Getting high

Allan Gardens: Amaryllis





Allan Gardens: Kalanchoes and barrel cacti


It was clear and mild for early January. I had the afternoon to spend in Toronto, starting at Allan Gardens. It usually has a nice Christmas display, and the same flowers were still evident: poinsettias, amaryllis and, in the desert room, clouds of brilliant kalanchoes surrounding barrel cacti. The sempervivum wreaths were attractive. The central greenhouse is tropically humid, housing palms, a dome of calm amidst downtown. Several homeless people usually keep warm inside the entrance, but never bother other visitors. Today a woman sat painting with watercolours.

Then I wanted to write, but the usual tables at Timothy’s and Starbucks were filled. I ended up paying $2.50 for a spiced tea at Lettieri. It wasn’t worth it, but folk at adjoining tables, engaged in animated gossip, created warm atmosphere.

Later at the Eagle I encountered a long-time acquaintance who bought me a second pint of Alexander Keith’s. Eventually he offered a joint, I had a single toke, and ended up completely lit. Finding my way home on the TTC was a chore, but I subsequently managed to make spaghetti for the boys without poisoning anyone. That’s why I don’t smoke up often, still a day of decadence was needed.