a peek inside the fishbowl

Archive for the ‘Misc. life’ Category

27 Feb, 2026

Friday things

Posted by: andrea tomkins In: Misc. life

This will come as a surprise to absolutely no one who knows me but I am a creature of habit and I reeeeally like my routines. I love them! I thrive in them! I feel productive and satisfied when the outcome of a particular routine is accomplished. I’m not making any huge promises but this, […]

24 Jun, 2024

A postscript from yesterday’s road trip to Kemptville

Posted by: andrea tomkins In: Misc. life

After Saturday’s post I should have reported back immediately but neglected to do so because of some weird stuff that was happening with the admin side of this blog. ANYHOO, we are ok. We are alive. No one was kidnapped or murdered at the site of the rock excavation. In fact, that whole part of […]

22 Jun, 2024

Working our way down our 2024 summer bucket list

Posted by: andrea tomkins In: Misc. life|Ottawa

I have felt like a bit of a wreck lately. I haven’t been sleeping well. I had a sizable cyst removed from my back (I’m ok but ew). I have been dealing with sore knees for weeks, and most recently, an eyelid infection. The latter means I can’t wear makeup. I know that’s vain but […]

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16 Mar, 2024

new habit?

Posted by: andrea tomkins In: Misc. life

It’s Saturday morning and I’m writing this with no specific topic or goal or purpose in mind, only that I want to start a Saturday morning writing habit and to sit down and do it is the only way to start. If I’m really honest with myself, this is the time I am just wasting […]

04 Sep, 2023

it got me

Posted by: andrea tomkins In: Misc. life

I’m writing this from the sofa as I recover from COVID. I feel like my brain hasn’t quite been restored to full capacity but on the whole I am ok. Recovery has been two-steps-forward/one-step-back but I think I’m finally on the mend.  This was my first time getting Covid. Honestly, I can’t believe I managed […]


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  • 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!
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  • sam: Great article. This is very insightful. Thanks for sharing
  • Renee: I just saw one yesterday on a small patch of grassy land near the Mann Ave 417 exit near Lees Station, Ottawa, ON. I had no idea they came in black!

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'd like to contact me, please use this form. If you're so inclined, you can read more about me here. Thank you for visiting!