look ma, too many hands

[the_siobhan]

Since today is Halloween, the social committee at my work wanted to everybody to come in costume. Initially I didn't intend to bother, but one of the committee members works with me and she was freaking out that everybody said they weren't going to dress up. So I got Axel to dig out the old smock from my Uncle Fester outfit, and a bent witch's hat from the basement and brought them to work. The hat smells like dust and I'm sure it's full of spider eggs.

On the topic of spiders, the lovely and delightful elusis was in town last weekend and I actually left the house and was social for a few hours. It just so happened that the ROM was hosting an exhibit on spiders so we walked around and looked at creepy crawlies on a Sunday afternoon.

And it was pretty cool. They had a ton of interactive exhibits and lots of live specimens in glass cases. We got the tail-end of one of their regular feeding times and we also watched a demonstration of venom milking from a fishing spider, which was fascinating. The displays included a gorgeous gold-coloured smock woven completely out of spider silk and an issue of Spiderman #1 that made bcholmes salivate. And I think I've finally identified the spiders that live in my basement. (The long-bodied cellar spider, if you're interested.)

When kicking-out time finally rolled around we dropped by Stormcrow Manor for a drink. It was only their second day open, so they still had some bugs to work out but it's a fun space. We were seated in the sea monster room and we took turns rolling a D20 for shots. (I ended up with a Pickle Rick. Not what I would have chosen on my own, so I guess that means the experiment was a success.)

And I think that's the longest stretch of time I've spent not either in my house or my work so far this year.

Comments

[sabotabby]

I've been dying to go to Stormcrow Manor. Is it really crowded?

[the_siobhan]

It wasn't when we were there. It used to be two adjacent bars in an old semi-detached house, so it's pretty spacious. They are using two full floors. (The bladerunner room was pretty packed, but the traditional spooky room was almost empty.)

[greylock]

Stormcrow Manor looks pretty interesting!

I'm glad we don't have the costuming thing here.

And I think that's the longest stretch of time I've spent not either in my house or my work so far this year.

And it's only NOVEMBER!

[silentq]

I'm coming up the first weekend in December, will definitely be hitting the ICA and the ROM, and the manor just got added to my list. :-) If you're up for another venture out into the big blue room I'd love to see you - we can also head your way. :-)

[the_siobhan]

It would be great to see you! I'll keep that weekend free.

This time I'll even remember to give you those books we've been holding for you.

[silentq]

Yay!!! :-)

[50ftqueenie]

Yay! I would also love to visit Storm Crow Manor!

[silentq]

First weekend in December? :-)

[miss_squiddy]

Ooooh, i saw a documentary on the making of that golden robe and I am so jealous that you actually got to see it in real life! How beautiful!

[the_siobhan]

It's incredibly striking. We couldn't touch it obviously, but it looks surprisingly hefty.

[elusis]

I had no idea it was such a rare thing to get a personal guest appearance! I feel incredibly fortunate. :)

Did you actually drink the Pickle Rick? I failed to notice.

[the_siobhan]

I did! It wasn't bad, but it wasn't all that exciting either.