Firemen

Firemen, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

These people put their life on the line every time they are called out to a fire. This time, they were throwing a compound on oil that leaked from their own truck. Time for repairs!

Fall Flower Pot

Fall Flower Pot, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photo: September 24, 2011
As the gardens fade, pots of mums seem to pop up in people's gardens and in front of homes. These hardy flowers can withstand the cooler autumn temperatures (though here it has been unseasonably warm). I love to extend the flower season as long as possible. Whiteness will descend only too soon.

Intersecting Lines

Intersecting Lines, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photo: September 24, 2011


Wires play cat's cradle overhead. I imagine the voices travelling along competing with the electrical current. So much is buried underground in big cities, we no longer see the electronic highways spanning the world.

Converging

Converging, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photo: September 22, 2011
I've photographed in this building before. There is something about the space that intrigues me. This time I was fascinated by the combination of reflections and the real. To me, there is a sense of movement.

City Introspection

City Introspection, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Buildings bounce off buildings - like a street of imitators. They wear each other's facades. Sometimes it is hard to know what is real and what is just a reflection.

Industrial

Industrial, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photo: September 14, 2011

I went to a concert in the Darling Foundry. This former industrial space is used mainly as an art gallery, but this is the third time I have been there for a concert. The high ceilings and hard surfaces make for quite resonant acoustics. The idea of the concert was to experience live surround sound with four choir music of the Italian Renaissance. People were invited to move around and to come into the centre of the space so the choirs were on the exterior. Some of us were sitting on chairs, others stood. While the music was glorious and the sound really travelled from choir to choir, it was distracting to have people walking during the music. An interesting experiment, but not entirely musically satisfying.

Fins and All

Fins and All, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

It's odd to see one of these on the street now, but I remember when they were commonplace. I'm glad I don't have to drive one. I can't imagine trying to park something this long. I also hate to think how much gas this guzzles. But I guess she feels good in it, attracting attention everywhere she drives.

Exotic Chicken

Exotic Chicken, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

These were the lucky birds who were allowed to scavenge outside their cages. It was Agri-Tour Day in Eastern Ontario and we decided to set off and explore a few of the farms. This chicken was not on a farm, but was kept by some people who raised exotic birds. Most lived in enclosures that seemed far too small.

These alpacas had much more room to roam. They seemed content. They are raised for their wool which is soft and warm. There are a few alpaca farms in the neighbourhood.



Our last stop was on a goat farm. The animals were very gentle. This big fellow kept asking to be patted. Some of the goats were in indoor pens because it was the Agri-Tour day. The farmer explained how they are raised. On most days they have access to outdoor pastures where donkeys guard them. It seems that donkeys, dogs and llamas are good for guarding goats. They sense danger, warn the animals and the animals head back to the barn. We spoke with the wife of the farmer (who makes incredible sorbet and gelato). She felt it was important that people see where and how food is raised and to see where it ends up. They sell goat meat, eggs from their hens and rabbit from the rabbits her son raises. I must say, I would rather buy from small farmers who raise animals in spaces where they can live comfortable lives than to buy some of our supermarket meat that comes from animals that have been raised in crowded, uncomfortable situations. These animals were obviously loved, enjoyed the outdoors and the company of people.

Fall Flowers

Fall Flowers, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

A walk in the countryside and signs of fall. The dandelions have all gone to seed and other flowers are following suit. Many are starting to dry up. These purple flowers take advantage of the September sunshine. Insects still attracted by their bright yellow centres will spread the pollen to ensure another season of blooms.

Garlic Braids

Garlic Braids, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

"Tomatoes and oregano make it Italian; wine and tarragon make it French. Sour cream makes it Russian; lemon and cinnamon make it Greek. Soy sauce makes it Chinese; garlic makes it good."
Alice May Brock quotes

I have to agree. Garlic makes most things taste better. Roast a head of garlic and it is almost sweet tasting. Pasta with pesto makes a heavenly dish. And I can't imagine roasting lamb without seasoning it with fresh garlic and rosemary. Salad dressing - I think it needs garlic. So bring it on - I'll be cooking with it.

Making Lace

Making Lace, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Something has been busy turning these leaves into lace. Fortunately this is not in my garden. The flowers on this still bloomed beautifully. I wonder how long it will take the critters to finish their "handiwork".

A Bird in the Bush

A Bird in the Bush, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

I took a walk in the neighbourhood and spotted this bird - not a species I usually see around here. Why was it there - perched on a branch in the rain? Not sure - but it did add a bit of colour to an otherwise drab day.

Feasting

Feasting, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

I spent years as a single mother cooking for an unappreciative audience. I shouldn't say unappreciative - just young people with an as yet uneducated palates. Now they are young adults. My son has become an excellent cook, surpassing my skills, so it was fun to invite him over to dinner and present him with this stuffed trout with mango cucumber dill salsa. The trout was stuffed with a mixture of spinach, portobello mushrooms and dill. It was a great success. Even he had little to offer in the way of suggestions for improvement.

The recipe came from a cookbook by Anne Lindsay. Accompaniment included 3 colours of new potatoes tossed with olive oil and dill and a stirfry of zucchini, 3 colours of peppers with garlic and rosemary. This was followed by a salad and then sorbet with fresh berries. Three day weekends make it so much easier to entertain!

Land of Plenty

Land of Plenty, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

While on TV we see pictures of famine, here we live in the land of plenty. The markets are overflowing with fresh produce. The peaches are at their prime, sweet and juicy. New strains of strawberries ripen throughout the summer. It's that time of year when I start nesting, putting food away for the colder days. I will be making jam and ratatouille and whatever else I fancy. The market beckons.

Beaver

Beaver, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

It is always wonderful to visit the local parks with camera in hand. My friend took me to one I had not visited before: Parc de L'île-Bizard. There is a large pond / swamp where we saw a variety of wildlife. And what a delight to watch this beaver grooming while its friend slept in the sunshine.

The turtles were enjoying the warm sunshine. In some spots we could see them lined up along a log. Ducks were busy tipping upside down, finding their favourite repasts. Then they would come out of the water to preen.



Red dragonflies flitted around, landing momentarily, but wary of the click of the camera. Spotted, but not photographed: a kingfisher, a green heron, grebes, a hawk, terns. A great blue heron stood majestically by the water, then lifted off to find a better spot to fish. Altogether a splendid walk.