Evening Wanderings in Quebec City

Quebec City, Kiku Corner

On our drive to visit friends in New Brunswick, Ryan, Sami and I stopped for a night in Quebec City. Quebec City, founded in 1608, is one of the oldest cities in North America. After checking into our hotel out by the highway, we parked downtown and leisurely walked to the old city, aiming for the […]

Aberfoyle Antique Market

Aberfoyle Antique Market, Kiku Corner

The Aberfoyle Antique Market is Canada’s oldest antique market and is situated just a few kilometres from Guelph, where Tomiko and I went to university. Whenever we would catch the bus to visit Toronto, we would drive by the Aberfoyle Antique Market grounds and always plan to visit. It’s been ten years now, and we […]

Snuggled Up for Autumn

Snuggled Up for Autumn, Kiku Corner

While in Finland a few years ago, Tomiko and Donatello learned that one of the ways Finns can stay sane all winter is because they are so busy during the summer. Wanting to take advantage of such short summers, Finns will swim in the lake, hike in the woods, play golf, go on picnics, travel, and bicycle. […]

Concord Grape Pie

Concord Grape Pie, Kiku Corner

  Apple pie. Peach pie. Strawberry rhubarb pie. Yes, they’re delicious, but also quite common. I’m not the biggest fan of pie, or of fruity desserts in general, but this grape pie is special and delicious enough to make me a convert! Toronto is close to the Niagara region of Ontario where it’s warm enough […]

Canadian Design: Umbra

Umbra Cage Wall Clock, Kiku Corner

Umbra products are now sold all over – from museum shops to international malls, even now at Martha’s Vineyard – and I recently found out that it is a Canadian company. Not just any Canadian company…it’s from Toronto! Umbra products are generally smartly designed, beautiful and functional. I’ve got a few Umbra items in my […]