A TRUE PATRIOT!

I noticed this scene as I was driving by and had to turn around to get a snapshot.  Only a true Canadian would think of using his hockey stick for a flag pole. SWEET.

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

Yes, Annie and I are proud to be Canadians! We proudly wear our red and white maple leaf for all to see. Oh we love you Canada!

WHAT YOU LOOKIN' AT?

Mr. Grosbek looks a bit annoyed that I would be invading his space.  He is moulting so is not up for photo shoots.

IMPERFECT BEAUTY

Even though the orange daisy is missing a few petals it leaves a passageway to reveal its inner beauty and stunning colours.  Flowers are another love of mine.  

THANK YOU IS NOT ENOUGH...

I saw this statue and thought of my two nephews who are volunteer firefighters in their towns.  I took this picture to honour them and all of the firefighters out there that risk their lives to save others.  Thanks Ryan and Ben.  XXOO

WHAT YOU SEE IS NOT WHAT YOU GET!

This lonely dandelion looks so pretty among the tall grasses.  It was the only one around at the time.  To think that the stillness of this lovely plant on one windy day will create havoc to lawns and parks.  

THE SWAN DIVE

I was fortunate enough to sit and watch these beautiful swans dive down into the murky creek water with their longs necks to retrieve food for their young.  I couldn't get over how dirty they looked.  The babies in comparison were so soft and silky.

Above is a female Grosbek just hanging out waiting her turn at the feeder.

RARE YELLOW THROATED WARBLER

I was out shooting birds (with my camera) at Rondeau Park, when I approached a bunch of others with cameras and binoculars huddled around a cottager's bird feeder.  I asked what all the fuss was about and they said there is a YELLOW THROATED WARBLER that has been coming to the feeder that is rare in these parts.  Hmm I thought...2 mins later he showed up I took the picture and left.  Timing really is everything!

COO...COO....COO

I don't know about you but we are inundated with Doves this year.  I have lost count of how many are Cooing and pooping everywhere.  I'm beginning to think they have taken over from the crows!

A CALL TO PRAYER

Everyone has a cause to stand for and this lady is proving that.  She stood for a long time silently praying for the abuse of prisoners to stop in her homeland. 

HEY RAY IS THAT YOU?

Ray Coon decided he would take up residence in the big Oak tree at our cottage at Rondeau.  He looked pretty comfortable perched up there and not in any hurry to leave.

A DOOR WAY TO....

I love the colours surrounding this doorway.  There are several different shades of the same colour all in contrast with other colours.  Without that colour this plain white door would be just that, in fact this past winter this picture was a very boring white door with colours of grey surrounding it.  Thank God for seasons.

JENNY JENNY JENNY...

Jenny Wren stuck her head out just in time for a quick snap of the shutter.  She actually hung around longer than expected because she was protecting her babies.

AGELESS

As you can see from the last few pics these are not current shots.  But as I have been digging through these pictures are sparking fond memories.  Above my grandson Noah hopped up on the bench with this elderly Italian man and was quite content to sit and visit.  I love how age means nothing to kids.  Noah made this mans day.

A MUST SEE!

I am posting this picture that I took a few years ago because it is still my all time favourite place.  As I have travelled around I must say that CINQUE TERRE, Italy is hard to beat.  Just ask Rick Steeves!

A WALK IN THE PARK

I love this picture because it reminds me of the day I went to Point Pelee with a friend of mine.  It was a beautiful day for a walk and the path before us was so inviting.

YELLOW WARBLER

For all you birders out there.....the Yellow Warblers are at Rondeau now.  There are several different species that have arrived.  Spring is in the air!

PURE ONTARIO BEAUTY

The white Trillium is Ontario's official provincial flower, however I find this red beauty a sister to the white a real find.  I was out scouting in the woods of Blenheim last spring and came across a huge patch of these beautiful red Trilliums.

BEAUTY WITHIN?

This turkey has to be one of the ugliest birds I have seen but at the same time has the most beautiful colour, rich in detail.  God does have a sense of humour!

WEEPING WILLOW

On my way home from Ridgetown on the back roads I noticed this bright yellow-green glow from a distance.  As I approached I recognized the beautiful weeping willow tree in its limy green splendour.  It was a stark contrast to the dull barn board behind it. 
BEAUTIFUL!

PRECIOUS...PRECIOUS....PRECIOUS

I have three grandsons who are all the love of my life.  I cannot believe the bond and love that was created the day they were born.  My third grandson cannot be posted as per my sons wishes so I can only show off two of them.  All three bring a joy to me that I cannot even explain.  A true gift!

TEA ANYONE?

My son Collin decided that his farm need to have some chickens.  Therefore 12 chicks later he is now daddy to 12 little peepers that will someday provide breakfast!  I couldn't miss the opportunity to play a little with these cuties.

SPRING BRINGS NEW LIFE

This was a rare find and a great photography moment.  Momma Robin had just arrived to feed her babies.  I love how the sun has backlit their beaks.

GOLDILOCKS..

Street performers are everywhere in Europe. It's fun to see how creative people can be to make money.  Goldilocks (as I call him) was a good sport and posed with my grandson for a shot.

I AM THE WAY...THE TRUTH...THE LIFE

When I looked up at the statue of Jesus I noticed that the sun was shining upon Him and I was drawn to it.  Jesus said He is the "Light of the World"...He really is!  A beautiful moment for me.

TIME FOR A SHAVE?

I took this picture for a friend of mine who is growing a moustache...a very long bushy moustache.  I thought this would be a good example of how to groom it when he is finished.
I don't know....

IN THE ZONE

This fellow was playing music by blowing through a long wooden tube.  He continued his huffing and puffing and believe it or not the sound came out a very peaceful bit of music.  He was definitely in the Zone!

FACES...FACES...FACES

Photographing people is probably my first love.  I enjoy talking and spending time with people.  I love listening to them, hearing their stories both the good and the bad, the sorrowful and the happy.  I met this handsome fellow in Prague along with two of his buddies.  We had a few laughs and took our pictures together.  He was very charming...and HANDSOME!

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC    

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

EASTER EGG PAINTING

The hand painted or otherwise decorated egg is the most recognizable symbol of Czech Easter.   There are many Easter egg decorating techniques and the more elaborate ones require a certain level of skill.  Different materials can be used, such as bees wax onion peels, straw, paint, ink and so on.  The old woman pictured above was painting the eggs with dye. This has been a family tradition.

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

PRAGUE...A BEAUTIFUL CITY

PRAGUE.....ALMS FOR THE POOR

MY REALITY

Prague is not without its poor.  Along our walks we came across many homeless and poor people begging for money.  

PRAGUE

Another beautiful scene looking across the river in Prague.  This river is called the Vltava River.  It is the longest river in the Czech Republic. 

PRAGUE....A BEAUTIFUL CITY

Doug and I recently travelled to Prague in the Czech Republic.  It was an amazing city to wander around in an enjoy the many different comfort foods served there.  It has several bridges that have amazing photo opps.