Toronto interlude

[vaneramos]

Yesterday afternoon I took the bus to Toronto for a quick visit with djjo before his flight to Winnipeg for Christmas. He was meeting another friend from out of town for dinner but I had a little Christmas shopping to do, so I arrived in Toronto several hours ahead of meeting him. I took the unusual precaution of carrying a watch with me so I would know when to head over to Bill and Danny's house.

Toys 'R' Us did not have what I was looking for, so I went downtown and had a leisurely dinner at one of my favourite restaurants, which I rarely visit nowadays, P.J. Mellon's. I indulged in a Chiristmas treat to myself, filet mignon wrapped in bacon with mushrooms and a glass of Rosemount Shiraz.

When I arrived at the house, no one was there. I took the opportunity to check my email and visit LJ, but time went by and still no one arrived. Finally, when I looked at the haiku I had posted, I realized it was 9 p.m. not 10 p.m. as my watch said. Apparently I haven't used it since the end of Daylight Savings Time. I had arrived an hour early. Danny showed up at 9:30, just as he had said he would.

The past couple weeks have been difficult ones for me emotionally, but by yesterday I was feeling fine and had my energy back. Reconnecting for one night with Danny was a great comfort and pleasure. Sometimes the distance is going to be harder than others, but I have accepted that. Most of the time I like living alone and having plenty of time and space to myself.

bitterlawngnome and danthered arrived home later with a Christmas tree. Danny and I hauled decorations out of the attic this morning and we all helped decorate.

After another snuggle with the handsome cub, I headed out so he could get ready to catch the plane. I went for a coffee with schillerium (well, he had coffee and I had mulled cider to appease my acid stomach), before heading home.

On the bus to Guelph I had a pleasant surprise: I met Karen, formerly a bartender at the -bar. Back in 1999 and 2000 when I had no social life her, I used to go there once a week just to be around people and maintain my sanity. That's how I met her. She was practically my only friend in this city.

Coincidentally, I believe this is the third time we have met on buses between Guelph and Toronto. Her parents live there. In August she moved back to study art therapy. Tonight she came to Guelph to visit a friend.

We had a pleasant visit. Just think of Karen's vocations: bartending and therapy. She kept me talking all the way.

I also managed to squeeze in a little shopping in Toronto and Guelph on the way home. I picked up two gifts for Marian, the Sword of Shannara triology and a candle holder with a couple candles, which she is fond of; also a few chocolate Christmas tree ornaments and candy canes from The Nutty Chocolatier.

Except for picking up a tree, I believe my Christmas shopping is done.

Comments

[danthered.livejournal.com]

Where's this PJ Mellon's? Sounds like a great restaurant. (mmMMMMmm...cow wrapped in pig...)

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

It's right in the Village, on the east side of Church Street, between Wellesley and Maitland. Largely gay staff and clientele. It is a wine restaurant and serves lots of good pasta, but I was in the mood for steak last night, and it was excellent. Prices are mid range. The filet was $14.99.