And Just Like That...It's Over

When Sex and the City premiered in June of 1998, I was living in Japan. The show hadn't made its way there yet (there were no streaming services like today), and I was limited to popular shows from home. The video store had some English movies, but the variety was lacking, and Netflix was still years away. As much as I treasured my Japanese dramas (Beach Boys and Love Generation), I still craved a good show from home. I had read Candace Bushnell's novel, Sex and the City, so I was looking forward to the TV adaptation. 

My friend Kate's student traveled to the U.S. in 2000 and was able to procure a box set of DVDs. We made plans to binge the entire season while sharing wine and pizza. As soon as we heard the opening static of the HBO intro, we were hooked. When the music cued up, we saw Sarah Jessica Parker walking the streets of New York in the most fabulous outfit, just before getting splashed by a bus with an ad for her own newspaper column. 

Watching these four women navigate their 30s as single women in New York was refreshing. They were polar opposites, but they were still close. Kate and I barely took a break while we marathon-watched the entire box set. I was so enchanted by the show that when I stepped out of Kate's apartment to return to my own, I experienced culture shock. After watching all that English TV and seeing the New York sites, I momentarily forgot I resided in Shizuoka. I quickly returned to earth as I hopped on my bicycle (not hailing a yellow taxi) and rode by rice fields and pachinko parlours.

It was an escape. 

Eventually, I would watch all six seasons and then watch the two movies that followed. The fashion, Cosmopolitans, and all the men and obstacles Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda went through made the viewer feel like they were right there along for the ride. It was sad to say goodbye to these characters when the show came to an end. 

Then in 2021, HBO Max announced there would be a revival, And Just Like That..., with 3 of the 4 main characters returning. The show would take place 11 years after the movie Sex and the City 2, where we see the women navigating life in their 50s. While I was excited to see these women again, the 3 seasons of And Just Like That... didn't feel the same as the original. It was often too woke and cringey, and it felt like the characters were no longer the same women we once adored. The acting and writing were just bad, with huge gaps in the plot. If they had evolved as characters, it would have been fine, but it was as if they forgot who they were. The show was a disappointment, but I still hate-watched it faithfully. It wasn't the same without Kim Cattrall, and the writing fell short. On August 14th, after 27 years, we bid farewell to Carrie Bradshaw and the girls.

I will return to the original series because it feels somewhat therapeutic and nostalgic witnessing these friends talk, laugh, fight, and love each other. It will remind me of my friend Kate, who is still living in Japan. I am grateful for this franchise. It taught women to have fun with fashion, to love themselves, and that life doesn't end at 30. I just think they deserved a better ending. 

~MT

Come Sail Away

On July 13th, my sister and I boarded the Celebrity Solstice in Vancouver, B.C., setting sail to Alaska. Prior to this trip, I had only been on a 4-day cruise in Greece and Turkey. For months before the cruise, we did our homework and research, joining Celebrity and Alaska Facebook groups, which provided a plethora of tips on what to pack and what excursions to take. After a wonderful visit with family in B.C., we got dropped off at the Port of Vancouver, dumped our luggage, sailed through customs, and boarded the ship. Our room was almost ready, so we changed into our bathing suits and went exploring. It was a beautiful sunny day in B.C. We secured lounge chairs at the pool and dipped into the water. We spent the next few hours here until the ship set sail. 

It would take two days until we reached our first port, and we were eager to experience all the activities the ship had to offer. Trivia, karaoke, scavenger hunts, live entertainment, and dance parties, as well as a variety of food and drinks, were all recommended.

After unpacking and settling in, we sat on the balcony watching B.C. pass us by. 

We were told to set our clocks back an hour that night, making it a 4-hour time difference. 

ICY POINT STRAIT

We sailed the Inside Passage—a coastal waterway that spans 500 miles of pristine Alaskan wilderness. Our first stop was Icy Strait Point Hoonah, the only privately owned cruise port in Alaska. The word Hoonah means "where the north wind doesn't blow." The town is only 7.3 square miles with a population of 765, being the home of the largest Tlingit community in Alaska. 

Boarding a smaller boat, we embarked on a whale-watching excursion. Icy Point has one of the largest humpback whale populations. We spent a few hours navigating the area, cameras poised at the ready for when a whale would spout, then emerge. Seeing them in their natural habitat was majestic. We also spotted a dolphin and sea otters. 

After the boat tour, we took the free gondola to Wilderness Landing. We feasted on reindeer chili and beer from the Alaskan Brewing Co. Both were delicious! 

HUBBARD GLACIER

The next day we awoke to cooler temperatures as we came upon Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier on the North American continent. It's located in both Alaska and Canada's Yukon Territory. Standing at 11,000 feet above sea level, the glacier stretches 76 miles. If Hubbard Glacier continues to advance, it will close the seaward entrance of Russell Fjord and create the largest glacier-dammed lake in North America. 

It was peaceful floating through the ice chunks and getting as close to the glacier as possible. We could hear what sounded like thunder, which was in fact the glacier calving, where massive chunks of ice break off the glacier and fall into the water. We heard crackling and popping sounds as our ship slowly glided through the chunks of ice. 

JUNEAU

We sailed onto Juneau, the capital of Alaska, which was founded during a gold rush in 1880. Accessible by plane or boat only, Juneau is a cultural hub rich in Indigenous heritage. 

While driving along the Gastineau Channel on our way to the dog sled summer camp, we were fortunate to see a bear (from the safety of our vehicle). We soon arrived at Sheep Creek Valley, where we learned the history of dogsledding. We then climbed aboard a wheeled training cart and enjoyed an adventure through the rainforest with our dogsled team and musher. Back at camp, we got to pet and spend time with the dogs, as well as visit a 19th-century replica of an Iditarod outpost. The Iditarod is an annual long-distance sled dog race held in Alaska and travels from Anchorage to Nome. Mushers and their teams cover the distance in 8-15 days across approximately 1000 miles. It began in 1973 and is a highly competitive race. 

After learning about the Iditarod, we got to snuggle with the puppies before heading back to downtown Juneau. At only 5 months old, they were so cute!

We arranged a car rental to continue exploring Juneau. Making our way to Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls, we spotted quite a few bald eagles. There are 32,000 people residing in Juneau and approximately 30,000 bald eagles. It was raining when we arrived at Mendenhall, but we were still able to enjoy the trails and the beautiful scenery. 

Other stops in Juneau included the National Shrine of St. Therese, Auke Bay, and a grocery store to compare costs (which, to be honest, weren't as pricey as I had anticipated). Heading back downtown, we discovered the Kooteeyaa Deiyi, or totem pole trail, along the waterfront. 

Nearby, we got to admire the Alaska Whale Sculpture known as Tahku. It's a life-scale bronze whale sculpture of a breaching humpback. 

All the exploring made us hungry, so we stopped in at the Twisted Fish Company for Alaskan King Crab. While the prices were steep at $80 per pound, it was delicious and totally worth it. My sister opted for the halibut, and it was also very good. Additionally, it cost me the T-shirt I was wearing since I got butter all over it. 

We dropped off the car rental with just enough time to pay homage to Patsy Ann, the bull terrier statue along the port. This dog is celebrated for her unique role as the "Official Greeter of Juneau." She arrived in Juneau in the 1930s, and although born deaf, she had an uncanny ability to sense the arrival of ships at the port. Patsy Ann died in 1942 but was such a beloved member of the community that they erected a statue of her, overlooking the cruise ships as they come into port. 

KETCHIKAN

The last port on the cruise was Ketchikan, which means "Thundering Wings of an Eagle." The town got its name as it is in the perfect shape of an eagle in flight. It's surrounded by the dense Tongass Forest and is famous for its abundant salmon, totem poles, and Creek Street. This town also takes the crown of having the most rain in Alaska, averaging 250+ days a year. Fortunately it was sunny the day we arrived. 

Our first stop was to visit the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. Paying homage to the city's lumber history, two teams of lumberjacks compete for the title of "King of the Woods." One team represented the Spruce Mill team of Ketchikan, while the other represented the Dawson Creek team of the Yukon (go Canada!). There were 13 events in total, including axe throwing, chainsaw carving, logrolling, speed climbing, and woodchopping. The boys were certainly entertaining! After the show, we walked for about 10 minutes to Creek Street. 

              Creek Street is actually a boardwalk mounted on stilts on a high slope on the east side of Ketchikan Creek. This location was infamous as being the red-light district until 1954. The brothels were outlawed and shut down at that time. Numerous houses of prostitution sprang up supported by wooden stilts. Winding into the hills above Creek Street is Married Man's Way, a trail used by patrons of the brothels to escape raids.

Before leaving Ketchikan, we stopped in at the Arctic Bar for a Duck Fart Shot. It's a potent, layered shot that mixes 1/3 Kahlua, 1/3 Baileys Irish Cream, and 1/3 whisky. I'm not sure where the name came from, but it was tasty! 

Back on the ship, we sat on the balcony as we pulled away from the quaint town. 

Ketchikan was our final port, and for the next day we enjoyed sailing back towards Vancouver, taking in the entertainment, the balcony and the beautiful weather.                                                            

Both my sister and I enjoyed this cruise immensely and already talked about looking at another cruise in 2026. This trip did not disappoint. It was hard to return home after seeing such beautiful scenery but I look forward to where the next trip takes me. 

As always, thanks for reading. 

~MT

No Dress Rehearsal

 

It's likely that you've seen this four-part television documentary about The Tragically Hip if you're a fan. Mike Downie, the brother of the band's lead vocalist, the late Gord Downie, directed and produced the film, which tells the band's narrative from its infancy to its final performance in Kingston in 2016. 

Although this was released on Prime, I waited to see the show at WIFF (Windsor International Film Festival), which was held on October 26th. Rob Baker and Mike Downie attended and took part in a Q&A after the show. 

It was touching to be around so many fans, all decked out in Hip gear, eager to participate in this four-plus-hour event. While walking downtown Windsor to the Chrysler Theatre, I bumped into Rob and Mike as they were heading into the venue. 

With his infectious smile, his purple blazer, and his warm greeting, it was the perfect start to the show. This isn't the first time I've met Rob. I've had the good fortune to meet every member of the band. He was certainly friendly, gave me a hug, and took a couple of photos before heading inside. 

Previously, I watched The Tragically Hip: We are the Same, which was from the Bathouse recording studio. Back in 2009, this was a live and intimate show with a special Q&A, hosted by George Stroumboulopoulos. I also watched the 2017 documentary, Long Time Running. This film follows the band on their final cross-country tour back in 2016. I was so excited to sit down and see what I would learn from this documentary. 

Sitting through the four-part series, it didn't feel that long. I was mesmerized from the beginning. Watching old footage of the boys in high school was entertaining. Seeing interviews from various friends, fellow musicians, and family members brought a personal and loving element to the series. Learning of how they came up with their name and how the band was ultimately formed was interesting. To learn this band of brothers didn't always get along was heartbreaking, but the fact they lasted as many years as they did was a testament to their love for each other. 

Rob referred to the Q&A afterwards as "Between Two Ferns." This was a great way to hear from them directly as they explained how important making this film was to them. 

We all have grieved the passing of Gord Downie. He was our favourite poet and our frontman and created the lyrics of our lives. Of our stories. Of our Canada. The Tragically Hip continues to touch the hearts of fans, even though they are no longer touring. 

This past week, I had to say goodbye to my 14-year-old dog, Kirby. He was my loyal and constant companion, and my heart broke. I've been listening to the Hip daily, and their music is helping me during this time of grief. I'm so happy this band has been around for as long as they have and continues sharing these incredible songs across our nation and beyond. If you have time this week, queue up some Hip, sit back and enjoy.

~MT

The D-Tour

I recently completed an online course and one of my fellow students asked if I had a blog. I replied that yes, indeed I did, but realized how much I've neglected it the past couple of years. I have taken a couple of vacations but haven't travelled as much as I'd like since the world opened up again after Covid. Strange how a couple of years ago, the thought of even crossing the border to Detroit seemed unlikely but I've been over a few times now,  most recently, last night. 

My sister Jennie and I booked a tour through Windsor Eats known as the D-TOUR: DETROIT PUB CRAWL. 

The D-Tour marks a WindsorEats bus tour to venture to Detroit. Hakuna Matata all night long as you travel magic school bus style to some of Detroit’s hidden and not-so-hidden gems. There will be three stops along the way for our guests to imbibe. Did we mention there’s also karaoke on the bus to keep you entertained?

The WindsorEats D-Tour, (get it? detour?) will allow easy access for you to visit some iconic local hangouts in Detroit without the need to drive, allowing you time to focus on a good time.

We arrived early at Windsor Eats so we could get a drink and some food before boarding the bus. Rico Taco has a food truck in the courtyard and serves the most delicious Mexican food. It pairs well with a Margarita flight offered inside Windsor Eats. We opted for the Beef Birria Fries: fresh cut fries with nacho cheese, beef birria, red onions, sour cream, guacamole cream sauce and cilantro. Soon after, our bus pulled up and we hopped on. 

We got through customs with no problems and headed to our first dive bar called Jolly Old Timers (or JOT for short). We were greeted by Judy who had us line up for drinks in an orderly fashion. (Judy is in the leopard print outfit in the photo below). Their specialty shot or cocktail is known as the Peanut Butter cookie. This consisted of Peanut Butter Whiskey mixed with Rum Chata. Most of us tried it. It was $5 a shot or $9 for a cocktail. Detroit prices are much cheaper than in Canada! We stayed for about an hour and 20 minutes and then hopped back on the bus to the 2nd stop on the tour. 

The peanut butter shot

The Two Way Inn, established in 1876 is the oldest bar in Detroit, having gone through many reincarnations as village jail and general store, brothel, speakeasy and now a dive bar. It had an old phone booth (captured above with Jennie inside) and an old cigarette machine. You have to be buzzed inside the bar. They have a camera at the door and watch to see who is outside before allowing them in. It's a great atmosphere in a historic setting. 

We hopped back on the bus where the karaoke was fired up. Soon, 35+ drunken Windsorites were belting out Sweet Caroline and Bohemian Rhapsody at the top of their lungs. Our poor bus driver! The 3rd and final stop was Abick's bar.  This hidden gem has been open since 1908, an old brick building with a cigar lounge in the back. The picture isn't deceiving...they still had all their Christmas decorations up (and Valentines and St. Pat's!). Apparently it's a running joke with the staff. 

We got back on the bus and made our way home through the Windsor-Detroit tunnel. This was such a fun experience. I would 100% recommend it. It was a fun group of people and it was interesting to see these gems that Detroit had to offer.  I promise my next post won't take 2 more years to write!

~MT

WHISKY AND COWBOYS

Last week I was on vacation. That word used to mean a destination, flying or driving somewhere towards new adventures.  I haven't been anywhere since October 2019 when we took a family trip to Costa Rica. Since COVID struck last year, my vacation time has been spent reading books, watching Netflix, and dreaming of white sandy beaches. The plus side of being off work for a week is not wearing a mask for the duration of a 12-hour shift. 

 

St. Patrick's Day came and went with limited celebration for the second year in a row. Four years ago, I was in Belfast celebrating with Jameson (no green beer in sight). Three years ago, I was in Mexico celebrating with Jose (no green beer here either). This year, I donned my green t-shirt and shamrock socks, opened a bottle of Jameson and started watching Netflix's, The Ranch. 

I'd heard good reviews about this series so decided to dive right in. After getting past the pilot with its laugh track and the surprise of Sam Elliott cursing out Ashton Kutcher's UGGs, I delved into the show with its great cast and storyline. 

Mammas don't let your babies grow up to be Cowboys....

The intro song was stuck in my head the entire week. I know you can click 'Skip Intro' on Netflix but I liked singing along to it. My country taste in music has thus far been limited to Kenny Rogers' The Gambler and a bit of Dolly Parton. I know the odd Garth Brooks song but sadly, that's all. There is something extremely catchy about the intro song and I find I'm still humming it even though I finished the show five days ago. 

The series was enjoyable although it was dark at times, primarily when Danny Masterson's character, Rooster, was written off the show. For a couple of seasons, the main characters were limited to Ashton Kutcher, Sam Elliott and Elisha Cuthbert. Dax Shepard stepped in for a recurring role and Debra Winger returned for the final season. The show was witty and funny but also sad at times. No matter what was happening on the ranch, it was always a pleasure staring at Elliott's moustache while listening to his dry humour.  

After finishing the series I felt a bit desolate. I found myself reflecting on the show and sad it was over (much how I feel after finishing a great book). I wasn't ready to say goodbye to the Bennett family. Then a friend recommended Yellowstone. 

Could I do another series about a family and their ranch so soon after? Turns out I was capable and had no problem taking the plunge. Kevin Costner plays John Dutton, a patriarch to a large, complicated family of ranchers. Yellowstone is a drama filled with corrupt politicians, murder and conflict. Although it's not humorous like The Ranch, it is equally entertaining. I binged Season 1 in a day and have started Season 2. Unfortunately, my vacation ended and I had to return to work, putting a hold on this series. I look forward to see what awaits. 

The past year has been a kick in the ass for many. Covid arrived and flipped our worlds upside-down . Some have lost jobs, some have lost loved ones and all of us have had to learn a 'new normal'. While I look forward to the day when I line up to board a plane again, overpaying to check my luggage and pray for an aisle seat, I'm grateful for the Internet and Netflix to offer some sort of escape. Sitting with my trusted companion Kirby, sans-mask, getting caught up in the lives of these cowboys while sipping on Jameson has certainly made me forget about Covid, even for just a little while. 

Be safe. 

~MT

Traveling on eMpTy: Saints �� & Sinners ��

Traveling on eMpTy: Saints �� & Sinners ��: My brother Gerry made it to the Big 5-0 so we took a trip to New Orleans to celebrate. My sisters and I have all been before but it was Gerr...

Saints 👼 & Sinners 😈

My brother Gerry made it to the Big 5-0 so we took a trip to New Orleans to celebrate. My sisters and I have all been before but it was Gerry's first time. My cousin Kenny flew from Vancouver to meet us. We chose the Prince Conti hotel, located in the French Quarter a half a block from Bourbon Street. My sister Jennie and I stayed at the same hotel 4 years ago and loved it.

Jennie cut herself out of this
picture. Only her eye is visible on the
left side! Bobbie chasing the Hurricane
with water. Gerry sticking to beer. 

After checking in and changing (what a difference in temperature to Windsor!) we hit Bourbon Street. We went to Pat O'Brien's located on St. Peter street with one of the best courtyards in the city. Famous for their Hurricane drink, this expansive bar has duelling piano's inside their lounge, and a beautiful courtyard with numerous trees and a waterfall. The Hurricane is a rum-based cocktail with passion fruit. They sell a 3 gallon glass for $150! We stuck to the smaller size and I tried their other well known cocktail, the Mint Julep. I prefer this Bourbon-based drink over the sweetness of the Hurricane.

We walked the Quarter and visited some other bars. It was a gorgeous day and we took advantage of the courtyards and the sun. Kenny's flight didn't get in until 9p.m. so we met him back at the hotel. We enjoyed some complimentary champagne and then hit the nightlife again.

Wednesday boasted the same weather with the sun shining. We walked around and took in the sights, the buskers and the music. We visited Jackson Square the home of Andrew Jackson's monument and Saint Louis Cathedral.







There were many people painting, performing,
giving readings, doing magic tricks or playing music. Jackson Square is bustling with activity and is great for people watching.



Located across the Square is Jax Brewery and Cafe du Monde. Famous for it's cafe-au-lait made with chicory and it's beignets, it's open 24 hours a day and there is always a line up. I can't even fathom how much powdered sugar they go through in one day!





That night we partook in a haunted carriage tour through the quarter. We met our guide and climbed into the mule-drawn carriage driven by Desire. Our tour started at 9p.m. so it was dark and perfect for the tales our guide shared. Passing by LaLaurie mansion, St. Louis Cathedral, and a number of bars, she told us stories of murder, medical experiments, torture and unexplained events that gave us goosebumps.

The next day, we visited the oldest bar, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar which has been around since the 1700's. Lit by candles inside, our guide told us it's haunted but still serves a great drink. The owner himself, Jean Lafitte has been known to appear, dressed as a sailor and stands near the fireplace. He doesn't speak to anyone and disappears once he's noticed. There is also a ghost on the second floor, belonging to a woman and she will even whisper in your ear. Unfortunately, we missed the ghost experience while we enjoyed our drinks.

Poached eggs on top
of the veal gillades.
My first time making
them but I'm not a fan!

One of the highlights of the trip was joining the New Orleans School of Cooking for a 3 hour hands-on cooking class. My sister Bobbie and I decided to do this and the meal was fantastic.


We made roasted sweet potato tasso bisque, veal grillades with cheese grits and poached eggs, and a chocolate pecan pie for dessert. Chef Eric was both entertaining and knowledgable. The bisque was probably the best thing I ate during our entire trip!

We got our own aprons and some recipes. We learned to say pecan properly (not PEE CAN) and the difference between creole and cajun food. Creole adds tomatoes and cajun is darkened. I am definitely going to try and replicate the bisque recipe at home.





We were able to sample some other tasty delights in New Orleans. From oysters, gator bites, and jambalaya at Felix's, to crawfish at Three Legged Dog (a total hole in the wall), to the po'boys at Deja Vu, the food and atmosphere at these places did not disappoint.




















For our last night, we boarded the Steamboat Natchez for a two hour journey down the Mississippi River. The cruise started in the heart of the French Quarter and went along the riverbanks showing a variety of ships in the harbour. We got to listen to the music of a live jazz band.

There is so much to see and do in New Orleans, it can't possibly be covered in one trip. This is simply a highlight of what we experienced. The music is incredible, the people are entertaining. We had such a good time and it was a great way for Gerry to say goodbye to his 40's and start his 50th year. Wonder where Bobbie will pick next year for her 50th?

~MT