Jan. 31 ~ Long Shadows

 

Both of these photos feature long, shadows, but under very different circumstances!

Jan. 30 ~ Kite Surfing

 

We met a young family from Lachine.

He was a kite surfer enthusiast.

With my little camera it was hard to get photos, even using the zoom.

Here, I used the zoom, 'burst mode', and then zoomed in on the photo while editing.

The photo is not as sharp as I would like, but then carrying a small camera is a trade-off.

Jan. 29 ~ Cuba; What a wonderful bird ...

 

 

"A wonderful bird is the Pelican.
His beak can hold more than his belly can.
He can hold in his beak
Enough food for a week!
But I'll be darned if I know how the hellican!"
 

Bob always recites this little rhyme.

I don't know the origin.

Jan. 28 ~ Pelicans

At the risk of being boring with too many pelican pictures,

I will post yet aonther one!

 I was fascinated with the grace of their flight.

I was also delighted that I was able to capture some of the beauty!

Jan. 27 ~ Cuba: Diving Pelican

 

 

Naturally, pelicans have to eat and watching them catch fish was very entertaining.

They hover to spot a fish, then dive like lightning!

Even with my camera on 'burst' mode, I was surprised to catch this one mid-flight.

They appear to dive into very shallow water, seeming to be able to break their dive instantly.



Jan. 26 ~ The Beach & Pelicans

 

The beach nourishes my soul.

It is both peaceful and wild at the same time.

This pair of pelicans flew along the beach constantly, seaching for a snack!



Jan. 25 ~ Early Morning at the Pool

My life rhythm starts with an early morning swim, even in Cuba.
I love to swim at sunrise when I'm alone in the pool.
After an hour of swimming, and watching the sun rise, I'm ready for my day.

Jan. 24 ~ Airport Sunset

Our Sunwing flight is almost ready for boarding.
Nice timing, with the sunset and the plane.

Jan. 23 ~ Airport Sunset

As the sun got lower, the light was ever more brilliant. However, it also showed the rain drizzle on the windows! But perhaps that is part of the artistic delight!

Jan. 22: at the airport

I took loads of photos at the airport. It is a busy place and with blowing snow and a setting sun, the photo opportunities were endless!
With this one, I captured three planes, the control tower, and a loading dock against a backdrop of swirling snow and sunset light.

Jan. 21~ en route to Cuba

Waiting for the flight to Cuba, I enjoyed all the activity at the airport.
With wildly blowing snow, the snow blowers and plows were out in full force, while planes continued to arrive and depart.
Luggage, food, passengers: all continue, no matter what the weather!

Jan. 20 ~ Amber icicles

While I was skiing on the Fortune Parkway a few days ago, these colorful amber icicles caught my eye.
They are barely visible through the thicket of trees, but nevertheless, the colour is certainly there.
I imagine that running water trickles through some mineral rich earth, before dribbling down to form icicles. However, that's not a scientific explanation!

Jan. 19 ~ Icicles at Sunset

I took this picture from my study window and through the screen.
These Icicles, hanging from the roof of our neighbours, was gleaming with the settings sun.
The tiny screen wires make interesting play with the light.

Jan. 18 ~ the Canal Opens!

Question. What do you wear to go skating on the canal at -18?
Answer. Lots!!!

Jan. 17 ~ Happy Birthday, Lee!

My wonderful son-in-law turned thirty today!
Here, at Christmas, he has the rapt attention of cousins Koda, Aaron and Topher, with "Grandma and the Pirates"!
Ahoy, Matey!

Japan.16: Happy Baby Pose

Happy Baby pose is a stretching yoga pose.
Seven month old Marty shows an excellent demonstration!

Jan. 15: Signage

This sign, at the corner of Ridge Road and The Fortune Parkway, was beautifully laden with snow in early January.

Jan.14: Winter Bull Rushes

Jan. 13: Downhill

 

Now it is my chance to try the 'new' turns.

If I look apprehensive, it is because I was!

Again, Paul Graner is the guest photographer.

Jan. 12: Ski Course

 

 I took a refresher course for XC ski instruction.

Here, I'm trying to understand the instructor explaining a new downhill technique -

how to do Telemark turns!

The guest photographer is CANSI Course Instructor, Paul Graner, who was teaching the main part of the course.

Jan. 11: Women on Skis

 

Even with 'rain' in the forecast, over fifty enthusiastic women turned up to Mooney's Bay, for our first

Women on Skis program of the year.

The rain held off, and we enjoyed two hours of lessons and making new friends.

In this photo, Gloria (blue jacket, left) gets everyone organized.

To find out more about this program, go to

http://nakkertok.ca/other-programs/womenonskis/outings-and-special-events/

Jan. 10: Track Setting

The PistenBully can track set for either skate skiing, (flat groomed track)

or classic skiing.(parallel groves for skis)

When the four black pads are lowered, it sets for classic skiing.

Jan.9: PistenBully

 

This machine is a PistenBully, which grooms the trails for skiing.

It is a tight squeeze for the massive machine in between Huron Cabin and the wood shed,

 and I was able to just get out of the way.

Skiing immediately behind the PistenBully is The Best, because the tracks are pure and pristine!

The grooming packs the snow, and sets track for classic skiing.

 

Jan. 8: Snow Removal

 

Yesterday I got held up behind a snow removal operation on Kilborn Ave.

While I admit to initially being irritated, I instead took out my camera and began snapping photos,

 through my dirty windshield.

It is easy to post shots of mounds of pristine snow, and blue sky,

but here is the reality of snow in the city!

 

Jan.7; French Macaroons

 

For Christmas, Megan gave me a 'sleeve' of authentic French Macaroons.

They were lovingly made by her  friend, Carrie Bradley, a Paris-trained pastry chef.

Carrie will shortly be opening a Patisserie in Wakefield, called LA TOQUE,

on Riverside.

Did I mention delicious!!!

Jan. 6; In Memory of Lara

 

 

Lara Vaarre (left) and Nancy Davis are lovely young friends from Cascades dragon boat team.

Lara passed away on Dec. 26, after a spirited fight with cancer.

Today, we celebrated her all-too-short life, with champagne and strawberry short cake.

Lara packed more living into her 42 years, than most of us do in a life time.

She was a generous, caring, funny, spirited, adventurous woman;

a paddler, SCUBA diver, a chocolatier and a friend. I will miss her.

The team photo shows Lara, front and centre, and myself, behind and left of Lara.

 

Jan. 5: Arnprior Swim Meet

 

This morning there was a 'fun' swim meet in Arnprior.

The Ottawa Y Masters had 20 people participating.

Here we all are after the racing was over.

Next stop? Lunch!!!

Thanks to coaches Eric (far left) and Alan (Top tallest).

Jan 4. Trail Closed

Many of the Gatineau Park trails are closed due to destruction from the recent snow storms.

This is the entrance to Trail #11, at the top of Kyber Pass, just off Ridge Road.

It is hard to imagine that there ever was a trail there to start with!

It will take many hours of NCC work to clear these side trails.

However, I am gratefiul for spectacular skiing on Ridge Road!

Jan. 3: Snowshoeing with John & Tanya

Two years ago, our friend, John, built this cabin at the back of his land near Mallorytown.

From the house to the cabin is a half hour walk. John has a Real Man Cave there!

Today we showshoed to the cabin for Tanya's Split Pea Soup, bread,cheese and fun!

Thanks!

Jan. 2: Skiing

 

 

A day like today deserves more that one photo!

Top - the spectacular scenery.

Middle - Odile, Judy, Carolyn, Linda, and Baby Amelia in the Pulk.

Bottom - three generations of skiers: Carolyn, Amelia (6 months) and Gramma Linda.

 

 

 

Jan. 1: Happy New Year

 

 

Happy New Year!

The F doesn't stop here after all!

I have had so much fun doing this blog, that I have decided to continue into 2013.

A new feature for my blog will be a Guest Photographer Spot.

My first Guest Photographer is Judy Meldrum, with a photo of a wood pecker taken at her bird feeder outside her kitchen window.

Welcome, Judy!

Dec. 31: Last Day of 2012

 

One of my 'followers' commented that I post a large number of winter landscape shots.

That is true, but with the snow conditions that we have now in Ottawa, it is hard not to be overwhelmed with the beauty.
This shot is from Mooney's Bay, with the sun setting on 2012.
 

 

And by special request from my friend, Glenn, comes a re-post of his favourite photo of the year!

Cheers, Glenn!

Dec. 30: Famliy Christmas

 

I was really happy to take Maggie nad Duncan to Mooney's Bay to ski for an afternoon.

They both learned really quickly and really enjoyed themselves.

It was a glorious day with wonderful ski conditions.

Lucky me!

Dec. 29: Family Christmas

 

A frolicking puppy found Aaron in a snow bank.

Kids and dogs move so fast, I was lucky to get this shot.

Dec. 28: Family Christmas

 

More snow, and another dog walking expedition!

This time we went to Conroy.

Duncan, Maggie, John, Koda, Aaron, Topher, Marty and Megan.

Dogs Georgia and Hamish can sort-of be seen!

Dec. 27: Family Christmas

 

Maggie, Duncan, John and I went to the Clip 'n Climb Gym and had a blast!

This one is a glass wall, where two climbers can see each other,but each have their own grips.

We spent over an hour, testing our strength and our courage!

altitude gym



Dec. 26: Family Christmas

 

Of course, a family dog walking expedition turns into a snowbank climbing expedition!

Topher, Maggie, Koda, Duncan and Aaron.