I wrote down all my thoughts about my visit to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, and it was a big fat mess of contradictions, so I will continue to think on it before posting the second instalment.
In other news, our favourite local quilt shop has offered to host our wedding in their shop. We were thinking of getting married in Dundonald Park, across from the beer store on Somerset Street. My Dad asked me what Plan B was, in case of rain, and I said “Umbrellas.” But a quilting shop might be fun too, and dryer if it rains. What do you think? Quilting shop or urban park?
I have GC’s permission to blog about his penis again. He is going to the hospital this morning for a cystoscopy. That’s where they feed a camera through your penis and take pictures of your bladder. GC’s kind of nervous about it. He knows it’s not a 35mm camera or anything like that, but he doesn’t think it can possibly be small enough not to hurt. (And, because I’m an empathetic sort of person, I’ve refrained from saying things like “At least it doesn’t weigh 8 pounds 2 ounces and take 26 hours.”)
I’ve been inspired to pick up my knitting needles for the first time in a couple of years. If you’re wondering why, check Rachael’s blog.
We went out to Almonte last weekend for the grand opening of General Fine Craft, Art & Design. This is a collaborative shop, run by Chandler Swain and Richard Skrobecki and featuring the art of 65 local artists and craftspeople, including some who were already my favourites: Meaghan Haughian, Stefan Thompson, Maureen Marcotte, Chandler Swain and Maggie Glossop.
This place is fantastic! There’s a real variety of things – jewelry, pottery, paintings, woodwork, glasswork, textiles and more. Everything’s unique and of excellent quality. The store has a light, airy, inspired feel to it, and the people who work there are warm and friendly. It’s on Mill Street, and there are other good shops on the street too, including an antique store and a quilting shop. We were their very first customers – we bought a bowl. We were also the first customers to go there twice, since we returned half an hour later and bought a second bowl. If you’re looking for something to do on a Saturday afternoon, I highly recommend a drive out to Almonte.
Zoom, please tell GC that while cystos are undignified, a bit embarrassing, and unpleasant, on the grand scheme of pain, they’re not that bad (IF you have a good urologist). My first uro was a jerk, and his cysto technique was not pleasant at all. My current guy is AMAZING (note I didn’t say amazeballs). Love him love him love him.
Best of luck to him on the exam. I hope they don’t find any cherry cough drops in there.
Thanks Bob – he said it was okay, which is great since he has to have another one in a few months. The cherry cough drops comment made me laugh.
I took a spinning class from Maggie Glossop, ‘lo these many years ago’. Unfortunately it didn’t take with me.
Good luck to GC.
I’ve tried spinning and it’s not my thing either. But I wouldn’t mind taking a class from Maggie on felting or fibre arts.
I went to a urologist this morning and now have a cystoscopy scheduled for May 15. This will be my first. The receptionist told me that it is no worse than a pap test. I’m hoping she’s right.
Good luck to GC
Hi Mary, I didn’t even know that women *could* go to urologists. But I googled it and it seems more and more women are. How did your cystoscopy go? GC’s wasn’t bad at all.
I’ve had a cystoscopy done (actually several) and they are uncomfortable but not painful and way less scary than when they go down your throat, and they do not compare to birthing at all
Good luck GC!!!! I absolutely love the idea of a wedding in a quilt shop!
Yay, one vote for the quilt shop! (I was beginning to think the idea was so far out there that nobody wanted to say anything…)
Lots of people get married in a park but how many get married in a quilt shop! My vote is quilt shop.
Thanks Bonnie! Two votes for the quilt shop!
Zoom, I vote for the Quilt Shop. Sounds like a fantastic place to get married.
Now I’m missing Bob and Maggie . . .
I really like your weblog.. really fantastic shades & concept. Did you create this fantastic site yourself? Plz reply agai