Toronto's functionality is dependent on the transit system, a.k.a. the TTC. Over 1 million people rely on it daily. When the TTC shuts down, the city slows to a crawl. People who don't have other means of transportation are stranded. Those who have cars but don't normally use them bring thousands of extra vehicles onto the roads, creating massive traffic jams. Those who have options either walk, bike, rollerblade, or carpool. But everything takes longer and everyone is inconvenienced.
Unfortunately, the union voted against the tentative agreement that had been reached last week, and the system shut down at midnight on Friday, with minimal warning. I found out by way of Aurora's blog . The city is looking at implementing legislation that will force the TTC employees back to work. Most likely it will be passed in time for Monday morning's rush hour. If not, we could be in for a crazy few days.
I can personally get around where I need to on foot, for the most part. If need be, Ken can give me a lift. But things would get hairy at work. I'm not sure which of my staff would be able to make the journey, or how late they'd be arriving. Certainly everyone would be extra-stressed until it's all sorted out.
In any case, this is probably pointless worry because the government has promised to have the trains and buses up and running by Monday morning.
To distract myself from my ruminations, I went for a walk in my neighbourhood.
Some of the plants are fully in bloom by now...
... and some are still in the process of unfurling.
I saw a Rolls Royce parked in the circular drive of our local hotel:
And I visited my favourite park for the first time since the spring thaw. I would like to introduce you to one of the willows of Willowdale, where I live. I intend to spend a lot of quality time in the park this summer, relaxing under the trees.
How are you unwinding this weekend?
Added at 3:15 pm: Legislation was passed by the government, ordering the transit system employees back to work. Looks like everything should be back to normal by tomorrow morning. Sweet!
17 comments:
What a tranquil park! Looks beautiful. I will kneep my fingers crossed that the strike is avoided.
Hope the strike gets all sorted out by Monday. I'm relaxing by staying home and watching horror films.
Karen: Weather permitting, if I feel upset or out of sorts, I go to that park and just sit quietly until I feel calm again. It has a good vibe.
Thanks for keeping your fingers crossed!
Ron: Horror films to relax? Wow, that strategy would not work for me! Unless you find a week's worth of nightmares and insomnia relaxing. Hey, whatever floats your boat... ;-)
When transit strikes... Strike back!
i luuuuuurve willows & blooming flowers! i'm unwinding by eating (of course) and getting a dose of Jesus!
Unsigned: Uh... yeah.
Jameil: There are so many gorgeous flowers around here... I keep stopping in my tracks to take more photos. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
That Rolls Royce with that license plate was used at the wedding I attended yesterday.
Whatigotsofar: Well there you go. Were you at a reception at the Novotel? I was passing by at around 2:15 or so. Our paths almost crossed, but not quite.
No, I guess after being at that hotel it had to be up at Yonge/Steeles for the wedding ceremony at St. Pascal Baylon by 4:00pm. Maybe that's were some of the bridal party met up before the ceremony.
Did you get the see the driver. I'm talking old-school chauffeur get-up. Leather tall boots, drivers jacket with big ol' buttons with a driver's cap. Everything but the boots matched the car's silver finish.
What a lovely walk. Seems like Spring is finally trying to stick around.
Oh and by the way, I'll be needing my Rolls Royce back by the weekend. Thanks! :)
Sounds like an awesome day. That car was pretty posh, but the flowers were more beautiful anyday.
Whatigotsofar: Yes, I did see the driver. He was hanging around looking cranky. I considered asking him to pose with the car, but he didn't look like he was in the mood to smile for the camera.
1218blog: Say, nice wheels! Care to take me for a spin sometime? ;-)
conversemomma: I have to agree with you. I can appreciate a fancy car, but a garden full of flowers is more my cup of tea. :-)
I sent my fiance and dog to his parents house. So, I could sleep in, read and nap a little more in absolutely peace & quiet. It was amazing!
Nilsa: That sounds lovely. :-)
Ah, you just reminded me that I must reply to a dear e-mail friend before he gets stuck in a hospital with foot surgery, barring "the possibility of a nurse's strike Wednesday" that he mentioned.
Ah, willows. Is that really why it's called Willowdale?
Aurora: I assume so. There seem to be a lot more willow trees than average where I live.
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