Looking back on a ghastly Sunday, when from my condo window in the King east neighbourhood the low clouds have taken my view of the city, everything from First Canadian Place to the new Ritz Carlton to the CN Tower, this probably was the calmest week I've had since my arrival in Toronto. No evening obligations whatsoever (a rare occasion for catching up with some gorgeous favourite music), except for yesterday's fabulous black tie Christmas dinner at one of the COC's most longstanding supporters' homes, much less formal than it sounds and the true highlight of the Holiday season with a wonderful group of intelligent and interesting people whose company is both an inspiration and a privilege, Christmas carol singing with professional help from COC chorus members included.

Also a bit more in the unusual category for this coming week will be my first ever speech in French, for the Club Canadien on Tuesday, at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel at noon. With a bit more fine-tuning tomorrow I should be ready. I think there are tickets on sale for this event. Just in case you want to check on my French. The title of the speech is: Divertissement et recherche sur la condition humaine - l'opéra au 21e siècle.