Sunday, March 21, 2010

DOWNTOWN WEEKEND


Rob and I rarely go downtown together, so this weekend was not like one before, as we ended up in central Toronto on both Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday had us in my old stomping grounds around Bloor and Yonge to take in an afternoon showing of "The Runaways" at the Varsity theatre. We were joined by a few friends, Teena, Brian and Amanda. Rob and I are both fans of Joan Jett and Lita Ford, who were members of The Runaways, though the movie focuses more on the relationship between Joan and Cherie Currie, the lead singer. I enjoyed the movie, but was disappointed that a lot of stuff was left out, but that could be because I idolize Joan, and this was about the band, not just Joan. This movie is a must for any rock and roll fan, and I will definitely be adding it to my movie collection when it's available.

The Runaways Movie Poster

I thought both Kristen Stewart, who portrayed Joan, and Dakota Fanning who played Cherie did amazing jobs, especially Kristen, who had Joan's movements and attitude nailed. Though both of these girls are tied up in the "Twilight" pandemonium, I think they both have long and great acting careers ahead.

After the movie we headed over to a favorite Japanese restaurant in the area, "Yamato". It's one of those places where teppanyaki is the specialty and the masterful cooks prepare a feast right before your eyes. Rob and Teena had never been to a restaurant like this before and I was very proud of Rob for trying a piece of my sushi pizza! He's not one for trying new foods, so this was a huge deal, he even ate the roe! Way to go Rob!

L-R: Rob, Angie, Teena, Brian and Amanda

Salmon Sushi Pizza

Sunday had us out of the house and heading downtown early to check out a new park we had just heard about, "The Brick Works". This place is so much more then a park, and we will be following its development now that we know about it.


The Brick Works

The main reason we headed here was because we heard of sightings of a bird that we had never seen before, a "Belted Kingfisher". We were both pleasantly surprised with the beautiful surroundings just east of the downtown core. It was a beautiful place to spend the morning listening to the sounds of the returning Red-winged Blackbirds that were everywhere. We were also treated to a fly-by of a Red-tailed Hawk, but the highlight of the day was seeing a new bird for the first time, the Belted Kingfisher, we were lucky enough to see a pair, who seem to nest on the cliffs at the back of the park.


Rob took this picture of a male Red-winged Blackbird at the Brick Works.


A female Belted Kingfisher.
Photo compliments of Google, as we spent most of our time looking at them through binoculars, unable to get a great shot like this.

After our outing we headed back to our part of the city for brunch at Dr. Generosity's before running a few errands and then going home to get ready for the work week ahead. It was a busy but fun filled weekend for us.

Monday, March 1, 2010

FEBRUARY IN REVIEW

Me and my friend Jenn enjoying the big hockey game of 2010.

February wasn't a great month for me and I was glad to turn the calendar page this morning. There were a few great moments though, so instead of talking about what was wrong, I'm going to give you my top 3 highlights of the month.

3.
Discovering some cool and funky looking ducks. Before last winter, Rob and I didn't pay much attention to water birds, but on February 14th, 2009, while we were enjoying lunch at Snug Harbour, we spotted out the window of the restaurant the cutest little black and white duck! Turns out he was a Bufflehead, and a joy to watch. We went back this year to see them again and this past February we also were rewarded with some new "first" sightings of some other species of water birds.
A pair of Red Breasted Mergansers.

2. Seeing the rock band "Airbourne". I am stuck in the 80's when it comes to my music of choice, it's the music of my youth and I still listen to it almost as much now as I did then. But back in 2008 I heard this "new band", Airbourne, and was instantly hooked. We had tickets to see them last year at a bar, but Rob was sick and we didn't go. When I found out they were opening for Motley Crue on February 4th, I knew I was going. I went with my friend Brian, and as always when we go to a concert together we had a blast. We had "pitt passes" so were really close to the stage. By the time Airbourne ended their too short set my throat was already sore from screaming and my hands sore from clapping. I am going to enjoy seeing how big this young band from Australia gets. I haven't been this excited about a band since 1987 when I heard Guns and Roses for the first time.

Airbourne's debut album cover.

1. My number one moment of the last month? Watching Canada beat the USA for the Gold Medal in Olympic hockey. I got into the Olympics more then I expected, but this hockey game was the cherry on top of the already great sundae. It's not too often you know what all your friends and family are doing at the same time, but yesterday I knew, as it felt like the whole country was watching the game. There was a connection across the whole country while the Olympics were on, but yesterday you could feel it in the air, and when Sidney Crosby scored the winning goal in overtime my heart swelled with Canadian pride, so much so that I had to go out on the porch and scream with joy to release it. February may not of started off very well for me, but it ended on a highlight, a day the whole country, from coast to coast was connected to watch an amazing hockey game, and a moment that I will remember for the rest of my life.
Sidney Crosby reacts after scoring the winning goal!