Mini-vacation away from the farmette

It's a wet and cold (10C) day at the farmette. It rained pretty much all day yesterday, and we got more than 1/2 inch.

Fortunately, when we were away for three days last week, the weather was much better.

Back on February first, when the snow was up to our navels, I promised Rob that I'd give him his birthday present in May, when the weather was friendlier. Last week, we cashed it in. And it was a doozy!

First, we went down to Niagara-on-the-Lake to see the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at the Shaw Festival. Amazing show. It's incredible what the director, actors and staging people can do with basically a lazy susan that rotated to make it seem like we were alternatively in a big old mansion with a magical wardrobe and Narnia.

Then, we had a fabulous dinner and night in at the Shaw Club Hotel. Highly recommend. Very lux. But we're worth it.

Off we went to Niagara Falls, a place we haven't been in decades. Made a lot of corny jokes about the fact that it's still there, and still falling. Yadayadayada.

Actually, it is quite spectacular, especially when you can feel the spray.

Hamilton was our next stop, and we visited with old friends. Rob and Mac have known each other since high school in Oshawa. We stayed at Mac and Pat's place Wednesday night, but before that, we visited the Royal Botanical Gardens where they are members.

We hit the timing just right. Lilacs were out in their full glory and the crabapples were stupendously dressed up in their ballroom blossoms.

I'm not sure you can do better than catching up with lovely people like these two AND seeing and soaking in the beauty of the RBG grounds.

I said that there should be a way to bottle the scent so that, when you show the picture, you're treated to the delicious smell, as well. Call it Smell-o-Vision.

Pat thought I should patent that idea. It's a thought.

Anyhow. It was a short, but very sweet trip, and the kitties were well tended by our trusted pet sitter Kelli. She's an absolute gem. Until next week.

Instead of a gratuitous cat photo, I thought I'd publish this portrait of Rob. I took the photo during our dinner at the hotel. Our friend Dana, who lives on Vancouver Island, likes to "mess with" photos, and did some judicious editing. I think it's great, right?