fajrdrako | The Cheshire Cat...

I had a lovely weekend, though full of activity. Saturday: getting apa-stuff ready, then picnicking in Vincent Massey Park with

walkingowl and sandwiches from Gismo's and hot dogs from Harvey's. We walked around Hogsback a little. Then the apa collation: crowded, good to see the people who were there.

Sunday: breakfast of crepes filled with raspberries and chocolate with

maboroshimaki. Then I went with Paul, Tasia and Dennis to see a garden in Marathon with some really stunning flower beds, my favourites being the vividly purple irises. Then we went to Carleton Place, to the Book Gallerly, where I got:

Dictionary of Ancient and Medieval Warfare - Stackpole Books. It looks nicely comprehensive and easy to use.

The Twelve Caesars by Suetonius, a Penguin edition. Not the one I already have, though - this is filled with photos of Roman places and people. And just as lurid as I remembered.

The National Geographic Society's vol. III of The Story of Man: The Middle Ages It hardly matters what the information in it is, the pictures are wonderful.

The Runes: An Illustated Guide to Interpreting the Stones by Jonathan Dee (what a suitable name for an occultist!)

The Rough Guide to Malta and Gozo by Victor Paul Berry. None of the Ottawa bookstores seem to have this. It was the last thing I found in the Carleton Place bookstore, just as I was about to give up looking though the travel section because it was getting late and everyone wanted to be leaving. I am so pleased.

Then we went to the cheese store, the chocolate store, the clothing store and the gift shop in Balderson, and then to the Cheshire Cat pub in Carp. I have loved that place every time I have been there, and this was no exception. The haddock with grilled vegetables was good enough, but the dessert I had - strawberry and rhubarb pie - amazingly wonderful. I was surprised to see how close the Cheshire Cat actually is to Ottawa. Hope I can find a way to go again.