A quick trip to Toronto for visa-renewing purposes got much done
socially and little officially (have to return again to get those
documents updated).

It was lovely to visit our old neighborhood in the Beaches
of Lake Ontario, a mere 10 minutes' drive - at 6:00am anyway when I
used to head to work - east of downtown Toronto. Soaking in the
atmosphere at the lakeshore and drinking in the bustle of Queen St
East and West were all entirely necessary, as were (thanks to a
heatwave) many, many stops at Ed's, the best ice cream parlor in all
of North America.

We caught up with our old neighbors and friends, Nancy and the Wilson
girls, and plenty of other friends too (the wonderful Vi Cameron,
Corinne, Marawan & Alex, Shelly & family, Leah and her new babe, older
babe, doggy babe and hubby, the Fogels, and lord knows who else I'm
leaving out unintentionally and pissing off).

First pic shows Leuty lifeguards house, inspiration for many an
artist, and situated along the boardwalk at the Beaches - my former
regular jogging route and part of a regular bike trail for all of us.

Note the 'Boris Bikes' which were introduced after we left Toronto in '08 ;)

The Great Falls of the Passaic River, the second biggest waterfall in
North America (after Niagara) and a remnant of the last Ice Age, is
just 10 minutes' drive away from us.

Located in Paterson, NJ, the 77-foot Falls once used to power the
thriving industries of Paterson, from which the submarine hailed, and
which once used to be a center for airplane engine production (for
WWII). The city's former prosperity, little evidence of which
remains, also owed its thanks to a thriving mill industry (it was
dubbed Silk City in the late 19th Century),

We enjoyed the Paterson Museum (see photos), although it was a little
sad to see the general state of dishevelment of the city (one son, who
had recently learned of the destructive power of earthquakes, asked
respectfully if the city had experienced one). Parts of its main
street had been the subject of several fires in recent decades.

Great Falls was declared a national historic park two years ago. We're
looking forward to improvements and some funding coming in for this
hidden and neglected jewel.