A Newly Blooming Orchid

I know I've written about, photographed, featured my orchids frequently on this blog. But the pressure of coming up with a photo a day sends me back to some of my favourite themes. I know the pressure is self-imposed. Nothing will happen if a day passes and there are no photos, but as my children will attest to, I am a stubborn person and I like to meet the goals I set for myself. So here are my orchids, again.



While I am semi-retired, I still work part time - organizing web events and giving workshops for and with teachers. I know that one time workshops accomplish little in the short run, but I justify what I do by comparing it to planting seeds. You have to be patient (just as I am with my orchids). You just never know when seeds take root, when ideas germinate, when flowers bloom, when teachers may incorporate ideas that were introduced in a workshop and make them their own. I usually don't know if my efforts have had any effect, but occasionally someone will let me know and then I feel I have been given a gift - a virtual flower. These orchids remind me that patience has its rewards but that it is always worth pushing forward for those unexpected moments of incredible beauty.

Walk on a Chilly Day

Photos: April 4, 2016

The flowers that were opened to the sun are huddling together, preserving warmth. A polar vortex has swept in - a brief return to wintry temperatures. Back to hats and gloves and scarves as a cold wind makes the air feel even colder.



I couldn't help but think this tree was smiling at me - glad to have someone to share the enjoyment of his outdoors life. Soon the daytime highs will once again be above freezing. The flowers will soon open again and be joined but the succession of spring blooms.

Cooked to Perfection

My spouse cooks a great roast chicken. I feel truly spoiled when I sit down to his chicken dinner. He starts with an organic chicken. Aside from the ethical issues of eating organic meat, I do believe it tastes better. He bastes it with oil and herbs. Our home is filled with the tantalizing aroma of rosemary. It doesn't take a lot of ingredients to make a wonderful meal. Fresh beans, some quinoa and a salad rounded off the menu (and, of course, a bit of wine).

Tulips

Photos: April 2, 2016

As far as I'm concerned you can never have too many flowers or take too many photographs of flowers. I picked up a large bunch of tulips on Tuesday and they are lasting nicely. Half are in my living room and half in my office. As spring slowly creeps in outdoors, (a polar vortex is bringing back a few days of winter temperatures), I can enjoy an indoor spring.

Car Sharing

The two cars in front are part of a fleet that are available to subscribers of the service. Montreal has several car sharing services. While I don't use them, I know many who do. I do own a car, but use public transportation a fair amount. I love the concept of a sharing society - but know, that in some cases, the developers of the sharing ideas (e.g. Uber, AirB&B) are earning loads of money providing the means to share.

Rain Today

Steady rain all day. After a delightful concert by Les Songes I walked in the rain. Drops hung on branches like little jewels.



Montreal has many underground passageways joining buildings but also letting people get to the metro without having to go outside. It let me have a respite from the rain. I'm always delighted to hear some classical music being played in public spaces. This violinist, I discovered plays both classical and pop (rock?) as well as world music. You can hear her playing with Nomad'Stones.

March Flowers

It's so delightful to see splotches of colour after winter. I know the spots to look for them.



This is one of the first spaces to burst into colour. The garden faces just the right way and the building's foundation protects it from the wind. I walk past, as if on a pilgrimage to see these blooms.



I don't understand the appeal of white spring flowers, although I have to admit, their pristine white looks nothing like white of the soot soaked snow of the city.



This fellow followed me for a bit in the park, posing. I think he was hoping for a handout. He looks like he weathered the winter well.