Saturday Morning Post

This week winter unofficially arrived with colder temperatures and even some hail.

A tow truck barreling past us through the rain.

On the way home last Sunday we met with a snow squall 

that sent a few vehicles off the rode. It is amazing to me

how some people decide to drive in these conditions....

why they decide to go faster and not slow down is

a mystery to me.

Ron was driving and he did a great job. 

This area was at a higher elevation and thus the snow.

As soon as we were at sea level again, it was bright and sunny.

Hey, I LOVE colour!

See! And who could resist that gray background!

Yesterday Sophie met up with a dog-walker and his pack of 10.

She had a ball! She is in the centre with the stick in her mouth.

We can't wait for our new library to open in May 2014.

What did I tell you about a gray background?!

Sophie (middle brown dog in back) and the 'pack'.

Sophie never misses a chance to pose.

I'm really liking 'city-scape' opportunities.....with a tweak here and there.

A great Halloween shot!!

'Red' means STOP!

A well-deserved drink at the 'grotto' in the park.

Getting To Know Me

I remember when Friday was my favourite day of the week, 

and for the same reason most people feel this way......

the end of a very long and never-ending work week.

Now I actually look forward to every day equally

and to be honest I don't care what day it is for the most part.

They all seem to have blended into one...long...day/week!

Since 'forced' into retirement five years ago,

I am now appreciating what I have often heard

from retirees in the past.....

don't know how they did it in the 'working world'

for so long.

Here are a few shots of the new library being built in Halifax,

and it will be opening in the spring of 2014.

This retired guy plans to spend some time here.

Colours .....Plus A Birthday

Well here it is almost the end of November and it really has been a typical one.

That is, Novembers in Nova Scotia are usually dark and dreary with lots of rain.

So this week I have been on a search for bright colours around the city.....

anything to brighten up things a little!

This row of very old houses in the city centre, have been turned into businesses.

They remind me of the houses we have seen in St.John's, Newfoundland.....

very bright and bold.

Of course, I have 'played' with these photos to really make them 'pop' and stand out.

I am sure my mother, who would have been 93 years old today

would have approved! Happy Birthday Mom!

It's All About Craftsmanship

When in the park the other day this iron gate-hinge 

caught my attention.

Probably the rust was what did it for me.....I love this colour/texture.

Then I got to thinking about the age of this ironwork and gate pillar.

I think it is probably about 150 years old and made by the British

when they were manning this fortress back in the mid 1800's.

I think there is lesson here, namely, one has to look far and wide for quality work today.

I don't imagine most things purchased today would have the 'shelf-life' of this hinge.

A Garden Break

I had a few minutes for myself in the Halifax Public Gardens the other day.
It was a sunny day and a lot of activity in the pond that day.

Amazing what a difference a few days can make this time of year here in Nova Scotia.

Today any pond/puddle I saw at the park was frozen solid!

In any case, last week this Mallard couple was making the most of it and enjoying

any morsel they could get their beaks on.

I have been going to these gardens since I was a young child

and as always the 'main attraction' is the ducks.

They are busy creatures for sure....always scurrying around in search of food.

Natural food for these ducks will be at a premium this time of year

as everything freezes up and over.

Good thing the 'gardens staff' makes sure they are well-fed during the winter months.

Contemplative Monday

This passage is taken from: 'Heart Advice:Weekly Quotes From Pema Chodron'.

IT'S NOT AN ENDURANCE TRIAL

"We might also ask: 'Given my present situation, how long should I stay 

with my uncomfortable feelings?'

This is a good question, yet there is no right answer. 

We simply get accustomed to coming back to the present

just as it is for a second, for a minute, for an hour......

whatever is currently natural......

without its becoming an endurance trial.

 Just pausing for two to three breaths is a perfect way to stay present.

This is a good use of our life. Indeed, it is an excellent, joyful use of our life."

Eclectic Tastes

What better time of year to listen to a little 'Satie',
in the Northern Hemisphere, that is.

I remember using this as the music for a dance test/exam
at Dalhousie University back in 1976.
It was the last course I took to complete my Masters
in Education equivalency. 
I have never forgotten the great works
of the musical genius, Erik Satie .

Saturday Morning Post

This is what I noticed over the past week:

Two vintage stools that I reupholstered this week. 

Tree-lined Bell Road in Halifax.

My sister-in-law's birthday dinner this week at 'Edna' in Halifax.

She is second from left and my brother Dennis at far end smiling.

Slowing down near construction in city.

Street that leads to Point Pleasant Park (Sophie's park) in Halifax.

Sophie sniffing out some 'beach debris' at the park.

Ron taking 'the high road'.

Left-over little tributaries at low tide.

'This means I want one of you to throw Mr.Orangie'........please?

A couple enjoying a beautiful day at the park.

I'm ready when you are!!

Curve in the road.

A couple of rocks in one of those tributaries at the beach. (SOOC)

Inspection.

Couldn't help but notice this strange acting character at the beach!! (oh, it's Ron!!)

A little cutie this Scotty is!

Until next week....I'm outta here!