I’ve run into some folks around town this summer who know me or follow me here and/or social media and a comment I frequently hear is “WOW ARE YOU HAVING A GREAT SUMMER.” I am, thank you! I AM having a very nice summer. I have a list and I’m checking things off! (This, despite […]
Author Archive
16 Aug, 2026
Facing my fears with my first foray into solo camping
Posted by: andrea tomkins In: travel talk
Solo camping was almost entirely an impulse decision. I’d had half an eye on Fitzroy Provincial Park as a potential camping destination for Mark, Sunny, and myself. Sunny has never camped overnight in a tent (only a yurt) and I thought that trying out a site close to Ottawa for a night or two might […]
Tags: camping
In 2022, Mark and I took the train to Quebec City for a wee getaway. It was August. It was my birthday weekend and we stayed in deluxe accommodations. It was glorious. Food! Art! History! Wandering! And ohhh, the stairs. So many stairs! Why is old Quebec City so hilly??? [Answer: because it is built […]
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- Celebrating my 54th time around the sun
- Facing my fears with my first foray into solo camping
- My new life mantra
- Sharbot Lake Provincial Park dog beach
- Spring is a time of transition (and peonies)
- It’s in you to give
- Ottawa summer bucket list 2026
- Rum punch
- Archery in Ottawa: Try a beginner lesson at the RA Centre
- Winter ramble to the Mill of Kintail, Almonte
- firstup-Th: The firstup website is a service platform that supports game top-ups including purchasing top-up cards and mobile game top-ups. It is designed
- Jeanie Maennling: I spent many wonderful days visiting my cousins and Uncle Herb and aunt Eleanor at the Farm in the 1950's. Mycousin Skippy (Sharon) and I got into l
- alex: For a classic Canadian treat for valentine day , try a BeaverTail (a fried dough pastry) there its yummy
- Juliet Luiz: I was at this park today and saw the foundation and historical sign which got me curious and let me to your blog post! Great information:) too bad t
- Rowyn Tape: Hello, I was sitting at Easter dinner with my grandmother and she was telling me this story. She is Herbert Lytles daughter who eventually bought the
- Bernie: I freeze ball sizes of bread dough for beavertails each winter season.Easy to thaw, roll out and fry. Best winter treat!
- Jen_nifer: I feel very much the same about my SUP. Floating with snacks is fantastic! When I go on water with some current, I make sure that I paddle into the cu
The Obligatory Blurb
My name is Andrea and I live in Ottawa with my husband Mark and our dog Sunny who is kind of a big deal on Instagram. During the day I work as a freelance writer. I am a longtime Ottawa blogger and I've occupied this little corner of the WWW since 1999. The Fishbowl is my whiteboard, water cooler, and journal, all rolled into one. I'm passionate about healthy living, arts and culture, travel, great gear, good food, and sharing the best of Ottawa. I also love vegetables, photography, gadgets, and great design.
If you're so inclined, you can read more about me here.
I've deactivated the commenting function as well as my contact form so if you want to get in touch, please drop me a line at quietfish@gmail.com. Thank you!