It's Here

Snow fell all day yesterday turning everything white. It will melt away again before winter takes hold for good. For now, it is back to boots as I trudge through the slush.




I am not tempted to sit a while, though I do stop to admire this changed landscape. Bundled up from head to toe, I am insulated against the cold.



It's funny to think, that while the snow feels cold to me, it in turn insulates the plants below from the cold of winter.

Finding Colour Indoors

As outdoors the colours fade to sepia, indoors at the Westmount Conservatory colour abounds. As stroll through just lifts the spirits. This was helped by music wafting through - an accordion player was practicing by the little pool around the corner.




I'll let the flowers speak for themselves. Enjoy their happy colours which can warm a cold day.

Pumpkins

Some pumpkins come with personality. Others are given a personality. Here are a few shots of pumpkins in my neighbourhood. Happy Hallowe'en.

Black and White

I was challenged on Facebook to shoot in black and white for 5 days running. This is one of my shots. It encouraged me to go out and think differently about my subjects - what would stand out without the benefit of colour. I needed to look at contrast and textures



I wasn't thrilled with my first shot - too much black and white and not enough greys. No subtlety.




I still have a couple of days to go. Looking in a new way now.

A Week Ago in Prince Edward County

This was my first time in Prince Edward County. The beach at Sandbanks Provincial Park rivals Caribbean beaches - the sand is soft, the beach is wide and the water is blue (well not so warm as a Caribbean beach).



The fall colours were at their height. Prince Edward County is a large peninsula. On our way home we took the ferry across this stretch of water. The ferry is part of the provincial road system, so there is no charge.



The area is dotted with vineyards as well as apple orchards where cider is produced. Once can go from one to the next tasting their wares.



There is beauty in the decay that autumn brings. The milkweed seeds are ready to travel on the wind, finding a place to germinate when spring comes.



I'll have to get back to this area. There are so many photo opportunities.

A Little More Fall Colour

This year the colours seem to be nicer than ever. Even in the city, the reds are bright, as are the oranges.



I always have to stop and gawk. While gardens fade, the trees are putting on quite a show.

In All Its Glory

The sunny weather sent me off in search of autumn colours. I decided to drive up to CAMMAC as I needed to speak to someone there. This is what met me.



Each tree changes in its own time, first one leaf leading the way.

It is the symphony of colours that dazzles. Each leaf adds to the riot of colour.

Walking in the woods you can hear the leaves fall. They rustle past those still clinging to the trees.



On the forest floor the low growing plants show signs of seasonal fatigue. The once vibrant green is disappearing to be replaced by browns and sepia.




Last petals twist into sculptural shapes before they too drop off. The summer growth spurt has stopped. Now is the time for its last dance before the frost.