On our final day in New York we awoke to a heavy downpour of rain which was a distinct contrast to the cold windy weather we endured for most of the trip. We had a power breakfast at the Tick Tock Diner in the New Yorker and set out for a final day of shopping before leaving for the airport around 2:00 pm. We headed for the FAO Schwartz Toy Store to explore the 50,000 square feet of ‘every conceivable toy a child would want’. We were not disappointed. It was like walking back into time as we reminisced with the many toys we owned during our childhood. It was fun to watch the kids play on the giant floor piano Tom Hanks played on in the movie “Big”. We were looking specifically for some items to add to Richard’s grandson’s Lego collection and found a vast selection. The life size Lego creations such as the “Harry Potter” display was quite impressive. It was then off to the Victoria Secret store on 34th and 8th which is now featuring some of the clothing line and swimsuits which were previously only available through the catalog.

We were very frustrated with getting the dogs back to St. John’s. The connections were near impossible because of weather and flight availability and we were forced to seek out alternative plans. Clive Davies came to our rescue and agreed to drive them to Toronto to be shipped from there. The long and the short of it was that through his help and that of Peter Scott the dogs eventually arrived home Friday evening. Flying with dogs is becoming nightmarish with airline restrictions and Air Canada’s policy requiring them to go as cargo, not excess baggage.

We were soaked in spite of only having to board cabs just outside each store and returned to the hotel and put on a dry set of clothes for the return flight. We called the airport and our flight was on time in spite of many cancellations on the previous day and this morning. The flight to Toronto was uneventful but our luck was about to change. While sitting in the Maple Leaf lounge waiting our 11:00 pm flight we were notified that it was cancelled due to weather in St. John’s and we had to stay over in Toronto at our expense and wait for a 7:00 am flight the following morning. It was now Thursday and our bad luck continued. The plane left on time but could not land in St. John’s because of high winds and rain and we were forced to divert to Moncton for yet another overnight stay.

Air Canada did offer to pay for our accommodation and that of the other 93 passengers and put us up in the Crowne Plaza Moncton. We obtained a spacious executive suite as we were one of the first to arrive at the hotel and were flying in executive class via one of the few perks from Air Canada by using my upgrade coupons obtained through my Aeroplan ‘Elite’ status. The hotel was offering a Valentine’s Day Table d’Hote menu and we were treated to a romantic evening of fine food, wine and service provided by their ‘executive chef’ and our great waiter Craig. It started with a welcoming rose for Wendy and a selection of warm breads with a ‘hummus’ garlic spread. Richard had the Grilled ‘Red Whale” marinated quail on a bed of baby greens with a pomegranate and white balsamic vinaigrette topped with vegetable chips for his appetizer and the Roasted New Zealand rack of lamb with a spicy grainy mustard sauce for his entree. Wendy started with the Atlantic lobster in a saffron scented risotto drizzled with a parsley oil, followed by the Lobster and sweet potato ravioli tossed in a preserved lemon and vanilla cream for her main course. This was saluted with a Chilean Concha Y Toro Trio Blend of Merlot, Carmenere and Cab. Dessert and coffee completed this decadent meal and was a trio including a 9 layer Opera Cake, Creme Brulee on a meringue wafer and a heart shaped shortbread cookie topped with a chocolate mousse.

Our trip was a flurry of exciting moments joined together to make for a truly memorable week at the ‘Garden’. We look forward to doing it all over again next year. May be you should join us? Additional stories, photos and text can be found at www.winterholmeunlimited.com

Getting There and Shopping- Feb. 6 - 10, 08

Progressive Dog Club- Feb. 8, 08

Metropolitan NY Shih Tzu Fanciers- Feb. 9, 08

New Jersey- Feb. 10, 08

Iris Love's Dachshund Bash- Feb. 10, 08

Westminster All Breed- Feb 11, 08

Westminster- Shih Tzu Casual- Feb 12, 08

Westminster- Shih Tzu Judging- Feb 12, 08

Westminster All Breed- Feb 12, 08

Getting Home-Final Days- Feb. 13-15, 08