Budding

After a few cold, blustery spring days, I notice trees and bushes budding!

Nature is not deterred! 

Spring is here!

A "Walk on the Wild Side"

Last Sunday, Terry suggested we take a walk at Andrew Haydon Park, on the Ottawa River.

There's a large pond in the middle of the park, where ducks "bob" for food.

We hadn't been there for a while... (Or, as kids apparently now say: we haven't been there "in a minute"...)

The river was running high...

With a brisk wind, the park felt "wilder" than usual.

We saw ducks, seagulls and Canada Geese.

Why are the rocks here so orange? I've never noticed that before.

Had the rocks absorbed the colour of the dead leaves and pine needles?!

No frogs, turtles or otters in the creek this time. I always come to check. 

Chilly, but still a lovely, refreshing walk. 

Glad Terry suggested we head over!

Tidying Up Outdoors

I'm aiming to rake all of our flower beds once this spring - early, before the bugs arrive.

Just to tidy things up.

I'm not the only one tidying up at this time of year.

A group of tree-trimmers arrived at the college a few days ago.

Their task? To clear branches that were encroaching on power lines.

It took them all day. They trimmed and shredded lots of branches.

Everything looks so different now!

The Dome is Down

In our neighbourhood, the college's winter sports dome came down a few days ago... to make way for outdoor summer athletics.

College students help fold up the white plastic dome.

It takes a full day to do it!

Before long, they'll be out on the field playing soccer... 

A sure sign that spring has arrived!

Thanks to my neighbour Earl - for these sharper close-ups!

Preparing the field - the unseen side of college athletics!

Great Bagel Shop

My son recently introduced me to a great bagel shop... across the street from the Canadian Museum of History.

You can watch the bakers at work.

A cheerful place!

Indoor and outdoor seating.

I expect to be back!

Cat Hunter

On our street, we have a cat who's a hunter... 

Levi is a mouser... and he goes after birds...

What else?!

I went around the house to see what Levi had his eyes on.

Young squirrels?!! 

Watch out, little ones - it's a jungle out there!

All for $5!!

 

One of the churches in our community has a "Nearly New" shop that's only open 2 or 3 days a month.

My daughter loves to shop there.

I enjoy browsing - to see what they have... not that I need much.

Last Saturday, there was a half-price sale.

I stopped in - to see what I could find... and I left with: 

• Two books
• One cheerful mug
• A fleecy winter shirt
• Soccer shin pads that my grandkids may be able to use

All that for $5!!

(It was a good day!)