to the warmer climes of the pacific northwest for 10 days.

It has been two years to the month, October 2006, since I have been to Vancouver Island and on that trip I drove, a lovely fall drive though changing colors of Jasper, Kamloops and over the Cochahalla to Vancouver, BUT at least a 15 hrs. drive.  Both trips triggered by family visiting, the daughter at UBC or occasions, last one a death of an older aunt and this one the remarriage of a younger sister. As much as I contemplated driving again and bringing the dogs ( visions of romping along the ocean shoreline), also considered price of gas which hit a high of $1.38/liter in Edmonton  but is now at about $1.19, and time time and stress of driving alone, decided to fly and really glad I did!!! Both West Jet and Air Canada had seat sales, and although one pays for many of the little extras such as seat selection,  meals etc...it was well worth it to have a clear flight Sunday of seeing the patch work  green and yellow quilt of prairie farms at harvest, snow covered tips of the Rockies and Bow Glacier, Kamloops,  stretched out at the beginning of the network of winding, sun reflecting BC lakes, rail lines and highways, green forest though some older clear cuts and now patch works, and finally the Gulf Islands and Mt. Baker.... all in 90 minutes!

Monday was the autumnal equinox and the shift in weather in Edmonton from hot sunny days was dramatic, in just one day, with plunging temperatures and constant rain. Found myself actually abit moody on the change but able to be out abit in the yard since.  Somewhat surprised at the 4 small tomato plants put next to the back deck last May.

As frost is getting closer every night,  thus finally needing to pick tomatoes aka toppled bush on right!.Harvest of Manitoba and Beefsteak tomatoes

Romas still on the vine

Green tomatoes to ripen in cold room.

Compost bin full with grass clippings and tomato leaves...lawn mowers great for raking leaves
Solar clothes dryer...love mine can't understand how some neighbourhoods don't allow them!

I have Millcreek in full fall colours..can't get much better than this!



Dogs in creek in ravine..hot days
New guinea giant imaptiens plants
Canada thistle
Bursting seed pod

I love the pale yellow and greens and soft contrasting fall light that produces it

The following sheet says it all...children aged 15 and under and 5  adult bus tickets for a dollar.... Edmonton Transit is celebrating a100 years of history from rail cars to trolleys to LRT.

A very " hand ons " display in downtown square including different models of buses, complementary tours and display tent. Asked about memories.. I would have been in high school when those fares in effect and the only time I ever skipped was taking the bus to the downtown library to study for finals...so stayed on the same one #1 with my father who went to his office. I do also remember in elementary years the " Bookmobile " or traveling library that arrived weekly. Here are some dated advertisements.

The last few days the trees are just beginning to turn and thus some lovely walks and bike rides .Millcreek Ravine with pool and downtown at a distance..beginning of fall colours evident in the river valley here.

My destination treat was coffee and mixed berry crepe at local cafe.

Remember that they can’t do a lot of things for themselves and that they depend on you to make their life a quality life!

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years.  Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me.  It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don ‘t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as
punishment.  You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but
I have only you.

5. Talk to me.  Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself
if something might be bothering me.  Perhaps I’m not getting the right
food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old
or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old.  You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me pl ease.  Never
say you can’t bear to watch.  Don ‘t make me face this alone. 
Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

~Take a moment today to thankful for your pets.  Enjoy and take good
care of them.  Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience
without them.

in the middle of a project I often get discouraged so taking some before and after shots are helpful.

A weedy overgrown driveway and peeling garage is what I came home to in August. 

As the weather was hot  and dry and these days are few this time of year, decided to tackle the end of garage starting with scaping..hard to reach top peak from top of the ladder.

After scraping, did priming with some left over white ceiling paint and finishing with white latex.semi-gloss.

From backyard colorful sunset about 9 PM... still finishing paintinglast touches of green trim, about a 6 hr. project.
     

This is a link sent to me by a colleague who is doing some relief social work on Baffin Island.... a fun link. Click here: Electric Oyster  http://www.electricoyster.com/electric3d/index.html

 Turn on your sound and move your mouse left or right and get the sensation of low level flying.

campaigning what is your preference?

Now just a Monday morning rant and yes, the election sign mysteriously appeared on the front lawn sometime yesterday afternoon, and whatever your leanings, do inform yourself and get out and vote on the appropriate day.

..... but getting closer every night. I thought the following night shots typlified the Alberta growth season which is typically frost free from Victoria Day in May to the end of Labour Day weekend in September. These absolutely are huge and beautiful sun flowers.

The building in the background is a government green house near the Legislature which sadly I discovered froom the notice there is now closed.    

Many towns and cities are often known by some unusual landmark, such as the giant Ukranian Easter egg in Vegreville.... well in Edmonton, it is our  man made waterfall into the North Saskatchewan River, off the High Level Bridge. This iron structure is a railway tressell bridge, built originally about 1910 for CPR, and a connector between Edmonton and Strathcona. These days the main deck has 2 lanes of one way north south car traffic and the upper deck is used by a tourist trolley car in the summer.

It gets turned on 2-3 times/year, usually on holiday weekends and was on last night from 9-11 PM.

Makes for great viewing and surprisingly interesting photo ops.

Was coolish as  temps went down to just above freezing, but the dogs and I wandered down about 9:30 PM.   The self portrait attempt as usual produces odd angles and my wonderfully square jawbut then some cyclists came along and got the dogs and I.

Did some experimenting later on the lap top and decided that black and white is effective. here is an original shot followed by B&W. and the sepia tones.

Side note..was abit annnoyed with Nanuq as she kept pulling on her
leash but as several of these shots were taken from the parallel LRT
walking bridge, it just might have been frightening for her.

I do like these and hope you enjoy!