It wasn’t until precisely 11:00 o’clock this morning that I shamefully succeeded to raise myself from the sprawling king-size mattress and confronted the already glittering world about me. Apparently the 7:00 am collection of prescription drugs and painkillers had nicely tranquillized me for the first half of the day. I immediately took a hot and cold shower (inspired by my native asceticism) then proceeded to assemble my routine breakfast of sliced apple, wedge of Brie cheese and handful of pitted prunes. Afterwards it was a late morning bicycle ride on the erstwhile railway right-of-way where we strangely encountered few pedestrians and fewer cyclists. It was a quietude which signalled the remainder of the day. Upon our return to the apartment we resolved to celebrate Canada Day by driving southward to the Ivy Lea Parkway parallel the St. Lawrence Seaway. The weather was sultry. Billowing white clouds mounted in the azure sky.

Naturally everyone is pleased to be among their countrymen to celebrate the national festivity. There is a distinct pride to be Canadian when our universal allowances for medical and educational needs – and the enlightened conduct of our Prime Minister Justin Trudeau – are enjoying such manifest popularity. In the heat of the moment some of our American neighbours are heralding our success. Whatever the detail everyone in the world (with the exception of those whose travel is imperative) are confined to their immediate environment. Summertime vacationing beyond one’s immediate provincial borders can impose lingering quarantine. There is the further very real limitation afforded by the reluctance of local restaurants and hotels to do business of any scope. The prospect of family barbecues is similarly dissuaded. Congregations of any description are unfavourable.

I have always maintained that whenever one seeks adventure there is no need to get on one’s horse and ride off in all directions.  Expressed another way this qualification has translated into a reminder that things are not necessarily greener on the other side of the mountain. I like to recall for example that travel agencies routinely advertise enticement to foreigners of the very features which are often but a stone’s throw from one’s drawing room.