Meet our neighbor!

Do Llamas hibernate? I haven't seen this fellow all winter! Isn't he a fine specimen? He has one character flaw... He spits! (Or so I'm told... I don't have to be told twice!)

Have I told you how much I love this time so year?? I've just ordered Triple mix for my garden, and my two beds have been prepared for its arrival.

I had had great luck with the "lasagna method" of gardening. I layer cardboard, leaves, soil, veggie mix (sometimes) and now...Triple mix! The weeds are few, and both gardens produce well.

Every year I dream of a bigger garden, but really, I am fortunate to have the gardens I have. I just need to learn to focus on what I need to grow, and what I will use. We have added four trees to our property...two pears...and two apple.

I haven't painted in a while. I guess you'd say I am in a slump of sorts. I'm keeping busy though, using up wool, making dishcloths, and ...yes...working.

So say hello to our nameless neighbor. Don't get too close though! He spits!

Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting."

Today has been one of those "absolutely fabulous" days that our friend, Doreen, often spoke of. I went for a bike ride and remembered, after this long and difficult winter, and a long and difficult week, what beauty there is in this world.

Witness for yourself what lies within reach...

Flooding....

Areas of Huntsville, Bracebridge, and Gravenhurst remain under water today. Roads have been washed out, and closed. Emergency shelters have been set up for those who may need to evacuate.

Of course we needed to see what the fuss was for ourselves, (after all, our daughter lives in Bracebridge) so northward we travelled.

We travelled down a country road near Cooper's Falls, and were turned back by Police Tape. Several areas of this road were washed out, and a "local" told us that her husband had pulled out several vehicles that had got stuck in the fast flowing water that morning. How foolish to even try to traverse these deep flooded areas....

Find, below, pictures of the Bracebridge Falls. The parking lot across the river has been claimed by the flow, as has the picnic area in the foreground.

The power of nature never ceases to amaze me.

Today I cycled 7 km. I doubt that I will be able to walk tomorrow. Right now, however, I am feeling quite smug.

I think the trick is to start small and do often. I am not one to walk the talk though. The day was beautiful, and it called to me.

Have you heard the term "Green Exercise? I hadn't until recently... Check out what Wikipedia has to say....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_exercise

I ended up my ride at the Talbot River. There, a fish sanctuary is run by parks Canada. I spoke to two (good looking) officers who told me that the Walleye run is almost done. What is concerning is that there are so few fish. I saw four.

In years past these waters were teeming with these fish. According the the Parks officer...there are no fish.

I walked away speechless.

As I peered into the water below, I felt as if my head was bowed in an act of sympathy...reverence ...sorrow.

Something we do not quite understand is happening to our environment.

I know little. These officers do not know what has caused this decline. What I do know is that we have to become aware of how man's actions may be negatively impacting the environment. If we don't, we will be leaving little for the next generation to enjoy....and instead of the sign below saying "no fishing," it will read "No fish!!"

They're Back!!

Work has been tough this week...physically and emotionally draining...and so, on this, my first day off, I headed north for a dose of daughter and grand babies....just what the doctor ordered!

Mandi works from home. She is a daycare provider. She is one of the most trained daycare providers that I know. She has her ECE, her BA in Child and Family Studies, and has had the intensive training necessary to work with Autistic children.

I arrived just as she was returning from a walk with five little ones nestled in the kiddie trolley. What a workout that must have been!

I can't load pictures until the end, but have a look at her cargo. Aren't they precious!!?

Tomorrow...if the weather cooperates, I am going to map out another garden plot, and lay down cardboard...the first step in lasagna gardening.

I may, too, if time permits, start another painting. What do you think of this little gal? She is older now, but just as sweet as the day this picture was taken!

Although not quite ready to retire, I can sure find fun ways to fill my days!

Framed!

He's off to his new home tonight, and will share some wall space with the painting I did of his brother when he was the same age. How nice it is that these pictures are so appreciated!

Next on the agenda....two little girls. I hope that I can capture the image of their pretty little faces without too much difficulty!