Countdown to Christmas...

[fajrdrako]

Today: odd day. I slept badly last night, being upset over budgies. Did as much work through the morning as I usually do in a full day, panicking because of all the things I wanted to have done before going back next week, and we were closing up the office at noon. I was playing telephone tag with Samuel French (Canada) Ltd. in Toronto - who were closing up their offices at noon too.

But then, the Ottawa Little Theatre staff Christmas lunch at Minglewood's on Waller St. You might remember Minglewood's as The Marble Works, which was a rather lovely old restaurant. Minglewood's is not lovely: it took the grey-stone Old Ottawa elegance of The Marble Works and makes it look like a very shabby sports bar. Doesn't even have real pub food: many varieties of hamburgers and sandwiches, mostly. I consider 'real pub food' to be shepherd's pie, steak & kidney pie, ploughman's lunch, that sort of thing. And fish and chips. They did have fish and chips, which I ordered. The fish was mediocre. But the French fries! Best I've had in years. It would be worth going back for them alone.

I fear I was a bit too zombielike from fatigue by that point to be very sociable, but I think a good time was had by all. Much entertaining banter, especially Debbie Murphy teasing Geoff Gruson. Great comedy team, those two.

Then I went home and slept the rest of the afternoon away, and visited maaseru upstairs with maaboroshi, and we watched the burning log video and listened to Logan chirping and talked about Christmas movies and nothing much in particular. A pleasant evening. I didn't have to concentrate on anything.

Back to bed, early. It feels like luxury.

Comments

[sartorias.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry about the budgies.

May the holidays improve forthwith for you.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much for the good wishes. The surviving budgie, Logan, is singing loudly behind me and that is infinitely comforting.

Have a great holiday yourself!

[walkingowl.livejournal.com]

But then, the Ottawa Little Theatre staff Christmas lunch at Minglewood's on Waller St. [snip] It took the grey-stone Old Ottawa elegance of The Marble Works and makes it look like a very shabby sports bar. Doesn't even have real pub food

"Bad sports bar" is pointed criticism, indeed! ...And why the change in menu, hm, one wonders. There certainly must already be enough mediocre hamburger places in the world, no?

They did have fish and chips, which I ordered. The fish was mediocre. But the French fries! Best I've had in years. It would be worth going back for them alone.

Yum. You make me hungry just reading that! That's how much I respect your word when it comes to food.

and we watched the burning log video

Heh. I can imagine what this is... just what it sounds like, no? I like it.

Today: odd day. I slept badly last night, being upset over budgies.

I was so sad to read this... when you'd said, last night, that Phoenix did not look well either... ah. I am so sorry to hear, I am so sorry to know. It hit me later on last night, after I was ensconced in my favorite chair with Battlestar Galactica on the DVD, and with my little tiger cat curled up on my shoulder and collar bone, alternately purring and napping... that's when I let myself finally feel the pain of this, and I wept until my little cat's fur was wet. At which point she stirred, stretched, rubbed her head against my chin, and went back to sleep. How precious the little creatures are, and how dear.

I hope you can feel better with rest. And soothing companionship. And maybe a good shot of rum.

Sorry. Couldn't resist. Pirate -- it's in the genes!!

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

why the change in menu, hm, one wonders.

Change in management, menu, change in marketing, change in - everything! Considering that there are two pubs - no, three - within a few blocks of that same corner, including the Royal Oak that you and I have enjoyed - I can't say I'm overjoyed by the change. Not that I went to the Marble Works at lot, couldn't afford it. But I'd like to have gone there more.

There certainly must already be enough mediocre hamburger places in the world, no?

It appears there is always room for one more. We could always go there just for the French fries. Just to make sure it wasn't a fluke - gotta see if they're always that good!

(I'm mostly joking, since I do mean to lose weight and French fries aren't the way to go for that result. However. This does not mean I'll never consume a French fry again. In case you wondered.)

No, little Phoenix died soon after we were talking. I do feel better today, and can take it philosophically.

As for rum - arrrrr!

[silverwhistle.livejournal.com]

Much love and chirps from all here.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Logan is chirping loudly behind him. It's a sparkly icy day - not too cold - and somewhat foggy: most odd for this time of year. Nice, though. But not easy walking.

[silverwhistle.livejournal.com]

I hope you and he have a lovely time together. Lots of millet and fun. Dr Who and Torchwood to look forward to!

I have the laptop, so I can continue working on Conrad if things get a bit stultifying in the house...

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Dr Who and Torchwood to look forward to!

Not just the new ones - we watched "Rose" while I did my exercises today. And now we're listening to "John Barrowman: A Musical Christmas" on the BBC via internet. (How I love technology!) Bliss.

I have the laptop, so I can continue working on Conrad

Prefect!

[rosiespark.livejournal.com]

"John Barrowman: A Musical Christmas" on the BBC via internet.

Ooh, where?

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/fridaynight/

Enjoy!

[silverwhistle.livejournal.com]

Yes! I am very much looking forward to The Ruby in the Smoke, too, with Billie!

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Nice to have such things to look forward to.