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