Marmalade Skies Children’s Boutique

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The sign is up at the former Emma Z at 1695 South Bayview for a new shop which, according to the freshly-installed sign, will be called Marmalade Skies. The Beatles inspired name is from the famous Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds and is much loved by several generations. Let’s hope there are diamonds in this shop for the owner. Much good luck. Lyrics

The parasols of South Bayview

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It’s going to be 33 degrees Wednesday on South Bayview. Do we need to say more? Take all precautions including, for the ladies, breaking out that charming, slightly oriental fashion accessory, the parasol. Here (top) we see South Bayview regulars Margaret and Bert, with Margaret looking like a perfect lady of style (lucky Bert). Below a few other parasol images to give you an idea of how to use it.

Harper family cat named Stanley

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Polticians can seldom go wrong with cats, but it appears Prime Minister Harper comes honestly by his adoption of a family pet. The Harper family’s new cat has been named Stanley. The flash was sent out today on the Harper Facebook page (where else) after an online oll was held to choose a name for the tabby kitten. “Thank you to those who voted,” the site says. “Stanley was adopted from the Ottawa Humane Society. We encourage everyone to adopt their animals from the many wonderful animal shelters across the country.” Here are the names offered up for the cat. Stanley garnered more than 4,400 votes, beating out Smokie, Gandalf, Griffin, Earl Grey and Vingt-Quatre (24 in French). Harper is a well-known cat lover.

Don’t forget the barbecue on Thursday

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Nice little reminder story here from InsideToronto.com about the Family Barbecue on Thursday in aid of the Leaside arena expansion.

American Eagle to close, renovate stores

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American Eagle Outfitters, a funky harbour for 15 to 20-year-olds, is struggling with overhead in the U.S and as a result is planning to close as many as 100 stores. At the same time, there is word that AE will renovate more successful stores in the U.S. and Canada. One of these successful stores is thought to be the Yorkdale outlet.

Tremor shakes the “Cat’s Eye” bridge

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Brent and Frances were among residents out for a Sunday walk when they felt a very noticeable tremor on the Heath Street Bridge — known to locals as the Cat’s Eye Bridge. The Cat’s Eye is a pedestrian connection across the ravine between Moore Park and Bennington Heights. Brent and Frances, of Moore Park, said there were maybe six or seven people on the bridge at about 12.30 pm when the tremor began to move the bridge and shake the lamp posts on it. “It was kind of scary,” Frances said. “We didn’t know what was happening.” Brent said he wondered if he was dizzy because he hadn’t had lunch. Fortunately, they, and everyone else survived and Brent and Frances had an enjoyable lunch at Chai on Bayview after their Sunday adventure.

Sissie’s Magical Ponycorn Adventure

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Have you seen this? A Torornto girl, Cassie Creighton, has created (with the help of her dad) a video game that has become, dare we use the word, viral on YouTube. It is charmingly childlike and very appealing. Here is Cassie’s Game, Sissie’s Magical Ponycorn Adventure. There’s a short ad preceding it.

Street party time on Cameron Crescent

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Cameron Crescent Street Party was in full swing Saturday night. Happy residents gathered in Father Caufield Park at Cameron and Macnaughton Rd. while barbecues smoked away and the music played. Looks like fun.

Oh dear! An Arab Spring for Canada?

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Let’s face it, we can forgive children almost anything. We’re sure that’s the way most people look at the action of Brigette DePape, Senate page from Manitoba, who took out a sign during the throne speech that said “Stop Harper”. Forgive yes, but not enough to let her keep the job. She’s been sent home after a year at the post. A statement issued in Brigitte’s name said she opposes the agenda of the Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government, which won a majority mandate on May 2. “This country needs a Canadian version of an Arab Spring, a flowering of popular movements that demonstrate that real power to change things lies not with Harper but in the hands of the people, when we act together in our streets, neighbourhoods and workplaces.” Actually we had our Arab Spring in 1837. We call it the Rebellion of Upper Canada.

Former “Strategy” store is now leased

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The large double store in the north block of South Bayview which used to house Strategy, has been leased. After a vacancy which has lasted years, the space is being renovated. A workman said it was to be a “furniture and accessories ” store.

Seasonable, sunny weather expected

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There’s a little rain predicted for Saturday, but it’s less than 1 mm and will be very spotty. Other than that, the next few days indicate a string of sunny, seasonable weather. About time.

Toronto proud of Laura Newcombe

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Deer Park Public School’s Laura Newcombe has finished second in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Laura lost out only to Sukanya Roy. Comments of readers in the National Post indicate the pride people have in Laura and her wonderful effort.