Friday 28 June 2013

June 28 ~ From the Rideau River


On long June nights, my favourite thing is to go canoeing.
We went on the Rideau River, between Bank Street and St. Pauls University.
There was a lot of wild life, including these two ducks,
 beautifully framed with the twigs and reflections.
Photographing from a canoe presents challenges!

June 27 ~ Turtle: A Better Shot


This Snapper was in the middle of the road, in the Gatineau Park.
Without getting too close, I tried to 'encourage' it to get off the road!
 I was surprised at the length of his/her legs when s/he finally got moving!
Nose to tail, this prehistoric creature was (estimated!)  two feet.

Wednesday 26 June 2013

June 26 ~ Meech Lake Swimmers


Finally! Meech Lake is warm enough for open water swimming.
We have been waiting for this day since last September!
The early morning swimmers are:
Peg, Steve, Toe, Tom, Margaret, Mat and Alan.

June 25 ~ Birthday Sparklers




Birthday sparklers, on cup cakes, are a delight to the kids!
Aaron, Topher, Dee, (Lee) Duncan, Megan and John - the Birthday Boy!

Monday 24 June 2013

June 24 ~ Happy Family Brithdays

 
Cousins Aaron and Topher show their joy at the anticipation of Chocolate Star Wars Cupcakes!
The main birthday being celebrated was 'Unka Johnny', to Aaron, or Daddy, to Topher.
To me, he's my 40 year old son!

June 23 ~ Chandana's Art

 
This delicate and detailed work was done in crayon, by my Nepali friend, 16 year old Chandana.
She has incorporated symbols of nature, the major religions, inspirational and humanitarian words,
and she has presented human life as a butterfly.
Chandana has just completed her Secondary leaving exams with excellent results, and has earned a place at the college in Pokhara, to further her studies in Science.

 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Saturday 22 June 2013

June 22 ~ Duncan's Painting


My 9 year-old grandson, Duncan, painted this picture.
I am proud of his artistic ability!

Friday 21 June 2013

June 21 ~ Weather Photo



Ian Black selected this photo to be on his weather report tonight.
I took it on Tuesday morning, at 5:50 am, at the Rideau canoe club.
It had been cool overnight, so there was mist on the river as well as the early sun.
Love those reflections!

June 20 ~ Kokopelli


When we were in Arizona this spring,
 I noticed the Navajo symbol of Kopopelli made into jewellery and ornaments.
He is said to be the symbol of "magician, prankster, storyteller and healer".
 I like the joyous, musical imagery of him.
He hangs and spins joyously in our garden, catching the sunlight.

Wednesday 19 June 2013

June 19 ~ Turtles

 
On Gatineau Park bike rides this spring, we have seen 6 - 7 snapper turtles.
We think they are females, heading to the sort dirt of the road verges to lay their eggs.
We have agreed that the turtles we have seen, have been at least 2 feet long, nose to tail.
A bite from these creatures is no joke, so we have stayed well away.
This one was basking in the sun, after a chilly night.

Tuesday 18 June 2013

Tuesday, June 18 ~ Under Rideau Street

 
This underpass / tunnel, goes under Rideau Street, joining the NAC and the Chateau Laurier.
When the sun is shining, it gives stark shadow shapes, which I love!
The two ladies were in perfect sunlit position, and the cyclist (Bob) blends in with the shadows.
I like the collection of monotone greys, sun and shade contrast, concrete texture,
 and interesting shapes.

Monday 17 June 2013

June 17 ~ Birthday Family

 
Birthdays for Megan and Marty, and hugs from the rest of the family!

Sunday 16 June 2013

June 16 ~ Happy Birthday, Marty!


One year old today and my first taste of Chocolate Cake1
How great is that!
Happy Birthday, little fella!

Saturday 15 June 2013

June 15 ~ Happy Birthday, Megan!


My lovely daughter, Megan, celebrated her birthday today with her favourite BLT sandwich!
Double smoked bacon??/ Yum- yum!
May you enjoy a happy and healthy year ahead, M'Love!

Friday 14 June 2013

June 14 ~ More Cars


Many of the cars were parked at the Rideau Canal Locks.
Lined up like this, they made an impressive show.
It felt as if we were at an old time movie set!

June 13 - Antique Cars


One of the delights of bike rides, is coming across the unexpected.
We returned to Merrickville to find about 40 antique cars,
all sparkling and glowing after restoration.
What a marvelous surprise!

Wednesday 12 June 2013

June 12 ~ Three Dry Cyclists

After a great meal, (thanks Tanya, Nadja, John!) a glass of wine and a wonderful sleep,
we were ready to ride back to Merrickville!
Thank goodness for a sunny day!
We did another 60 km on lovely, quiet, scenic roads!
Thanks for the adventure, everyone!

June 11 ~ Three Intrepid Cyclists


 
In the photo, we don't look very wet,  but we were drenched!
We had just completed 6o km in the rain/drizzle/mist,
from Merrickville to John's Trevelyan Farm, near Mallorytown.
Top, John & Peg
Below, John & Bob

Monday 10 June 2013

June 10 ` After the Rain


When the rain stops, and the sun comes out, there are photo treasures to be found!

Sunday 9 June 2013

June 9 ~ Poppy Season is washed out

 
In our backyard, the poppies are beautiful, - until it rains!
Then they disintegrate.
Although, even when finished the blooming phase, there is still beauty to be found.

June 8 ~ Ottawa Family Gathering

 
The Ottawa family gathered together. Ah, the joys of the self-timer!
I showed Aaron how to press the shutter, then run into the photo!
Marty wonders what all the noise is about!
My lesson: have the camera at face level, not lower!

Saturday 8 June 2013

June 7 ~ 50 year Class Reunion


In Toronto last weekend, I attended the 50 th reunion of my high school class!
This is a group of women who had been friends all those years ago!
Bonnie, and Elaine, on either side of me, have been friends during those 50 years,
 but the others were memories come to life!
I really enjoyed catching up with friends from so long ago!

Thursday 6 June 2013

June 6 ~ Goslings


I decided to post this one even though it is not in sharp focus.
The technical learning was that I had left my camera on a setting for close-up flowers, and forgot.
I missed this wonderful moment of the gosling trying, unsuccessfully, to follow mama onto the dock!
They went further around the dock, and were successful there.
After about 30 seconds, the adults jumped back in the river and the little ones followed,
their climbing efforts in vain!

Wednesday 5 June 2013

June 5 ~ More boats


 
Yes, I do love reflections. and reflections of boats ... fantastic!

June 4 ~ 5:45 AM at the Rideau Canoe Club


With the sun just breaking the horizon at 5:45,
the dragon boats are perfectly reflected in the dead still water.
By 6:00, two boats have loaded and gone for practise. "Take it away!"
Also, six kayaks have loaded and  gone, and I am in one of them.
The river is glorious and peaceful at this time of the morning.

Monday 3 June 2013

June 3 ~ Iris


In Spring, all the fresh blooms are begging to be photographed.
I look for something new and different to make my shots fresh, and not,
 'Ho-hum, boring flowers again!"
 In this one, it is the light that makes the Iris glow.

Sunday 2 June 2013

June 2 ~ Alium Display


The evening sun cast shadows on part of the alium display.
It  makes them look like different colours, but in reality, they were all the same.

June 1 ~ Alium


I have just become aware of aliums.
This one, at the arboreteum, is lovely, especially with a bee enhancing it.
And of course, evening sun adds some  magic!

May 31 ~ Poppies

 
I took this picture at the flower beds at the arboretum.
I wonder how one poppy can be in full flower while all the others are still in bud!
I love the draping curve of the stalks, before they come into bloom.