this weekend saw a special guest in toronto - and involved not dance parties, but lots of food and bike trips.... and there was some butt shaking to (in my head) music. so that's ok.
saturday: woke up late ish, and then had a good big breakfast outside. then, packed up the car, with some snacks and appropriate day trip wear. we headed over to jeff's former house, where we hung out with gillian (his roommate) for a bit while she did some construction. had a drink, and then packed up the bike for a trip down to leslie spit. grabbed a lunch at the loblaws before heading south - we hopped onto the path into the conservation area, and spent the afternoon biking. we careened down the bike path, and figured, while we were in a place that seemed like one of the carolina's, may as well explore all we could. the city was completely blocked, until we ventured out onto the old hydro posts holding up the edges of the spit. we found ourselves exploring the lesser travelled parts of the area - with crumbled concrete 'beaches' filled with seagull heaven - and then when we came to a fork in the (clearly untravelled path), we did what robert frost would have suggested (and i may have quoted the poem). through the high grass, we found a clearling with rubble, and some concrete slabs large enough to lay on... and so, in the quiet space on the edge of the spit where no one else would venture, we spent our time laying out on the rocks, and spending time in the sun. the spit was perfect - a space to feel like you weren't in the city. got nice and sweaty, and got some sun in bathing suits. then, we hiked back to the trail, and biked back out. stopped for some dinner groceries before i drove home, and jeff made the cross city trek back to my place on his bike. whipped up a bbq dinner of veggies burgers, grilled veggies, and some couscous and ate outside (there was a lot of that). then, went for a desert walk, picking up some ice cream and popsicle, and walked a few blocks to let the meal settle. and, a wild night ended with a viewing of old school on the couch... while falling asleep.
sunday: woke up fairly early, and packed up after another outdoor breakfast, to head back for the day. made a quick stop at mountain equipment co-op, and then dropped off bikes. i then headed out to see my sister from another man (i refuse to say mister), and her lovely fam - including my little niece. spent the afternoon playing catch, and reading books, and giggling lots. then, headed home for dinner with the parents. spent the rest of the evening watching tv and lounging. much deserved and needed.
reading in the sun after a stressful day of work; tonka in the backyard - just looking for some love; pizza - from my fave; urban picnic; the bike of champions; amazing shore line at the spit (maybe it's just the artist in me.... but look at that old wire!); chicken wing face; just laying in the sun; the shoreline, with the tower in the background; someone is a LITTLE sweaty; dinner prep; some reading time with mother and daughter; backyard fun with the babe; laughing is the best sunday activity.
friday: headed home from a rough day at work, and had a moment of time to read, and sit outside in the last moments of direct sunshine. then, jeff arrived via GO train then bike - and pat, jeff, tonka (the dog) and i sat outside for some conversation and a drink. then denver joined us for a photo challenge slideshow (catch up from the last thanksgiving that denver joined me at). finally, we decided to take off, and walk to pizzeria libretto for some dinner. we tried their new draught beer, created by gananoque brewing company, and had their pizza special. then, walked home and to bed.saturday: woke up late ish, and then had a good big breakfast outside. then, packed up the car, with some snacks and appropriate day trip wear. we headed over to jeff's former house, where we hung out with gillian (his roommate) for a bit while she did some construction. had a drink, and then packed up the bike for a trip down to leslie spit. grabbed a lunch at the loblaws before heading south - we hopped onto the path into the conservation area, and spent the afternoon biking. we careened down the bike path, and figured, while we were in a place that seemed like one of the carolina's, may as well explore all we could. the city was completely blocked, until we ventured out onto the old hydro posts holding up the edges of the spit. we found ourselves exploring the lesser travelled parts of the area - with crumbled concrete 'beaches' filled with seagull heaven - and then when we came to a fork in the (clearly untravelled path), we did what robert frost would have suggested (and i may have quoted the poem). through the high grass, we found a clearling with rubble, and some concrete slabs large enough to lay on... and so, in the quiet space on the edge of the spit where no one else would venture, we spent our time laying out on the rocks, and spending time in the sun. the spit was perfect - a space to feel like you weren't in the city. got nice and sweaty, and got some sun in bathing suits. then, we hiked back to the trail, and biked back out. stopped for some dinner groceries before i drove home, and jeff made the cross city trek back to my place on his bike. whipped up a bbq dinner of veggies burgers, grilled veggies, and some couscous and ate outside (there was a lot of that). then, went for a desert walk, picking up some ice cream and popsicle, and walked a few blocks to let the meal settle. and, a wild night ended with a viewing of old school on the couch... while falling asleep.
sunday: woke up fairly early, and packed up after another outdoor breakfast, to head back for the day. made a quick stop at mountain equipment co-op, and then dropped off bikes. i then headed out to see my sister from another man (i refuse to say mister), and her lovely fam - including my little niece. spent the afternoon playing catch, and reading books, and giggling lots. then, headed home for dinner with the parents. spent the rest of the evening watching tv and lounging. much deserved and needed.
hope everyone had a GREAT weekend, and enjoyed the sun, and the break. and slept
(as that seems to be my default insistence. SLEEP!)
(as that seems to be my default insistence. SLEEP!)
(and to finish with 2 photos from jeff who is a WAY better photographer than i)
happy monday!