Word On The Street - Initial Impression

It was an exciting weekend at Word On The Street.  I didn’t know it was where it actually is because I didn’t recognize the name of the Square.  They keep changing names in Toronto or providing names and I don’t even bother to pay attention anymore.  If they had said Roy Thompson Hall where I have been to see the Vienna Choir or the Alexander Theatre, where I was a member until COVID hit us,  or TIFF, I would have had a huh huh moment.  What I loved was all the parking - tons.  If I move to Niagara and they have it at the same location next year it is across from the Ritz (Can I afford that plus a tent, plus travel?)  There was a discount for the Chelsea hotel but people were driving there, which doesn’t normally work for me.  So I shall let you know what my experience was.  First I had a scheduled time and I was expected to be there not a moment earlier or later.  Ok.  I left my house giving myself plenty of time to get there and it took me what?  15 or 20 minutes?  There was minimum traffic and I hit all the green lights.  I got there too early and though there was hardly anyone, I was told to drive around about seven times and/or go for coffee.  I stopped my vehicle down the street near Starbucks but there wasn’t any parking.  I debated going to the Ritz for coffee and wondered how that would work.  So, I just stayed “standing” because there is no parking and was watching a street lady perched in her walker examining her hat.  It took me a while to determine it was a hat as she was plucking away at it.  There were statues in the grass land of some animals - dogs?  The hour went pretty fast as I was beginning to salivate looking at Starbucks but not risking a ticket (though I didn’t see any Police or Parking people around).  I went back to my gate and met with the Organizer.  My first impression was not the greatest.  I complained about the scheduled times, wondering why we didn’t have another place.  She said that Queens Park was having all it’s piping replaced (my area is doing all that as well).  I suggested the Water Front and she said Authors were complaining of not selling their books there (I didn’t quite believe that).  Two volunteers showed up and helped (actually did most of the work) to unload my car and escort me to my tent.  I saw my name next to another Author, only there was no room for the both of us.  So the volunteers moved my table to the East side of the tent.  It appeared that there were four tables in one tent and it appeared that the tables had shrunk and perhaps the tents too.  I am not impressed so far.  However,  I loved the location otherwise.  It was adjacent to an Ice Cream Truck.  So right now, though I had my coffee before leaving home, I am overdue for more caffeine as I continued to feel grumpy.  The volunteers were wonderful and so helpful and caring so that balanced things out somewhat.  No coffee?????????How can this happen???????

To be continued.

Had breakfast with my little buddy

 

Am going to catch up with my education hours - Retire or not? That is the question.

I didn't think I was going to be able to complete my education hours this year, because I work from home and my house is staged (which I hate).  Try living in a department store where you have to be ready to escape when people come.  I have made the lowest money ever this year because of the staging.  Also,  I haven't been able to watch movies on my big tv and have been using my mom's tiny one.  My dining room table is also in the basement and they figured out how to dismantle it.  It hasn't been fun, but that is ok because I spent most of my summer outside and entertaining in the back yard.  There has been interest in my house, but people are expecting me to put down the price which I am not prepared to do.  I have watched others do so reluctingly  because they had to and some have sold for less than they bought.  I am not prepared to do that.  I want my house back.  People can still buy it but if they are waiting - it is not going to happen.  On the 11 October, it should be the last day and then my house will be returned and I can give it a proper cleaning.  My plants are all in my writing room and they can get their space back too.  I have signed up for courses in October and will once again have more than required.  I am not 100% sure if I shall retire or not but need to be able to entertain at home and work from home if I choose and take courses and/or attend seminars.  My objective is to wait until this economy changes.  A wise woman once told me, "You don't want to sell here, move to NIagara and be in the same situation where you are not making a good profit.  You will need to set aside 100,000 to just ensure you have all expenses covered -  transfer taxes, lawyers, insurance, real estate fees et.......You won't spend 100,000 but you should have it."

As I have seen others around me sell houses here which in some cases took a year after many decreases in lowering their prices, I have learned from all.  I will have my house listed for 6 months, which was supposed to last one week.  Thank God I didn't buy anything and I recommend that you never do before selling.  Some have found themselves with two houses because they cannot sell.  I have also been surpised by how many people do not want me to move.  I don't think about it as a big deal because Niagara is so close.  It is always nice to be appreciated.  I had hoped to focus more on my writing and am stepping down from the board of the federal retirees once new people are in place.  That too should be accomplished next month.  I have not accepted new clients and preparing existing ones of my possible retirement.  This is a big decision.  This week I attended a two hour session of some history of mental health.  I had it in detail in basic psychology so I don't think I need to share anything there that would be relevant.  I will be taking another in MAID,  just in case there is new info.  Saturday and Sunday I will be selling my books at Word on The Street.  I am hoping to continue to write once my house is in order.  I am not against selling my house but not this way.  Toronto after all is my home and there is so much to do here.  It is time to re-evaluate.  Have a good week.  I still have some photos of the Botanical Gardens for you.  I will be attending a three day course on line with the American Association of Family Therapy which I would not have been able to do if I didn't take the house off the market, so I am so excited about that.  Have a good week.  If you come and visit at Word On the Street, let me know if you read my blogs and I will give you a free copy of Hey Guy Buy Me, while copies I bring last.  Thank you.  What do you think?

 

Reminder, I will be selling my books at Word on The Street this weekend (both days, all day) Come and say hello

 

silvaredigonda.myshopify.com

Kingston Day Cruise - so relaxing

 Well, I was off for another day cruise and this time it was in Kingston.  I have been to quite a few there but this was different because the boat was enclosed and they served a full meal with live music.  It was a solo singer, and the songs were old but his voice was soothing as one person remarked, "his singing, the meal, the boat ride and sun......so relaxing".  The singer was also narrator of what we were seeing.  Cottages that were once very affordable - no more.  There we were both Canadians and Americans learning how the islands were once divided.  They had an American and Canadian representative on a boat deciding which island would belong to either.  The only stipulation was that none could be divided.  That is why there is a ziggly line between us.  Imagine that happening now?  Perhaps that should be done more often.  I also recommend this cruise for visitors and perhaps spend some time to check out the city.  The food was even better than the other cruises for me as a vegetarian.  I had stuffed peppers which contained protein.  Others who had chicken and beef were pleased with their meals.  Some one asked for more bread (it was so good and fresh) but it was declined and the server took the last piece with her from our table (why would you do that?).  Aside from the missing in action bread, I had small carrots (4) and mashed potatoes (what I loved -  So good).  For some reason the photos I took of the meal has disappeared.  However I do have one of the cheese cake we got.  When they talked about the portion of the water going to New York, I suggested we go there, but was out voted.  That would have been fun.  It was a beautiful day to say bye bye to summer.

Check out the other boat, so beautiful.  I have been on that one in the past.  

Come back Jimmy

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16wDG4rJRn/ 

Jimmy Kimmel -----Come back please.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14Ke3MJSpTu/