Just a few words on this chapter. I’m getting behind because of all the moving around and getting settled, but not really settled because we’re at another place for a week in a week and — Good God, I’m sick of this. No more cat sitting. No more.
Unless they’re really neat cats. Or diabetic and need shots. Or, you know, unless we’re asked.
I’ve not been sure where Fielding lives, although I knew it had to be within walking distance of his office on King. In desperation I finally decided on Grange Avenue at Beverly Street, next to Art Gallery of Ontario. I know the area fairly well because that’s where I lived for a while back in the early ’90s.
Grange Avenue at Beverley Street. We had an apartment there for a while.
The Queen Street area plays a large part in this story largely because I lived and wrote about the area for about five years.
Queen is divided into east and west, with the dividing point being Yonge Street. The overall culture of each side is quite distinct from each other. Queen West is the haven of artists, musicians, tattoo parlours and vampires. Queen East is Yuppies and families living near the Beaches.
Here are a few of the Queen Street landmarks I’ve written about at one point or another.
Water Treatment Plant — Queen East.
Above is the Water Treatment Plant, designed by R.C. Harris. Harris was Toronto’s commissioner of public works for many years back in the ’30s and ’40s, and one of the most forward-thinking men of his time. The plant is often used in movies and TV shows.
The interior of the Water Treatment Plant in Carpenter’s “In the Mouth of Madness”
The Queen Mother Cafe, where Fielding has his sticky rice brunch, is one of Queen West’s more popular spots. It has a varied menu, but when you can get sticky rice and peanut sauce, why get anything else?
Queen Mother Cafe.
The Type Bookstore, where he spends some time browsing, is another Queen West staple.
The Type Bookstore almost always has clever and elaborate window displays.
And that’s it for now.
Oh, yes. Fielding references Avril Lavigne. Should anyone not know who she is, here’s a photo.
You’re welcome.
Clicking on the image will make it bigger. Much bigger. In case you want to examine the ring she’s wearing or something.
Adramelech Defects 
My goodness Avril’s getting older, isn’t she?
Like a fine wine.
I clicked on the image. And then I clicked it again. And again. I clicked it a lot, frankly.
So that’s why the picture is looking a little worn around the edges now.