Summer growth

This has been another humid summer in our part of the world. Conditions have been great for gardens, which have produced splendid flora, such as this lily in Ronna's summer, and the less spectacular, such as this natural water receptacle that has latched onto one of my trees.

Nature, go figure.

Another sushi fan

Ronna serves up a helping of sushi to Barny, who has quickly developed a taste for raw fish, along with raw birds, toads and most any other forest creature he can get his tiny yet strong paws on!

Hosta vistas

The hostas Ronna gave me last year have bloomed.

Hummer

Ronna's flower garden attracts an assortment of creatures, none of which is more entertaining, or fast, as this hummingbird, which makes frequent yet brief visits to the colourful foliage.

No cell phone

When we took in a tour of the former L'Orignal Jail, just down the road from Hawkesbury, Ronna made the mistake of complaining about the absence of cable TV service in her room and well, she made a public spectacle of herself.

Young performers

At the Vankleek Hill, Ontario fiddle and step dancing contest, if your toe is not tapping, you had better check your pulse. There is always a fiddle tune being played somewhere.

For the young competitors, however, waiting in the wings, and watching the opposition, can be nerve-wracking.

Son of a bee

So, you are working like a son of a bee, probing for sweet stuff while trying to stay airborne and some guy keeps taking your picture. It is time to get back to the hive and plan a sting.

Doll faces

Each year, the town of Vankleek Hill hosts a town-wide garage sale. As usual, there is the
assortment of Barbies and pretty faces.

Double dip

Ronna will soon be an expert in the world of chipmunks because a little colony of the critters seems to have adopted her place as a summer home. Of course, they are well fed.

On Top of Calgary

After seeing the sights of Calgary, Ronna decided to relax by ascending to the top of the Calgary Tower and casually surveying all that surrounded her on this, her last day of a whirlwind of her Alberta. She gained a new perspective on this bustling city, and even better, got a souvenir penny!

Lake Louise Frame

As we entered the magnificent hotel at Lake Louise, we realized that there was no escaping the incredible scenery. The brilliant reflection of the outdoors seemed to form a blue pool on a table in a hotel restaurant. This was probably one of the few times we could get an unobstructed view of this natural wonder.

Nutcracker, sweet!

Yes, I will soon run out of Canmore trip photos! Meanwhile...while in Lake Louise we spotted this Clark's nutcracker (I think) patiently awaiting for the ice to melt so he could perform a pas de deux on the surface.

The fine line

One of the many picturesque roads near Canmore levels off on a plateau that overlooks a gorge where the whole town, and the Rocky Mountain backdrop, lies in front of you. The warning sign seems totally unnecessary, however, sadly, the tiny bronze plaque secured to the cliff (just above the fence to the right of the sign) bears witness to one person who fell to his death here not so long ago.

Rocky Mountain View

Looking at the incredible Rockies, and the obstacles they presented the trailblazers, one can see the routes -- some natural, some manmade -- that were available to the many who went west seeking fortune, if not fame.

Nice bear

Somewhere between Banff and Canmore, we disturbed this grizzly bear which was frolicking in the spring sun after a long hibernation. Fortunately, he did not attack the intruders.