So far so good – we are not freezing yet during our Canadian vacation, which is surprising after being spoiled by tropical weather the last 8 years. Yesterday morning we took the dogs for a nice nature walk at the conservation park across from our friend’s house. It was nice to see that a good chunk of land was untouched by the concrete jungle.

We ended up going on a short shopping trip before dinner. Monique wanted to bring me to the mall where my mom used to have a cosmetics shop, and to a new Asian grocery store called Oceans so I could restock on more iced coffee. We got mall head fast and were overwhelmed by choices, so other than a sim chip for Paul’s phone and a phone case for mine we did not bother with anything else. At Oceans I was in Heaven, and told everyone they could lock me up there for 24 hours and I would eat my way around the store.

Our friend Monique gifted me with a nice pair of fluffy socks.

She also stocked my favorite drink – canned Mr.Brown iced coffee.

They laughed at me taking a picture of dandelions.

Large pine tree on our nature walk.

Playing in puddles.

Bridge on nature path.

Crossing the river.

Of course, what’s a vacation without totally pigging out on all the things you cannot get where you live? We decided to call a group dinner, and our friends Monique and Joanne were great about working together/organizing everything for an all you can eat buffet at the Mandarin. I knew Monique would choose the one in Brampton because it has giant fish tanks which are always fun to watch.

We ended up with about 15 people and had a great time catching up and stuffing ourselves silly. I put my bet on Greg, Monique’s boyfriend, and he won the eating contest going through 10 plates. I came in a not so close second at 5 plates of food.

When it came time for dessert Paul asked why I was loading up on fruit. Of course, my immediate reply was “have you seen the price of strawberries in Belize?”

Plate number 1

Kieran beside the giant fish tank.

Sushi time – plate number 2.

Plate number 3 – more sushi.

Plate number 4 – onto the good stuff.

Glen and birthday girl Joanne.

Plant number 5 – yummy sweet treats.

Friends and family enjoying a group dinner.

Today we are heading to our 3rd destination in 3 days – my mom and step dad Norm’s house. We will overnight and from there we will head out to Paul’s parent’s farm for a few days. We will not likely have internet there so I will be officially on blog break.