10th Annual Gone Fishin' Event in Toronto!

 Look at all the Trout for the 10th Anual "Gone Fishing" Event!

Scadding Court Community Centre, Toronto

I grew up as a young girl in the country so every first day of trout season I was always eager to get my line in the water. It never occurred to me if you grow up in a city as a child, you may not have many opportunities to get out on the water and fish. Well, ScaddingCourt Community Centre to the rescue! Recently, I was able to volunteer a school trip to literally “Go Fish” right here in Toronto! The Community Centre held its 10^th Annual “Gone Fishing” event where they fill the entire community pool with fresh water and trout! I couldn’t believe it- but everyone I spoke with had rave reviews!

For one week only “Gone Fishing” lets people of all ages come out and learn about the ecology, fishing tips and how to clean your fish if you catch one. Once you get a pole (provided by the Community Centre) they let you drop in a line and wait.

If you catch a trout they even gut and clean it for you to take home for dinner. (Yes, everyone that I went with was eager to bring their catch home to his or her parents). I never thought that I would fish again in a city- yet alone in a community pool but I honestly had so much fun! If you are in the city, it is a family fun event you don't want to miss!

  

Everyone was eager to see if they will catch a fish today!

Rafael Nadal Wins 7th French Open Title

Rafael Nadal wins 7th French Open title

History has been made at Roland Garros today! After rain swept over the courts yesterday, the French Open Championship was played today and it's the first Monday final since 1973!

Nadal captured the French Open title defeating Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in the mens final. I was hoping that Djokovic could have pulled off his 4th grand slam title this year but history was still made.

Today marks Nadal's 11th Grand Slam title and marks his 7th French Open title. Wow. Not only is that so impressive but he breaks his tie with Bjorn Borg for most Championships won at the clay-court major! It's a great day for tennis!

Image Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1214294-french-open-2012-results-nadal-will-win-another-grand-slam-at-roland-garros

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee

 Queen Elizabeth II

The pomp and circumstance surrounding The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is all over the news here in Canada and I love it! Queen Elizabeth II, 86, is the second longest serving monarch in British History. Her coronation in 1953 meant that at the young age of 21 The Queen “Mum” pledged her life to the service to the British people. (Prince Philip, 90, has been by her side since their marriage in 1947). Just think we may never see this in our lifetime again- only twice has there been a Diamond Jubilee with 60 years of service!

The celebrations started Saturday, June 2^nd with the Queen attending the Epsom Derby. On Sunday, June 3^rd the flotilla of boats sailed along the River Thames (over 1,000 boats) with The Queen and her family traveling on the royal barge. On Monday June 4^th over one million people came toward Buckingham palace to watch the three-hour concert, which includes performances by Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, Annie Lennox and Kylie Minogue!

Today is the final fourth day of the Diamond Jubilee and the news channels are just reporting about the festivities as the Queen and the royal family departed from lunch at Westminster Hall as they rode in the 1902 Landau open top carriage back to Buckingham Palace. They stated on the news that the route was lined with more than 1,000 servicemen from the three armed forces. The military band played and there was a 60-gun salute as the carriages went down The Mall.  As the royal family appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace they had a RAF flypast to the cheers of the crowd! I love all the coverage!

My 1 Year Anniversary in Canada!

 Happy 1 Year Anniversary in Canada to me!

One year ago today I moved to Toronto! Yeah!! I have learned so much about the city, found my favorite places to visit, went to some fantastic events and have met so many wonderful people. This year has gone by so fast- but one of the best moments this year was when I officially “landed” as a Permanent Resident of Canada. What a year! :)



Image Source: http://www.fuelyourmotionography.com/fym-one-year-birthday-giveaway/

Happy Memorial Day USA!

Today is Memorial Day in the United States! This federal holiday is observed annually in the US as it falls on the last Monday in May. “Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War”. (1) I wish I was able to spend some time with family and friends this weekend for the many BBQs, parades, concerts, fireworks and events!

My deepest gratitude to all that have served, are serving, and especially the men & women who gave their lives on our behalf.

Source:

1)    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day

2)    http://cbsmiami.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/memorialday_observe.jpg

Victoria Day with Prince Charles & Camilla

Today is Victoria Day, which celebrates Queen Victoria's birthday (May 24th). Looking up the history it states, “Canada is still a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, of which the Queen is head. Victoria Day is always on a Monday, and thus the holiday is part of a long weekend”.

According to CityNews, “This year’s Victoria Day festivities will have an extra royal flare in Toronto with Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cambridge, scheduled to take in the fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park (in Toronto) tonight”. I look forward to taking in the fireworks and celebrating my first Victoria Day in Canada!

 Prince Charles and his wife Camilla are greeted as they arrive in Canada. The royal couple are visiting to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Content/Image Source:

http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/news/local/article/206292--victoria-day-2012-fireworks-events-across-toronto

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Day

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/1181780--prince-charles-and-camilla-greeted-by-crowd-at-cfb-gagetown

2012 Stars on Ice at the Air Canada Centre

I wanted to post about the amazing 2012 Stars on Ice show I saw at the Air Canada Centre! I have been a fan and skater myself so I just couldn’t resist a chance to see Kurt Browning, Virtue & Moir, Joanne Rochette, Jeffrey Buttle, Jeremy Abbott, Cynthia Phaneuf, Ashley Wagner, Weaver & Poje, Shawn Sawyer and Davis & White perform!

The show showcased each athlete beautifully and Kurt Browning directed most of the innovative choreography! One of my favorite cast routines was when the ensemble skated to “Dog Days are Over” by Florence & the Machine. It was also a treat to see Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir skate to “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley in a beautiful and strong routine that literally had me mesmerized. To my surprise Davis & White came out and performed their 2012 World Championship routine “Die Fledermaus” by Johann Strauss and it was fantastic!! 

Such a great night for all skating fans out there- I hope to see another show in the future! 

 Stars on Ice @ Air Canada Centre in Toronto!