It was oddly bittersweet leaving Edmonton today. My parents and some friends are still there, but my home is now firmly planted in Toronto. Maybe it’s because I’m writing this on the plane shortly after take off, but I’m feeling really sentimental. I miss my family, but I’m looking forward to being “home.” Where home is now JC, our kitties, the foster cats, and the amazing & lovely community that I’ve found in Toronto and the surrounding area.

As an added bonus, my WestJet flight has satellite TV, streaming YYZ CBC and I’m watching CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada from the air with game seven of the Maple Leafs Vs. Boston Bruins game. My love of the Edmonton Oilers has been replaced by a new found Toronto patriotism. Maple Leaf Hockey – the little team that usually can’t, but damn if they don’t have a lot of heart. I’ll admit to a pretty serious love of hockey, but on the plus side, I’m not the only one yelling at the tiny screen on the plane.

I’m looking forward to really recapping the trip, and talking about some of the awesome vegan food options that have appeared or strengthened over the last few years, from old favourites like Padmanadi and Bloom Cookie Co, to Newer Arrivals like Veggie Garden and Clever Rabbit. Vegan Nights at non-vegan restaurants and hippie market shopping from places like Earth’s General Store and Planet Organic. My family and I took walks through Edmonton’s beautiful river valley, and through Edmonton’s less beautiful West Edmonton Mall taking advantage of Alberta’s 8% PST discount.