One of my long-time birthday traditions is staying home on my born day, whether I’m at home or vacationing somewhere. It’s currently showering here in Toronto *sobs*, and going out in the rain always blows, so it’s probably a good time to recap my birthday trip so far before I go back on the road tomorrow.

View of South San Francisco from my BART ride to SFO

View of San Francisco and Marin County from my plane ascending.

View of Lake Tahoe from my plane.

I don’t go fly that often, and I found myself looking out from my window seat during most of my plane ride instead of watching movies via the in-flight entertainment. I also finished up a chapter of my latest work-in-progress after stalling on it for days.

A sunset view from when the flight crossed the Canadian border. 

Touching down in Toronto!

Coming from Trumpistan, this was a welcome sight to see. 

Had a steak and poutine (omg carbs!) dinner at a place called Jack’s, courtesy of my auntie who picked me up from the airport. I’ve always wanted to try true poutine, and you may find this hard to believe, but I didn’t finish all that in one sitting. The steak stuffed me up.

After overnighting at my aunt’s place and getting my rental car the day after, I drove to my vacation rental home: a lake shore condo that promised stun views from the place. That promise stayed true, because this was what I saw when I first entered my vacation home.

It’s even more gorg at night!

I could stay home and stare at the skyline and the lake for hours on end, but I had to explore the city.

Some things I saw at a local Costco that I doubt I’ll see at a Costco back home. With the way things are going back in the States, rainbow FitCrunch bars would only be sold in the bluest cities of blue states. You know some homophobic Karen would accuse FitCrunch for trying to convert their son to be gay.

Also, if your only form of payment is a Visa debit and you want to buy stuff at Costco, you’re screwed, as they don’t accept that form of payment. I had to learn the hard way. I ended up getting Canadian currency from Scotiabank (Bank of America’s Canadian sister bank) and had to stand in the long lines at Costco to pay for my stuff.

Even their currency is besting US dollar bills. US dollar bills are drab green paper with dead guys on them. Canada dollar bills are colorful with some bills featuring dead women on them!

This low-carb/keto bakery north of downtown is where I bought my birthday cake and other sweets. Prices are quite reasonable here, and the owner/baker herself is also a low-carber.

Canadian (and Blue Jays) pride in full force. 

Inside Yorkdale’s Shopping Centre. Holt Renfrew is their version of Neiman Marcus. So many fancy brands in that store…except for that one brand in their lingerie/shapewear department. 😒 And the local Sephora heads weren’t lying: they really do sell MAC in their stores!

A gingerbread plush at HomeSense–their version of Home Goods.

There is a pool and hot tub in the condo I’m staying at that’s calling my name right now. There will be more pics of my trip, but they’ll be posted either on my Bluesky or here once my vacay is done.  Off to relax and celebrate (as what Mariah Carey would calls hers) my anniversary!