Felt a bit like spring today

Dreaming of patio openings already?

It was such a beautiful sunny day in downtown Toronto this February 21st. You know, it had that serene quietness about it that Sundays often have. We just had to be out and about in this beautiful city that Toronto is, despite the messiness left on the streets from melted snow. Even though sleet is forecast for tomorrow, there is a hint of spring in the air today. And my snowdrops are coming up big and strong in the garden.

I am happy not to be a ‘Snowbird’ on a day like today.

We noted how many great and distinct neighbourhoods Toronto has, each with their own character and specialty stores. It was so hard to choose where to stop and have a beverage, but eventually, in the heart of Little Italy on College Street, we came across one of our most favourite haunts where the coffee is truly excellent, the food is basic but good and the ambience is appealing for all ages. Cafe Diplomatico. An icon in the neighbourhood, and a popular haunt for many including out of towners. We used to drive down from Vaughan for Saturday breakfasts on the patio, many a time. And this is just one of many great choices of places to be.

Clearly the patio wasn’t open even though the sun was brilliant. Even so, it was so worth the stroll on the street, the 30 minutes over an excellent Americano and grilled cheese sandwich,  the heart- and body-warming temperatures, the startling change in light quality now that the sun is higher in the sky and the clouds were absent that clearly uplifted everyone’s mood. It was packed, but pleasantly so.

Everyone was in a great mood. It was most excellent.

I love our city!