Update On Pat's Neighbor Nightmare

The problem with Pat's squatter neighbors who are probably dealing drugs right out of their house continues.  See HERE.

While Pat was visiting me down here in southern Delaware a few weeks ago, he asked his friends to stop in his place and water is plants. The photo above is what they found outside Pat's squatter neighbors. Pat didn't know what was going on but his friends didn't feel it was safe to go into Pat's house and check and water his plants. Of course the plants suffered, some died but this is what Pat has to contend with.

His neighbor Sam (short for "Samantha") has organized a campaign to get rid of the squatters but little has been done so far. There was a meeting at City Hall, which Pat and Sam attended. Their grievances were listened to but nothing has been done......yet. 

The picture below is of a sofa that "greeted" Pat when he retuned home for his visit with me. Pat and Sam complained to Hamilton City hall and the sofa was removed. Thank goodness for small favors. What in the world is a sofa doing out in front of that house? 

Pat's awful neighbor's latest "shopping" trip

Some nights Pat has peace from the neighbors next door then other nights they're at it again. Lately they have been "grilling" in with wood. Yes, with wood, not charcoal briquettes.....wood! When Pat first smelled wood burning he thought one of their units was on fire. Pat  called the fire department. He requested that they NOT send a big fire engine but rather a person to request that they not burn wood for their grilling. So what did the city send? A big assed fire engine. Of course.

The nightmare continues. 

Please Sign This Petition To Have Pat's Squatter Neighbors Evicted

Pat's neighbor Samantha who lives on the other side of his squatter neighbor has started a petition to get the Hamilton, Ontario City government to DO SOMETHING to remove his squatter neighbors. 

Even though readers of my blog don't live in Pat's neighborhood of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada I'm sure they can sympathize with Pat and his neighbor Samantha who have a squatter neighbor living right in between their two small adorable houses right in downtown Hamilton. The obviously criminal activity that their squatter neighbors are engaged in is bad enough but the eyesore of their property is the stuff of nightmares of having someone like that for a neighbor. 

Pat's neighbor Samantha is trying to gather enough signatures on her petition to get the attention of the Hamilton City government. Please consider signing this petition. Click HERE. 

That Pat and his neighbor Samantha and the rest of the neighborhood have to live with squatters in their midst and obvious illegal activity (drugs, stolen goods, noise in the middle of the night) is a damn shame. One would think that the city government of Hamilton's responsibility would be to at least enforce their laws. Pat and his neighbor Sam have been trying for over a year now to get the Hamilton city government to do something. Perhaps this extra pressure of a petition with finally ignite them into protecting their law abiding tax paying citizens and get those squatters out of there and condemn that property. I know I have an international following on this blog. Help me out folks! Help Pat and his neighbor Samantha.

Thank you!

Harold Siroonian Dancing in Hamilton July 15 2022

This is a video taken today by my friend Pat F. in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It is of Harold Siroonian, otherwise known as "The Hamilton Dancing Man." I've posted videos of Harold dancing in previous blogs. However, for the past two years Harold has been missing from the scene because of COVID. In fact Harold caught COVID but survived which is somewhat amazing because he does have medical issues and is now eighty-nine years old. 

Pat has sent me several videos of Harold dancing which I find great pleasure in viewing. Harold was a scientist by occupation. Of course he's been retired many years now. He is a widower and has two grown children. He is of Armenian heritage. 

I did have the privilege of meeting him in person a couple of years ago, while he was in the hospitable. Of course he was a gentleman of great class. Humble and interesting. He has inspired others to street dance. Even me (once in Palm Springs!). 

I often watch his videos when I want to relieve my stress. And things have been stressful around here lately caregiving for Bill which is why I haven't posted for awhile. I'll catch you up on that part of my life in future blog postings. But for now, I'm enjoying watching this video of this classy man enjoying life by doing what he likes to do. 

Welcome back Harold!

Back Home From Canadian Holiday

Miss me? 

Monday I arrived back home from my ten-day annual holiday in Canada. 

You're probably wondering why I haven't written.  I have a very good reason, I was EXHAUSTED.

I have so much to tell about my time in Canada but on this blog I'm going to vent about the Pearson Airport in Toronto.



In years past I have taken a flight to Buffalo, which is right over the border from Canada.  I took the flight to Buffalo because the rate was significantly less expensive than flying directly into Toronto and Pearson Airport. Pat would then pick me up at the Buffalo airport and drive me back to his then home in Toronto, a two hour drive.  I've always felt a guilty about having Pat make that two hour drive each way. So this year when I checked the flights, I found that the price for a flight to Toronto (Pearson) was significantly less than in years past. 

I made my flight reservations to go directly into Pearson Airpot in Toronto. Little did I know I made a HUGE mistake.  

First, Pat no longer lives in Toronto but now lives in his fabulous brand new condo in downtown Hamilton. Hamilton is forty miles closer to Buffalo. Toronto is almost as far the other way.  So that "advantage" was no longer applicable. I didn't shorten Pat's trip to pick me up.  

Another big problem, I would now have to go through customs in Toronto. In the past when Pat picked me up in Buffalo, all I had to do was show my passport at the border crossing guard. However, when one flies directly into Toronto, you have to fill out a customs disclosure form in Philadelphia. Then when you arrived in Toronto you have to go through the maze (three times) that is customs. And all VERY CONFUSING.  Did I say confusing?  CONFUSING!

 


Plus there was the problem of Pat getting to Pearson Airport. Buffalo is easy. Pearson is a nightmare of spaghetti roads.  CONFUSING!

Now that was just coming into Toronto. Going out on Monday was even worse if that was possible. 

Pat and I decided to take a bus to the airport. We left Hamilton in plenty of time but were still delayed because there was a motorcycle accident (which included a fatality) on the road leading to the airport. 

When we finally arrived at the airport we couldn't find the terminal where I was to get my plane. Pat asked another fellow passenger on the elevator where our terminal was.  He directed us to a terminal.  We were so appreciative until we realized it was the WRONG 
!




We asked on of those Visitor Attendants where our terminal was.  Yes, I was going to America.  He walked us for what seemed like two miles to another terminal.  Up escalators, down escalators until Pat and I were separated by security. I again had to go through the maze of security, THREE TIMES!  This time I had to take off my shoes and belt, something which I didn't have to do in Philly because I'm and Old Man (75 and over).  




I load up the bins to go through the conveyor belt and step into the X-ray machines which visually strips me naked.  

I asked to empty everything in my pockets. I thought I did. Oh, I forgot that used tissue. 




I stepped into the stripper X-ray machine again, trying to keep my shorts from falling sans belt. 

Again I was asked to empty my pockets.  Oops! I had disposable gloves from my time with Pat from our daily litter patrol in Gore Park. 

I step into the stripper X-ray machine again. 

"Step out and empty your pockets!"  

I step out and am asked if I would mind being patted down.  Why not?  They've already seen me naked.  Lower the lights and put on the soft background music and pat me down. 

I get patted down and pass . . . . finally! Of course they found nothing in my pockets. It's at this time I wonder what they do when someone is wearing a cock ring. 

Now it was time to put my passport in the automated machine to pass the next phase of security. Of course I put it in upside down. Then before I knew it my picture was already taken.  I needed this voucher with my photo on it to pass the next phase of security. 




Did I mention that going through Security at Pearson was a NIGHTMARE?  

I finally get through security, belt on, shoes on and ask where the American Airlines terminal is.  I am directed to a stairwell that descends to the ground level.  What? Americans don't get to wait in the Big Room to see the airplanes coming in and going out?  Apparently not.

As I descend the stairs I hear a man over the loudspeaker paging "Mr. Tipton and Mr. Kahn, report to the front desk."  

Oh My God!  Am I not done yet?  And what's with  this "Mr. Kahn?"  That's sounds like a terrorist to me.

I "report" to the front desk and apparently I am LATE.  The plane has already loaded and they were waiting for me!  

I rush out onto the hot tarmac.  Oh, did I mentioned the WHOLE time I was in Canada I experienced a heat wave EVERY DAY. My departure day was no different.

Picture me hobbling across the sun baked tarmac to the stairwell to the plane.  

I get on and of course my overhead bin is full.  Of course.  I load my luggage three seats down the aisle and I squeeze in my tiny window seat.  Just my luck I have a big guy on the aisle sharing my space. Not his fault but at least he didn't stink like my last time I was on this plane back to Philly.

Thank goodness the flight back to Philly was only an hour in length. Airline travel on these little planes is not comfortable folks, even though I pay extra for "extra leg room" which really isn't.

This time back to Philly my flight wasn't delayed like it was the last two times.  In fact I got back before my ride.  

What a relief to get back to a decent airport, Philadelphia International.  

As in all my trips I learn.  I learned a lot from this trip but the main thing I learned is that NEVER AGAIN will I fly directly into Toronto and Pearson.  The absolute worst nightmare I have ever had in an airport. THE WORST.  

Other than the Pearson Airport Nightmare, how was your Canadian holiday?  Fabulous, just fabulous!  It was a shame that my experience at Pearson had to happen. 

Here's a message to Toronto, if you want to establish yourself as a world class city, straighten out that airport. It is a disaster.  

Speaking of which, notice how my video sequence it confusing?  That was Pearson Airport at Toronto. Never again folks, never again.

Our Visit to the Delish Restaurant in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Continuing with my recent annual holiday in Ontario Canada, this is video of our visit to the Delish Restaurant in downtown Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Pat is moving to Hamilton next year.  He wanted to show me around his new home.  We're in the discovery mode.  

We found this wonderful restaurant owned and run by a Costa Rican immigrant named Erick Merlos.  

While the area around the restaurant has clearly seen better days, finding this restaurant was like finding a diamond in a desolate street.  

Hamilton has nowhere to go but up.  And what a delight it was to find this Delish restaurant!  

To be continued:

Last Day in Hamilton

Pat sitting in front of the Burnt Tongue where we had lunch today

Our stay in Hamilton is coming to an end.  Originally we only planned to stay one day but our accommodations here at the Carmen Best Western hotel are so outstanding I've extended our stay twice!

Today was another beautiful weather day.  Pat and I explored more of downtown Hamilton which is undergoing a metamorphosis from a run down steel town to a destination city of those seeking relief for the high prices and traffic nightmare of Toronto.  

There are still sections of downtown Hamilton badly in need of cleaning up but the genesis of a city in the process of being reborn is clearly visible.  Pat is going to love living in his hamster cage at the renovated Royal Connaught Hotel.  

Today we explored the farmers' market located right in the center of town.  All fresh veggies, meats, eggs, baked goods and even flowers.  Something that even I don't have access to where I live in southern Delaware.  

Fresh veggies at the Farmers' Market in downtown Hamilton today

We also discovered another delightful restaurant in a funky part of town.  It was called the Burnt Tongue.  No, we didn't burn out tongue with the fresh veggie soup we got there nor the hot fries.  Delicious!

Pat buying fresh brownies at a bake shop

Pat and I are headed out again in a few minutes to sample another veggie restaurant.  

Customer buying fresh cold cuts at the Farmers' Market today

Tomorrow we leave Hamilton.  I have to say I am saddened.

Canada - Day Three

Me and Pat at Niagara Falls this past Tuesday

Where does the time go?  It's Day Three of my annual Canadian holiday!

Folks, I am having a GRAND time.  I am so fortunate at this time of my life to have the health, means and friends to take a holiday like this.  All my life I dreamed of holidays like this but always had to settle for those solo vacations.  Some years ago I gave up on taking solo vacations because they just weren't fun. Now I am having fun.

Here is a brief synopsis of what we have done since I landed at the Buffalo airport this past Tuesday.

Pat picked me up at the airport.  We had lunch at Wegmans in downtown Buffalo. We always make it a point to have lunch at a Wegmans just because of the great selection of good food at a reasonable price.  Pat is a vegan and I go vegetarian when I am with him. 

After lunch Pat drove us to Niagara Falls, Ontario for the next leg of our stay. I made reservations at a bed and breakfast called The Gray Stone Manor. First time I stayed at this bed and breakfast.  It's always a roll of the dice when choosing a hotel or bed and breakfast.  I always check Trip Advisor for some guidance to avoid any disasters.  This time I choose wisely.  The Gray Stone Manor was magnificent!  An old Victorian house that was spotlessly clean and spacious.  Centrally located near downtown Niagara Falls, couldn't be more convenient. 

Pat in the staircase of the Gray Stone Manor, our bed and breakfast in Niagara Falls

That night we drove to downtown Niagara Falls to take in the super touristy atmosphere that is Niagara Falls. We rode the giant ferris wheel which is "Yuge."  

After the ferris wheel ride we weaved our way through the massive tourist crowds and found a small Indian restaurant where we enjoyed a tasty Indian meal.

And what would a trip to Niagara Falls be without a visit to the Falls River Casino?  Oh yes, we walked (and walked) our way to the casino which probably wasn't such a good idea.  Pat has a bad leg and my new white Rebook sneakers were pinching both of my big toes.  I knew I should have broken in those sneakers.

After a few rest stops we finally entered the brightly lite environs of the acres of slot machines. We both were prepared to spend $20 on the slots. Pat and I are such novices we still don't know which slots to play.  After passing several lonely slot machines, Pat settled on one that look interesting. He put $5.00 in and started to play.  Spin, spin, spin. First three spins no matches. He was down to $3.50.  Then on the fourth spin he had a match!  An eleven dollar credit showed on the screen.  I urged Pat "Let's quit now while you're ahead!"  He agreed.  I didn't even feel like playing the slots.  I still have my $20.00.  

The slots - money suckers

We went to the payout section of the casino and Pat cashed in his receipt.  By this time both Pat's leg and my big toes were killing me.  We attempted to walk to our car but we only made it a few blocks until we stopped and tried to hale down a cab.  Lot's of luck!

After a few misses we got a cab.  Now we didn't even know where our car was parked. Pat knew the general direction so we told the cab driver to drive in that area.  He did and dropped us off.  Pat and then hobbled around several streets until we finally found his car.  Thank goodness!

In the car and back to our bed and breakfast and a good night's sleep.

Pat at our Victorian bed and breakfast in Niagara Falls

The next day we woke up to a glorious breakfast.  All that food just for us and the other guest in the bed and breakfast, a young lady from Switzerland.  For breakfast:

Fresh fruit cup
Oatmeal
Scrambled egg burrito
Ham
Potato patties
Toast
Fresh squeezed orange juice
Coffee
Yogurt
Danish

And some other selections that I forget.  Our breakfast hostess was a Portuguese woman who emigrated to Canada over twenty-five years ago.  That's one of the things I love about Canada.  So diverse in the many cultures who live in harmony.  So unlike many of the places I've been in the United States where too many people get nervous when they see a woman wearing a hijab or a man wearing a turban.  

On Tuesday we left for Hamilton, Ontario.  Pat's new home.  I would write about that visit but this blog is already too long.  But one thing I can say, we're staying at the best hotel I've ever stayed at in my life.  In fact I've extended our stay by two days.  We won't leave hear until Saturday morning.    The photo at the heading of this blog was taken in downtown Hamilton a few hours ago during a free music concert.  Hamilton is a lovely town.  So welcoming.  Pat has made a good decision to move here.  The photo below is where Pat will live next year when the conversion of the Royal Connaught Hotel is complete into condos.  Pat's condo will be where the sheet is hanging.  

Pat in front of his new front door, the Royal Connaught

Royal Connaught Hotel, Hamilton, Ontario this morning under going conversion

Good times folks.  Life is wonderful!

P.S.

Sorry about the lack of photos and videos but I'm working from my MacBook Air and I don't want to load it down with videos and photos.  I'm inundate you all with photos and videos from my trip when I return home next Tuesday.  I know this week is going to go by fast.