EATING FRENCH FRIES AT AN ED SHEERAN CONCERT AUGUST 22 2026

 So Ed Sheeran did three shows in Toronto at the Rogers Center. His LOOP tour. It was a gift from my daughter for my birthday that I have waited to happen since January.

The energy was so electric.

So French Fries, a ginger ale, water for Tasha and a bag of licorice sustained me during the show.

My favourite songs Perfect and I found my old phone today were ones I actually sang along with the crowd.The song that he asked us to jump at certain sections, had most in the crowd jumping but not me.

The Fries were actually quite good.

#edsheeran#rogerscenter#torontoontariocanada#toronto#torontoontaio#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#frenchfries#licorice#gingerale#bottledwater

MUSKOKA CHAIRS ARE SUCH A CANADIAN TRADITION

 I love finding muskoka chairs everywhere.

So finding chairs near food locations. The red ones are from the Dairy Queen in Richmond Hill on Bathurs.

The pink one was from Unionville when I went to lunch with a friend. I need to find the ones from other locations.

The Collingwood Farmers Market 2014.

CNE 2014.

So will continue to search for more chairs. 

#muskokachairs#cne#collingwood#farmersmarket#findingmuskokachairseverywhere#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

AUGUST A TIME TO ENJOY THE SUMMER HARVEST-STARTS WITH CORN ON THE COB

 So I bought a half dozen corn unhusked.

Boiled them today and had a large corn on the cob to break my fast.

Nothing like fresh Ontario corn freshly picked.

Now for more tomatoes, peaches and other fruit.

Always something to buy from the markets.

Oh Ontario in the summer.

#ontariofruitandveggies#peaches#tomatoes#summermarkets#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CANADA DAY-PINEAPPLE SMOOTHIE

 Canada Day July 1, 2026 spent at Richmond Green in Richmond Hill.

Lots of booths. Food vendors. Music. Crafts to buy.

I had a pineapple smoothie from one of the vendors.

The drink is served in the fruit. Actually a good way to have less garbage at the end of the day. And the fruit container can be put in the organic waste bin.

I brought the fruit home to scrape the edges for more pineapple. I love pineapple.

#pineapple#pineapplesmoothies#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro#canadaday2026#funatcanadaday

GRAD DINNER/FATHER'SDAY/REMEMBERING GRANDPA

 A dinner out at Made in Mexico restaurant in Newmarket Ontario to celebrate a grandson's bday, graduation of two grandsons and to honour the Dads.

Made in Mexico

Mexican food, music and of course Somberos to wish Damiano a Happy Birthday.

I had a chicken Enchalada that was a little spicy. Nachos with cheese dip for an appetizer. 

I even gave out some World Cup Stickers to the servers because there were little Mexican ones for them too.

All in all a fun family time.

#madeinmexicoinnewmarketontaro#funfamilytime#mexicanfood#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara

TORONTO FIFA WATCH PARTY AT NATHAN PHILLIP SQUARE

 So June 12, 2026 to be in the Toronto city vibe for the first game Canada played in the World Cup, I was downtown roaming the streets.

First to Harbourfront, then a walk north on Bay over to Yonge to try to find some Beaver statures.

The walk from Yonge along Queen was a bit brutal. Until a covered walkway due to construction on the Ontario line. Poor for tourists to find their way. The view of the old City Hall was poor.

Rested at Nathan Phillip Square where a watch party was in session.

Large screen, food trucks, people, soccer pitch where the winter rink would be and just a really good vibe. Easy to watch the game.

Snacks were available. Even a HEROS burger stall. I bought fries and an Italian spicy sausage off a food truck.

FIFA signage everywhere. Took some photos for some tourists. Watched half of the game. Was in transit when the goal was scored to secure a tie. The ride home was not as crowded as I thought it would be. Maybe lots of people left work early or were just staying downtown. Being at City Hall was free and no vetting of bags.

I did a blurb on my Facebook page as well as my reflective thoughts by barbara.blogspot.com

Barbara

Lots of good food available everywhere. I also bought a mixed ice cream cone  A hot day so bought a Mango drink to quench my thirst. One water bottle did not cut it.

So the day cost me about $30.00 including my transit on VIVA to the subway. About an hour and a bit each way.

I may venture into the city more than once this summer as I am quite versed now on riding public transit again. Leaving the car at home feels good. No parking. No worry about traffic. Just sit and ride.

#toronto#fifa#torontoandfifa#rootingforcanada#eatinganitaliansausageandfriesfromafoodtruck#icecreamcone#magodrnk#enjoyingthevibeatnathanphillipsquare#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

APRIL BIRTHDAYS AND CAKE

 Sonya and Brody had April birthdays so there was lots of cake.

Cupcakes. Sweets.

So on to June with all the family events like birthdays, graduation and just summer celebrations.

#birthdaycelebrations#junecelebrationscomingup#granpalovestocook#adolphdimamabro