June 23/10: Stairway

June 23/10: Stairway, originally uploaded by susanvg.

A respite from city noise, our mountain park provides an oasis. A walk on Mount Royal always brings a sense of peace as I breathe the fresh air under the trees. Paths lead around the summit and through the woods. Staircases wind up the hills.

A stop at the lookout at the chalet brings views of the downtown and beyond to the river, the suburbs and then the hills in the distance.

There's a sculpture garden on the grassy slopes leading to Beaver Lake (a man-made pond). The mountain is one of Montreal's favourite playgrounds.

June 22/10: Railway Crossing

June 22/10: Railway Crossing, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I watched the train pass, container after container. With these huge boxes which move from ship to train to truck, goods are moved around the world. I saw containers from many countries and many companies - from China, from the Netherlands and others of unknown origin. The railroad is what opened up the country. Now it keeps us supplied.

It's a time of difficulty for the railroads. There has been flooding in the west, with some tracks washed out and now our passenger rail is facing a strike. I'm hoping it will be settled soon. It is a favoured way of travel for me and summer plans include some rail travel.

June 21/10: Longest Day

June 21/10: Longest Day, originally uploaded by susanvg.

It is the solstice, the longest day of the year. Here in Montreal the sun set at 8:47 pm. I love the longer days, the opportunity to linger over a dinner outdoors, evening strolls in daylight. The light gives a sense of well-being. And there is a lightness to living - as I step outside in the same clothes I wear indoors. No layers of clothes to insulate me against the weather, I can feel the weather on my skin. This evening, was a pleasant 20C (68F). Summer is officially here.

June 20/10: Lachine Rapids

June 20/10: Lachine Rapids, originally uploaded by susanvg.

The Lachine Rapids kept ships from going further west than Montreal until the Lachine Canal was built and later the Seaway. . It was only then that ships could bypass the rapids and make their way into the Great Lakes.

I walked through Parc des Rapides, enjoying the views of the rapids as well as the flora and fauna. A fence kept people back from this nest. I am not sure what kind of bird it is (I believe it is a kind of warbler or vireo)

Redwing blackbirds are common here. My friend, with whom I was on this photo jaunt, said that they have been known to attack people if you get too close to their nests.



Ducks and herons nest in this area. You can watch them fishing or looking for tasty vegetation. Flowers abound - both native species and species that have been planted. As you walk, the scents change with the surroundings.

So nice to have this a short drive away from home.

June 19/10: Old Chair

June 19/10: Old Chair, originally uploaded by susanvg.

More memories - I wonder what the story of this chair is. How many homes has it lived in? Who made it? It now sits in a bedroom. I've been thinking a lot about old items and the stories they carry. It is too bad that these items do not come with their history - where they have been and what they have witnessed. They carry the history of our country - the life of the people, not the events that get into history books.

June 18/10: Croatian Memories

June 18/10: Croatian Memories, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Objects carry memories. Some we can access, others not. This piece of pottery carries the touch of its maker whom I will never know. It carries the approval of the person who chose it to sell. And it brings with it the memories of where it was bought. After taking this photograph, the memories of its purchase led us to revisit of our time in Zadar on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. First with words, we recalled where we bought it, trying to picture the old part of the town and what we saw there. Then through photographs we renewed our memories, once again wandering the streets, looking out over the Adriatic Sea, breathing the fresh sea breezes and dining on the succulent catch of the day.

June 17/10: Baby

June 17/10: Baby, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I was at a work party and one of my colleagues brought her baby. It is amazing how all eyes turned to her. She magically captured the attention of everyone there charming them with her personality. She ate with gusto enjoying avocado and other delicacies that usually are not on a child's menu. When it was time for her to go, she gave kisses to all. Never was there even a peep of whining sounds. Oh that all babies could be like her.