my letter of the day

Updated 11:04 am: Here's more news about the Monkees' revival project.

I talked to Allison on the phone last night; the flight went smoothly, and she made it to Paul's and Beckett's fine, yay.

Toronto certainly seems to be bending over backwards to keep the Catholic World Youth happy this week. Seems like everywhere you look, there are concerts, entertainers, free stuff. I was walking through the Bay yesterday when I came across a Japan theme exhibit where they were handing out free sushi. So I munched on a plate of sushi while watching a performance by traditional dancers from the Japanese Cultural Centre, then went on my way. Well, almost on my way. While watching the dancers, I noticed that some mini indoor grills were on sale. In my defense, I have to say that I've wanted an indoor grill for a long while, the kind that filters off fat during cooking. But as I've mentioned in an earlier Blathering, I am the kind of consumer that marketing people adore. :-) Jeff rolled his eyes when I proudly showed him my purchase later on, but he did like the grilled chicken and mandarin salad that I made for dinner.

But back to World Youth stuff. At Union Station (central hub of trains, gets a lot of traffic), a recorded platform announcement repeatedly asks people to climb the stairs to the next level, "where someone will assist you in reaching your destination". The police were everywhere yesterday, including subway stations, probably to keep an eye on things because of the Papal Welcoming Ceremony at the Exhibition. Jeff and I were out for a stroll last night, and Jeff asked one of the officers about his role; there were at least half a dozen police offficers milling about at King and University.

"We're just here to make sure everything's fine," was the friendly reply.

In return, the World Youth are doing their part in keeping Toronto's economy healthy: buying souvenirs, food, going shopping. The Eaton's Centre was swarming with the now familiar red knapsacks yesterday. Three more days left.





On a different topic...

I recently received a letter from someone whom I've never met that made my day:

---

(reprinted with permission)


Hi Debbie,

I wanted to thank you for the most interesting web site. I love reading your blatherings and was surprised to see how much we have in common.

When we were planning our annual trip to Vancouver Island, I did a search for Wickanninish and your site came up. At that time the site for the Wickanninish was down and I decided to book there because of your description of the spa. Loved the foot soaks! They set you up for the great experience to come. Like an appetizer. Yum.

I don't surf on the web, but I check your site regularly to see what you've been up to. Your passion for life combined with a sense of humor is what I love most.

My husband and I have a commercial photography business in Hawaii, but I want to pursue fine art photography. To date, I am unable to say that I am an artist. When I read your blatherings, I'm inspired to pursue my passion.

Thank you for the entertainment and inspiration.

Warm aloha,

Robin
http://www.eyeoftheislands.com


---

Today's Blatherpics:

	Toronto World Youth sign in Coronation Park.
	A savvy flag vendor makes a buck.
	Concert at Nathan Phillips Square last night.