So That’s What Dandelions Are For

Posted on May 20, 2013 | Leave a comment

Great weekend for cycling along the waterfront trail. At one point, I rounded a bend, and there was a large grass field dotted with dandelions, but one flower was moving – a lot. OK, since I noticed, this means I was taking my time on the bike – I like to look around at stuff.

In any case, I stopped to get a closer look. It wasn’t a dandelion at all – but a goldfinch having a snack in the grass.

He’s was actually much brighter than the flowers surrounding him, but the dandelions made a pretty good cover.

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Ever made a bargain with a bunny?

Posted on May 12, 2013 | Leave a comment

Look who stopped by for a snack.

You don’t have to go far to see wildlife – on the trail, or in your yard.

I thought I’d take advantage of the opportunity to try to make a deal with him about my garden (or at least the start of what I hoped would become a garden). He could help himself to some of the seedlings , if he would arrange to top up my Easter chocolates next year.

The idea of this small rabbit being an Easter bunny helper is probably closer to reality than my dreams of a successful vegetable garden.

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What would you call this sculpture?

Posted on April 27, 2013 | Leave a comment
Jed Lind, Gold, Silver & Lead

Gold, Silver & Lead by Jed Lind

Offhand, here are a few options:

  • Parking Available on Upper Level
  • Lessons in Not Lending Your Vehicle
  • The Answer to ‘Dude, where’s my car?’

The great weather today hinted that summer is just around the corner – a perfect day for walking around, soaking up the sunshine, and being entertained by what we see – art in all its forms,  however you define it.

Where did you find art today?

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On the Easter Bunny’s Trail

Posted on March 28, 2013 | 2 Comments

I missed him. Just.

There was a stand of pine trees along the trail and unmistakable tracks across what was left of the last snowfall. This time of year, in areas where there is still snow, or soggy ground, animal tracks are easier to see.

Hopefully I didn’t scare him off, and if I did, he leaves me chocolates this weekend anyway.

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How to Check Out Chris Hadfield’s Ride

Posted on February 18, 2013 | 2 Comments

Chris-Hadfield

Not sure why I wave – I catch myself doing this every time.

When you see the International Space Station, it’s hard to believe that it’s
386 km (240 miles) away.

Here’s how you can see it:

  • Click on this link:  spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/
  • There’s a section in the top left called ‘Sighting Opportunities’. Choose your country, and follow the prompts to get a schedule for your area. For kicks, I requested a schedule for Cameroon – NASA doesn’t leave anyone out.
  • Scan the maximum elevation (4th column). Choose day(s) where the number is higher than 45. That way your view is less likely to be blocked by buildings.

Look for times where the duration is at least 2 minutes so that Chris has time to see you waving.

I’m sure he waves back.

Photo courtesy of THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

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Pack Fun in Your Emergency Car Kit

Posted on January 27, 2013 | 1 Comment

pond skating

This rule isn’t meant to be broken.

I was away for the weekend, with the intention of going tobogganing today. Since my friends found a perfect pond for skating, the plans changed at the last minute. For the first time ever, I had forgotten to put my skates in the car. With this perfect weather, I didn’t want to miss out – so I made more than a few calls in order to line up some skates.

The pond, tucked between two hills, beside a tree-lined path, could have not been more perfect. My friends had shoveled a large portion of the pond yesterday, but what ended up being even more entertaining was creating a winding path on the rest of the surface. The sections with hairpins turns were the most fun to skate.

Now my skates are where they’re supposed to be – ready to take advantage of any opportunity to get out there.

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Holiday Lessons From a Superhero

Posted on January 3, 2013 | Leave a comment

spider button

Ever had a laugh with a Superhero?

Yesterday was the first time I’d tried a saucer toboggan. Initially, I was completely out of control, but  I found if I leaned to one side, it was possible to steer a certain amount. Just as I thought I had this figured out, BAMM, I am blind-sided and tumble to a stop.

The cause? A kid in Spiderman getup.

Once I caught my breath, I said ‘Dude, are you OK?’ He was, and we both started laughing.

Before then, I had been feeling guilty about falling behind on various things I meant to tackle over the holidays.  I realized then, if Spiderman was kicking back and taking time off from crime fighting, I might as well get a few more runs in – we just might want to both do a better job of watching where we’re going.

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