Last Train to Toronto

We recently took VIA Rail to Toronto for a few days, visiting son and fiance, and checking out the Ancient Ukrainian exhibit at the ROM, & the ancient Leafs at the AC Centre. Rick determined that Sidney Crosby is NOT overrated (as claimed by the Detroit press) and the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal IS truly awful (as claimed by most everyone). Libeskind's folly is way too Berlin (slashing in the walls). We did enjoy revisiting the crystal display and particularly the European rooms - after having made the aquaintance of curator Dr. Peter Kaellgren in Chatham.

Flooded Chatham

Whoops, 16-1/2 feet or 5 meters above normal. One foot above New Year's, and four feet below the 100-year high of over 20 feet. Lots of foot and auto traffic on Family Day to take pictures from the bridges (like me!).

River Rising in Chatham

A very weird month (for Chatham) is over...the coldest January in 30+ years, the first ice fishing on the Thames in 15 years, and much snow. In February a couple of record daily highs and lots of rain has almost taken care of the snow, but the river is rising. We happened to be watching it tonight from Casa Bella when the ice and assorted flotsam and jetsom torn from the banks earlier broke free and started to flow towards Lake St.Clair. We already had a crest over 15 feet above normal at New Years; are we heading for another?