English Community

Spring is here (I think... and depending on your part of the country)!

Welcome to the Teal Thursday chat for May 2026.

Teal Thursdays are an opportunity to connect 'live' with others by posting in the thread below. While the Teal Thursday is set for Thursdays at 1pm Eastern, feel free to add to the conversation when it works for you.

If you would like to revisit the Teal Thursday conversation from April 2026, you can do so by clicking here. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to me, anytime. 

I hope you have a wonderful May, 

Marianne

Hi all and happy first Thursday of May. The robins are out in full force here and the bunnies are everywhere! I live in what is referred to as a "globally significant, premier bird migratory stopover site on the birds "Atlantic Freeway"". So as you can imagine, mornings are quite 'chirpy' around here. May is also when we see a large influx of "birders" to our area. We pay close attention to them along the roads because they tend to be looking up and not paying much attention to traffic 😗. 

I won't be able to join everyone today at 1pm as I'll be on my way to Toronto for my Friday appointment at PMH (Princess Margaret) so I'm posting a bit early. The good part of the trip is that I'll get to stop and see my granddaughter. Always something that fills my heart. I should have the results of my CT scan for the appointment (but not the dreaded CA125 as that always comes two days later). We shall see what my labs and CT scan reveal relative to this continuous left side pain I've been having.

I hope others are doing well out there. Certainly interested in hearing from anyone new to the forum. We are a group that tends to love questions so please feel free to ask away. We may not be experts, but we hold a lot of knowledge and experience. Remember, no question is a dumb question. Our collective goal is to help every Teal Sisters as best as we can! 💙

Also sending happy Mother's Day greetings this weekend. Mother's Day to me is for celebrating all women with a mother’s heart, regardless of whether they have children of their own. It's about the nurturing spirit women can bring to everyone around them. 💗

Crossing my fingers and toes that you hear only good news at PMH.

Sunny but cool day here in Lucan. Managed to do all three workout sessions this week, including one this morning. I spoke to my large exercise group and told them about tomorrow being World Ovarian Cancer Day. I thanked them for their tremendous support that has helped me keep going. I teased our trainer that at first I blamed him for a pulled muscle in my abdomen 3 years ago, but soon learned what was causing the pain and headed to surgery. ( Stage 3C HGSOC- BRCA2 ) I told them as well, that I have been asked to do another interview tomorrow for CTV London news.( after the one for the London Free Press on March 27th.) After training hundreds of First Aid/CPR classes for 32 years, I do not have that common fear of talking to a group of people, or an interviewer. It will be another interesting experience and I hope to represent us Teal Warriors as well as possible. For those in the area, it will be on the CTV London 6pm news.

I asked my supporters to consider a donation tomorrow to Ovarian Cancer Canada, so I hope they will be generous. I pointed out that it is the deadliest of gynecological cancers and the biggest cancer threat to women, along with pancreatic cancer. My passion for raising awareness and support continues to grow. Women deserve to have have attention to this scourge. Again, finding the teal sisters to talk to, and learn from has been such a lifeline. The emotional impacts of this journey are hard to wade through alone. Love you Ladies !!!!!!!!!!

I am certain that you will represent us well, lbarr72. You are very articulate and thoughtful. It is important that we get the word out about this disease and I too am committed to talking to other women about paying attention to changes in their bodies. I have talked to my Zumba class a few times about symptoms to be aware of. I also post a bit on my Facebook wall to build awareness. 

(Similar to you, I thought that the pain on my side was related to sit-ups from fitness class, so I didn't see a doctor until there were other strange changes in my body). 

Warmest wishes to all our Teal Sisters!  

LeslieA

Thinking of you lbarr72 re: this news. May it just be surgical scar tissue like the Onc suggests, but if not, it sounds as though it has been caught early. Good to change your appointment to June. I imagine there will be an action plan in place.  Regardless, a dent in your shield and all the accompanying thoughts and feelings...

I am glad that you are going ahead with your trip to the coast and to your family cabin in July. We have to keep on keeping on, don't we? I will look forward to seeing you at the conference along with our other teal sisters.  

Hugs to you. 

@lbarr72 my chest CT results were all clear. My labs were good with the exception of my WBC but while they were abnormal, they were much better than in February so they were unfussed. Yeah. We are now just awaiting the ab/pelvis CT report and dreaded CA125 which I will have this coming week. Will admit high nervousness because of the perpetual left side pain I'm having. Having said all that, it will be what it will be. 

I'm sorry to hear about the dent in your shield. I'm so glad you've asked for an earlier appointment. I would have hoped your oncologist would have suggested that. The fact that that he/she didn't immediately ask you to come back in is perhaps good news?? Did they do a CA125? Did that show any changes and/or any reveals within bloodwork that would also support/exclude a recurrence? I may be asking way too many questions so sorry about that.

As @LeslieA said IF, and I do mean IF it is a recurrence an early catch is great as they can determine next steps to take. Good for you for continuing with your travel plans. We have to continue to live our lives, don't we?! I'm sure your head is spinning however it sounds like you have a very good support system around you so don't forget to lean in. Am thinking of you and sending big hugs your way 🤗

#Supportandencouragement

@lbarr72 no doubt it is! I do love how supportive your oncologist is. I have learned that this isn't always the case so I'm very glad for you. Another radiologist could review the reports (another possible option to discuss with your oncologist). As well, while your oncologist may not be a CA125 fan, perhaps now would be a time he might choose to have that done with some other labs, just to other data points. Regardless it sounds like you have good support in your medical team. Deep breaths.

I will go find that news report right now!

#Supportandencouragement

@lbarr72 what a great interview. THANK YOU SO MUCH for continuing to share your story and raising awareness. It's so very important. Also love that they shared your 'holding hands across Canada' water colour and it had "OVdialogue" on it 💙

I'm hoping this works ... here's the link to the story for others that want to see it:

https://www.ctvnews.ca/london/article/lucan-woman-shares-ovarian-cancer-journey-hoping-to-save-other-women/

#Supportandencouragement

lbarr72,

I just viewed your interview and I thought it was fantastic. You spoke so well and delivered an important message. I loved the connection made between the unpredictable nature of watercolour paint and life itself. I am glad that your beautiful artwork was also highlighted and your reverence for beauty. Thank you for representing us so well!  

@Alwayslearning thank you for posting the ctv link. @lbarr72 Wonderful job on the interview.  Your art work is beautiful.  And again the hands across Canada has made me cry 😢.  Enjoy your time in Vancouver next week.  I think it might be raining a bit by then, but who knows the forecast will probably change.  Can't wait to hear what everyone learns and brings back from the conference.  If anyone happens to be in Burnaby/coquitlam area let me know we could do coffee or lunch dates.

@lbarr72 ugh these ct scans are nerve wracking.  I hope it is scar tissue and nothing else.  I will think positive thoughts.  Glad you plan to enjoy your summertime still.🩵👊🙏🏻🫂

@Alwayslearning I thought I had replied to this but I guess I didn't.  Congrats on your CT remaining clear.  Glad your doctor and team are happy to monitor closely🙏🏻

@Meinvan thank you!

@LeslieA and @lbarr72 how strange is this. After thinking I had a recurring UTI, the thing that drove me to get a pelvic ultrasound, an ultimately leading to my diagnosis, was pain in my abdomen (sharp pain) when I was exercising/stretching. 🤥

@lbarr72 darn I'm so sorry I missed the interview. I'm going to see if I can find it on line. THANK YOU for continuing to represent us so well. If your interview raises awareness for just one woman who is having symptoms and/or one person who feels that a donation would help out the cause, then you will have made an impact!!! I love your passion and energy. It's amazing. 

I love this group too. I had the pleasure yesterday at PMH of meeting another OVd Teal Sister, @pepperbee ... our appointments were within 30 minutes of each other so we arranged a quick connect. How lovely to meet her and her beautiful daughter and granddaughter who were there as well. While it's a crappy way to have a connection with someone, it really does make you feel like you are meeting a long lost friend. We didn't have a lot of time together however the opportunity to hug someone who is going through a similar journey really does fill the soul. I know @LeslieA and others are really going to enjoy connecting in Vancouver at the OCC conference. 

Hugs to all!!

Alwayslearning,

I hope that all is well with your scan and the CA 125 test. I also hope that there is some resolution for your discomfort on your left side. 

I love that spring is here. Ours came a month earlier than expected; we had blossoms starting in March. There wasn't enough snow on the mountains in some areas in BC, so the prediction is for a hot, dry summer (so unlike typical west coast weather). For now I am enjoying this period of sunny, warm weather. 

Healthwise, I am still well. The doc changed our monthly check-in's to bimonthly. I must admit that I miss the regular contact with her and the opportunity to chat about whatever is on my mind. 

I have mild fatigue from the Lynparza, but otherwise everything else seems fine. 

I am making plans for the summer, so that I have things to look forward to. I am travelling to Prince Edward County in Ontario to visit a good friend in August. I haven't seen her for many years, therefore it feels important to make this effort. I was so sick last year; now I am well again, so I had better not delay anything I want/need to do! 

Thank you for your words about a mother's heart. I don't have children unfortunately, but I have rescued and mothered a couple of dogs from Mexico, and cared for other dogs and cats over my lifetime. They truly were my animal children. 

Happy Mother's Day to all!  

@LeslieA thank you ... we shall see when all my scan results and the CA 125 come in. Until then, I will enjoy the weekend (and hopefully it will be all good news so I'll enjoy the coming week too ☺️). 

Nice that your spring has arrived. We continue with "seasonably cooler" weather in Southwestern Ontario. There are glimpses of sunshine so that gives us hope!

Glad you continue to feel well. Less frequent check-in's should be seen as positive progress so well done. Celebrate that! I understand the Lynparza fatigue. It's a weird thing as I knew it comes and goes however if it's manageable that it fantastic. There are so many that don't do well on it and/or have to have continuous dosage changes due to side effects. Such a strange drug.

I love the plans you are making and Prince Edward County is lovely. Get ready to try some great wines from that area and food. It sounds like it will be a lovely trip to make. I agree that doing things when you can is the way to go and I like to believe that will be the case for months and years to come!

My sister is a 'dog mom'. She has never been married nor had children however has a wonderful nurturing spirit. I'm pretty sure she likes dogs better than humans at times 😁. 

Stay well. Keep smiling. Thank you for all your continued support of the Teal Sisters as our Community Champion!! 💙

Hi @LeslieA well I have all my results now. Thankfully no recurrence. My CT for chest, Ab/Pelvis all came back with no local recurrence or metastatic disease. So that's something for me to celebrate. My CA125 however continues to rise. I normally hover around 18. It has progressively increased over the past year most recently being 28. As we all know, anything below 35 is considered 'normal'.

I know I won't hear from my oncology team as they said last week that they would only reach out to me if there was anything abnormal in my CT results or CA125 results.  I did however reach out to a Gyne Onc who is a friend of mine and who has made himself available to me in a 'consult' mode' from the start of my journey. He reaffirmed that the CT results are the gold standard and what to focus on. The CA125 varies w/inflammation and so many other things that it's not a definitive measure. I know we all know this however it continues to be worrisome for me particularly as I have the chronic lower left abdominal pain. I've been told repeatedly that it's likely scar tissue and adhesions. I'm going to continue to read up on that to keep learning. 

At this point, I'll take the good news with the CT results. My PMH oncologist has set my next appointment for early August. That will also be the end of my 2 years on Lynparza. We will also continue to plan our September travel. It's our 30th wedding anniversary this year so lots to celebrate.

#Healthandwellness

Alwayslearning,

   Good news overall! I am glad to hear this. I also understand your concern about the CA125 rising, even though it is not considered to be a reliable measure of what we worry about, unless it is well beyond the norm. As you say, it can rise from inflammation or other issues going on in the body that are not necessarily a problem. It must be a bit frustrating to have chronic abdominal pain that isn't clearly understood by the doctors. They are theorizing what it could be from, but is that enough? Ugh.

Yes, take the good news and run with it. Planning a trip for your 30th anniversary in September is a fine thing to do! 

@lbarr72 thank you. Glad you have an appointment set to get your next steps determined. Good to see you are continuing with your trip west and yeah on the vision waiver. Freedom on four wheels ☺️

#

@lbarr72 I hope your watercolour paintings will provide you with some solace. Plus planning and going on your trip west.

I understand the elusiveness of sleep. Do you have anything you can take? Do you use any APPs or sleep rituals? You may have told me at some point so forgive me if I've forgotten. I have Lorazepam which I use for flying (I'm terribly scared of heights so use that when flying to calm to down). It's an anti anxiety med so I take them on occasion (I have doctor permission) if sleep evades me due to negative OVC thoughts. I was also prescribe an actual sleep med (Dayvigo 5mg) but I'll admit I'm scared to take it because it can cause nightmares and momentary sleep paralysis. Seriously. Ugh. I'm already a vivid enough dreamer! Not sure having anxiety from a medication that's suppose to help is a good thing. Ahhhh, the joys of side effects. One day I will put on my "big girl pants" and take it.

I also wanted to say that although it may feel like you might be stepping backward, YOU ARE NOT!!! You are a wise, Teal Warrior with strength, determination and forward momentum. You know more and have wisdom that will carry you forward. Lean into that bravery!!! 💙

#Supportandencouragement

Alwayslearning

I am not familiar with the sleep meds you were prescribed, but I must admit that I use Zopiclone regularly. I have had sleep issues for many years. This med does not cause nightmares or any bothersome symptoms for me, but I am also very habituated to this drug. It isn't recommended for long term use, but it provides me with much needed rest so I will continue using it for the foreseeable future. 

@LeslieA thanks for name of the sleep med you use. I looked into it and it says it's not for long term use. It says 7 - 14 days max. Dayvigo is safe for long term use. That's likely why my GP prescribed it. I do however appreciate the information. I like to know if there are other options considering different side effects of various drugs.

#Treatmentandsideeffects

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@lbarr72 sending hugs across the miles🫂

@Alwayslearning. Good news on your ct scan.

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Hi all and happy Thursday. Can you believe we are in May already. Where is this year going?? The sun keeps peeking out here on the shores of Lake Erie. It's making outdoor walking much more appealing. Today is my husband's 60th birthday 🎉 so we are headed out to dinner. He thinks it's just the two of us however two of his closest friends, his parents and his sister/hubby are joining us too. It's very nice of them as they have to drive 1.5 hours to join us!! We are also doing a 'real' celebration on Sunday when the entire family is here at the cottage. So it's an extended celebration few days for us.

On another note I received a call from my oncologist team at PMH. I will admit my heart almost stopped when I saw the number. While my recent CT was clear, my oncologist wants to redo my bloodwork in a month, specifically my CA125. As it's been creeping upward she wants to see if it stabilizes, rises or let's hope, decreases in a month. As well, she wants to redo the CT scan of chest, pelvis and ab prior to my August appointment (so it will be scheduled for closer to that). I'm okay with all of this and am very appreciative of their proactiveness. It just is a bit unnerving as I wasn't expecting to return to PMH until early August. However I'm thankful for their thoroughness. I did ask if I should be 'freaking out' and was assured that I should not. The CT was clear and that's what is most important. What they are doing is being proactive, specifically with my wonky CA125. Since I continue to also have daily lower left abdominal pain having the additional monitoring kinda' makes me happy too.

So, for now I will focus on the fun that is my hubby's birthday. I get to see my granddaughter too so that will fill my heart as well. I'm headed out soon as I need to get some balloons filled but I'm around for a bit if anyone else is on line today. If not and folks drop in later I'll check back then.

Stay strong and beautiful!!

@lbarr72 well happy, happy, happy birthday to you!! 🎁🎉 I was once told that age is front the ears up. It's all in the 'head'. Enjoy your fancy lunch and the dance show. I love the "Fab 4". How great is that!!!

What a journey into life you've had. Also, my goodness that's a big age difference. You were however clearly a very welcomed 'surprise'.

Enjoy your special day. You have earned it!!! 

#Anythingbutcancer

@lbarr72. Happy 74th!  Hope you have a fabulous time celebrating🍾🧁

Happy birthday to you, lbarr72. Another trip another the sun. You are celebrating this milestone exceedingly well. 
(I will be 70 next February and already thinking about how I might celebrate this new decade in my life). I have had more fun, interesting experiences over the last year because I am treasuring being alive and saying YES to nearly everything. How ironic, but that's okay. 🙄

May this health concern be a small glitch in your life trajectory, which is rectified in good time and onward you go! 

lbarr72,

I enjoyed reading your story about how you entered the world via the backseat of a car in a hospital parking lot. That is material for a great novel. If we get to know our birth story from our mothers, it can be very special. I wonder if others here know their birth story? And would you share it if it feels right to do so? 

My mother told me that I came into the world howling with my tiny mouth opened wide like a basket. She said she noticed that I had dimpled cheeks, deciding  that they were made by angel kisses. It was a beautiful story, very validating of my existence and something I thought about from time to time. I was far from a perfect daughter in my teen years, but we became very close friends in my adult years. I had a great mother. 

@LeslieA I love "angel kisses" for your dimpled cheeks. What a lovely visual that creates. ❤️

My story...as may be the case for many of of 'older Teal Sisters', fathers were not permitted to be present at the birth of the child. My Mum was in labour and they sent my Dad away telling him it would be another day. SURPRISE! I actually arrived a few hours later. They didn't however call my Dad 🤔. My Mum was pretty drugged up when he returned (again, things have changed) and she kept asking him if he'd seen "Little Noddy". He did not know what she meant until a nurse came in and told him I'd arrived. For context, Noddy is a British character, a little wooden man with a blue hat and a nodding head who lives in Toyland (I was born in the UK). So imagine my surprise not only that I'd arrived but that I wasn't a boy, rather I was a girl! Thankfully "Little Noddy" did not stick as a nickname 😂. That was fun to remember. Thanks for the idea @LeslieA

#Anythingbutcancer

Haha Noddy. I know that story too. I am glad that you didn't inherit that nickname. 😃

@LeslieA me too!! 😁

@Alwayslearning. Happy birthday to your husband, hope he had a wonderful day celebrating with family and friends.🍰🥂

@Meinvan thanks. It was a fun day and good surprise dinner with two of his closest friends and his sister / our brother in law. Nothing better than being able to pull off a surprise 😍

Alwayslearning, 

   You have a great team looking after you! I appreciate their proactive approach. In the meantime, I am sure you will enjoy celebrating your husband's birthday this weekend. These moments are so precious, aren't they? 

@LeslieA yes I do feel blessed with the medical team I have including my GP who is also a wonder woman! We had fun yesterday for my hubby's actual birthday and the weekend festivities will continue today. I agree, they are all precious moments. I'm glad the sun is finally shining here on the Lake Erie Shores. I hope the sun shines for everyone this long weekend!

Hi all. How is everyone doing out there today? Is the sun shining in your neck of the woods? I hope everyone had a nice long weekend.
I'm currently at Sunnybrook Hospital doing a penicillin allergy challenge. I had an anaphylactic reaction as a child and am challenging to see if I still am still allergic. I was referred to the allergist for testing relative to my CT contrast issue. She asked if I wanted to challenge penicillin too. So here I am. So wish me luck. 

@LeslieA, oh the pax allergy that was the worst feeling ever.  Yes interesting how some we outgrow while others start later in life.

Well as everyone is heading west next week, I will be heading east.  😂.  I am flying into Ontario next Friday for the weekend to visit my mom.  I haven't been home in 18 years!  And I haven't seen my mom in person in about 12?  She doesn't come out this way anymore and I never had the time to go back east when my son was young because I was always his caregiver/person to help him self regulate and help manage his behaviours and anxiety growing up.  I spent the last 20 years taking care of him, getting him thru school, therapies, etc.  well I hope it will be nice to go home and spend a few days with her, she can be exhausting sometimes, but I am fairly good at dealing with her, I have lots of patience 😂.  I'm not sure how she will react to seeing me and seeing my hair, not sure if she will even notice that my hair is different?  I never told her about my diagnosis so now going home I suppose it's better to tell her in person then not and I decided to go home now before I end up back in treatment etc and am "sick" again.

i here Ontario weather is better now.  West coast weather will hopefully stay lovely for the conference.

Off for lab work next week before I hop on the plane, fingers crossed numbers are good. (Had the flu this week).

hope everyone is doing great!

   Meinvan, you are an amazing mom to support your son the way you have. I met a few moms like you in my career as a child therapist. I admired their dedication in the midst of all the challenges that were often ongoing. I did some specialized training about the effects of trauma on the developing brain and how to help children to emotionally regulate through patterned, repetitive, rhythmic activities (music, art, movement, rocking, swinging, etc.).  Regulate first, then relate via supportive relationship, and finally reason. From emotional brain to reasoning brain. Anyway, I digress! 
   I hope your visit with your mom goes well. It can be good to go home again and get reconnected. I wasn't thinking about recurrence, but just seeing your mom again. And I know we do think about "that stuff", but I sincerely hope you remain well. 

@lbarr72, what a lovely drive across Canada.  I have done it twice and yes the mountains are breathtaking, and never gets old.  Hope you enjoy your time in BC.  Thank you for the kind words.🙏🏻🩵 

@lbarr72 I'm a former Edmontonian!! Lived there in the 90's for 5 years. Loved it!!

Safe continued travels. Enjoy your family visits. 

@LeslieA thank you for the kind words as always.  No one ever said parenting was easy and he definitely wasn't, but I wouldn't trade him for all the money in the world.🩵

@Meinvan it takes someone with tremendous strength, love and resolve to care for your son as you have. You've been a warrior for longer than you know ❤️

I hope your reconnect with your Mom is a nice "homecoming" and it provides you with some comfort. At the end of the day it's about you and your journey. Take from it what's important for you. 
I hope the labs come back with good news. Regardless enjoy your travels. It's a bit cool in the Toronto area today. Hopefully it's nicer where you are in Ontario. 

Thanks @LeslieA

I too was dust, chocolate and all the grasses  plus strawberries (so strange) and the penicillin. I took allergy shots until I was 18.   I seem to have naturally outgrown the first three but strawberries are still my foe! The penicillin challenge went well today.  Now I have to monitor for delayed reaction for 10 days 🙏🏻🤞 And yes, that pesky Paclitaxel got me too!! So good you outgrew your allergies. The human body is just one big chemistry kit!!

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@Alwayslearning. Good luck with the testing.  Hope it goes well and there is no more reaction.🙏🏻

Thanks @Meinvan

The penicillin challenge went well today.  Now I have to monitor for delayed reaction for 10 days 🙏🏻🤞

Hello all and welcome to the last Thursday in May. Where on earth is the year going? I hope that by now the snow has all melted and across Canada we are all experiencing the sunshine and warmer temperatures we deserve. I will be hopping on and off here today on my iPhone as I'm out and about with my husband. I apologize in advance for any spelling errors as I'm not as proficient when I'm using my iPhone vs. my laptop keyboard.

What is going on with everyone? I know there's a group headed to the OCC Research Conference soon. How exciting to be able to meet up. Can't wait to hear all about it. 

I managed to "pass" my penicillin allergy challenge. It's been a week since the in person process and I have not had any "delayed reaction" so I'm feeling pretty confident that I do not have a penicillin allergy. I was diagnosed as an infant when I had pneumonia and stopped breathing when penicillin was administered. The allergist at Sunnybrook Allergy Clinic said a lot of kids were misdiagnosed as children in my age group (I'm early 60's). I'm thrilled I was able to get this procedure done.The next step will be a return to the allergy clinic for them to do the "CT contrast" allergy test. I'm hoping I'll pass that with flying colours too. That's in a few weeks. 

Drop a line if you are here today. Would love to catch up with you lovely Teal Sisters. 💙

@Alwayslearning glad to hear your allergy testing went well.  Well on the west coast today it is HOT!  I was out picking my my meds today and I think the temp was 27 at noon!  I hope the girls going to the conference have a great time and gain a lot of new information on ovarian cancer and treatments, advancements etc….  Well considering my last CT scan, so far my ca125 has remained great, yesterday was 5.2, which is the lowest I have had.  I was expecting it to climb this month based on my CT results and the fact that I am still getting over the flu.  But I was happy with that number.  Up next is my CT scan the end of June. Fingers crossed the new nodule hasn't grown and is simply scar tissue to something like that and not truly a recurrence.  🤞. I'm all set for my trip to Ontario this weekend.  Just finished packing my bags and doing my online check in.  I must say I am looking forward to going home, it's been a long time and I'm finally feeling ready to go home and visit.  
'hope everyone has a beautiful weekend and enjoys the sun!🩵

@Meinvan that's a great CA125. I've never fallen lower 13 and typically I'm around 18 so jealous of your number 😁. Sending positive vibes that it's not a recurrence 🙏🏻🤞

Safe travels. I'm in the Toronto area for a few days and it's spectacular here right now. Thanks for sending this our way!!