Arrival in Toronto

When we left Farmington Hills MI, we commented on the wonderful weather we have had all the way from Alberta to Michigan - blue skies and dry roads. Then - truly out of the blue sky - we hit white out and could not see in front of our car. The blowing snow from the lake near Sarnia Onatario forced all vehicles to crawl for approximately 40 minutes. We used our ready "On Star" phone to call the hotel in Toronto and tell them our perdicament. But - that we would push on and hope to arrive in Toronto before dark. Just as suddenly as we went into the snow squal - we were out of it and back into blue skies and dry roads. We learned from the locals here that that stretch of the road can be and often is - trecherous. But ---- We arrived safely and none the worse.
We have a very nice room on the 9th floor of the Comfort Inn - overlooking the Woodbine race track. (Thinking of you Chris). The first night - about 9:00 p.m. we watched out our window as five horsemen and harness went the rounds on the track - the snow sweeper in front of them. (Thinking of you - Austen). Since Thursday we have been to Brampton Stake Centre for a Bishops councel - there were 7 Bishops from that stake. A wonderful meeting - especially for Grant and I to be able to put a face to a name. They were receptive to the presentation given by the outgoing missionary couple - the McFadzens. We met with a property manager in the afternoon yesterday and have secured (verbally) a lovely condo on the 21 floor overlooking the Woodbine Race Track and Casino and beyond - the skyline of downtown Toronto. A little further east out our window we see a lovely wilderness park with a creek and walking trails ( I will enjoy that) Also - I should be able to walk to the Employment Centre in about half hour.
In the twin condos where we will be there are four beautifully decorated guest rooms that if we know in advance we can book for when you come to visit.
The condos were built to the standard of a five star hotel - a large swimming pool and sauna, pool tables, dart room, tennis court, card room and guest - to - book - party rooms. Very elegant and such a good location. Secure with underground parking. The realtor told us it is unheard of to arrive in Toronto and be able to rent the day you look. I tolk him that when you are on the errand of the Lord - He opens the way. Sooooo Monday we will give up our money and they willl give us the keys. We have signed an 18 month lease.
This afternoon we will meet our Mission President and his wife and the rest of the couple missionaries that are serving here in Toronto East Mission. I should mention that the Stake centre in Brampton is a church parking lot from the temple there.
The Employment Office/Bishops Store House and Social Services building is very new and beautifully furnished. We have three individual offices and one large reception room/front office equipped with all the office equipment one would want, fax, copy machine, t.v. video recorder, computers and telephones. Sis McFadzen has organized and kept everything neat and tidy.
Today, Saturday we located our banks, did some banking and amazement------
Inside the Woodbine Shoopping mall is a HUGE AMUSEMENT PARK.
We will take photos and put on here - soon as we learn how to do that. West Edmonton Mall, eat your heart out!! Well, I am sure you have things to do and I have a few thank-you's to write.