Friday 10 July 2009

The City that fun forgot!

I've lived in the Ottawa region for almost twenty years, this is the longest I've ever lived in one spot in my entire life. It is a gorgeous area full of history, landmarks, waterways, trails, wetlands and green space.

There is an never ending array of events, summer, winter, spring and fall, there is not one week or weekend that there isn't something going on in our fair city.

During the winter there is Winderlude, the Gatineau Loppet or skating on the world's longest waterway, the Rideau Canal. Springtime gives you the opportunity to shake off the snow and cold and enjoy the Tulip Festival among other events. The fall gives you many, many activities as well, but we are now in summer here (doesn't feel like it most days, but summer is here). With summer there is sailing on the Ottawa River, runner's along the trails and parkways, many running events and triathlons, the Byward Market and enjoying volleyball tournaments and so many other activities I just don't have the time to mention.

So, why do I say that Ottawa is the city that fun forgot? Ottawa is the capital of Canada and therefore riddled with politics, politicians and protocol.

Currently Cisco Bluesfest is taking place at LeBreton Flats, at this particular location during Bluesfest there are noise bylaws, beer (or lack thereof) bylaws, parking bylaws and the list goes on. This year the list of entertainer's is phenomenal, Jeff Beck, Jackson Browne, Lynyrd Skynyrd and the list goes on and on. Not so blues-y but fun none the less is KISS. Yes, Gene Simmons and his entourage will be here next Wednesday. If you've ever watched "Family Jewels" you'll know that Shannon Tweed is a Canadian Girl who made her way in the world, featured in Playboy, movies (some not so great), and of course to become the better half of the KISS front man.

Our acting mayor, Doug Thompson, yes "acting mayor", our real Mayor is on trial (go figure) had proclaimed next Wednesday as "Shannon Tweed" day in Ottawa. No big deal right? Wrong!!! Councillor Jan Harder totally nixed the idea and squashed any "fun" events that may have taken place. Shannon although originally from Dildo, Newfoundland, lived in Ottawa back in the '70's and '80's and was crowned Miss Ottawa Valley in 1977!!

The local Classic Rock radio station Chez 106 is going ahead with Shannon Tweed day, who knows what craziness will take place!! Stay tuned.
Why you ask am I writing all this drivel? Well, because I haven't been running nor cycling the past couple of weeks. There have been some other things going on that have taken up some of my "me" time .

However, as I close this post, I'm sharing with you our new signage that was put up at the entrance way to my humble hamlet....

Look closely and you will see that obviously someone has a sense of humour!!


Life's fun if you don't weaken,

Lily






23 comments:

Bandobras said...

I'm not sure if the bottom right corner there refers to a first aid center for the Heimlich maneuver or a warning that there are politicians around and what they might do for you.
Either way I'm guessing it won't stay up there very long.

Keith said...

Ottawa. Uhuh. My wife is from near there, and has lived in Ottawa. I feel my soul being crushed every time we go into the city, but not because I'm visiting my inlaws. I'm a real pervert that loves my inlaws. The Museum of Civilization is great (and yes, I know that's across the river in Hull) Ottawa is a blight on the landscape.

My personal view is that politicians emit dumbo rays, and the more of them there are, the stronger the rays are, eventually affecting normal people.

Did you know that before your post I had no idea who Shannon Tweed was, and that in a moment or two I'll be back to that blissful state?

Runner Leana said...

I'm sorry, there's is a Dildo, Newfoundland? Wow...that's akward. That sign for your hamlet is hilarious! Are they rock climbing? Bouldering? Synchronized diving? I can't be sure...

Wes said...

Shannon Tweed Day? GAWWWD! now THAT is teh funny :-) Then Dildo, Newfoundland just put me under the desk... not to mention the sign...

Marlene said...

Ottawa is such a great city. I can't wait to see more of it!

That sign is hysterical!!!!

teacherwoman said...

That sign is too much! ha!

Bert said...

Well I shall just have to google Shannon Tweed with the appropriate zero filter setting. Mine keeps defaulting to the 'moderate filter' setting? Mom, are you hacking into my system? As for Ottawa, sounds good enough to visit, I might just check some airfares. That sign is hilarious. Diving lessons? Might not get a lot of swimming done.

Carolina John said...

whoever "erected" that sign must have a sense of humor. haha, that's great!

bluecolnago said...

good stuff, lily! where do you come up with all of that?

i remember seeing shannon tweed in a "glossy magazine" many years ago. kinda hot, if i remember right... lol.

be good!

Unknown said...

Is that sign for real?!?!? OMG that is toooooo funny!!

Sprocketboy said...

This is brilliant! Any place that puts up a sign like that should clearly have a Shannon Tweed Day.

Nat said...

That sign is hysterical... is it still up?

I think it makes us look like hicks that we declared a Shannon Tweed day in the first place. She only lived here for a few years, and basically is known for who she sleeps with. What's next a Tom Cruise day? Fun or no, it's just really not appropriate.

(tom lived in Ottawa for a few years too.)

Jess said...

Shannon Tweed day. Interesting...

EndorphinBuzz said...

That sign is too funny. Ottawa can be boring but it can also be crazy fun. It's up to you to make your own fun.

Stuart said...

I was in Ottawa only once but it is a beautiful city. That sign is too funny but not as funny as a town called Dildo!

Groover said...

Oh, I've got it. You are referring to the empty shopping trolley, right? :-) I didn't know that KISS is still around.

Aka Alice said...

LMAO at a city named "Dildo" and that sign...hahahaha

Anne said...

Gotta agree w/ "Alice" on the Dildo. I can't even say it with a straight face. And I wonder how many smirks, laughs and outright auto accidents that last sign invokes. Don't get me wrong -- I love it, but I can't imagine anything like it getting through a committee down here. Kudos to you quirky Canadians.

triguyjt said...

Man, you gotta run those Kill-joys out of the city....

gheeeesh!!!!

Keith said...

And you didn't even mention Conception Bay, Newfoundland.

Shelley said...

Thanks for stopping by and saying hello! I will look for you at the change tent too...take care!!!

Vava said...

Dildo, NFLD?!?! Are you kidding?! I laughed out loud here at work and the others around me instantly wondered what was wrong with me! Thanks for the mental break.

And that sign in awesome. Just. Awesome...

Nitmos said...

I'm just shaking my head, chuckling, and repeating "Shannon Tweed day" over and over. Just funny. I'm starting my Yasmine Bleeth Day petition to our local govt right now!