Happy things about Toronto

I am strangely sad today so I will list some happy things about Toronto for you.

• Calling 311.  When you dial 311, like my darling husband did last night, a real, live person picks up. Immediately. Without even putting you on hold or making you listen to a menu of options.  Then they help you answer a detailed question. (Ours was about trash, of course.)  J was shocked at how helpful they were. That's Toronto!
• No strike. Municipal workers almost went on strike this week. It was averted. It would have meant hockey rinks would have closed down, and now they won't.  And trash wouldn't have been picked up, except in our area, because ours is contracted out.
• Trash plays an important role in the average Torontonian life.
• Regina (pronounced like the body part, yes, that one) means Queen in Latin. It is actually on all of our coins here. It means that my friend, who works for the Department of Justice, or equivalent, is actually Regina's lawyer. I find this hugely funny.  Also, all court cases are Regina against (they don't use versus, I don't remember the exact wording), and they wear robes. Which means, I guess, that the lawyer representing Regina could be naked, I guess. Which could be EVEN more hilarious. (Normally/Usually they wear pants or business attire, I'm told.)
• Ellie slept in her own bed last night. Ellie and Sam decided they needed to sleep with their beds bunked.  Ellie is on the top bunk and Sam is on the bottom bunk. They are pretty funny in the same room together.  They wanted to do it, though.  
• Tim Horton's Coffee - I love it. I don't love the new cup sizes - very confusing! I do love the coffee. Happiness in a cup.
• Ellie and Sam's teachers - they have delightful teachers.  Even though one speaks a language I haven't yet learned, they are happy in their jobs and with children.  
• Donnybrook Park - the park was crowded yesterday with parents, nannies and kids since it was so warm up here! It was fun to watch everyone run around. (I heart our street!) 
• Paul's ice rink - even though it has not been very cold, our neighbor has his own backyard ice rink, and we get ice updates via email.  It is very Canadian. 
• Skiing - I love skiing so much it will get a separate post.  Ellie and Sam are doing so well!
• J, who is finally home after his first round of long travels. Hooray!
• My new gym, with N, who is a drill sergeant who would make Paul Regino proud. With a heart of gold, and lots of enthusiasm and love for me. 
• Tim Horton's again. I really love this coffee. The convenience of the drive-thrus. The ease of ordering (no soy milk!).  
• Widow's dinners. 

I am now not sad anymore. Thanks for being a part of my day. More next time! xo