It's Starting

It's Starting, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Some trees are wearing cloaks of delicate pale green lace. No longer bare, they begin to put on this spring-time splendour. Each day their branches sprout more as lace turns to a thicker woven canopy.

A New Project

A New Project, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Back in the days before children I was an ardent knitter - knitting afghans by the dozen. My friends each got one for one occasion or another. I never knit things that had to fit (well I did make one sweater) - but stuck with things that would look good as long as I followed the pattern. After children came along my time was used differently. But now I've decided to go back to it.

I've started yet another afghan - this one is done in strips. It should keep me going for a while - but the weather is warming up so hopefully this will be done by the autumn when it will come in handy. Psst - don't tell anyone - it's for my daughter.

Wheel

Wheel, originally uploaded by susanvg.

The sun was at its golden hour, low on the horizon. It painted surreal colours. This old wheel sits in front of my house, parked there by former owners. Long unused for its original purpose it has been beaten by the weather.

Yet it has found a new purpose, simply decorative. We live in a throwaway society wanting ever more and discarding the "old" Electronics become out of date long before they stop working, yet we think nothing of replacing them. At the time this wheel was made, belongings were precious. Old string was reused, clothing recut and remade or the fabric could be sewn into a quilt making new from old.

I am a techie - I can't say I always live by those principles, but I am trying to move more to a simpler life where less is more. It's the only way this planet will keep on rolling.

Humble Beginnings

Humble Beginnings, originally uploaded by susanvg.

My garden is slowly coming to life. A variety of shoots have pushed their way to the surface with promises of flowers. It is hard to believe these humble beginnings will lead to a bushy growth of bleeding hearts. Slowly shoots unfurl, with leafy beginnings. They need to grow quickly to complete their job of flowering so they can begin again next year.

Catching Some Rays

Catching Some Rays, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I was walking in my neighbourhood when I noticed this frog catching some rays. Perhaps he was stopping for a rest. Or was he waiting to entice a pretty young frog to join him? A frog he did a wooing go? Hmm hmm.
You can enjoy a delightful rendition of the song A Frog Went a-Courting from the National Film Board here

Parc-des-Rapides

Parc-des-Rapides, originally uploaded by susanvg.

One of my favourite parks is beside the Lachine Rapids. It's a great place to see birds. There are always people out with very long lensed cameras. They are always willing to share photography tips or suggestions for the best places to spot the local wildlife. See photos from last week

When Europeans first settled this area, they had to portage around the rapids to travel further up the St. Lawrence River. Fur traders left from Lachine, past the rapids. Later the Lachine Canal was built and still later, the St. Lawrence Seaway which allowed large ships to bypass the rapids and through a series of locks get all the way to the Great Lakes. Some hardy souls kayak in the rapids, but I am content to simply admire them. The force of the water is impressive as it hits the underwater rocks.



Yet on land all is tranquil - a great place for birds, large and small to feel right at home. In the cove protected by this spit of land, the tranquil waters are home to many water fowl as well as mink and beaver.

Centre d'histoire de Montréal

Centre d'histoire de Montréal, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I am always pleased when old buildings take on new purposes. This former fire station has been converted into a historical museum, recounting the history of Montreal from its beginnings when Jacques Cartier first arrived until now. Told through maps, pictures and some delightful text, I learned more about my city. It was interesting to see old photographs or artwork juxtaposed with present day photographs. Cities constantly evolve.
Definitely worth the modest admission price.