#Driving School Scarborough

[goldstardrivingschool1]

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[summercreolefanfictioner]

diabolik lovers modern college au general headcanons (sakamaki brothers)

• the sakamaki bros don't live in the same house, except for the triplets bcos cordelia is the only legal wife of karl in this au (she's the first wife after all)

• shuu lives in one of beatrix's old condo unit while reiji in one of karl's mini house (yeah he has that house all by himself bcos kaaaaarl)

• subaru lives in the university dorm bcos he doesn't like relying on karl (well except for christa's meds bcos she went insane and all that sht so karl might as well pay for that)

• despite going to the same university, the six of them don't cross paths often (except for the triplets and subaru bcos they like to rile him up and tease him endlessly like a torture)

• since this is modern college au, all characters are aged up (shuu is 22, reiji is 21, the triplets are 20, and subaru is 19)

• despite being the oldest, shuu is stuck in his second year bcos he kept repeating most of his law electives (he would rather slack off than pass his law course wtf and it usually takes around 4-5 yrs to finish)

• all bros were mandated by karl to take at least one business elective per year bcos they might be working under his corporation in the near future (ayato's major is business so he has no escape)

• reiji is an exception to this rule bcos he had been granted by karl to focus only on neurosurgery since "he's the only son who doesn't disrespect me" (tbh it was only a ruse by karl since he has no reasons to make reiji his heir despite him being a genius 💀💀💀)

• ayato is so famous in the university like his red hair stands out and his status as the university's most popular basketball player made him the school IT boy

• but bcos he's a varsity player, he's not often at school so he had to take weekend classes (this is also another reason why most of his exes are either girls who watched his game or they're students from other univ or college)

• his famous relationship tho was with a rich girl who's also the main dancer of a popular cheerleading squad from a rival school (ayato broke up with her due to the immense pressure of social media and her fans)

• ayato is also the eternal chauffer of his two bros like hello let him flaunt that red sports car baby (laito and kanato have their own cars; they just don't like driving that much)

• kanato studies forensic mortuary in the same bldg as ayato and reiji; the law bldg is a separate institution from them so they have no idea what shuu was doing

• except for kanato bcos he likes lounging in the music room singing scarborough fair and bcos his voice is so relaxing, shuu listens to it for free (kanato secretly hates that shuu does it tho bcos it reminds him too much of cordelia and her shtty ways of traumatizing him)

• laito is studying hotel and restaurant management on another bldg and it's the farthest one from all his bros (like you have to pass by 4 or 5 larger bldgs before you reach their institution)

• this is bcos ryoutei university has their own dedicated hotel and restaurant for students with courses related to said industry

• so yeah maya (aka my oc/kanato's s/o) sees laito more often than her own boyfriend in the campus

• laito always has exes in every course like there would be 3 or 4 girls under the same course that have already slept with him what a slut

• and yes there is a huge possibility laito, subaru, and shuu have dated the same girl bcos these three would only date the same type of girl (the pure looking one who secretly has lewd desires and digs bad boys like them)

• it was a shock for yui when she found out half of the girls from her class have slept with laito

• then laito told her he likes corrupting pure girls and toying with their minds until they become insane and dependent on him (sounds canon, no?)

• there was a time when laito dated one of kanato's professors and she ended up dealing with kanato's incessant and murderous glares every time she teaches their class. his reason? bcos "she reeks so much of that perverted laito"

• the sbros actually had this same english prof who randomly fails someone despite their intelligence bcos he likes exerting his power like that

• while some of them threaten him using the sakamaki name, kanato had to disguise as a girl and seduce the sht out of this perverted teacher (the old geezer was so hooked he just believed this girl was kanato's twin substituting for his bro bcos he was 'sick')

• speaking of which, subaru got attracted to kanato's alter ego like once upon a time he saw her daintly pick up her bag and tuck her hair behind her ear and boom heart arrows everywhere

• afterward, subaru asked kanato who was that one chick at his class with the long black hair dressing like a sexy lolita

• "oh, you mean me?"

• subaru had nightmares after that

• and yes kanato uses that info to blackmail him to do his bidding

• "if you don't do what I say, I'll tell everyone you fell in love with my alter ego"

• oh btw subaru's major is more on athletics? like he wanted to be a PE or sports instructor/coach in the future bcos accdg to him "fighting is the only thing I'm good at"

• his allowance is mostly spent on repairs on the dorm tho (guess punching walls ain't limited in the family house)

• the reality of his dream is beginning to weigh on him tho bcos some students are scared shtless of him and his violent tendencies

• laito became one of his students one time when he was assigned to be an assistant coach

• "waaahh subaru-kun your expression is so scary pls be gentle"

• reiji actually dated someone from ayato's class bcos her father has huge connections with famous neurosurgeons

• shuu keeps a video of one of his exes doing some cowgirl sht on him (he likes her moans that's why)

• all of kanato's exes studied in the same bldg as him; and yes, they are all from yui's course but each of them from different years and classes (he is picky like that)

• up to this day, reiji looks down on this one female classmate who dated shuu like what does she see in that good-for-nothing (well uhh his huge d-)

• accdg to both kanato and laito, yui is the loudest girl ayato has been with (kanato swore one day he'll stuff her mouth with socks until she chokes if she keeps moaning so loud while he's watching his fave murder docu series)

• ayato keeps teasing both reiji and subaru as virgins (they aren't tho; but despite their tough facade, their experiences are quite hmmm minimal so there are things they don't know)

• shuu almost dated this one classmate of kanato (almost bcos she keeps talking abt those dead people she handled with formaldehyde which is gross so he was turned off a bit)

• the triplets are usually the representatives of karl during his corporate and family parties (sometimes the other three will drop by... well mostly reiji but the other two must've been forced by karl somehow)

• there was a drunk scandal video of the triplets and subaru where subaru was driving while kanato and ayato kept making fun of him

• then kanato was video calling maya and asking her to come over and "watch a movie with him" while ayato was making delusions of aliens flying around the car, almost causing subaru to drive the wrong way

• laito was sitting beside subaru, reprimanding ayato to stop his delusions bcos there were no aliens but only flying trees (ayo what?)

• there's a part 2 but this time shuu and reiji were in the car and shuu kept laughing at ayato bcos subaru's driving is getting messed up bcos of the alien shenanigans

• and reiji was crying bcos apparently all of them are going to die and also bcos kanato is finally talking "properly" to a girl (what do you mean properly he is being a pervert)

• he also said "laito has finally seen the light and started being the good son"

• yui is actually the one filming all this videos tho

ps. I might make memes abt modern college au later on

[deeploretv]

The Disappearance of Yvonne Kaye Waters & Raelene May Eaton

On an autumn day in 1974, the quiet life of two Perth families changed irrevocably. Yvonne Kaye Waters and Raelene May Eaton, cousins not just by blood but by the deep friendship they shared, set out to enjoy a Sunday together. Little did anyone know, it would be the last day they were seen.

Yvonne, a 17-year-old working at a concrete moulding business, lived with her parents in Maylands. Her cousin Raelene, also 17, was balancing a job at a plumbing business with night school studies in dressmaking and shorthand typing. She lived with her parents in Bayswater. On the 7th of April, their plan was simple and carefree: join a friend at the Oxford Hotel in Leederville to enjoy a live band.

The day began with Raelene’s father driving her to Yvonne’s place. From there, the girls caught a train to Perth and then a bus to Leederville. Their time at the Oxford Hotel was brief; soon, the vibrant energy of another location, the White Sands Tavern in Scarborough, beckoned.

Arriving around 4:30 PM, Yvonne and Raelene found themselves at a table with five men, described as older and scruffier than themselves. As the venue buzzed around them and the band Fatty Lumpkin played, the atmosphere of the tavern was electric. Two men eventually left, leaving the cousins in the company of three.

The evening edged towards its close, and at around 6:45 PM, the tavern emptied. Outside, the cousins were seen chatting amiably with the three men. A witness's last glance captured them outside the tavern—after that, the group vanished into the night.

The immediate aftermath of their disappearance saw little urgency in the search efforts; the initial belief was that Yvonne and Raelene might have simply run off. But days turned into weeks with no word from either girl. Their families began to fear the worst, grappling with the stark, unsettling silence that followed.

Tragedy struck again a week later. A car accident involving Yvonne’s boyfriend and Raelene’s brother added a bitter layer to the unfolding drama—Raelene's brother succumbed to his injuries two weeks later.

Years rolled on with detectives chasing shadows. Leads and theories emerged and faded with the same rapidity, including a mysterious white panel van thought to be linked to their last known location. Yet, every effort to unearth the truth behind Yvonne and Raelene’s disappearance seemed to dissolve into the vast Australian landscape.

Decades have passed, and the mystery of what happened to the "Gone Girls" of Perth persists, etched into the community's memory and the hearts of their families. The pages of newspapers yellowed with age, and online forums speculate endlessly, but the poignant echo of their absence remains. In Perth and beyond, the story of Yvonne and Raelene is recounted with a mixture of sadness and disbelief—a haunting reminder of a joyful Sunday that ended in an enduring mystery.

[theretirementstory]

08/12/2024. Greetings from Bar-sur-Aube. It has been a restful weekend without my grandchildren but I had the most amazing time with them last week and would not have missed it for the world.

Yesterday morning I had a leak again in the dining room ceiling, I have said all along that it only happens when the wind was in a certain direction and it proved this as the wind changed direction only slightly but the water stopped coming in.

Tuesday saw me on my way to Hospital Tenon (pictured above) in Paris. The photo shows the gorgeous garden and architecture of the hospital. The drive made me think of the children on their way here and back on Monday. I was uncomfortable and nodded off a few times I hope they slept too as it was tiring. I didn’t get home until 20:30 and I was bushed.

Then I was up early on Wednesday waiting for the nurse to arrive to give me jabs, take blood, clean and dress my PICC line. In the afternoon the cleaner came and I popped back to bed to read and have a snooze.

Thursday was transfusion afternoon and I did a few jobs on the morning. My favourite doctor wasn’t there so I couldn’t ask him questions. Anyway I did get some sense out of the doctor that popped in to see me.

Then the weekend was heading my way faster than I had expected . Anie came to see me and I asked if she would make me a pain d’épice for Christmas. She arrived on Saturday afternoon bringing the cake with her.

As much as I could do without it, I am having two visitors. One is the long awaited chiropodist she will come around 11 (guess she will arrive around lunchtime), the second is Monique who is coming around 2:30 (that could be any time up to 3:30) however it is good to have them come today as I have a pretty busy agenda for next week.

It is the Xmas party for the refugees on 11 December, not that I will be attending, I haven’t been for a few years now. I still think of all my refugee friends.

So after a busy weekend last weekend for “The Solicitor” and “The Recovery Coordinator” this weekend was to be fairly relaxing. It was the work Xmas party last night for “The Recovery Coordinator” and “The Solicitor” was the chauffeur. Hopefully, it is just one person who has “mal à la tête” this morning.

“The Photographer” and the “The Jetsetter” viewed a rental property yesterday and liked it a lot. It is in an area that is close to “The Photographers” work, also close to my old school, where I learned a smattering of French which was the first part of my French vocabulary. The house looked lovely and they have applied for it, although there are a lot of people viewing so it may be a while until they hear anything. “The Photographer” seemed to have got over his busy weekend last weekend and embarked on another this weekend. Apart from viewing the rental property, he had been to his current work Xmas party on Friday night, Saturday night it was up to Scarborough for a party with ex work colleagues. So another busy weekend.

The music section this week maybe a bit “odd” for me but I do like them. The first is from 1996, it is Gabrielle with “Give Me A Little More Time”. Of course it would’nt be my music section if it didn’t contain a bit of an older song, this is from 1982, it’s Simple Minds with “Promised you a Miracle”.

Well another week has flown by, not quite as quickly as Santa on his sleigh, but still very quick.

This photo is of a beautiful band stand in a park facing onto Hôpital Tenon.

Catch you all next week!

[justagalwhowrites]

Have the best time at the ren faire bestie!!!! Would you have any head canons for how your Joels / OCs would experience a ren faire in their universes 👀 I could totally see them setting up a little faire in Jackson omg

Thank you so much, Bestie!! I'm excited for it! Not excited to get up at 6 a.m. to go to beat the traffic to pick up our season passes but excited for the rest of it lol

Because it's me and I love story and I know Texas ren faires (I used to work at Scarborough for those in DFW!), Joel lived close to the largest ren faire in the world, the Texas Renaissance Festival! It's a fall faire just outside Houston, and I'm assuming that's where he'd go. MAYBE Sherwood? But probably TRF so that's where I'm going to be sending the pre-outbreak and no-outbreak Joels :)

Here are my Ren Faire HCs!

Lavender: Joel and Doc definitely took Sarah to TRF at least once. Sarah and Doc got matching flower garlands and the knight gave Sarah the token at the joust. Everyone got their own turkey leg even though Joel was very skeptical that Sarah could eat one by herself. Joel ends up eating all of his and half of Sarah's because she can't finish. Sarah falls asleep on the drive home and Joel keeps looking over at Doc with the flowers in her hair and a little smile on her face while her fingers are laced with his in the glow of the streetlights. When he carries Sarah inside and tucks her into bed, Doc calls him her knight in shining armor and she has to stifle a laugh when he damn near tackles her before taking her to bed.

Yearling: Savvy finds a book that talks about renaissance faires and she asks Ellie about them. "Fuck if I know, dude" is all Ellie has to say. So they take the question to Joel and Bambi. Joel's like "Took Sarah to one of those once... kinda weird but she loved it." Bambi gets a good laugh out of it and says "Yeah, there was one of these not too far from me when I was a kid. I went with some friends in high school once, almost got kicked out for drinking too much. They wouldn't let me try jousting though..." Savvy gets a little hung up on the idea in that way teenaged girls sometimes do so Joel organizes a little Jackson renaissance faire. The more theatrical kids put on a show, Julia makes flower crowns with the girls, he convinces Bambi to play some period-appropriate music with him. Jousting isn't really possible because without the armor you're just going to get hurt but Olivia helps coordinate some contests for the best riders in town (minus Bambi because that's just unfair.) Everyone has a great time. It becomes an annual thing.

New in Town: Beautiful has never been to a ren faire. "You're shittin' me," Joel just looks at her. "Not ever?" "Nope," she says. "Kind of thought they were a kid thing. Aren't they a kid thing?" He smiles a little. "There's kid stuff but... trust me, every time I brought Sarah there, the grown ups were having more fun than the kids." So they go to TRF and Joel insists on getting Beautiful a corset and then kind of regrets it because holy shit now he has to look at her looking like that without anywhere to sneak off and fuck her. They go to the rowdiest shows and when she gets tipsy, she whispers in his ear "You sure there's nowhere around here you can fuck me?" Joel immediately gets on his phone and books the nearest open hotel room. They fuck like crazy and decide to go back to the faire the next morning and see the rest of it.

Halcyon: Joel and Goldie definitely went to TRF when they were teenagers. She would have dragged him and he would have had even more fun than her. She'd think it was because of the corsets. It's really because he could see how happy she was and dammit, it's hard to get better than that for Joel. So they decide to take Sarah for old time's sake. Sarah and Goldie wear peasant skirts and shirts and at faire Sarah gets a cloak that she PROMISES to wear for part of her Halloween costume that year and Joel catches Goldie eyeballing a particularly beautiful corset. He convinces her to try it on. "C'mon, live a little woman." So she does and she looks so good in it he forgets how to speak for a moment and she says "Sorry, I know, it's dumb..." "No!" He almost yells it before he clears his throat. "No, it's... really not dumb, Goldie Girl. Looks really nice on you, you should get it." He tries not to stare at her all day in it but he definitely fails. She asks him for help getting out of the corset when they go back to the car later and his hands shake a little as he unlaces her.

The Savage and the Sanctuary: Ellie hears about the festival from a classmate and begs to go. "There are swords, Sissy. SWORDS." And Joel tries not to groan and Reader just smiles, realizing this is just another way to annoy him. "Well, you heard her. There are swords." So they go. Ellie is obsessed with the weaponry. Reader lets her pick out a sword to take home. Joel's head is on a swivel the whole time but Reader's baseball cap and sunglasses disguise have actually helped her fly under the radar here. So many people are looking at the elaborate garb on other patrons that she's largely ignored. She does get one or two "Has anyone ever told you that you look just like..." and she cuts them off with a laugh and goes "Yeah, I get that a lot. Not sure why, she's WAY prettier." Joel tries to not like how happy Ellie and Reader look because that would mean he cares and he shouldn't care. Fuck caring. The traffic to get out of the parking lot at the end of the day looks miserable so Reader lets Joel drive. He hates that she still wins because of it.

I hope you enjoyed this little adventure into fic land Ren Faire! This was so fun to think about, thank you for asking!!

[clivemwilliams]

Tobago 2024

Thursday 25th April

I like the way that the lodge brochure describes the unique design of the bedrooms which ‘maximises natural airflow’. This translates to me as ‘if you fancy a nice draught leave the doors open’ which is what we have been doing – even at night ! Temperatures have stayed above 30c since we got here and i think we must have just got used to it as it doesn’t seem too bad to both of us.

Today we went on another birding tour - I want to make it clear that we are not birdwatchers or twitchers in the true sense as they can appear as a bunch of losers - I’d describe us as just plain bird lovers taking an interest in the many different varieties of birds. Today we were picked up by our guide William and taken to a number of wetland areas for a completely different experience from yesterday. Wetland birds are a bit bigger than most of the rainforest ones so easier to spot and photograph. Also, unlike in the forest where you are usually looking up into the trees, with wetland birds you are usually looking straight ahead.

After 40 minutes of driving through familiar place names such as Scarborough and Plymouth we arrived at our first stop, the Magdalena Luxury Hotel and Golf Resort ! Admittedly this was not quite what I’d expected but there were some amazing birds in the numerous lagoons and mangrove swamp. Unfortunately there was no time for even a quick 9 holes although the course did look great.

We drove on to a few other wetlands sites, one of which was next to the school that Dwight Yorke went to (!) before returning via the backroads to our lodge for a late lunch – great news for those concerned about Judith’s diet – there was no fish !

Just looked up the population of Tobago which is only about 60,000 ie 3 times size of Tiverton, which explains why everyone seems to know everyone else !

The afternoon was again spent by the pool – again by ourselves, whilst I sorted through the morning’s photos (some good ones so quite pleased) and some of which were taken from the car – bit lazy I know but too good an opportunity to miss !

To all of Judith’s fans, tonight’s meal was king prawns and a form of macaroni cheese together with vegetables and lentil fritters. I volunteered to have all the prawns (they were massive !) and left Judith to the macaroni cheese.

Tomorrow we move on to Castara, a beach resort and more touristy where we are staying in a self catering appartment for a week. More on that in the next instalment.

[scarboroughdebutante]

CRTNYLWS - Truly (SVF Scarborough Debutantes Remix)

I remixed a track by my best friend since high school and its on streaming platforms! Back in our teens we used to drive around Scarborough in his mom's—and later his—car and sing to all these 00s R&B songs and talk about making music, and so we finally did it.

Enjoy and expect more to come.

[whumpfish]

I love you Cow Bayou where I spent many of the rare good parts of my childhood outside my house. I love you Cow Bayou that welcomed my great grandparents looking for something different, something better. I love you bamboo rafts and crab traps and learning to drive a boat. I love you little green frogs that hang onto the paddles of rowboats when you get far enough down that one slough. I love you sun perch caught off my grandparents' dock. (Sugarbear, their cat, loved you too, presiding over a fishing fleet of 8 grandchildren always happy to catch her one more.) I even love you, giant fucking water moccasin in the tree. You scared the shit out of us but it makes for a good story.

I love you painted buntings and red-winged blackbirds and brown eagles and the bright pink spoonbills with their bright blue bills and feet that were my grandmother's favorite. I loved her legendary gumbo, mild enough for a kid with leaky gut if I put enough rice in it, her grilled catfish, her crabcakes.

My local schools and their denizens were wretched--except the line dancing lessons in the gym when I was 7. Everyone should learn line dancing at some point in their lives.

I love you hill country, I love you Naeglin's Bakery, I love you crystal Blanco River, where you can see almost everything that swims in it, including you, random diamondback watersnake cruising along the bottom. You're ornery af, by reputation, but at least you're not venomous. I love you armadillos, you funky little dudes. I love you jackrabbits, I love you mountain lions, I love you whitetail deer. I love you gators (from a distance). I love you beaches and mountains and woods and deserts.

I love you, Robin Williams telling Pecos Bill.

I love the silhouette of Dallas on the skyline, whose green glass had me convinced in my earliest childhood that it was the Emerald City. I love the Galleria, one of the last surviving malls. I love you, Medieval Times, I love you Scarborough Faire, I love you Hawkwood. I love you Golden d'Or, fabric castle. Your COVID closure came too soon. I love you small, random longhorn farms in the middle of the suburbs.

I was too young to appreciate being alive for your governorship when I was in elementary school, Ann Richards.

I still hope we can be blue again, though.

anyways (I say this as someone who is deeply critical of the united states government, military, unchecked capitalism, police, etc) I am SICK of people treating america as if it has no cultural value or positives so….. I love u 85 million acres (bigger than italy) of national parks. I love u harlem renaissance. I love u groundhogs day. I love u sweet tea and fried chicken and jambalaya. I love u apple cider donuts and maizes on crisp autumn days. I love u 95k miles of coastlines and new england fisherman and hand knitted sweaters. I love u halloween where millions of people dress up and give candy to strangers and carve jack o’lanterns. I love u small talk and small towns and potlucks and bringing over casseroles to your struggling neighbors. I love u cowboys and ranch hands and arizonian cactus. I love u appalachian trail and dirtbikes and divebars. I love u sparklers and fireflies. I love u mark twain and toni morrison and emily dickinson and henry david thoreau. I love u rock n roll i love u bluegrass and hippies i love u jimi hendrix and nirvana and CCR and janis joplin. I love u victorian houses and jonny appleseed and john henry and mothman and bigfoot. I love u foggy days in the pacific northwest and neon signs and roadside attractions. I love u baseball and 1950s diners and soft serve. I love u native american art and pop art and poptarts. I love u blue jeans and barbecues and jazz musicians 

[charlies-letters]

December 7, 1991

Dear friend, Have you ever heard of a thing called “Secret Santa?” It’s this activity where a group of friends draw names out of a hat, and they are supposed to buy a lot of Christmas presents for whatever person they choose. The presents are “secretly” placed in their lockers when they’re not there. Then, at the end, you have a party, and all the people reveal who they really are as they give their last presents.

Sam started doing this with her group of friends three years ago. Now, it’s some tradition. And supposedly the party at the end is always the best of the year. It happens the night after our last day of school before the break. I don’t know who got me. I got Patrick.

I’m really glad I got Patrick even though I wished for Sam. I haven’t seen Patrick in a few weeks except in shop class because he has been spending most of his time with Brad, so thinking about presents is a good way to think about him.

The first present is going to be a mix tape. I just know that it should. I already have the songs picked and a theme. It’s called “One Winter.” But I’ve decided not to hand-color the cover. The first side has a lot of songs by the Village People and Blondie because Patrick likes that type of music a lot. It also has Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana, which Sam and Patrick love. But the second side is the one I like the most. It has winter kind of songs. Here they are: Asleep by the Smiths Vapour Trail by Ride Scarborough Fair by Simon & Garfunkel A Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum Time of No Reply by Nick Drake Dear Prudence by the Beatles Gypsy by Suzanne Vega Nights in White Satin by the Moody Blues Daydream by Smashing Pumpkins Dusk by Genesis (before Phil Collins was even in the band!) MLK by U2 Blackbird by the Beatles Landslide by Fleetwood Mac

And finally... Asleep by the Smiths (again!) I spent all night working on it, and I hope Patrick likes it as much as I do. Especially the second side. I hope it’s the kind of second side that he can listen to whenever he drives alone and feel like he belongs to something whenever he’s sad. I hope it can be that for him. I had an amazing feeling when I finally held the tape in my hand. I just thought to myself that in the palm of my hand, there was this one tape that had all of these memories and feelings and great joy and sadness. Right there in the palm of my hand. And I thought about how many people have loved those songs. And how many people got through a lot of bad times because of those songs. And how many people enjoyed good times with those songs. And how much those songs really mean. I think it would be great to have written one of those songs. I bet if I wrote one of them, I would be very proud. I hope the people who wrote those songs are happy. I hope that they feel it’s enough. I really do because they’ve made me happy. And I’m only one person.

I can’t wait to get my driver’s license. It’s coming up soon!

Incidentally, I have not told you about Bill in a while. But I guess there’s not a lot to tell because he just keeps giving me books that he doesn’t give his other students, and I keep reading them, and he keeps asking me to write papers, and I do. In the last month or so, I have read The Great Gatsby and A Separate Peace. I am starting to see a real trend in the kind of books Bill gives me to read. And just like the tape of songs, it is amazing to hold each of them in the palm of my hand. They are all my favorites. All of them.

Love always, Charlie.

[kjenvs000semesterf24]

Unit 2 Blog Post

My ideal role would be an environmental educator so I could combine my love for teaching with my passion for the outdoors, specifically working with elementary to high school students. I envision myself connected to a school board, much like the experience I had last fall teaching at Scarborough Outdoor Education School (SOES) near Algonquin. In this role, I would aim to engage students with curriculum concepts in ways they’re not accustomed to, offering hands-on learning opportunities that connect their classroom knowledge to real-world ecosystems.  

The perfect setting for this job would be in a place surrounded by nature, much like Algonquin or a provincial park out West. I found great joy in leading students on hikes through the forest, alongside lakes and rivers, and through caves where they witnessed firsthand the environmental processes and Indigenous cultural practices they’ve learned about in school. Being immersed in these natural landscapes gave the students the opportunity to not only explore the curriculum concepts, but also explore their own relationship with nature. For some of the students I had the honour of leading this was their first time hiking or having the freedom to explore nature on their own terms. It was actually quite funny the number of times I reminded students that we don’t need to all walk in a straight line while walking in the forest like we do when go from class to class at home. For me, teaching in an environment like this fosters a deeper connection to the material, nature, and themselves and encourages students to think beyond textbooks and classrooms.  

(a group of students on a hike at SOES)

One of my core goals would be to create an inclusive space where students who learn differently can thrive. I believe outdoor education is an incredible way to engage students who may struggle in traditional settings. By incorporating experiential learning, I could cater to different learning styles, helping students build a personal connection to the material. Whether it’s teaching biology by identifying local flora and fauna or integrating social sciences through activities like canoeing and storytelling programs, I want to help students see their school subjects come alive in new and exciting ways.  

(Mindful moment to connect students to the sounds of nature and themselves)

In this role, I’d draw from the skills I’ve already developed. A strong foundation in ecology is essential, allowing me to convey the scientific importance of the natural world in a way that resonates with students. But beyond that, effective communication and a passion for fostering curiosity are key. I want to create moments of wonder and discovery, where students aren’t just learning facts—they’re experiencing the environment in ways that spark their imaginations and drive a sense of responsibility toward conservation. Over the years I will build on my delivery of different programs, constantly updating it to include topics the kids might enjoy and the newest scientific research. 

Ultimately, my dream job would involve helping students form meaningful connections to the environment, much like the ones I’ve experienced throughout my life. I’d want to offer them the same sense of belonging and wonder that I found in nature. This role would allow me to combine my passion for education and the outdoors in a way that benefits both students and the environment, building the next generation of environmental stewards. This course has given me the opportunity to reflect on the truly special experience of being a nature interpreter, and it has reignited my interest in pursuing a career in this field.

[goldstardrivingschool1]

Affordable and Reliable Scarborough’s Best Driving Schools

Looking for the best driving school in Scarborough? Whether you're a beginner or need a refresher, Scarborough offers top-rated driving schools to help you gain confidence and master the road. These schools provide professional instructors, customized lesson plans, and a focus on road safety. With affordable pricing and flexible scheduling, they cater to teens, adults, and seniors alike. From passing your G2 or G road test to improving your driving skills, the best driving schools in Scarborough ensure you’re ready for any road challenge.

[caddonline-blog1]

Master the Road with Excellence at Caddonline.ca

Learn to Drive with the Best Driving School in Toronto

Imagine the freedom of driving through the busy streets of Toronto with confidence. At CADD Online, we are here to help you achieve that freedom. As the best driving school in Toronto, we offer top-quality lessons to ensure you become a skilled and safe driver.

Starting Your Journey: Driving School Toronto

Your journey begins the moment you decide to learn to drive. At CADD Online, we make the process simple and enjoyable. Our friendly instructors are experienced and patient, ready to guide you every step of the way. Whether you are a beginner or looking to improve your skills, we have the right program.

Lessons That Fit Your Needs

We understand that everyone learns at their own pace. We offer flexible lesson plans that fit your schedule and learning style. Our lessons cover everything you need to know about driving, from basic controls to complex traffic situations. You will practice in real traffic, gaining the experience you need to feel comfortable and confident behind the wheel.

Why Choose CADD Online?

Experienced Instructors: Our instructors are skilled drivers and great teachers. They are patient, understanding, and dedicated to helping you succeed.

Comprehensive Lessons: We cover all aspects of driving, including road signs, parking, highway driving, and safety rules.

Flexible Scheduling: We offer lessons at times that are convenient for you. We can accommodate your schedule, whether you prefer mornings, afternoons, or evenings.

Affordable Rates: Learning to drive doesn’t have to be expensive. We offer competitive prices to make our high-quality lessons accessible to everyone.

Getting Ready for the Road Test

Passing the road test is one of the most significant steps in learning to drive. At CADD Online, we prepare you thoroughly for this important day. Our instructors will take you through mock tests, helping you understand what to expect and how to perform your best. We focus on your skills to pass the test and become a safe driver.

Join Us Today

Are you ready to start your driving journey? Visit caddonline.ca to learn more about our programs and book your first lesson. At CADD Online, we are committed to helping you become a confident and responsible driver. Join the best driving school in Toronto and take the first step towards your driving independence today!

Call 416-642-8549

Canadian Academy of Defensive Driving

5005 Steeles Ave East, Unit # 208, Scarborough, Ontario M1V 5K1 Phone: (416) 642-8549 Email: info@caddonline.ca https://www.caddonline.ca

[thebullitimes]

Restoring the road and footpath on Lawrence Hargrave Drive at Scarborough

The damaged footpath near Scarborough Public School WORK starts next week to repair landslip damage to the road and pedestrian footpath on Lawrence Hargrave Drive about 50 metres north of Scarborough Public School. Repair work starts on Monday 15 July and is expected to take 12 weeks to complete, weather permitting. All work will be carried out during the day between 7am and 6pm, Monday to…

[condotrend-toronto]

Top Neighborhoods In Markham: Finding The Perfect Family-Friendly Community

Markham, a thriving city on the outskirts of Toronto, has become a sought-after destination for families looking to plant roots in a community that mirrors the diversity and dynamism of urban life. Whether you’re moving from downtown Toronto or from elsewhere, choosing the right neighborhood in Markham can significantly influence your family’s lifestyle and happiness. Here, we explore some of the top neighborhoods in Markham, guided by real testimonials from current residents.

1. Cornell

Cornell is frequently mentioned by Markham residents as a top choice for families. It’s renowned for its child-friendly spaces and active community life. The area boasts numerous parks, community centers, and good schools, making it an ideal spot for young families. Residents appreciate the diversity and the sense of community in Cornell, noting that it offers a mix of suburban tranquility and essential amenities.

2. Unionville

with its historic charm and vibrant main street, offers a picturesque setting that appeals to those who enjoy a blend of old and new. The neighborhood is known for its good schools and rich community life, where gardening and cycling are popular among locals. It’s central to various amenities, including community centers and Asian supermarkets, which cater to the area’s diverse population.

UnionCity Condos in Markham

The Unionville Condos

3. Box Grove and Legacy

These neighborhoods are favored for their younger demographic and the presence of many young families. Parks here are often bustling with children during the summer months, and the population is notably diverse. Box Grove, in particular, is highlighted for its community feel and the convenience of having essential amenities nearby.

4. Berczy Village

Berczy Village is another great option for families, known for its proximity to highways and relatively more affordable housing compared to other Markham areas like Cachet. The neighborhood has a reputation for being family-friendly, with good schools and parks that make it a conducive environment for children to play and learn.

5. Markham Village

For those looking for a blend of accessibility and suburban peace, Markham Village offers a compelling choice. It’s well-connected by major highways, and the local amenities include shopping centers and recreational facilities. The area has a more laid-back vibe compared to the bustling city center but doesn’t sacrifice convenience.

Challenges and Considerations

While these neighborhoods stand out as desirable, potential residents should be aware of the challenges. The cost of housing can be prohibitive, with detached homes often stretching beyond the $1.2M mark. Additionally, while Markham is celebrated for its cultural diversity, some areas might feel less inclusive, which can be a concern for families looking for a multicultural environment.

Markham’s neighborhoods vary significantly in character and amenities. When choosing where to live, consider factors like proximity to good schools, the presence of community spaces, and the overall atmosphere of the neighborhood. A drive through potential areas during different times of the day can provide valuable insights into the community dynamics.

For those considering moving to Markham, it’s also worth exploring nearby areas like North Scarborough, which might offer more affordable housing options while still providing easy access to Markham’s resources.

In conclusion, Markham offers a variety of neighborhoods that can cater to different preferences and needs. Whether you prioritize a bustling community life, tranquility, or diversity, there’s likely a spot in Markham that meets your family’s criteria.

[irishhills]

a poet and a one-man band

Chris takes the exit from I-94 while Blair twists around in the passenger seat, trying to reassure Faye in the back.

“You liked the house when we went to see it in the spring, remember?” Blair says. “You said you liked how there was a real driveway.”

“Yeah, and you liked Sweetwaters,” Chris says. “Remember, the blueberry scone? And the girl behind the counter who said she never saw a ten-year-old girl like a blueberry scone?”

“I’m eight,” Faye insists.

“Yeah, but you look like me,” Blair says. “When I was eight, I looked ten. And that was on a good day.”

Chris watches as Faye folds her arms across her chest and slumps backward in her seat.

“Why can’t I look like Daddy?” she asks. “He looked fourteen until he was seventeen.”

“Faye!” Blair says.

“What? It’s true! He says it himself.”

Chris laughs a little as he comes to a red light on the main road. Faye isn’t wrong. When he was growing up, he always looked two or three years younger than he really was. It was awkward to stand next to his brother, Luke, only two years Chris’s senior, and feel like a baby. It was even more awkward to stand next to Blair at Christmas concerts and school dances, knowing he was too short to like her back (and not understanding why she liked him at all). For a long time, it was easy to pretend like none of that ever happened. When he and Blair (and Faye, eventually), lived in Milwaukee, it was easy to pretend there was no Michigan – no Ann Arbor, no Saline, and not even the Irish Hills.

Maybe he should take Faye through the Irish Hills before they pull up to the new house in Saline. They’ve been driving long enough already. What’s an hour more?

“Do I still get to paint my room?” Faye asks. “Or did the rules change?”

“All the paint you want, honey,” Chris says. “We’re not renting this time.”

“That’s right,” Blair says, throwing her arms up to the roof of the Sonata. “We own!”

Chris laughs a little. They’re only thirty-three, but it feels like a long time coming. The whole time they lived in Milwaukee, even after they both finished graduate school, they could never afford to own. It’s been over a decade of saving, plus two tenure-track jobs, that gets them where they are now.

It just happens to be back home.

Back around Chris’s family.

To be fair, Blair’s family is in the area, too. They visit them three or four times a year now that Faye is old enough to miss them. But with Chris’s family … an exchange of Christmas cards? The occasional awkward lunch date with Jane, who always feels like she’s holding onto a secret? The Egan family was never so happy as when Chris moved to Wisconsin. Mom claims otherwise, but Chris has the sneaking suspicion she’s lying. Now that he’s an adult, she has every right, anyway.

“Can I still paint my room purple?” Faye asks.

“Of course,” Chris says. “As long as it’s that light shade we talked about. Makes it easier for you to sleep at night.”

“You speak to the girl like she’s guilty,” Blair jokes.

“Only thing Faye’s guilty of is being cute.”

Faye leans forward and grins with a mouth of crooked teeth. Chris smiles, too. This move is a lot less hard on her than it could be. Faye didn’t have a lot of friends at her old school. People to sit with at lunch, sure, but no one for sleepovers on Saturday nights. A new place will be good for her.

At least, that’s what Chris and Blair keep telling themselves.

“Can we put on the Grease CD?” Faye asks.

“No,” Chris says.

“Never thought there would come a day when you wouldn’t want to hear that,” Blair says.

“Time to change, baby. You know the rest.”

“Well, if we can’t hear the Grease CD,” Faye says, “can we put on Simon and Garfunkel?”

Blair laughs as she rifles through her portable library of CDs.

“Faye Egan, I swear,” she says, “you’re the only kid in the world who asks to hear Simon and Garfunkel.”

“I am?”

“Yes.”

Blair fishes Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme from the library and pops it into the radio’s mouth. She skips through “Scarborough Fair” until she gets to the song she knows Faye really wants to hear. Chris’s hands tighten around the steering wheel. He knows what song Faye wants to hear, too.

I’m sittin’ in the railway station / got a ticket for my destination …

“Mmm-mmm,” Faye happily sings in the backseat.

Chris takes a deep breath. He feels Blair’s hand on his knee but does not look at her. He can’t look at anything but the road, and even that feels like pushing it. He doesn’t hate home, but what did it ever really do for him? For Blair? What place is there for …

For a poet and a one-man band!

OK, maybe they weren’t exactly a poet and a one-man band. But what good was this place for Chris, the writer, and Blair, the girl who wouldn’t stop talking about television? How did this place ever embrace them?

“Turn right,” Blair says as they approach their new street.

Chris nods.

They’ll find out.