chapter 20-a: islands, World Heritage Sites, and rolling hills

Good Afternoon from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England. 

Here I am, better late than never. We are onto our third pet-sit in England and the adventures never end. I promised that I would write as I travelled around Great Britain. Where have we been so far?

Our first stop was the Isle of Wight, off the southern shores of England, just a ferry ride away. We landed in London, took a train to the south and then a twenty-minute ferry ride to the town of Ryde. That pet owner picked us up at the ferry dock and drove a few minutes up the vertical hill to their beautiful traditional English home. We were welcomed with an English tea and a chin wag in the living room. We met Charlie the friendly cat who loved to cuddle and reign freely as the King of the House. Afterward, shown to our room, up 29 steps to a room with a view of the water. We had a tasty dinner with Charlie's owners full of chin-wagging and wine and soon slept after being up all night on the flight to England. We quickly learned the ropes with Charlie before the owners left the next morning.

During our stay in Ryde, we soaked up the historical atmosphere of shops, a castle pub, and a vibrant market street. We ate a Sunday Roast dinner at Ryde Castle with all of the English coziness that such a place offers. One day we went off on an adventure to see the world-famous Needles Landmark, an iconic sight, one that is a unique part of Britain. There are three lighter-coloured stacks rising from the water that according to the website are considered to be "some of the most photographed groups of rocks in the world". Perhaps the Wedded Rocks in Mie Prefecture, Japan have some competition. We ate at the teahouse in the old lookout post as we gazed out at the fantastic coastline view. 

The next stop was to see Reebus, a Burmese cat at The Old Cottage on the outskirts of Bath. I felt like I was living in The Lord of The Rings story. Most buildings in Canada are lucky to reach 100 years old, so I was delighted to see stone homes and villages much older. The Old Cottage was comfy and homey. Reebus or Reebs for short, kept bringing us gifts of voles or mice. He would bring home one, each night, plunk it under the dining room table, and proceed to eat it. He would save the heart for us to throw out. Though well-intentioned as that is what cats do; it was disgusting. Except for his gift-giving, we got along just fine. 

It was my second visit to this city of traditional heritage and site of the old Roman baths, not to mention, the UNESCO World Heritage title. The buildings are famous for their honey-coloured Georgian architecture. One day, we took a self-guided tour of the Roman Baths. Immersing myself in the tour, I could imagine going to the baths had I lived in the Roman days. It was a sensory experience that took me back 2000 years ago. What a day at the spa; we did all but bathe in the hot springs. Those are found at a different location. Though I have yet to experience the actual hot springs in England, the Japanese onsens have won over my heart. There is nothing better than to soak in the hot water as you are looking out at the mountains or the seaside. We did drink water from the hot springs which is purported to have loads of health benefits. Only one cupful though so I wonder what rewards we reaped.

Our third pet-sit is in Huddersfield, a three-hour journey north. We are in West Yorkshire surrounded by sheep grazing in the fields all around. Here we have Duke, a grand German Shorthaired Pointer, who loves to sniff out food and cuddle on the couch. He is a rescue dog who has had an auspicious pre-pandemic life. As a result, he is undergoing brain training tricks to keep him focused. His Pointer breed is known for athleticism and intelligence, and Duke had both of these traits. Duke's home is a renovated horse stable with beautiful barn beams throughout. The atmosphere is a mix of modern design along with the beauty of the original building; the result is impressive. 

We tended to stay home for the most part except for walks and runs throughout the historical villages and the countryside. One outing was to a tower built for Queen Victoria's jubilee called, The Jubilee Tower, later changed to the Victoria Tower on Castle Hill near Huddersfield. It opened in 1899, two years later to honour her 60-year reign in 1897. The tower jubilation was short-lived as in the same year, Mr. Edgar North fell to his death from the turret. It is said that he died from an accident that was brought about by drinking five "three penny specials" at the local hotel. Each special consisted of two beers and three whiskies, and he had three specials! That's enough alcohol to prompt anyone to fall to their death. 

The English landscape filled with authentic structures throughout offers much historical significance. Coming from Canada where history is much newer, I am in awe of what I see. Everywhere I look, I see incredible scenes. Three pet-sits have finished with two more to go and half of our time elapsed, the adventure continues. Moving onto the south of England now. Will report next from Dartmouth.

Take care,

Rosemary 🌹

chapter 20: happy thanksgiving

I need to start with my Thanksgiving greeting as today is that day in Canada, October 14th. There are loads to be thankful for from the vibrant trees ablaze with colour to human connections to the promise of each new day.  After a tasty ham and scalloped potato dinner, yesterday at a local restaurant, a drive alongside the colourful trees and bushes took us home. Where is home at this minute? We are on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean on the East Coast of Canada in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. We have been here before, pet-sitting Agnes, the rambunctious Labradoodle, and two cuddly cats, Tom and Lilly. Our home is an art museum as the pet owner is an acclaimed artist and beautiful canvasses of various scenes fill the home. What I appreciate most is the surrounding nature and the sounds of the Atlantic Ocean a few meters from the house. Hanging from one tree are chimes offering soothing sounds that immerse the soul in peacefulness whenever the wind blows. 

We are into October which means the months have flown by this year. We started the year in freezing Quebec with lots of snow, stayed here in Liverpool at the end of winter, and then on to our beloved Japan. Three months in Japan visiting my friends and students breathed life back into my social connections. I am always reminded of my many friendships with those in Japan each time I visit and am grateful for these. A quick trip to Singapore for a pet-sit in a new country for us. We thought that Japan was hot and humid; Singapore took that to a whole new level. Blissfully, we spent the last six weeks of our visit in Okinawa. I think I have found one of the most enchanting places in Japan. Being island girls seemed to suit us perfectly.  We frequented outdoor cafes and restaurants full of artistic charm and tasty food, swam in the ocean at every opportunity, and walked or bused further afield to see the sites. What we didn't do was absorb the military presence; I am with the Okinawans on this topic, give back their land. On our last day in Japan, we flew from Okinawa to Tokyo and onto Toronto. Goodbye, Japan until the next chance. 

From August through September, Toronto was our home base. We caught up with family and friends. I revisited our once family-owned cottage on Lake Erie and relived childhood memories. My sister's birthday was celebrated on the deck of the cottage next door. I could look over at the cottage on the hill where we spent countless summer weeks, year after year of my childhood and swam in the lake below, counting the many steps to the beach as I had done so many times before. Summer in Toronto was filled with runs, walks along the lake, online classes, and delicious ethnic foods from whatever neighbourhood we found ourselves pet-sitting in. One particularly delectable area was Greektown; we were minutes away from mouthwatering dishes and opted for these often. 

At the end of September, we flew to Halifax. And it is here in Nova Scotia that I am writing from. What have I been doing here? One day, we drove to Annapolis Royal to a winery and sat by the water sipping a glass of Nova Scotian wine and nibbling on the inviting charcuterie board. Another day, we drove to the famous Peggy's Cove location and took in the sights and sounds like all the other tourists. Fresh seafood is available everywhere and I have had scallops, shrimp, Atlantic salmon, fresh cod, halibut, and lobster. Wild blueberries are on the menu each day as I purchased a 25-pound box of frozen ones upon arrival. When we are not eating or working, Agnes, the dog, keeps us busy with laneway walks and longer beach walks daily. The landscape is quintessential East Coast, offering fishing villages and unique stores and shops throughout the countryside. I like this part of Canada as it is seemingly untouched and the nature is rugged and honest. 

Where are we heading to next? We are about to embark on a trip to England. Specifically, on Wednesday, we will fly to the land of my heritage. I am excited to visit Britain for the second time. Five pet-sits are lined up taking us to the Isle of Wight, Bath, Huddersfield, Dartmouth, and Salisbury. I will take you with me on each pet-sit and relay the British vibes as I encounter new sights and sounds. Here's an introduction to British terminology. Let's see if there are any eligible blokes for Rachel. We might be asked to budge up on the Tube but hope that we don't cheese off any other passengers. Here's hoping for some chin-wags as we meet others. Check back next week for my first British blog in the land of the Queen's English. I will write from the local castle, pub, park or wherever I feel most enchanted. The best part is that the flight from Halifax to London is less than six hours long. Talk to you from the U.K. next.

Hope that I don't write any codswallop (nonsense). Talk to you soon.

Take care,

Rosemary

chapter 19: Is anyone still out there?

Good Morning From Canada,

Finally, I am writing an update for anyone who might still be wanting to hear from me. Can't blame any of you if you have given up on me. It's been a long time! It has now been four months since we visited Japan. Very sorry that I didn't see everyone; the days simply got far too busy and time ran out. As for an update, the last one I wrote was over a year ago, last Autumn. 😮 I suppose that I will never be a writer!

First of all, I want to say "thank you very much" to all of those that I did manage to see in Japan. After four years of the pandemic and all of its travelling regulations, I was able to visit my second home country at last, in May and June. Everyone's hospitality was superb, so thank you for the wonderful friendships. I don't think that I told anyone, enough, just how appreciative I was of all of the kindness bestowed upon me. I cherish all of these relationships and realize that I do indeed have many friends in Japan. When things got too busy, I was able to take shelter at some of your places and have some privacy and relaxation. I could never have anticipated just how hectic my schedule would become. Thank you to all for understanding the situation and bearing with me throughout.

While in Japan, I was able to visit three of my diary exchange students and meet each for the first time in person. These personal exchanges were amazing. We traveled to Akita to meet my student who is a rice farmer and she opened her house to us and showed us all around the prefecture. We had our own personal tour guide. We met one of my students at Shinjuku Gyoen in central Tokyo, who is an accomplished and published writer. We had a walk, a talk, and a picnic beneath the shade of the trees during the dog days of summer. Near the beginning of our holiday, we met another of my students on the outskirts of Tokyo, enjoying an eel lunch at her favourite eel restaurant, tucked in the side streets of Tachikawa. Aside from these new encounters, I was able to meet another whole group of students whom I have been teaching since the pandemic befell upon us. We have been meeting every week for three years, and though I felt that I knew the ladies somewhat well, meeting them in person only enhanced the relationships. Lastly, catching up with my friends and previous students in person once again, after four years of absence only reaffirmed how much I had missed them. It was inspiring to see so many old and new faces, thank you to all!

Upon returning to Canada, Toronto specifically, things didn't get any less busy. In fact, we jumped right into a pet-sit in Toronto and a week later, my work for Oxford International began. Those weeks are just a whirlwind now to me, and I am not sure how I survived. During the six weeks of work, I walked every day to and from the university to teach my students, from wherever we were staying. We moved five times in that timeframe and the walking distances were anywhere from 2.0 km to 8.5 km each way, each day. I did like my work though, so I suppose that kept me going.

I had high school students from different countries such as Brazil, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Palestine, Ukraine, and Germany. The students shared so much of their lives with me and in the exchange, I hope that they learned and practiced some English skills. On some days, I thought that I was making a difference, and on other days I thought that I had failed miserably. I suppose these are just regular feelings any teacher feels. Overall, I was satisfied and content to have completed my contract, with the salary being a bonus.

I had a group of students from Palestine (Israel). On the last day that we were together, we just talked openly and they conveyed their frustrations of not being able to live freely in their own country and told me of the dangerous and restrictive aspects of their everyday life. Now, with the current situation, I find myself looking for them in the news clips and hoping that they are safe and alive. What a tragic situation! I wonder how they and their families are faring during these days. On both sides, tragedies, murders, killings, kidnappings, and injuries are being invoked upon the average citizen. The people are caught up in Hell on earth. I hope that through some diplomatic efforts, this insanity can stop!

Back in my little world, we had some fun pet-sits at scenic places in and around Toronto. One location just outside of the city had a beautiful inground swimming pool in the backyard. We found ourselves staying in a beautiful century home. The pet we were taking care of was a diabetic cat named Roger. He was the king of the house and wandered freely in and out as he wished. We had to give him insulin shots twice a day to keep him healthy given his diabetes. He was a grandfather cat and had a wise character to match his age. I used the heated swimming pool every day except for one rainy, stormy, day. Another location was a cottage on a private lake, about an hour from Toronto. We drove down a one-kilometre laneway road to find a gated community with about twenty houses built on that side of the lake. Justin Bieber is known to have a house there, which we viewed from a distance. The lake is famous for water skiing as it is placid and tranquil on most days. We could see the water and all of the activity from the windows on all sides of the cottage. Some nights we had a campfire, and other evenings, we played Cribbage by the dock. It was very quiet and serene at that location except for the barking of the two Australian Shepherd dogs that we were caring for. Every day, three times a day, we walked them around the grounds, for their two-kilometre outing. Since these pet-sits, we have been in Toronto in two other houses and a condo.

We did see a theatrical performance, Hamilton, in Toronto. It was great and a well-done musical which taught me some things about the American Revolution and American history. That entertainment was squeezed in one afternoon between my work responsibilities. We were so happy to have made the time to see it. Hadn't been to see a movie at all except for one fun movie, Barbie, that we took my sister to. I still haven't seen Oppenheimer which I do want to see. I never took in the double viewing of both movies in one shot that the media was abuzz about; no Barbenheimer for me.

Rolling into September now, I went on a cycling trip one day. We cycled forty kilometres on an old railbed route (the rails were taken up which left a leafy footing to cycle on) from one small city to another smaller city. We packed a picnic and after the first 20 km, rested and ate at the halfway point before we turned back home and cycled back to the starting point. It was comfortable to cycle in nature and not amongst traffic; no vehicles to maneuver around. We need to start training if we are to cycle in Japan next summer.

That brings me to our thoughts for the next trip to Japan. Rachel's friend is getting married at the end of April in Nagoya and she will have a week or so of wedding events to partake in. At the beginning of May, we want to start our cycling trip around Shikoku. That is what we are thinking of doing for six weeks. We would like to take it slow, stop along the way, take in the scenery, and enjoy the hot springs as we go; in short, stop and smell the roses along the way! If all goes well with another plan, we hope to do a six-week pet-sit in Naha, Okinawa. A teacher for gifted students living there with her son, and whom we have contacted are looking for pet-sitters for six weeks during July with an overlap in both June and August to make up the six weeks. If we get this one, I hope that some of you can come and visit us in Naha. What is there not to enjoy about a visit to Okinawa, referred to as Japan's Hawaii? The pet-sit has not been confirmed yet, so I am getting a little ahead of myself. She said that she was seriously considering us but was just too busy to review the applicants yet. We have to wait and see. Those are our tentative plans for returning to Japan.

One last image to leave you with is the contrasting weather that can co-exist in Canada. Last week, we left the bright and beautiful autumn colours of Toronto, with highs of 20 degrees. We landed in Saskatoon to start a new pet-sit for two lovable dogs; a Husky named Murphy and a Golden Retriever named Billie. We are in the prairie flatlands of central Canada and winter is upon us. With temperatures in the minuses and snow on the ground, we are lucky if we see a positive number in the weather forecast.

Happy Belated Thanksgiving (which was on October 9th in Canada). I am thankful to have all of you in my life and for being able to share our stories with each other.

Take care,

Love Rosemary🌹

chapter 18: if anyone is still reading. 😅

It has been a long time since I have written my update, sorry. Here I am now. I have just watched the Queen's funeral and the processions leading up to the grand finale over the last few days. Nothing I can say that hasn't been said already. A life well-lived; she made a promise to serve throughout her life, and that she did with integrity, dedication, and cleverness. She loved Canada and visited here 22 times during her life. Of all the various facets of her personality, I have heard that her humour, wit, and love of God shone through her life and reign which lasted for 70 years, as the longest reigning monarch in British history. The death of Queen Elizabeth will be a moment in history where one will be able to recall where they were when they heard the news of her passing for years to come. As for me, I was in a grocery store in Vancouver and received the news. Without even thinking, I shed a tear and felt a loss. Goodbye Queen Elizabeth, thank you!

Thus, it might be a fitting time to regale my stories from England as I have just returned from there, a week before she died. This trip to England represented our very first international pet-sit and my initial footsteps on English soil. My ancestors are from the U.K. and I have all of the island nation covered except for Wales; my dad's ancestry is from Ireland, my mother's side of the family is from England, and my former marriage partner is from Scotland. It was quite simply, time for me to go. England has certainly intrigued me and I have so many images and memories: vast amounts of history, mesmerizing architecture, and the multiculturalism in London. The London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Tower Bridge, I strolled by them all. These sites have been permanently cemented in my mind after the last twelve days or so. I wish to return to the U.K. at some point as I have only just begun my journey to see it all.

We had four pet-sits in the U.K. taking us from historic cities and towns to the west of London, to the rolling hills of Yorkshire, and to the vibrant international city of London itself. We were able to live like a local in various locations. Allow me to relay my adventures.

We landed at Heathrow on August the 6th after a seven-and-a-half-hour flight from Toronto, with no sign of COVID protocols at the airport. Only that we wore masks on the airplane, otherwise, there was no mention of the pandemic in London. We directly got on an inter-city bus followed by another to finally arrive in the market town of Thame, with a population of 12,500 people, about 50 miles from London. (For some unknown reason, English traffic signs were all in imperial measurements despite the country being on the metric system.) This place was crawling with medieval historical buildings and a vibrant main street. There was a potpourri of Georgian, Tudor, and Victorian buildings throughout the 800-year-plus market town. Pubs were everywhere, to the tune of sixty in this one small town, some of which were housed in historic buildings; we made sure to pop into a few of them for the historical value and of course, a pint of cold brew. Robin Gibb, one of the famous Bee Gees is buried in a church cemetery in Thame; his wife still lives nearby the cemetery. We visited his gravesite adorned with flowers and found someone sitting graveside with her earplugs in. I wondered if she was listening to his music as she sat in contemplation. This town was full of character; complete with cobblestone roadways, an 800-year-old market that continues to open weekly for customers, and within reach of the historic city of Oxford by bus.

As two of our pet-sits were in Thame, our dwellings ranged from an idyllic English cottage to a small cozy unit with a "catio" (cat patio). The first sit was with a very friendly older dog named Mack, who welcomed us into his home as we entered, having never met us before at the gorgeous English cottage. Later, after we had moved on to our next petsit across town we had a lovely garden dinner with Mack's owners. They were very much in love, even after 37 years of marriage. That was refreshing! The garden was very long in the backyard and took a while to walk from one end to the other. I’ll always remember this dreamy cottage setting. We then moved onto a pet-sit about fifteen minutes away from the first one for two cats in a very tiny place; little units as part of a housing complex with lots of different cultures living there. The quarters were a little cramped, but we did enjoy a "catio" for the first time. This was in essence a patio for the cats; enlarging the space somewhat. It was completely meshed in all around so the cats, Freyr and Runa, could run free outside while being confined. The woman whom we were pet-sitting for was a sales manager of a British Cannabis store. She left us some CBD products for our skin. Don't worry, we did not take up pot smoking. 😉

From Thame, the city of Oxford was a one-hour bus ride away. Oxford is like Thame on steroids with its streets lined with architecture and nicknamed "The City of Dreaming Spires". Upon arriving, I felt like I was entering Harry Potter land. While walking through the area of one of the oldest and most famous universities in the world, I could appreciate and view with wonder each building in front of me. I saw Oxford University's Bodleian Library which served as the Hogwarts Library in the Harry Potter story. The streets, the buildings, and the atmosphere were all fascinating. In Rosemary's style, I did some of my classes with the historic backdrop of Oxford, and my students were appreciative to see the surroundings.

Off to the hills of Yorkshire by train to a refurbished stone barn where Duke the Dog welcomed us. Another of "man's best friends", Duke was a loveable, brown Pointer. He loved his walks in the great outdoors where he could wander and stake out a scent and follow it wherever it took him. The homeowner and her son took us to a local pub for a pint where we discussed the strategies for keeping giraffes from extinction as this was the son's Masters’ thesis topic. At last, we took the train to Bracknell, a regular little city outside of London. There we moved into a townhouse complex to look after Ruby the Queen Cat. She was the head of the household, and came and went as she pleased through the cat flap. She was one spoiled grandma; a prima donna in the cat world. This final pet-sit was for a woman who worked for the NHS (National Health Service) as a researcher in the lab. She went to Mauritius to cool down. England had record-breaking heat this summer and so much sunshine. Though not a good sign for the environment, we loved not seeing a drop of rain for almost our entire time in England.

During our visits to London, we saw plays, twice; first, Mamma Mia, and secondly, Come From Away. Both performances were amazing. The first one needs no introduction I am sure and the music was marvellous. We left the theatre singing every ABBA song we had heard. The second play is a true Canadian story that unfolded on September 11th, 2001, aka 9/11. The story is centred around a small town on the east coast of Canada, Gander, Newfoundland on that fateful day. The small town of approximately 11,000 people accepted 38 commercial passenger jets carrying about 6,500 passengers, caring for and feeding them for days while the planes were grounded. That was quite a feat! We would have liked to see more performances had our free time been more available. While walking around the city I was immersed in the multiculturalism of the city life, the traditions, the architecture, and the lush greenery of the parks. One day we were sitting at the memorial fountain built in honour of Princess Diana and we were informally interviewed by a man from the Netherlands. He was compiling views from the street on how Princess Diana was being remembered. He was very well versed in the life of Diana and shared some of his wisdom with us. We thought that he had been a news correspondent or a diplomat of sorts in the late 90s when all of this had happened. Our story and photo may have been hidden in the pages of a Dutch newspaper, though we will never know.

On one of our last days before returning to Canada, we visited Bath, a city known for its Roman-built baths, Georgian architecture, the iconic Royal Crescent, Bath Abbey, and Jane Austen country. It is also a UNESCO cultural site. Walking around this city of just under 200,000 people, the first word that comes to mind is awe-inspiring. This elegant town held an important spot in the history of wool making. The unique architecture and urban design are said to be thanks to the 18th and 19th-century visionaries who created a beautiful city, naturally connecting the environment with the buildings. We also met friends from Nagoya over High Tea, a fellow English teacher and her daughter (Rachel’s friend from middle school) and caught up with each other after ten years.

That's it, my written offering of August in England. I struggled to get anything written this time after such a long absence. However, now I have been catapulted into action after having watched the countless images from the United Kingdom unfold over the past two weeks. I want to stay in touch and be more connected as we move forward. The next chapter will focus on Vancouver, the mainland, where the mountains, sea, and city are on our doorstep.

Take care, everyone,

Love Rosemary 🌹

chapter 17: where the rainforest meets the sea

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I am coming from Quebec City, a place filled with joie de vivre in Old Quebec. This is the closest I have been to a European feel, and up until recently my most favourite locale in Canada. I am getting ahead of myself though, first I must regale my stories from Vancouver Island. Let me take you out to the west coast where lush nature, robust trees, and vegetation abounds.

We landed at Vancouver International Airport on October the 28th. Quickly transferring to the ferry via a city bus, and soon we were crossing the beautiful Canadian Gulf Islands on a vivacious and radiant day. Ninety minutes later, we disembarked the ferry about thirty minutes from the capital city of Victoria.
We had no idea what lay ahead of us or the journey we were about to embark on. A tenacious woman picked us up after her quitting time on Friday afternoon. She drove us in her big four door Dodge Ram pickup truck for about an hour on mountainous roads to Sooke. The sign we read as we entered the small city was this, “Sooke, Where the Rainforest Meets the Sea.” We arrived at a country bungalow surrounded by huge trees, wandering deer, and a yard scattered with paraphernalia. This was just the precursor to what our eyes would see upon entering the homestead. Things everywhere, I cannot even begin to say what I was looking at. All I felt was that we had landed in a very different space than I had known before. As Alice said in The Wizard of Oz, “Toto, I’ve a feeling that we are not in Kansas anymore.”

We were welcomed in by the husband, a retired Royal Mounted Policeman. His wife was an administrator for British Columbia Hydro. We had made the connection, sight unseen previously over the internet. After introductions to the two cats, both males, one age 22, and one age 15 years, Gilbert and Nicholas respectively, we were escorted down to the chicken coop. There we met our new feathery friends, all 33 of them; 32 hens and 1 rooster. Seeing our new setting was a little overwhelming for sure, we were just taking it all in.

After spending one night and a half with the pet-owners, they drove us to the airport on the island in the wee hours of the morning, at 3:00 a.m. specifically. We arrived at the airport, dropped them off, and drove away in the powerful Dodge Ram, and collected our thoughts. Didn’t have too much time to linger though because I had a lesson at 5:00 a.m. Being in British Columbia, the time difference moved all my lessons up by three hours. We sought out a Starbucks so that I could have my class inside somewhere warm. Unfortunately, we had to wait for thirty minutes for it to open so I did my lesson inside the interior of this sizable vehicle. Thanks to my students who endured this, you know who you are.

Home, we went after acquiring some needed groceries, and sat down to assess the situation. We cleaned little areas of the house so that we could survive somewhat comfortably. The house was actually a very pleasant home once you cleared even a tenth of the stuff! We had a wonderful wood burning fireplace, a functional kitchen island, a very comfortable king-sized bed with an ensuite bathroom. There was a sizable hot tub filled with salt water out in the yard. The best was yet to come in the form of the Galloping Goose Trail that ran just off the backyard. This was a 55 kilometre trail running from Victoria to just north of Sooke. It was lush with huge, old-growth trees standing on either side of the path, with fern covered forest floors abounding all around. It became known to me as Jurassic Park though dinosaurs did not roam here, bears did. I ran on this trail whenever it wasn’t raining, and I never once saw a bear! It is actually named after a "gawky and noisy gas rail-car which carried passengers between Victoria and Sooke in the 1920s".

That brings me to the nonstop rain and mild temperatures we experienced almost daily. Though the inclement weather, the wettest month in history mind you, attempted to bring us down, it didn’t. Even the subsequent power outage for twenty-four hours didn't deter us. The reason why was found in friends, our newly found treasured friends from the past. On the ferry crossing, I texted a pen pal of sorts that I have shared written words with for over fifteen years. She and her husband lived on the island. I went out on a limb, and connected. What began with this text, snowballed into meeting them for a coffee. From that meeting, we hit it off together and met every week and more for coffees, lunches, hiking, and most of all, friendship. Just as we were shocked with the new dwelling, we were wonderfully surprised by the warm embrace of our friends. What was only an online friendship prior to our trip west, ballooned into a real genuine friendship. I will be appreciative of this connection for as long as I live.

Let me offer you a glimpse into our daily schedule. We would rise at 5:00, have coffee and breakfast, and go down to the chicken coop. We prepared the chicken's breakfast, let them loose into the chicken pen or outside into the sprawling backyard to give credence to the name, free-range chickens. Their freedom would depend totally on the weather. Shoveling the you-know-what (💩) from the chicken coop, we tolerated the pungent smell of ammonia with every shovelful. Finally, we would collect the eggs in a basket, and take them up to the house. We had become farmers indeed! The day would stretch out into work, lessons, a run along the highly acclaimed trail from the backyard, reading, writing, and cooking. When dusk arrived around 6:00 p.m. we would warm up the hot tub, put the chickens into the coop for bedtime, and return to sit under the stars and soak away all concerns. That was a typical day. On the other days, we would venture into Victoria to see our friends to hike various trails, visit scenic places, and share coffee or lunch together. One day we visited the Legislature and dined in the fancy dining room usually reserved for the senators and Members of Parliament. We had a tour of the grounds and the government chambers. We visited their house and were introduced to the monthly elevated Zoom talks with the family. And we absorbed the scenic flower patches at the famous, Butchart Gardens, the grounds at the University of Victoria, and a coastline hiking trail. On the weekends, we would go to a food truck and indulge ourselves with a tasty breakfast sandwich; eating it while looking out at an awesome scene of the bay. There was no shortage of magnificent natural scenery.

What do I take away from our island stay? Well, I no longer view Quebec City as my most favourite place in Canada. Definitely, now the lure of nature is calling me out west. The environment in British Columbia is almost perfect with the milder temperatures, bountiful nature, and lush surroundings. Jurassic Park is inviting me back. The trails and the absolutely astonishing landscapes cannot be taken for granted. We climbed some peaks and sat at the top breathing in the sublime views. The stars at night seen from the hot tub were bountiful and sparkling. The abundance of nature suits me perfectly. Best of all are the friendships made along the way. This pet-sit will be a cherished memory especially due to our connections.

We flew back to Toronto on the 5th of December, and on the 6th, we took an eight-hour train ride to Quebec City with a short stop in Montreal. Let me leave you with a comical snapshot. We arrived in Quebec City on the eve of the 6th. Frazzled and tired after travelling all day, we left the station to spend a night in an Airbnb, only about 550 metres from the station. A piece of cake really, a time to stretch our legs after sitting all day. In reality, we left the station and instantly were transferred to a winter wonderland complete with fresh fallen snow, and lots of it. We dragged our suitcases, each of us with our own through snow mounds, along icy streets, and simply impossible roads. We were about to give up, but knew that we had no alternative, so one foot in front of the other was our motto. What should have taken a few minutes took about an hour. We were never so happy to unlock the door and drop our bags inside. A beautiful trendy high-ceiling loft apartment awaited us. A long-enjoyed bath, a glass of wine, and a welcoming bed, were had before we drifted off in slumber. The next day was full of promise, all in French.

Au revoir and bonne nuit,

Rosemary🌹

chapter 16: from the seaside to the prairies

Hello Everyone,

Where have I been? It seems that writing my update has gone by the wayside for the last few months. I have been thinking these days about doing just that, writing it. But it was not until one of my students told me that she was looking forward to reading it again, that I took action. Today is the day. To answer the question as to where I have been, east is the correct response.

Yes, for three summer months I was on the east coast in windy New Brunswick. This is Canada's province right next door to the one that you all know in Japan; Prince Edward Island known as P.E.I., the home of Anne of Green Gables. Back to New Brunswick though, it is situated right next door to Maine, U.S.A. It has less than a million people in the entire province. We were located in Shediac, the lobster capital of the world. This town has barely 7000 people. Located on the Northumberland Strait, the seaside was beckoning us each and every day. Where there is the oceanside, there is wonderful seafood. Shediac did not disappoint in this category either. That's where the summer slipped by, and ended prematurely it seemed.

What did we do besides our work? We looked after a wonderful adult cat, named Bounce. She loved to be pet and brushed, given treats, and spoiled at every moment. We may have been pet-sitting her but she was the boss of the house for sure. That was our only duty except for keeping some plants alive, and the grass cut. We had a beautiful home and spacious backyard and garden. The pet owners were off to our province, Ontario, to welcome and spend time with their first grandchild. We cycled to the beach on any day we could, along with the stand-up-paddle board (SUP) resting on the back of the bike. There was a five km trail to ride along right to the beach, very convenient. When the wind wasn't too strong, we could enjoy paddling on the flat surface, and take in the beautiful seascape. This was a famous Canadian beach called Parlee Beach, and every time we went, we tried to find our little corner away from people. Not that I hate people or anything; it’s just that it was during COVID days, lockdowns, and social distancing restrictions. The beach was abuzz with people. We would pump up the board, carry it to the water, climb on, and paddle out to sea. There we could view the beach and the people from a distance, while sliding off the board into the water for a swim. I tried not to think of what was lurking beneath the water's surface. Yikes️! 😬

We also got to know this small town very well. The Japanese restaurant served up pretty good food. The pizza place delivered some tasty pizza pies. Other delicious food came from a downtown restaurant that served up grilled salmon, bacon-wrapped scallops, and good homemade burgers. I would visit the fish market every week to avail myself with fresh seafood to cook up some delicious dishes at home. The salmon, lobster, scallops, and shrimp were fresh off the boat on certain days of the week. One classy restaurant served up a wicked seafood pasta, and offered live music. We frequented this place a handful of times. Family joined us here for a couple of days, that was novel. Yes, my sister and brother-in-law showed up with giant lobster, steak, and wine in hand. We had a real proper barbecue, serving up an awesome surf and turf dinner on the patio. There were tourists and boaters and visitors to the town all summer long. Never a dull moment for this east coast place. With all that eating, some form of exercise was badly needed. We found a high school nearby where they offered a very well-maintained track for use. I could run to my heart's content, just a short walk from home. Met some locals by chance while running, and conversed whenever our times synchronized. The language spoken was predominantly French, but everyone could use English as a backup. That was great for me as my French is rudimentary, at best! We also cycled out of the town to a few spots like a scenic lighthouse, another beach, an organic farm, and a favourite fast-food eatery specializing in scallops and clams. Shediac, we got to know you well, and will miss you, along with Bounce the cat.

From there we went directly to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. From the east coast to one of our prairie provinces by plane. We landed to flat and wide open farm land. The pet-owners picked us up at the airport. We found ourselves pulling up to an absolutely beautiful home in a small town outside of the city. We were welcomed by two large dogs; a husky and a Golden Retriever. This was a learning curve for me as I have been known at times to be somewhat hesitant of big dogs. But these two banished all of my fears. Murphy, the Husky, was my knight in shining armour. He was wise and strong and loyal, and shared my Maiden name of Murphy. We were bound for connection. The other one was a friendly, energetic, younger female dog full of character and loved attention. We took them out for a walk along the lakeside each and every day. Honestly though, I don't think that we walked them, rather they walked us. We also kayaked in the lake one day which was calm, peaceful, and satisfying. The fondest impression I have of this sit though were the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets we saw without even leaving our home. Saskatchewan is flat, that's the main adjective for describing this province. As a result, we could sit at the dining room table working on our computers, looking out the east direction in the morning to view the sunrise, and from the very same spot, look out the west direction in the evening and capture the sunset. Can't say that I could do that from one spot very often. Murphy and Billie Holiday, thanks for befriending us.

We have been back in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) for three weeks now. Re-connecting with family and friends for a short time. The Autumn colours are peaking right now, a little bit later than usual. We have had a warmer Fall season this year and not yet any really cold nights. It has often been said that we need some frosty nights to bring on the vibrant shades. The real reds and purples are not so obvious just yet. The clock is ticking though, as by the end of October, the leaves will be falling off the tress. For you in Japan, the scenic season will be upon you in November. Enjoy its beauty in all of its glory.

Soon, will be off to Vancouver Island, again to the west side of Canada. We will have two cats and some chickens to care for over the next five weeks. Though I grew up, in part, on a farm, I have never taken care of chickens. Another learning curve for me. The pet-owners have told us that we can look forward to fresh eggs each morning. Can't get any fresher than that I suppose. We only have to collect them in the early hours of the day. Vancouver Island is a beautiful spot in Canada, and I have lots to take in. We will use a plane, bus and a ferry boat to reach our destination. The time difference will be three hours behind that of Toronto so I will be coming to my lessons earlier in the day each time. That's a good thing for me as I am always fresher in the morning than in the evening. For now, let me leave you with some photos of both New Brunswick and Saskatchewan.

Hope everyone is healthy and staying COVID-free.

Love Rosemary🌹

chapter 15: Winnipeg, Two Year Anniversary, and Birthday Bash

Hello Everyone,

Wow, four months have passed by since my last update. This is clearly overdue. I have been back in Canada now for two years. If it hadn't been for the COVID-19 situation, I would have landed back on Japanese soil by now to embrace everything Japanese. Though I love Canada, and am discovering more and more of my country of birth, I miss so much about Japan, and all that it has impressed upon my heart. Two years seems like a long time, and a short time, simultaneously. Let me catch you up on the past four months.

Our sojourn in Winnipeg, Manitoba has come to an end. For those who don't yet know, we had been house-sitting (no pets) in an old home on a street lined with age-old Elm trees; tall, lush, and green. I had never seen such beautiful canopies covering the streets in a residential area before. The atmosphere was rather stately, and historic, and saturated with untold stories. Oh, if trees could talk, the stories they would tell. Didn't know much about the city before moving in, but certainly have learned a few things since living there. It is the capital city of Manitoba and has almost 750,000 people. It is home to the world's first and only Human Rights Museum in the world! Sadly, we never visited it, but that was not by choice. It was closed due to COVID. We waited endlessly to have our opportunity to see this museum in person. It never came, so we visited on-line only. Winnipeg has the largest Indigenous population of any Canadian city. One can see this unique culture displayed and interwoven into the fabric of the city. The Canadian Mint is located here and has produced over 55 billion coins for more than 75 countries around the world. There is a sacred meeting of two rivers called The Forks, where the Assiniboine and Red Rivers meet. Now, it has been transformed into Winnipeg's most popular destination, supplying a meeting place for everyone, offering up local foods, craft beer, bakery items, hotdogs, hamburgers, handmade crafts, art, and so much more. There is a large outside area to enjoy any of the above, along with some home-grown music and sunshine. This location has been a meeting place for well over 6,000 years. Indigenous peoples traded at The Forks, then European fur traders, followed by Scottish settlers, railway pioneers, and after that, thousands of immigrants. I have enjoyed a cold brewsky and Winnipeg's famous hotdog, The Wienerpeg, while soaking up the atmosphere right there.

Other moments spent in Winnipeg included cycling all over the city to parks, and trails, seldom on the roadways. The city has hundreds of cycling trails and paths offering safe and comfortable routes to almost every part of the city. We checked out most of the bakeries in the city, and chose our favourite sweets at each. The Cinnamon Bun is perhaps the best seller; however, the carrot cake was our first choice. We tried some take out foods every so often to escape from the all-vegetable intake we were on, including one of the best Japanese restaurants we’ve come across in Canada, so far. Once, with the lifting of some COVID restrictions, we sat on a patio and enjoyed Greek food. We had our first Pfizer vaccine, shot into our arms at a supersite. That process was flawless. Very stream-lined, efficient, and painless. We are not even residents of Manitoba, but incurred no obstacles. The nurse who gave us ours was a real professional. I didn't even realize that she had already injected me when she did. We walked four kilometres downtown, had the vaccine, and walked home again. Nothing but a bit of a sore arm for half a day.

There were many highlights during our stay here. Firstly, I enjoyed my birthday at a Provincial Park, staying in a cabin near the lake. The provincial park was called Whiteshell Provincial Park. Rachel booked us into a cabin of our own which included a huge Hot Tub to enjoy our Japanese style baths in. We also had a sauna in the bathroom, and an electric fireplace in the living room. The mornings were cool, so enjoying our first cup of caffeine for the day by the fireplace was cozy. We went on a twelve km hike nearby the next morning. We hated and loved that hike at different moments. It was in the jungle (Canada's version of one) where at times the path was very narrow. We weren't sure of a possible bear sighting or encounter so I had my bear bells with me jingling them all the while. These were Santa's bells that I had bought at Zara Home in Japan, but they came to good use. We were the only ones there, at least the only car in the parking lot upon arrival at 7:15 a.m. Very isolated, very alone, and a little scared of nature, we were. The hike was exhausting, arduous, and sometimes difficult to access, but it was one of those experiences whereby you are happy to have accomplished it, though not loving every single moment of it in real time. The terrain was very uneven with lots of tree roots above the ground and one had to be careful for sure. When we got to the half way point, sitting down at the side of the lake and eating our bean chili (we had made for the journey), it was all worth it. We started back, still not seeing anyone, until finally we met one older couple, starting out on their hike. We went for a real quick dip into some fresh clear water to cool down. After that we met up with twenty people in all; some couples, a group of young men, and three or four singles, hiking alone or with a dog. When we finally arrived back at the car, four and a half hours later, there were twenty cars in the parking lot. We were taxed to the max, and very happy to see the car.

The Birthday Bash offered further opportunities. I was able to swim in an outdoor pool for the first time since COVID landed upon us. We made a steak dinner with some very tender filet mignons. We bought the steaks at a specialty shop that aged the meat for longer than usual. The meat could have rivalled Japan's famous beef in various locales. We added to our birthday dinner a medley of grilled asparagus and mushrooms, and served with a small scoop of garlic mashed potatoes. That was a memorable dinner for my 29th again. One other impressive moment to convey to you was how I came to watch a Firefly Performance. I rolled over in the night and checked the time. Looking out the panoramic window, I saw a light, then another, and even more. I had my own personal Lightning Bug Display without leaving my bed. It was enchanting and magical. The next morning, we arose early at 4:00 a.m. to take the canoe out onto the lake for a sunrise expedition. We got exactly what we hoped for. The sunrise was picturesque and we were the only ones out on the lake in sight except for the ducks, geese, and birds. What an awesome way to start the day!

How we left Winnipeg was yet another adventure in and of itself. We used VIA Rail, our version of the Japan Rail System. My friends in Japan, you will be astonished. We had 2200 km to travel from Winnipeg to Toronto. Guess how long it took? The ride from Point A to Point B was a very long 35 hours! I guess that our trains do not run as quickly as the Bullet Trains do! That is an understatement. To be fair to VIA, the tracks are shared with the freight trains, and thus have to stop periodically to allow for the passing cargo trains. We were to board the train just before midnight on the 30th, however it was four hours late in pulling into the station in Winnipeg. That's not so bad for Canadian standards but considering it was scheduled to leave at 11:30 p.m., the four hours late made for a 3:30 a.m. departure time! The train was not so crowded, only about eight people in our car spaced out during these COVID times. We did however have to wear a mask for the entire time, removing it only for eating and drinking. That's the longest stretch for me to cover my mouth and breathe through a mask, ever! We brought our own food so we wouldn't starve, and could enjoy my homemade nutritious cooking. We had gone Vegetarian for the three months in Winnipeg(house rules), so guess what I brought with me? Bean Chili and Mexican Bean Rice were my humble offerings. They were tasty enough, but I am completely finished with beans for a while. In fact, I am forsaking being a Vegetarian! Sleeping on the train was not in a relaxing sleeping compartment, instead in a four-seat area. Changing from one position to another every few minutes made slumber a fleeting illusive dream. Each time I awoke, which was frequent, I felt like our train was going to run off the rails at every curve. During the second night, somehow, the train made up the four hours behind schedule, and we pulled into Toronto earlier than scheduled. Perhaps I was correct in my thinking, VIA was making up time during the dark hours of the night. Most people had boarded the train in Vancouver which makes for a four night/five-day journey across Canada. At one time in my life, I longed to ride these rails. Not now, never again such a long journey. Just to be perfectly clear though, the scenery is amazing, and is truly nature at its best. I don't want to spoil it for any would-be tourist to this expansive country. By rail, you would certainly see Canadian landscapes at their best.

There you have it. What will I take away from Winnipeg, you might ask me? The beauty of the old trees, the cycling trails, and the presence of the Indigenous culture throughout the city. Not to mention a running route alongside the river that beckoned me out on most mornings throughout our stay.

In summary, I want to visit Japan as soon as possible. The birthday celebration was astounding! And the Winnipeg sojourn was illuminating. I still love the trains, but shorter distances will be covered in the future. We will move onto our next adventure now, this time going east to the province of New Brunswick for the summer months. We will travel by air. Nothing like being on the ocean and feeling the sea breezes in these hot summer temperatures.

See you next from the seaside, take care,

Love Rosemary 🌹

chapter 14: Bonjour Mes Amis

Is it too late to say, Happy New Year to Everyone? How about Happy Valentine's Day, and Happy Family Day. In Canada these two festive days follow each other on the 14th and the 15th of February. In any case, this is my first update of the new year, 2021. Let’s hope that we can all see each other once again in person. It has been a year of isolation, hardship, and understanding. Let's go forward and come out at the other end of the tunnel. As I heard on the news the other day, this is the beginning of the end concerning this COVID pandemic. A communal sigh of relief would be heard around the world if in fact these words come true.

Where am I writing to you from...Montreal. Thus my greeting in French. We came here at the end of the year for a pet-sitting stint. By the way pet-sitting is up for debate as to whether or not it is an essential service. Though travelling is not recommended, this couple with a new baby is moving to Ireland in March, hence their travel to Dublin to search for the house they will call home. Hello Dublin for them, and as a result of their decision, Hello Montreal for us. Riding the rails for almost six hours took us from Toronto to Montreal, relatively close, but worlds away from each other in atmosphere. Quebec offers a flair of Europe, France in particular, with its rich culture, different language, and joie de vivre. It's like we are sleeping back in Ontario, missing out on the exuberant joy of being alive. I have found my place where the joy of eating, the joy of conversation, the joy of living each day is celebrated. My philosophy of life, Capture the Moments, is lived here. Even under COVID lockdowns, closures, and curfews, you can see couples out walking hand-in-hand, children and adults celebrating winter in the snow, and others sharing a hot drink outside in the minus temperatures, laughing and smiling. Oh yes, Montreal is alive and the winter spirit is captured in the faces all around me. The curfew in place restricts movement from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., but that is the only obstacle. Doesn't affect me though as going to bed early and rising with the sun suits me perfectly.

Old Montreal has cobblestone streets and great historic buildings. We have walked through this area at dusk to enjoy the lights, which by the way is just after 5:00 p.m. these days. The famous Notre Dame Basilica is found here. This is closed for reconstruction, but we could still breathe in the enormity of this cathedral, and imagine its beauty behind the ongoing renovations. The architect behind this masterpiece was an Irish American man by the name of James O'Donnell, who was obsessed with Gothic architecture, in the end creating the first church of the Gothic Revival style in Canada. The church was first opened in 1682, but then rebuilt starting in 1824. He wished to be buried inside the walls of his great feat however he was not of the faith, Catholic. What was his solution? He converted to Catholicism on his deathbed, and now remains the only corpse residing in the magnificent crypt on site. The Old Montreal area is filled with charming cafes, restaurants, and an archaeology museum, all offering the old charm of days gone by. Juxtaposed to this are the cutting edge design shops, the enormous Ferris Wheel overlooking the port, and zip-lining next to the St. Lawrence River. Old Montreal and the Port area afforded us an opportunity to absorb the French atmosphere all around. We spotted an open café for take-out only, and purchased a hot chai to keep us warm as we soaked up the history and the culture.

We brought in the new year here. On the first morning of 2021 we awakened early, walked five kilometres to reach Mount Royal, a large hill or small mountain in the city of Montreal. We climbed the 233 metres to the summit, and viewed the sunrise along with many others, social distancing of sorts. Music was played by a group of young, fashionable Quebecois, who were drumming up enthusiasm and excitement to welcome the great ball of fire on the first day of the new year. What a wonderful start to the unknown possibilities awaiting us, gazing at the rising sun. This is most definitely a practice we learned from the Japanese, as many there take great pleasure in welcoming each year in this manner. During our stay in Montreal we have returned to this winter wonderland two more times, for another scenic lookout onto the city, and for cross country skiing. This park was designed by another highly skilled designer, Frederick Law Olmsted, the creative mind behind New York's Central Park. We rented skis for a two hour time-slot on a beautiful sunny winter's day. We managed to stay on the skis for ninety minutes. That was incredibly hard work for sure. The cold temperature of minus ten degrees was not the problem, rather continuing to propel oneself ahead on the snow laden trails was the problematic issue. Once, I remained standing, speeding down a hill while keeping my skis in the pristine trails. Not sure how I managed that at all!? After releasing myself from the skis once and for all, we found the chalet. Sipping on a piping hot potato soup outside with the warming rays of the sunshine was the perfect comfort for this crazy adventure lover. There is not a restaurant or café open for inside eating during these COVID times. What we have is mother nature, outside it is, no matter what the temperature. That's a Canadian experience for sure.

On some other days we have walked, or taken the subways and buses to reach some desired locations. We visited the Expo grounds on one of the islands in the city that held the Expo event in 1967, that was the 100th birthday year of the Canadian Confederation. The grounds are now a gigantic outdoor park, though originally built for the Expo, from millions of tons of rock excavated for the building of the Montreal Metro Underground rail. The location was Notre Dame Island, a man-made island. There is a Biosphere that houses the only museum entirely dedicated to the environment in North America. This monolithic geodesic dome sits proudly for all to see, and invites us in, of course, after this pandemic is over. Hardly a person we came upon as it seemed to be a rather remote destination at this current time. To reach this island we rode a subway that tunneled through the waters of the St. Lawrence Seabed. I didn't wish to think about barreling through the water as we went.

Another gorgeous hike we had was ascending Mont St. Hilaire. This land was donated to one of Canada's top universities, McGill University. The trails are all listed as "easy". I am not so sure I would agree as we huffed and puffed at times on our way to the summit. Lots of people were cross country skiing this nature reserve crisscrossing the hikers on their way up. Upon arriving at the 402 metres, a wondrous panoramic view of the small towns below, the river, and the natural, Lac Hertel, all echoing cries of the ancient settlers of Canada's history. We met a friend of the pet owner who was a High school French teacher who escorted us on this journey. We could even ask for some tips on communicating to our fellow French speaking Canadians. Salut, for example is the casual way of saying Hello or Goodbye rather than Bonjour. We learned that this is an informal greeting to others around the same age. Similar to Japanese where the very words speak to certain age groups with respect.

The food is wonderful. French cuisine is notable for sure, but also many culturally diverse options were up for grabs. Though I did cook a lot, we ordered weekly from some of the hard-hit restaurants due to COVID, and had the meals delivered. Among the countries we chose were Italian, Japanese, Korean, French, Mexican, and Caribbean. I was always happy to have a night off in the kitchen. One very famous and notable French offering is Poutine. This is a French Canadian dish traditionally made of French Fries and fresh cheese curds, covered with gravy. That's the basic style. Of course now there are a countless number of renditions with the same base though covered with various toppings similar to pizza toppings. Perhaps this dish is loved by those seeking to have a heart attack served on a plate!

The French love their breads. Not like the bread varieties found in Japan, though they were tasty in their own way. But European style breads so first and foremost the French Baguette, various kinds of grains of bread, and in any shape you might think of. As my command of the French language is little to nil, I often took home a bread I knew nothing about. Just pointed to it and the bread shop staff handed me the loaf. Shades of what I did in Japan, also not knowing the language. This leads to an endless exciting adventure every day. Where we shopped was also unique, in the market. Only a couple of times did we find ourselves in a grocery store for some odd item. Almost all of our food was found at the market, from fresh produce, to fresh fish, organically raised meat, and sweets that came from Heaven. We did visit the Korean/Japanese store that we found downtown to purchase our Asian supplies, though. The French know how to eat, and I love that enjoyment of life.

Before I go I should tell you about the one we were pet-sitting. The reason for finding such love for Montreal. Foxy is a sixteen year old grandmother cat that loved to eat, drink water, and be cuddled. She slept for the most part, but when awake she wanted to be pet, and given love as she wished. The pet-sit was a very laidback gig, and we were able to work each day from her home, and live life from her perspective. Thanks to Foxy we were able to discover the city of Montreal, and all of its French character. We loved the winter here in sub zero temperatures and mounds of snow. Definitely we will be back in the summer time when the joie de vivre is accentuated even more we are told with music, cuisine, and festivals. Goodbye Montreal for now, but not for long.

Stay well and take care,

Love Rosemary 🌹

chapter 13: hikes, art, and cycling.

Hello Everyone,

Here we are, from the three H's of summer to almost winter in Canada, coming to you through my Update. It is long overdue, for that I am sorry. As you are all immersed in the spectacular Autumn season in Japan, our leaves have fallen to the ground and flurries are in the forecast. However, we did enjoy the beauty of nature, and along with it I have hiked, cycled, and taken in the arts. Sit down with your favourite Autumn drink and come listen to my adventures.

Without any hesitation, let me say that COVID is continually affecting us, but for the most part we have grown accustomed to the ever-changing regulations and conditions that curtail our activities. As I sit down to write on a cold afternoon we have been placed into lockdown once again for twenty-eight days. This latest confinement will keep us out of the shopping malls, gyms, restaurants, cinemas, and other such non-essential businesses. We have come to understand our responsibilities attached to these COVID times. On the other hand, we realize that this virus has actually only touched less than one percent of our population in Canada to date. So out of 37,873,946 people we are reaching 350,000 positive cases so far. The importance of even just one life cannot be diminished, though some would argue that the government should not shutter the economy just the same. Of course, if COVID has struck down someone dear to you, the economic status does not matter in the least. Okay now that I have the current situation of this pandemic in Canada stated, allow me to tell you about Autumn in Canada for me.

Hiking was undertaken by me on a few occasions over the last few months. There is no shortage of gorgeous hiking trails in Ontario. From the city trails to the country trails, beautiful scenery can be found all around. One particular hike was discovered in the heart of Toronto. We started in a cemetery which dated back to the latter half of the 1800s, that's old for us in North America. From the cemetery, there were many trails with running/hiking paths extending out to a ravine, to green areas that meander throughout the city, and on a course that weaves through a very high-end area showcasing wonderfully unique and expensive homes. The richest of rich in Toronto live on these streets in the Tudor, Edwardian, and Victorian-style homes. We are certainly influenced by the British. Another such hike was a surprising location for me. We ended up parking the car right across from one of my old high schools. A small but splendid waterfall was the first piece of nature on the trail. From there a three-hour arduous hike up and down, and through forests and fields, while all around magnificently coloured leaves revealed the vibrant Fall colours. We did earn our sweat that day as exhaustion set in when we finished. But what better way to acknowledge our feat than source out a patio on the waterfront for our belated lunch/early dinner. A cold local brewsky (beer), served with a homemade style hamburger and sweet potato fries while listening to a marching band practicing outside as the sun began to set. A picture perfect, sound perfect, comfortable end to a great day.

This brings me to an Immersive art exhibition by Van Gogh that I have been fortunate enough to see twice, not once, to date. First time was an outing to celebrate my sister's birthday, a requested destination by her. It was a drive-in, socially distanced, mask wearing exhibition with art and lights on the warehouse walls. Van Gogh came alive in front of our very eyes with pictures and sounds to take the viewer into his world of creations through 600,000 cubic feet of projections, 60,600 frames of video, and 90,000,000 pixels. Again, we went back for a second viewing, this time with the same three, Rachel and my sister, and now her daughter, who is an elementary school teacher. We needed to take the stressed-out teacher who is facing the educational system during COVID, away for a break. It is difficult to say the least to teach first graders at the best of times. However, while wearing masks and attempting to socially distance for an entire day takes the hardships to the next level. She happens to be a big fan of Van Gogh so absolutely loved the art experience. Apparently, this is a completely new way of encountering art during the Corona Virus situation. Not to mention that those employed in this industry can continue to be employed during these uncertain times. I loved it as well and would go back a third time if the opportunity presented itself.

We have hiking, art, and COVID taken care of, how about hearing about the latest cycling adventure? A plan was in place to do the G2G Rail Trail cycling path. This is an abandoned rail trail where once the trains ran, linking two places, the city of Guelph to the town of Goderich on the shores of Lake Huron. We were going to challenge ourselves for Rachel's 27th birthday. We had it all planned out and were ready to begin on Sunday morning, wearing our brain bucket (helmet) and bundled up in mitts, hats, and coats. We started out while light snow flurries were beginning to appear. We cycled 11 kilometres to the trail and 15 km on the trail, with our cadence very low. The flurries began to descend on us in the form of real snow, no longer light flurries. It was cold and the sun was not shining. The snow continued to fall, never ending. We were well into the three-hour mark on the clock, with every pedal rotation feeling like torture. I love cycling, but this journey was onerous, burdensome, strenuous, relentless, gruelling, do you get my sentiment? The trail was picture perfect especially in the snow, but that was the extent of any pleasurable sense. Our death grip on the handlebars was too much as we tried to stay in a narrow trail left by an electric snow bike that had long passed us. We finally crossed a road to continue along the path, and we chose to end the journey, cashing out or bonking(in cyclist's terms). This is not like us once we start a cycling challenge, and it was the first one that we have had to abandon during execution. We were exhausted, cold, and low on laughter, so sent out the emergency call for family to rescue us on the side of the road. Never were we so happy to be off the bikes and back in our warm and cozy inn. Feeling a bit defeated but common sense had taken over. As it turned out that was a record-breaking snowfall for November in Toronto and area with 24.5 cm of the white stuff falling. The previous record was set back in 1940 with 33.5 cm. I guess that we might try again next Spring but definitely not again this year. Our muscles are still sore today from carrying the backpacks and trudging our bicycles through the snow-laden trail.

Christmas is coming, one month from today in fact. It will be very different this year with celebrations small and inclusive of only household members. No sharing the festivities with any others outside one's home. Of course, we still have Skype and Zoom and other platforms to connect on. How does Christmas dinner sound sharing only the sight of, no longer, the smell or the taste of the Christmas Turkey? Something is missing, but oh well, the new normal prevails. Hope that everyone is alive and well out there. The last month of the year is almost upon us. I remember well that December is a very busy and stressful time for my Japanese friends and students with following all of the customs and traditions prior to welcoming the new year in. As the Americans are celebrating Thanksgiving Day Weekend at this very moment, we can all be appreciative and grateful for every single moment that has been given to us. Stay healthy, and let's look to a promising future without COVID affecting our daily lives.

Love Rosemary🌹

chapter 12: hot, hazy, and humid: the three h’s

Hello Everyone,

The Three H's have arrived in Toronto;  Hot, Hazy, and Humid.  We are now immersed in the summer weather. There are those who love it and those who hate it, but one thing is for sure. It is short lived. My motto;  enjoy it, get in the moment, embrace it, because it will soon be gone.  I am sitting outside on the patio at a Starbucks not far from home. Yes, patios have opened and we can now enjoy some semblance of normalcy. It feels wonderful sitting here, with the warm breeze flowing through, people chattering, and loving my cold brew.  Oh COVID-19, you are not going to get the best of us, no, not yet! 

Things have changed since the last time I wrote, incremental changes as we go from Stage Two to Stage Three of the re-opening of our cities and towns. We might have to wear masks now everywhere we go, constantly Social Distance, can't go to see a movie yet at the cinema, and are only able to eat outside at a restaurant, still now in Toronto. But these are only inconveniences and not the worst things in life. What we can do is enjoy nature, feel the breeze on the patios, meet up with friends and loved ones in small circles, and strive to stay healthy. I am thankful and smiling.

What have I been doing?  I can work from home much to my delight.  I have always loved my work so being able to continue with it makes me smile. I consistently meet my Japanese students every week, and have grown to cherish these moments whereby I can discuss topics at length.  Staying atop of the news in Japan allows me to stay current on my other home country. For my part, I share things about Canada with them so we both learn and stimulate our curiosities. I also love teaching my new ladies' groups from the Nanzan University English study course.  They joined me back in the Spring when the repercussions of COVID forced their English class to close. I was happy to take them on as students, virtually , and we have had great weekly lessons ever since. What else is new in my work is my progression into teaching my newer students, in and outside of Vietnam. When I returned to Canada last year, I started employment with a Vietnamese Juku of sorts. As compared to a Japanese Juku, it is less glamorous, stocked with fewer resources, and the students are from homes which are less financially advantaged.  The similarities are that the students are just as eager to learn, are as intelligent and are just as respectful as in Japan. I now "drop in" on university students in Vietnam, who are studying for English tests in order to expand their job options.  I teach younger children who can barely say a word in English, but with every word they learn, the smiles on their faces get wider.  These are the students "Zooming" into my home a few times each week.  Others are coming to me from Toronto and area, all trying to increase their English comprehension.  Each week they come to me and perhaps discover more about themselves and the world around them through our informal chats more than actually getting through our intended study material. 

This leads me to the news of the students returning to school in September in Canada. The format may not be exactly as it was but they will return under three possible models. First, in an ideal world, they will return to the classrooms, albeit with specific safety protocols in place. The second choice may be virtual study, but this has proven to have a negative effect with regards to the young people's socialization and development.  Some students are suffering from mental health issues the longer that they stay out of school. Finally, the third option will be a mix of both of these. Irregardless of the format, education will be delivered to our school-aged children this Fall starting in September.  The students themselves can hardly wait. They have been free for far too long. 

With the arrival of summer, I started to experiment with a summer sport. Rachel has introduced me to paddle boarding. It involves standing on a surf board and paddling from the standing position while moving across the top of the water. It takes balance, of which I have proven that I do still have. But it was not easy learning to go from a kneeling position to the upright posture while out at sea. Not exactly out at sea with big waves, but rather offshore in the deeper still waters. It is calming and serene. I can soak up the nature all around me while thinking of whatever it is, I wish to. The board itself is an inflatable one that is carried in a backpack along with the air pump, paddles, and fin. One looks like a hard-core backpacker carrying that around. Once we get to our destination, we pump it up as hard as a rock. It no longer looks like an inflatable product. You are hard pressed to distinguish it from a solid surf board.  I have so much to learn about this sport, and can only improve in leaps and bounds. The only thing I am certain is that I like doing it a lot!

This leads me right back to the beginning, Summer. What I still hope to do in the next few weeks is to sit around a campfire, observe the night sky away from the city lights,  stay in a lakeside cottage, and do anything with water. That could be swimming, paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, or simply dangling my feet into the water off of a pier.  Summer in Canada wouldn't be complete without eating ice cream, having a barbecue, drinking an ice- cold beer, and tasting French Fries from an outdoor stand with vinegar all over them. I intend to do every one of these things, more than once!  I know that summer in Japan is excruciating Hot.  The last summer I spent in the country I thought that I was going to die of heat exhaustion. Those August days showed me what Hot summer weather really is. Now, back in Canada I resist uttering even one complaint about the heat and/or humidity. Nothing is as Hot as what I experienced back in Japan.  

Upon saying Goodbye, let me leave you with a thought. Be mindful and in the moment every day.  Let's Capture Those Moments.

Love Rosemary🌹

chapter 11: one year since my return to canada

Hello Everyone,

The time of my last writing was at the beginning of the Corona Virus Pandemic. Now it is presumably quieting down, and the lockdown is slowly being lifted. How are things here in Canada you might be asking? Life continues along, and we are all emerging from the inside. Probably, we resemble animals coming out of hibernation. Summer is upon us and we sure are happy to be breathing in the fresh air once again.

So many things have changed, life is different than what we knew before. We wear masks now just like everyone has always done in Japan, whenever we ride public transportation or go into stores. Social distancing continues when out in public. Though some people are already forgetting the rules to do so at times. Shopping is not really any fun in post COVID-19 times. It's slow, it's tedious, and it's without joy. So many of us have resorted to on-line shopping for convenience, safety, and comfort. Forget about finding solace and camaraderie amongst friends, at least not in the traditional sense, face to face, and in person. We still cannot attend a professional sporting event mostly because there are none taking place, not yet. The shopping malls haven't opened yet in the Toronto area, but in regional settings they have as of this week. Swimming is safe while one is in the pool, but be aware of the lurking germs as you frequent the change areas and the pool deck and washrooms. School attendance, that is an archaic idea. The students have been out of school since March, and our academic year in Canada has just come to an end in June. The kids are free until September now, to add to the already past three months of freedom. Most of them would probably prefer going to school rather than continue on with their self-admitted feelings of boredom. Life has changed for better or for worse, depending on your perspective. Oh Corona, what have you done to us?

The good news is that we can now extend our social circle to ten people, and we can hug one another if we stay true and loyal to only those ten others. It is kind of like a marriage, remain loyal, albeit with ten others, not only one. Finally, we can meet friends or family for drinks, dinner, or laughter, so long as we are sitting on an outdoor patio in the fresh air. We are surviving this pandemic, and coming out the other end. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, Yes!

Now onto some seasonal news, Summer is just beginning. June is the perfect month in Canada. Everything is green, lush, and growing. The weather is excellent with temperatures in the twenties and as high as in the low thirties. We don't call it the season for weddings, becoming a June Bride, for nothing. It has to be a small wedding these days though. Flowering plants and trees are everywhere displaying a vast array of colours and beauty. Out on a hike last week I passed by some lilac trees, the sweet scent filled the air all around. I have missed that smell for a long time. Cottage life is beginning, and those lucky enough to have one on a lake or a bay or a river have driven on a one-way trip, never to return to the city. Not exactly true but that is how they must feel after three months locked inside their principle residence. Summer is the season that most Canadians long for since we have such a long winter. T-shirts, shorts, sundresses, and sandals, here we come.

I have gotten out and about whenever the opportunity avails itself. One day a long walk to the lakeshore for the sunrise was on the agenda. Arising at 3:30 a.m. to start our walk, make coffee for the journey on foot, and out the door we went. The first ten kilometres to the lake were filled with conversation, adventure, and appreciation for the new day. Upon reaching the shores of Lake Ontario, we were bombarded with mosquitoes! I have never seen so many at any one time. We were covered with the nasty bug, but thankfully we were also covered with clothing. So, except for our faces, they could not leave their mark on us with a signature bite. Quickly we abandoned our idea of experiencing the beautiful sunrise. We watched the glorious ball of fire rise for only a fleeting moment, snapped our pictures, and left, scurrying from the pesky insects. One block away from the water, and we had left them all behind. Strange as it was, I suppose the hot humid day over the lake waters was responsible for the deluge of bugs! We slowly walked home with less energy as the walk to the lake. One foot in front of the other for the last of the twenty kilometres, was all we focused on until we turned the doorknob of home, tired and sore. We had done it! Watched a sunrise which is something we love to do whenever possible.

Another outing which consisted of nature extraordinaire. was accomplished by an hour's drive northwest of the city. Though the drive was freeing in and of itself, the destination was scenic for sure. The Forks of The Credit River is a provincial park, now open for business once again. Though a pandemic we are still in, there were a few hundred people there, all escaping the confines of their homes on a gorgeous day. We practiced social distancing while walking along, some did not do it so well it seemed. Rachel and I hiked for two hours, up and down and over the terrain. To our delight we saw two waterfalls, many lilac trees, and no bugs! Washrooms were not open yet due to the Corona Virus, so we couldn't stay for the whole day, but a half day brought great appreciation and satisfaction with nature just beyond the city. The feeling was similar to escaping prison perhaps where we could be free to roam and soak up the divine sunshine, if even for a short time. We have been under House Arrest for far too many weeks.

Canada Day, July the first is just around the corner. Want some facts about Canada? She was born in 1867, which makes her 153 years old on this next birthday. We have the world's longest coastline with 243,000 kilometres of it. If you want to understand that number thoroughly, think about walking 20 km a day of that very coastline and it would take you 33 years to stroll Canada's shorelines. We have millions of lakes here, to the tune of more lakes than all of the rest of the world's lakes combined. The oldest known rocks in the world, known as the Canadian Shield are found here. How does a 4.28-billion-year-old rock sound to you, discovered in 2001? Montreal is the second largest French speaking city after Paris. We are especially known for hockey, maple syrup, and brutally cold winters. Our nickname is the Great White North for three reasons. Great, because we are the second biggest country in the world, only behind Russia in size. White, because it is covered in the white stuff for five or six months of the year. Finally, North is simple, Canada is found north of the U.S., and so we are America's neighbour to the north. We are a peaceful nation with Toronto rivalling London as the most multicultural city in the world. Half of its population was born outside of Canada. On any given day one could walk through the city and hear a whole host of world languages. Go ahead and try to count them out on your stroll. Maybe you can get to 150 different languages.

Having spoken about Canada's beauty, and the summer season, as well as Canada Day, have I instilled in you a passion to come visit? As soon as we officially surpass this pandemic, please come and see what the Great White North can offer you. I will be here to greet you and show you around the GTA, Greater Toronto Area. We can surely go to Niagara Falls, smaller towns, and picturesque villages, all offering up a variety of joys and adventures. Not yet have we opened up the borders, nor can you land in Canada without self-isolating for a period of time, but the day of freedom is coming. Just be patient. Here's to a summer time of excitement and activity.

Cheers, Love Rosemary🌹

chapter 10: I’m not smiling any longer

Hello Everyone,

COVID19, COVID19, COVID19, talking about  it never ceases. Canada is now fully immersed in everything to do with this topic. We in Canada are now in the position that you might have been in a few weeks ago in Japan.  Or maybe we are in a worse situation than Japan ever was? I don't know. Let me tell you about our daily lives here. 

Here are the stats as of Sunday morning:

512 cases in Toronto, 4 deaths

1144 cases in Ontario, 19 deaths

5655 cases in Canada,  61 deaths

Life has changed rather significantly.  No more than five people can gather at one time, unless there are more than five members in one family. Can’t get married, at least there are no weddings allowed, but you can die and have up to ten people attend the funeral and say goodbye. Strange times for sure❗️

We are all isolating in our homes unless one provides an essential service and thus needs to go into work. These jobs are of course anyone in the medical field or supporting those that are, grocery store workers, the supply chain workers, workers in the construction area, and others. What was first thought of as a unique opportunity to work from home has become the new normal. Anyone who still goes into the office or workplace may ride an empty train, subway, or bus as not so many are commuting any longer. 

The neighbourhoods are empty from the outside vantage point that is,  people breaking out of their homes only for exercise or a grocery run at some point during the day. The grocery store visits are not much fun at all other than to get you out of the house for a short period of time. Once at the store you may have to line up to get into the store, practicing Social Distancing every moment. That is two metres apart from any other person except your family members. The store most likely has security personnel at the entrance way, and someone else to hand you a disinfectant wipe as you enter. Within the store, Social Distancing is adhered to in every aisle, dodging people or turning your head away as you pass others.  The shelves have been stocked and restocked however products such as toilet paper, cleaning products, some pastas and rice, and canned foods may be limited. Even fresh fish or meats are difficult to buy at certain times. Bakery products and breads seem to be be largely available. Now the fun part, getting to the check-out to pay for your items. First of all we have to line up for sure, two metres apart from each other. We can't move into the cash register area until the former customer has packed up his groceries, and left the area. The cash register staff may not accept cash, nor bag your items, and will not come into contact with you if at all possible, There are Plexiglas dividers now in place between yourself and the staff. If you can, customers try to pay with credit card or debit card, thereby minimizing contact associated with handling cash. This is the experience you will have at our Canadian grocery stores for the time being. Happy Shopping!

All cafes and restaurants have been closed except for take-out or delivery orders. Just recently these places can now also deliver alcoholic beverages along with their menu items. For the last few weeks these businesses could only deliver food items. This should help them continue along for now. These businesses are struggling having lost most of their revenue, down about 80 %.  Our government has unrolled a huge financial relief package to help businesses deal with this catastrophe. Many of them cannot survive with closing up for so many weeks, thus taking in no income. People have lost their jobs, or are laid off indefinitely . There is financial support coming starting next week to help people survive. 

Exercise, well yes we can leave our homes to get out into the fresh air for some time. We can still walk, run, cycle, or whatever it is you like to do outside to move your body.  Even so, one never sees so many people out and about at any given time. Though you do see citizens escaping the boredom of their interior walls throughout the day. I am happy that I like to escape outside, and do, each and everyday whenever I can. 

Personally, my location has changed now. I have left my sister's beautiful house, and am now back at our place hibernating with Rachel. We have all of the comforts here too,  it is just that we have lost the huge open spaces that my sister has at her home. On Friday we stocked, cleansed, and otherwise left a welcoming place for my sister and her husband to return from Panama. This was no easy task for them under the current COVID19 situation. They were first asked to leave Panama by Canadian directives, then locked down in Panama by the Panamanian authorities, and finally asked to leave Panama by the President of Panama, and  finally flown out on a Mercy flight. The problem was, they landed in Montreal, so had to find their own way home to Toronto. Incoming travellers cannot be out in the community at all thereby having to self isolate for fourteen days. You might re-read that word, self isolate, because now the government has introduced authoritative isolation. There is a Snitch Line set up which allows anyone to call in and report if their returning neighbours are not adhering to the rules.  It is said that a million dollar fine and/or up to three years in jail awaits those offenders. Yikes! I feel like i am living in a Dictatorship country at this moment.  

The school year for the students is in great danger of not continuing any longer. Since our school year goes until the middle of June or so, that leaves only the months of April, May, and part of June left. Now that the return date of April the 6th is no longer a go ahead for the students, April will be lost. Only the months of  May and June remain. There is a lot of talk of no more returning to school at all until September!?  The government is suppose to be unveiling a plan to have students study on-line.  We will hear more on this next week. 

On the plus side there are lots of good things happening due to COVID19.  What, you might ask?  Well, families are having lots of family time together which is a breath of fresh air given our usual fast paced lifestyles.  We are cooking more perhaps than ever as many people are working from home.  Parents are creating ways to teach children things since they are not in school, like indoor or outdoor education with the family.  Others are doing fitness in their homes as the gyms are all closed. Still others are getting outside to walk, run, hike, or cycle. People are even finding ways to "meet up" with each other through Skype, FaceBook, Zoom or other apps that provide social-like opportunities.  It is not easy these times, for us here in Canada, and for lots of other countries around the world. But together we will make it through. This just SUCKS!

One last thought, now is as good a time as any to consider an on-line lesson. If you are bored, and stuck inside with even just a little interest in studying English or at least speaking some English, I am out here waiting to be of service.  As Nike says, Just Do It. 

Stay safe and healthy,

Love Rosemary🌹

chapter 9

Wow, where has the time gone? We all say these words but it seems like just yesterday that the new year commenced, and now we are into the third month of 2020. The good thing is that Spring is not so far away. Well here in Canada, Spring will actually arrive sometime next month in reality. You guys in Japan will be luckier than that with the arrival of Spring being momentarily. Oh, the visions of cherry blossoms are filling my head with beautiful imagery.

I can't start writing until I address the Corona Virus as I know that it has filled your minds for the last few weeks. I think of all of you in Japan dealing with what seems like a Lock-down everywhere. I can't imagine this situation happening in the first winter since I left. Has your every moment of usual routine changed drastically? Is anything normal, routine, or even usual? No use going over the news as I am sure that you are listening to it ad nauseam on the televisions every moment. Here, it is not that big of a deal, though it still dominates our news too. In Canada we have under fifty cases but this seems to change daily. We are still told to wash our hands thoroughly, take our hands away from our faces, and to simply chill, relax. Most people are not thinking of this thing called Corona Virus, and are just going about their usual routines. I am lucky to be here in Canada at this time, but am sorry to all of you who have been impacted in Japan. Let's see if I can put a smile on your face through my words.

Keeping with the above topic, I too have been affected with the Japanese closing of schools. I was excitedly looking forward to teaching a group of high school students from Musashino Gakuin High School from Tokyo this week. I was all prepared to join them at the Welcome Dinner on Wednesday evening as they came straight from the Toronto Airport. But no, the trip was cancelled a few days prior to their departure. Disappointment took over as having this kind of work makes me happy. It is doing what I do best right here in Canada with Japanese students. That was my connection with Prime Minister Abe's school closure announcement. How are things without the schools open there? How are all of you being affected?

In the recent weeks winter has been up and down. One day it is warmer and no snow, and the next day it is like a winter wonderland. We have had temperatures that bottomed below minus 30 degrees, and other temperatures that have topped off at plus 12 degrees. Our temperatures are up and down like a toilet seat, if you know what I mean. All I can say is that the white stuff will melt soon enough and Spring will be upon us, I can't wait. What have I been doing to fill my winter days? Walking, teaching at the Vietnamese Juku, house-sitting my sister's beautiful house, enjoying my Skype lessons, writing, running, and Capturing The Moments as they pass by all too fast. I bought a new pair of running shoes that make me feel like I am walking on clouds, so comfortable. Now I just have to put them to use on my runs which have been few and far between with Canada's winter weather conditions. I went out for a Vitality Run this week which is part of a worldwide running event, and I am running for Canada. I will continue on with this event over the next few weeks. The country with the most participants wins the World Cup of Running! I am trying not to kill my sister's plants while she is away in Panama. But somehow I think that I do not have a green thumb at all. Four plants were left in my care, and now two are still thriving, one is blooming but not so energetically, and one is turning brown. I am in trouble because the one that is turning shades of colour was the biggest, fullest, most flourishing one she left me to care for. Ouch, I can't blame anyone but myself!!! Any tips from my green thumbed friends in Japan, I am all ears.

We have had Ground Hog Day pass by already, on the 2nd of February. This is North America's version of predicting Spring. Maybe akin in some ways to Setsubun in Japan? This tradition has been continuing on for many years on this side of the earth with the U.S. and Canada both laying claim to their respective famous groundhogs. Recently the U.S. has expanded their quantity of famous rodents, and now have many such Spring Predicting Groundhogs. Let's concentrate on Canada's though since I am Canadian with our famous guy, Wiarton Willie. This year he crawled out of his hibernating hole, and did not see his shadow. So this means an Early Spring. If the Groundhog sees his shadow, he crawls back in and continues hibernating. Canadians are not too happy as that means there are six more long weeks of winter. And no one here, just nobody, wants to hear that news on the 2nd of February after having braved the record breaking snowfalls, the intense ice storms, and the frigid temperatures for three months already! Thankfully the little guy didn't see his shadow and his prediction was well received this year. Come On Spring!

Our next event up is Easter. This year the colourful arrival of new beginnings lands on April the 12th. The special part of this holiday is a rebirth, a newness, a beginning to any or all aspects of life. Of course the festive season is steeped in Christian doctrine, but like any holiday now in our multicultural world, the commercial aspect runs wild. Eggs take a significant role in the holiday whether one paints them, rolls them, or finds them as part of an Easter Egg hunt. Chocolate bunnies and Easter baskets are discovered on Easter morning by the kids presumably left by the hopping Easter Bunny. In my family growing up we would also find a complete new Easter outfit upon waking which included a new hat, new dress, and new shoes. Going to Easter Sunday Mass was definitely seen and felt like a new beginning. In Japan, I think this feeling is matched with the arrival of the ever so beautiful cherry blossoms.

En route to Easter, we have The Spring Equinox which happens on the 19th of March. This year it is the earliest it has been in more than a century. We can experience this event together as the length of the day and night are almost equal in all parts of the earth. The Sun crosses the celestial equator from south to north. It is given this term because the equator is an imaginary line in the sky above the Earth's equator. The increasing sunlight that follows the Equinox stimulates the birds to sing, the sun getting stronger, and flowers poking up their heads through the soil. Wow, all of that sounds so very inviting to me.

Lastly but not least, our clocks went ahead one hour tonight, on the 7th of March. This marks the beginning of Daylight Saving Time, which is not something Japan adheres to I know. If I remember rightly you don't need to there as the days start early enough in the upcoming seasons. I can remember going out for a run at dawn and that was very very early. We will spring forward as they say here. The negatives associated with this are an increase in injuries, traffic accidents, heart attacks, and suicides due to the sleep deprivation caused by this action. The positives are perhaps that the later sunsets allow people to be more active in the evening times which would benefit the tourism industry. I guess that we can all agree this year that anything that helps the tourism area would be a good thing in light of the recent downturn in all things related to travel. Tonight's the night.

I have come to the end of special days, perhaps winter, and this Blog entry. Hope that I have made some of you smile, think of Spring, and a Newness after such a dismal period of late. Hang in there, Spring is just around the corner.

Love Rosemary🌹

chapter 8: Happy New Year🎉

It is January the first and I am sitting in a cafe downtown Toronto. Last year this time I was watching the sunrise at the Tokushige Park in Nagoya.  This year no watching the sunrise as it was cloudy for the first morning of the new year. Not to mention that the temperature was minus 1 degree. Coming into the city on the subway earlier  today, I found myself seated with a few lost souls it seemed. Either hung over, sleeping, or simply dismal, the company was not in the festive mood. Maybe too much partying the night before, I am not sure. 

Not exactly certain of my route ahead but will put some steps in place as to how to achieve my exact goals.  Has anyone made any New Year's Resolutions that you are willing to share with me? I'm listening with great interest. 

Over the Christmas holidays I spent much time with family members;  immediate family and extended family, as well as with old friends.  Being my first Christmas season home recently, I have caught up with many people and seen others for the first time in a long while. All of it is exciting, and overwhelming at the same time. Where did the years go?  I spent so many of my years in Japan, and enjoyed each one of them. Now it is time to view things from the other side of the world, and that is just what I am immersed in doing.

Food was at the centre of most gatherings, and I ate to my heart's content. Curiously enough I have not gained any weight at all since I have been home from Japan. In fact I have actually lost a touch or at the very least remained the same weight. Interesting festive food consisted of turkey, cooked garlic chicken livers, homemade pasta, Caesar salad, homemade bread, down home healthy vegetable soup, steak cooked on the barbecue, brussels sprouts salad, Cajun salmon and sweet potatoes, and amazing sweets. You all know that I have a sweet tooth. If anyone wants me to expand on the recipes, I will, and if you have any great recipes I will certainly welcome them. 

I have found an article of interest for all of those studying English. It outlines special specific ways in which many countries bring in the new year. Here is Canada and Japan, and if you are interested you can click on the link below to investigate the other countries written about. 

https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/50-new-year-traditions-from-around-the-world.html

Happy New Year to all, wishing you a year ahead full of great promise and satisfaction. 

Love Rosemary🌹

Chapter 7: The seasons are a-changin’

October has come and gone and so have the Autumn leaves, but let me paint a picture for you of the beauty that was here. There is an absolutely beautiful array of nature's colours out there to see at every corner. Whether it is one single tree displaying the vibrancy of hues, or a forest filled with a countless number of trees, Fall is here. The landscapes come alive and it is nature's gift for our eyes. I went hiking to a conservation area about a half an hour’s drive from Toronto. The colours were fabulous, the day was sunny and clear, and the walking was energizing. One walk was done on a boardwalk all around the rare meromictic lake, only one kilometre in distance. The lake is unique because it is deeper than its surface area. The researchers found ancient corn pollen in the sediment of the lake. This eventually led to the conclusion that the First Nations people settled here over six hundred years ago. The other trail was 2.4 kilometres along the Niagara Escarpment. At the end of it all we could experience a 15th Century reconstructed Iroquoian village. The Iroquois are one of the native peoples of Canada. Here are a few pictures to share with you:

I took the train one day from Toronto to Guelph, my sister's city, right through the countryside, and saw lots of forest trees while we meandered on our route. This was not a tourist train but rather a commuter train taking people from the city to the suburbs. It is just at this time of the year that nature comes alive in colour. One other moment I found myself cycling through a treed area alongside a river in the city which was full of Autumn colours as well. I try to drink in the beauty as all too soon it will be replaced with the white stuff. Yes, sadly, the Autumn Season gives way to the winter months, which brings about a different kind of landscape. Though I am excited to experience my first winter home in Canada in so many years. Bring on the snow...at least for the first year. I may join the millions of other Canadians in their distaste of the white season after the next few months.

Like milk and cookies, wine and cheese, and bread and butter, Thanksgiving and Autumn go together in the same vein. Everyone knows that the American Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday of November. But few probably remember the Canadian Thanksgiving is on the second Monday of October, the same day as Sport's Day in Japan. Originally to celebrate the fall harvest (the only harvest time in this cold country), now is a national holiday to eat, drink, and be merry with friends and family. I was a guest at two such dinners, surrounded by family members, food, and chatter. The turkey was the main guest at the table, but was surrounded by vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, squash, turnip, and potatoes. Caesar salad, pumpkin hummus, and pumpkin pie, and apple squares rounded out the meal. Now do you get my feeling of fullness? Thanksgiving is like Christmas, the two days in the year where you are allowed to eat to your heart's content.

What else has been happening you might be asking? On a national level, Halloween made its entrance and its exit. It was a very cold evening with a strong wind. The poor little ghosts and goblins made their way around the neighbourhoods freezing as they went with many parents in tow. It was just a frigid Halloween night! Canada had a Federal election whereby our favourite Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau returned to power but this time with a Minority government. Now he has to work with one of the other parties and compromise to effect change in our country. For his first four years he had a Majority government. Not so this time around. Probably this will be good for our country as one man, one party cannot call all of the shots.

Chapter 6: September Is Almost Over

Hello Everyone,

The Autumn Equinox has come and gone, September is closing, and another month of "Being Alive" and "Capturing The Moments" has transpired since my last chapter. I have entertained my first ever Homestay guest, so let me tell you about it. The experience was a resounding success both from my viewpoint as well as my guest's. What did we do, where did we go, how did it all unfold? Let me tell you.

At the very end of last month, she arrived. Not mentioning any names as perhaps my guest would enjoy her anonymity. She was a first year university student and the perfect first guest. She never complained, enjoyed all activities, liked all kinds of new foods, opened her eyes to everything new that was happening around her, and never stopped smiling. She was simply a joy to be with and appreciated all aspects of her stay in Canada. I loved sharing my country with her and she loved having the adventure.

First off we went to Canada's biggest exhibition in Toronto, a festival or fair called the Canadian National Exhibition, otherwise known as the CNE. This is an annual festival that has continued for 140 years. That's long for Canada since we are only 152 years old as a nation. We walked around the exhibition on the last long weekend of the summer taking in all that it offered. A Beaver Tail was consumed very much to her delight. A Beaver Tail is a deep fried pastry of sorts with just about any topping you would like on it. Banana and Nutella was our desired topping. We took in the food building and tried another of Canada's famous dishes, poutine. Though this is not very nutritious, it is a Canadian culinary delight. Coming from Japan you will be rolling your eyes and sighing with disgust probably. But some people like these French Fries smothered in gravy and cheese and just about anything else you would like added to the heaping helping. My guest was one of them. We saw the farm animals on display, handicrafts and home baked goods, and rode the aerial ropeway just as the very famous Canadian Snowbirds Aerobatic Air Show was happening. Talk about a bird's eye view, we had it! That was our first day together, and no jet lag at all.

Next up was a trip to Ontario's Cottage Country. We drove about 150 km northeast from Toronto to where an abundant of smaller lakes and rivers house cottages on the shorelines. This area is where the city people escape to on the weekends in the summer, and some braver folks holiday there in the winter months. We packed up everything we would need for a cottage escape including blankets, sheets, towels, foods, drinks, and snacks, as well as firewood. The cottage sat on the shores of a very tranquil lake, calm and serene. We canoed before sunset, and then sat around our campfire, sharing tales from both Canada and Japan. The next morning, up at dawn, we had coffee and tea on the dock and watched the mist rise from the lake as the sun rose for the new day. This is the most peaceful feeling, causing all to reflect on the day ahead or perhaps the days gone by?

What would a trip to Toronto be without an excursion to Niagara Falls? Another road trip of about 120 km, we drove to the World Wonder. No matter how many times I visit the Falls, it is as if each time is my first. There are people walking along viewing the Falls from every country you can imagine. English is no longer the spoken language, rather a multitude of languages from around the world are heard. We boarded The Hornblower, the boat that takes you to the edge of the Falls from the bottom, the sound of the Falls and the power of the descending water that falls just ahead of you is simply sheer excitement. Though I am Canadian I have never taken this boat ride. I discovered I was really missing out on something spectacular!

What else did we do? We walked everyday, once to the shores of Lake Ontario and sat on the rocks talking about our adventures. We sat in various cafes and tasted homemade sweets from Canada like Butter tarts, Nanaimo Bars, and Carrot muffins. We went to the movies both out at the Cinema and at home on the big screen seeing films like Mary Poppins and Toy Story to the very serious like Mumbai Hotel. We discussed them afterwards to our heart's content. We introduced Canada through The Amazing Race Canada Television Series, and learned about places we had actually visited. Shopping was on the agenda a few times as my guest had a long list of sought after items. I always thought that I didn't like shopping but those times were fun and interesting for me. One day we went to my favourite place in Toronto, the island. Sharing a picnic on the beach and enjoying the scenery we walked the entire length of the island. The ROM, the Royal Ontario Museum was another of our stops in downtown Toronto, learning much about Canada's geography and wildlife and such. We travelled by car, bus(double decker), train, subway, and ferry boat, focusing on each mode of transport as we moved from point A to point B. We were active every day, and climbed into bed each night with a very good tired feeling. Each morning we energized our bodies with the Nagoya style morning set; a hard boiled egg, fruit and yogurt, and a piece of toast. This was one thing we all looked forward to. And then we started out on our day only to stop at a cafe for mid morning refreshment.

Finally on our last night together, we went up to the top of the CN Tower, 553 metres. Though Tokyo's Skytree has surpassed the height of our tower, the CN tower still remains the tallest free standing structure in North America. Yes, we have one thing bigger and better than the U.S.! We ate at "360 The Restaurant" revolving one complete rotation in one hour. So we truly had a Panoramic view of the city below. After dinner we went to the Outdoor Sky Terrace to sense the open air, above the city, as well as standing on the Glass Floor, looking far below. This was the perfect ending to a wonderful two weeks. The next day we said goodbye at the airport, tears were shed. We will miss you, but we made great memories. Thank you to my first Homestay guest!

If these words have made any of you long to see Canada, I am happy. How about seeing the beautiful autumn leaves, or a winter scene, or even Christmas in Canada, I am here waiting to be your tour guide. The possibilities are endless. Until my next writing, keep smiling.

Rosemary🌹

Chapter 5

Hello Everyone,

It is August and the summer is in full swing. I have so many things to convey to you. With all of my excitement it is hard to find the time to write. But here I am now on a Monday morning writing just as all of you are enjoying your Obon holidays.

I have four main things to share with you. My trip to Lake Erie (one of the Five Great Lakes) to re-visit my childhood summers at the lake, my newly-found employment, tubing down the Grand River, and my recent trip by train to Canada's capital City, Ottawa.

First of all, a few weeks ago, I travelled by car to Port Dover. This is a small beach town on the shores of Lake Erie. During my childhood years my mother and father packed all five kids up in the family station wagon to head off to the cottage for the two long summer months, July and August. My father would return for work during the week but my mother would stay with us for the summer. There was even one week in there, every year, where my mother would allow each of us to bring one friend to stay for seven days. What was she thinking? She must have been insane agreeing to host ten kids at the small cottage for an entire week!? I guess a lot of the responsibilities were passed onto my older sister much to her dismay. Anyway flash to the future, now, and hear about our overnight trip. My sister and I drove there, parked, and walked down the old cottage lane. A man came walking out of the front door of our old cottage, and before he had a chance to tell us that we were trespassing on private property (because we actually were) I blurted out the words that the cottage used to be our family's. He immediately said that he has long wanted to meet the Murphy girls (my Maiden name), and invited us into the cottage. We met his wife, heard tales of how they bought the cottage from my father without having ever met him, and how they have been the sole owners ever since. That was such a great moment down Memory Lane. After that we had a coffee at the water's edge, went to the summer theatre to see an afternoon play, ate lake caught fish out on a patio overlooking the lake, and stayed overnight in a cozy B.& B. I even had one of my on-line lessons sitting outside in the evening in the garden of the B.& B. What a wonderful job, happy that it is my work. And by the way we drove along in my sister's shiny red convertible😉.

Next up is to tell you about my newly found employment. Yes, after just two months back in Canada I have found some very satisfying work with Japanese students once again. I have transposed my Japanese life back here in Canada. I am working for a language company teaching Japanese high school students who are visiting Canada on Home Stay Programs. I had my first stint over the last two weeks. I got to know sixteen students from Josho Gakuen Senoir High School in Osaka, eleven boys and five girls. We had so much fun learning and experiencing things together. I cycled to and from the school, one hour each way. I thoroughly and utterly loved every minute, from watching the sunrise on my way to school to fighting the traffic homeward bound and everything in between. The next stint is this week starting onTuesday, tomorrow. I do not yet know what city the students are coming from in Japan. But I can't wait to start.

Oh this brings me to "Tubing Down The Grand". The Grand River is west of Toronto and we floated down the river from Paris to Brantford, two small towns in Southern Ontario. Rachel asked me to join her and her friends, seven of us in all. For six hours we each sat in a rugged little canvas boat with a paddle going down the river. There were white water rapids here and there, yet never scary, only exciting to rush through that section a little faster. I could get lost in thought, paddle when needed, and talk to any one of her friends as I meandered along. We pulled over to a stone shoal at one point, all seven little boats, and got out and had some lunch and snacks and discussed our adventure. I was thankful that Rachel invited me to go on this outing, replacing her boyfriend on that day as he had a prior commitment.

Lastly, I went to Ottawa last week on Canada's train service, VIA Rail. Of course the trains here are not high speed trains like in Japan, going the 500 km distance in four hours. You might all think that as slow, and rightfully slow given the Japanese trains. But I could sit back and relax and enjoy the ride. In Ottawa, I saw the Parliament Buildings from a distance, went to the Nature museum, walked to a niche breakfast spot that served only oatmeal dishes, and visited a famous market area called the Byward Market. And of course I swam in the hotel pool. The language I heard spoken all around me was not English, but French. Ottawa is just over the river from Quebec Province, so this might be one reason. Also Ottawa is our Capital City as you know and Canada has two official languages, so another reason for the French language being prevalent. I didn't see enough of the city and would like to go back again to visit.

Those are the main events over the last little while. The weather is great, mostly sunny, with Canadian summer temperatures, and some humidity. I know that all of you are sweltering in the Hot Japanese summer weather. I can honestly say that I don't miss that one bit. I remember last summer in Nagoya, I felt like I was in Hell because it was the hottest weather I had ever experienced. Consequently and constantly I was trying to escape the heat for the coolness of a swimming pool. But here in Canada we have another problem, people are worried that any day now the cooler temperatures of Autumn will arrive. And once that happens, our very short Canadian summer comes to an abrupt end. Though Fall is beautiful, you know what comes after that season. For most Canadians winter is way too long.

I will finish this off now as I do have some preparations to do for welcoming my new students tomorrow. After this group finishes their adventure in two weeks, my very first Home-Stay student will arrive. The itinerary is all in place, we are going to have so much fun. As all of you enjoy your Obon holidays and see family and friends, think of your long lost friend and teacher back in Canada. I miss so much about Japan, but am having many happy adventures back in my own country of Canada too.

Happy Obon,

Take care, Rosemary🌹

Chapter 4

It's July 1st and Canada is now 152 years old. I am at my sister's house in Guelph, house sitting her beautiful home. Where are they? Well, they are in Iceland for my niece's wedding. They have traded warm summer breezes here for long cooler and lighter days in Iceland. As for me, I am soaking up the perfect peacefulness and quietness while looking out at nature as I sip my morning coffee.

Five weeks back in my home country, and I am adapting just fine. My busy days in Japan have been traded for so much free time for thinking and contemplating everything. I actually have too much time to think perhaps for my own good. I walk very much, looking and learning about every inch of my new environment. I notice everything from people, to English conversations going on all around me, and to all of the strange and wonderful sights along the way. This week I passed by the University Bear all decked out in Canada's birthday costume on campus. I am in the city of Guelph where my sister lives, about one hour's drive west of Toronto. This city is a unique blend of city and country, and has train and bus services to Toronto daily. Many people live here and work in the big city, perhaps comparable to Yokohama and Tokyo. Of course those cities have much bigger populations than the cities in Canada, but the same idea of a bedroom community servicing the big city.

On Saturday I walked downtown, 5.5 km, to visit the Guelph Farmer's Market. It has been so many years since I went. Rachel was with me so I could show her one of the areas frequented in my younger university days. The Farmer's Market sold fresh produce, organic meats, cheese, farm fresh eggs, bread, and other unique foods and drinks. We bought some fresh picked lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, and a chicken breast from a free range chicken farm. We tried a taste of Kombucha which is all the rage here in North America as a healthy fermented and nutritious drink. It is very tasty, the Ginger Lemon variety that we purchased, and so thirst quenching. Walked home afterward along the river on a sunny and clear day of 22 degrees.

On the way we stopped in at a Planet Bean coffee shop. This shop is a fresh organic Fairtrade cafe so all of the beans are purchased fairly from individual or group coffee growers and they are paid properly for their hard work with the organic price premium. The profits from the coffee bean farming help the local poorer communities in such countries as Ethiopia, Mexico, Peru, and others to build infrastructure, improve health care, and provide education for their citizens. Buying a cup of coffee from this shop is making a difference for these people. Not to mention that the coffee was tasty as was the piece of carrot cake shared between us.

News this week in Canada, well Canada's Birthday, so here are some facts for you to enjoy.

1. Canada is the second largest country in the world with 9,976,182 square kms.

2. Canada's road network is long enough to circle the Earth's equator more than 19 times.

3. Canada has the longest coastline totaling 243,042 kilometres spanning three oceans.

4. Canadians have big hearts donating $9.6 billion dollars to charities in 2017.

5. Canada is diverse, with the population made up of more than 250 ethnic origins.

6. The life expectancy in Canada was 82.2 years in 2015.

7. Canadians are Book smart with 54% of people having college or university qualifications.

8. Hockey is Canada's most popular sport...obviously.

9. Canadians can hold their beer with 39.7% of the market share of Canadian alcohol sales.

10. Canada has liquid gold in maple syrup producing 12.2 million gallons in 2016.

So there you have it, some of Canada's fun trivia. Happy Birthday Canada.

Other news, Tye-dyeing or Shibori in Japanese is all of the rage here. The colourful t-shirts and fashions are all back in style once again. Arimatsu area keep producing those beautiful and creative designs. Also regarding Canada being the home of insulin discovery, the Americans are discovering the cheap cost of Canadian insulin used by Diabetics. Americans are coming here to purchase insulin by the vial. In Canada the cost is $30.00 per vial as compared to $320.00 per vial in the U.S. Insulin is the life-saving medication for Diabetics. Let's hope that the Americans can figure out a way to reduce the cost for all Diabetics.

It's time to finish. I miss so much about my Japanese life, but I also love my new Canadian life. I will always have the two countries in my heart️.

Keep Smiling,

Rosemary

Chapter 3

Hi, A Little Tardy On The Timing,

Three Weeks and counting, well exactly 28 days since landing back in Canada. So I guess that I had better say Four Weeks. I suppose that I have skipped a few days. Life is going along well and I am one year wiser, but not one year older.

Most of you know that my birthday passed this week. I have had many moments to capture. First, I spent the two days before my birthday in Toronto with Rachel. She had a whole day planned for me which included a stop at a cafe famous for pies. Along with a great cup of coffee, we shared a piece of Wild Canadian Blueberry Pie. This was at the very popular "Wanda's Pie In The Sky”. This shop is part of the Kensington Market area in the city, so many trendy casual and artistic cafes and restaurants and shops line the streets. The people walking the streets there seem to be the artistic types, the 'back-to-earth" types, and the city savvy types. And then there were us, whatever type that might be? Following this we walked many more kilometres through Little Italy and came upon the Asics Running Store. My birthday present, a new pair of runners. By chance we were served by a very friendly and helpful young man. It's not usual here to find retail staff that display qualities of the Japanese spirit of service and hospitality. This guy did, and buying shoes from him was very comfortable. Up next was the Indian restaurant for lunch. Rachel checked out one of the most popular and trendy Indian restaurants in Toronto, and there we ate. Really delicious food, not too spicy, but bursting with flavour. We filled the day in with walking and more walking, never once getting on any public transportation.

The next two days surrounding my special day were spent at my sister's house. Equally, she celebrated my day with going to the gym, eating a lobster dinner at her house, having coffee and a sweet down by the river, and watching a movie together. And again going on foot was our mode of transportation. The gym experience this week was called "Physiques Class". No aerobic portion to the fifty minute class but don't be fooled by that. I am still sore, many days later! My exercise for years has been aerobic based with cycling, running, and swimming. Getting the old heart rate up was the goal. Oh boy, this was not the case here. Working every muscle in my body that had lay dormant for years was the aim and thus, muscles unknown to me were shaking and vibrating. Let's not talk about that as I am reminded still with every movement. In the afternoon we went down to the riverside and shared coffee time consuming a homemade cookie and muffin from the healthy, nutritious, natural foods shop. The riverside is my sister's "office' in the summertime. Finally in the evening we watched the movie, “Beautiful Boy”, one I had missed seeing in Japan in my last few weeks. All Good❗️

The lobster dinner was the highlight of the day. Two big beautiful (?) Canadian lobsters were dropped into the boiling water, and a few minutes later, they were sitting on our plates in the dining room. I love the Atlantic lobsters served here, they are so big, flavourful, and meaty. Picture Ise Ebi, and start from there. I have often discussed with my students in the past, this is one food that is tastier in Canada. Sorry Ise Ebi . The lobster had to be cracked and then pulled from the tail and the legs, something like eating crab. But the rewards are more meat, with less work. Dip this into melted butter and savour the taste. She served roasted fresh asparagus, and the house salad as we call it at her place, along with the lobster. Every single night there is a salad served there that exceeds in taste and nutrition, salads anywhere. It's like a bowl of health. To offset this intake we had a piece of homemade caramel and banana pie baked specially for me. Happy 29th birthday once again, another year wiser, not older, I hope.

The Toronto news, well as you all know by now, The Toronto Raptors brought home the NBA championship! Even the short lived shooting downtown injuring four people could not dampen the spirits of the revellers watching the homecoming parade with the NBA team. A short pause and some confusion during the festivities, and the party continued. Toronto was on fire with excitement.

The weather here in June is just about perfect. The high temperatures are in the low to mid twenties, with little humidity, gentle breezes, and clear skies. There is a reason that North Americans have always referred to the June Bride. It is one of the most beautiful months to get married in. Everything is so vibrantly green and fresh, and flowers are bursting forth in colour and scent all over the place. My favourite one is the lilac bush. It is purple and you can't miss the scent that fills the air as you walk by. I am sorry to all of you experiencing the not so loved Rainy Season back in Japan at this time. How is it going this year?

One last informative tidbit. We were out walking the other day and came upon a bicycle shop. Guess what? I found three possibilities to replace my beloved Japanese Mama Chari. These three bikes were along the same line as my bike in Japan but with a little more tech. I test rode one of them, and have fallen in love with it. So now I can stop trying to arrange for my bicycle to be shipped from Japan as the price of this one is about the same as shipping. But now I get a brand new bike out of the deal❗️I miss my cycling, and was so delighted to get back on two wheels if even for a short test ride. Soon I will purchase it.

I will send this last Update personally, but next week I will simply include it as part of my website. So, sorry if I have "dropped in" to anyone's mailbox unappreciated. My lessons are going well, adding one or two each week to my schedule. My on-line lessons keep me in touch with my Japanese life which I hold so close to my heart. And I can share with many my newly found Canadian life. I love this exchange. Until next time, keep smiling!

Take care,

Rosemary

Chapter 2

My second week back in Canada and all is well. Where shall I start ?

How about with the Toronto Raptors Basketball . They won that first game which I shared with you, then lost the second game in Toronto. They went to Oakland, California, to the Warriors home base, and won the two away games. Tonight is the fifth game of the Championships, played in Toronto. History has already been made, but if they win tonight, Wow❗️The NBA championship has never been played in Canada, and has certainly never been won outside of the U.S.A. Toronto will be partying❗️If they lose tonight, another game will follow this week in Toronto also.

Now, let’s get personal. I have been swimming a whole lot in the last few days. First, I went with my sister to her health club last Thursday. She belongs to a fairly upscale gym complete with various rooms for cycling, aerobics, yoga, and a pool. I am sure you know where I was❗️
But before I could get into my beloved pool, I promised my sister to join her usual yoga class at 9:00 a.m. Let me give you some history of me with yoga. I have only tried it a couple of times in my life. I want to like it, just like I want to like natto. Why, because I know that it is good for you. But sadly I have to say that yoga and I don’t like each other. The instructor was great, a very personable and genuine young beautiful woman. In fact she was a police woman before switching to a yoga instructor. What can I say? I just don’t like yoga❗️But after the dreaded class, I jumped into the pool and happily swam for two hours. That was great.

Since that day I have been in a different pool in a lovely Condo downtown Toronto. Rachel was dog-sitting for her Australian friend. She invited me to join her. Two nights downtown in a condo (condominium) in the centre of Toronto . What’s there not to love about that? Though I am not such a dog lover, these two little chihuahuas named Chili and Poncho were good dogs. But the best part was the pool. I had my own private pool on both days swimming to my heart’s content. We had breakfast out on a patio, took the ferry to Toronto Island, ate lunch at a vegan restaurant, and saw the movie, Aladdin. All was great.

My business is increasing even after only two weeks. I now have almost ten on-line lessons a week, and more inquiries. And I have my first booking for the home-stay. One of my past students, a Uni student now, has reserved a two week stay for this summer . I can’t wait to show her around the big city.

Business is good, slowly but surely.

I will add a couple of pictures this time. Hope all is going well in Japan for all. Take care,

Rosemary

Chapter 1

Here I am, back in Canada, in the city I was born in, Toronto. I have been back for five days now and have just finished with the dreaded jet-lag. You are finding me writing on Friday (TGIF, Thank God It's Friday) before 7:00 a.m. No more jet-lag, Yes! Last night was the first night that I have slept through the night from 8:00 to 4:00.

We left Japan on Saturday around 6:00 p.m. After boarding, our pilot announced that he would like to take off as soon as possible to avoid being on the runway when President Trump’s plane approached. Apparently the airport is shut down for an hour upon the President’s arrival. We got out of there as fast as possible. Goodbye Japan, a country that I love and have enjoyed for eighteen years. I will miss you for sure!

Hello Canada, my country of origin that I am back to re-acquaint myself with. So far, so good. The big news this week is our Basketball Team, the Toronto Raptors. For the first time ever, the Toronto Raptors are in the NBA finals. The city is crazy with excitement, and the fans have poured in from all across Canada to partake in the festivities. Game 1 was last night and the Raptors won, 118 -109. We have made history already!

As for me I have been running and walking all over. Yesterday I set out to walk from outside the city to downtown Toronto, a rather lofty goal. I walked and walked, reaching fifteen kilometres or more, and then decided to opt for hopping onto the subway. While downtown we decided to go to a good ramen place, they offered Hokkaido ramen, and it was good. We ordered a set which reminded me of Japan so much. A little tray with a small bowl of shio ramen, an even smaller bowl of grilled salmon and seaweed flakes atop the rice, and some pickles and a half of a boiled egg costing $20.00. Wow, in Japan it would have been much cheaper. But the taste was delicious so it's not all that bad.

Upon returning home via public transportation I wanted to soak in my Japanese bathtub. But to no avail. I miss my bath so much! I did the next best thing though. I had a foot bath infused with lavender oil, so nice.

Until my next writing, stay happy and capture the moments.

Rosemary