Hove again! So nice to be here, even in January. It still feels like home. How can that be, when Toronto (dammit) also feels very much like home? Two weeks ago I was in Los Angeles visiting my folks for a few days (jet-setting, me, albeit coach class, which wipes the shine off PDQ), beachcombing and bicycling in California sunshine, and, yep, that felt like home, too.
If home is where the heart is, I live in a jigsaw puzzle.
Does that mean my heart is broken?
Saturday, 21 January 2012
Monday, 2 January 2012
Sign of the times?
When we first arrived in Canada, the phrase on everyone's lips was 'It's all good.' Or sometimes, 'It's all good!' This seemed to sum up a completely Canadian outlook. Business was booming, development flourishing, there was little indication of the economic hardships emblazoning the UK and US headlines.
Now I more often hear something different: 'It is what it is.' (Never 'It is what it is!') Are Canadians growing philosophical? Reflecting tougher times?
And on a completely selfish level, does it mean we might be able to afford a house next year, when we have to leave the warm cocoon of new faculty housing?
Now I more often hear something different: 'It is what it is.' (Never 'It is what it is!') Are Canadians growing philosophical? Reflecting tougher times?
And on a completely selfish level, does it mean we might be able to afford a house next year, when we have to leave the warm cocoon of new faculty housing?
Taking stock
It's New Year! Happy 2012 to all 6 of my followers, their families, friends, pets, and assorted acquaintances. I'm watching the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade on TV, and coveting the bright warmth of a southern California January morning. Next up will be the Rose Bowl (football game), pitting the University of Wisconsin Badgers against the University of Oregon Ducks. Sports and wildlife all at once! May the best animal win.
We spent a wonderful 5 days in New York City. We drove there, stopping en route first for a delicious Christmas Eve dinner with friends in the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and second at the stunningly-lit waterfalls in the tacky town of Niagara Falls. Oh yes, we also paused in Rochester. I love the fact that I live in a place from which I can drive to New York City. It is such a great place, in and of itself, and also filled with memories and roots for me. I knew all that, but had forgotten. And New York state is pretty amazing too. I've driven across it 4 times in the last 6 months so I feel I can speak with some authority.
But, Toto, we're not in California any more. Nor in England. Looking at the sunshine and flowers and blue sky on the television, and comparing with the weak gray light at my window, I wonder, again, a bit, about the halfway state (or province) in which we've landed. Neither there nor there. O Canada.
Now there's a sprinkling of snow outside, so maybe the kids will get to try out the new sled they got for Chanukah. We've been skating at one of the wonderful free ice rinks sprinkled across Toronto. We've enjoyed some lovely parties and gatherings and dinners with friends. We do have wonderful friends here.
And there. And there.
We spent a wonderful 5 days in New York City. We drove there, stopping en route first for a delicious Christmas Eve dinner with friends in the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and second at the stunningly-lit waterfalls in the tacky town of Niagara Falls. Oh yes, we also paused in Rochester. I love the fact that I live in a place from which I can drive to New York City. It is such a great place, in and of itself, and also filled with memories and roots for me. I knew all that, but had forgotten. And New York state is pretty amazing too. I've driven across it 4 times in the last 6 months so I feel I can speak with some authority.
But, Toto, we're not in California any more. Nor in England. Looking at the sunshine and flowers and blue sky on the television, and comparing with the weak gray light at my window, I wonder, again, a bit, about the halfway state (or province) in which we've landed. Neither there nor there. O Canada.
Now there's a sprinkling of snow outside, so maybe the kids will get to try out the new sled they got for Chanukah. We've been skating at one of the wonderful free ice rinks sprinkled across Toronto. We've enjoyed some lovely parties and gatherings and dinners with friends. We do have wonderful friends here.
And there. And there.
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