Thursday night the Olympic Torch relay passed very close to where we live, so off we went to watch it go by. It was a damp chilly night, typical of Toronto at this time of year, and the wait was longer than expected. But it was well worth the wait.
The dog you see at the beginning is named Buddy. At times, he was practically leaning against my legs which was very welcome as he was quite warm and it was pretty chilly standing there!
There were lots of Toronto police in cars and on bikes:
The torch bearer. It was really quite a thrill to see that flame going past.
After the torch had passed by, we decided to pick up a take-away for dinner from an Indian restaurant that’s nearby. We needed those lovely hot spices to warm us up after standing outside in the cold night air!
The teddy bears and other assorted critters are getting ready for the “Teddy Bear Olympics”, which will coincide with the Winter Olympics. Their torch bearer was, as is only fitting, a moose:
There was quite a crowd out to cheer on the moose:
Including one of the athletes — a downhill skier.
Smudge’s sport? Lounging. We think there has to be a lounging medal.
Although Lester may give him a real run for his money!
Quilt Obsession 
Thank you so much for posting that video. That was quite thrilling to watch. Most likely more thrilling for you since you were there! Glad you were able to warm up. Yes, kitty lounging truly could become a sport.
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How exciting to actually see the torch go by!! Smudge would be a mulitple gold metal winner in lounging, never seen a cat better at it LOL.Crispy
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wow, what a once-in-a-lifetime experience…awesome…smudge and lester win gold! ☺
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OOooOoo I have goosebumps now – we watched as much of the torch run as we could last night on the news – how fantastic that you actually got to see it — that's a once in a lifetime opportunity! Too bad the protesters had to try to wreck things for everybody 😦 I give Smudge and Lester (and Zoomer, lol) a 10 on the lounge-o-meter!!
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How exciting to have it close enough for you to watch it! I think that is going to be a close competition for the lounging medal!
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Lounging medal? Cracks me up!
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Alex and I tried to see the torch lat night too, but it was too late in coming. We were going to see Fiddler on the Roof so we waited outside the Canon until 7:15 (the news said it would be at Yonge-Dundas square around 6:30), but it didn't come. Too bad, but Fiddler was great! Your stuffed animals look great!
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Seeing the Olympic Torch is one of those lifetime moments. Thank you so much for sharing *s*
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I think my Gandalf could give your Smudge and Lester a "lounge for the money" in that event! LOL
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Yep….your kitties would certainly qualify for the lounging event at the Catlympics! Looks like a cold night in TO.
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did you watch CTV news tonight when they featured the lady dying of cancer who ran with the torch, was a marvelous story. Glad you were able to see it go by.Gill in Canada
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I remember taking my family to watch the 2002 torch pass near our home. It was freezing cold and both Donny and Marie Osmond and family were torch bearers.The Teddy Bear Olympics sounds as much fun as the "big" games! LOLGlad you had a doggie friend to help keep you warm too.
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These bears are soooo cute!
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Oh, Lester's crossed paws are just too perfect! Does he do acting or model jobs on the sides? Happy New Year, Cathi.
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