Countdown...

I am going to Canada again. I have been to Canada (specifically Toronto) every year since 2001. There is something about that city. Perhaps because I live near what is essential an extremely large town, and not a real city, I crave height and heft. I'd visit Baltimore much, but you tend to take things in your backyard for granted (and no, not for granite, please lol).

This year is different for two reasons. First I am only staying three full days, and one of those days is devoted to my family, which leads me to.... Second this year marks the fortieth anniversary of my aunt "P" and uncle "C". The actual anniversary is Sunday, June 25, but they are celebrating with an event on Saturday. It is being held north of Toronto in the same rec centre where my uncle had his 60th birthday in 2002.

My aunt "P" is a great cook; she specialises in baking cakes for events (wedding cakes, birthday cakes, etc.) She worked for 30 years, and was able to take early retirement a few years ago. She now does the cakemaking as a sideline business. For my uncle's 60th, she and others cooked all the food for about 70 or so people and she made the cake.

But this time, she is kicking back and having the event catered fully. I suspect she could not resist making her own cake; we shall see. ;=)

But what's the downside this year is that since I'll be surrounded by my family for basically the whole time, I will have much less time for myself. I won't be shopping or sightseeing this time, and meeting with friends I have made there will be difficult (but not impossible; I plan fully to see them again).

I leave Friday, so I won't be back until maybe next Wednesday to update. I hope to add at least something here tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday.