Barry & Linda's Friday Home Town Shoot Out

Sorry Friends.......... Hopefully I'll be back up next week

2011-02-04T11:18:00.000-05:00

If you are stopping by looking for my Friday Shoot Out, I am apologizing that I did not participate this week. The cataract in my left eye is very dense right now and it is really difficult to take pictures. I have scheduled an appointment for the 8 minute surgery, but in Toronto the wait is long... March or April. So, I will do my best to post sometimes but it maybe early spring before I am a regular again. The other thing is I am baby sitting the grandkids in Whitby this weekend and won't have the time to visit the other participants. It made more sense to bow out gracefully this week.

FSO people....... I collect tea cups, tins and 45 RPM records....... you've already seen my teacups, maybe I'll get to share the tins and the 45s another time.

Admission: Barry was the Techno Brain for Blogging

2011-01-06T19:00:00.000-05:00

Here's the thing....... Barry set this up and I have no idea how to change it. I even messed up Mr. Linky by putting "the shoot out" and not "my name". I will endeavor to get it right next week. Promise. What I want to do is change this site, but I'm not sure I can. I have to remember Barry's password to his blog so I can come here and fix it. I'm not remembering it. Bare with me for a while, so I can sort myself out. I am looking forward to participating in the shoot out tomorrow! If the venue is making you sad, let me know and I will put the shoot out on my own blog. My pictures for this week Macro... are posted below this little disclaimer.

One more thing.... I am in the process of getting treatment for cataracts.. so there is no fancy schmancy macro shots here. My camera will do this but right now my eyes cannot see through the lens. Instead I did a big-small comparison..... enjoy!
Love, Linda.

Rocks

2010-06-18T06:23:00.007-04:00

A vigil on Tabor Hill 2008

Linda and I spent the evening of the summer solstice on the Tabor Hill Ossuary, one of the largest Native Canadian Ossuaries in Ontario and located in the middle of a small suburban development here in West Hill. The plaque commemorating the event is encased in our of the largest granite rocks in the area.

The Tabor Hill Ossuary consists of two burial pits which were first excavated by Dr. Walter Kenyon of the Royal Ontario Museum in 1956. Both pits had the classic structure of ancestral Huron ossuaries, containing the largely disarticulated and commingled remains of 475 individuals who had been previously interred, and then moved and placed in these pits at a later date.

Such burial events were undertaken at the time of village relocation and were known as the Feast of the Dead. The bones have since been reinterred in a special ceremony under the auspices of the City of Scarborough and with the direction of First Nations representatives.

Public Art

2010-06-11T06:40:00.004-04:00

Not much to show, this week, even though the topic was our suggestion. Barry is still recovering from yesterday's chemotherapy. For an update on his condition, please click here.

However here are a few unusual examples of public art from our archives.

Check out our side bar for links to other FSO contributions this week!

FSO--Sorry No Shoot Out This Week

2010-06-04T09:16:00.002-04:00

Due to further complications with Barry's condition we are not able to post this week.

For those interested in what Barry is going through, please CLICK HERE

Hopefully things will be back to (what passes for) normal next week.

Thanks for your understanding.

FSO Home Town Heroes

2010-05-28T05:24:00.012-04:00

Heroes come in many guises. Some wear uniforms and drive large trucks. And put their lives at stake for the sake of others

Some come out on weekends and make the community a richer place through the donation of their time.

Some are the Chief of Police for the City of Toronto who come to help us celebrate our new Police Station.

Some staff hot dog stands on days of community festivales

Some take time out of busy and dangerous lives to help the community celebrate.

And to allow us a peek into their lives.

Others (like Trooper Larry Rudd, the latest Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan) pay the final sacrifice in distant lands and are saluted as they pass by our community for the final time with dignity and honour.

Others give their time on a regular basis with no reward to make our community a better place to live work and play.

They are all our heroes.

FSO--At the Zoo

2010-05-19T22:38:00.012-04:00

The Toronto Zoo has over 5,000 animals representing over 500 species.

There are over 10 km (six miles) of walking trails, and at one time or another, Linda and I have explored them all.

Over 287 hectares (710 acres) in size, it is one of the largest zoos in the world.

The Zoo is divided into six zoogeographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, the Americas, Australasia, Eurasia and the Canadian Domain. Animals are displayed indoors in tropical pavilions and outdoors in naturalistic environments, with viewing at many levels

The Zellers Discovery Zone features the Kids Zoo, a dynamic, interactive children's wildlife experience, Splash Island, an exciting two-acre water play area and the Waterside Theatre, home of exciting family entertainment

Among the most unique exhibits are the incredible 10-acre Tundra Trek featuring an amazing 5-acre Polar bear habitat complete with underwater viewing area, the Gorilla Rainforest home to our Western Lowland Gorilla troop and newest addition Nassir, the Great Barrier Reef.

The 2010 Special Exhibit features Sharks at Stingray Bay - A Touching Experience. This unique and interactive exhibit runs from May 22, 2010 to October 11, 2010

On a more personal note both our daughters worked their way through University by working at the Zoo, which is located not far from our home. My oldest daughter's Mother-In-Law still works there and it was during a visit to the zoo that Kathy told us she was expecting a new baby, Hailey (now 2).

FSO The Dark Side Of Town

2010-05-14T05:44:00.008-04:00

It looks a pretty place. Six acres of natural woodland cut through with several walking trails. Take a stroll through on a Sunday afternoon and say "hello" to the families out for a walk with their children and their dogs.

Just don't step off the beaten pathway, or you'll find yourself in the darkest side of our town, where residents in low rise and subsidized apartments have, for decades, discarded garbage too inconvenient to put out for the collectors.

And where the piles have grown into an unsightly and dangerous mess.

Barry and his friend Karl brought this to the attention of our city counsellor and over a couple of weeks of hard work city crews removed the years of neglect. But, within a few weeks, it began to make a reappearance. Obviously something more fundamental needs to be done.

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For those of you unaware of the downturn in Barry's health, and interested in an update, please click HERE

FSO Things You Love To Touch

2010-05-07T06:47:00.008-04:00

How do you touch a Province? A geographic area 354,341.8 sq mi in size, with 250,000 lakes and over 100,000 kilometres (62,000 mi) of rivers? Even if you love it, how do you embrace it?

It can only be done symbolically. And it can only be done in the spring.

Because it is only in the spring that the trillium, the symbol of Ontario blooms, and then only briefly.

While it is a popular belief that it is illegal to pick the common Trillium grandiflorum (white trillium) in Ontario, in reality they are only protected in provincial parks and land owned by conservation authorities. However, the rare Trillium flexipes (drooping trillium) is protected by law in Ontario, because of its very small Canadian population.

Trillium is one of many plants whose seeds are spread by ants. At maturity, the base and core of the trillium ovary turns soft and spongy. Trillium seeds have a fleshy organ called an elaiosome that attracts ants. The ants extract the seeds from the decaying ovary and take them to their nest, where they eat the elaiosomes and put the seeds in their garbage, where they germinate in a rich growing medium.

Of course there are other wild flowers, and there are rocks and grasses and trees, but it is only by reaching out and touching the soft delicate petals of the trillium that you truly touch the soul of a Province

FSO Sports

2010-04-29T20:59:00.004-04:00

I know, I know. I chose the topic for this week and here I am with no pictures to offer (except this old one of Linda and I waiting for a Blue Jays game to start).

I've had some escalating health complications that have made life miserable this week, and Linda and I are getting out of town for the weekend to celebrate our 40th Wedding Anniversary.

The resort we're booked into has a jacuzzi in the room and offers professional massages, which could help my ailing back.

So we are having to skip FSO this week.

See you next week.

FSO--In Honour Of Trees

2010-04-22T21:18:00.017-04:00

Every year, along the North shore of Lake Ontario and across the entire Northern Hemisphere....

....the trees return to life, celebrating Earth Day through their very survival.

I thought I should have at least one gnarled tree photos for Mark at Butler and Bagman to add to his collection.

Glimpsed through the trees, on the other side of the great ravine that leads down to the Lake, is the home of one of Canada's greatest living artists 95 year old Doris McCarthy. In a couple of weeks, as the leaves come fully out on the trees, this view of her home will be hidden. Even to telephoto lenses.

FSO--Things That Make Me Chuckle

2010-04-16T07:03:00.007-04:00

Her Name is Lindsay

When she's good, we call her Magoo.

Don't ask why.

But when she's bad.

We have other names for her.

But good or bad, she can always make me chuckle.

FSO Country Roads

2010-04-08T17:07:00.017-04:00

Country Roads
By definition

Don't exist
In cities.

They live where
Hearths are warm

And kitchens
Are welcoming.

Where everyone fits
Around the table

And the knickknacks
Have a sense of utility

As well as
Beauty

Where you always feel
Welcome

And the light is
left on for you.

While outside,
Country roads,
Are always waiting,
To take you home again.

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Interior photos are of Ashlar House in Erin, about an hour's drive North West of Toronto.
The country road in the first and last photos is located just north of the Toronto Zoo, in the town of Pickering.
The woman at the kitchen sink is my daughter Kathy.
The woman whose arm can just be glimpsed on the right-had side of the kitchen table photo is my sister-in-law Lynda, who would move into Ashlar House tomorrow if she could.

FSO--Bokeh Effects

2010-04-01T15:15:00.016-04:00

Cedar Ridge is an old mansion purchased by the city as a Creative Visual Arts Center.

It houses the Art studio where Linda studies painting.

It is also renowned for its beautiful rustic gardens.

A breathtaking combination of trees, rugged stone and flowers.

Acres of beautiful flower beds and rose arbors.

But not at this time of year.

Although it still has its beauty....

Only waiting for a little more sun and a little more rain and a little more time, before it astonishes us.

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Boheh Effect defined: In photography, bokeh is the blur,or the aesthetic quality of the blur, in out-of-focus areas of an image, or "the way the lens renders out-of-focus points of light in ways that are pleasing to the eye.

Check out the top box on my side bar for more information on the Friday Shootout--including how you might join us.

The Bridges Of West Hill (in black & white)

2010-03-25T14:11:00.017-04:00

The West Hill Community, where Linda and I live, can accurately be described as that area of Toronto surrounded by the Highland Creek Valley.

Because we are cut off from the rest of the City by that meandering waterway, we have bridges to connect us to the greater community.

Oh yes, we have bridges.

In all shapes and sizes.

From planks casually thrown across rivulets.

To small walking and biking bridges.

To medium sized bridges just large enough to accommodate one lane of traffic going in each direction.

To major bridges supporting three of the City's mighty thoroughfares.

And even bridges that used to be, but are never spoken of any longer.

If you have time and don't mind a bit of colour on a black and white themed day, here is a short video I shot back in May of 2008 of the new bridge that crosses Highland Creek just as it empties into Lake Ontario. Lindsay is along for the walk and will show us the way.

My Favourite Colour--Green

2010-03-19T08:53:00.006-04:00

Green isn't boastful.

It sits quietly in the background.

Letting other colours take center stage.

But it is ubiquitous.

At this time of year, out of all the other colours, I dream of green.

Wrought Iron

2010-03-11T10:54:00.012-05:00

I am the grandson of a blacksmith.

So I had hoped to find iron wrought into works of art.

Somewhere in my community.

As, I'm certain, you were able to find in yours.

Instead, despite looking and looking, I found fences.

Mostly around graveyards.

But decided, they were beautiful too.

If seen from the right perspective.

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To see more Friday My Home Town Shoot Outs, or to join us, check the links in my top sidebar.

In Remembrance--of my mother

2010-03-04T16:36:00.001-05:00

The Friday My Home Town Shoot Out theme this week is "In Remembrance", a topic chosen by ChefE. Saturday being my mother's funeral I can't think of a more fitting time for reflecting on her life. What follows is part one of a very abbreviated version of her autobiography. Tomorrow Sepia Saturday (on Barry's personal blog) will feature part 2

My name is Rosanna and I was born in Mitcham, England to Captain George Shepherd and Rosanna Staines. I have a sister, Eileen and a brother, Ted. We first lived in rooms over the Star Pub which was owned by my grandfather then later moved to London Road.

Our first home was in rooms over the Star Pub

We grew up next to a butcher shop (above which dad’s sister Blanch Shepherd and her husband Wilfred Baden Bradford and their two children Gill and Roger lived) but which had all these the poor animals outside waiting for slaughter and was such a sad experience that I have been a vegetarian all my life.

Rosanna age 20

My parents first home was heated with a Valour Perfection lamp and our bed was heated with a brick that had been heated in the oven and wrapped in a towel. There was no bathroom but we did have a flush toilet only it was downstairs and outside. On one fine day my mother restained the toilet seat but forgot to tell dad who sat on it while it was still wet and ended up stuck to it. Mom had to use turpentine to separate the toilet from his bottom.

"Up The Yard" The Shepherd Smithy

Eileen, Ted and I use to play "up the yard" where dad, Grandfather Shepherd, and uncle Fred worked. The forge in the blacksmith shop was lovely on a cold winter’s day, especially when we were old enough to jump up and reach the bellow's handle.

Eileen, Rosanna and Mary

On one occasion, we three children played "wedding". Lana wore a white lace curtain, Ted was the groom and I played the horse who pulled them in a wooden wagon that dad had made for us. Incidentally, many, many years later, when I "developed my female anatomy" my siblings called me "three brass balls". Another nickname I had in school was "steamroller".

However I was a pretty good student and became head prefect for a couple of years. Being England it was, of course, an all girl's school and I once played the lead in our school's production of Hiawatha.

Rosanna (center stage) as Hiawatha in her School's Production

FSO--Replay

2010-02-26T06:51:00.001-05:00

Since it is our choice what to showcase about our town, I thought I would share some photos taken last winter at the Guild Inn.

Linda had marking to do for her class and I had a camera full of film when one of the heaviest snow falls of the winter finally stopped and the sun shone for the first time in days. Picking up the camera I headed for The Guild Inn, formerly owned by our Great Uncle John Fraser, hoping for some good shots.

I found the Guild sleeping quietly under the deep winter's blanket of snow. No longer in use, great icicles hung from its eves. The future of the Inn is in serious doubt, but not its serenity.

I walked the vast grounds of the Guild in amazement. Not only were they empty, not a foot print disturbed the pristine beauty of the scene. The sun was almost disturbingly bright after days of black, angry skies and the weather began to warm. The peaceful quiet was almost mystical.

Some of the most beautiful facades of Toronto's famous buildings have been preserved in various locations around the guild. Some look oddly lost and alone. Many were inspired by the ancient Greeks and provide remarkable contrast to the cold snows of Canada.

The Guild was recently purchased by Centennial College to house their International Studies program. I will also feature a large restaurant, banquet hall and a wedding chapel. The grounds of the Guild are a favoured spot for wedding photos.

Unfortunately, to house the new programs, Centennial College is having to dismantle the old building to replace it with a more modern structure. The grand staircase and the library in the old Guild will be preserved and will be featured in the new structure.

And here is a brief video I shot during an Arts and Crafts festival that was held on the grounds of the Guild last summer.

FSO--Town Plaza

2010-02-19T08:16:00.002-05:00

I've been hearing bells.

And its been distracting me.

So this post is a complete cheat. Not only is it a repeat of something I posted in 2009 but its a video, not photographs.

Although I hope to add some photos to this later in the day. But it is about our town plaza and it is short and kind of fun to watch.

September 27, 2008 saw the end of 3 years of uncertainty, demolition and frantic construction on the site of the old Morningside Mall in the heart of West Hill.

Neglected and in severe decline for many years, the Mall was finally purchased by First Capital who announced plans for the complete demolition of the Mall and the construction of a modern shopping centre in its place.

Today the dream of a completely new and modern shopping experience was unveiled. As Dori Segal, President and CEO of First Capitol Reality declared the new Shopping Centre open steel drums were playing, kiddies were enjoying a carnival atmosphere and parents were heading for the new stores.

On hand to welcome the new facility to West Hill, on behalf of the City, were Councillor's Ron Moeser from Ward 44 and Paul Ainslie from nearby Ward 43.

The new Centre meets the stringent LEED environmental standard making it the Greater Toronto Area's first Green Shopping Centre. A milestone commemorated by a plaque unveiled on the site.

90% of the old Mall was reused on the site; the Centre uses 25% less energy and 30% less indoor water consumption. A 500 cubic metre storage tank is buried under the main parking lot to store captured rainwater from the roofs of the buildings to be used for on-site irrigation. Parking lot lighting is all focused down where its needed and not up into the night sky blocking the view of the stars.

But it wasn't the Centre's environmental friendliness, the rides, the free gifts, the food or the band that was exciting the thousands who came out to celebrate this newly reinvigorated centre of the West Hill area, it was the new shopping experience and the beautiful new stores.

FSO--Aquariums of the Toronto Zoo

2010-02-11T14:34:00.013-05:00

Unlike last week's theme when I found "circles" where ever I looked and didn't even need to leave my home to complete the shoot out, this week (no matter how hard I tried) I couldn't find a single aquarium in my house.

Where in the Community of West Hill, where I live, could I find an aquarium?

Well there was only one logical answer.

The Toronto Zoo is actually located in West Hill, about a 15 minute drive from my front door.

And they have aquariums.

They have aquariums in their African Pavilion and their Pavilion of the Americas and in their Austro-Asian Pavilion.

The aquariums have graceful, colourful fish, and deadly dangerous fish....

fish that live amid colorful coral....

and one aquarium that is almost a mystical experience.

Of course while I was at the Zoo I ended up taking a whole bunch of other pictures. Now I wonder if I could talk Ginger and ChefE into making our next Home Town theme on Orangutans. lol

Friday My Hometown Shoot Out--Circles

2010-02-05T06:06:00.002-05:00

The shootout this week is
Circles
Where would I find any circles in West Hill?
I looked at the clock on our mantle to see
How much time I had.

And discovered a circle.

Then I looked at the little zen garden
On the kitchen counter
And discovered more circles.

Seeking inspiration,
I went to our basket
of various teas
And found still another circle.

And I hadn't left the house yet!
Looking up I found two more
And began to think,
Circles are everywhere!

I was encircled.
Circles were ubiquitous.
Even the front of our refrigerator
held a circle.

And I came to realize
I didn't need to go anywhere
To find circles.

So I made a Tim Horton's coffee.

And relaxed
Encircled by my circles.

Friday My Town Shoot Out--Look Up and Look Down

2010-01-29T13:03:00.006-05:00

The highs and the lows from a little dogs point of view.

Look down little doggy--

Way, way down---

And now look up--

Way, way up---

And those are the highs and lows of a dog's life in West Hill.

Exciting eh?

Friday My Home Town Shoot Out--Sounds

2010-01-22T06:18:00.002-05:00

The noise that first draws attention, is the sound of heavy machinery at work. Have I turned a wrong corner and ended up in Dubai? Multiple industrial cranes line the horizon..... but the sun coast of Dubai could never be this cold and dreary!

No, we are still in the Toronto suburb of West Hill in January. Here, where the city's easternmost water filtration plant is being dramatically upgraded, the air is chill and the construction noise echoes.

A sudden familiar sound captures our attention! The distant ringing of bells at the gate, warn of the closing railway crossing behind us. The ringing is soon chorused by the clickity-clack of a train full of commuters, rushing into Toronto's bustling Union Station to their workday employment.

In the silent stillness, following the train's passing, the giant extractor fans at a huge chemical factory on Coronation Drive roar to life, sucking fumes out of the plant, while beside them huge power pumps, blow heat into the massively, large building.

Everywhere along the road, trucks can be spotted delivering raw materials to the sight of the filtration plant construction. Other trucks arrive to pick up the chemicals the various plants in the area are producing. Their job will be to deliver these chemicals where ever they are needed across North America. The roar of the great diesel engine inside these trucks can be heard as a distant whine, while their 18 wheel undercarriage reverberates the ripping sound of the tires riding over the frozen winter pavement.

Sometimes, in the heavily laden winter air it isn't the sounds you really hear, but those you imagine that captures your attention and your heart. Not far from the clatter of the Industrial Park is a small green space with a large and very shallow pond. In the winter the local children clean off the ice and set up their goalie nets here. After school, the slap of hockey sticks, the scratch of skate blades slicing the thick ice covering of the pond and the happy cheers of the young voices gathered, will create a new sound. As their hockey game comes to life, the noisy construction and plant workers will close up shop and call it a day.

At this moment, the happy hockey team silently study in local schools and the factory noises have faded away in the distance. The only sounds around me now, are the occasional bark from Lindsay, and the whirring click of my camera shutter.

FRIDAY, MY TOWN SHOOT OUT: FOR THE BIRDS.

2010-01-14T23:39:00.011-05:00

A cardinal at our new bird feeder.

A peregrine falcon visits Linda's school.

A flock of sparrows hanging out in Toronto.

A flock of water birds hanging out in Peterborough, waiting for lunch.

A Gull hanging out at Fairy Lake, waiting for lunch.

A pair of Emus at the zoo, having lunch.

"Got Worms?"

FRIDAY, MY TOWN SHOOT OUT: FENCES

2010-01-07T08:06:00.012-05:00

The gateway to the fence shootout.

The fence to keep the lake viewers away from the edge of the cliff.

The fence to keep the cougar away from the zoo visitors.

The fence to keep the sculpture, "Searchlight, Starlight, Spotlight - John McEwen, 1999" protected.

The fence to help the horses keep following the trail.

The fence to keep the traffic up on the bridge.

The pretty picket fence to hide the ugly trash containers.

The fence to keep the traffic from running off the roadway.

"Wait a minute! Don't fence ME in!"

Thank you for visiting the shoot out of our town fences. See you next time.

FRIDAY, MY TOWN SHOOT OUT: CONSTRUCTED FROM WOOD

2009-12-31T23:01:00.013-05:00

A simple lean to in the woods. Could you build it? How many helpers would you need?

A straight wooden fence. Could you build it? How many helpers would you need?

A simple totem pole. Could you build it? How many helpers would you need?

Larger totem poles. Could you build it? How many helpers would you need?

A small garden gazebo. Could you build it? How many helpers would you need?

A fishy wooden beach chair. Could you build it? How many helpers would you need?

A tricky 4 sided belfry. Could you build it? How many helpers would you need?

A simple clapboard building. Could you build it? How many helpers would you need?

A larger log cabin gallery. Could you build it? How many helpers would you need?

A Victorian general store (with gingerbread wood trim) . Could you build it? How many helpers would you need?

A decagon ceiling (10 sides). Could you build it? How many helpers would you need?

Get your hammer and saw out! Barry and Linda wish everyone a very Happy New Year, chock full of health, wealth, happiness and love. xxxxoooo ((((HUGS))))

Friday My Home Town Shootout--Angels

2009-12-27T14:40:00.006-05:00

Angels tend to gather around our home, especially at this time of year.

They sit on dressers.

Lurk by side doors.

Stand guard with trumpets by the front of our house.

And grace (for once I'm certain I have the right word) the top of our Christmas Tree.

But of course, Angels are welcome in our home anytime of year.

FRIDAY, MY TOWN SHOOT OUT: SEASONAL DECORATIONS

2009-12-18T17:10:00.010-05:00

Trim the tree with snowflakes, 'tis the season of the year.
Grandma sat and crocheted them, isn't she a dear?

Hang some lovely fans from the the theatre, pretty pink,
I find the pearls romantic, what do you think?

The international year of peace was 1992
The UN had these ornaments a friendly gift brand new.

Some baubles are traditional, like these from childhood days
The hand painted designs are nice, a keepsake I would say.

And Auntie's homemade hearts, her needle work is such a treasure
Family decorations a gift of love that can't be measured

And high atop the tree, the angel is such a peaceful sight
The tree trimming is done, it's time, so let's turn on those lights!

Our tree is decorated with treasures old and new
It is time to share it's beauty now, with every one of you.

Have a Happy Holiday. May it be wondrous friends!
Love and peace, good health for all... in two thousand and ten!

2009-12-18T08:16:00.002-05:00

The tree is going up today and we will post the halls being decked later. Sorry we are late this week. We had a retirement, shopping, and a visit to the hospital. It's been a busy week! Thank you for stopping in later. Your patience is appreciated. =D

Friday My Town Shoot Out--Christmas Weather

2009-12-11T06:30:00.002-05:00

More than for any of our previous posts, we would urge you to click on these photos to enlarge them for full effect.

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It rose up out of the Pacific.

Joined forces with the waters of the Gulf of Mexico

Formed a massive storm covering half of the Unted States. And then took direct aim at Toronto.

Where we could see it coming from the top of the bluffs.

But weren't able to duck.

December 9, 2009. Our first snow storm of the winter.

Friday My Town Shootout --Our Favourite Things

2009-12-04T03:30:00.003-05:00

Barry is busy decorating with a seasonal display. Not only is he a dear, but he is carrying deer. For Canadian Woodland Enthusiasts deer are like our sheep. One can be substituted for the other in biblical scenarios, so we have Deerpherds who look after flocks of deer. It is totally appropriate to include them as Christmas decorations. Deer and dear(s) are our favorites. Husbands doing decorating is also a favorite. =D

In case it is difficult for you to picture husbands doing decorating here is the deer, dear scenario from a different angle. The red berries and green leaves on the shrubbery add to the ambiance of the season, don't they? Even though the red berries are probably poison, they still give a festive effect.

Linda, another dear, cannot believe her good luck that her dear husband has done Christmas decorating with dear deer! She is checking to make sure they are properly situated for visual beauty. We hope our deer become our neighbor's favorite things, but not too favorite. We don't want these deer getting borrowed by thieving neighbors. that would not be a favorite scenario.

You may think that Linda is admiring Barry's handy skills and she is. It's one of her favorite things. She is also looking for the optimum place to attach the lock and chain so she can keep these handsome deer in her yard. Dear me!

Our deer like to have their pictures taken. The handsome buck stands so proud. that's his favorite pose.

The doe doesn't care. She is enjoying the Christmas Buffet Grass. That would be her favorite thing.

Our very favorite part is how they sparkle at night, with golden beauty. The deer next door aren't as bright as our deer and they are kind of hidden behind balloon Santa.

Putting up the Christmas Lights is a favorite tradition, absolutely.

We hope all of you have enjoyed our Christmas light display. Your visits and comments are our favorite parts of the shoot out, dear friends!! (((HUGS)))

Inspired by our theme, Linda's cousin has just sent us this picture to complete our blog this week-----

Now doesn't that get you in the Christmas Spirit?

Friday My Town Shoot Out--Faces and Smiles

2009-11-27T06:33:00.001-05:00

Smile. Have you ever noticed how easily puppies make human friends? Yet all they do is wag their tails and fall over. ~Walter Anderson

A smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you're at home. ~Author Unknown

A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles. ~Washington Irving

A laugh is a smile that bursts. ~Mary H. Waldrip

“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing-- Mother Teresa

Before you put on a frown, make absolutely sure there are no smiles available. ~Jim Beggs

I have a tickle in my brain. And it keeps making the corners of my mouth point toward the heavens. ~Jeb Dickerson

FRIDAY SHOOT OUT: SCARBOROUGH'S MAIN ATTRACTION, THE ZOO

2009-11-19T21:44:00.000-05:00

When we were growing up, Toronto had two zoos. One in High Park in the West of the City and one in Riverdale Park for those in the East. They were traditional zoos of their time. Animals were captured in the wild and caged with little thought of the need for exercise or of their social needs.

But in the 1970's Toronto opened a new Zoo.

A zoo committed to meeting the needs of the animals first.

Where animals had the room to move.

And socialize. And play.

Where visitors could learn about the animals they were visiting. Learn about the need to preserve the species in the wild.

Where contact with wild animals could provide what internet photos and books could never do--allow people to experience the animals directly. As something real and tangible. And in need of saving.

The grounds of the Toronto zoo are vast and themed by continent. It is almost impossible to see, and experience the entire zoo in one visit.

So if you are visiting the area plan for more than one visit. Or choose your continent wisely.

The zoo has a personal meaning for us. Not only did we take our children there when they were younger, but both our daughters worked for the zoo for a time when they were in school. Heather took children for rides on camels and Kathy was a grounds keeper. And Kathy's mother-in-Law, Ruth, also works at the zoo.

The Toronto Zoo is situated on the Eastern periphery of the City far from the downtown core, in the vast forests of the Rouge Valley. So if you are visiting it will mean quite a drive to get there, although public transportation is improving.

For us, the zoo is almost on our doorstep.

Friday My Town Shootout--Places Of Worship

2009-11-10T07:58:00.000-05:00

We worship this week along the Northern shores of Lake Ontario, and pray for peace.

Joining people who have worshiped along these shores far beyond the dawn of History.

Indeed the First Peoples of Ontario have a legend of the sacredness of this land that can be found here in the Legend of the Peacemaker.

It is only the methods of worship that have changed with time. Let's follow their trail--

As they drum and dance their a prayer for peace.

And worship through the forest

By the river which feeds the lake

Down to the creek, which feeds the river,
to find the first church
of the European settlers in Scarborough.

It is Presbyterian,
appropriately named St. Andrews.

Because the Scots and Irish were the first to arrive
with the potato famine. They arrived
with David and Mary Thomson. They followed
the First People's Trail, here long before them.

And are now
buried in this cemetery,
forever next to St. Andrew's Church.

Scarborough Ontario exists
on very sacred ground. As you journey
across Lake Ontario from the south,
Scarborough is easily located.
Found at the top of Cathedral Bluffs,
the name given this rocky outcrop.
Spire pointing up.

Scarborough is here.

courtesy of photobucket

And all the acreage at the top of this rocky outcrop
is owned by the Holy Catholic Church.
There is a seminary, some schools, a small cemetery, a shrine or two
and Scarborough Missions.
Scarborough Foreign Missions reaches out to the entire world.
Perhaps you've heard of them.
This is the seminary.

And further north is Tabor Hill,
which the tall spire also points to.
Tabor Hill is the burial ground for the
First People of the legend.

"to take each moment, and live each moment in peace eternally, let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me."
Vince Gill

Nature Walk
a painting by David B. Williams and may be purchased here

Skylines

2009-11-03T17:19:00.000-05:00

A city's skyline is the face it presents to the world, a key factor in its identity.

We live in the Scarborough area of Toronto and this is a picture of our Southern Skyline. Here there is an abundance of lake access for everyone, with no buildings close to the shoreline. The view is looking west along the bluffs. This is Barry's favourite place to take our dog Lindsay for a run

Traveling east, this is the skyline of the 401, Highway of Heroes. Five hours driving east on this highway will land you in Montreal.

The highest point in Scarborough is the top of Garbage Hill, a huge mound where the city's refuse was dumped for decades. Now covered with earth, trees and grasses, it resembles a natural feature of the landscape. Here is the view from there looking west toward North York. If you click to enlarge the picture you can see the teeny tiny high rise buildings of the Toronto suburb of North York off in the distance.

Here the sun sets from another high point in Scarborough, Tabor Hill. Tabor Hill is an Iroquois First Peoples' sacred burial site. You can see down to the lake and up north to the Ganaraska Highlands from there.

As a contrast, consider the skyline of Hull Quebec, taken from Parliament Hill, Ottawa Ontario. A cross the river you can see the Musuem of Civilization and in the background the Gatineau Hills.

Further to the west of us is the downtown core of the city, seen from Ontario Place at midday, showing the famous Toronto Skyline.

And this of course, is the same Toronto Skyline from Centre Island, just at sunset.

Friday Home Town Shoot Outs--Park Landscapes

2009-10-30T07:43:00.000-04:00

Patty and Reggie Girl pioneered the "My Town" Photo Shoot Out asking us to post photos of our local community every Friday. From a handful of participants it has grown into a world wide phenomenon and is now in the capable hands of ChefE, Jen and GingerV.

This week's theme, chosen by Jarielyn in Nevada, is PARK LANDSCAPES.

For a comprehensive list and how to join instructions, just click on the camera at bottom of our side panel.

Next weeks theme, suggested by Kate, is Skylines.

Linda and Barry live in Toronto, Ontario Canada.

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It is Saturday October 24th and Barry is facing a second series of chemotherapy after the discovery that his cancer has metastasized. This time around his immune system will be seriously impacted just as the H1N1 flu begins to hit Toronto.

Linda is worried that it will be necessary to isolate him, even from his family until his three cycles of chemo are complete in three months time and his immune system has had time to recover.

So she has gathered their daughters and their families together on the park lands surrounding the McMichael Gallery. Here they tour the remarkable Canadian Immpressionist works of the Group of Seven and the vast galleries of First Nations art.

And they visit and talk and walk the grounds through the majesty of the colours of Autumn at their height. Here and there around the grounds are magnificent works of Native art, that they admired.

And then they went for an Italian dinner at Vinnie Zucchini's, where they laughed and talked much more. Baby Hailey ate the most food. Where did she put it all? The family were reluctant to part, but finally did, each going to their own homes, giving the parklands of the the McMichael Galleries back to the ancients and the artists to keep.