Scouting Mission

There are lots of quiet corners of Ottawa that I’ve never been to before. This morning Margot and I visited one of them: Shirley’s Bay, which is on the Ottawa River.

Shirley’s Bay is a conservation area that is part of a “greenbelt” of parkland that surrounds Ottawa and separates the city from several “bedroom” communities (smaller towns). Living next door to Gatineau Park, I don’t normally feel a need to hike in this area, which is about 25 minutes away from my house. However, with summer fast approaching I’ve been getting the urge to do some fishing and Shirley’s Bay is one of many spots relatively near me where you can supposedly catch some big ones. Today’s visit was a chance for me to scout out the territory.

When we arrived at the park, I found to my delight that we were almost the only ones there. Margot and I therefore had the chance to explore all the nooks and crannies along the shoreline at our leisure.

Although Margot was mostly just interested in hearing what Sophie the Giraffe had to say, I think she appreciated the fresh air.

After about 40 minutes there we headed home for a well-earned rest.

When I was young I used to go fishing with my dad so I was his “riverbank boy”. I like the idea of Margot growing up as my “riverbank girl”.

Margot the Star

I have some crazy news! A couple of weeks ago, after a Making Music Meaningful class, Margot and I were approached by a professional photographer who asked to take some snaps of the little potate.

I agreed and he indicated that he would get back to me about a possible opportunity for Margot for a major retailer in Canada. Well, this morning we got a phone call and guess what? Subject to Jen and my approval, starting this summer Margot will be the new face of Baby Gap!

I always knew that the little haricot was special and now the whole world can see it too!

The only downside is that we have to fly to Toronto a couple of times of year but that’s okay as it’s all expenses paid. They also mentioned possible photo shoots in some foreign locales: specifically New York, London and Paris for their new line of urban clothing, eurobaby, but that’s not confirmed yet. There are lots of other goodies too but I won’t know the details until I read over the contract.

Anyways, get used to seeing this face at a billboard near you!

Frustrated

I am most displeased. Peeved. Disgruntled even. I went to Ottawa South, a neighbourhood on the far side of Ottawa, to get a haircut. I always go to this area because that’s where my barber (who I’ve used for the last 10 years) is located. And guess what greeted me after my long journey? A big fat sign saying “come back in one hour”!

With my long and dishevelled locks still intact I was forced to came home. Argh! Well I might as well take advantage of my foul mood and list some other things that bug me:

• Buying the wrong type of batteries and not realizing it until you try to use them.
• No Sky Days.
• Telemarketers.
• Forgetting to press “Save” and having Microsoft Word crash on you.
• Croc shoes.
• Grocery stores that sell leeks by the bunch but not individually.
• The air in airports and on airplanes.
• Itchy contact lenses.

Here’s a list of things that bug Margot:

• Stinky diapers.
• Socks (especially right socks).
• Being in her playpen too long.
• Abiding society’s outdated rituals and parochial system.
• Stinky diaper garbage pails.

I hope you liked this frustrated post. But if you didn’t – too bad, I'm frustrated! :P
:)