Sunday, November 12^th: Deborah and drove in to Toronto. I had a winerytohome tasting at Doug Towers’ and then we went to a celebration of life at our old condo for a neighbour who had passed away.

Monday, November 13^th: Wrote my 680 NEWS wine reviews – four weeks’ worth so that I can cut down the number of times I have to drive into Toronto.

One of the things about moving to another city is that you have to find doctors, dentists, optometrists, cleaning ladies, gardeners, dog walkers, dry cleaners and the best Chinese food. We discovered Ma Chinese Cuisine at 123 Geneva Street. Now we have to find a good Indian restaurant.

Spotted while walking Pinot

For dinner with pizza, Monte Zovo Sa’ Solin Valpolicella Ripasso 2014 (deep ruby colour; cedary, smoky, plum nose; medium-bodied, dry, blackcurrant and plum flavours with a mineral note; firmly structured with soft, supple tannins (88)).

Tuesday, November 14^th: Deborah and I drove into Toronto again as I had to record my 680 wine reviews and she had to go to the Acura dealer to have the tires changed over for winter. Took the opportunity to have a meeting over Starbucks coffee with Andrew Menceles on a wine project.

Wednesday, November 15^th: Wrote my On the Go wine reviews and began researching my article for Lexpert magazine on wine in opera. Still camping out. The counter top is meant to arrive on Monday, which means we’ll be able to have the kitchen back.

Our electrician breeds rabbits

Thursday, November 16^th: Spent the day writing about wine and opera. A fun day. Learned a new word: brindisi. A song to inspire drinking. Thinking of ways to introduce it into everyday conversation.

Friday, November 17^th: Michael Pinkus picked me up at 6:30 am and we drove to Burlington to catch the GO train into Toronto for the Vintages release tasting. 187 products split into two tastings, mercifully.

On the way home Deborah picked me up at the Burlington station and I had a quick change at home before heading to Hidden Bench Winery for a surprise 60th birthday party for Harold Thiel. A fun evening with lots of wine and great food.

Harald and Annie Thiel

Dinner wine with filet steak

Saturday, November 18^th: Raked the leaves off the lawn – two large bags full. Never had to do that in the condo.

Sunday, November 19^th: The lawn looks as if it never got raked! I felt like the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. A wet and blustery day. Deborah and I drove into Toronto to have dinner with Guy, Sasha and baby Isla. Traffic was terrible – it took over two hours.