A Walk Through This Past Month

Lots of things business-wise to get done, plus Christmas, etc. have put me well behind in my blogging.  So rather than let another day go by without any words, thought I might show some of what I saw on my morning walks around the 'hood for the last 30 days:

As soon as American Thanksgiving is over, the large homes in the neighbourhoods are professionally festooned for Christmas.  These urns are just massive.

In front of a century home on Park, there's this wonderful old Hamamelis, blooming at the end of November.

More folks are growing Hydrangea quercifolia (I suppose if you live in Oakville, you must have an Oakleaf Hydrangea.).  Their colour this year is outstanding.  Considering the onslaught of Japanese Beetles this summer, the leaves look pretty good.

At one point in mid-December our temperature was warmer than Los Angeles - we had 12C - they were at 8C.  The ground is still softish.  In theory, if you can get a shovel into the ground, there's still time to plant tulips.

This Kale is definitely a do-over.  One of the few mornings it was hit with frost.

Another house down by the lake, with lovely cedar rope and ribbons.

It wouldn't be Christmas without my birch bark buddies.

Boards are up, ready to roll.  All we need is some cold, snow and a hose.

This was the morning of my Christian Women's Fat and Sugar Exchange Preparation Day (Cookie Baking) with my friend Norma.  The better shot would have been outside, I just didn't feel like scurrying out into cold in my jammies.

I can't believe we're still getting viable Kale into December.  The photo below this one, shows the Black Seeded Simpson germinating 4 months early.  I suppose we've had just enough cold weather for it to think that it's time to start growing.

The long shadows and golden light make these grasses look marvellous.

This is the public pathway in front of this lovely garden.

This home never disappoints when it comes to Christmas.  Will go back to get the night effect - truly over-the-top terrific.

Here's a question.....can you guess what's going on here?  Stay tuned.

Excellent fuzzy-wuzzies down by the lake.

At this time of year, most of the colour comes from the sunlight - on a dull grey day - the rusts are practically non-existent.

Just last week, it was unbelievably still and quiet on Lake Ontario.

Swan fluffing.

Hard to resist taking this one.

A person could get some serious urn-envy.

Kevin and I managed to get out to the Royal Botanical Gardens at least once.  Looks like Mr. Beaver's been busy.

On Sunday, there was just a wee bit of frozen ice on the surface of the water.

Lots of little birds helping themselves to the treats left by visitors.

This is what it looks like on the shortest day of the year at around 8:00 in the a.m.  I like the fact that so many people have light sensors on their Christmas lights - at least when it's this dark, you have something bright and shiny to look at.

Look at how tall and thin we are.  Do you think that this is why folks eat so much at this time of year?  No problem with that extra cookie - look at how svelte we are!

and here's the question answered - someone is getting a nice heated driveway for Christmas.  (Dec 3)

(Dec 5)

Here's one family who'll be singing, "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!"

If I don't have a chance to say it closer to the day, please have a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!