Toronto Getaway

Sean and I had a mini-vacation in Toronto last weekend and had a fantastic time. It's been several years since we've gone there and it was just as friendly and familiar as it always is (as long as you overlook the exchange rate).

Probably the highlight of the weekend was our trip to the Toronto Islands just off the "south coast" of Toronto (as if you couldn't guess that part). We started with a visit to the St. Lawrence Market to gather some tasty treats for a picnic lunch. A little cheese, pate, dips and baguette later and we were off to catch the ferry.

Sean did all the planning and prep (of course) and found several caches on the islands for us to hunt down. After renting a couple bikes we set off in search of our caches. We managed to find three of them with the one on Snake Island being one of the best. Here are some pictures:


We also had a chance to tour the Steam Whistle Brewery and sample their fine pilsner. We have a soft spot for Steam Whistle because years ago when we first discovered them they were about to close but still offered us each a generous tasting and apologized up and down for not being able to accommodate us. So this time were able to get the full tour and more than a couple tasting glasses. Just the right thing on a hot day.

Copper Update

Life with a puppy is seldom dull. Copper is keeping us on our toes as he tries to establish his role in the house...and we try to help him learn that he's got to accept being the Omega in our pack.

A recent discussion in a board I frequent online is prompting this post this morning so pardon me as I ramble a bit....

I'm having a tough time with Copper. I'm very in 'like' with him but am finding it nearly impossible not to compare him with Hunter. I think maybe I acted too soon in getting another dog when I'm clearly not done mourning Hunter. I thought that getting another sweet faced hound would help me heal but I don't know that it is. To add to this, Copper isn't bonding to me. He challenges me daily and, aside from not listening to me, tries to jockey me for pack position all the time. This is especially hard because Hunter was my dog - he listened to me best, he went with me wherever I went, he would cuddle with me constantly, he was my baby. Now there's Copper and he acts as though he couldn't care less about me.

We'll be starting obedience classes soon and I'm hoping that as we work together more he'll become more bonded to me and a better member of the household. I really do hope so.

I wish I'd waited. I wish I didn't miss Hunter so much it hurts. I wish....