A bridge very far

Construction of a new highway bridge over the Rouge River, near Grenville, Québec, is a huge undertaking. As many observers point out, judging from the series of steps, workers must need a break after they arrive on the job site.

Living log

Nature is everywhere, even in dark, damp shallow ditches where I found this piece of wood that had become a medium for new growth.

Dog day afternoon

Another muggy day in Hawkesbury. At noon, lunch -- including a batch of French fries -- is on the stove. The family pet, a large dog, happens to brush past the stove. The pot of hot oil spills onto the floor. Within seconds, the house is an inferno. Police have to force a neighbour to leave. The fire fighters battle the blaze for the rest of the day. Fortunately, nobody was hurt, the dog got out safely, and the house across the street, perhaps with some intervention from the Blessed Virgin Mary, sustained only minor damage to the vinyl siding.

And then the rain came, again.

Tour de East Hawkesbury

Neither wind nor rain nor stiff breezes can prevent hardy clutches of cyclists from pedalling along country roads on summer Sunday mornings. Locals, including cattle, are used to seeing large groups merrily making their way along East Hawkesbury roads. In fact, cycling is a major element of our region's efforts to attract more visitors.

Riverfront property

This summer residence has been gradually becoming immersed in the Ottawa River in Hawkesbury over the last few months.

Dew lines

We have had another damp summer, so far. But the greenery does not seem to mind.

Horse parade

The annual Vankleek Hill horse and buggy parade is always a colourful event.

Behind evey horse parade, there is someone cleaning up.

Noon shooting

Hawkesbury is a small, quiet town, most of the time. But like most communities, it has, like a 35-year veteran police officer said recently, that ten per cent of the population that gets into trouble. Police cordoned off this street where an hour earlier, a 63-year-old woman had wounded a 69-year-old man in the neck and abdomen with a rifle. "The cops told her to put the gun down, and she did," said a witness. The victim, who knew his assailant, was in hospital recovering from serious, non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation continues.

That is the cold way we tend to report such "incidents." But obviously, the whole story did not start and does not end here. We can never accurately report what events preceded this incident, nor can we attempt to report the aftermath, and the long-term effects these few horrible moments have had and will have on those directly involved and those who witnessed this incident.

"Things like this do not happen in Hawkesbury," said one young woman.

Fine, famished friend

Ronna's chipmunks have had to be even more alert lately as this blue jay has taken to swooping down on their free food.

Refreshing rain

The persistent rain has been good for the crops and gardens. Pea plants have their own special way of retaining moisture.

Canada Day movements

St-Eugène, a village in eastern Ontario near the Québec border, hosts a Canada Day parade that features all sorts of entries, such as a tiny team, and a camouflaged tractor with a military theme.

Celebration time

This is triple festivity time - the Summer Solstice, St-Jean-Baptiste and Canada Day. Not to mention the many June birthdays. And the 4th of July!

It is a great time to spark up a bonfire and let off some fireworks.

Bonne fête!

Proven technology

One of the many highlights on the local events calendar is the annual Ste-Anne Antique Fair, where visitors can appreciate proven technology from the past.

A survivor

Giving the thumbs up, Bridan Russett, 3, of Dunvegan, Ontario, rides atop the shoulders of his dad, Brian, during the cancer survivors' march that kicks off the annual Relay for Life, a 12-hour walkathon that raises money for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Bridan was one of the youngest cancer survivors who took part in the emotion-charged opening. He also was the epitome of the theme of the event: Celebrate, remember, fight back.

On patrol

It is beautiful and graceful, yet this bird, a turkey vulture, is on aerial patrol for dead creatures.