Category Archives: Interesting Places

A Day Filled with Art

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…May 5, 2026

Today Kevin and I decided to revisit an art gallery not to far from our flat, The Estorick Collection. Kevin went on line and checked the hours. We walked to the bus stop to catch bus 73. We got off at Essex Station and after a short walk we arrived at the gallery.

When we got to the gates a very official and beautifully dressed woman informed us the that the gallery was closed to the public because it was hosting a private function. We were very disappointed and I informed her that we had come a long way to see the Alessandro Mendini exhibition. When she asked us where we had come from I promptly told her “Canada”. She asked us a few more questions about where in Canada and we told her that we live in Toronto. Turns out that she’s been there and so had her sons.

I guess she took pity on us and she invited us to join the crowd and help ourselves to food and drink so we looked like we belonged there. It turned out that she was the organizer of the event. For the next 15 minutes we kept hearing her mention the couple from Canada and she even brought over her sons to introduce us to them.

We joined a group for a tour of the gallery. We learned about the history of the place and how the original owners were looking for Italian art from the early 20th century in the futuristic genre.

After this part of the tour, Kevin and I made our way to the Alessandro Mendini exhibition. He is one of Kevin’s favourite designers from Italy. It is a very playful and colourful exhibit. He is very well known for this chair.

Here are several more pieces fr the exhibit.

When we got back to Highbury Islington we did the school pick up for Sevin and took her home. At the flat Sevin and I made more art.

Exploring the Art Scene on Dundas Street West

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…yesterday, February 21, 2026

Yesterday was the perfect day to do some gallery hopping. It was the last day for the Open Type Typography Exhibition on Dundas St. W. It was already extended for an extra week.

When I first met my husband Kevin he was studying to become a graphic designer and for close to a decade he worked in the industry designing catalogues, menus, signage and advertising.

We had a wonderful conversation with the gallery owners. They were very interested in our upcoming show later this year and they gave us some information on their life drawing classes.

Directly across from this gallery was the Stephen Bulger Photography Gallery.

It was a great day. We were both inspired to get busy with our own art projects.

The Most Beautiful Doors in Niagara-on-the-Lake

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…thanks to Dan for hosting Thursday Doors https://nofacilities.com/2026/01/22/the-greek-room/

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a quaint village full of old world architecture. The Main Street is full of charming gift shops, retro and designer clothing stores, hat shops, confectionary stores, cozy coffee shops, old theatres, Christmas shops, a variety of restaurants and pubs and high end renovated inns and spas.

In January many stores are closed for the season or have limited hours. Luckily we found enough places to explore and enjoy but some of our favourite walks took place through the neighbourhood close to our hotel. This is where we found some amazing doors.

Fall Festival at the Inn

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…last week at Montgomery’s Inn

After we finished baking bread for the Farmers’ Market last Wednesday the outdoor wood burning oven was prepared for roasting corn for the Fall Festival. Luckily we had a number of new volunteers and staff who took over the tasks of roasting and selling the corn.

The market was bustling with activity and in the park a band was playing and pop up vendors were selling their wares. I enjoyed talking with these new vendors and I even bought a few things.

Water, Water Everywhere – Looking Back

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…thanks to Jez for hosting Water, Water Everywhere https://jezbraithwaite.blog/2025/09/15/clyde-reflections-water-water-everywhere-279-2/

I decided to look back in my archives to see if I could share some oldies but goodies. From Niagara Falls to Ireland to Venice and everywhere in between from 2012 to 2016.

Thursday Doors – The Bermondsey Beer Mile

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…thanks to Dan from No Facilities for hosting Thursday Doors https://nofacilities.com/2025/06/26/cmu-carnegie-mellon-doors/

For those of you who don’t know: the Bermondsey Beer Mile is a loose amalgamation of brewery bars and bottle shops, located along a stretch of railway arch that’s closer to two miles long nowadays. It is located close to London Bridge.

The most interesting parts for us were the painted doorways of the different bars.

Our Last Day in London

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…watching Sevin at her school’s Sports Day and a feast with family at a Turkish restaurant

After packing my bags this morning I headed over to Finsbury Park to watch my granddaughter, Sevin, participate in the school’s Sports Day.

All the classes were divided into colours. Sevin was on the red team. As a former teacher I have to say that the activities were very well organized and the parents were well behaved. Everyone supported each other and cheered on all the participants including the children that were consistently last. It warmed my heart to see and hear the praise for all the children.

The games were also fun and the emphasis was on having a good time.

After standing in the sun for two hours I headed back towards our flat and met Kevin in the local pub where we enjoyed a light lunch.

In the afternoon we finished packing, picked up a few essentials for the flight, booked an Uber for 4:30 in the morning and tidied up the flat.

Being our last night in London Brendan wanted us to experience a Turkish meal. We got on the bus on Green Lane and headed north.

The food was delicious and we ordered the perfect amount. Farewell London. See you again in October.