The Battle of York Parade

 The City of Toronto commemorated the War of 1812 and the Battle of York with a huge military parade from the Provincial Legislature Buildings down to Old Fort York.

 John was at work but I caught up with them as they crossed the Bathurst St Bridge just east of the old fort.

 I loved this woman in 1812 period clothing catching the lead Pipe Band on her camera

 and this glamorous Horse Guard.

Then I moved up to the bridge itself to get some shots of the uniforms.

I found it a colourful and moving event. So many kilts!

The War of 1812 Bicentennial

The City of Toronto had a celebration of the Battle of York at Fort York yesterday.

 After the Battle of York parade, vistors poured into Old Fort York and I followed.

 The grounds were full of participants in British, military, Native people and Old York costume.

 I couldn't stop taking pictures of the action and costumes.

I particularly liked the militia groups. 

It was a fascinating peek into Toronto's past right in our own neighbourhood.

Peggy Lee: Is That All There Is?

For the Friends of Reta

Last week we returned to St Catharines to visit Bill's mum.  Reta was in fine form.

Bill took some portraits of her at the Heritage family restaurant. I kept saying "Look at me, Reta."

 I confess I put my finger up my nose -- honestly! Glad she looked good.

Reta and her son waiting for our cab. It was a lovely Spring day.

 We also visited St Kitts two weeks ago. We're just getting the pictures up now. 

 Bill and I were thrilled to learn that this building on Niagara Street featured in the cult Christmas movie "A Christmas Story". The scene with the boy who's tongue stuck to a pole was shot here.

Reta liked Bill's blue shirt.

Thank you for your patience with my camera, my lovely Reta.

We watched a movie together then we called a cab,

to take us to Coppolla's Ristorante

for our usual Vegeteriano pizza

followed by biscotti with espresso

and our beloved Sicilian liqueur [Averna Amaro Siciliano].

Write Bookshop

Whenever John and I visit St Catharines we stop by the Write Bookshop on St Paul Street near the bus station.

 It's one of those huge second hand bookstores

overflowing with potential finds.

The stairs lead to a second floor specializing in hardcover books.

 Anything can be found. One of my favourites was a book on how to shoe your horse.

In March there was a 1/2 price sale happening.

 This last visit we bought Wonders of Rome, a travel guide published in 1956 and a 1962 Ballantine paperback, Firsts of the Famous, The stories which started Notable Careers including stories by Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote and Carson McCullers.

 Write is always worth a visit.

The Bloor Line

This morning I got on the Bloor subway at Bathurst Station. The rush hour train is always full when it gets here. 

Then I slipped through the Yonge Street Station

as it it wasn't there.

From a Bathurst Streetcar

The light was lovely on Bathurst Street this morning. That's the shadow of my streetcar at the bottom of the frame. 

Bill is at home drawing and painting his new book. I'm on my way to work, listening to the new Billy Bragg.

Graffiti Alley

The other morning I arrived at Queen Video on Queen St West before the shop had opened so I decided to wander the alley just north of the street in search of photo ops.

The wide alley across from the Cameron House was free of parked cars so I had a good view of the lush display of colourful tagging and imagery.

Dog Heaven

Last weekend was Spring-like in Toronto.

When John and I headed up to the Trinity-Bellwoods Park neighbourhood afternoon strollers and their dogs were out in force.

Perfect for street photography.

After dropping into Type Books we stopped by Clafouti Patisserie et Café for curried chicken and walnut sandwiches to take home for lunch.

John was busy shooting details.

Best of the details was this shot of Grace Eun Mi Lee's window installation at Bluebird pottery shop. Her A Stroke of ....,  featured a stream of porcelain creatures of endless variety.