Talent...it runs in the family.

My sister Sylvie, who turned 34 yesterday, is a journalist for La Presse and was honored yesterday for an article she wrote about how so called hyper-parents should let their kids get bored during spring break, and not schedule a multitude of activities for them. It was a brilliant article and she deserves the honor (and the lump of cash that comes with it), and i'm not just saying that because she's my sister.

Happy birthday and congratulations, little trooper. I hope you do something very silly with the money.

Tea time

So what does one do in Ottawa in november when one's best friend comes over for a day-visit? God forbid we should choose to shop or go to a museum. If we wanted to get fancy and do something interesting (and why shouldn't we), a High-Tea is in order.

So go. Go to the Château Laurier. Walk to the chic room called Zoe's Lounge. Stay for three hours or more with your best friend. Feel happy. Enjoy the attention and the Devonshire cream. Ask the tea sommelier a million tea-related questions, even if you don't give a damn about tea. Clear the three-tiered tray. Feel full. And for chrissakes, don't ask for a doggie bag.

It isn't cheap. Go anyway.