It was just minutes from home, but it felt like stepping into another world. Adam and I went to Shirley’s restaurant on Highway 3 and Dunborough (part of prim peony) for a six-course farm to table dinner — our first time there. The long wooden table glowed under soft lights, set for sixteen strangers who, by the end of the night, felt like old friends.

Around us were doctors, lawyers, and investors from London, Toronto, and Ottawa — an unexpected mix for a small-town evening. Somehow, we got folded right into their group, laughing and swapping stories between bites of incredible food that seemed to taste even better because of the company.

Then came the moment. Someone asked where I went to school & what I did with my schooling…I smiled and said, “Actually, I helped create Paw Patrol.” One of the doctors literally spit out his wine. “Well, dinner’s on Marsha!” he laughed. “Holy moly, you’re the most famous person here. Can I get a picture with you? I need to show my grandson — my kid’s gonna love this!”

The rest of the night was full of easy conversation, big laughs, and plates that kept arriving like little works of art. We left with full bellies, warm hearts, and the glow of knowing that sometimes, the best evenings happen in the most unexpected places — and sometimes, two minutes from home.