dog's life, cat's life, mouse life were all in danger and he had to protect himself.  He grabbed the first thing he had and beat up the guy who could have killed them all."  Yeah, lots happening - over load.  So, I recommend limiting yourself to negativity including the news.  I love sitting on my back deck and looking at my little wildlife on the trees.  Did I tell you that I have two morning doves?  What do you think?  Oh by the way I really like it when Rob Ford tells the system off.  I enjoyed him supporting the home resident  and telling everyone that the bad boy, on bail (that is very common right now) invades home and everyone would protect their families.  Yup, I do enjoy watching him in action.  Anyhow, what do you think?  Have a good weekend world.  Oh, wait!  I almost forgot.  You heard about Air Canada and their flight attendants needing food banks to survive and living with others in the same boat in multi units because they cannot afford a living?  Yup, that was good.  Looks like this corporation which I believe gets money from our government (and shouldn't)  only wanted to pay them when they get into the air.  Where is that sign I posted, that you can bang your head?  Scroll down and you will find it.  Then the Minister of Transportantion, orders them back to work because they were on strike for wanting to get paid for work.  The Minister's severe facial expression did not work; the union refused to go back and even stated jail would be the better option.  All I heard were complaints galore about the airlines and not one about the workers.  Now the government wants to investigate?  Yup,  looks like people didn't buy all this mess from a corporation.  That's all folks.  Too many thoughts this week.  Time for fun.






 

Tuesday, 19 August 2025

Busy Weekend once again.

I went to Mississauga on Saturday to buy a book from someone I know.  Olive Rose Steele lives in Mississauga and I have mentioned her before.  When I injured myself and couldn't attend a book event she was hosting, she came to my house in Toronto, picked up some of my books and sold them.  Who does that?  She is so nice, that it is difficult for me not to deny any requests.  So when she asked me to go to the Hazel Library for her latest book, of course I went.  "Before You Go" is perhaps the third book of a series and it is not my genre.  It's a bit raunchy and I think I would have had to read the first two books to fully appreciate it.  Again, I haven't written a series, which is in demand at the moment.  What surprised me was my reaction to Mississauga.  I couldn't find parking and so stopped at the back of the library where a festival was being held (did I mention I am suffering from festival overload).  I don't think I can attend another for ten years.  Yeah right!  Anyhow security was there so I waved to him and he approached me suggesting I don't park there because I would probably get a ticket.   Now my walking ability hasn't been the greatest.  I feel like I have a rod going through the length of my right leg and it provides me with an uncomfortable gait.  I seemed to be in a loading area and merchants were unloading their vehicles and going to their stands.  I was utilizing my charm on the security guard and it seemed to be working but he was adament about me probably getting a ticket.  Five minutes I promised?  I called Olive, but got her husband at home.  He didn't know where I could park.  Then I saw about three Police Officers and waved one over who seemed to be in charge.  He was handsome so once again I used my charm.  All three come over and as I am asking about parking, he tells me that they are on an emergency call very calmly.  Boy this is not Toronto.  There would be a frenzy to get to the call.  Do they drink coffee here in Mississauga?  Everyone seemed so nice.  So, I deduced that if the police give tickets and not security, and the police seem to be on an emergency situation at the Festival, they are not going to stop to give me a ticket.  So, I leave the windows open to look like this is temporary, I tell security what I believe and I am advised that I should close my windows and lock the door.  "There is nothing to take."  He doesn't quite believe me.  I leave, go to the side and enter this enormous library which makes mine in Toronto look like miniature village.  I take the elevator to the second floor where I am directed to a hiding spot where Olive has a small audience but takes the time to greet me.  I buy the book, explain why I can't stay and she even gives me a thank you card and a sample of perfume.  Did I mention that she is soooooo nice?  I rush back to my car, which isn't really rushing and I greet the Security Officer and show him my book.  Of course I drop something and he graciously picks it up for me.  How gallant they are in Mississauga.  I get into my car and drive around the block.  I see mega police cars on the other side of the festival and appreciate their budget.  Our Mayor should visit them.  I drive back towards Toronto and realize I am almost out of gas.  I stop at a gas station and notice a beautiful sports car at the station.  I see a tall man trying to get out of his compact vehicle.  At least it looks compact because this man is a big man and very tall.  Not big as in overweigh but big as mancho man.  I immediately forget about the lovely car because this man is suffering.  "I know the feeling!"  I yell out to him.  Poor guy.  He tells me that they botched an operation and I am feeling it for this man.  I open the door to the gas station for him because this guy is struggling.  "I was going to open the door for you."  He states.  "That's ok." I respond and as I search for the bathroom I hear the gas attendant tell him how much he loves his car.  I had forgotten the car.  I saw only a man in pain.  Well, after using my own tissues because the station didn't have any, I talked a bit to the attendants.  They were Hindu and so of course I wanted to know a bit more than what I had studied.  "I don't like too many rules."  I mentioned not telling them that I am a Roman Catholic and so I am flooded with rules.  I continued my drive to Toronto and when I saw the Toronto sign, I felt safe.  I was home.  This really did not make me happy.  I don't want that feeling of home, because I want to move to Niagara Falls and want that to be my feeling.  Oh well, there is no place like home, even if it drives you up a wall.

A group of us had enjoyed lunch at "Mama Cucina" at Niagara on the Lake, 10 Queen Street - Mama Mia!

      Yesterday was simply a perfect day, sunny and beautiful, which only enhanced my experience at Niagara on the Lake.  I was with a healthy group of people from Toronto and of course eating needs to be a positive experience.   I fell in love with Mama Cucina has soon as I saw it.  Lanterns hanging, red and white table coverings and romantic seatings for two or more.  There is outdoor dining at its best but no matter where you sit, the outdoors comes to you.  I don't eat meat and if I want to annoy anyone, I usually say I don't eat little animals (I don't eat big ones either) and that just get some people's back up, but at Mama's Cucina after ordering a vegetarian wrap, I received some attention.  Even though the server was amazing, another came to me and made some recommendations for my wrap which of course I accepted.  She indicated that it was what she normally eats.  Works for me.  There was mega fries and one man at my table ate most of mine and another person's as well as his own.  I have no idea where he puts it all, but watching him eat reminded me of my dad.  He too used to clear everyone's plate.  I wish I had taken a photo of the brushetta because that in its own was amazing and the Tiramisu, well.  One Italian woman who made a Tiramisu the day before and is extremely critical gave it a pass.  Our table




 had a great time there and the service was one of the best I have had.  It felt like home.  Even if you go just for the desert it is well worth a visit.  

Friday, 15 August 2025

Buy this all Canadian Book: Canadian Writer; Canadian paper; and Canadian Publisher - am I missing something?


 I love this book.  It does not matter that I wrote it.  I can be objective.  What do you think?    Order from silvaredigonda.myshopify.com 


I won't be able to mail it to you until Tuesday.  I do all the work around here - a one woman operation.

Wednesday, 13 August 2025

Middle of the week - Thoughts

 I am reading Rick Mercer's book, Final Report.  It's about his greatest rants.  I didn't finish the book yet so I will wait to tell you more about it.  I can tell you that I would vote for him if he decided to try politics.

Well they sold my Barbie House and I almost cried.  Almost, but didn't.  So now I am back to looking at MLS and there is not one house I am feeling.  So, this will make it easier to take my house off the market in October me thinks it is, and get rid of the staging.  I don't think I will ever want to stage my house again.  I want to have my house back or any house back 100%.  This not being able to work much has been interesting and I still don't know about that.  Having fun is fun and I like it but I do require some brain stimulation.  I have photos still to show you of the Botanical Gardens and my day cruise.  I know I still have those notes to continue and I shall.  What I have actually been doing is catching up with my paperwork for businesses.  Guess what?  Remember, that for last years taxes, I found an actual accountant?  Well once again, he gets failing grade.  He made mistakes.  How complicated is it to do you job?  I paid what 350.00?  He wanted cash when I went to pick up my stuff and so I had to rush to the bank to get it.  That was a hint.  So, I do believe I will do my own taxes next year as Revenue Canada suggested.   I know I got ripped off last year, but I will give revenue Canada this one, because I don't want to re-examine all the paperwork again.  So, I am calculating all my business expenses because I haven't done any since I live in a staged house and all my stuff is well you know (in hiding).  I did accomplish a lot but I have more to go.  It's all good.  I am working at a good pace, getting lots done and debating what I will and will not do for the following month.  Well I am soon to debate that.   So, because of the paperwork, I haven't provided you with more posts.  I like to keep my weekends free and I like to keep them "long weekends".  Why not?  For now, I want to say good evening.  I am going to watch a movie.  I did go see Weapons and I didn't know how to feel about it.  I know that when I write, people get some kind of closure (me thinks).  Yes, I like to keep the mystery open in case I want to write a series, but people understand demons and angels and cats.  I don't have to explain what it is has it happens.  Well, my cats are always a mystery and mine definitely were.  But that is enough about me.  With "Weapons", I didn't feel closure.  I felt something was missing.  So, if you go see the movie, please share your experience because somehow I missed it.  What do you think?  Later world.