Maple leaves are often marred by a variety of diseases. Some are fungal, some indicate the presence of mites and other problems can be weather related. Why is this bright yellow maple leaf marred by small spots? If it reappears next year, it might be worth seeking an answer. This year, the leaves are falling and winter is but days away. The problem, for now, is on hold.
Recently, I posted the photo on the left. Then I came across an original photo of the Ontario Furniture Co. store.
The Ontario Furniture Co. store on Dundas St. in the city core was known for being a beautiful building when new well over a century ago.
For decades the original store front was hidden behind a modern skin. Then, a few years ago, the modern facade was removed. Many Londoners were surprised to see what the skin had been hiding. The building was handsome once more.
The days are cool, the nights are nudging cold but it all adds up to good jogging weather. The incredible hot, humid summer days are now but memories. Soon the parks walkways will be snow covered and slick with icy patches. Joggers are out enjoying the moment.
When my wife, Judy, ran low on flour right at the beginning of the first COVID-19 lock-down, a neighbour said he was going to the grocery store and he'd pick-up some flour for her. He did but he would not take any money. So, Judy gave the fellow and his wife a chocolate cognac truffle tart to say thank-you.
That was months ago. During the intervening time the fellow set out to find a suitable dessert to give to Judy in return. The other day he and his wife stopped by with his response to Judy's gift: a German chocolate bombe.
Wow! He said this was the first dessert that he has ever made. Wow! Both Judy and I are speechless. And damn it, this thing tastes as good as it looks. The fellow is amazing. I hate him. I'm looking for a gypsy to put a curse on him.
I try to cook. I often make dinner and I've tried my hand at a dessert of two. But I don't come close to delighting Judy to
the extent that he did. Grrrrr. Isn't jealousy and ugly emotion? Now, I've got
to go. I have to go looking for a proper gypsy. (Stephen King would
understand.)
Hospitals like the Vic in London have very pleasant spots out in the open air for sitting with friends and other patients who have some mobility. The benches and swings hold three people and the tables have seating for four. Since the appearance of COVID-19 notices have been posted; only one person is allowed per bench, swing or even table.
Surely with so many folk getting vaccinated, soon the limitations will be lifted. A swing or bench for three is simply not the same with only one user.
The pandemic seems to be the gift that just keeps on giving. Soon it will be legal to sing and dance in Montreal pubs but in London patients must still line-up to enter Victoria Hospital. And those bringing family members to the hospital must drop the patient off and then leave. Only patients, and those with special dispensations, are allowed entry.
Running the gauntlet to enter the hospital can be time consuming. First, patients must answer a number of questions designed to winnow out anyone who might carry the virus. Then the mask they wore to the hospital is tossed and they are given a new, hospital-issue mask.
The question on everyone's lips is "When will it end?"
This was an incredible wooden staircase, complete with landings and built in-place wooden bench seats. I am not sure when it was built nor when it was opened to the public. And I am not exactly sure when it was closed but it is closed and remains closed to this day. All indications are that someday, when the city budgets for the cost, the walkway to nowhere will be dismantled and removed.
The only thing left will be the question: Why?
