One unusual thing per day for one year

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Thirty Two - Hand Casting

2012-09-19T18:07:00.000-04:00

Dear all,

Today's task was to cast my hand! Well, many casts actually... lots of different 'poses'.

I started out by dunking my hand ( in position) into the 'cooled' pot of molten wax.

As you can see, it was a very enjoyable experience... I dunked my hand in the wax and then immediately into a bowl of cool water.. and then back in the wax. I was layering the wax onto my hand...

SO, I then had 5 layers of wax on my hand... LUCKILY, I had coated my hand with Vaseline prior to the waxing, after wriggling my fingers gently, I managed to prise my hand out of the cast.

Here they are! Standing in the nearby box post-hand.

NEXT: Plaster! I mixed up the plaster and poured it immediately into the moulds.

I left the plaster to set for around 24 hours and then came back to de-mould ( very exciting!). I took a heat gun to the hand... realising quickly 'not' to aim the heat gun at the 'plastic' waste basket nearby *woops*.

I look happy here... but actually my hands ( plural ) are very hot.

I started to peal off the wax from the hands *gently* in to the now misshapen waste basket.

It actually took quite a long time... pick pick pick... careful not to break a finger!

more heat...

very tricky in the corners... as you can see here. It involved heat and a small tool to extract the wax.

And here are the finished product! Not perfect... but you can file the plaster to make them look more hand-like.. Mine are purely for reference so I am not too concerned at this stage... They look quiet cool actually.

My and my forest of hands!!! ( very The Labyrinth!).

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Thirty One - Bala with Joyce

2012-09-16T08:33:00.000-04:00

Dear all,

With the promise of Fall, Darren and I set off towards Bala in Muskoka today, to meet with wonderful Joyce who was holidaying there for the week.

They were staying on Clear Lake, at the Clear Lake Resort, a fabulous spot hid deep in the forest but on the lake! http://clearlakevillageresort.com/

The resort is like a campsite with cottages - rustic and picturesque. The Lake most certainly deserves it's name.... it's crystal clear with a wonderful sand bottom and *Boiling* hot (well... luke warm..)!

Joyce, Darren and I walked down to the lake for a 30 minute sun bath on the famous Muskoka chairs laid out for all to use. If that's not relaxing... then I don't know what is!

Here is a lovely picture of Joyce and her best friend Linda; it was so lovely to see them and such a gorgeous spot!

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Thirty - Photo Litho

2012-09-15T09:08:00.003-04:00

Dear all,

Back to school and back to the print shop!!! On a gorgeous morning, Karen and I met early to rattle off (all print students will know this is impossible in the print making discipline) our first project for the wonderful Stu (http://www.stuoxley.com/).

Et Voila.... The Litho Press... many an hour spent cranking this baby.... and here we are again!

I meticulously set up our materials (ink, roller, water, sponge) to get everything started

Here is the dreaded Ink... it's horrid stuff... sticky and with a tar-like quality (bad on clothes).

I also added Magnesium Carbonate and a very potent (and mysterious) varnish 'number 7' to the ink to prepare it for printing.

Now to my image! I had taken a photo of a drawing I had prepared for Gary's painting class ( a close up of rose quartz crystal). The image was copied onto acetate. I then manipulated the image using water and a litho crayon ( to enhance the darks).

Here is the acetate on the light table - a useful tool. As you can see, the lights are looking a 'little' lighter. FYI - with printing, there is a huge element of guess work regarding the finished product.

Then into the dark room.... no point in taking my camera in there... but here is the mysterious doorway. Inside, we 'shot' the image onto a 'photo-sensitive litho plate', developed the plate... and then we were good to go ( wow - so easy!).

So, onto the print table! We placed a large aluminium plate on the table ( it's heavy) with the aluminium plate (with the developed image) on top. We need to keep the plate constantly damp ( hence, the sponge).

I rolled the ink - this is an art form in itself... it needs to be a very specific density. Also notes the safety equipment; mask, gloves and apron (very important).

And I rolled on the ink! Two lots of two and sponge of water to make sure the plate is damp ( and to stop smudging).

Then the plastic thingy ( timpin) goes down and you crank the press - it's hard due to the pressure so good for arm muscle tone for anyone interested in fitness.

Here I am winding the plate through the press.

We use this yukky grease to make sure it goes through properly

(My least favorite aspect of the press).

I couldn't do any of this without Karen!!! My amazing friend!

And here they are.... after some proofs on newsprint... I was off... printing and printing.... ( on post 'BFK' paper.

Just for reference - here are the litho 'stones' - we used these last year... I was too overwhelmed unfortunately to blog about them. I will get around to it - they are a treat.

All done!!! Hurray! We leave the prints to dry on the rack and then label and sign ready to hand in next Tuesday!

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Twenty Nine - 35th Birthday!

2012-09-10T20:33:00.000-04:00

Dear all,

I am 35!!! Hurray! And despite the torrential downpour I had the most wonderful wonderful day! First up I met Jay and Karla for a fabulous lunch (avec mimosas) at the Tremont. http://www.thetremontcafe.com/

Check our Karla's cheese plate - delectable!

I had a wonderfully fresh and tasty salad with tomatoes and a tart lemon vinaigrette.

After a trip to the cinema with Darren in the afternoon ( to see Paranorman http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1623288/ which is brilliant), Darren took me to Blue Mountain for an amazing meal at Oliver and Bonacini! http://www.oliverbonacini.com/home.aspx

Here are some of our appetisers - all amazing. It's v posh and delish! Here is the Tuna Tataki (raw.. i think.. but certainly amazing)

And the tempura below. We also shared a rack of ribs (yum). I only took a couple of pics but this will give you an idea. All amazing!

Thank you everyone for such an amazing bday! All the messages were so wonderful, thank you! 35 is going to be great!

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Twenty Eight - Back to School

2012-09-09T20:35:00.001-04:00

Dear all,

We are back to school!!! Busy busy, lots of admin and introductory lectures and not many photo opportunities apart from our wonderful new drawing boards!

We have a fabulous new drawing teacher, Sadko and next week we will be doing large scale life drawing in class.. so off to the wood shop Karen and I went to purchase some big chunks of Masonite to sub as drawing boards ( works perfectly with a couple of good strong clips).

It's wonderful to be back! The 2nd year will be fantastic!!!!

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Twenty Seven - Peach Muffins

2012-09-04T09:59:00.001-04:00

Dear all,

Today, we had some peaches on the 'turn' so I decided to make up some peach muffins.
I found this wonderful recipe online and decided to take the plunge. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/peach-muffins/

First, I added flour, cinnamon, baking powder and salt.

In another bowl, I added [lots of] olive oil, sugar and three eggs.

I then blended the two together, folding the flour in gently.

I then added the peaches and some pears that we also had ( why not).

I filled the muffin trays with the lovely thick gunky fruity goo and popped them in the oven at 400.

And here they are! I actually left them in the oven for a little longer than the advised 25 mins as the seemed a little underdone, problem due to my excess of fruit. They are quite good - very cakey, sweet and totally unhealthy but very tasty!

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Twenty Six - GHV Video Collingwood

2012-09-03T12:54:00.001-04:00

Dear all,

There is a new video rental place in town *hurray*: Gone Hollywood Video. It's just down by the old 'Rogers' video rental place on first street (for any Cwood locals) and is quite exciting!
http://www.gonehollywoodvideo.com./

I was trying to find 'It's Kind of a Funny Story' http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0804497/ to review for the Georgian Eye and couldn't find it ANYWHERE! Not on zip.ca, not on netflix, not in Walmart, not on TV, not on Rogers on Demand... gaaaaaa. On the way back from the driving range, D and I tried to find this 'new' pace after I was sure I had seen an advertisement for a 'new video store' in the paper.

And it's a brand new 'type' of video store.. inside was just a couple of computers and a desk... you 'search' for you video/ movie, 'rent it' via a click of a button and then collect from the nice man on the desk! It's awesome! AND, they had ''It's Kind of a Funny Story'... so we rented it and watch it, just like that!

I am extremely happy as am not *quite* ready to give up the classic business model: The video store.. and we now have an alternative in Collingwood!

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Twenty Five - Landscaping

2012-09-01T14:31:00.000-04:00

Dear all,

We've finsihed the landscaping at the front of D's office! After a huge amount of work digging, weeding, cutting, hoeing... we've done it and it looks FANTASTIC!

We put down some weed prevention cloth to stop weeds growing through the mulch.

Here is the rock, now fully showcased amidst the ceders.

And the other side of the front door...

It looks so great - it's totally exceeded our expectations! Hopefully the cloth and mulch will mean we won't need to do much work in years to come - just maybe a quick refresh of the mulch after the winter.

Now I want to landscape the entire property! Love it!

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Twenty Four - Cleaning Paint Brushes

2012-08-30T18:34:00.002-04:00

Dear all,

Yep this is 'unusual'.

School is nearly here and I decided to be *extremely* proactive today and [wait for it].... clean my paint box! People who know me and my paint box ways (Darren and Karen) will be shocked/ bewildered/ overwhelmingly surprised by this act of defiance. I am not known for my 'tidy' method of painting (i have been described a 'loose and free'), nor my abilities in paint brush wrangling..... so, check this out!!!!!

Here are my (lovely yet yukky) paints exposed and being cleaned. I checked, squeezed and rolled all my lovely oils, threw away any duds and wiped my lovely paintbox clean. Darren bought me the paintbox in an attempt to contain my 'expressive use' of paint. He did well... but it meant that this 'expression' was directly entirely into the box ( ie. horrid colour mess). Lovely Karen, also has tried to help me.. she is so tidy.. I literally wish I could have a paint set like hers! I know, however, that she will be proud of my latest endeavours!

Here are my paints! All cleaned and colour coordinated in the lower tranche of the box. Hurray! I must add - it was a decidedly meditative experience... now I pledge to keep my paints clean all year!

Hurray for school! I can't wait!

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Twenty Three - The Hoe

2012-08-29T21:27:00.001-04:00

Dear all,

Today, Darren and I are back at the weeding! Darren picked up a 'hoe' to help us try and banish those weeds! My attempts from earlier in the summer where already thwarted... the weeds have been loving the weather clearly *gaaa*.

Here I am (appropriately dressed of course) using the hoe!

Getting those weeds hacked out! Nothing like spending an evening gardening.

Darren had been doing some research and had found that a combination of dish soap and vinegar kills weeds! We thought we would give it a try.. nothing to lose and chemical free!

Here is Darren blasting those weeds! The only downside - we both smelt like a fish and chip shop afterwards! That vinegar sure was potent!

I'll keep everyone posted as to whether it works!

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Twenty Two - Cabbage Casserole

2012-08-26T14:22:00.003-04:00

Dear all,

Today we tried about a fabulous new recipe sent to us by Darren's amazing mum, Joyce: Cabbage Casserole! Joyce had mentioned that they had tried it and everyone had liked it - the cabbage was apparently 'disguised' very well within the dish - no a problem for some { for example - i love cabbage} but possibly a useful quality for those who find the cruciferous vegetables not to their palate).

I started out with a cabbage and onion, chopped them up, popped them in a dish and seasoned with salt and pepper.

I then melted some butter (around 1/2 stick) and poured it over the cabbage/onion mix.

Next, the magic ingredient: Campbell's cream of mushroom soup! I mixed in 1/4 cup mayo to the soup and then poured it on top of the cabbage.

I then combined 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese with 1 sleeve of crushed crackers. Joyce used Ritz crackers but all we had some some trusty Bretons which seemed to do the trick. Around 33 of the crackers in all.

Then melt on stick of butter and pour that over the top of the cracker mix.

The cheesy cracker mix covers the cabbage as a 'crumble'.

Bake at 350oC until it looks golden brown - around 35/40 mins.

It smells great in the oven and is very tasty - a great addition to my culinary repertoire, thank you Joyce for another wonderful recipe!

And in other news:
1. A quick sketch for the weekend!

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Twenty One - Creemore Coffee Studio

2012-08-25T19:46:00.000-04:00

Dear all,

Today, Heather and I tried out the newest coffee shop in town - The Creemore Coffee Studio!

It's situated in the renovated 'Enterprise Bulletin' Building in Collingwood, another amazing project from the Masterminds behind the Tremont, Rick and Anke. http://www.thetremont.ca/

They have a fantastic array of coffees; I chose a frozen Latte and Heather picked a frozen 'Peruvian' latte. Both were refreshing and extremely tasty.

It's quaint, small but has a cosmopolitan feel (and the coffee tastes great)... there were also some delectable treats on offer but we decided to stick with beverages....

Definitely a great addition to the Collingwood coffee drinking scene!

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Twenty - Vita Mix

2012-08-24T19:12:00.001-04:00

Dear all,

With huge excitement today, Jenny and I went around to Karla's to try out her new pride and joy: The Vita Mix!https://www.vitamix.com/Home

We had a ton of fruit and veg so got to work ( Jessie was helping, of course).

We started off 'making' from scratch, the almond milk. After peeling the almonds that had been soaked overnight.. we popped them in the Vitamix with some water and blend blend blend!

If you can believe it - here is the finished milk! Karla strained the pulp and this is what's left - pure, delicious almond milk.

SO - the first smoothie! Karla put an orange, an avocado, some lime and a banana in the Vita Mix. Then some kale and apple. And some peach.

The Vita Mix is the Porsche of the blending world - it manages to blend to an extreme level, even pulps seeds! Now that's healthy.

Here is smoothy #1. Amazing! It looks green but tasted smooth, of peaches with a hint of banana... just delicious. My body was saying yay yay health!!!

Yep - I drank it quickly!

Next up ( after a quick clean - you add a drop of dish soap inside the vita mix and turn on - brilliant!)... a berry bonanza!

Here we have apples, peaches, berries... milk.. ahhh!

And here is the finished juice - amazing!!!!! Fresh, tangy, cold and delicious!

Such an amazing evening - I love the Vita Mix! Thank you Karla xxx

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Nineteen - Railway track Run From Stayner To Collingwood

2012-08-23T20:31:00.003-04:00

Dear all,

This is a *slightly* delayed blog post... I found these photos tucked away on my blackberry, hurray! Karla and I ran from Stayner to Cwood (around 15/17km) along the railway track as part of our half marathon training ( but more importantly - social time)

Karla's wonderful partner, Jay dropped us at the end of the disused railway line in Stayner...with our mission: to run back to Collingwood!

It was a fantastic day and the view was just incredible - the trail was impeccably maintained and so quiet, we saw virtually no one for the entire run.

I would highly recommend this route to any avid local runner looking to find a picturesque route as part of their distance training.

It was such a glorious day, we put the world to rights and ended up at Espresso Post for a lovely latte... sigh. http://espressopost.com/ Life is great! Karla is the most amazing running partner I could ever wish for!

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Eighteen - Ground Hog

2012-08-23T07:40:00.001-04:00

Dear all,

Today, while Rebecca and I were out walking along towards the Collingwood terminals we spotted a ground hog (also known as wood chuck, land beaver or whistle pig (??) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundhog) ... not so strange in these parts... but this ground hog had absolutely no fear!

It wasn't this one (above), I just thought he was cute. Below you may see the lake... and the skyline...and some rock... but look a little *closer*

Yep - here he is! He was brazen as could be... we were about 1 metre away when he decided to 'saunter' back into his nest. amazing!

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Seventeen - Georgian Registration

2012-08-21T21:20:00.001-04:00

Dear all,

There is a cool breeze in Collingwood.. I spotted a fallen bright red maple leaf on my run yesterday... The Fall is coming! *(FYI - for the most part, I do still call the season between September and late November, Autumn). Anyway, back to school in September and today we registered for classes!!!! All online using the Georgian website, it took all of 2 minutes! I was on a compulsory conference call with Karen throughout to ensure we had registered for the same classes... Actually, in the 2nd year, we don't get to choose... so an easy sign up - it took a couple of clicks of the mouse!

We have 5 mandatory courses this semester and a busy schedule...including WELDING! haha.

Back to school! HURRAY!

And in other news:
1. I am almost positive I could write a daily blog just about little boy, Dan. Check out that smile!

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Sixteen - Painting the Tremont

2012-08-20T21:29:00.000-04:00

Dear all,

I spent a wonderful part of today painting with Michelle and Darla at the The Tremont - fine artists are work on mass!!!

Darla is a fantastic painter and so skilled - she taught me how to roll properly, how to 'cut in', how to hold my brush - it was fantastic!

We made small work of painting the huge space, listening to wonderful jazz and chatting away. I was running backwards and forwards from work but still managed to squeeze in quite a few hours of painting which made me very happy.

Here we are in action! Wonderful.

Such a great day - more photos to come, I'm sure. The studio is looking brilliant white, clean and fresh!

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Fifteen - Lemon and Lime Drizzle Cake

2012-08-19T12:31:00.001-04:00

Dear all,

More cakes, more cakes! This time, I decided to try out a wonderful looking recipe had sent me this morning - Lemon (and lime) drizzle cake.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/aug/17/best-lemon-lime-drizzle-cake-recipe

I started out softening some butter in a large bowl ( would probably be easier with a mixer but we don't have one due to space restrictions - mixing by hand is very good for the arms however).

I then added the zest of one lemon and one lime. Check out that luminosity!

In went sugar, three eggs and some flour.

I then realised I wasn't 100% prepared for my culinary exploits and was missing two ingredients: poppy seeds and natural yogurt...darn. I decided to go with what we had: some super posh Liberte 'lemon' yogurt (fruit on the bottom). Well... it was the right flavour at least.

I then put the mixture in the loaf tine and into the oven.

Just before the loaf was cooked, I mixed the juice of the lemon and lime with a couple of tbs of sugar and quickly boiled them so the sugar melted.

Once out of the oven, I poured the syrupy goo onto the cake after poking it with a tooth pick a few times ( much like pouring brandy over the xmas cake - same principle).

And here it is! It was quite good - very tart and moist. Great recipe!

And in other news:

1. The gorgeous boy already getting accustomed to the Internet.

He loves skype!

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Fourteen - Chicken Pot Pie

2012-08-19T08:47:00.001-04:00

Dear all,

On a mission to expand my repertoire - today I cooked up a chicken pot pie ( tres advanced)! http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/845652/deepdish-chicken-and-leek-pie

To start, I cooked up chucks of chicken in a pan with olive oil and some butter (Yes... butter 'does' make everything taste good).

I then cooked up three leeks, chopped up, in a pan (also with some butter).

Then came the more difficult section: The pastry *gulp*. I realised I was at a disadvantage as the pastry was 'frozen'. I popped half in the microwave, pressed defrost and hoped for the best..

Back at camp leek, I added 3 tbs of flour and stirred continuously ( it looks gross at this point).

I then started to add the milk which seemed to redeem things.

Then goes in the mustard.

And the cream (see butter)... well it is the weekend and I did run 14 miles this morning.

The pastry was thawed ( kind of) so I floured the board and started to roll it out.

I tried not to make it 'flaky' - not an easy task I might add.

I then filled the dish with the chicken-leek combo... and placed the pastry on top. I crimped the edges as best I could with the pan I had selected ( the wrong pan for the job probably but it was still okay) and basted the pastry with one egg.

Et voila! It worked! And it was quite good! Comments from Darren ( who was very positive) were possibly add some carrots and chop up the chicken into finer pieces ( he is brilliant at giving good advice). Hurray! Chicken Pot pie added to my kitchen repertoire!

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Thirteen - Solar Panel Portable Power Station with Inverter and Air Compressor

2012-08-18T18:03:00.001-04:00

Dear all,

This post is dedicated to Darren's wonderful dad, Bob - we thought he might be interested in our latest toy....

Check out our new Solar Panel Portable Power Station with Inverter and Air Compressor!

FYI - I just copied that straight off the front of the owners manual after asking D what it was 'actually' called (I had originally titled this post 'cool box')

Anyway, here it is - this thing does everything! We knew we needed something after the batteries of the boat ran down earlier in the year - now, we can charge them... on site!

And here is the jump lead clamp thingy!

Well what do we have here.... a bounty of portals; a USB.. a small round thingy... and lots of other cool things that made Darren very excited.

And here is the air compressor (tucked in behind a very well disguised hatch), a torch *flashlight*, and other things, that Darren knew about... and I was excited about.. (but not because I knew what they were).

All in all - it's brilliant! And we can charge it from the sun (and the car)! a mini power box for the cottage - hurray!

And in other news:

1. Remember my humble attempts to grow '3' avocado trees..... well my ( and Darren's) efforts have paid off - we now have two avocado saplings in our home (we lost one sadly...). Apparently they grow up to 5 metres... http://oneunusualthingperdayforoneyear.blogspot.ca/2012/05/year-two-day-one-hundred-and-forty-nine.html

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Twelve - Puppy Sitting

2012-08-17T18:16:00.001-04:00

Dear all,

GUESS WHAT I DID TODAY??? I had the extremely important responsibility of Jessie's lunch time visit as both Karla and Jay were in the city. I was SO excited!!!! lovely lovely Jessie. She is such a poppet - so well behaved and so sweet. Here she is waiting for her food - so cute!

And here she is looking trying to persuade me that 'ultimate-frisbee' is always part of lunchtime.

And here she is on the lawn... she is so good.

More frisbee love... ( her frisbee is located 'high' on the fence).

Pleeeeeeese can we play..

Look... I want to play with the Frisbee now

Yep.. with you

And pee time. (After walkie of course).

I LOVED it - such a great way to spend a lunchtime - j'adore Jessie!

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Eleven - Lush Sofa

2012-08-16T19:50:00.002-04:00

Dear all,

Things are going swimmingly at the wonderful Tremont. I am trying to get in every day.. albeit for an hour.. but at least that's something. And today, the lovely Michelle offered me this fabulous sofa!!!

The paintings are stacking up too... come along and have a look if you are in the local area - the Tremont is such a fantastic place! (and there is the wonderful cafe downstairs http://www.thetremontcafe.com/)

And in other news:
1. look at DAN!! amazing! (and he loves Elmo)

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Ten - Electric Car

2012-08-16T18:40:00.001-04:00

Dear all,

Today, Karla and I had the most wonderful treat, on the way to running club http://www.georgiantrianglerunningclub.org/ we stopped in at at Karla's work and happened upon a quite wonderful opportunity....

Karla's boss just happened to be showcasing a brand new electric car.... and we got to drive in it! The photo above is a random (but very cute) 'electric car' found via google... I was desperate to take a photo but didn't want to be too excitable in front of Karla's boss).

This car was fantastic - it's like turning on your computer... you just press a button and go. And the thing is SILENT. There is NO ENGINE! I tell you, it was quite an experience. Karla drove us around the block and that was me hooked (although I might need to wait a year or 10 until they come down in price). We got to see the Ginormous power cable (that you connect to your house in order to power up your auto) and marvelled at the lovely dashboard ( it's lovely).

All in all, splendid! And wonderful for our lovely planet, hurray!

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Nine - Vince and Kerry's new Deck

2012-08-12T16:44:00.002-04:00

Dear all,

What that strange wet stuff....... ahhhhhh I know.. It's raining!!

This weekend, we travelled up to Owen Sound for a wonderful summer BBQ! Vince and Kerry had been at work all week on a new deck extension to be debuted at the event.

It was certainly a huge hit - the kids loved it, the adults loved it - it's the new party zone! And check out the tarp - brilliant rain coverage.

The boys were looking after the BBQ! It was a fantastic spread - SO much amazing food, Vince and Kerry excelled themselves.

Darren and Vince tucking into the wine.

Uh oh, it's a late night photo montage!

And here are Vince and Kerry! Love it!

Such a great evening!!!! Thanks again Vince and Kerry!

Year Two Day Two Hundred and Eight - Ele and Meleese

2012-08-10T18:34:00.002-04:00

Dear all,

What a treat today- lovely lovely Eleanor, her gorgeous daughter Meleese and lovely friend Aisha were in town! We managed to meet up at the Huron Club http://www.thehuronclub.ca/

We had a wonderful catch up over a fabulous dip selection (bring on the baba ghanoush!).

Meleese truly won the hearts of everyone on the patio - she is adorable! It was wonderful to see everyone and we will certainly be planning another get together soon - this time with the Toronto JET crew too, hurray! (we all taught English out in Japan together - amazing amazing times).