Neighborly Toronto!

August 1, 2014 by Created by RCW

A wonderful photographer who likes to explore Canada set his sights on the street signs that define a swath of my home Toronto

O' Canada

The melting pot that is Toronto is notably defined by its many distinct neighborhoods. By the time I realized I was working on a theme with these signage shots I had already overlooked about a dozen or so too many feet-miles earlier to readily retrace my steps.

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A spot of colour in a B/W world

July 31, 2014 by Created by RCW

Oh no! I discovered a new toy…well, new to me.

Using Lightbox, I’ve learned how to convert a photo to black & white and then return to the colour to one or more component of the photo.

And now I’m distracted all to hell. And worse, a friend has a shopping list of images she wants for her apartment.

So, if you don’t hear from me for a while, at least you’ll know why.

: In the park near the beach

: Just peeking through

: Red nose from the jazz festival last weekend

: From my front garden

: My mom’s dog and its pink tongue

: On the beach near my apartment

PS Who knew all those colouring books would come in handy!?

Beaches Jazz Festival – Toronto

July 27, 2014 by Created by RCW

This weekend is the 26th Annual Beaches International Jazz Festival in the east end of Toronto, an oddly named celebration of eclectic music of all origins and stripes…not just jazz. In fact, in two years that I have visited this festival, I have yet to hear jazz more than 10% of the time.

Nonetheless, it is a very well attended party that keeps me largely locked in my home for three nights as it takes up 20+ blocks of street closures.

After being coerced into the melee by a couple of friends today, I offer the following images.

: The day was sunny and so was the eager crowd

: Sales were apparently starting to pick up for this cherub

: The shorter guitarist struggled to keep up

: This young guitarist seemed unimpressed

: For a guy entertaining kids, he looks pretty serious

: This Greek band definitely gave the street a Mediterranean feel

: As if one neck wasn’t more than enough

: The percussionist was a man of many talents

: The hat was everywhere on the strip

: People of all races joined into the festivities

: He didn’t specify what year he was awarded his prize

: Man could definitely rock the accordion

: They just showed up to have their picture taken

: High energy, high tempo, high spirits

: The young singer wanted the world to know her feelings

: Keyboardist never flinched a muscle

: Love the dog’s look of “What the…?”

: Although not actually playing blues

: She croons lovingly into the mics ear

: Guitarist has a great evening

: The festival gives you a 360 degree view of things

: A group at the waffle cart crowd in for a selfie

Day at the Beach – Not Feathers

July 15, 2014 by Created by RCW

Birds seemed to be my primary focus on Sunday while I wandered the boardwalk in the east end of Toronto.

Today, it is the grand compilation of everybody else.

: I wanted the boat to be clear, but I now think I prefer it this way

: Every year I see new and wonderful insects in the area…going to have to look this guy up

: These roses have become like wildflowers around the city

: For the clink of coin, this guy will probably play Jailhouse Rock

: Squirrels are like pigeons with fur in Toronto…but cuter

: This pup gamely went out time after time when his owner couldn’t manage to hold onto the ball

: The flies were out in force today, but can you fault anyone who likes roses?

: The wind was high and so was the kite, which threatened to pull him off his feet

: A couple ants were tending their flower bed

: The island airport (Billy Bishop) is not far from my home

: This was my first wild rabbit in the city…almost missed him, he was so small

: It would seem snails believe nutrition remains in other’s leavings.

: My beloved city skyline framed

Day at the Beach – Feathers

July 14, 2014 by Created by RCW

So, despite some early morning rain, Sunday ended up being a beautiful hot day in Toronto. And where better to spend such a day than wandering the boardwalk along Lake Ontario in the east end of the city.

At first, I wondered where the hell everyone was…the beach was almost deserted. Had traffic and construction finally gotten the better of everyone? And then it dawned on me: World Cup!

The day got that much more beautiful.

I’ll have another set of photos tomorrow, but here are some images of the birds that came out to play. Not all are technically wonderful photos…mostly a sign of how bright it was, how far off the birds were and/or how much I still have to learn about using my camera.

Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy.

: Before dining on popcorn, this little beauty checks the photographer is cool

: These little guys were having a high old time chasing each other in the dead tree

: I like catching birds in flight, if I can…this was the best of the gulls

: Less hip-hop and just coming into his colourful plumage

: After morning rains, a deep puddle makes a good starling bath

: A male sparrow makes the most of someone’s lost popcorn kernels

: My camera struggled to focus on these swift moving guys

: Too graceful for gulls, these snow geese flapped in the far, far distance

: After shepherding the kids, mom needed to stretch

: Feathered environmentalists, the starlings share their bath water

: A young starling lets his momma know that it’s lunch time

Meanwhile, in BC – Campbell River, Qualicum Beach

July 4, 2014 by Created by RCW

The final batch of photos from my brief vacation on Canada’s west coast…in this case, from a Canada Day trip up Vancouver Island to Campbell River and around my mom’s house above Qualicum Beach.