
Believe Everything you Read: Friday Fictioneers
“Have you seen my pills?” “They’re on the desk.” Dorothy said pointing. “Where on the desk?” “There beside the things!” “What things?” “The things I tidied up, in the corner. Don’t make a mess.” Cecil ambled over, feeling around with his thin wrinkled hands. At 92 he was slower than Dorothy, but as sharp as the corkboard tacks that held up their wedding picture. He pushed open the bubble packet and downed his medication with a glass of wine. An hour later Cecil was dead. He was blind and couldn’t read the label that stated, “Do not take with alcohol.” … Continue reading Believe Everything you Read: Friday Fictioneers
Hope: Friday Fictioneers
Hail pelted the windows. Large golf balls, smashing glass, denting vehicles, turning the streets to an icy wasteland with shards pointing skyward. Some ran inside to burrow, wondering when the misery would end. Some battled, thinking their path out of the melee was the only one. Some brave souls weathered the storm, picked up the pieces and lent a helping hand up to those who couldn’t stand. Others toiled, endlessly searching for solutions and a way out. Hope looked up at the slow-moving clouds. The darkness had passed, giving way to blue skies. Undoubtedly, the sun will come out again. … Continue reading Hope: Friday Fictioneers
Gone But Never Forgotten
I’d been driving for hours. My brain and body aching for sleep. Searching, searching, for anyone. For any human life. But I am surrounded only by dirt and trees on these broken roads. The rusty door of my pickup truck creaks as I push it open to stand on the dry soil at the end of this dusty vacant trail. “Is there anyone out here?” I yell into my own echo. My hope of finding a single soul dwindling with my gritty voice as the days pass. The virus is gone, but so are the people. Gone, but never forgotten. … Continue reading Gone But Never Forgotten

Coutada Velha 2018
This rich dry structured red Portuguese wine from the Alentejo region is full of dark ripe fruit on the nose. The palate confirms flavours of blackberry jam, soft floral notes, and rich earthy soil. It does well with a very … Continue reading Coutada Velha 2018

This Wine Needs a Label
Abilio pulled the leaves off the vine giving the grapes space to breathe. He checked each cluster with a precise eye, imagining the wine that would come of his labour. His hands, dirty and dark from digging at the dirt, … Continue reading This Wine Needs a Label
The Man Who Knew Infinity: Friday Fictioneers
Srinavasa’s pencil moved quickly across his paper. He worked briskly, rushed, with urgency, trying to get the thoughts out, and the numbers out of his head. Calculating, desperately searching for the answer, moving in circles around his desk covered with papers. Rubbing his chin, eyes to the ceiling, the electricity of his thinking palpable in the air. Now he was stuck, lost, unsure, when he heard squeals of laughter coming from the pavement below. He looked down and there as the children ran off, he saw the forgotten skipping rope laying in its perfect design. The answer he sought. Infinity. … Continue reading The Man Who Knew Infinity: Friday Fictioneers
Bienvenidos: Friday Fictioneers
Simone was in awe. Her head swiveled in every direction trying desperately to take it in. The flowing white curtains, the sun, the sand, the immense pieces of art on the wall reflecting on the highly polished marble floors. She walked through the gargantuan lobby mesmerized by the view of the Caribbean beyond. Azure waters moved in translucent layers. Enraptured, she missed a step. Welcome drink crashing to the floor, allowed the scent of mint and lime to escape. She sat in emergency knowing her vacation was over, but on the other hand maybe she’d get even more pampering. Bienvenidos! … Continue reading Bienvenidos: Friday Fictioneers

Niagara Winery Red Wines for your Holiday Table
Here are some great suggestions for red wines for your holiday table that will get you in the Christmas spirit. All are VQA wines that I have personally tasted and are sure to please. These wines are sure to amplify … Continue reading Niagara Winery Red Wines for your Holiday Table
The Daily Escape: Friday Fictioneers
Felicity wrung her wrinkled hands as she peered through the upstairs window. Every afternoon as the sun went behind the house the shadow of the chimney glared at her like a sentinel, ensuring she remained locked inside. It had been fifty long years. How would they know she had been beautiful before this merciless pandemic struck? She flung open the balcony door. The railing had fallen off years ago. It was time to jump. No, no not like that. This was her usual afternoon routine. Her only escape into the garden below. How else did the lawn get hand cut? … Continue reading The Daily Escape: Friday Fictioneers

20 Bees at Lakeview Winery
If you are looking for a fun winery experience with an extensive variety of great tasting wines, Lakeview Wine Co. in Niagara-on-the-Lake is your place. The Winery Located in the popular winery zone on Niagara Stone Road, Lakeview has a … Continue reading 20 Bees at Lakeview Winery
An Apple a Day: Friday Fictioneers
Everyday at school Rachel uncovered the dreaded apple packed neatly at the bottom of her brown paper lunch bag. Everyday, mom’s fruit of choice was an apple. “How boring,” Rachel thought as she tucked yet another apple into the bottom of her locker. Everyday Rachel lied to mom when asked if the apple was eaten. But today, today was a special day. “We have enough.” Hannah squealed, as the best friends counted the apples and placed them into their backpacks. The scent of warm, freshly baked pie wafted through the house as the girls gleefully sang Happy Birthday to mom. … Continue reading An Apple a Day: Friday Fictioneers

Uli’s Stairs a Handmade Dream
I don’t know Uli. I’ve never met him, though I wish I could. I have walked his stairs down the Niagara Escarpment in Hamilton, and his story fascinates me. There are plenty of stories surrounding Uli’s stairs. His name, Ulrich … Continue reading Uli’s Stairs a Handmade Dream

Villa Bacchus Winery: Italy in Niagara
Perbacco what a place! And what wines! Villa Bacchus is a boutique small lot winery and Bed and Breakfast on the Niagara Escarpment in Beamsville wine country. Aptly named after the Roman God of wine and grapes, this place is … Continue reading Villa Bacchus Winery: Italy in Niagara
Where’s the Floor: Friday Fictioneers
The taxi made its way up the dirt road, dust spewing into the air, squirrels darting away from the tires that bumped over mounds of uncut vegetation. As it came to a jerking stop Ursula jumped out into the summer sun, arms stretched towards the sky and squealed, “We’re here! It’s ours! Bags forgotten she flung open the creaky gate and rushed towards the front door. The key jammed and stuttered, but finally the knob turned releasing the door from its hinges into the house, down into a gaping hole. There was no floor. Houses aren’t something you buy online. … Continue reading Where’s the Floor: Friday Fictioneers

Calamus Estate Winery: Wine with the Stars
During these times of lockdowns, social distancing and staying six feet away from other people we are in search of ways to socialize while remaining safe and responsible. A great way to accomplish this is to spend time at a … Continue reading Calamus Estate Winery: Wine with the Stars