You can't get there from here

I didn't go to the Learneds today after all. The public transit system, the TTC, was on unexpected* strike as of first thing this morning, so there was no obvious way to get there. The system is gradually coming back together, but occasionally in odd ways. The Bloor-Danforth subway is running, but not Yonge-University. Because the hub stations have no way of blocking off one set of tracks from the other, this means the major hub stations are all closed down still.

Instead, among other things, I drooped in the sweltering summer smog in the good company of pittenweem, and saffronjan fed me avocado salad for dinner. The night before, safely in air conditioning, I feasted and chattered the evening away with double0hilly; more about that meal anon.

Toronto changes slowly. The ROM extension is starting to become interesting. The Grand and Toy which closed at Avenue and University reopened across the street. The south end of Spadina is gradually being reinvigorated. More and more of the waterside condos are now finished structures. The U of T owned sports field at Devonshire and Bloor is being redeveloped after years of controversy - but into what?

Note for Pie Afficionados: The white chocolate apply pie bar which C. entered in the pie contest tasted much more like the real thing than Baskin-Robbins pear tart ice cream does.

Note for Potato Fans: A German potato battles for the right to continue to exist.

* It was an illegal strike. What would make a strike legal?