Book ~ "Kinsey and Me: Stories" (2013) Sue Grafton

From Goodreads ~ In 1982, Sue Grafton introduced us to Kinsey Millhone. Thirty years later, Kinsey is an established international icon and Sue, a number-one bestselling author. To mark this anniversary year, Sue has given us stories that reveal Kinsey’s origins and Sue’s past.

"Kinsey and Me" has two parts: The nine "Kinsey" stories (1986-93), each a gem of detection; and the "And Me" stories, written in the decade after Grafton's mother died. Together, they show just how much of Kinsey is a distillation of her creator’s past even as they reveal a child who, free of parental interventions, read everything and roamed everywhere. But the dark side of such freedom was that very parental distance.

The same unique voice and witty insights readers fell in love with in "A Is for Alibi" permeate the Kinsey stories. Those in the "And Me" section trace a remarkable voyage, from anger to understanding, from pain to forgiveness. They take us into a troubled family, dysfunctional as most families are, each in their own way, but Grafton’s telling is sensitive, delicate, and ultimately, loving. Enriching the way we see Kinsey and know Sue, these stories are deeply affecting. 

I'm not a fan of short stories but I'm a fan of Kinsey Millhone (I've read all of the "alphabet series" featuring Kinsey Millhone) so that's why I checked out this book.

I thought the first half of the book was okay.  They were short stories featuring Kinsey Millhone solving quick cases.  I was looking forward to the second half to learn more about Sue Grafton.  But the stories were (I'm assuming) from parts of Grafton's life as a neglected child of alcoholics but not in her voice (they are characters).  I didn't find them as interesting (I found them boring) and stopped after a couple.  As a head's up, there is some swearing.

I discovered the "alphabet series" in the mid-1990s and have read them all.  I started rereading them last year and enjoyed most of them.  I read Y is for Yesterday last year so this brings the series to an end once again for me.  With the author's recent death, Y is for Yesterday will be the end of the series.

Boston Pizza, London, ON

I had supper this evening at Boston Pizza.

The dining room

The lounge/bar

It was nice out so I ate on the patio

I've been to a few Boston Pizzas and always order their lasagna or pizza.  I wanted to try something different so ordered the Ribber-Winger Combo.  I got their signature BBQ sauce on the ribs and medium sauce on the wings.  It's a good meal and I'm glad I tried it.  It's a lot of food, though.  You get ribs, wings, garlic bread (I added cheese) and two sides (I got a double order of garlic mashed potatoes).  I ate the wings, ribs, garlic bread and a couple bites of potatoes (they were good but I was full).  They might want to consider just cutting back to half the garlic bread and one side.

Dawghouse Pub and Eatery, London, ON

I had a late lunch today at the Dawghouse Pub and Eatery.

The booths had individual TVs

The Boot Social Pizzeria, Oakville, ON

I had a late lunch today at The Boot Social Pizzeria.  It's in a strip mall.

It was such a nice day so I sat on the patio

Here was my view

I love love love pizza and ordered a Mangiacake pizza with speziato (spicy) sauce.  It was a good pizza.  The sauce did have some kick to it but it was okay.  The crust was thin and crispy.

Pasta Mondo, Toronto, ON

I had lunch today at Pasta Mondo (on St. Clair Avenue W, west of Yonge Street).  It hasn't been there very long.  I love pasta so I thought I'd give them a try.

You order in steps ... choose the size, the pasta (the different kinds of pasta have different cooking times, which range from a minute to six minutes), the sauce, your protein (that costs extra), your cheese and if you want veggies (that also cost extra).  I got a large, fusilli pasta (one minute to cook), arrabbiata sauce and chicken.  With a bottle of pop and tax, it came to $13.

To honest, I didn't have high hopes for my meal and I wasn't disappointed ... it was awful.  The pasta had a weird texture.  The sauce tasted like it came out of bottle.  I had intended to eat it there but because the cheese wasn't close to being melted, I took it back to the office figuring the cheese would melt on the way over ... um no.  I stirred it in with the pasta to help it along.  I ate about a quarter of the pasta, picked out the chicken and ate it, and threw the rest in the garbage (I hate throwing out food).

There were two staff.  The fella taking the orders and making the pasta looked miserable, was unfriendly and didn't seem like he wanted to be there.  The cashier was a bit but not much better.

I definitely won't be back.

Best Portuguese Chicken, Etobicoke, ON

I had an early lunch today at Best Portuguese Chicken (on the Queensway/east of Islington Avenue).

I ordered the half chicken dinner with rice and potatoes.  It also came with a pop.  The portion was large and the price was cheap ($12).  I've eaten this meal in a lot of Portuguese restaurants and I found it interesting that they don't put the hot sauce on your food.  They are in containers on the tables.  I think there was two varieties (there were two unlabeled bottles) ... kinda hot (which I used) and hotter.  The chicken was fresh and tender, though the wing was overdone and inedible (I was too full anyway).

Pedestrian Sunday in Kensington Market, Toronto, ON

Today is the first Pedestrian Sunday in Kensington Market of 2018.

It was a gorgeous sunny warm day and I walked there this afternoon.  It was pretty crowded (but not too crowded) so obviously others had the same idea as me.  It's been a few years since I've checked it out and it's gotten livelier.

It was a fun spot to be!  There was lots to see and do ... musicians/entertainment, vendors, food, games, etc.

I headed north on Augusta Avenue from Dundas Street W.

Kensington Brewing Company, Toronto, ON

Kensington Brewing Company opened in August (on Augusta Avenue in Kensington Market) and I finally checked it out this afternoon.  It was a popular spot and I sat at the bar.  The bartenders were friendly.

They sell beer to-go

The Trinity Bellwoods Flea - Spring Market, Great Hall, Toronto, ON

This morning I checked out the Trinity Bellwoods Flea Market - Spring Market at The Great Hall (at Queen Street W/Dovercourt Road), in our 'hood.

Well hello Sping! Aren't you just a breath of fresh air! A welcomed one indeed. Let's get back into it, Toronto, and put a spring in our step. Grab those shades, bring a friend and let's enjoy a #shoplocalsunday. We will bring the vendors, artisans, local eats and delicious spring sweet treats. All you have to do is show up! 

Join us May 27, 2018 10am - 5pm at the historic Great Hall Toronto. Find vendors inside and outside! As always admission is FREE, four legged friends welcome and kiddos bring em along! Love Local. Shop Local.

As always, there was much to tempt ... food, plants, clothing, jewelry, candles, food and lots more!

There were vendors on the upper level.

2018 Ontario Terry Fox Organizers Workshop, Toronto, ON

Last year I walked 5km in the Terry Fox Run in Liberty Village (near my 'hood) for the first time.  I plan on doing it again this year and I've signed up as an organizer/volunteer.

Today there was a day long workshop for organizers/volunteers in Ontario.  My friend and neighbour, Dawn, has been volunteering for the run for three years (since the run started in Liberty Village) and she and I went together. 

It was held at the Four Seasons head office ... Isadore Sharp, founder and chairman of the Four Seasons, and helped started the Terry Fox Run.

You could buy teeshirts, shirts, flags, books, etc.  I bought the 2018 teeshirt.

There were tributes along the wall to the room where the workshop was being held.