There seemed to be a lot of cats in our old neighbourhood. They were mainly indoor cats and I’d see them looking out the window. This cat claimed the entrance to the house but sat there quietly just taking it all in.
Snow Day?
When I was a kid, on a snowy morning we’d listen to the radio for school closures as we got ready for school in case our school didn’t make the list.
We’re supposed to get 35 centimetres (13.8 inches) by tonight but it wasn’t enough to cancel school.
Green and White
These two colours are well represented in our winters by snow covered evergreens. I thought these hostas would be a nice change of pace.
Cute as a Bug
If an insect can be cute this one ticks all the boxes 😊
Best for Last
We’ve had some unusual weather for January, mild and rainy; perhaps this is the way it will be going forward. In any event, at the end of a dark wet day, this splash of melba mixed with the grey created a pretty effect.
Welcome
Coneflowers have a long growing season and are always a welcome sight. They were particularly attractive in this garden patch.
Ladybug
We saw few ladybugs this year, few insects in general. But I was lucky to catch this one as it made its way along.
Winter Blue
We’re lucky to see Blue Jays in winter. They’re clever birds and store large quantities of food in hidden caches as well as show up at bird feeders during the colder months.
Close Call
Though we live in the city, there’s a nature reserve close by that we go to frequently. Good years attract a lot of ducks and geese and several herons. The pond supports turtles and birds. This young wood duck was swimming quite close to where we had just seen a snapping turtle go by. Fortunately she didn’t linger long.
Make a Big Splash
To a bright year ahead. Happy New Year!
Park Time
Canada Geese seem to enjoy this park as much as people do. There’s a lot of grassy lawn, shade trees and the river is close by. Just add a bit of sun, perfect!
Days Like This
Today began with a fiery sunrise but its bright start faded to this milky sun. It’s the season of short walks, hot tea and books.
Be Prepared
Groundhogs hibernate here during the winter months, in specialized burrows below the frost line. This individual was fattening up for a long “sleep”.
Open Air Gallery
This pathway along the Ottawa River is well known for its balanced rock sculptures and birds. It always makes for a pleasant walk in the warmer months.
Holiday Greetings
Wishing you all the best for the Holidays!
Tilt
December 21 is the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, after which we begin to gain more daylight, slowly moving towards scenes like this.
All in the Detail
I enjoy these architectural details. This natural motif is one of a collection that is featured at the top of the dormer windows of the Confederation Building, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
Sunrise, Sunset
Well almost, as both were underway.
Summer Visitor
I stopped by the lake where I took this photo last summer. I had hoped to see some wildlife to photograph but there was nothing about. Looking through my files when I got home, I came across this cormorant swimming through some pretty reflections and felt a bit better about this whole winter thing 😏
Spreading its Wings
It’s nice to revisit spring when things are anything but outside. I caught this very young gosling spreading its wings one day last May.
Sky Watcher
The days are short right now but you can usually count on a spectacular finish.
Snowy Saturday
It’s been snowing all day, nature has a way of decorating a tree just right! The red topped sticks you see mark the path to be cleared when (if) it stops snowing 😒
As sunset approaches the sun makes a dramatic appearance in the sky.
Winter Sun
We’ve been seeing some interesting and unusual skies lately. When the sun does make an appearance it’s usually towards sunset as was the case here.
Neighbourhood Walk
This neighbourhood has a lot of old brick houses which I enjoy photographing. Their windows are often covered in this translucent fabric that lets light in and keeps curious eyes out. I liked the street name too, it reminded me of that old T.V. soap opera.
Waiting to Board
While waiting to board the train one summer, I noticed this service dog lying on the cool tile just out of range of the sun- beam. The dog looked tired, but I imagine he could rest up a bit once he had escorted his owner onto the train.
Scene from a Train
The view from my window as we sped through the Quebec countryside.
Too Long Gone
Recently, I went out to the little pond I see wood ducks in season but it was frozen over and snow covered. As I took many photos of them last summer here’s one of a young duck to chase away the winter blues.
Closing In
The transition to dusk is so rapid this time of year; a grey day wakes up just before it ends and becomes painterly.
One Day to the Next
What a difference some sun makes. Yesterday when I took this photo near sunset, it was sunny and cold. I caught these clouds as they raced towards the setting sun. Not today though, the sky is a slate grey and it’s cold at -17C.
Snowy Sunday- Two Photographs
The car in the distance has its car lights on, (I took this at 1:30 pm 😏).
Winter begins in three weeks, yet shovels and snow blowers are getting an early start. Typical Canadian weather.
Moody Sky
We haven’t seen much sun this month. But there it is peaking through the clouds on a late November afternoon.
Let it Snow
When I looked outside early this morning the streets were bare. Then the snow began, not too much just enough to pretty things up.
In the Neighbourhood
I don’t tend to post much in the colder months as detachable lenses don’t like the cold (neither do I 😏). As I missed getting out with my camera this fall, I thought I’d get more comfortable using my phone camera and post from my cell. Here’s a view of the skyline from my new neighbourhood.
Early Winter
Just stopping by with a quick photo of the view outside my window. Settling into our new place and will be back later in the season. Hope you’ve all been well.
Queen Anne’s Lace
One of my favourite wildflowers.
On a personal note, things have become very busy lately. Nothing serious but I won’t have as much time to spend on WordPress. I’ll be back later in the fall but until then I’ll be popping in from time to time.
Late Summer Mallard
I took this photo in August. The mallard hadn’t quite finished molting but as he was out in the open I assume his flight feathers had grown in.
Summer’s End
These flowers aren’t fading quietly as summer draws to a close. They continue on well into September adding cheer to the cooler mornings.
Balancing Act
Birds seem to like perching on overhead wires. This starling pair got a nice view up there.
Bladder Campion
This flower was an introduced species and is considered invasive. I still like it.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 