Solitude

I'm on a school overnight trip to Queen's University and today I had some time to explore on my own. The last time I was in Kingston, Ontario was with E on our 1-year anniversary, which was almost 4 years ago! This trip is so very different: I'm staying in a dorm room, I'm here for work, and I don't know a single other adult here!

My day started out a bit soggy at first. The rain started just as I was making my way out the door. Good thing I had an umbrella!

I've been carrying a lot of tension in my neck and back lately and E has been pushing me to get a massage. How fitting was it that the first place I passed was a spa? I settled in for an hour of relaxation at the hands of a fantastic RMT. Luckily, once I emerged from bliss the rain had stopped.

After that, I walked along Princess Street to Starbucks for an extra-hot coffee misto . . . YUM! I trekked down to the Lake [Ontario], popping in and out of adorably quaint shops and boutiques. The sun even came out and warmed me up [but also made my hair a frizzy mess!].

don't fall in!

frizzy self-portrait

holiday inn by the water

After a few hours, I thought it'd be best that I head back as the forecast is calling for severe thunderstorms this evening. I didn't really think I could have such a lovely day on my own in a town I knew nothing about, but it turned out grand.

minibux: mocha coconut frap, verdict? delish! [minus the whipped cream.]

best seat in the house

Do you like to explore on your own?

old stone and academia seem to always go hand-in-hand

luxuriously fragrant lilacs

Read more...

A boy's-eye view

As Indio gets older, our visits to his birth city become more of an adventure for him [and me, trying to keep him busy!]. I try to think of new and exciting things to do with Indy, who is at an age where he's curious about everything but has the attention span of a, well, a 2-yr old.

We took a customary subway trip along the A line from Indy's grandfather's place towards Far Rockaway. The train travels above ground in this segment and goes through the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and along the ocean, so there's lots to see. Not surprisingly, Indio was just as intrigued with the workmen repairing the tracks as he was the Atlantic.

here comes the A train!

playing footsies on the train

Indio's current obsession with all things transportation meant a visit to the NY Transit Museum was in order. We met up with Julie, Jonas and twins, Jesse and Miles for a morning of exploring buses, trains "from the olden days" and enough turnstiles to make you dizzy.

don't let the pigeon [or toddler] drive the bus!
supervising an oil change at the mechanic

A trip to NY always includes a visit with Alicia, Monty, Dulce and puppeteer extraordinaire, Kirsten. And much to Indy's delight, our night was filled with children's songs, complete with actions!

there was a great big moose . . .

Of course, Indio wouldn't leave all the picture-taking to me. This boy has an eye.

indy showing off his shutterbug skills to me and louly

Read more...

Home away from home

Packing for a visit back to my other home. So excited to see everyone!

Read more...

Technicolour Tuesday

Another brief hiatus from blogging, but this time I have a good excuse: E and I went on our very first [and probably very last for a loooong time] baby-free vacation to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic! Of course, while we were away, I turned off all modes of technology except my camera. I'll post a review of the trip later. For now, enjoy a tidbit of the last 11 days.

[day 176: Cheesy bread sticks always make grocery shopping more tolerable.]

[day 177: My baby has moved onto the big slide...on his own! *sniff sniff*]

[day 178: Horrible phone pic of an adorable cat/ferret hotel.]

[day 179: Apple and ginger-infused vodka--a perfect representation the eclectic borough I called home.]

[day 180: This was technically taken on day 181. It's our breakfast as we traveled business class to Punta Cana. You're not allowed to take a razor on the plane, but if you sit in the good seats, they'll give you a fairly sharp knife!]

[day 181: A few hours in the heat of Miami on our way to Punta Cana. Lunch at Gloria Estefan's restaurant, Larios, which was ok at best.]

[day 182: One of three feathered friends outside our hotel room.]

[day 183: It seemed like a storm was brewing, but thankfully, we didn't get a drop of rain.]

[day 184: My favourite travel buddy.]

[day 185: On our way home from the open-air airport in Punta Cana.]

Read more...