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03 Mar 07 - 11:08 PM (#1985475) Subject: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: JennieG It is almost 100% certain that Himself and I will be visiting our peripatetic (that's not the same as pathetic *grin*) son and his girlfriend in Toronto, Ontario, later this year. We have from September 23 to October 11. Son lives in East York, Toronto. We would like to stay in a self-catering place if possible, for financial reasons; home-cooked food is usually cheaper than eating every meal out. We don't know the place at all so we don't know where a good place to stay would be, and also where not to stay - I'm sure there are places to avoid, as there are in most large cities. We aren't 'large city types' anyway and would happily stay away from the centre of things, so long as we had some public transport handy. And if it is within reach of quilting/bead/craft/book shops, all the better. Any suggestions would be most welcome! Cheers JennieG |
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04 Mar 07 - 02:02 AM (#1985537) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: JohnInKansas JennieG - I don't know a thing about East York, but absence of any response for almost a full day made me wonder if "maybe there isn't an East York." A brief Google indicates that indeed there is an East York Toronto, but is ambiguous about whether they know who, or what, they are. One site indicates that East York was incorporated as a Borough in 1924, and remained the only Borough of Toronto until 1998 when it was absorbed into Toronto. The only site I found that indicated the presence of what might be called "modern buildings" begins with "East York, the only Borough of Toronto," suggesting either that the site hasn't been updated since 1998, or that there remains some resistance to being "part of Toronto." That second site suggests that the population was largely "senior citizens" until recently, but that the young yuppies have discovered that it was a low-cost living area and have invaded - which implies it's no longer a low cost living area if Canada "progresses" like similar US areas. That it was, recently, an area with predominately "senior" population suggests the likelihood of at least a few "bed and board" places, if all such haven't been wiped out by the invading "juvenile" population. There appear to be no "media resources" specific to East York, as the only "local news" website appears to collect reports about East York that appear elsewhere on the internet. Although the first dozen news reports seemed to be about cops shooting citizens, closer examination indicated that all the reports were about a single incident in which it's reported that a "citizen" was beating a cop with a two-by-four, so another cop shot him. This single incident should not be taken to imply that a typical East York citizen is stupid enough to take a board to a gun fight (he might in fact have been a visitor from Toronto), and as the incident reportedly occured at a "money exchange" place of business he might, justifiably(?), have intended to beat an ATM machine and only accidentally appeared to be assaulting the officer. The remaining "news of East York" appeared to relate to an ongoing battle over funding of a "subway extension," suggesting that public transit is perhaps not satisfactory to some1, but also implying at least the existence of a degree of "modern politics" in the area. 1 the "some" quite likely being all the yuppies who, after driving up the real estate costs and snatching up all the cheap residences now want the region to provide cheaper transportation to their jobs in Toronto, although that's a purely speculative possibility. A community with only two incidents to report as "news of the week" might be presumed to be a quiet and genteel place to visit, or might just be incredibly boring. Repeating that I only know what I found on the internet, relative to this place; perhaps if I've insulted enough people, someone with actual knowledge of the place will be encouraged to reply - and at least the thread will move back to the top. (Don't tell them where I live.) John |
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04 Mar 07 - 03:01 AM (#1985543) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: GUEST,KT Don't know about lodging there, but the fall colors should be beautiful then! Will you get down to Niagara Falls? That's a very popular tourist attraction and only about...mmmm....maybe an hour and a half, by car, from Toronto, I think. Hmmmm....stay a couple more weeks and maybe you'll make it to the Getaway, too! |
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04 Mar 07 - 04:38 AM (#1985569) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: JennieG John, that's what I have found in my internet searches too; however son's address for parcels of emergency rations (vegemite and tim tams) is Rexleigh Drive, East York; according to a map I found it's not very far from the lake. He shares a flat with 2 other people. KT, we are hoping to see fall colours, it's something that Sydney doesn't have as we only have 2 seasons not 4. Warm, and bloody hot. (The last few days have been bloody hot.) Unfortunately I am tied to the school holiday breaks because of my job, and I can't have extra time - pity! But perhaps there may be folk events in or around Toronto while we are there. Son went wandering 2 years ago, we haven't seen him since and we miss him. Besides we would like to check out his girlfriend who seems adorable. Cheers JennieG |
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04 Mar 07 - 06:00 AM (#1985609) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: JohnInKansas JennieG - You should be able to access a Canada Phone Directory, and it looks like you can "search yellow pages" which should be where the rental businesses would appear. I didn't try to get into the search features to see if they worked. In most parts of the US, short term lodging with at least minimal cooking facilities can be found at some motels, but you need to ask about what's available, and often have to specifically request "cooking priveleges." Places that call themselves "bed and breakfast inns" sometimes let you do your own in-room cooking or allow individual use of the kitchen; but often they expect you to "attend meals" that they serve. We also see quite a few listings for "residence inns" that usually have facilities for you to do some cooking, but generally are aimed at a longer term occupancy - months rather than a couple of weeks, and tend to be aimed more toward (more expensively) "business travel" clients. You probably have already found adequate map references, but since I had to look up where Toronto is I found "official Ontario road maps" at Southern Ontario Maps. The maps are all pdf format, generally up to about 1 MB. The detail map for Toronto looks like one should be able to get around at least in the central parts of the city using it. I don't see indications of whether there is public transportation though. John |
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04 Mar 07 - 06:36 AM (#1985623) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: Janie Don't know anything at all about Toronto but when I travel, I can nearly always find enough informtion on-line to find the accomodations I need. http://www.torontolodging.worldweb.com/ might be a good place to start. You can probably locate potential places on a locator map on the site, and then e-mail any places you are interested in to find out about public transportation, etc. Janie |
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04 Mar 07 - 06:51 AM (#1985632) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: GUEST This site seems to have a lot of information about what is available in the Toronto area. It includes maps. |
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04 Mar 07 - 07:04 AM (#1985640) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: bobad There are a couple of Mudcatters, black walnut being one, who live in or near Toronto, I believe. She probably hasn't risen yet as it is only 7 AM here now, but I'm sure that she'll be willing to give you the info you seek. |
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04 Mar 07 - 07:15 AM (#1985648) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: number 6 I know the area quite well. When we lived in Toronto we lived just south of there in a part of Toronto they call the Beach (Beaches to some). Where they live it is not close to the lake, but not far. East York is actually part of Toronto. It is easily acceptable to the TTC for transportation (bus/subway). Cheap lodgings are not easily found in Toronto, if cheap lodging is found, stay away for health and safety. There is a strip of of low cost motels along a certain road in Scarborough, some may be ok but I don't know if that is what you want. There could be some Bed and Breakfast establishments in the Beach, but I can't recall. If there are that would be your best bet as it would be close to your son and the area is actually one of the best to be found in the whole city. If any catters know of hostels please inform. Feel free to pm for info Jennie. biLL |
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04 Mar 07 - 07:25 AM (#1985654) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: number 6 Here we go for a starter .. Beach B&B biLL |
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04 Mar 07 - 07:27 AM (#1985655) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: number 6 Whooops ... goof up there with the blue linky. Anyway check out ... Beach House The 15 Lee Avenue Toronto, ON M4E 2N8 (416) 693-3977 Lee Ave. is in the heart of the Beach area. biLL |
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04 Mar 07 - 08:37 AM (#1985683) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: Bee http://www.ontariotravel.net/TcisCtrl?site=consumers&key1=home&language=EN Official guvmint travel and accomodations guides may prove helpful. These people will send you lots of guides, maps, etc., free for the asking. |
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04 Mar 07 - 04:26 PM (#1986137) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: JennieG Thank you all, that is very useful information. We have been checking out internet sites and found one accommodation possibility that sounds good. The site above that Bee sent I hadn't yet found and it has good information, thanks! The worst part will be the flight, it's a long way from the eastern shore of Oz to the east of Canadiana. But the alternative is a long swim. Cheers JennieG |
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05 Mar 07 - 12:03 AM (#1986522) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: Marion Hi JennieG. I'm a current resident of East York. Another Mudcatter able to make that claim is Eve Goldberg, though I don't see her posting very often. I don't have any direct knowledge of temporary accomodations - my suggestion would be to go to the free online classifieds at Craig's List. In the "Housing" category, there's a "sublets/temporary" listing - most are measured in months, but if you scroll down and look for low prices, you'll find some available by the day or week. What sort of folk events would appeal to you? Concerts, song circles, tune sessions, contra dances, etc? There is a song circle every Friday night, held in various people's homes. As for concerts, there are the "Acoustic Harvest" and "Fiddles and Frets" series in East York; the website is here, though she doesn't have the schedule posted that far in advance. Or, I could have you over to my little place to sing songs, drink cider, and watch the toilet swirl the wrong way. As to the question of East York's existence: my understanding is that it's an obsolete term for a municipality that has been incorporated into the City of Toronto, but continues to be used informally. Personal security: it's true that we do tend to attack people with two by fours, even when we know they're armed. You can easily counter this hazard by carrying a two by four with a nail driven through it. Vegemite: You're sending him Vegemite? I don't buy the stuff myself, but I could swear I've seen it in grocery stores here. Marion |
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05 Mar 07 - 12:19 AM (#1986530) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: JennieG Thanks Marion, our travel agent is looking out for places for us too. We think we have found something suitable but still need to confirm. Folk events: all kinds! I can dance and like contra, and I sing. Himself won't dance (because of a dicky knee) and doesn't sing, but enjoys listening. Personal security: We may have a two by four in the back shed, but in case it upsets the customs folk when we land we will probably leave it here. We may be able to obtain one from son. Shall we bring our own nail? I'm sure our rusty nail tetanus is as good as yours. Vegemite: I send the huge jars. That child was brought up on the stuff as was I, although his father lets the side down by preferring peanut butter. Every Ozzie kid learns to sing the Vegemite song at an early age. Should you see a short bearded smiling Ozzie by the name of Doug Richards roaming around East York, that's my boy. Don't be frightened to speak to him, he's housetrained. Cheers JennieG |
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05 Mar 07 - 05:42 AM (#1986671) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: Hrothgar Wanna take me to dance with, Jen? I can carry the bags, too. |
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05 Mar 07 - 07:38 AM (#1986733) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: 3refs If my history teacher could only read this after all these years. Fort York. Referred to as Old Fort York, currently known as Toronto. When Toronto amalgamated with the surrounding municipalities(70's), East York, North York, Etobicoke, Agincourt(sic)Scarborough(Scarberia)and others, they became The Greater Toronto Area, The GTA. It's a reference you'll hear often when watching news on the TV or listening on the radio. There are places that are just ouside, some consider part of, the GTA like Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Mississauga that are a little more laid back. Toronto's subway system is closely linked with these areas and you can be right in the middle of the city within minutes. From the farm to the frying pan in about 1/2 hr. |
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05 Mar 07 - 12:23 PM (#1987100) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: able Try not to spend most of your time in Toronto, most of what is worth seeing in this province can't be found in Toronto. This, in spite of the fact that the average Torontonian will tell you otherwise. Far too many people who live in Toronto seldom ever leave Toronto. It's a lot like being born, raised and living your entire life in Sydney. You might know Sydney, but you sure as hell don't know Australia. But, if you know something about ww2 Darwin, I wouldn't mind hearing about it. |
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05 Mar 07 - 05:24 PM (#1987462) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: JohnB I live about 1 1/2 to 2 hours on the other side of Toronto from East York so not much help sorry. If you pm me some of your potential lodging info, I could check it out with my Torontonian friends. JohnB |
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07 Mar 07 - 01:46 AM (#1989100) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: JennieG able, I can't help you with info on ww2 Darwin, I wasn't there! The main reason for our holiday is to see our son again and to meet with his girlfriend. They live in Toronto, ergo we shall stay in Toronto. Of course we would like to see some of Ontario outside Toronto, we may not hire a car (haven't decided on that yet) so would be limited to public transport. And we would like to see Niagara Falls. Cheers JennieG |
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07 Mar 07 - 06:43 AM (#1989257) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: JennyO NIAGARA FALLS ????? SLOWLY I TURN........... STEP BY STEP.............. INCH BY INCH............. |
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07 Mar 07 - 07:12 AM (#1989272) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: Bee Jennie G., hire a car. Given the expense you're going to coming such a long way, a weekly car rental is cheap, an incidental, and public transit will pretty much confine you to the city. |
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08 Mar 07 - 02:07 AM (#1990210) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: JennieG If we hire a car I don't think I shall drive it, I shall let Himself chauffeur me around. It felt strange last year in BC and AK when we were on the wrong side of the road. Or should that be the other side rather than the wrong side.....? What's the live folk music scene in Toronto like? We realise that most events would take place over summer and we will be there later, by choice. Cheers JennieG |
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08 Mar 07 - 11:27 AM (#1990545) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: Mooh Subscribe to maplepost@icomm.ca bulletin board until you go, that way you'll be up to date on live folk in Canada and especially in the GTA. Peace, Mooh. |
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08 Mar 07 - 10:47 PM (#1991051) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: 3refs Come to Orillia, Ontario. The Mariposa Folk Fest. Home of Gordon Lightfoot. 1 1/2 hrs north of Toronto. 3 days on Lk Couchiching(coo-chi-ching). The fest started here in 1962?, got out of hand, and they moved it to Toronto. It's been back for about 5-6 years. Don MacLean(Bye Bye Miss American Pie) is one of the headliners this yr. |
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09 Mar 07 - 01:30 AM (#1991111) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: JennieG Timing is wrong for the Mariposa Folk Fest! Mooh, thanks for the bulletin board info. Cheers JennieG |
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09 Mar 07 - 03:47 AM (#1991158) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: Jeremiah McCaw Should it happen that you are wont to wander a tad west of Toronto, I would (sort of) humbly suggest taking a look at my own website, jeremiah.ca , as I maintain a calendar that focuses on events in that part of Ontario. |
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09 Mar 07 - 08:47 AM (#1991392) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: Mooh JennieG...You're welcome. Did you look at the Ontario Conference of Folk Festivals site too? Peace, Mooh. |
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09 Mar 07 - 09:16 AM (#1991432) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: *daylia* If you decide to venture a little north of Toronto into Simcoe County (aka Huronia) Jennie, you might find these links helpful. Concert listings are updated every month, and the people are delighted to guide travellers re accomodations etc. From the Heart of Huronia, here's the Barrie Folk Society, (that site's just been updated and I see that Valdy is playing here in Sept whooo-hooo!!!) and the Orillia Folk Society all the best, daylia |
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09 Mar 07 - 09:19 AM (#1991437) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: *daylia* Correction: Valdy is performing here in May, not Sept, sorry. |
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09 Mar 07 - 04:44 PM (#1991897) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: JudyB We're quite a ways from Toronto, but at least on the same side of the continent. However, I'm afraid we may be in Sydney while you're over here. Haven't firmed up our plans yet - but maybe we can wave as our planes pass each other over Guam! JudyB & Charley Noble |
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10 Mar 07 - 02:25 AM (#1992304) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: JennieG If I see your plane I will wave, Judy! We don't have a lot of say in the dates; I work in the school system so I am tied to school holidays, whenever they happen. Thank you Jeremiah and *daylia* for the websites, we would like to venture outside Toronto (or "Tronno" as I have been assured it is pronounced), it also depends on son's plans. We will know more closer to the dates. But it doesn't stop us from gathering as much info as possible! Cheers Jennie |
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10 Mar 07 - 03:19 PM (#1992797) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: Willie-O I would urge you to plan to spend some time in Toronto per se, and I don't mean East York. Beaches is a real nice area if there's any B&B's there. Heather Fielding lives (near) there. It's the part of town where there's a friendly, busy neighbourhood main street (Queen West) only a block from the Lake Ontario beaches. For music look up whats happening at Hugh's Room and the Tranzac Club when you're there. (The Tranzac is kind of an anomaly; it's more a music-scene hangout than a home for expat Aussies anymore.) And get a rental car and drive up through the Muskokas and Haliburtons, perhaps Algonquin Park, if you want real fall colours. It's a lovely time of year really when the weather cooperates (a pretty good chance). Enjoy! W-O (Eastern Ontario) |
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13 Mar 07 - 01:45 AM (#1995045) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: JennieG Well......we are coming to Toronto!! we have booked the tickets, and found accommodation. We have found a place to stay in the Beaches area that looks nice, not far from Queen West, also not far from son and his girlfriend. We fly out of Sydney on September 23, and home on Oct 11. I'll refresh this thread again closer to that time. Cheers JennieG |
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13 Mar 07 - 05:33 AM (#1995130) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: sian, west wales I grew up near Niagara Falls and it really is a 'must see' ... and easily done, I would think, by public transit. Try to catch a show at the Shaw Festival in Niagara on the Lake. (Is there still a summer ferry across the lake from Toronto?) If you get a car and want something most tourists don't see, drive about 2 hours north east of Toronto to the Petroglyphs Provincial Park up above Peterborough on Stony Lake. I'd never been (tho not far from my mother's home turf) and went with a friend last time I was home. We both thought they were wonderful - a completely different experience from the Falls, but just as moving. And try to get west of Toronto to St Jacobs/Kitchener/Waterloo area. The farmers' markets are worth visiting. (I went to Uni. around there.) sian |
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13 Mar 07 - 09:52 AM (#1995325) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: Marion Doug Richards? Never heard of him. That's great that you've been given the correct pronunciation of Toronto. I've encountered some out-of-towners that have acquired the mystifying idea that we call it "Tronna." While "Tronno" is certainly right on, you can diversify by using "the GTA" (Toronto plus suburbs), or "TO" (say the letters, not "too"). There are two main drags in East York with a lively pedestrian scene. One is Queen St. East, AKA "The Beaches", which was mentioned above - (Queen West, while also a fun area, is on the other side of Yonge St. AKA "Centre of the Universe"). However, the strip I know better is the Danforth AKA "Greektown" - a little farther north and west. There is a contra dance here two or three times a month: copy and paste this for their website (for some reason it isn't working as a link). http://sca.uwaterloo.ca/~~tcd/index.html If you're interested in hearing or participating in a Celtic tune session, you could come to Dora Keogh's pub in Greektown on a Thursday or Sunday. And again, I'd recommend the song circle every Friday night - mudatters Black Walnut and Balladeer are regulars there, and it's also the most likely place that you'll find me. Marion PS I hope you make it to Niagara Falls - the town is horrid, but the falls are great. |
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13 Mar 07 - 10:08 AM (#1995339) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie catter seeks info on Ontario From: Marion In case you don't get a rental car: here's a sample schedule for bus service to Niagara Falls. There are certainly enough available trips to go there and back in a day, unless you want to spend some time in the horrid town, which you don't. Marion Select Departure Schedule for Thursday, September 27, 2007 07:15am - 08:55am 1h, 40m 0 GLC 2015 08:15am - 09:35am 1h, 20m 0 GLC 1001 10:30am - 12:40pm 2h, 10m 0 GLC 1025 12:15pm - 01:50pm 1h, 35m 0 GLC 1095 02:00pm - 04:00pm 2h, 0m 0 GLC 1043 04:00pm - 06:05pm 2h, 5m 0 GLC 1097 04:30pm - 06:35pm 2h, 5m 0 GLC 1045 05:15pm - 07:20pm 2h, 5m 0 GLC 1047 06:15pm - 08:15pm 2h, 0m 0 GLC 1061 09:30pm - 11:00pm 1h, 30m 0 GLC 2085 11:15pm - 12:45am 1h, 30m 0 GLC 1091 Select Return Schedule for Thursday, September 27, 2007 10:00am - 12:05pm 2h, 5m 0 GLC 1008 11:45am - 01:45pm 2h, 0m 0 GLC 1004 02:00pm - 03:50pm 1h, 50m 0 GLC 1040 03:30pm - 05:45pm 2h, 15m 0 GLC 1048 05:30pm - 07:40pm 2h, 10m 0 GLC 1068 07:55pm - 09:40pm 1h, 45m 0 GLC 2060 10:15pm - 11:59pm 1h, 44m 0 GLC 1078 |
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27 Jul 07 - 09:22 PM (#2113055) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: JennieG Refresh! Joe Offer (lovely man) has re-named my thread and I am refreshing it because it is only 8 weeks until we go to Ontario. Our accommodation is booked, and we have also booked into a B&B at Niagara Falls for a night; we will be taking Son and Son's Gorgeous Girlfriend with us. Son went to Niagara Falls when he first arrived in Ontario a couple of years ago, GG hasn't been since she was two years old despite spending all her life in Ontario. We found a B&B a few streets away from the main drag which will be much quieter than one of the big hotels, to say nothing of more reasonably priced. We will hire a car, are there any traps to avoid? Cheers Jennie |
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27 Jul 07 - 10:04 PM (#2113071) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: GUEST,meself Wait a minute - "Son" went a couple of years ago, but GG "didn't" because she was only two years old?? Maybe she should wait a few more years ... |
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27 Jul 07 - 10:31 PM (#2113085) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: Ebbie Little Hawk is in Orillia too, JennyG, according to his postings. I'd love to hear him sing. Or you could just throw up your hands and come to Juneau again, instead. Make plans to stay longer though. |
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28 Jul 07 - 02:21 AM (#2113130) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: JennieG Ebbie, I would love to come to Juneau again! Perhaps one day...... Orillia isn't far outside Toronto and we will be hiring a car, if possible I would love to visit. It is certainly of my list of Places To Visit. Cheers JennieG |
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28 Jul 07 - 10:36 AM (#2113306) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: JennyO Ya never know, if the aliens send him back, you might get to meet Shane too, eh - although that might not be high on your list of priorities ;-) |
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28 Jul 07 - 03:56 PM (#2113525) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: Micca Jenny the whole of the Niagara peninsula is covered in Wineries (Try and get some Icewine) and Niagara on the Lake is NOT to be missed!!Orillia might be a bit of a trek for you it is a LONG drive (so is Toronto foor that matter) Niagara Falls are Majestic but the Town!!! It is THE Tackiest place on Earth!! even beating Blackpool! and thats saying something, It is probably something you need to do....Once!! |
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28 Jul 07 - 09:05 PM (#2113698) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: JennieG My thoughts too Micca! We couldn't be so close to Niagara and not go. A Canadian friend has said that in all his visits to Ontario (he's from Winnipeg) he had never visited Niagara because he thought the whole set-up - 'Maid of the Mist' boat etc - was so hokey he couldn't bring himself to do it. But he eventually did the visit, and the boat trip, and raved about it - said it's definitely something to do before you die. Wineries - most definitely, we both like a drop, Himself prefers red and I like a nice dry white fizz. According to my web research Orillia is only 115km from Toronto, that's nothing to an Ozzie who in her giddy youth used to think nothing of driving 160 kms to go to a dance. A long drive to us is something more than 1,000km. Jenny, meeting Shane would definitely have to be Top Of My List. Or - gasp - Chongo. Cheers JennieG |
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28 Jul 07 - 09:49 PM (#2113718) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: GUEST,meself I don't think there's anything tacky about the Maid of the Mist. I've never been on it, but it's been on my do-before-I-die list ever since I first peered down from the heights and saw it bobbing around like a little toy at the bottom of the falls - I was about nine then, I suppose ... |
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28 Jul 07 - 11:00 PM (#2113754) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: Q (Frank Staplin) May not be your favorite 'cuppa' but if you like art, visit the Art Gallery of Ontario- www.ago.net Make a reservation the day before, it is a good place for a light lunch. |
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29 Jul 07 - 01:25 AM (#2113797) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: JennyO I'm sure Chongo would be happy to meet a red haired dame like you too :-) |
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29 Jul 07 - 05:20 AM (#2113838) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: Micca Jennie, if your SO likes red try and find a winery called" Henry of Pelham" and try their "Bacco Noir" it is an unusual grape variety that you dont meet every day!! it is SO intensely purple that you can see the colour on the glass after you have drunk it and is very pleasent too. I sneaked a bottle into a blind tasting at the Wine society and watched EVERYONE fail not only to identify the country of origin but the grape also, But the real Star of the Show is Ice wine, the grapes have to be gathered after a minimum of 4 days of the temperature being of below freezing (this is a statutory requirement eo be able to call it Icewine) and they are pressed still frozen so that the water content is much reduced, this yields a very rich must and produces an incredible wine of intense and subtle flavour. Mostly sweet and white I'm afraid but perfect chilled with the dessert on Christmas Day. It is expensive and comes in 1/3 sized bottles. but is something you HAVE to try!!! and worth every cent. BTW I didnt slag of the Maid of the Mists, it is simply the Toown of Niagara Falls that is Tackiness made solid. |
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29 Jul 07 - 04:02 PM (#2114167) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: Charley Noble Jennie- And only a 1000 or so miles to the east will be the Portsmouth Maritime Festival where all of us nautical singers will be hanging out for the weekend of September 29-30 in New Hampshire. If the singing isn't enough to tempt you, we could always throw in a couple of lobsters. We'll see you in Oz at the Loaded Dog the evening of October 27th. Cherily, Charley Noble and JudyB |
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29 Jul 07 - 11:45 PM (#2114432) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: JennieG Micca, I have found the website for Henry of Pelham and the wine sounds very good, we will look for it. I don't think Icewine is made here in Oz as our climate is not cold enough so we have never tried it, but it is on the list of Things To Do (which is getting longer by the minute). When Son first went to Ontario he made sure he went on the Maid of the Mist and said it was fun, we reckon we will go on it too. Q has suggested the Art Gallery of Ontario too - art is good. And the Bata Shoe Museum is on the list too, that could be fun. Geez Charlie, Portsmouth is almost next door to Ontario! 7 weeks and 6 days to go. Cheers JennieG |
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30 Jul 07 - 07:02 AM (#2114583) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: Micca Jennie, If Art galleries are your thing The Mc Michael Art Gallery of Canadian Art is WOW!!it has some incredible paintings and some of the "Group of 7" (or were they just called "The 7"?) Canadian artists Further info, it is somewhere a short distance North of Toronto in a very nice setting. I wanted to steal the sculpture of a bear they have outside!!(it weighs about 4 tons) Well worth a visit, I found the Royal Ontario Museum Try Here in downtown Toronto well worth a visit too. |
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30 Jul 07 - 08:24 AM (#2114631) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: GUEST,meself The McMichael is in Klineburg. I highly recommend it as well. (GROUP of Seven). |
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30 Jul 07 - 09:47 AM (#2114700) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: Charley Noble I seem to remember the Kensington Public Market as a wonderful place to prowl around. Maybe it was all those shops filled to the rafters with cheese, sausages, and assorted spices. This was back in the 1970's. By now they're probably been bulldozed and replaced with a shiny new Wal-Mart store. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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30 Jul 07 - 01:47 PM (#2114901) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: GUEST,meself Actually I have the impression that, as strange as it may seem, Kensington Market is much as it was. Why do I have that impression? I don't know. Did someone who still lives in T.O. tell me? Did I catch a glimpse down a side-street while tearing past in a car on one of my overnight stays in T.O.? Did I dream it? Maybe somebody who lives in Toronto-the-Good will chime in to confirm or mock my impression ... But if it is what it was, it is certainly worth a visit. Go on a sweltering hot afternoon to get the full effect. |
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28 Aug 07 - 03:30 AM (#2135093) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: JennieG 3 weeks and 5 days to go! Any suggestion for music-related stuff? Where is a good place to check out local CDs? Cheers JennieG |
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28 Aug 07 - 10:14 AM (#2135262) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: Charley Noble JennieG- So will you be joining us at the Loaded Dog and the Earlwood BBQ in late October when you return to Oz? Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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29 Aug 07 - 03:29 AM (#2135846) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: JennieG Most definitely yes Charlie! I am looking forward to it. I will probably bore youse all witless with my tales of my travels :-) Cheers JennieG |
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29 Aug 07 - 04:21 AM (#2135864) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: Sandra in Sydney Jennie appeared at the last Dog - as part of the advertised support act, Bright Star Singers, & as a last minute floor spot! and here she is |
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30 Aug 07 - 03:09 AM (#2136645) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: JennieG Geez Sandra it is me too, in all my glory! Shall have to learn to keep my eyes open when I sing........and my mouth shut! We are wondering what weather to expect in Toronto. Cheers JennieG |
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07 Sep 07 - 09:35 PM (#2143674) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: JennieG 2 weeks to go! After viewing the Orillia song I am thinking we should definitely head in that direction. Haven't been to Tim Hortons yet, is that a treat we shouldn't miss? Cheers JennieG |
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07 Sep 07 - 10:14 PM (#2143693) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: Cool Beans Tim Horton's are everywhere in Canada. Wanna sound like a Canadian you call 'em Timmie's. AS in "Let's go to Timmie's." Excellent coffee, darned good donuts. |
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07 Sep 07 - 10:30 PM (#2143703) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: JennieG Excellent coffee is good. What about Second Cup, I was reading about it somewhere? Cheers JennieG |
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08 Sep 07 - 01:49 PM (#2144062) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: Charley Noble JennieG- You need to keep your "Loonies" and "Toonies" straight as well. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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08 Sep 07 - 09:00 PM (#2144322) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: JennieG We have some Canadian money, our older son gave it to us, he had it left over after his last visit to Canada. I shall study it in great detail. But I would still like to meet Shane, my Canadian visit wouldn't be complete without that! Cheers JennieG |
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15 Sep 07 - 06:23 PM (#2150099) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: JennieG One week to go! Cheers JennieG |
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16 Sep 07 - 09:31 AM (#2150369) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: Sandra in Sydney oh, goody another week closer to finding my 2007 Alaskan bead! |
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16 Sep 07 - 07:19 PM (#2150739) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: JennieG I'm not going to Alaska this time Sandra......sorree....... but I will see what I can find in Ontario....... Cheers JennieG |
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17 Sep 07 - 01:06 AM (#2150900) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: Ebbie By the time you get to Orillia, JennyG, I fear that Little Hawk will inform you that Shane is locked up again and inaccessible. LH is disconsolate. Great photos, Sandra in Sydney. And good to see you again, JG. |
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17 Sep 07 - 03:09 AM (#2150921) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: Sandra in Sydney Alaskan bead??? oops, little typo, an Ontario bead will do perfectly well! sandra |
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17 Sep 07 - 08:16 AM (#2151025) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: JennieG Oh dear Ebbie, meeeting Shane would have been the absolute highlight of my visit. And now it is not to be. Sigh. Perhaps he has rels somewhere that I could meet? Cheers JennieG.....getting excited now but not looking forward to the looooong plane trip, yuk |
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17 Sep 07 - 08:29 AM (#2151029) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: 3refs For those of you who are not aware, to many of us Tim Horton doesn't just make a great cup of coffee! He was probably the greatest of all Toronto Maple Leafs defencemen playing back in the 50's and 60's. Considered to be the strongest player in the N.H.L. He was tragically killed in a car accident in the early 70's while returning to Buffalo(who he was playing for)from Toronto. Many believe it was no accident, he hit a bridge support column at about 150mph. |
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17 Sep 07 - 09:17 PM (#2151538) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: ad1943 JR You have opened a mixed metaphorical veritable Pandora's can of worms with this thread We will miss you at Cursed Toon Bloody gabbie Best wishes AD |
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18 Sep 07 - 03:26 AM (#2151682) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: JennieG 3refs, I shall have a coffee at Tim Hortons in his memory. When Son first went to Canada he raved about Tim's coffee. AD I shall miss youse all too! Cheers JennieG |
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15 Oct 07 - 03:10 AM (#2171329) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: JennieG Well we have been, gone and come home again. We had a wonderful time. Unfortunately wasn't able to connect with Marion as we didn't have a phone, c'est la vie. We had our Tim Hortons coffee but decided we preferred coffee from a local place on Kingston Road, nice folks who made good coffee. Toronto has some interesting museums...the Bata Show Museum, the Textile Museum of Canada, the ROM, Casa Loma (I suppose it could be called a museum?) and a quilt shop within walking distance of our accommodation, what more could a crafty girl want. And we got to Kensington Market. We had our weekend in Niagara and tried icewine, oh my, how yummy. The falls are awesome and the main street is.....well.......hard to describe but I think "tacky" (as mentioned above) has to come close. And we got wet on the boat. It was lovely seeing Son again and meeting his GCG who is a sweetie and I hope a keeper. We even had a couple of trips to Brampton to meet his friends, we had Thanksgiving dinner with them which was nice and tried pumpkin pie for the first time. Don't know if I will ever get back but I would like to....but it's such a long way and that flight is a killer. Took 24 hours for my ears to finish unpopping when we came home. Cheers JennieG |
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15 Oct 07 - 03:29 AM (#2171338) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: ad1943 Welcome home to the land of the Gum Tree and magpie AD |
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15 Oct 07 - 05:56 AM (#2171394) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: Sandra in Sydney didya buy any tacky touristy stuff to prove you really went to the Falls? will you be at the Dog to see Charley? Or just at jennyO's BBQ the next day? or both, she sez. hopefully? |
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15 Oct 07 - 02:03 PM (#2171707) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: Charley Noble JennieG- Welcome back to Oz (from Maine) and I do hope we run into you at one place or another while we are re-visiting your fair country. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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15 Oct 07 - 02:03 PM (#2171708) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: Ebbie But did you meet Shane? I read somewhere that he was picked up - again - for some public loose livin'. It wouldn't be so bad if it weren't so blatant. But I'm sorry if you missed him. Little Hawk assures us that Shane can make one's day. |
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16 Oct 07 - 04:38 AM (#2172112) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: JennieG Ebbie, unfortunately I didn't meet Shane and I had my heart set on it too. I can see we shall have to go back again. Sorry Sandra, I didn't buy any tacky touristy stuff at the Falls (couldn't bring myself to waste my money) but I did buy a tee shirt which is actually quite tasteful! Hopefully we will be at the Dog and/or Jenny's BBQ. I will wear my new tee shirt if you like. I took a class at the leather supply shop where GCG works and made myself moccasins. Cheers JennieG |
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16 Oct 07 - 04:44 AM (#2172118) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: Sandra in Sydney definitely wear the tee-shirt, pls, it will look good in the Mudcatter pic. sandra |
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16 Oct 07 - 04:45 AM (#2172119) Subject: RE: BS: Ozzie Catter coming to Ontario From: Sandra in Sydney and wear/bring the moccasins along, too. |