Market Munchies

It was a gorgeous +21°c in Ottawa today, so I ventured out with my ‘pack’ to do our favourite Sunday morning activity and walked over to Landsdowne Park where we poked our heads into the Winter Market at the Aberdeen Pavilion.  Mouks got his favourite cookie from Art Is In Bakery, which has a delectable assortment of squishy wholesome breads and flavourful goodies, and I opted for the addition of a healthy loaf of their ‘Crazy Grain’ bread, which does not disappoint! 

As we were running low on roughage, we nipped over to the Roots and Shoots kiosk and picked up a few bags of spinach, enough to make even Popeye proud!  Big D knows one of the Roots and Shoots crew through Phat Moose; Ottawa is a city with an abundance of cyclists and his shop is a hub for meeting some really interesting peeps.  For a number of years now we’ve been getting a 1/2 share  order throughout the summer and fall to bulk up on local farm fresh produce.  It’s amazing.  Plus… they also send out an email letting us know what’s in our biweekly drop, and even offer up some seasonal recipes.  And this year Big D has included some floral blooms in the bunch!  ❤

Photo challenge number 14, highlights a small section of the interesting architecture of the Aberdeen Pavilion where the winter market is currently housed; though I suspect it will soon move into the square outside the doors, for those scorching summer Sundays that Ottawa is renowned for. 

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Behind Closed Doors

There is so much beautiful scenery in Ottawa, and many stunning homes along the Rideau Canal.  On any given day, there is something to appreciate and admire.  When I was a young gal my imagination circled around fashion, house design and decorating, which I guess is where my passion for all things ‘designery’ really began.

My dad was a very talented finishing carpenter, and I remember going to the job site with him on a number of occasions, where he showed me how to install spindles, baseboards, towel racks and toilet paper holders, and it is where I practiced the ‘art of sweeping’, though I will admit, I far prefer the vacuum.  I think he showed me these things for a number of reasons; to encourage my independence, build my self-confidence and to have someone who could do the mundane tasks so he could focus on his custom creations.  I cherish those memories. They nourished my appreciation for design and for the time I was able to spend with him.  Still to this day, when I walk by a house, my imagination wanders… and I wistfully dream of what is behind that closed door.

Fittingly, with these special memories etched in my mind, today’s photo challenge #11 is of a stately front door along the canal, which I was drawn to because of it’s lovely architectural elements melding so cohesively with its surround. Sometimes, it is the smallest details that can make something special, and what we may dismiss as the insignificant moments that can create such warm memories.

Shadow of a Doubt

The past few weeks, we’ve been teased and taunted.  Ottawa winters can be a challenge as we balance the frigid wind, heavy snow and grey days with the moments of sunshine that grace us on any given day.  But even on the darkest of days, we know, without a shadow of a doubt that when the sun peaks out between the clouds, spring is near.

Photo Challenge # 10 was taken along the Rideau Canal foot/bike path on Queen Elizabeth Drive near Patterson Creek.  (And I actually think spring may have finally arrived!)

Winter Thaw

I stumbled upon this outstanding tree;
Tall and regal; branches stretched upwardly to the sky.
Partially diseased, yet so beautiful in is simplicity.
Holes bored into its trunk, with purpose and ambition.
Crevices dancing in contrasts of darkness and light.
Segments of bark gently flaking, silently falling to their death below;
Magnificent colours and textures splendidly revealed in the spring thaw.

Photo Challenge Number 8