GUELPH DAILY PHOTO

Look Up! Way Up!

2010-06-08T16:11:00.001-04:00

A friend and I walked around the highest landmark here in Guelph. Our Lady Immaculate church has gone through a "face lift" during the past couple of years and it's been difficult capturing a photo with all the scaffolding up.

Farewell Geordie

2010-06-07T10:37:00.005-04:00

This has been a traumatic year in many ways. I've said "Farewell" to my buddy of 14 years and I miss him so much.

Also, due to a severe shoulder injure last autumn, I've hardly lifted my camera.

Hopefully this will change in the near future!

So...

Farewell Geordie!

Skyline Drive, Virginia

2009-03-29T11:55:00.002-04:00

Just before I left Virginia to come back to Guelph this time, we took a wonderful drive on the Skyline Drive and what a view it was to see the wonderful "folds of colour" of the rolling mountains off into the distance and the sky even seemed to "match".

Geordie

2009-02-13T15:41:00.004-05:00

GEORDIE
My Wonderful Border Collie

Geordie has been my constant companion for almost 13 years. He usually goes with me everywhere and he knows just about everything I'm talking about.

Last week, I almost lost my buddy. He had a little "thing" on his lower eyelid that was scratching his eyeball every time he blinked causing his eye to bleed and so I decided to have it removed in order to take away this irritation. Due to his age, the vet tried to do it with a "local" anesthetic but Geordie sure didn't like to see those scissors so it was decided to use a very mild "general".

Geordie just had a very bad reaction to that and on Tuesday, I nearly lost him. The vet worked so very hard (over 3 1/2 hours) trying to revive him and so far his time spent with "Geordie, my lad" (as he called him) has been working albeit very, very slowly. Last night, I slept in my bed with him beside me in his bed on the floor. Up until last night, I've been just lying beside him on the floor and we've spent a lot of time staring into each other's eyes!

Here's Geordie the day before his surgery. As some of you know, he went downhill very quickly followiing the anesthetic and I nearly lost him. He so loves the snow and he was just sitting at the door staring and wishing I'd go out and play with him.

Geordie Today
Geordie loves his bed. Today he seems to be much more comfortable and I'm so happy. I'm still force feeding him though as he really has no interest in eating yet.

He's not out of the woods yet. Last year at this time, he was about 45 lb. On Boxing Day, he was 35 lb. and on Tues. he was 33 lb. So, he's been losing weight gradually and the vet suspects something "nasty" but we're going to try hard to get some weight back on him as he loves to run and explore and I just know that we're going to have many more fantastic days together.

Just a Pittance of Time

2008-11-10T16:00:00.002-05:00

At the eleventh hour of the
eleventh day of the eleventh month...

A Pittance of Time
by Terry Kelly

They fought and some died for their homeland
They fought and some died now it's our land
Look at his little child, there's no fear in her eyes
Could he not show respect for other dads who have died?

Take two minutes, would you mind?
It's a pittance of time
For the boys and the girls who went over
In peace may they rest, may we never forget why they died.
It's a pittance of time

God forgive me for wanting to strike him
Give me strength so as not to be like him
My heart pounds in my breast, fingers pressed to my lips
My throat wants to bawl out, my tongue barely resists

But two minutes I will bide
It's a pittance of time
For the boys and the girls who went over
In peace may they rest, may we never forget why they died.
It's a pittance of time

Read the letters and poems of the heroes at home
They have casualties, battles, and fears of their own
There's a price to be paid if you go, if you stay
Peace is fought for and won in numerous ways

Take two minutes would you mind?
It's a pittance of time
For the boys and the girls all over
May we never forget our young become vets
At the end of the line it's a pittance of time

It takes courage to fight in your own war
It takes courage to fight someone else's war
Our peacekeepers tell of their own living hell
They bring hope to foreign lands that the hatemongers can't kill.

Take two minutes, would you mind?
It's a pittance of time
For the boys and the girls who go over
In peacetime our best still don battle dress
And lay their lives on the line.
It's a pittance of time

In Peace may they rest,
lest we forget why they died.
Take a pittance of time

2001 All rights reserved

On November 11, 1999 Terry Kelly was in a Shoppers Drug Mart store in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. At 10:55 AM an announcement came over the store's PA asking customers who would still be on the premises at 11:00 AM to give two minutes of silence in respect to the veterans who have sacrificed so much for us.

Terry was impressed with the store's leadership role in adopting the Legion's "two minutes of silence" initiative. He felt that the store's contribution of educating the public to the importance of remembering was commendable.

When eleven o'clock arrived on that day, an announcement was again made asking for the "two minutes of silence" to commence. All customers, with the exception of a man who was accompanied by his young child, showed their respect.

Terry's anger towards the father for trying to engage the store's clerk in conversation and for setting a bad example for his child was later channeled into a beautiful piece of work called, "A Pittance of Time". Terry later recorded "A Pittance of Time" and included it on his full-length music CD, "The Power of the Dream".

In Flanders Fields

2008-11-09T01:26:00.003-05:00

PHOTO BY BRIAN WAUGH...

My friend, Brian Waugh, who lives in Yorkshire, England has given me permission to use his wonderful photo of this poppy as today I wanted to post Col. Lt. John McCrae's memorable poem "In Flanders Fields" and this photo just went so well with the poem. See more of Brian's wonderful photos here.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields

"In Flanders Fields" was first published in England's "Punch" magazine in December, 1915. Within months, this poem came to symbolize the sacrifices of all who were fighting in the First World War. Today, the poem continues to be a part of Remembrance Day ceremonies in Canada and other countries.

The poem was written by a Canadian - John McCrae, a doctor and teacher, who served in both the South African War and the First World War.

From Lt. Col. John McCrae

Col. McCrae was born here in Guelph and his childhood home is a wonderful place to visiit. I try to go there about once or month or so.

Amazing Dew

2008-11-08T16:54:00.005-05:00

DIAMOND ENCRUSTED

While walking in Riverside Park yesterday morning, I was so much in awe as I saw these two dandelions simply drenched with dew and as the sun shone on them, they looked like diamonds.

I lay right down on the wet grass and got as close as I dare without a macro lens!

What a wonderful God we have to create such a wonderful scene!

Remembering the Battle of the Somme

2008-11-07T16:33:00.003-05:00

I had an appointment to have my hair done this morning and while I drove, I was listening to the car radio. It was just so emotional to hear them discussing how in one day what the British went through. 60,000 dead in such a short time span at the Battle of the Somme... ONE DAY!!!

I just searched and found this:

"On that day the British suffered almost 60,000 casualties making it the bloodiest day in British military history."

I couldn't see to drive. I had to pull over and park the car until my composure came back...

We must NEVER forget. We must ALWAYS remember.

I had parked behind the Firehall on Speedvale Road beside Riverside Park. This sign is out the front of the Firehall. So I thought I'd share it.

November Poppy

2008-11-02T16:48:00.004-05:00

LEST WE FORGET

Photo by Janice Hagan...

Janice said:

"Yesterday, as I was walking around my garden, I found this Poppy. It's the first of November and I didn't realize that poppies really do flower this late in the year.

It made me think of Remembrance Day and I thought about the Canadian soldiers who have died for our country and made sacrifices for other countries. It felt ironic because Jonathan, my youngest son, was out selling Poppies in his cadet uniform today.

I found this newspaper article written in 2002 saluting Canada and our war heros. It really is worth a read....
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2002/04/21/do2106.xml"

Autumn at the OR

2008-11-01T23:56:00.003-04:00

The "OR" is such a lovely place to walk and wander. There are many little brooks and waterfalls and little bridges all built away back in the 1930's to 1950's or so by young men who were then residents of the "Ontario Reformatory". It's closed now but what a wonderful place to spend some time.

A Tree in the Park

2008-10-31T17:59:00.007-04:00

I love Trees!

In the Park on Gordon Street that runs along the river near the Covered Bridge, I found this gorgeous tree.

My friend took a photo of my dog, Geordie, and I at the bottom of it.

Look Up! Way up!

And here's a closer one of Geordie and I

Look up!

2008-10-20T12:45:00.003-04:00

GUELPH CITY HALL DOOR

How often do we take the time to look up to see what's above the doors into our important buildings! I love the carving above the Guelph City Hall main door.

Waiting for the Wind

2008-10-20T00:01:00.001-04:00

WAITING FOR THE WIND

How Many Cobs on a Corn Stalk?

2008-10-16T03:09:00.003-04:00

DWARFED BY CORN STALKS

My granddaughter and I were wondering what the average number of cobs of corn were on each stalk. Some had said that each produced only one cob and others suggested 5 or 6!

So, as she was busy counting randomly, I thought a photo of her would be nice as she was dwarfed by the high stalks. She's only 11 years old but 5'3" tall!

FRAMED BY CORN

I just wanted to crop her out of the larger photo for her parents to have and thought I'd share with you all too. She's a sweetheart.

So....

How Many Cobs on a Corn Stalk?

Do you know?

We counted many cobs on corn stalks last Saturday.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

2008-10-12T21:10:00.002-04:00

Happy Thanksgiving
in Canada!

It's Thanksgiving Weekend in Canada and it's a wonderful time for pumpkin pie and whipped cream!

Excitement is Rising!

2008-10-11T23:54:00.007-04:00

The Excitement was Evident here in Guelph Today!

As Voting Day Approaches, Don't forget to get out and exercise your right to vote here in Canada!

Today, here in Guelph, the Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, visited and I got to shake his hand. No matter what party you follow, it has to be a privilege to meet the leader of your country. He was such a gentleman too as he spoke to me.

PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER

This rally was held at the local Conservative Party candidate's riding office on Victoria Road South, here in Guelph.

GLORIA KOVACH

It was a very exciting time for hundreds of people...

Some, as in the photo below, were too young to vote and some, as this little baby boy, slept through it!!!

Raspberries in October!

2008-10-11T03:35:00.003-04:00

When I arrived home from Falls Church, Virginia last week, I was so pleased to see quite a crop of beautiful raspberries waiting for me to pick!

I grew up with the raspberries that started to be ready to pick around July 12 and two weeks later, they were finished for the year! And the rows of canes sat there taking up valuable room in the garden waiting for next year.

I was introduced to "ever-bearing" raspberries a few years ago when a friend sent me two canes which I temporarily placed in my side flower garden border near my deck and they have never ceased to amaze me always producing so many gorgeous berries right up until the time the snow flies.

It's been a long time...

2008-10-10T14:29:00.004-04:00

Some more photos for you of our wedding.

The Bride and Matron of Honour
Leaving for the Wedding

My Three Children
Just Before the Ceremony

THE VOWS

Camp Day at Tim Horton's!!!

2008-06-07T18:53:00.002-04:00

It's Camp Day at Tim Horton's!!!

Guelph Daily Photo went to Niagara Falls and on the way stopped in at Beamsville, Ontario Tim Horton's! What a great site!

Exit 64 off the Queen Elizabeth Way highway has a wonderful Tim Horton's and the Lincoln Firefighters were in there volunteering when we arrived for our much needed coffee. They sure know how to pour coffee and serve it!

Lincoln Firefighters Shoulder Flash

Over $8.8 million was raised in Tim Horton's Camp Day across the country! Many under privileged children will be able to go to camp this summer due to the many coffees bought by millions of people across Canada!

Three happy customers helping in the effort!

When on the QEW between Hamilton and St. Catharines, I highly recomment this Tim Horton's at Exit 64!

First Wedding Photo

2008-05-25T17:26:00.003-04:00

Photo by Carol...

This photo was taken by Carol (Abelia on the Photography Cafe). This was taken after the ceremony when we went to the park.

My Wedding Day!

2008-05-24T10:37:00.005-04:00

This is the Day!!

Flowers from Photography Cafe!

In two hours, I'll be Pat Halbach and no longer Pat Scott! What a day this is going to be. We're so happy!

"...that in all things He (Jesus Christ) might
have the preeminence."
Colossians 1:18

Hiking at the Arboretum

2008-05-12T22:35:00.004-04:00

The Guelph Hiking Trail Club has organized hikes most weekends and sometimes evening hikes during the week and also during the days. Many of our Volunteer Leaders would be so happy to see YOU on one of their hikes.

This photo was taken by Stan Stanek, one of the Hike Leaders of the Guelph Hiking Trail Club, and Stan says, "This is a picture from our hike on May 3rd. This is in the Arboretum. Only 4 hikers plus the two of us co-leaders showed up, because the weather was not so great."

Thanks Stan for the wonderful photo. Looks like a great scene among the Trilliums, Ontario's Provincial Flower!

View Larger Map

Busy times!

2008-05-12T22:33:00.001-04:00

Our wedding is under two weeks away! (May 24)

What a lot of things we still have to get done so please forgive for the lack of posts in here.

Nestle Building

2008-05-04T20:24:00.005-04:00

Towering in the Sunset

I had to travel to Toronto yesterday for a Bridal Shower that some friends and relatives threw for me and while there, we had a terrible storm and I was so impressed by the setting sun in the west shining on the building in the rain.

Such contrasts.

This is at Sheppard Avenue and Yonge Streets in North York.

Sticky New Growth

2008-05-02T15:17:00.002-04:00

Isn't it wonderful to go outside after all this snow has melted and you find something like this new chestnut bud in all of its glory?

Wasp

2008-05-01T10:12:00.001-04:00

I don't really enjoy being around these wasps but they sure are a pretty insect.

Good Place to Eat in Georgia

2008-04-27T21:38:00.005-04:00

Snellville Diner

What a wonderful drive it is from Pensacola, Florida through Alabama to Georgia! I forgot my purse at one place we were visiting and the return journey to retrieve that purse and then back to where we were, sure put our journey back and also losing an hour due to leaving one time zone and going back to Eastern time.

Our wonderful hosts in Georgia had planned to take us out for supper and then with us being later, these plans changed and we went to the Snellville Diner instead of their other choice!

What a place to eat! it was wonderful!

This is the group! Pat, me (another Pat), Larry and Paul! The owner of this establishment agreed to take our photo and here we all are waiting for the food to arrive!

JELESIA

What a lovely gal this was! She certainly was a delight! Nothing was too difficult for her to do for us!

Larry seems to be wondering how he would ever finish that meal! Such a huge serving!

Pat and I had the right idea. We shared out meal of shrimp and chicken and wonderful rice! And after we ate what we could, there was enough to take home!

.

Snellville Diner
2302 Main Street East
Snellville, GA
770-972-0000

View Larger Map

Paul and I would certainly highly recomment this eating establishment if you are in the area of Snellville, Georgia

Crowne Centre

2008-04-20T23:56:00.006-04:00

CROWNE CENTRE
Pensacola Christian College

Well, what a wonderful day!

We went to the church services this morning in this building and then again this evening. The auditorium for the Campus Church holds about 6,000 people and it was pretty well filled. I was in awe listening to the music of the choirs and the soloists and the message was inspiring.

Paul and I leave in the morning to head back to Atlanta area of Georgia and then the next day back to Falls Church, VA.

We have so enjoyed our visit here in Pensacola with Paul's son and wife and it's been one of the most enjoyable times I've had in the last little while. I'm going to find it very difficult to bade them farewell tomorrow.

Not sure when I'll get to post again but I will as soon as possible.

Choir of Campus Church

Pensacola Bay Heron

2008-04-19T22:27:00.004-04:00

Guelph has arrived in Pensacola, Florida!

What a great trip so far. We spent the night in Georgia last night and now will spend the next two nights here in Florida.

After eating out at a special place called "Crabs" on the beach, we spied this heron on the rocks with the city of Pensacola in the background as the sun set.

Again, our Creator was busy with His handiwork painting a wonderful sky for us to enjoy! And then to top if off, we had the added delight of seeing this Great Blue Heron.

GREAT BLUE HERON
IN THE SUNSET OF PENSACOLA BAY

Tomorrow, we will attend the Campus Church service in the Pensacola Christian College Crowne Centre.

Virginia Daffs

2008-04-17T10:50:00.007-04:00

After 771 km from my driveway to this one here in Virginia, I arrived!

What a lovely drive it was too! I was in awe of our wonderful Creator.

I left my house at 4:50 am in Guelph in complete darkness and as I motored along the Queen Elizabeth Way highway the beautiful glow in the eastern sky started to be visible and by the time I was in the St. Catherines area, it was just a marvelous site to behold!

The temperature in Guelph was minus 3 C and I had on my winter jacket but as I travelled further and further south viewing the lovely fresh green of the buds on the trees and the many blossoms of gorgeous trees, I found that I had to remove my winter coat and just enjoy the heat of Pennsylvania, Maryland and then Virginia!

Last night, Paul took me to the most wonderful gardens very near to where he lives and I was so enthralled by the beautiful trees including my favourite, Eastern Redbud. I just couldn't stop snapping photos! The Gardens are called "Green Spring Gardens" and located right here. Click and enjoy!

This cute litte daffodil duo was taken in this Gardens.

I just have to say that we have a wonderful Creator who can paint the skies and cause the fresh light greens and browns of new buds on trees and the mauves of the tiny violets and purples of other little wildflowers popping up in the dark brown of the mulch left over from the harsh winter.

Yes, I enjoyed my 771 km drive and now tomorrow, we head out to the Atlanta area of Georgia but you can be sure that I'll have my camera at the ready!

Here's how to get to these wonderful gardens:

View Larger Map

In the Shadow of the Old Log

2008-04-15T01:46:00.002-04:00

More signs of spring, wouldn't you say?

Enjoy!

Spring has sprung...

2008-04-13T10:25:00.002-04:00

...at least on some days it seems as if it has!

Delicate Wee Blooms
Out on my Lawn

Life is so busy...

2008-04-13T10:22:00.003-04:00

...trying to prepare for my new life as a married lady once more.

I was married to my husband for 40 years when he was promoted to Glory to worship the Lord forever and ever and now I've been a widow for seven years.

Now, a wonderful man who is also a widower has asked me to be his wife and to share his life with him until the Lord Jesus calls us Home to be with Him. I'm so happy.

But life is so busy.

I'm sorry for the lapse in time of photos in my blog.

I am going to Virginia and then off to Florida on Wednesday in order to meet his son (who is attending our wedding up here in Guelph) down there and then home in about a week. I'll try to get some photos on the trip!

Same Fence But now an Occupant!

2008-04-07T21:22:00.003-04:00

"Look Me Straight in the Eyes
and Say That!"

On the way down to Hamilton today to pick up my granddaughter, I saw a dead raccoon lying on the roadway in front of the fence in yesterday's blog entry.

On the way home, we spied this horribly ugly turkey vulture having a huge meal. The light was terrible for photos but this is what I was able to get anyway.

"Don't You Think I'm Good Looking?"

Fence Reflections

2008-04-05T23:01:00.003-04:00

It's Looking Like Spring!

I was in Hamilton, Ontario today and on the drive home along Victoria Road S., I spied this reflection of this rustic fence in the melted snow along side the road!

How lovely to see signs of spring after this very snowy winter!

Not spring yet

2008-04-03T16:29:00.003-04:00

Well, it's NOT spring yet here! I took this last year before this and I still have loads of snow out on my front lawn.

Starting to get stale, this snow!!! :)

Sunset at West Montrose

2008-03-28T16:09:00.001-04:00

It's always a lovely jaunt up to the "Kissing Bridge" at West Montrose near to Guelph.

This time, I captured a lovely sunset behind this old church in the village of West Montrose after leaving the famous covered bridge.

Fond Farewell

2008-03-26T14:48:00.004-04:00

A Fond Farewell

For the past ten days or so, I've had my future husband visiting from Virginia and he left today and here are Geordie and Paul saying "Farewell for Awhile" to each other.

As you can see, there is still lots of snow here in Guelph!

Geordie on Top of a Snowbank

He Is Risen Indeed!

2008-03-23T01:18:00.006-04:00

This photo of the Easter Lily was taken by Paul and I thank him for allowing me to put it in here today as we celebrate the wonderful Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour!

He Is Risen!
Happy Easter!

CHRIST AROSE
(Click to hear music)

Author: Robert Lowry, 1826-1899
Musician: Robert Lowry, 1826-1899

Low in the grave He lay,
Jesus, my Savior!
Waiting the coming day,
Jesus, my Lord!

Chorus:
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes;
He arose a victor
From the dark domain,
And He lives forever
With His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Vainly they watch His bed,
Jesu, my Savior!
Vainly they seal the dead,
Jesus my Lord!

Chorus:

Death cannot keep his prey,
Jesus, my Savior!
He tore the bars away,
Jesus my Lord!

Chorus:

Zehr's Markets Paisley Road

2008-03-23T00:33:00.003-04:00

On Thursday night, at closing time after a Guelph Hiking Trail Club meeting in the lovely Zehr's Community Room, we found the Manager of this store busy stocking the shelves.

Jeremy Hewitt, Store Manager, gave all of the credit to his busy staff in making this one of the best Zehr's around this area.

Manager, Jeremy Hewitt

View from the Upper Level Outside the
Community Room

A Wedding in Planned!

2008-03-17T16:30:00.005-04:00

I thought I'd let you all know that my presence on here might be a little haphazard for the next little while and I am planning a wedding for May!

Whose wedding? Mine!

I became a widow seven years ago and for me I thought that this is what life was going to be like from now on. But, my Lord and Saviour has had other plans for my life and He has brought into my life a wonderful man named Paul.

Paul arrived on Saturday night with roses and a lovely little white box! Then yesterday, he made this lovely collage of three photos--a photo of three of the roses from the dozen red roses he brought, the ring in the box and the ring on my finger!

I do hope that you enjoy the photo as much as I do and that you will be patient with me while I plan with Paul our future life together.

Red Roses and a Ring
A Special Day for Pat

Lady on the Wall

2008-03-14T11:41:00.003-04:00

Today's photo was not taken by me. This was taken by SOFIA who lives here in Guelph! Thank you so much Sofia!

THE LADY ON THE WALL

One of our readers, Sofia, lives very near the University of Guelph and enjoys walking through the grounds and on one of these walks, she found this lovely picture of a laddy on the wall of this building surrounded by the lush green ivy.

Sofia says, "I took this picture last year while strolling on the campus grounds. I just love this gorgeous print on a wall surrounded by the turning leaves..such a surprise.... Hope you like it too."

What a wonderful find, Sofie!

Apologies

2008-03-14T11:39:00.002-04:00

I'm sorry that I've been a bit unreliable in posting my daily photo. Life is busy for me right now. I am so happy that some readers have sent some lovely photos of our beautiful city so that I might continue to share this "Royal City" of Guelph with you all.

(I'm planning a wedding in May so life is hectic right now)

Playing in the Snow

2008-03-11T21:35:00.005-04:00

Today's photos were not taken by me. These photos were taken by one of our readers, Vanessa, here in Guelph!

VANESSA'S DAUGHTER ENJOYING THE SNOW!

VANESSA'S DAUGHTER'S SWEET PUPPY,
SHELBY ENJOYING THE RECENT SNOWFALL!

We always enjoy it when our readers send photos of our wonderful city!

THANKS VANESSA!!!

The Storm is Over--for now!

2008-03-09T20:57:00.009-04:00

The plow is busy now trying to clean up!

This was the view from my front window this morning and my driveway is under the closest two "hills of snow". It's been plowed out now.

Today in Guelph

2008-03-08T16:20:00.002-05:00

S N O W ! ! !

Driving today is about impossible!!

This is the lady next door. She's been constantly digging snow this year. Geordie loves it!

So many of these around Guelph today...

I'd rather be in Bermuda or somewhere warm and...

Half Frozen Speed and Eramosa Rivers

2008-03-02T20:41:00.003-05:00

At the Covered Bridge Where
The Eramosa and the Speed Rivers Meet

If this were summer, this place would be very crowded with people walking along the river eating ice cream cones or just having a chat.

But only the many ducks and a few geese are having a good time in this frozen wilderness that is half frozen and half open water.

March 1 Theme Day~GRAFFITI

2008-03-01T21:39:00.003-05:00

GRAFFITI UNDER THE COVERED BRIDGE

I took this photo last autumn under the Covered Bridge as I was so upset to see the graffiti under it. This is a relatively newish bridge built across the Speed River and so pretty.

Above the graffiti, this is the scene looking through the bridge. It's not like this today. It's a very snowy time right now.

More of Geordie

2008-02-28T13:22:00.003-05:00

Since I've been otherwise engaged for the past few days and unable to get out to get new photos, I thought I'd just share a few more photos of my good buddy.

Actually, I just can't imagine life without him. He listens intently to everything I say as if he's wanting to join right in.

Here he is again where he loves to be--in the snow!

"I'm sure she said we were going in the car..."

I had told Geordie that we were going in the car to the store and this is how he stayed at the door just waiting for me to keep my word. And in between times, he was busy chasing the black squirrels out of the back yard!

"Getting Old"

He's getting old but still loves to run and play...

"Pat! Rescue Me!"

Geordie takes a lot from my youngest grandson who insists on dressing him up! Here he is all ready to go out in the snow with his winter toque on!!

Internet problems

2008-02-28T13:20:00.003-05:00

I've been having trouble with Blogger and have not been able to upload photos.

Sorry!

Back Yard Hawk

2008-02-25T12:49:00.004-05:00

Photo from BevB

As it says in our side panel, we welcome photos in this blog from other residents of the city of Guelph and I will tag your photos with your name so that they will be in the search engines. I so appreciate having our readers send their photos.

So, today's photos were sent to me by Bev B who lives in the west end of our great city!

Backyard Hawk

Thanks so much Bev for sending your two great photos showing every day life in our wonderful city of Guelph.

Just a Little House..

2008-02-23T14:06:00.003-05:00

Thanks for all your nice comments on my "best buddy", Geordie, yesterday. He really is a super fella and I'd be lost without him. I'll share some other fun photos of him again sometime.

Just a Little House

Yesterday, I had a very busy day driving around doing various errands, etc. On my way home from Elmira (not far from Guelph), I stopped by the Covered Bridge at West Montrose to see if the sunset was nice enough to try to capture but nothing really pleased my eye but this little house sits opposite the Covered Bridge and it looked so warm and cosy.

I hope you like it too.

Geordie, one of the best friends

2008-02-21T20:28:00.003-05:00

One of our readers yesterday, asked if I could show you my best buddy, Geordie!

Well, here he is!

Geordie is a tri-colour border collie and one of the most intelligent and obedient dogs that I've ever met. He knows left and right and he's just my good friend. He's 12 years old but is still full of life and just loves the snow.

So, this photo of him was taken one day at the back door after he had been playing in the snow and he was asking me to go outside to play! If you click on the picture, you'll see it larger and see that he's simply covered with snow!

GEORDIE

2008-02-20T01:20:00.003-05:00

Long Shadows Along the Fence
at Riverside Park

The park is quiet these days.

The snow is very deep.

But I had a good time with my dog, Geordie, taking photos there. I had to be quick taking this one though as I wanted the snow to be smooth with no footsteps and right after I clicked the shutter, Geordie was running all over this patch of snow chasing a squirrel!

The Athletic Club

2008-02-19T01:28:00.005-05:00

Gained weight over Christmas?

Here's the place for you!

The Athletic Club

Many here in Guelph were so happy to watch the construction of this building and many made plans to join The Athletic Club. I'd love to be a member as there are swimming pools, tracks, and many, many features that would interest us all.

View Larger Map

There was far too much snow the last few days so today I went to a photo on a "snowless day in December" to post here for you all.

Almost Night Time

2008-02-16T22:18:00.004-05:00

It was almost dark the other night when my dog, Geordie and myself went for a wander down at the Correctional Centre on York Road.

It was very cold too!

I giggled to myself as I watched some of the ducks flying in and sliding on top of the thin ice but others plopping right into the open water nearby and then letting out a "Quack! I've arrived!"

Then I got too cold to watch further and I had lost nearly all of my available light so I snapped a few photos and off I went back to my home!

"NOW HEAR THIS!"

2008-02-15T14:48:00.007-05:00

"Now hear this!
It's time to end this snow!"

Seems this Red Winged Blackbird is saying what many of us are saying here in Guelph where the piles of snow along the roads is over 5 feet high and no where to put the snow from the next storm predicted for tomorrow!!!

I Love You

2008-02-14T13:15:00.009-05:00

A Rose Says,
"I Love You!"

This is the day when so many folks around the world tell their loved ones that they love them. Have you told him today that you love him? Have you told her? Or what about the little ones? They all need to hear those three words, "I love you!"

But what a wonderful thing if we did this every day! As you leave each day for your place of work, tell your wife that you love her. As he sets off on his journey to his place of work, give him a hug and whisper those words that he loves to hear, "I love you!" Maybe you could even leave a note with those words written on it in a snack for the children. And your Dad and Mother both need to know, too, that they are loved. Phone them or write them a wee note today and simply say, "Mum, I love you! Just wanted you to know!" or "Dad, feel like a coffee? Let's meet and I'll buy you a one today. Just wanted to let you know that I love you, Dad!"

We all need to know that we're loved. Go and tell someone that you love them now. It's so nice to hear those words.

The greatest gift ever was the gift of love that we're told about in John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life".

O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
(Click to hear music)

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God,
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:39

Author: S. Trevor Francis, 1834-1925
Musician: Thomas John Williams, 1869-1944

O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean
in its fullness over me!
Underneath me, all around me,
is the current of Thy love
Leading onward, leading homeward
to Thy glorious rest above!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
spread His praise from shore to shore!
How he loveth, ever loveth,
changeth never, nevermore!
How he watches o’er His loved ones,
died to call them all His own;
How for them intercedeth,
watcheth o’er them from the throne!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
love of every love the best!
’Tis an ocean full of blessing,
’tis a haven giving rest!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
’tis a heaven of heavens to me;
And it lifts me up to glory,
for it lifts me up to Thee!

Waiting for Spring

2008-02-13T22:19:00.004-05:00

How I'm starting to crave spring!

We've had more snow this winter than the last two winters put together!!!

So much for Global Warming! I sure find it difficult to believe in global warming this winter. In fact, it's a huge myth!! (According to moi! Pat Scott!)

I walked through the Riverside Park here in Guelph and looked at this picnic table and just imagined that in a few months, some family will be so happy to sit around this table and enjoy their picnic meal together. The sun had almost gone and the shadows were so long.

ARE YOU WAITING FOR SPRING??

Oh, this water is so cold!

2008-02-10T22:29:00.001-05:00

I was down at the Covered Bridge the other day and on a wee bit of the Speed River that wasn't frozen over, it seemed as if he didn't want to get his feet wet or maybe he was saying that the water was so-o-o cold!!!

It's minue 18 C right now here in Guelph and our province has so many roads and highways closed due to blowing snow and so many accidents! I'm glad I am in the house tonight and yes, I felt sorry for this little guy!

Especially for Greg in Greece!

2008-02-10T01:48:00.001-05:00

HARVEY'S--A GOOD PLACE TO EAT!

We have a reader who lives in Greece and this photo today is especially for him. Greg lived in Guelph back in the early 1980's when he attended the University of Guelph and this is one of the places he frequented often. The best hamburgers, right Greg?

And from the parking lot of Harvey's, this is the scene.

Recognize anything Greg?

Another Sunset

2008-02-09T01:18:00.000-05:00

Incredible Artwork of the Creator

I don't know if you all think about sunsets like I do--I just love them and find that they are so special. Our Creator has created such wonderful works of art with His paintbrush, hasn't He? As I was out last evening and the sun was almost set and there wasn't much light left, I just kep on snapping. All of the photos didn't turn out but I thought I'd share yet one more with you all of the beautiful sky.

As I stood there and stared at the beautiful sky that was changing by the minute and as I heard the honking of the geese, the less noisy quacking of the many mallards, and other wild things out there on the water, my mind kept on helping me to remember about the words of a song I had heard earlier in the day on the radio. It's entitled, "The Paintbrush" and I'm going to share the words with you...

THE PAINT BRUSH
Chuck Milhuff

Life started out like a canvas
And God started painting on me
But I took the paintbrush from Jesus
And painted what I wished to see.

The colors I painted kept running
And the objects were all out of size
I had made a mess of my painting
My way now seemed so unwise.

So I brought my painting to Jesus
All the colors, the pieces so wrong
In the markets of earth it was worthless
But His blood made my painting belong.

He worked with no condemnation
Never mentioned the mess I had made
Then He dipped His brush in the rainbow
And He signed it, the price has been paid.

When I gave the brush back to Jesus,
When I gave the brush back to Him
He started all over life’s canvas to fill
When I gave to Jesus the brush of my will.

He worked with no condemnation
Never mentioned the mess I had made
Then He dipped His brush in the rainbow
And He signed it, the price has been paid.

Yes, it was a lovely sunset last night and even though I was standing in snow that was deeper than my knees and I didn't remember to bring my gloves from the car, I so enjoyed looking at the wonderful artwork created by my Father and I thank Him for bringing to my remembrance this wonderful poem.

Sunset Tonight

2008-02-07T18:29:00.001-05:00

Correctional Centre Sunset Tonight

It was a lovely sunset tonight. I went to Riverside Park and got a few photos but the sunset was even nicer by the time I got to my house so drove down to the old Correctional Centre which is a beautiful piece of land that now the city is trying to figure out what to do with!

They are talking about putting in a subdivision of houses in there and what a disaster that would be!

View Larger Map

Upside Down? Twisted? Inside Out?

2008-02-03T16:30:00.001-05:00

I can hardly figure out this little bird! It seems so twisted in the way it is hanging upside down. It was making such a squawking noise out on the feeder--I believe to keep others away from the seeds.

Winchester, Virginia

2008-02-02T21:47:00.000-05:00

GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

As you know, I was in Virginia for awhile and visited the city of Winchester.

What a delightful place! I loved reading all the history behind various events that occured there in years past but this church and the steeple really got my attention.

I hope you like it too.

View Larger Map

Scottsdale Drive

2008-02-01T13:43:00.000-05:00

A photo from Igor Popovic:

From Igor:

"This shot is bit experimental. It is a longer exposure of around 30 seconds, just enough for a motorist to travel the entire curvy section of Scottsdale Drive behind the Stone Road Mall. The camera is looking down from the top of the covered parkade. This image and the one of the sunset were both taken during the summer of 2007."

Thanks so much Igor for sending your two great photos of our wonderful city.

I've been away in Virginia until late last night and they've helped to keep showing here in the Guelph Blog.

Thank you so much!

2008-02-01T13:39:00.000-05:00

I would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of loving messages posted for our dear friend, Sue, wife of Mark Gurkin. I'm sure that when the funeral service is over today and she has time to relax and reflect in the coming days, she'll be happy to read them.

I do hope that all of you reading this will continue to leave her a message as all will be important for her to read later. I speak from experience as when my dear husband of 40 years was Promoted to Glory, I so enjoyed reading the messages of condolence sent to me during the days immediately following his homecall.

Truly, the death of a believer is a lovely event since it says in scripture, that "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Phil 1: 21). This is how Jack, my husband felt and I, too, will be happy to be in the presence of my Lord and Saviour when the time comes for Him to call me home to himself.

Thank you once again and please continue to think of Sue and leave her messages here.

Farewell, to my good friend, Mark!

2008-01-28T22:36:00.000-05:00

All photos are Mark Gurkin's...

Farewell to a Good Online Friend

Mark Gurkin aka “ggraph”

Elder's Mill Bridge

It’s always difficult to say “Farewell” to anyone when that friend reaches the end of life’s journey but when it’s a good friend, this is so much more difficult.

Mark Gurkin aka ggraph was a good online friend who I have never met but have spoken to on the telephone and have communicated with for almost a year. Mark was unwell. He was patiently waiting for a kidney-pancreas transplant which never came in time for our Mark. He had problems with his eyesight due to difficulty while on the dialysis machine. What a time he had! But he always sounded upbeat and happy in his situation—even though he was going through such difficulties.

Our last telephone conversation was on January 9, 2008 when I shared some good news of mine and he was elated to hear that news. He was looking forward to the time when I’d be able to go to Georgia and meet both Sue, his wonderful wife and caregiver, and himself.

My last email to him was on January 13 and I was telling him of a wonderful online church service I had watched on TV that morning and here’s a bit of what I said to Mark:

“This morning, Mark, as I was getting ready for church, Paul phoned me from Virginia. He had just finished listening to Charles Stanley's son speak on TV (from 7 am to 8 am). Usually, it's Charles Stanley from Atlanta but today his son, Andy, was there from a church called "North Point". Paul was so excited as he knows the area down there and he said, "Pat, Andy is so close to your friend, Mark! If Mark is at exit “xx”, Andy is just down at exit 10 off 400! Can you phone him and tell him that this was a wonderful program today?" I told him I would write to you, Mark. I'm listening to Andy Stanley as I type this Mark and he's just so wonderful today.

Here's the URL: http://www.intouch.org/site/c.dhKHIXPKIuE/b.2287421/k.944D/This_Week_on_TV.htm

When you get to this URL, you can click on a wee icon on the screen to see it full screen, Mark. It's really good. Please let me know what you think. I wish I were closer to you and if I were, I'd drive you to his church. Apparently, it's massive and it's right off the highway near you.

I will call you later. I must go to my church service tonight as I'm playing the organ. I had an email from Natalya and she sends you her best wishes, Mark.”

And I added as well, “Hi Sue! I look forward to meeting you one day. Maybe Paul will drive me to Georgia someday. God bless you both and remember that my thoughts and prayers (and Paul's in Virginia) are being offered for you both every day. Sue, it's such a wonderful job you're doing caring for Mark. I loved every minute of my time caring for Jack and I realize now how important a job it was and only a spouse of a dialysis patient can even begin to realize what you are going through. No one else can. And only Mark can begin to know what you're going through as you care for him as Jack used to remind me all the time.

We'll chat soon. I just wanted you to know about Andy Stanley quickly as the video doesn't stay on the web site all that long. I hope you listen and watch.”

Old Homestead

So, folks, this is where I was with my friend Mark Gurkin. We shared much about my Heavenly Father and I told him how much Jack, my late husband, loved the Saviour. How I wish I had been able to make the trip down to Georgia to see both him and Sue. Mark so often said that Sue was his life and his wonderful soulmate. He lived for Sue. Jack was also on dialysis for 3 ½ years before he was promoted to glory and so I realize just how difficult it is to be the caregiver like Sue was to dear Mark.

Even though Mark could hardly see, he was still out there taking photographs as often as he possibly could. He loved covered bridges, birds and all kinds of wildlife. He displayed many of these lovely photographs in his blog entitled, Photo Life and on his website entitled, North Georgia Images

If you would like to post a comment also on the Photography Café where he loved to spend time during the past year, please do. His family will appreciate it. Here’s a link to a topic where the members of the Café are posting and you can simply register on the site to post your message of condolence as well. Farewell Mark aka ggraph and you might like to see the photos that he uploaded in the site. Here’s his Gallery on the Café.

I think it’s fitting to end this little memorial to our dear blogging friend and fellow photographer by using one of his own photos from his website.

From Mark:

“I often pass by this huge American flag. It's so large it takes a very windy day to get a full flag shot. While out one evening I decided to go by and see how it looked. When I got there the sun was beginning to set and the clouds were really great. Hence this image. A great image for the end of the day on the 4th of July”

SUNSET SALUTE

A great image, Mark for the end of the day on January 27^th, 2008

Our deepest sympathy to you, dear Sue, and the whole family circle of our dear friend Mark Gurkin.

Speed River at Sunset

2008-01-26T16:02:00.000-05:00

A Photo from Igor Popovic...

Speed River at Sunset

This beautiful photo was sent to me by Igor Popovic.

Igor says: "This is a photo of a Speed River sunset, taken on the McCrae Boulevard looking towards Wellington St W. I was walking my dog Timo and had my camera with me so I took the shot. "

Thanks so much, Igor! I'm always so happy when folks send me their photos of our great city!

Clear the Cobwebs Hike!!

2008-01-22T10:36:00.000-05:00

Photo by Bart Schuller

CLEAR THE COBWEBS HIKE!!

On January 1, each year, the Guelph Hiking Trail Club have a hike called "Clear the Cobwebs" and all of these brave souls set you no matter what the weather to hike part of the Guelph Hiking Trail system.

This year the hike was on Section 1 of the Speed River Trail and the weather was beautiful for winter hiking. Snow had fallen all night and the temperature wasn't too low.

These were two of six photos that Bart took and I thank him very much for sharing them with us.

THANKS BART SCHULLER and please do send more of your wonderful photos of this great city of Guelph!

Guelph is in Virginia!!!

2008-01-22T09:15:00.000-05:00

Well, not really, but...

I've travelled to Virginia to see a friend and I'm just outside of Washington, DC and let me tell you, IT'S C-O-L-D!!!!

I'll get some photos of this place over the week and share if I get something worth posting...

I am going to put in a photo from a man here in Guelph that I tried to put in before I left on this little trip but my internet connection was "down". So I left without putting it in so will do that now! My journey was 515 miles one way and I was through white-out conditions in northern New York with so much blowing snow but soon I was driving down the beautiful Susquahanna River for miles and mile but no where to stop and take a photo!!

You Made My Day!

2008-01-17T13:57:00.000-05:00

SUNSET AT ELORA GORGE

This photo was taken last year in Elora Gorge, just north of Guelph late one sunny day. I was standing in the sunshine side of the top of the gorge and already parts of the other side of the gorge were almost in the darkness. I loved the view as the sun seemed to light up the old oak leaves on the trees near to me.

I hope you like it as well!

"You Make My Day Award"

Rambling Round of Selma, Alabama made my day when she awarded me the "You Make My Day Award" for bloggers. Thank you, so much!

"The award rules say: "Give the award to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel happy about blogland. Let them know by posting a comment on their blog so they can pass it on. Beware you may get the award several times."

I found this such a difficult task! I have so many blogs I enjoy so very much each day and it was one of the most difficult times to narrow it down to just 10!! Actually, I just couldn't do it and so ELEVEN are receiving this award as all have "Made My Day" in one way or another whether it be in encouragement or even just in the photographic skills I've learned from each of them or the travel experiences I've learned from reading their blogs.

So, here is my little list that could have been 15 times this size!! Please visit these blogs and congratulate them.

Kate http://visualstpaul.blogspot.com/

Fabrizio - ikol22 http://torinodailyphoto.blogspot.com/

Lori http://prophotobylori.blogspot.com/

Susan http://mrdailyphoto.blogspot.com/

Anna http://ab-photoaday2007.blogspot.com/

photowannabe http://allredmop.blogspot.com/

Slinger http://www.twincitiesdailyphoto.com/

Marley http://cheltenhamdailyphoto-marley.blogspot.com/

Jilly http://menton-daily-photo.blogspot.com/ or http://monte-carlo-daily-photo.blogspot.com/

Chuckeroon http://richmonduponthamesdailyphoto.blogspot.com/

Vlada and Igor http://jednafotkanadan.blogspot.com/

You have ALL made my day...in one way or another!!!

Any seeds for me?

2008-01-16T14:13:00.001-05:00

"I'm so hungry!"

This little junco was watching carefully as other birds were spilling feed onto the ground...just waiting for a few seeds to fall so that he could fly down and pick some up!

I was so happy to be able to get this shot through the window! Our friends had invited us for New Year's morning breakfast and while sitting at the dining room table enjoying the food, I also enjoyed all the birds that were visiting our friends' feeders. So, even though unmannerly, I left my camera on the table beside me and kept on picking it up and snapping. lol

I want to thank you all so very much for all of the lovely comments on my ickle squirrel yesterday. He was sitting so cute on that old rubber tire and allowed me to get so close. Thanks again!

"Excuse me Ma'am... but do you have any peanuts?"

2008-01-15T13:37:00.000-05:00

"Excuse me Ma'am... but do you have any peanuts?"

This little fellow was so cute. I didn't have any peanuts! I only had some coins in my pocket and he tried to take them until I took my hand away. It was difficult taking this with one hand and holding my other hand out to him.

I love these little critters who are so trusting of us.

Dairy Building

2008-01-14T20:19:00.000-05:00

Through these doors...

have passed many hundreds of students over the years as they have studied at the Ontario Agriculture College which is now called, University of Guelph!

University of Guelph
Dairy Building

Across the road from the War Memorial Hall is the building known as the Dairy Building. It is included in a Walking Tour of the University grounds and from this website you can read:

"In 1922 the Dairy Science building opened for teaching and research in dairy manufacturing, including condensed, powdered milk and ice cream (produced since 1908). On the main floor wall of the Dairy Science building (known as Food Science) are three large historical outlines describing how it began as the Ontario Experimental Farm Creamery in 1884".

Historical Highlights of the OAC (Ontario Agriculture College)

May 1, 1874 OAC opens with 28 students admitted.
1887 The degree program is launched.
1891 Initiation of short courses for the generalpublic.
1920 High school matriculation required foradmission qualification to the degree program.
1926 Graduate programs initiated.
1964 OAC is a founding college of the newly createdUniversity of Guelph.
2006 More than 3200 students are enrolled inundergraduate, graduate, and diploma courses atOAC’s four campuses.

There's a wonderful history written by Prof. H. Douglas Goff and David W. Stanley that you can read on the history website of the U of G. I really enjoyed reading it and the following is from that article.

100+ Years of Dairy Foods Research,
Teachingand Extension at the University of Guelph
The Ontario Agricultural College and the Universityof GuelphAgricultural education at Guelph began when the Ontario government purchased a 500-acre farm for its new Ontario Agricultural College,which opened in 1874. In 1903, OAC was joined on campus by the Macdonald Institute, which provided instruction in domestic sciences.

The Ontario Veterinary College became the third college to join the campus in 1922. In 1964, these three colleges were joined as a single institution, the University of Guelph. Within 10 years, they wereenhanced by the additions of the College of Arts, the College of Physical Sciences, the College of Biological Science and the College of Social Sciences.

Today, the 1000-acre campus is home for 16,000 undergraduate and 2000 graduate students (including 700+international students from more than 100 countries), 800 faculty and 2500 staff.

War Memorial Hall

2008-01-12T22:47:00.001-05:00

Click to see photo larger

University of Guelph's
War Memorial Hall

What a wonderful example of fine architecture on the grounds of the University of Guelph! I've been in this building many times for various concerts or debates or talks of one kind or another. For instance, last October there was a Campus Crusade for Christ talk in this building entitled, "Should a 21st Century Scientist believe in God?" and it only cost $2.00 to go to take part in this evening lecture.

On the University of Guelph's historical pages, you can read the following about the War Memorial Hall:

The first time Guelph alumni were asked to contribute significantly to the support of their alma mater was in 1919 when they were asked to donate $60,000 toward the cost of building War Memorial Hall. The provincial government donated $40,000 to the project, which came to fruition because of suggestions by students that the Ontario Agricultural College should build a memorial to the 109 college men who lost their lives in World War I.

Students wielded saws and axes against a stand of Norway Spruce to ensure that the building would stand on its present site and held a series of concerts to raise funds. Built of Georgetown limestone, War Memorial Hall opened in June 1924. Two bronze tablets face each other in the Memorial Chapel; one bearing the names of the 109 fallen men, the other remembering those who died in the Second World War. The hall quickly became a cultural centre for the city as well as the site of OAC's annual convocation ceremonies.

The example of War Memorial Hall and the good it brought to the campus may have influenced alumni giving in later years. A scholarship endowment fund created in 1959, the 1966 Development Fund that supported the establishment of the University of Guelph, and the University's last major capital campaign in 1986 all received broad alumni support.

And here:

Built in June of 1924 from Georgetown limestone, students forced administration’s hand in choosing the hall’s location by cutting down a stand of Norway spruce and digging the foundation one night. It was built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of OAC and to honour students who had enlisted and died in the First World War.

Two bronze tablets face each other in the Memorial Chapel; one bearing the names of the 109 fallen men who lost their lives in First World War, the other remembering those who died in the Second World War.

View the portraits of five OAC Presidents and Professor William Graham between the windows in the main auditorium of this magnificent building.

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Back View of Church of Our Lady

2008-01-12T02:27:00.000-05:00

A DIFFERENT VIEW
Click to see larger

I drove up to the back of this large church building to see the amazing architecture. This is the view of the back of the church--the side that most folks don't very often see.

We've been looking at scaffolding on the building most of the summer but all have gone now as all repairs seem to have been done now.

REAL Car on Roof of House!!

2008-01-09T20:05:00.001-05:00

This is a REAL CAR!

Today's photo was not taken by me. This photo was taken by one of our readers, Bill Moran, who tells us that this is a "REAL CAR ON THE ROOF OF THIS HOUSE!!"

Thanks so much Bill! I hope we see more of your photos in here in the future!

Snowy Scene in Guelph

2008-01-07T22:10:00.000-05:00

We had such a snow fall on the weekend. This was one lovely scene just south of my home at the O.R.

It's been thawing today. And I've been stuck in the house nursing stomach flu!

SNAP Guelph!

2008-01-05T00:28:00.000-05:00

SNOWY PATH TO THE HOUSE

On New Year's Day, we were invited to a friend's home for breakfast and this was the driveway up to the house after a night of heavy snowfall.
What a lovely visit we had after traversing this drive with our vehicle up to the house!

The friends who own this home also own a wonderful newspaper here in Guelph and you'll see the logo for it on the left sidebar. It's titled, SNAP GUELPH and only contains GOOD NEWS. How lovely to pick up a newspaper with no bad news in it!

So, if you live in this area and have an event coming up, please feel free to click on the link on the left sidebar or in the information at the bottom of this post and talk to the folks at SNAP GUELPH and maybe your event will appear in this great newspaper here in our fantastic city!

Nicolas Bell
Get SNAP'd!
Submit your special events on line at http://www.snapguelph.com/

General Manager
SNAP Guelph
85 Speedvale Avenue West
Guelph, Ontario
N1H 1K1
Office: 519-821-8200
Cell: 519-827-8053
nicolas@snapguelph.com

View Larger Map

New Year's Day Goldfinch

2008-01-04T21:30:00.001-05:00

On New Year's Day, at a friend's home, there were many lovely birds outside the dining room window and that's where I spied this lovely Winter Goldfinch.

Gingerbread House in Guelph

2007-12-31T13:30:00.000-05:00

On the way to church each Sunday evening, we pass this "Gingerbread-looking" House! It's on Paisley Street, west of Edinburgh.

Don't you like it? I sure do.

Large House on Waterloo Avenue

This house is now a Real Estate office on Waterloo Avenue but really looked after and kept in its original "look". I showed you a photo of it in the summer and now you can see it at night time with the snow all around it. Here's the photo of it in the summer here.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2007-12-28T13:01:00.001-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hi there!

Two days ago here in Guelph, there was a wonderful display of hoar frost and so on my way down to the old OR (Ontario Reformatory), this bright red ball was hanging on the tree in someone's front lawn on Chesterton Lane and it shows the hoar frost quite clearly surrounding it.

Thought I'd put the "self-portrait" in for you all!

And here's a photo of a wee pond down at the OR showing the frost on all the trees surrounding the pond.

Icy Road on Norfolk Street

2007-12-20T00:04:00.000-05:00

After taking the photo of the big house on Kent Street, I walked down to the end of the roadway as I heard some brakes or slipping and sliding in the bad weather. As I stepped into the deep snow (way over the tops of my high boots) and leaned over the edge of the roadway and looked down onto Norfolk Street below me, the icy surface was clearly visible and the cars were just creeping along and sliding down the hill under the main railway line.

I was happy to get home!

This photo is looking sort of south towards McDonalds and then on down toward the University of Guelph away off in the distance. Some U of G photos will be forthcoming later on in the good weather!

Big House on Kent Street

2007-12-18T00:27:00.001-05:00

There is a man who lives in Europe who used to live in Guelph when he attended the University of Guelph and he suggested some places in Guelph that he'd enjoy seeing in this blog so today, as the snow was falling, I went to Kent Street just down below the hill where the big Church of Our Lady stands at the top.

This large house stands away up the bank of the hill and I saw some university students going in as I walked along the edge of the road.

Flying Quickly Nowhere

2007-12-16T21:07:00.000-05:00

I looked outside during the storm today and saw this little fellow flying so quickly nowhere! I forgot to get him in before winter arrived and so he's stuck in the frozen flower barrel with all the other sticks and twigs.

Colonel John McCrae's Birthplace

2007-12-14T02:18:00.001-05:00

Colonel John McCrae

Colonel John McCrae was born in Guelph along Water Street and his childhood home is now a quaint museum of anything to do with this wonderful medical doctor and Colonel in the Armed Forces.

It was this fine man who wrote the poem, "In Flanders Fields".

In Flanders Fields

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD

(1872-1918) Canadian Army

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark our place;

and in the sky The larks,

still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

See a photo of his house that I posted here.

McCrae House, a c.1850 stone cottage located along the banks of the Speed River, is the birthplace of Lt. Col. John McCrae (1872-1918). McCrae was a doctor, solider and author of the WWI poem "In Flanders Fields", which he wrote after burying a young friend, Alexis Helmer, who was killed during the Second Battle of Ypres.

The poem was first published in Punch magazine in December 1915 and the poppy quickly became the symbol of remembrance throughout the Commonwealth. The museum features exhibitions on the life of McCrae, two period rooms reflecting the 1870s when the McCrae family occupied the house, a programming space, and heritage gardens.

McCrae House has two designations through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada: one for John McCrae as a person of national significance and one for the house as a place of national significance. A number of special events, afternoon teas, and programs take place throughout the year. In 1983, Guelph Museums was established consisting of McCrae House and Guelph Civic Museum.

(From the Guelph Civic Museum)

Angel's Diner

2007-12-12T15:22:00.001-05:00

ANGEL'S DINER

Last night a friend treated me to supper and we went to Angel's Diner. What a lovely place to go! It's a restaurant all decked out in the 1950's decor and the booths are all a torquoise and bright red in colour!

The weather was rainy which turned into freezing drizzle and the roads were so slippery but the food was delicious at Angel's!!

Not the greatest night photo but it certainly shows that parking space was difficult to find due to the popularity of this great place to eat.

Not only do they have the very best ribs in town as the sign says...

And lovely smiling waitresses...

Stephanie was certainly a lovely gal to serve us with our meal...

...but the Senior's Ham and Cheese Omelet was superb and far too much for me to finish!

THANKS STEPHANIE!

FOR THE GREAT SERVICE!

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My Apologies!

2007-12-12T01:43:00.000-05:00

It's Beginning To Look

A Lot Like Christmas!

This is a lovely old home in Arkell,

just south of the city.

My Apologies For Being Absent

Life just got so busy and hectic for me with lots of surprises and new adventures. Along the journey of life, I've had a big "right turn" and now am waiting for God's will in some major life matters.

My blogs were put on the back burner and now here I am posting once more.

I appreciate so very much the emails I've received from some of you and I just wanted to say how happy I am after hearing from you all.

AWAY IN A MANGER

Morning Glory

2007-08-06T23:45:00.001-04:00

MORNING GLORY

Life for me has been hectic this past week. Hopefully it will settle down soon.

This morning glory and hundreds of others are climbing my fence and they are so pretty.

A very well camaflaged dragonfly

2007-07-31T11:59:00.000-04:00

(This one really needs to be viewed large as it's on this old rotten log!!)

Camouflaged Dragonfly

As my friend and I hiked in Tottenham, we had lots of fun with this dragonfly! As we approached it, it would flutter off a fair distance and then as we went to where it was, it would always return to this old rotten log and land on the very same spot.

You can't really see it very well until you view it large and how I wish it had maybe chosen another background! HAHAHA!

Tottenham Hike

2007-07-30T20:19:00.001-04:00

(If you wish you can see the photo larger by clicking on it)

What a wonderful place my friend and I found not that far from Guelph!

I was hiking with my friend and this is the beginning of it. Just walk past the sloping bridge and follow the creek and damsel flies by the thousands, dragonflies, soldier beetles, all abound!

What an enjoyable time!

Unfolding More

2007-07-28T23:12:00.003-04:00

The sunflower is so much taller and my position to take the photograph is very difficult but this is the flower head now.

A Different View of the Mighty Falls

2007-07-27T12:54:00.001-04:00

Niagara Falls

From a recent trip with a tourist who wanted to see the falls!

I just thought that this was a different view of the falls! ;)

It's always "raining" at this point at the top of Niagara Falls. I was soaking wet but thought this was a different perspective of the view of the top of the mighty falls.

Unfolding

2007-07-23T19:13:00.000-04:00

UNFOLDING

I watched for a few days at this sunflower beside my front door. I was amazed at how gently it looked to be unfolding before my eyes. What a wonderful Creator we have to make such a beautiful creation!

Floral Train

2007-07-18T20:41:00.001-04:00

Each year, one of the communities in Guelph "plants" this train at one of the main intersections. It's certainly lovely to view.

BLOSSOM EXPRESS

Ballinafad General Store

2007-07-14T16:51:00.000-04:00

This week has been a week of almost constant driving and on one of these drives, just east of Guelph in the little hamlet of Ballinafad, I saw this General Store and Tack Shop which is also the Post office.

Grand River at West Montrose

2007-07-09T22:17:00.001-04:00

I've had a very busy few days. A friend is ill and there's been many hospital visits, doctor visits, etc.

I enjoyed a wee drive just about 10 miles up the road to West Montrose where the covered bridge is and the Grand River looked so inviting for a canoe ride--but not today.

St. Georges Anglican Church

2007-07-05T23:45:00.001-04:00

The last time I shared a photo of this lovely building was in the winter.

Mildmay Cemetery

2007-07-04T19:23:00.001-04:00

Click to see larger.

Oh, life is so busy right now. I thought that when summer would arrive that I'd have the time for all kinds of things.

Well, now with a new puppy, life is just one huge roller coaster! :)

I was up at my daughter's in Formosa, Ontario and just outside Mildmay, the town cemetery is located. I've often walked through this place looking at the inscriptions on the stone, wondering who the person was, who their family is and I always look at the years that are cut into the stones.

At the very back of the cemetery, is a line of very old stone. I'm not sure what to think of this. I wonder how and why they came to exist here at the back. The dates are all late 1800's and early 1900's but were they moved from some other cemetery? Do their family members know?

Do you ever wonder about these things when walking through the cemetery?