Taking photographs of water never gets old for me. It moves, it reflects, it attracts wildlife.
It is never the same twice. You can take a photo a day or an hour of a pond, lake or river and it will always be different from the one before.
Summer finds me near water, as I mentioned here, and with my camera or camera phone always handy. Here are some of my favourite shots taken, of water (that haven’t made it to Ye Olde Blogge as yet).
Rolled out of bed and ran straight to the dock to capture this one. On Corry Lake.On a summer’s early morning walk in the Village.Village Heron in the Mist. Blew the photo up so much, it looks like a painting instead of a photograph. I like that effect.Village Swan.Mist from the Village Dam.Mill Pond Clouds and Reflection.Reflected Sunset, Mill Pond.
Looking back at San Francisco. Love the long shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Sun setting on Lake Erie.Cleveland under a full moon.
This summer no doubt I will be filling up my camera with yet more water scenes. Can’t wait!
What are your favourite subjects for photography?
Rock on,
The WB
Can you guess my theme for this year’s A-Z Challenge? All of my A-Z posts this month will be tied into my theme, which is represented by the title of a song that was popular when I was a child. Can you figure it out as the days (and posts) go by? Leave your guesses (one per day only, please) in the comments. At the end of the challenge, I will reveal the theme. Have fun!
Having a favourite beer or cooler to bring to a summer barbecue or other social gathering is practically de riguer around here. I don’t much like coolers though, because I find them too sweet. Then, last summer, I discovered a cooler-type drink that is perfect for me. No sugar, but plenty of fizz and refreshing in flavour. I tried my first SoCIAL Lite, and I was hooked.
THE drink of last summer
And so were many others apparently, because it was hard to find in stock at the liquor store. So, what’s poor badass widow to do? Well, I improvised.
Let’s call this Anti-SoCIAL Lite, shall we?
Not as convenient to take somewhere, but more than adequate for having people in, or enjoying alone on the patio (of course) with a good book. Hopefully this year, it will be easier to find the premixed version in stock, to take along when visiting. (Are you reading this, SoCIAL Lite?)
What is your favourite summer drink?
Rock on,
The WB
Can you guess my theme for this year’s A-Z Challenge? All of my A-Z posts this month will be tied into my theme, which is represented by the title of a song that was popular when I was a child. Can you figure it out as the days (and posts) go by? Leave your guesses (one per day only, please) in the comments. At the end of the challenge, I will reveal the theme. Have fun!
And nothing is easier than wearing a summer uniform.
I have 2 pairs of short loose-legged pants…not sure what the proper term is…culottes, cropped pants? Whatever. I love them. But they are old. At least 10 years old. And I anticipate they won’t last much longer and I don’t know where to find their replacements, in terms of quality and fabric.
Love these cropped pants. I also have an identical pair in black. They are both in the wash every week in the summer. Also note the Birks – part of the year-round summer uniform.
These pants travel like a dream. They can be hand washed in a hotel room sink, wrung out, and be dry and wrinkle-free in the morning. I once spent 2 weeks on the road in California, Oregon and Washington State with only these 2 pair of pants, 2 tops, a sweater, and a jean jacket.
They weren’t anything fancy or expensive when I picked them up at the mall. Not touted as some techno-marvel travel pants. Yet that’s exactly what they turned out to be.
I also love these Crocs sandals. I wear them until the tread is worn so thin they are absolutely life-threatening dangerous to wear on a slick surface.
My second pair of this type. Needs replacing this summer.
And that is the state that this current pair is in. I hope Crocs are still making them because I want to purchase pair #3 this summer.
Any suggestions on where to get some light-weight, easy-care cropped pants for summer? What clothes/shoes make up a “summer uniform” for you?
Rock on,
The WB
Can you guess my theme for this year’s A-Z Challenge? All of my A-Z posts this month will be tied into my theme, which is represented by the title of a song that was popular when I was a child. Can you figure it out as the days (and posts) go by? Leave your guesses (one per day only, please) in the comments. At the end of the challenge, I will reveal the theme. Have fun!
I regularly walk down to a trail in the Village that follows the Speed River all the way to another town.
In the summer, I also regularly encounter turtles on this walk. Many, many turtles.
Some are actually on the trail.
Snapping turtle on pathHead on (in?) view. Likely a female, heading off to lay eggs or coming back from the same.
But most of the turtles I see are sunning themselves on logs and branches in the water. On the river, or in a pond across the trail from the river.
Only 2 on this log. I have seen up to half a dozen crammed here at one time.Close up of painted turtle
And there are lots of turtles to be seen under the water as well, if you stand still and focus on small movements on the surface.
Two turtles in the pond.
I just love seeing these ancient-looking creatures on my walks. I usually stop counting at around 40.
Indigenous people believe the 13 moons of the lunar calendar are represented by the sections on the turtle’s shell.
I feel blessed to be living in such a turtle-rich area.
Is there a wild creature in your area that you just love to see each summer?
Rock on,
The WB
Can you guess my theme for this year’s A-Z Challenge? All of my A-Z posts this month will be tied into my theme, which is represented by the title of a song that was popular when I was a child. Can you figure it out as the days (and posts) go by? Leave your guesses (one per day only, please) in the comments. At the end of the challenge, I will reveal the theme. Have fun!
Look at me go. Can performing advanced yoga poses on the SUP be far behind? (Actually, yes. Very far behind.)
A couple of summers ago, I got to try out a stand up paddle board, at my sister and her wife’s place. It was their neighbour’s, who very neighbourly offered it for use when she wasn’t at her cottage.
I thought I’d find myself falling off the board and sputtering in the lake after about 5 seconds but that never happened. I guess I have more innate balancing ability than suspected.
Wheee! I’m doing it, I’m doing it!!!
Ever since then, I’ve had a hankering to do more of this. I have my eye on an inflatable SUP that is getting great reviews, from Costco. But maybe not this year. Unless I can sell one of my kayaks. Because people are starting to talk. 😉
Have you ever tried stand up paddle boarding? Have you tried an inflatable board?
Rock on,
The WB
Can you guess my theme for this year’s A-Z Challenge? All of my A-Z posts this month will be tied into my theme, which is represented by the title of a song that was popular when I was a child. Can you figure it out as the days (and posts) go by? Leave your guesses (one per day only, please) in the comments. At the end of the challenge, I will reveal the theme. Have fun!
In the summer, I like to hit the road. Whether for a few hours, a day, or a weekend – the long, temperate days and good driving conditions make it a joy to range further afield.
I have plans for taking much longer road trips, once I am retired. I wrote about that here (during last year’s A-Z Challenge), and also here.
I am still thinking about this almost daily and flip-flopping between a trailer to pull behind me or a small RV (when I am not calculating how many nights’ stay in motel rooms would come close to the cost of either of these options – even second-hand). 😉
I am fortunate that my home is zoned commercial/residential, which means I can park a trailer or RV year-round on my property, even though I am in town – I checked with the by-law officer a few years ago.
My fantasy rig has me road tripping in full-on glamping style:
Like this.Or this.And the exterior looks something like this, on my fantasy trailer.And then there’s the fantasy RV.Fantasy RV interior.
So far my pros and cons list for each type looks something like this:
Small trailer Pros
Roomier
Can leave at campsite while using vehicle to explore surrounding area
Better for extended stays somewhere
Small trailer Cons
Have to learn to tow
Entering/leaving my driveway will be difficult (incline, and on busy street)
Need bigger vehicle than I currently own, in order to tow even the tiniest trailer
Camping Van Pros
Can fit in regular parking space
Easier to drive and manoeuvre
Better for trips in which only planning to stay 1-2 nights max in each place
Can rent one to try out before I buy
Camping Van Cons
Now I have to own and maintain 2 motor vehicles
Have to pack up the campsite every time I need to go to town or do some local exploring
Less space to move around in
I’m currently leaning towards the camping van, as I envision my first few years of road trips will be more driving around than staying in one place. Perhaps I could pack a bike or an electric scooter, for local exploring.
No matter what I decide upon, once I am retired I can chase summer year-round….Canadian road-tripping in the summer, and heading south of the border in the winter.
What about you? Is road-tripping your thing too? Any thoughts or advice to share? What would you choose – a trailer or an RV?
Rock on,
The WB
Can you guess my theme for this year’s A-Z Challenge? All of my A-Z posts this month will be tied into my theme, which is represented by the title of a song that was popular when I was a child. Can you figure it out as the days (and posts) go by? Leave your guesses (one per day only, please) in the comments. At the end of the challenge, I will reveal the theme. Have fun!
Sunset on the Mill PondMontreal summer sunsetHeading for a nighttime canal cruise in AmsterdamSun setting at my sister’s place on Corry LakeAmsterdam August full moon
And further to yesterday’s post about spending time on the patio:
Looking forward to those summer nights on the patio, once again
Summer nights are the best, for just being. What are your favourite ways to spend a summer night?
Rock on,
The WB
Can you guess my theme for this year’s A-Z Challenge? All of my A-Z posts this month will be tied into my theme, which is represented by the title of a song that was popular when I was a child. Can you figure it out as the days (and posts) go by? Leave your guesses (one per day only, please) in the comments. At the end of the challenge, I will reveal the theme. Have fun!
My aunt and uncle’s incredible patio, in the Netherlands. Inspiring!
In the summer, I do a lot of living on the Badass Rooftop Patio.
Newly finished rooftop patio in 2015Early morning coffee on the patioFirepot evenings on the patioEnjoying a cold one on the patioTrying out new camping gear on the patio
I love patio life – anywhere, anytime in the good weather.
Montreal brasserie patio – with Mizz CJ and her pup (and beers)In Cleveland, on a restaurant patio with my son and his girl.In Barbados, overlooking the ocean at Butterfly Beach Resort
Do you enjoy spending time on the patio? Where is your favourite patio?
Rock on,
The WB
Can you guess my theme for this year’s A-Z Challenge? All of my A-Z posts this month will be tied into my theme, which is represented by the title of a song that was popular when I was a child. Can you figure it out as the days (and posts) go by? Leave your guesses (one per day only, please) in the comments. At the end of the challenge, I will reveal the theme. Have fun!
In the warm weather, I like to wear open-toed shoes. I include sandals in this grouping.
I also really like shoes, and boots.
I decided to take a picture of my open-toed shoe collection today, since it is freezing rain out as I am creating this post, and the furthest thing from open-toed shoe weather as imaginable. As one does.
The whole open-toed shoe-bang, I think. I might be missing a couple of pair of flip-flops.Top level – dressierBottom level – more casual
I get the feeling my staff think I own too many shoes. Whenever a package is delivered to me at the office, they hand it to me and say “Shoes?” Ditto if they see me at my computer with my credit card out. “Buying shoes?”
I didn’t buy these all in one season, you know!
What about you? How many pairs of open-toed shoes do you own?
Rock on,
The WB
Can you guess my theme for this year’s A-Z Challenge? All of my A-Z posts this month will be tied into my theme, which is represented by the title of a song that was popular when I was a child. Can you figure it out as the days (and posts) go by? Leave your guesses (one per day only, please) in the comments. At the end of the challenge, I will reveal the theme. Have fun!
I grew up 90 minutes away from one of the biggest tourist attractions in the province of Ontario, dare I say in all of Canada: Niagara Falls.
My newly immigrated parents honeymooned at Niagara Falls, back in 1954. Their honeymoon consisted solely of a day trip to the Falls and stopping for Chinese food on the way home, because it was all they could afford. They didn’t even have a camera at that time so they could take photos.
However, when you are newly immigrated to Canada, and your relatives from the Netherlands (a different set every summer) want to visit, it means a lot of return trips to Niagara Falls and plenty of opportunities to take pictures.
So since their honeymoon, my parents managed to fill albums with photos of the yearly summer pilgrimage to the Falls. Here are just a few:
My mother and her mother at the base of the falls, 1964Tante (Aunt) Bep (actually my grandmother’s cousin) and Oom (Uncle) Joe, at Niagara Falls 1968?L-R: Tante Bep, Oom Joe, Baby Sis, Me, Lil Sis, Mom – in front of the Floral Clock. Dad behind the camera, natch. 1968?Floral Clock Niagara Falls, 1980s? (based on jogging suit I spy, just right of centre)Oom Henk at Niagara Falls, 1980s (based on acid-wash jacket)
I think I have been to Niagara Falls almost every summer since I have been alive.
There are pictures of me pregnant, pictures of me with the kids of varying ages, pictures of me with my ex, pictures of me with my last husband. And lots and lots of pictures of the Falls.
I’ve even ran a half-marathon at the Falls – in 2015.
Ready to run!The courseRace humourMom joins me to cross the finish line. One of my favourite shots of us. She wouldn’t finish out the year.
No doubt this summer I will be there again.
Do you have a place that you like to visit every summer?
Rock on,
The WB
Can you guess my theme for this year’s A-Z Challenge? All of my A-Z posts this month will be tied into my theme, which is represented by the title of a song that was popular when I was a child. Can you figure it out as the days (and posts) go by? Leave your guesses (one per day only, please) in the comments. At the end of the challenge, I will reveal the theme. Have fun!
Looking back at San Francisco. Love the long shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge. 
