Slowly Organizing!

Friday, August 16, 2013

Well this will probably be my last post until after my trip.

Busy organizing what to take with me, I always "over pack" or "under pack".  This time I'm going to try and get it right.  I do want to pack light so I have room for stuff I buy over there to bring home.

So my friend and I fly out at 10:05 pm Tuesday headed for London.

Three days there and then on to Paris for four more days before heading home.

There will be a lot of firsts for me on this trip.  Seeing England (finally) and taking the "Chunnel" under the English channel to name but a few.

The only other "overseas" vacation I went on was to Italy a few years ago. 

Although that trip was fabulous, I learned that when you're a smoker like myself you have to take measures to endure the long flight without a cigarette.  Those of you reading this who are non-smokers will not understand.

When we arrived in Rome I practically ran to the designated smoking room.  Leaping over people's baggage can be dangerous!  I was on a mission and didn't care who noticed and because this trip will be a night flight I plan to take a sleeping aid and hopefully pass out until we arrive in London. I'll probably do the same on the way home from Paris even though that will be an earlier flight, it will hopefully relax me enough that I won't think about having a smoke.

 

London at Night

 

Salute!

 

So when I return I will of course of lots of pics to share.

In the meantime, the EX opened today so hopefully hubby and I will make it there before I leave.

Everyone have a great weekend and good week ahead.

Until later...

Ciao

After the Long Weekend

Monday, August 6, 2013

Hope everyone had a great long weekend, I know we did.

The kid and I took in a matinee on Friday, "The Conjuring" and boy were we disappointed.  Kind of corny and predictable.  Did not scare us one bit but when you've see the first "Paranormal Activity" you're kind of jaded.  When we came out of the show there was a torrential downpour going on outside and we still had some last minute shopping to do so we sucked it up and got done what we needed to.

Hubby and I went to see "2 Guns" Saturday night which was really entertaining.  I mean c'mon when you have two stars like Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg how can you go wrong?  Two thumbs up.

So took quite a few pics this weekend (practising my photographic skills for my trip in 2 weeks).

Here are some of the kid's beloved Sushi.

So adorable!

Now for the kid:

 

So yesterday hubby, the kid and myself went downtown for some sightseeing, etc.  We made a pit stop at the Ex Casino and then on to lunch at "William's Landing" in Liberty Village (which I highly recommend) and sat out on the upper patio looking over the street.  The weather was perfect and the food delicious.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see we had a great time.

 

Now while I'm thinking about it I thought I should mention that in an earlier post I said that I was trying out a product called "Gluten Cutter" which I bought in the States.  Not sure what I think of the product but I do know that it contains a laxative and because I have also been diagnosed with "severe" diverticulitis I'm taking a break from them.  Maybe they would work well for someone that doesn't have any other issues, not sure.  I had also purchased a Canadian version (purchased at a health food store at Dixie Mall) that I haven't tried yet but won't until I come back from my trip and have another procedure at the hospital.  The Canadian pills are called "Gluten Relief" which basically is an enzyme blend that help the breakdown of foods containing gluten and/or dairy products.  As I said earlier, because I'm taking a break from any medication I can't comment on how well they work but will follow-up at a later date and they are not cheap -  $24.99 for 90 vegetarian capsules.  If you do try them and they do work, please e-mail me and let me know at shirleyzimbalatti@gmail.com.

 

Take care and have a fabulous week!

 

Until later...

 

Ciao

 

 

Downtown Trip

Thursday, August 1, 2013

So last Thursday the kid and I took the Go bus to Union Station and walked around downtown Toronto.  Now that was a first for me because I've never taken a Go bus.  In fact I haven't even been on a city bus in years.  Would definitely do it again.  It's economical and worry-free.  You don't have to stress about finding a parking spot and can drink all the wine you want at a café guilt-free.

We had a great time.  Stopped for lunch at a restaurant with an outdoor café (the weather was beautiful) and of course, shared a half litre of wine and people watched.  Then on to the shops and outdoor kiosks. 

I love Toronto.  Anyone who knows me knows that.  I was born there and lived most of my life there.  I've always loved downtown and my first full-time job out of school was at Yonge and Temperance St.  Working down there was fun because you had so much at your disposal.  In those days everyone had an hour for lunch so we would choose somewhere different to eat every day.  When I worked at Bay and Bloor I could walk over to the Colonnade on my lunch to television show tapings which I loved.  Those were the days...

Now although we had fun we knew we had to get back to Union Station to get the Go bus back home.  This is where we screwed up.  We were told the Go bus didn't run again until 7:20 pm. something we neglected to check out beforehand). It was 4:20 pm and we were tired from all the walking.  We had to take the Go train or wait.  We were told it was going to arrive any minute so all of a sudden I felt like a participant in the "Amazing Race Canada"!!!  The kid grabbed my hand and we were off! 

I never went up and down so many stairs in my life and I worried about my heart to be honest.  By the time we got on the train I was pale, short of breath, soaked in sweat and my heart was racing.  I thought, "Is this it?"  I'm going to die on a crowded Go train about to leave Union Station sitting between 2 girls playing on their I Phones.  I never even had dinner yet or a last smoke!  People were staring at me probably thinking they should call 911 but my breathing finally slowed and I somewhat returned to normal.

Needless to say I wanted to kiss the ground when we disembarked the train.  Quite the adventure and lesson learned.  Plan ahead...

 

Me & the Kid in Earlier Days

 

So tomorrow we are off to a matinee but staying in town.  No Go trains in the near future...

 

Until later,

 

Ciao

Wonderful Wednesday!

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Today has been a wonderful Wednesday!

The kid and I met with a dear friend of mine for lunch.  Sweet Carolyn who always puts a smile on my face.  It's always good to see her and catch up.  Afterwards, the kid and I had some errands to do and I met up with one of my previous co-workers.  It was good to see her as well.  When I was working I made some great friends over the years who I still maintain a friendship with.  This is very important to me. 

Me and Nat at my garage sale

 

 

Natalie

 

So I had my garage sale last Saturday and although I didn't make any money we had a great day with friends and family.  Started early (4 AM) getting things organized in the garage, etc. and didn't stop for the rest of the day.  After the sale hubby and I also took in Ribfest at Square One.  Needless to say fell asleep exhausted early that night.

 

 

 

My Grandbaby

 

 

 

The Kid

 

 

 

Nat with her mom

 

 

Nat with her Dad

 

So tomorrow it's off to downtown with the kid for a relaxing day of shops and cafes.

 

Until later...

 

Ciao

 

 

 

 

Terrific Tuesday!

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Why "Terrific Tuesday"?

Well it's a beautiful sunny day even though the heat is horrific but they call for rain for the next three days so the kid and I are going out to visit my mom for the afternoon before the rain.

So last Friday, my son's better-half and her baby girl came for a visit.  I love seeing my grandbaby and can't get enough of her.  She gets prettier every time I see her.

We had a great time as you can tell by the pics I've posted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So today I'm going down to see my mom and take her out for lunch.  I try to spend as much time with her as I can while I can.  Her health could be better so I try to make sure she has everything she needs.  I talk to her on a daily basis making sure she is eating properly and getting out for fresh air, etc.  She prefers living on her own and refuses to go into an "independent living" situation so I have to try and monitor her from a distance.  Making sure she is taking her meds and seeing the doctor on a regular basis.  I just want her happy and well.

 

So have lots more to say but will have to pick this up tomorrow as the kid is bugging me to get going.

 

Hope everyone is having a great week.

 

Until later

 

 

 

Ciao

 

 

 

 

Weary Wednesday!

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

I call this post "Weary Wednesday" because I'm weary of the rain and humidity we've been experiencing here for the past week.

Thankfully, this is all supposed to end by tomorrow when we are to get more comfortable temperatures and less humidity.  We'll see.  I hope they are right.  I long to open my windows and get some fresh air.

Now I must tell you that July is in a "Mercury Retrograde Period" where people will apparently experience confusion, inability to make decisions, restlessness and so on due to alignment of the planets, etc.  There is more info on Google if you are interested in learning more.  I do give it some merit because the month is starting off strange.

First there was the horrific Quebec train derailment.  Then the Asiana plane crash at the San Francisco Airport and of course the weird storm that we experienced here Monday night.  Mmmm...maybe there is something to this Mercury Retrograde Period.  You be the judge.

Also, I wanted to mention to all my fellow Celiacs out there that I bought a product while in the U.S. called "Gluten Cutter".  I have just taken one before my cereal and what it's supposed to do is break down any gluten in your food and aid in digestion.  You take it just before your meal.  It is not approved by the FDA but I thought I'll try it and see if I notice any change.  It does say on it's website that if you suffer from Celiac disease to discuss with your doctor before taking. I did advise my doctor who had never heard of it (I don't think it's available in Canada yet but will investigate and let you know) but did say that the U.S. if far more advanced than us with health products on the market.  For more info, please check out their website. 

So on another note, the kid arrives home tonight from her vacation in Las Vegas.  Actually, she went to attend the wedding of a friend.  From all reports she is having a great time but I'm anxious to get her home, safe and sound.

The Kid as a Redhead

 

 

And as a Brunette with Maria

 

 



 

In Earlier Days

So hopefully everyone has a great rest of the week and until later...

Ciao

Back to Normal Tuesday!

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

I call this post "Back to Normal Tuesday" because I feel I can get back to my normal routine now that we are back from our trip and the long Canada Day weekend is over.

We got back from Las Vegas Thursday evening but I didn't feel "jet-lag" until the next day and then again the day after that.  I was exhausted needless to say.  Just wanted to sleep and walked around like a zombie.  I should also clarify that travelling with hubby you need to stock up on vitamins and Red Bull.

The Mirage Hotel (where we stayed)

We had a fabulous time and managed to back home before the horrible heat that they are getting now.  When we were there it was a little over 100 degrees f. every day which was plenty hot for me.  I never drank so much water in my entire life and I don't even like water.
We went to the Beatles "Love" show performed by "Cirque Du Soleil" at our hotel which was amazing.  Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a huge fan ever since I saw my first show in Toronto years ago.

Unfortunately, last Saturday night one of the female performers died during the finale of the show "Ka" playing at the MGM Grand.  She lost her footing and fell 15 metres.  It was the first death in the thirty years Cirque has existed.  They only choose the best of the best for their troupes and Sarah was a seasoned veteran, 31 years of age and trained in Paris from an early age,  who left behind two young children.  Very sad.  My heart goes out to her family.

We toured many of the hotels there and it has changed a lot since my last trip there in 1996.  My favorite being "Caesar's Palace" because having been to Italy the hotel's architecture and décor make you feel like you are actually there.  There was a piazza with cobbled streets and surrounded by blue sky and clouds that made you feel like you were standing outside in Rome.  Remarkably beautiful.

At Caesar's (in front of one of the many statues)

 

 

 

 

 

We also took in the "Shark Reef" show at the Mandalay Bay hotel.  Reminded me of the aquarium at Treasure Island in Nassau which we went to years ago.  Excellent!

 

 

The first morning in Las Vegas we went to "Denny's" for breakfast until we realized that it was cheaper and better to eat in the hotel at the buffet.

 

 

Hubby at Denny's

 

 

Me at Denny's

 

Needless to say, it was a great trip and a good "prep" trip before leaving for Europe in August.

 

Hope everyone has a fabulous week and until later...

 

Ciao