Customs House

Customs House, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Photo: April 9, 2011
Sitting at Place Royale, and now part of Pointe-à-Callière Museum, an archaeology museum, this was once the Customs House for the Port of Montreal. From the museum site "This building, designed by architect John Ostell, dates back to 1836–1837 and originally housed Montréal’s first Custom House (its name means “the Old Custom House”). It was expanded in 1881."

I love the layers of history you see from here, the art deco building peeking up from behind, the outline of an old stone structure on the newer brick building. Thankfully we have preserved some of our heritage. Buildings have been lost to fire and to the wreckers ball to be replaced by the next generation of architecture. I think of what the people of the past must have lived and endured as I walk here on a sunny April day.

A Splash of Colour

DSC03130_2, originally uploaded by susanvg.

The sun is warming the earth. In protected areas flowers are starting to appear. They grow quickly, eager to catch the warm rays. I always find spring to be a time of magic when changes happen quickly. You have to stop and admire each new growth, for by tomorrow there will be new things to see.

Shiny Surface

Shiny Surface, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Daily Shoot: Make a photograph of something shiny today.
I had my car in for repairs and they always wash the outside when they are finished. Its shiny surface reflected the surroundings. I like the way it distorts the image, wrapping around the contours of the car.

It's Starting

It's Starting, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I find it amazing that before the snow has all melted, new growth begins. These lilies seem anxious to reach the sunshine. Despite this, weather switches moment to moment with a short period of sleet falling yesterday followed by brilliant sunshine. The vagaries of April.

Camouflage

Camouflage, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Winter white has given way to sepia. Dried leaves cover the ground. Where the grass shows, it is still straw-like. This mourning dove poked in the leaves for food. The rustling sound gave away its location.

It's Spring

It's Spring, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Daily Shoot: Make a photograph of a symbol today.
To me, a robin is a symbol of spring. Spotting the first robin is a sure-fire sign that spring has arrived. They have made their way to Casselman. Their chirpy songs can be heard as they settle in to their northern homes. They can be spotted on many lawns, checking out the dry grass for newly uncovered sources of food. It's spring!

Fixing the Lines

Fixing the Lines, originally uploaded by susanvg.

On Wednesday, I watched a man on a long yellow ladder working on wires attached to a pole behind my house. On Thursday, a Bell truck parked in front of my house and this orange clad man spent time in the basket of the crane, working on wires in front. I have not had problems, so I am not sure what they were fixing.

Daily Shoot: Make a photograph dominated by the color orange today.