My first real encounter with Kurt Vonnegut was not, as one might expect, by reading Slaughterhouse Five (still on the list of to-read) but instead, by listening to him on The Paris Review web site giving a toast in memory of the founders of that periodical. As it happened, he was asked to do that toast by George Plimpton but by the time Vonnegut was to do it, Plimpton had passed away as well. You can listen to that toast here. ¶ For the past two weeks Pauline and I have been attending the Life Drawing class at the Gladstone Hotel. It's a simple enough concept: pints and drawing. The class has been a tremendous discovery. Not only is it convenient, but atmosphere and level of comfort are off the charts. I feel like after years of trying to find that perfect Dear John evening event in Toronto, I've finally found it. And I'm so damned pleased. ¶ Thursday was a big day. It began simply enough, working away on Siteway Lit, but then it took a slight turn because we had an appointment to sign the papers for our wedding venue. After a refresher at the Y we came back to 168 to crack the champagne bought for us as an engagement present. It did what champagne is supposed to do: give us a light buzz and a warm feeling as we stepped out for a celebratory dinner at the one and only Sugar Cafe. It was a great way to end the week and kick off the heart of autumn. ¶ 10:06 PM
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