More Rain and Good Food

I am already sick of the incessant rain. Tara lent me her umbrella, and my alpaca coat keeps me warm. I am determined to get a coat for Tara, she is not well prepared for the impending winter. I met with Maurice and Renee for lunch near the hospital she works at (CHUM---associated with the University of Montreal). It was an amazingly good restaurant, next to the 'Lion d'Or' which is a cabaret place, I think the brasserie like place was called 'Extra'. It was fun to see and talk to Eric's friends, and catch up on our lives. I am not sure what the plans were for the afternoon, but I found myself at Renee's place for a short while, where I called up my office and took care of messages waiting for me.

Tara called asking for food, so we met near McGill at the bar at the Omni hotel, where Tara dove into a hamburger and Renee and I and later Maurice drank cocktails. Tara had a rehearsal to go to, and then Renee and Maurice decided I needed to look at warm coats, so we drove to a store called "Kanuk' which supposedly has the best coats around. I feel strongly that for Tara to enjoy Montreal winter, she has to be properly attired. A warm coat, boots, gloves, scarves, hat etc. If warm enough, she will be able to enjoy this place. She dresses as if it is still spring, and will suffer.....

The prices were outrageous, and I think that Renee figured that I was in shock and awe, so she and Maurice drove me out to the suburbs to a wonderful coop mountain wear store, where prices were more reasonable. I could not buy anything for Tara, she would not approve. I was most impressed with the longjohns, which may be part of her necessary attire. But I decided that Tara will have to shop on her own and decide what she wants. I worry that she will not bother and will struggle.....

We had dinner at Mikado, a Japanese restaurant near Maurice and Renee's condo, and enjoyed our sushi and more conversation. I think I got home after midnight, and got comfortable in my wonderful bed with more than enough pillows and chocolate treats on the bedside. I like my hotel, which feels homey and inviting.