Long weekend in Ottawa

This past weekend I went to Ottawa/Gatineau to visit with Mr. and Mrs. B and their two charming tots!

Took the train and rolled comfortably from Union Station, Toronto into Ottawa. Such a contrast in styles between the two stations.

And such a contrast in weather!  As we disembarked from the train in Ottawa, a girl remarked that it was a completely different season there.  So true.  Seemed way colder and they actually have snow.  There has been nary a trace here in Toronto and I was relieved to see the white stuff to remind me that Winter really does exist!

(On a side note, I met a very nice lady seated next to me who has inspired me to track down a book on assertiveness that I hope will teach me how to say no to things I don't want to do, in a tactful and constructive way, of course.)

Had a great time visiting with Mrs. B. and her family.  Now that her boys are no longer babies, and are full-blown human beings, it was such a treat to get to know their little personalities!  Mrs. B was my roommate in residence at University. She was the first person I met when I went off to school and I think of her as family. We have known each other since we were in our late teens!  Hard to imagine!

They are in the middle of gutting a home.  Loved checking it out, seeing the plans and seeing the layers of new and old... imagining how it will all come together.  I'm excited for them and can't wait to see the finished product on my next visit!

Over the extended weekend we poked around town, did a bit of shopping, did manis, hung out with the boys, caught up on gossip and ate so much good stuff.

On the Monday, before I left, we visited the Museum of Nature.  It's housed in a gorgeous building full of stunning architectural details and a giant inflated whale.

We scoped out the whale exhibit and re-learned about the dinosaur age before heading off for some eats.

Thank you to my kind hosts for having me!  I had a lovely Winter getaway!  Looking forward to our next visit!