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Mid-summer Sycamore

Children chatting while walking along a tree lined sidewalk on their way to a friend's house, the neighborhood park or the town swimming pool. This is one of the sights of summer. Perhaps all the kids are inside playing video games today. A sycamore tree on a mid summer's afternoon. Children chatting while walking along a tree lined sidewalk on their way to a friend's house, the neighborhood park or the town swimming pool. This is one of the sights of summer. Perhaps all the kids are inside playing video games today. A sycamore tree on a mid summer's afternoon.

A home is something that everyone (I believe) strives for. We look for a variety of characteristics in a home (space, comfort, luxury, status, investment). It seems that much like income, our homes are always something we want more from. However, there is one thing that (for almost all of us) makes a house a home. We need other people. Family and friend are necessary to making a place a home. An unoccupied or abandoned home is sad and deteriorates quickly. It becomes ugly, creepy and even dangerous. However, this seems to be a uniquely human phenomena. An abandoned bird's nest, though sad in its emptiness, still looks beautiful and even artful. How impressive it is that birds create such cozy looking homes. I cannot imagine being able to create such a comfortable and well structured home with just my feet and mouth.

True colours. Can we capture them? Do some cameras do this better than others? How about colour correction/enhancement in post processing software? Do these allow us to fix the colour in-corrections that our cameras collected? Does direct sunlight, ambient light, LED, fluorescent, incandescent or halogen lightening produce more correct colours? Of course, the answer is yes. On the other hand, I am often accused of being an optimist. A stem cluster in silhouette, back lit by a handheld red LED light. True colours. Can we capture them? Do some cameras do this better than others? How about colour correction/enhancement in post processing software? Do these allow us to fix the colour in-corrections that our cameras collected? Does direct sunlight, ambient light, LED, fluorescent, incandescent or halogen lightening produce more correct colours? Of course, the answer is yes. On the other hand, I am often accused of being an optimist. A stem cluster in silhouette, back lit by a handheld red LED light.

"Come in, we're OPEN" What better way to welcome customers than with cheerful bright colours! Seen on Gerrard St. E in Toronto's "Little India"

In the absence of barley, dandelions will have to do. "...as we walk in the fields of gold"

Colours of Summer

Suddenly, the June rain stopped. The sky opened and the sun shone brightly through the parted clouds revealing all the colours of summer (and a few other seasons mixed in for good measure) on the japanese maple. It is now time for July flowers!

Pumpkin vine grabbing hold of lattice string on it's way upward. Pumpkin vine grabbing hold of lattice string on it's way upward.

Odd that we line up so well at the grocery store, at the cinema and even at the DMV, yet we do so poorly on the road. Oh to be a cone.

Although much of spring and early summer were dominated by rain, the last half of July was typically dry. Green lawns have turned brown and yellow. Plants are becoming thirsty. Some plants are more resourceful than others in addressing their thirst needs.

Some have said: "You can never have too much sugar" "Baking is just a excuse for the delivery of butter and sugar" Even a sugary drink once had the slogan "Made from the best stuff on earth" I admit that just about every time that I walk through the kitchen, I am tempted to scoop out a few spoonfuls of sugar. And eat them! Yes!. Some have said: "You can never have too much sugar" "Baking is just a excuse for the delivery of butter and sugar" Even a sugary drink once had the slogan "Made from the best stuff on earth" I admit that just about every time that I walk through the kitchen, I am tempted to scoop out a few spoonfuls of sugar. And eat them! Yes!

All the Way Home

The commute home after all long week in the office is a time to wind down and transition into the calmness of home life. However, this transition can be challenging depending on the nature of the commute. In large urban areas, the commute can be more stressful than the work day. I have commuted in major urban areas with clogged multilane freeways and have commuted in rural areas with quiet roads. I much prefer the latter. I fantasize about a commute that involves no traffic (of the motorized kind) at all. I imagine a tree lined path with no cars, trucks or even buildings. The only other commuters I would see would be four legged or winged. This trail on the east side of Short Hills Provincial Park in Thorold, Ontario connects the dead ends of Wiley Road and Eller Road. It appear as if this was once part of one or the other of these two roads. Today, it is a hiking, cycling and equestrian trail. An idea route for a bucolic commute without traffic. The commute home after all long week in the office is a time to wind down and transition into the calmness of home life. However, this transition can be challenging depending on the nature of the commute. In large urban areas, the commute can be more stressful than the work day. I have commuted in major urban areas with clogged multilane freeways and have commuted in rural areas with quiet roads. I much prefer the latter. I fantasize about a commute that involves no traffic (of the motorized kind) at all. I imagine a tree lined path with no cars, trucks or even buildings. The only other commuters I would see would be four legged or winged. This trail on the east side of Short Hills Provincial Park in Thorold, Ontario connects the dead ends of Wiley Road and Eller Road. It appear as if this was once part of one or the other of these two roads. Today, it is a hiking, cycling and equestrian trail. An idea route for a bucolic commute without traffic.

Buildings as art. Architecture is often sited as an art form that adds an artistic element to something that is otherwise simply functional. The West Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa Ontario is currently undergoing extensive renovations and restoration. The work on the exterior masonry is being performed under full wrap. The bulding now resembles a more modern art project in the spirit of Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Buildings as art. Architecture is often sited as an art form that adds an artistic element to something that is otherwise simply functional. The West Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa Ontario is currently undergoing extensive renovations and restoration. The work on the exterior masonry is being performed under full wrap. The bulding now resembles a more modern art project in the spirit of Christo and Jeanne-Claude.

A red brick wall on a rainy day. As this wall is on the north side of the building, it is almost always in shadow. Whether it is sunny or rainy, this wall almost always looks the same. To me it looks a lot like Lego. The back of the Bell Canada building in downtown St. Catharines on a rainy day. A red brick wall on a rainy day. As this wall is on the north side of the building, it is almost always in shadow. Whether it is sunny or rainy, this wall almost always looks the same. To me it looks a lot like Lego. The back of the Bell Canada building in downtown St. Catharines on a rainy day.

In Praise of Cracks

A closer look at the cracks reveals bubbles!. A closer look at the cracks reveals bubbles!

The tracks are empty as the morning train is still many minutes from arriving. Waiting is a common mood of photos, particularly those without people. The solitude and emptiness and the element of something missing from the scene creates a feeling of something yet to happen. Empty rails, an empty park bench or an empty playground covered in snow. These scenes of waiting create images of what the location will be like once it is bustling with activity. The other common feel is that a memory of a familiar place that was once visited when it was busy. For me, the waiting feel is an inspiring one. It is a feeling of opportunity. It is a feeling of possibilities. Waiting is a wonderful thing, as long as it is a trigger for action.

The Fifteen - Les Quinze - Los Quince

The finishing touches have been put on Brock University's new Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts building. It turns out to be fifteen in two thousand fifteen. The finishing touches have been put on Brock University's new Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts building. It turns out to be fifteen in two thousand fifteen.

Rain! More rain! I am okay with all the rain, but I still like to see the colourful flowers. It is fortunate that flowers also can be grown indoors. There is so much choice. The indoor flowers can be any colour or size one wants. The other good thing about indoor flowers is that they can be moved around at any time. Some indoor flowers even need no water, food or soil. And they can always be surrounded by green no mater how much or little rain there has been. Rain! More rain! I am okay with all the rain, but I still like to see the colourful flowers. It is fortunate that flowers also can be grown indoors. There is so much choice. The indoor flowers can be any colour or size one wants. The other good thing about indoor flowers is that they can be moved around at any time. Some indoor flowers even need no water, food or soil. And they can always be surrounded by green no mater how much or little rain there has been.

The Love for Three Tennis Balls

Once mud season has ended, tennis season begins. Lets face it. The most compelling part of tennis is the scoring. The counting of points is simply brilliant. Early achievements are worth 15 points. But after achieving twice, an achievement in tennis becomes less notable. A third achievement is only worth 40 points. Of course this makes complete sense. The first time something happens is it very notable. The second time is important as well as it proves that this something is repeatable and not just a fluke. By the time the third something happens it is becoming old hat, derivative and less original. The fourth time the something happens it is time to move on entirely and it is not worth points at all. Tennis is more than a sport, it is social commentary! If tennis scoring has been simplified to 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and having to win by at least two points, tennis would be boring. It simply would not be played. On the other hand any sport that begins with love and ends with match has a lot going for it. I am starting to understand why my wife wanted to teach me to play tennis when we met. Once mud season has ended, tennis season begins. Lets face it. The most compelling part of tennis is the scoring. The counting of points is simply brilliant. Early achievements are worth 15 points. But after achieving twice, an achievement in tennis becomes less notable. A third achievement is only worth 40 points. Of course this makes complete sense. The first time something happens is it very notable. The second time is important as well as it proves that this something is repeatable and not just a fluke. By the time the third something happens it is becoming old hat, derivative and less original. The fourth time the something happens it is time to move on entirely and it is not worth points at all. Tennis is more than a sport, it is social commentary! If tennis scoring has been simplified to 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and having to win by at least two points, tennis would be boring. It simply would not be played. On the other hand any sport that begins with love and ends with match has a lot going for it. I am starting to understand why my wife wanted to teach me to play tennis when we met.

Pears in Autumn

look more like cherries. So long autumn. Bring on winter!. ...look more like cherries. So long autumn. Bring on winter!

Short Hills Morning

The best part of the day is morning. The best part of the morning is spending it with the one closest to you. Morning in Short Hills Provincial Park. The best part of the day is morning. The best part of the morning is spending it with the one closest to you. Morning in Short Hills Provincial Park.

Are we there yet? How much longer? I have to go to the bathroom! Can we go to McDonalds? Too much of a good thing can be, well, not so much of a good thing. I think... Is 15 seconds too much?. Are we there yet? How much longer? I have to go to the bathroom! Can we go to McDonalds? Too much of a good thing can be, well, not so much of a good thing. I think... Is 15 seconds too much?

Winter Beach Fence

Some fences keep people in, some fences keep people out. At some beaches, fences keep people out who have not paid to enter. Some beach fences keep people out owing to the beach being closed. Some beach fences keep animals (at least pets) out. In winter, the fences at the Lakeside Park beach in Port Dalhousie (St. Catharines, Ontario) keep the snow from drifting out of control. Reducing the amount of snow removal required in the nearby parking lots. On a sunny day, the fences (in winter) make a nice pattern on the beach sand or snow. Some fences keep people in, some fences keep people out. At some beaches, fences keep people out who have not paid to enter. Some beach fences keep people out owing to the beach being closed. Some beach fences keep animals (at least pets) out. In winter, the fences at the Lakeside Park beach in Port Dalhousie (St. Catharines, Ontario) keep the snow from drifting out of control. Reducing the amount of snow removal required in the nearby parking lots. On a sunny day, the fences (in winter) make a nice pattern on the beach sand or snow.

Let the Sun Shine In #2

Bricks and mortar are far more opaque than glass. And yet, so often with old buildings, wall space where once, panes of glass let wonderful, uplifting natural light inside of otherwise dark spaces, now bricks and concrete blocks greet passer-bys. I say, let the sun shine in! For me there is no more pleasant light than daylight. It is a beautiful crisp and cheerful white. Artificial light, especially incandescent has a depressing yellow tinge that makes everything look dingy. Oddly, for me, flourescent, halogen and LED lighting is coloured to make it mimic that depressing (for me) incandescent yellow colour. And although most blocked up former windows have a lifeless and sad appearance. This building on Bond Street in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario seems to have bucked that trend. The bricked in windows blend in nicely with the rest of the wall. The window keystones and arches, showing where the windows once were add a nice architectural decoration to an otherwise drab brick wall. Even the two tone red of the wall (a result of painting over graffiti) prevents this wall from having an abandoned appearance. Still, give me windows! Give me sunlight! "Let the sun shine in. Open up your heart and let it shine on in...". Bricks and mortar are far more opaque than glass. And yet, so often with old buildings, wall space where once, panes of glass let wonderful, uplifting natural light inside of otherwise dark spaces, now bricks and concrete blocks greet passer-bys. I say, let the sun shine in! For me there is no more pleasant light than daylight. It is a beautiful crisp and cheerful white. Artificial light, especially incandescent has a depressing yellow tinge that makes everything look dingy. Oddly, for me, flourescent, halogen and LED lighting is coloured to make it mimic that depressing (for me) incandescent yellow colour. And although most blocked up former windows have a lifeless and sad appearance. This building on Bond Street in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario seems to have bucked that trend. The bricked in windows blend in nicely with the rest of the wall. The window keystones and arches, showing where the windows once were add a nice architectural decoration to an otherwise drab brick wall. Even the two tone red of the wall (a result of painting over graffiti) prevents this wall from having an abandoned appearance. Still, give me windows! Give me sunlight! "Let the sun shine in. Open up your heart and let it shine on in..."

Perhaps in envy of the fruit of autumn, winter displays its own version of cherry like fruit. Holiday ornament with a fresh coat of powdery snow. Perhaps in envy of the fruit of autumn, winter displays its own version of cherry like fruit. Holiday ornament with a fresh coat of powdery snow.

Peeling spiky fence posts. Yeeoowch!. Peeling spiky fence posts. Yeeoowch!

National Gallery Tower

Towers on buildings have long been meant as a symbol to all who view them. Some towers offer a promise of passage to the heavens. Some towers represent the power of those within and are intended to either strike fear of respect (or both) from viewers. Other towers are meant as a simple symbol of wealth, influence and perhaps sophistication. What then to make of a tower at an art gallery? Does it represent the collection? Is this tower a simple homage to the tower at the library of the parliament buildings in Ottawa, across the Rideau Canal? Or is this a symbol of the skill and talent of the architect and engineer that designed and built it? Regardless of the true intended symbolism of this tower, it sure looks nice against the evening sky while lit from inside. I feel not fear, but a sudden desire to enter the museum to view the collection. Towers on buildings have long been meant as a symbol to all who view them. Some towers offer a promise of passage to the heavens. Some towers represent the power of those within and are intended to either strike fear of respect (or both) from viewers. Other towers are meant as a simple symbol of wealth, influence and perhaps sophistication. What then to make of a tower at an art gallery? Does it represent the collection? Is this tower a simple homage to the tower at the library of the parliament buildings in Ottawa, across the Rideau Canal? Or is this a symbol of the skill and talent of the architect and engineer that designed and built it? Regardless of the true intended symbolism of this tower, it sure looks nice against the evening sky while lit from inside. I feel not fear, but a sudden desire to enter the museum to view the collection.

Light sources... For thousands, perhaps millions of years, humans have wanted to light up the dark. Weather it has been darkness of night or enclosed spaces, additional light has been desired to accomodate mobility, to enhance comfort and to increase security and safety. On the other hand, darkness serves many purposes including providing suitable conditions for sleep. Overall, some prefer darkness and some prefer light. I am one of them. Light sources... For thousands, perhaps millions of years, humans have wanted to light up the dark. Weather it has been darkness of night or enclosed spaces, additional light has been desired to accomodate mobility, to enhance comfort and to increase security and safety. On the other hand, darkness serves many purposes including providing suitable conditions for sleep. Overall, some prefer darkness and some prefer light. I am one of them.

Seat with a View

The positioning of benches of often curious. Typically they are placed to provide a suitable view of the surroundings or to provide social gathering space with others on other benches. Sometimes the positon of a bench may seem inappropriate. Here on the shores of Lake Ontario in Kingston, Ontario, the bench seems to be missplaced. It would seem that the view to be promotted should be the lake and Wolf Island beyond. During most of the day, this is a pleasant view of the windmills on the island as well as the frequent sailcraft on the lake. In order to take in this view, one must either sit sideways on the bench or turn one's head awkwardly to the left, risking future neck strain induced soreness. What one does not realize during the day is that this bench deliberately facing west so as to be ideally located to take in the spectacular sunsets in the evening over Lake Ontario. I must return to this spot another day when I have no evening obligations. The positioning of benches of often curious. Typically they are placed to provide a suitable view of the surroundings or to provide social gathering space with others on other benches. Sometimes the positon of a bench may seem inappropriate. Here on the shores of Lake Ontario in Kingston, Ontario, the bench seems to be missplaced. It would seem that the view to be promotted should be the lake and Wolf Island beyond. During most of the day, this is a pleasant view of the windmills on the island as well as the frequent sailcraft on the lake. In order to take in this view, one must either sit sideways on the bench or turn one's head awkwardly to the left, risking future neck strain induced soreness. What one does not realize during the day is that this bench deliberately facing west so as to be ideally located to take in the spectacular sunsets in the evening over Lake Ontario. I must return to this spot another day when I have no evening obligations.

Blind Shade Leaves

Blind Shade Leaves

All the Whites of the Rainbow

How many shades of white are there? The rainbow like arch truss that holds up the new Burgoyne Bridge in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario displays a full range of whites, from direct sunlight, to full shade, against a brilliant late autumn blue sky. How many shades of white are there? The rainbow like arch truss that holds up the new Burgoyne Bridge in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario displays a full range of whites, from direct sunlight, to full shade, against a brilliant late autumn blue sky.

It seems that film photography, much like vinyl records is making a (cyclical) comeback, all over again, and again, and again... Film rewind knob of a Pentax KM camera. It seems that film photography, much like vinyl records is making a (cyclical) comeback, all over again, and again, and again... Film rewind knob of a Pentax KM camera.

Un-Crossed Details

When it comes to sculptures, I am intrigues by details. Was the detail deliberate and part of a message or just a detail that was needed to make the piece complete? Here on the lawn just north of the East Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, the sculpture of William Lyon Mackenzie King stands looking towards one of the parliament buildings. The sculpture is in a more modern style compared to the many other bronze statues of former prime ministers and other political figures that dot the ground of the parliament. The left hand of Mackenzie King is the detail that interests me the most. Was this a typical posture for the former prime minister? Or is this some commentary on either him or politicians in general? When I was in grade school, it was common for the students to make false promises with one hand behind one's back and fingers crossed. While perhaps an appropriate gesture for a politician, is it perhaps is a commentary on King's honesty? I prefer to not research the intentions of the artist and let the uncertainly remain. Discovering the true meaning (or lack of meaning) in the hand position would result in a reduced interest in the sculpture. Here's to Mackenzie King and all others who gazed off into the distance with one hand behind their backs. When it comes to sculptures, I am intrigues by details. Was the detail deliberate and part of a message or just a detail that was needed to make the piece complete? Here on the lawn just north of the East Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, the sculpture of William Lyon Mackenzie King stands looking towards one of the parliament buildings. The sculpture is in a more modern style compared to the many other bronze statues of former prime ministers and other political figures that dot the ground of the parliament. The left hand of Mackenzie King is the detail that interests me the most. Was this a typical posture for the former prime minister? Or is this some commentary on either him or politicians in general? When I was in grade school, it was common for the students to make false promises with one hand behind one's back and fingers crossed. While perhaps an appropriate gesture for a politician, is it perhaps is a commentary on King's honesty? I prefer to not research the intentions of the artist and let the uncertainly remain. Discovering the true meaning (or lack of meaning) in the hand position would result in a reduced interest in the sculpture. Here's to Mackenzie King and all others who gazed off into the distance with one hand behind their backs.

Dividing nothing, leaves nothing more to say. Dividing nothing, leaves nothing more to say.

Although there are four main seasons in the year, there are also sub-seasons. It is now pepper season! This year's pepper crop has been unusually bountiful. Fresh jalapenos have been adding a crunchy and delicious zing to just about every meal. This week, the bhut jolokia peppers have begun to ripen! Pepper season is one of my favourite seasons of the year. This somewhat deform bhut jolokia made wonderful addition to tonight's pasta! I am now strongly looking forward to tomorrow's breakfast... ...and lunch... ... and mid afternoon snack... . Although there are four main seasons in the year, there are also sub-seasons. It is now pepper season! This year's pepper crop has been unusually bountiful. Fresh jalapenos have been adding a crunchy and delicious zing to just about every meal. This week, the bhut jolokia peppers have begun to ripen! Pepper season is one of my favourite seasons of the year. This somewhat deform bhut jolokia made wonderful addition to tonight's pasta! I am now strongly looking forward to tomorrow's breakfast... ...and lunch... ... and mid afternoon snack... ...

or perhaps, sound of silence. Old fog horns at Cape Elizabeth, Maine long since replaced by more modern equipment. ...or perhaps, sound of silence. Old fog horns at Cape Elizabeth, Maine long since replaced by more modern equipment.

Light up the Morning

With the morning commute taking place closer to sunrise, the sun keeps sending me messages. This morning, a new direction was being revealed. With the morning commute taking place closer to sunrise, the sun keeps sending me messages. This morning, a new direction was being revealed.

One thin line of snow remains on the top of a branch (not quite yet a log). One thin line of snow remains on the top of a branch (not quite yet a log).

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