Visions of patio bars dance in my head

“Did you know that the oil industry is reliant on billions of dollars of our tax-payer money?”
“Mmmm Hmmm …”
“Do you think the Harper government will force an election?”
“Hopefully …”
“Do you know that Ottawa glows in the dark because of [insert word I cannot pronounce] poisoning?”

...

This was what my five-minute cab ride from the Go Station to work consisted of this morning. It was beyond annoying. I’m moderately intelligent and well-read, but when I’m half-asleep, I hardly want my cab driver to force his political views (whether right or wrong) on me, let alone banter back and forth with him about it.

Last night was the rabble.ca anniversary party. Rabblers are such a great group of people, doing such important work, and it’s always a pleasure to be in their company. I was able to sit and talk to some very interesting people, plus drink lots of wine and eat delicious vegan and vegetarian food. For once it was nice not to be the one freak in the room who doesn’t like to sink his or her teeth into cow. There are some very exciting things in the works for rabble, including rabbletv. I’m helping out with a poetry reading in Hamilton on Thursday, which will be broadcast on rabbletv.

Hamilton’s arts community is too often unappreciated (due to the completely false stereotypes floating around about the city.) I spent a lot of time in Toronto this weekend, wining and dining, and catching up with friends. It’s patio season! I’m heading to Ottawa on Friday, and hoping beyond hope for patio weather, since for four and a half years my life pretty much revolved around sitting on the Highlander patio.

And on that note, I should mention that about two years ago, the Highlander changed their bruschetta, to a still-delicious, but not quite as memorable version. To my freaking delight, I went to the restaurant across from my new place, and besides making perfect caesars, it also serves bruschetta which is exactly the same as the older, more-memorable Highlander version! Such things bring a smile to my face!