Monday, March 30^th: Spent much of the day getting papers together for the renewal of my British passport.

Tuesday, March 31^st: A meeting at Ted Van Geest’s house (a two-minute walk) to discuss a project for the Ontario wine industry. Ted opened a bottle of Marramiero Incanto Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2015. Delicious.

Wednesday, April 1^st: A meeting with my lawyer in St. Catharines to make a sworn declaration about my legal name, This passport business is driving me nuts.

Thursday, April 2^nd: Deborah and I took the train into Toronto to attend the Seder dinner my sister Shirley had arranged at the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Bloor Street.

My sister Shirley and me

Annabel and Declan had flown in from Vancouver. They are staying in Deborah’s sister Suzanne’s condo’s guest suite.

Our grandson Declan

Suzanne was also invited to the dinner. Cousin Jeffrey from London, England, Shirley’s middle son, had flown over to join his brothers David and Mark (who led the service). Our son Guy, his wife Sasha, and their children, Isla and Max, drove in from Waterloo. It was a large group – 31, including other relatives and friends. Wonderful family dinner. The rumbumptious Max found the Aficoman (the half piece of matzah that Mark had hidden and all the kids had to search for it).

My risotto – large enough for three!

Seder dessert

Friday, April 3^rd: Sue-Ann Staff invited us to her traditional Good Friday party, a drop-in affair that starts at 2 pm. Instructions: “Bring an app or dessert” and a wine. We brought along tempura shrimp and a bottle of Malivoire Rosé Moira 2024.
Martin Malivoire shucked oysters for everyone.

One of the apps

Martin Malivoire shucking

Sue-Ann Staff in party mode, with Brix

Rob, Sue-Ann’s husband, is a master barbecuer.

Rob rocks the barbecue

Leg of lamb deboned

and Phil Dowell is the Paella King!

Phil Dowell’s paella

Of course, there was a lot of wine on the tables.

Saturday, April 4^th: Dinner: chicken pasta in tomato sauce with a bottle of Masi Bonacosta Valpolicella 2024. I sent this photo to Sandro Boscaini. He emailed back:

Dear Tony: a toast to our friendship!!
Buona Pasqua !! Sandro

Deborah with Sandro’s Valpolicella