IS IT NORMAL TO BE PASSED BY PIGEONS?

The other day Ron and I decided to walk around 

the Halifax Public gardens

while Jim attended to a medical appointment nearby.

The sidewalks were littered 

with thousands upon thousands

of leaves and ~

the best chalk graffiti

by someone declaring 

their LOVE for Emily FOREVER.

Inside the gardens were sprinkled with

golden leaves

and

with plenty of empty benches

for anyone to take advantage of.

Around the 3rd corner heading down Sackville Street

I zeroed in on a delightful fragrance.

~ DOODLES having DOODLE TIME

without a care in the world ~

Could that be my mantra for the day?

I discovered this choice gate door 

which was locked

but I was more interested in the scent

attached to the bottom.

Ahhh ~ HEAVEN !

We managed to circumnavigate the perimeter

 and return to the car.

As we sat quietly 

4 people scooted by on segways

I could hear one of them ask ~

"Is it normal to be passed by pigeons?"

~~~

(turn up your volume and just listen as the 4th person scoots by)

Such is my life,

but I can tell you 

I would never let pigeons

 (spelled without a "D" for Pete's sake Ron )

pass me, 

EVER!!

FEELING THANKFUL

Take a moment for yourselves today, folks.

Find that place of tranquility with your loved ones

or even by yourself.

Spending time close to your best friend

enjoying the connection 

the ease of movement

between yourselves

in this big vast world we live in

once in awhile it feels just right to experience the world 

by yourself

singularly

to gracefully make landing

without worry or anticipation

to take your pictures 

as you see them

and be thankful

for what you have

and 

who you have

in your small universe.

~~

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends

and

to all those that feel thankful 

anywhere in the world.

THE DUCKS ARE ON THE POND

Near the end of my park walk today 

Ron decided that he was going to 

the Public Gardens to capture

 a few pictures of the ducks on the pond.

Nothing at this end 

other than some very interesting moving reflections

which he told me was caused by

some ducks

just to the right.

Yes, the ducks were very much at home

cruising around 

looking for food and companionship,

if you know what I mean.

 Three males and one busy female

"swam and swam all over the dam"

^music break^

Life is very tranquil most of the time

but occasionally excitement ensues

and off the ducks paddle.

This tranquil moment is for you

(but be assured, yesterday's video of ducks frantically

swimming after the lady was really good,

but Ron deleted the video by mistake)

Outside one of the gates 

after visiting the gardens

we saw a lone bicycle,

I'm sure s/he had a very serene visit,

lucky duck!!

MIKE & SUSAN HI-JACK MY BLOG

 Mike & Susan

came to visit a couple weeks ago

^click^

I showed them how I could levitate Mr. Orangie

while I stood on 2 legs.

Cool, eh !

I also showed them that "TAILGATE PARTIES"

can be set up anywhere

even if there isn't a party.

Apparently, Ron does weird things with his right hand fingers.

Look at them!

With Peggy's Cove nearby we took in the view

just before I dove into the pond to fetch Mr.O !

I found an ol' yeller tennis ball in the cracks of the rocks.

Mighty air-conditioned and soggy!!

Ron was taking pictures of his brother Mike as he

managed the boulders.

Later we arrived at Queensland Beach

well known for it white sandy beaches.

This beach is very popular in the summer time.

Ron and Jim used to swim here all the time in the 70's

and returning brings back so many memories!

Ron is holding Mr. Orangie.

"When is he going to throw it?"

Another day we visited downtown Halifax.

Ron said that one day he was standing on this corner

and saw/met 5 people that he knew.

Mike, Susan & Ron visited the Halifax Pubic Gardens

while Jim and I walked the perimeter.

The roses apparently were prolific inside

just look at these!

Sometimes I would look through the wrought iron fence 

and see Ron, Mike and Susan meandering around.

Ron saw me!

This was the best visit because Ron and Mike
living so far from each other
finally had a chance to spend some time together.
Life throws curves for us all
and these 2 have had their curves to follow.
I really like this photo
because
the 2 brothers are learning from each other again.

~~~

THANK YOU!!
Thank you Mike and Susan for sending these photos.
You are the best!

OPPORTUNE TIME ~~~ JUST PERFECT

While Jim and I visited Pops in the Veteran's Hospital

Ron slipped into the Halifax Public Gardens.

~~~

Serenity at it's finest

This ginormous Katsura Tree was spreading

it's golden hue over the fountain.

So after our TREAT FILLED VISIT

we took a much needed walk

through the park

to limber up

and

get the blood flowing.

We are loving this time of year

which will soon fade.

Taking advantage at the opportune time

is our motto!

You know what?

I really love this hill !

Why, you ask?

JUST BECAUSE !!

ANTICIPATING JIM

I'm in the city of Halifax today 

following Ron

 around the Public Gardens

while Jim attends to an appointment.

Come along with me 

as I look occasionally through 

the wrought iron bars

wondering what it would be like to jump in that pond  < (click to see the pond )

with the ducks.

Still don't understand the 

"No Dogs Allowed" Policy !

Such is city life,

but hey look at that cool RED school bus.

The driver thought Ron was someone famous,

and asked him his name and 

what he did for a living.

I told the driver he was my Dad

and that he didn't work at CBC TV !

Imagine !

 Further around 2 more corners,

we ran into these horses cantering up the street

with tourists aboard.

I really like seeing these large "dog wannabees"

taking up space on the road.

Don't you?

There's that spot of grass we sat on

 for the Pride Parade at the end of July.

I had so much fun that day.

OK, Jim that's about all I can handle !

Where are you ?

OH there you are !

I thought you took off with the horses.

I feel so much better now.

Halesia in the Public Gardens

While Jim took me to see Pops in the Veteran's hospital today,

Ron took a few minutes to do some errands 

and visit

the Halifax Public Gardens.

He was in another world 

with all the bright azaleas, rhododendrons, 

greenery and red beech trees in bloom.

But with all the colour he zoned in on this white 

Halesia - SilverBell Tree

 which he had never seen before.

It truly is amazing we spend so much of the year

in Nova Scotia looking at the white snow

and when spring and summer arrive

he is more attracted to the white flowers and trees

than the others.

My sojourns are going very well,

no treats though because of my new diet.

Pops wasn't happy about this fact.

He tries so hard to sneak 

food to me all the time.

No wonder I perk up

when I'm told we are going for

a hospital visit!

 And no wonder Ron likes these Silver Bells

just look at those dainty flowers

just hanging there.

They really are beautiful.

See what I mean!

A lonely specimen tree nestled in along

the pond's edge ~~ quite remarkable!

 Even this palest of pinkish/white rhododendron 

was no match for the Halesia.

And he loves rhodos!!

Heading back to the car

he noticed the draping trees

with accent of azaleas.

Unfortunately Doodlely Dogs are not permitted

to roll on the grass or even visit

the Public Gardens.

So when the guys have a chance they jump at it.

I don't mind if I can't go,

I have my on Private Gardens at home.

One more hand please!

Just one more!