This fellow seemed intent on making sure his territory was secure.
The residential area of Toronto's Islands currently occupies a tiny corner of Ward's Island. At one time there were many homes (along with a resort and an amusement park) on Hanlan's Point but decades ago the city razed them to put in the parkland that's there today. All of Toronto's harbour islands are owned by the city; residents rent the land, although they own the houses and improvements to the property.
They've tried to expropriate the hundred or so remaining Ward's Island houses and cottages on more than one occasion over the years, but the Islanders have now learned to band together and yell real loud. Several years ago they signed a ninety-nine year lease, so they're safe - for now.
No cars are allowed, hence sidewalks with no streets. Many houses have several bikes of various descriptions in their "driveways". The community is eclectic, artistic, non-conformist and very cool - a place I'd love to live in, were it not for the lack of amenities (not even a grocery store!) and isolation from the mainland. All access is by public ferry or private shuttle service.
The parkland (which comprises the vast majority of The Islands) is very popular with Torontonians so it should be teeming this coming long weekend, especially since the weather forecast is spectacular.
Here's hoping you have a great Labour Day Weekend!
"The optimist says this is the best of all possible worlds. The pessimist fears he is right." -- J. Robert Oppenheimer
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
To the Beach!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Better Than a Limo
Anyone can rent a limo for their wedding, but how many can say they took the ferry from the reception?
We were at Toronto's Islands on Saturday, and on the way home we came across this delightful couple and several dozen friends heading back to the mainland after their wedding and reception. To say that they "stuck out" from the other ferry passengers (most of whom were going home from the beach or picnics or other similar activities) would be an understatement, but I'm guessing their's was a wedding that won't soon be forgotten!
We were at Toronto's Islands on Saturday, and on the way home we came across this delightful couple and several dozen friends heading back to the mainland after their wedding and reception. To say that they "stuck out" from the other ferry passengers (most of whom were going home from the beach or picnics or other similar activities) would be an understatement, but I'm guessing their's was a wedding that won't soon be forgotten!
Friday, August 22, 2008
0-1-START
Thursday, August 21, 2008
How Cute Is This?
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Cramming on Caffeine?
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Rapid Refrigeration
I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want slow refrigeration...
But seriously, I love chrome, and I love metal badges. They say "we're proud of what we make and we want you to know who we are." This one was found on what looks like an old (vintage 50's?) refrigerated counter in an Italian grocery store near Yonge and Eglinton here in Toronto. The badge looks much newer than the fridge, but they do look good together.