Angie in TO

ALGONQUIN WINTER GET-AWAY

2012-02-16T06:14:00.000-05:00

The four of us with our hostess, Rachel, at Fox Lake Bed & Breakfast.

A winter escape to Algonquin Park last weekend with our friends Jim & Lynda for some birding was just what I needed to lift my spirits. We had such a good time we'll probably make it an annual trip.

One of the main reasons we wanted to go was to see Evening Grosbeaks, a lifer for 3 of us. They weren't hard to find, a flock of over a 100 were busy at the Visitor Centre feeders.

A beautiful male Evening Grosbeak.

The females are very pretty too.

After a good long look at the Grosbeaks, we did some trails where we saw and hand-fed Gray Jays and Chickadees. I also had another two lifers with White-winged Crossbills, and Pine Siskins. We also saw Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers and Blue Jays. We enjoyed our time in the park despite the bitter cold.

A beautiful Gray Jay.

We try to get to Algonquin every winter to see the Gray Jays as they don't come down to where we live.

Hand feeding Gray Jays is always a special treat.

We see Chickadees almost everywhere we go and it's usually pretty easy to hand feed them in the winter. On this day we saw a very unique Chickadee that got us all pretty excited.

Silly me, hand feeding a Chickadee.

A leucistic Chickadee. (Missing most of the colouring in his face) He was pretty cute, but shy.

See the difference?

We all really enjoyed the "winter weather", as Toronto has been pretty mild and not a lot of snow this winter. It was nice to get out and enjoy the snow and cold.

One of the wintery trails we followed.

I love this shot of the winter wonderland Rob took.

After a great day of birding we headed to our B & B for the night, Fox Lake Bed & Breakfast, in Huntsville. We had pre-arranged to have dinner there and were looking forward to it.

Our room for the night.

Jim & Lynda's room for the night.

The guest lounge.

Rob and Lynda enjoying a drink at the bar.

Another part of the sitting area.

Where we enjoyed a gourmet 5 course dinner.

The next morning during breakfast we enjoyed watching a flock of 30+ Blue Jays at their feeders, and also 4 deer.

The breakfast nook.

Not often we get to watch deer while having breakfast.

Before heading back to the city we made a stop at Arrowhead Provincial Park, but not many birds were around. We then decided to stop in Holland Marsh to see if the Snowy Owl was around that Rob and I had seen before, but would be a lifer for Jim and Lynda.

After one drive through we didn't see him, but on our way back out, there he was in all his gorgeous glory sitting atop a light post for us. It was a great way to end a great weekend.

A gorgeous male Snowy Owl.

Seeing the Snowy Owl was the perfect way to end a great weekend.

For more of Rob's bird photo's from this trip, please have a look at out new "Birding Blog".

WEDNESDAY WEIGH-IN - PROGRESS SO FAR

2012-02-15T04:52:00.001-05:00

I haven't seen the scale move much in the last six weeks and thought this be a good day to review my progress, and also see where I need to "step it up".

I'm not discouraged, the last six weeks for me were for breaking some unhealthy habits and I feel pretty good about that, but I am also knowledgeable enough to know that if I want to see the scale move in the down direction I need to make some bigger changes.

What I've been good at;
1. Gave up buying breakfast at Tim Horton's and take a healthy breakfast from home.
2. Cut back eating out for lunch and bring healthier lunch from home. And when I do eat out, it's a healthier option.
3. Staying away from potato chips.

What needs to be worked on;
1. I need to start getting some regular exercise, and will start with walking a couple nights a week.
2. I don't eat enough fruit.
3. Unhealthy snacking at bedtime.
4. Giving up that Tim's coffee before work in the morning has been tougher then I expected, replacing it with tea did not work. Might decide not to worry about this for now.
5. Still eating far too many sweets, need to cut back.

I think that gives me some good areas to work on over the next few weeks.

WEDNESDAY WEIGH-IN - STRESS EATING

2012-02-08T05:22:00.001-05:00

I recently went through a very stressful situation, still am, and for once, I haven't turned to potato chips for comfort.

I don't believe in cutting something out of your diet forever, but I made a decision for the year that I have so far stuck with, no potato chips this year. I haven't had a potato chip since December 31, 2011.

I have no portion control when it comes to them, it doesn't matter what size bag I open, I'm eating them all, period. I don't have that problem with any other food, so, for this year at least, I'm not having them, to prove to myself that I can do it.

I've had a few very tempting situations. One day I was coming home on the bus and a
teenage girl was eating a can of Pringles in the seat beside me. In the past, my first stop off the bus would of been at a Variety Store to get some for myself if the cravings were too much, but not that day. Rob and I grocery shop together and from time to time he will pick up a bag and bring them home, but never a flavour he knows I'd eat.

When I was seeing my nutritionist a few years back, I remember a conversation we had one day about chips, she said that she hadn't had a chip in about ten years and that she didn't even consider them food. I hope one day I can look back and think the same thing.

LOTS OF TITLES, BUT "MOM" TO ME

2012-02-06T12:05:00.002-05:00

Jeanette Joan MacAloney (Levy), November 30th, 1939 - January 24th, 2012

The last 15 months have been very difficult for me and my family; Mom's illness, slow diagnoses, surgery, nursing home placement and lastly, her passing. Even though I knew for months that my Mom was dying, it still shocked me when it happened. My Mom was also a wife, grandmother, aunt and friend, who will be missed by all who knew her. Below is a poem Mom chose for her service.

Grieve Not For Me

Grieve not for me, though I am gone,
For I am with you still.
God grant you the strength to carry on
And Understand his will.

A soft tear shed from time to time,
Will ease your sorrowed mind.
But live your life as fully
As you helped me live mine.

Time will heal the hurting heart,
Faith will see you through.
There's still a life for you to live,
With courage, I leave you.

Remember me with thoughts of peace.
Live each day with your heart.
Grieve not for me, though I am gone,
We're never far apart.

Thanks Mom, for everything.

SNOW BUNTINGS - FINALLY

2012-01-19T10:40:00.003-05:00

I waited a few years to get a good look at Snow Buntings and was very happy when it finally happened.

When your a "birder" and you finally see a bird that you've been wanting to see for a long time, and in this case, years, it's a thrilling experience.

One of these birds for me was the Snow Bunting. They have eluded me for years, unless I count little black spots that I had seen a couple times far off in a field and was told were Snow Buntings. That didn't count.

When we started visiting the Ruthven Banding Station this past spring, and I found out that Rick also banded these little beauties who visit in the winter I got super excited, as I knew my chances of seeing them this winter was almost a for sure thing. These bird can come from as far away as Greenland!

This past Sunday was my Snow Bunting day. Rick let it be known Saturday evening where they were and that he'd be there banding Sunday morning. Rob and I headed over that morning as well and I finally got my first real look at Snow Buntings and even got to hold one!

Snow Buntings and Horned Larks.

Rick banding a Snow Bunting in the car while I watch from the back seat.

Rick handing me a Snow Bunting to release after he banded her.

A better look at a Horned Lark.

Rick told us the birds were skittish due some predators in the area, and weren't staying on the ground long.

After waiting about 30 minutes after the first and only land they made near the ground traps while we were there, Rick decided to pack up, as he'd been there a few hours and had banded some before we arrived. We decided to head over to the Ruthven grounds to see what we could see and enjoy a walk.

He told us to come back to the spot after our walk at Ruthven as the Snow Buntings would probably be around enjoying the cracked corn in the areas where the ground traps had been.

Enjoying a walk in the snow at Ruthven.

Birds seen at Ruthven included; Titmouse, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, White and Red-Breasted Nuthatches, Cardinals, Chickadees, House and Gold Finches, Junkos and Downy Woodpeckers.

We returned after a great walk and many sightings at Ruthven and Rick was right! The Snow Buntings were there and what an aerial show these birds put on for us! They fly together as a flock, it's like watching the Snow Birds! They fly around, land, eat for a while, and then do it all over again. They flew right over us at one point which was a joy to experience.

Here they come!

It was a memorable day.

WEDNESDAY WEIGH-IN - BROWN-BAGGING

2012-01-18T05:50:00.000-05:00

I've been doing really good at taking my lunch to work most days. Like taking breakfast, it helps the wallet as well as the waist line. I usually take a sandwich (lean protein, high fibre bread and low fat spread) with fruit and veggies or leftovers from dinner the night before, and pick up a small container of chocolate milk to have with it.

I have been allowing myself to go out for lunch once a week, usually for sushi, but that's a big difference from eating out 3-4 times a week like I was last year.

The small changes I've made in my lifestyle so far have been pretty easy to stick too, the harder ones are yet to come; giving up my morning double double from Tim's, cutting out week night, night time snacking and starting to get some regular exercise. I have plans for how to make all these changes stick as well, so tune in next week to see how I do with the first.

SHEEP & SNOWYS ON AMHERST ISLAND

2012-01-14T07:30:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday Rob and I took another trip with Authentic Canadian Tours, a return trip to Amherst Island. Though we didn't see as many owls as we did on our first visit there, we had another fun-filled day with a great group of like minded people. We each had a "Lifer", saw a couple Snowy Owls, lots of Harriers and Hawks, and got to hand feed some hungry Chickadees. Stopping at the Big Apple on the return trip was a great way to end the day.

This visit we stopped at Topsy Farms where gorgeous, traditionally made wool products are available for purchase in a cute little shed or you can order products online. Their herd of sheep is over 1200!

A couple of the sheep enjoying the mild winter day.

The "Wool Shed", where traditionally made wool products such as hats, blankets, mittens, and yarn can be purchased at great prices. Next time I go back I'm buying a blanket!

I bought a pair of mittens for me and "Texting Mittens" for Rob, I thought they'd be good for photography. The mittens are lined with unprocessed wool so they aren't itchy!

We had some good views of a Rough-legged Hawk, a lifer for Rob and I. I liked Rob's picture of him flying away.

Our first Snowy of the day was sitting in an unoccupied Osprey nest far off in a farmers field. They usually don't perch so high, guess she liked the view.

Our second Snowy was a lot closer. What a big beautiful girl she was!

Another fantastic day.

WEDNESDAY WEIGH-IN - SMALL CHANGES

2012-01-11T05:59:00.000-05:00

One of the first small goals I set for myself for the new year was to stop buying breakfast at Tim Horton's on my way to work. When I started my new position in October of 2010 I got into the bad habit of getting a muffin or a bagel with cream cheese almost daily. This wasn't only bad for my waist line, but my wallet as well.

I get up really early, between 4:30am and 5am on weekdays and I really don't feel like eating at that time of the morning. I am happy to say I have started taking my breakfast with me everyday, a bowl of healthy, high fibre cereal that I like. This was such an easy fix, I don't know I why it took me so long to make the change.

I actually look forward to my bowl of cereal at my desk every morning around 7:30am - 8am, and know that this is one small change that is going to stick.

A LOOK BACK AT MY 2011

2012-01-05T20:32:00.000-05:00

Mom and I being silly when I visited her in October.

When I think of the past year the first thing that comes to my mind is that my Mother was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in April, and my life was forever changed. Surgery, hospital stays, nursing home placement, not really the stuff one wants to remember. But, as I looked back over my blog posts from the past year I noticed something. I made a lot of happy memories too, and those are the moments I would like to share as I look back at my 2011.

January- Rob and I take a snowy drive up to Huntsville for the weekend to celebrate our 7th "togetherness" anniversary. Though the drive up wasn't fun, we had a great time once we got there visiting Algonquin Park.

Hand feeding a Chickadee in Algonquin Park, always fun.

February- Rob and I spend most of our weekends winter birding.

My first Long-eared Owl!! Rob captured this photo one February weekend out, this photo won first place in the Ontario Green Party's calendar contest in 2011.

March- Two rather exciting things happened in March. First, I went to a Canadian Music's Week event featuring a live interview with my teen idol, Nikki Sixx. And two, we got to help out the Canadian Peregrine Foundation during the Sportsman's Show. I should mention that this got to happen because we met some great people, who we now call friends, on our first tour with Authentic Canadian Tours the month before.

Nikki Sixx leaving after his interview. I was this close, no zoom required.

Me holding "Alex" a beautiful female Great Horned Owl for CPF at the Toronto Sportman's Show. What a thrill for me!

April- I go home to Nova Scotia when my Mom is diagnosed and stay almost two weeks while she undergoes surgery. My older brother goes home too, for the first time in over 20 years. We all try to make the best out of a horrible situation.

May- After returning from Nova Scotia, I have a week off with Rob and we visit Point Pelee National Park for the first time with our friends, Jim and Lynda. I escape into my "birding world" and we see more species and have more lifers then we have since we started birding! We definitely became true "bird nerds" on this trip. We also take the first of many trips to the Ruthven Bird Banding Station and get a taste for banding birds.

Rob, Jim and Lynda during our first visit to Point Pelee National Park.

A Black-and-White Warbler, just one of many warbler species we saw on the trip.

Me releasing a male Baltimore Oriole.

Rob banding a Tennessee Warbler.

June- I celebrate my 42nd birthday! We visit Mountsberg Conservation Area and enjoy another "Raptor Encounter". We spend time with our favorite Barred Owl, Teddy. Little did we know it would be our last, she passed away 3 months later. She was a special owl and is greatly missed.

Teddy and I sharing a moment.

Rob took Teddy for a walk and got lots of attention in doing so.

July- We are surprised by an email from the Muskoka Wildlife Centre, asking us if we are still interested in sponsoring their Saw-whet Owl, Luna. We expressed interest in 2009, but she was already sponsored and didn't think the opportunity would come after she won the new critter contest that summer for Telus. We are thrilled to become her new sponsors!

Luna wins the new face of Telus!

Luna back in 2009 when we first "met" her.

August- I decide to do the I Love All Access package again for one of my favorites bands, Def Leppard. Only this time I have to go alone because my concert buddy is away. I end up having a great time anyway and meet their guitarist, Phil, AGAIN! YAY ME!! Our house gains another feather head the very next day.

Me and Phil, second time meeting him and I was missing my concert buddy Brian bad at this point.

Spotted this little guy roaming around our yard the day after the concert, good thing I took the day off work! "Moonie" is now part of our family.

September- Rob celebrates his 42nd birthday! I surprise him with a private photo shoot at the Muskoka Wildlife Centre as part of our weekend away to Algonquin Park.

Rob with Luna during his private photo shoot.

Feeding a Gray Jay in Algonquin Park, I love doing this!

October- I go home to spend a few days with Mom and have a good visit with her. I make her laugh as much as I can. Back in Ontario, later in the month, Rob, myself, along with Jim and Lynda visit an amazing organization called "The Owl Foundation".

Spending time with Mom.

It was an honour to meet Kay McKeever, the founder of the Owl Foundation.

Angie the Psycho Clown, Halloween was memorable this year.

November- Rob and I have a weeks vacation and have a lot of fun, including a crazy Halloween, a trip to the Ruthven Banding Station and our first trip to Amherst Island where we see our first Saw-whet Owl in the wild!

Our first wild Saw-whet Owl!

December- Was full of loads of festive fun and lots of socializing!

Handing out some goodies to friends at a get together at our place.

Enjoying "High Tea" with girlfriends at Jen's Annual Christmas Tea.

And that was our 2011, here's to a great 2012!

WEDNESDAY WEIGH IN - THE BEGINNING

2012-01-04T05:52:00.002-05:00

As some of my more loyal readers know, I had another blog a couple years back when I first entered my 40's about trying to lose some weight. I haven't posted on that blog for about a year and have decided not to continue with it.

I let too many distractions and personal set backs keep me from trying to reach my goals and used many excuses as to why I should wait until "whatever" was happening at the time was over to continue.

I have been humming and hawing about whether I was going to blog about my weight anymore, but finally reached a decision last night that I would. I know from past experience that blogging about my quest to shed some weight and gain a healthier lifestyle keeps me motivated.

I have decided to do a weekly post, "Wednesday Weigh In". This post won't just be about what the scale says every Wednesday and I probably won't share my weight weekly at all, maybe monthly or when a milestone is reached.

Creating a healthier lifestyle is about so much more then what the number on the scale says. I will be blogging about my personal goals to replace unhealthy foods and habits with healthier ones, my goal to get some regular exercise, and sharing recipes and any little tip at all that's helped me.

Don't get me wrong, I want to lose weight, I just don't want the focus to be on the scale. I learned a lot when I was doing the other blog and seeing a nutritionist, and the one thing I remember well is to celebrate changes in the lifestyle, the scale will catch up eventually.

Now, a brief history on me and my weight gain. I was one of those really skinny kids/teen, and a size 5/7 all through my twenties without worrying about exercise or what I ate, and I ate poorly. All that changed in my 30's. And I would be lying if I said that weight was the one thing I thought I would never have to worry about. I was so wrong.

I have gained 50lbs in the last 7 years. I'm now at a weight that puts me at risk for diabetes and other health complications. This is about so much more then looking great in a pair of jeans.

I know why I gained the weight, unhealthy eating habits and very little exercise, I didn't change my lifestyle as I aged. It's like a slap in the face when your body turns on you, and I ignored it. I mean, I hadn't changed anything, I just continued to do what I always had, except this time my body started to gain weight. Letting go of the anger I felt at my body was the first step, I did that ages ago, now it's time to make up for it.

I weighed in this morning at 210lbs, I've bounced between 206lbs and 210lbs for the past year, so the fact that it's not more is actually a little success in itself, especially with the holidays just finishing.

I felt and looked good when I was between 160lbs-169lbs, so that's my final weight goal. 169 is also the highest I should weigh for my age/height for health reasons, so it is important to me to get back there. My first weight goal is to get out of the 200's, but I have lots of subjects to blog about until that happens!

Rob told me last night "you can do this", and with his love and support, I do believe I can.

THE NEW YEAR AHEAD

2012-01-02T05:52:00.001-05:00

Our New Years hats and horns.

It's just about 5am, and I am up getting ready for work, as I return today after being off since December 21st. For most people this is a stat holiday for News Years Day, but as ours was Dec. 30th, we've got to find our way in today, for me this means finding another bus to take me to the subway, as mine isn't even running today.

We spent a quiet New Years Eve at home, as per usual, and I am always just happy to make it til midnight, and I did. We spent the time watching Dexter, eating coconut shrimp and bacon wrapped scallops, and as always, watched the new year ring in down home in Nova Scotia. We have our own midnight rituals when 12am finally rolls around; Rob opens the back door to let the old year out, I open the front door to let the new year in, and we yell "Happy New Year" across the street to our neighbor who is doing the same. And just like that, a new year begins.

I thought instead of doing a post about my new years resolutions, I'd write about what I am most looking forward to this year instead.

This month I am doing a couple trips with Authentic Canadian Tours. Rob and I are both going to Amherst Island with them again this coming Saturday, and at the end of the month I am going to the Niagara Ice Wine Festival in Niagara on the Lake with them again, along with a few girlfriends.

I have purchased my ticket to go to Alberta for a week in April to spend Easter with my brother and his family. I haven't seen my nieces since we all went to Florida back in October, 2010. My nieces don't know I'm coming, so we're attempting to keep it under wraps this year and surprise them. I plan on going out every Easter from now on to spend time with them.

May, both Rob and I will be a taking a two week vacation to do as much birding as possible during Spring migration. We have a 3 night, 4 day tripped booked with our friends Jim & Lynda to visit Point Pelee again this year during this time.

June, Rob and I will be celebrating my birthday in Niagara on the Lake.

The summer months we don't stray too far from home, but enjoy plenty of time in our backyard.

September will most likely see us celebrating Rob's birthday up in cottage country.

October I have plans to revisit Florida with my friends Pat & Greg, and upon returning have another week off with Rob in November.

And December will roll around once again as will another new year.

AFTER CHRISTMAS BLUES

2011-12-30T06:43:00.000-05:00

The Christmas tree and decorations are packed away for another year. Rob has returned to work, I'm back to work on Monday and things are getting back to normal at our house.

I always go through a bit of "After Christmas Blues" at this time every year. I love the season so much, all the anticipation, the shopping, baking, and getting the cards and parcels mailed off, and then "Bam", it's over.

I'm trying some new things this year to help fend off the sadness that arrives every year. I've made a lot of plans for January with friends, and instead on focusing on what's over, I'm concentrating on what's coming up, and that does seem to be helping.

New years eve is tomorrow, and though Rob and I aren't 100% sure what we're doing yet, I know whatever we decide to go with, we're going to enjoy.

Christmas will be back again next year, and it's never to early for me to start thinking about that!

BOXING DAY BIRDING

2011-12-27T09:09:00.000-05:00

A beautiful male Snowy Owl.

For the past few years Boxing Day has meant "pajama day" around here, but not this year.

Rob and I decided to go birding. With all the Christmas preparations I haven't been able to get out birding much, and really missed it.

We went looking for a Snowy Owl and found a Snowy Owl and it was totally worth getting dressed for!!

I believe a new Boxing Day tradition for us was born yesterday, "Boxing Day Birding"!

This is as close as we walked to the pole he was sitting on, as we didn't want to spook him.

Looking at something we couldn't see.

If you are lucky enough to see an Owl in the wild, please keep a respectable distance, don't force him to fly and don't linger, they need their rest.

TIME ~ THE GREATEST GIFT

2011-12-24T07:36:00.001-05:00

Mom, December 2011.

I wasn't going to do another blog until after Christmas, but here I sit Christmas Eve morning while it's still dark outside and Rob still snuggled in bed, with a whirl-wind of thoughts going on in my brain that I just need to write down.

Christmas is an emotional time of year in the best of years, there is always the family drama, the Christmas stress and the memories of Christmases' past that you long for.

This year is even a little more emotional then others for me, with my Mom being so ill with terminal cancer. And I can't help but think of how strange tomorrow morning is going to be for my Dad when he wakes up in the house alone Christmas morning for the first time in over 40 years.

I love Christmas, always have, my Mother made them truly special for the family. But as I age, amidst all the joy, there is always a little sadness too, and that's ok. Christmas changes as we age, that's just the way it is. People move away from home, have families of their own and lose loved ones. I think we will always be homesick for memories that we can't return too.

This year I am so grateful that my Mom is still with us and I had that time with her in October. I am so looking forward to having Christmas with Rob and being able to spend time together on the days he's off, it's what I'm looking forward to most. I spent time yesterday with my brother and his family on Skype and watched my nieces open the gifts I sent. I will also spend time talking to my parents and other loved ones over the next couple days as well.

Time with loved ones truly is the greatest gift, not just at Christmas time, but all year through, don't waste it.

JEN'S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TEA

2011-12-20T04:48:00.001-05:00

Our Hostess, Jen.

Every December for the past few years, my friend Jen hosts an afternoon Tea at the lovely Victorian Garden Tea Room. I enjoy it every year as it's a great way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and enjoy some down-time with friends.

Me and Jenn. I hadn't seen her since April, so it was nice to catch up.

L-R; Yvonne, Patty and Jen.

R-L; Monica, Roma (Mrs. Vitra! Inside joke), Vitra, and Amanda.

L-R; Darlene, Sue and Anita.

The "Tea".

A gift for Darlene from the Bernice Flock.

These came home with me!! I had bought a pair of Christmas Canadian Geese in the gift shop there last year.

Here's to girlfriends!!

FOODIE FRIDAY ~ CHRISTMAS CASSEROLE

2011-12-16T20:03:00.000-05:00

Below is a recipe I cut out of a Chatelaine magazine in February, 2006 called Cheddar, pepper and potato bake. Rob and I now call it "Christmas Casserole".

It's the perfect dish to make Christmas morning, as it's easy to prepare and it cooks for an hour and fifteen minutes. I put it in the oven to cook while we unwrap gifts. I only make this dish Christmas morning, hence the name we've given it. I revised the dish after the first time I made it, and put my changes in brackets.

1 Can undiluted cream of mushroom or potato soup (I use mushroom)
1 Cup sour cream
1/2 Cup butter melted. (I only use a couple tablespoons)
1 TBSP paprika (If I bother with this, I just sprinkle it on top before baking)
1Kg Bag of frozen hash browns
1 each red and green pepper finely chopped (I only use half of each or sometimes none at all)
1 Large onion chopped ( I use a container of pre-chopped onion with celery for convenience)
1 Seeded jalapeno, finely chopped (optional, and I've never used one)
1 Cup chopped ham (I now use chopped bacon instead of ham)
2 Cups grated cheddar cheese (I like to use marble or old cheddar)
Salt & Pepper to taste

I suggest sauteing the vegetables in the butter for 3 to 5 minutes, though the recipe doesn't say this.

In a very large bowl stir the soup with the sour cream,butter,paprika,salt and pepper. Mixture will be lumpy. Stir in frozen hash browns until evenly mixed. Prepare and stir in vegetables, ham and 1 and a half cups cheese. Spoon into a 9x13" baking dish, smooth top and sprinkle with remaining cheddar. Cover dish tightly with foil.

Bake in a 400F preheated oven for an hour, remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes.

Good with scrambled eggs and sliced tomato.

Enjoy!

FESTIVE FUN & CHRISTMAS CHEER

2011-12-04T06:59:00.000-05:00

I do love playing Santa!

Nearly every year since moving to Toronto over 20 years ago I've had a few friends over at Christmas time. When I moved in with Rob he was kinda of nervous about this annual tradition of mine, not being the social guy, and worried he wouldn't be a good host. Now I think he looks forward to it as much as I do, and he actually pushed me to hold it this year when I had I decided I wasn't going too.

It's been a rough year for me emotionally, with my Mother's illness. These people have been a great support system for me. I'm truly blessed to have such wonderful friends in my life and enjoyed sharing some time with them to celebrate the holiday season.

A couple crazy Canucks, Darlene and Jenn.

Anita looking mighty happy to be standing between two handsome men, Rob and Brian.

Amanda, Pat and Vitra having some girl talk.

Greg and I enjoying some lobster chowder.

Brian, Amanda and Sue catching up.

Angie's Christmas Cheer!

I have been perfecting the recipe for this drink for the last four years, and this year I think I nailed it!

Angie's Christmas Cheer:

3 Cups Cranberry Cocktail
1 Cup Pineapple Juice
1 Cup 7Up or Sprite
1 Cup Vodka

Pour all ingredients into a pitcher, stir and refrigerate. Serve over ice.

Cheers!

DECEMBER 1ST ~ WELCOME!

2011-12-01T18:10:00.000-05:00

Our Christmas Tree, 2010.

December is one of my favorite months of the year, and I love turning the calendar page every December 1st. I can actually feel the energy in the air change when the energetic holiday season arrives.

I aim every year to have all my gifts bought, and parcels and cards mailed by this date, so I can relax and enjoy all the festivities of the season.

Oh, I know there are a lot of people who complain about the "commercialism" of Christmas, but my take on that is, you don't have to get caught up in that if you don't choose too, and I don't. I don't buy gifts because I feel I have too, I do so because I want too. The same goes for mailing cards, I want too.

For me Christmas isn't just a day, but it's the whole holiday season. I know about the birth of Jesus on Christmas day, but that isn't why I celebrate, and most of the traditions celebrated at this time of year have nothing to do with that famous birth, and date back to Pagan times, including Christmas trees, lights, etc. Not to mention all the other holidays celebrated by other cultures this time of year. But this post isn't about why you choose to celebrate or not, it's about why I love the season, so back to that.

I love all the socializing, pretty lights and Christmas traditions that I carry on from my childhood and the new ones Rob and I have started together.

Really, when it comes down to it, the season for me is about love.
It really is the one time of the year that people make the effort to spend time with friends, and family that they love, especially those that they may not see often enough.

Whether your sharing the season with your friends and family or donating time or money to the less fortunate. Love, tis the season, and I think Jesus would be just fine with that.

BRUNCH WITH THE GIRLS

2011-11-24T05:07:00.000-05:00

My new Couch purse came out for her debut.

This past Sunday I met up with a few of my girlfriends for brunch at Milestones on the Queensway. It was really nice getting together with everyone, as I hadn't seen some of them since April! The food was really good, and even though the wait for it to arrive was a little longer then normal, we didn't mind as the conversation and company were great.

This is going to be another "lazy blog" as I am still without a desktop and the laptop we have is very slow for uploading pictures. Teena did a blog about our brunch with lots of pictures, please enjoy her post here.

I enjoyed myself so much with the girls, I'm thinking of maybe organizing monthly get-togethers in the new year, like I used too.

AMHERST ISLAND ~ AWESOME!

2011-11-19T06:12:00.000-05:00

The water was a little choppy on the ferry ride back.

Last Saturday I took my 4th trip with Authentic Canadian Tours. This time to a tiny island in Lake Ontario, Amherst Island. It was a long, but fun-filled day. The highlight of the trip for us, besides meeting some great people, was seeing our first Northern Saw-whet Owl in the wild. I was so glad we got to experience another owl "lifer" together. I was so touched by seeing this adorable little owl in his natural habitat I burst into tears. It was truly a wonderful sight to see.

I was going to blog about our whole day, but the organizer, Murray, wrote such a wonderful blog about our day, I thought I'd just link his blog here.

And one of the great people we met on the trip captured some wonderful shots, that can be seen on her blog here.

Enjoy!

VACATION ~ THE HIGHLIGHTS

2011-11-12T04:28:00.001-05:00

All ready for the kids on Halloween!

Rob and I had a week off last week. Though we didn't go away, we kept pretty busy, here's the rundown.

Friday night I met a girlfriend after work and we checked out a new restaurant in Bloor West Village, Earth. I have to go back a second time to give an honest opinion, as some of it was really good, and some not so much. I believe in second chances, and this place will get one.

Saturday we did some local birding and I finally got to see a bird that Rob had seen last Fall for the first time, a Hooded Merganser. Saturday night we met our friends Jim and Lynda for dinner at Lucy's to celebrate Lynda's birthday.

A male Hooded Merganser.

Sunday we drove over towards Bellville to check out Presqu'ile Provincial Park. We had never been there before and enjoyed our visit. We will return there during migration and maybe during the winter, when owls are known to be there.

The lighthouse at Presqu'ile Provincial Park.

Monday was Halloween and we stayed home for the day. Halloween is always a good time on our street, for the kids as well as the adults. If the weather is good, and it was, it turns into a bit of a street party. It was great to have friends Juantia and Carrie join us too.

Angie the Pyscho clown!

Tuesday was a day of rest, much needed rest, from the Halloween festivities.

Moonie helping with the Halloween Hangover.

Wednesday we drove over bright and early to spend the day at The Ruthven Bird Banding station. Rob was thrilled when he got to band and release an Eastern Bluebird.

Getting ready to release a Chickadee after he was banded.

Thursday we went to the Kortright Centre, where the Canadian Peregrine Foundation's barn for their educational birds reside. We had a good visit with Frank, who we hadn't seen in a while and were also treated to a visit from a Northern Shrike.

A Northern Shrike at the Kortright Centre.

The highlight of Friday for me was trying a great new oyster restuarant!! Jake's Grill and Oyster House is in Burlington, and we went on our way back from birding in Hamilton. A co-worker of Rob's told him about it. We really enjoyed it, and already made plans to return.

A dory full of oyster shells outside of Jake's

Oysters!

Rob getting ready to enjoy some calamari.

Saturday was a lazy day at home for me, while Rob did yard work, followed by an evening of laughs at Brian and Amanda's.

Sunday we enjoyed the "Raptor Encounter" at Mountsberg Conservation Area for the 4th time. Even though we enjoyed it very much, our hearts were a little heavy at learning the news the day before, that "Teddy", a Barred Owl there had passed away in September. She had been a favorite of ours.

Holding "Bean", a Kestrel, for the first time.

Teddy, the Barred Owl, that resided at Mountsberg was a favorite of ours and will be greatly missed.

All in all it was a pretty good and much needed week off.

BLOGGING BREAK

2011-10-21T16:29:00.000-04:00

Seems I will be taking a bit of an impromptu blogging break for the next little while. Our computer hasn't been acting quite right the last few weeks and is in need of repair.

I'm doing this post from work, after hours, but that won't be happening again, I like to go home when my work day is done.

We hope to have it up and running again soon. Luckily we have a couple close friends who are good with these computer issues.

Til I write again....

BITTER SWEET

2011-10-20T17:34:00.001-04:00

Mom and I posed special for this picture, for my brother, Jeff!

I spent the week of Thanksgiving in Nova Scotia dividing my time between staying with my Dad at the house, and with my Mom, close to the nursing home in New Glasgow. It was a bitter sweet trip, but I made the most of it. My Mom's brain cancer will eventually rob her or her memories, so I was just grateful that she knew who I was.

These brightly coloured chairs came to symbolize the people who work in the Manor to me as I walked to and from the building every day. It takes a special kind of person to work at a place like this.

I stayed at a motel within walking distance to the manor so I was able to spend all day with my Mom, and slip out now and again to give her time to rest.

On the bulletin board above Mom's bed are lots of cards, pictures and postcards to remind her of how loved she is.

The day I left the manor for the last time to go back to the house and spend more time with my Dad before flying back to Toronto was the hardest. I fell into one of the nurse's arms crying as I was leaving. I have a memory of looking back and seeing my Dad behind me, and my Mother following behind him in her wheelchair that I will never forget, ever.

My Dad, not one to show emotion, took the old highway home and talked the whole way about the old days, comforting me in his own way.

I spent the afternoon with Dad at the house and then went out for a late supper with friends. It was a much needed distraction.

King Lam egg rolls are simply the best, and I need a feed of them every time I am in Truro.

Friends from elementary, junior, and high school!

These girls were as great as the King Lam egg rolls we all chowed down on. They listened to me ramble on about everything from Mom to my great love of Harry Potter. I hope they are there for me again, when I make "that" trip back.

I had a great visit with my Mom and has hard as it was at times, I'm really glad I went.

I made my Mom laugh, a lot, and that will stay with me always.

THE BIG YEAR

2011-10-16T07:10:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Rob and I went to see "The Big Year", a birding movie we had been anticipating since we first heard about it months ago.

It's based on a book of the same title and is about The Big Year birding competition, which is basically who can see the highest amount of species in one year. The movie story revolves around the lives of 3 men all out for a "big year".

I haven't read the book yet, but will, I actually wanted to see the movie first.

We enjoyed the movie immensely! I liked it more then I thought I would. I was worried there wouldn't be enough "birding", but I was wrong. There is a great balance between the birding and the stories of the men involved in the competition, all of them dealing with something different, that even non-birders would enjoy it.

Two "Feathers Up" from me!

FALL ROAD-TRIPPIN

2011-10-08T19:55:00.000-04:00

Beautiful Fall Mums and Pumpkins.

Rob and I decided to go on a little road trip this morning as the weather was so nice. By afternoon it sure didn't feel like Fall, but Mother Nature was putting on a gorgeous Fall show with the changing leaves.

We headed over to the University of Guelph to check out their Arboretum for the first time. It's quite large and we did a few different trails. We saw quite a few birds, some returning winter visitors, like Dark-eyed Juncos reminded us that winter really is on it's way.

White chairs await the guests in a beautiful spot to "tie the knot".

We saw many of these cute little frogs around a large pond on the grounds.

I liked this iron statue outside the Arboretum building.

After leaving the Arboretum we went in search of a country market I found out about from a Facebook ad. Knapp's Country Market has a bakery, groceries, gifts, and a restaurant that over-looks a pond that hosts a family of Mute Swans.

We had a lovely lunch there. I had a turkey sandwich and pumpkin soup, while Rob tried the potato and leek soup and a turkey sandwich as well. I picked up a few things in the bakery and the grocery section. It's a great place to head out to for a day trip.

The front of the market decked out for the Fall season.

The restaurant over-looks this large pond. We enjoyed watching the swans while we ate.

Bottoms Up!

We had a wonderful Fall outing and will visit both places again.

A LAST LESSON FROM MOM

2011-10-07T16:54:00.000-04:00

This picture was taken on Dec. 23rd, 2010, my Mom didn't get diagnosed until four months later even though it was obvious to everyone that something was really wrong and had been for months.

On Sunday I will be embarking on the hardest trip I've had to take back home in the 22 years I've been living in Toronto.

My Mother was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer on April 22nd of this year after being sick and misdiagnosed for many, many months. When I flew down at that time so I could be with her before and after her surgery I was running on adrenaline and shock, and didn't really have time to process what was happening until I returned back to Toronto.

I am also very aware that this may very well be the last time I see my Mother on this side of the veil. That's a bitter pill to swallow, but it is what it is, and I am trying to deal with that. I haven't been very good emotionally since I returned, the stress and worry takes a toll. Other then work and nature outings with Rob, I haven't been going out much and keeping pretty much to myself.

My Mother hasn't been living at home since her diagnoses and is currently in a nursing home in New Glasgow, while she waits for a bed in Truro, closer to her friends and family. I will be staying at a motel within walking distance while I am there and also will be spending a couple days with my Dad in Truro. Never in my 42 years did I think I would be visiting my parents in different towns.

I'm trying to look at this trip to see Mom as a gift. Though she no longer has the use of her legs, and her memory is going, she still remembers her friends and family, something the disease will eventually take. A lot of people who lose someone always wish for "one more day", I'm getting that chance, getting to spend a few days with her one more time.

When I get back from this trip I'm really going to push myself to start living my life again, like I did before Mom got sick. It's taken me a while to sort out in my head that living my life, while my Mother loses her's isn't disrespectful to her, but a way to honour her. Yeah, the whole situation sucks, but me sitting around a depressed mess waiting for the inevitable isn't helping me or my Mother, and I don't want to do that anymore, that isn't the kind of daughter my Mother raised.

Oh, I know I will still have hard days, the hardest day yet to come, but I think surrounding myself with my friends here in Toronto, the people who care about me, will give me the strength I need to carry me through the hardest time in my life.

My Mother taught me a lot of lessons growing up, isn't it ironic that the greatest life lesson she's taught me comes at the end of hers; Life is precious and short, live it, no regrets.

I know what I will be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

WINGING IT WEEKEND

2011-10-02T16:27:00.000-04:00

"Our Tree" is along Highway 27, and we make a point to take a drive to see it every Fall.

This weekend we didn't have plans set in stone, so we just kinda "winged it".

Saturday morning we decided to head out for brunch to one of our favorite places, "Cora's".

I had one of their Fall specials, caramelized onion, spinach and cheddar eggs benedict.

I always have a side of fried bologna!

After we left Cora's we headed to Pine Farms, a place I found out about by reading another blog and wanted to visit.

They offer "pick your own" apples or you can buy them already picked. They also sell homemade baked goods, unique items for inside or outside your home and even a small quantity of wines from their own winery. I would go back there, as it's a nice little drive out of the city. I left with a baked apple pie, a bar of homemade lavender soap and a jar of Chipotle Lime Mustard.

Pine Farm located in King City, just outside of Toronto.

Meet "Elvis" and "Costello", a pair Muscovey Ducks that live at Pine Farm. These ducks are well known for their fly catching abilities.

After we left the farm we headed up the 400 highway a little way where we went to the Cookstown Outlet Mall. I bought one of my nieces an outfit for Christmas and something I've been thinking about buying for a while, a Coach purse.

My new purse!

After we left the mall we decided to take Highway 27 on the way home to see "our tree". It is a beautiful tree we noticed in the Fall of 2004, our first one together, and we try to go see it every Fall season.

Saturday night was a quiet evening in, sharing a bottle of wine and relaxing in front of the TV.

Sunday morning we had hopes of going birding but the weather didn't cooperate. We headed out in the morning anyway and ran a few errands after a quick breakfast at McDonald's. After returning home we had a little nap and "puttered" the afternoon away at home.

New rubber boots for both of us were purchased this morning, needed for birding!

Channeling my inner Martha Stewart while I decorate our home for the Fall season.

I've had a beef vegetable soup cooking in the slow cooker all day and the house smells delish. Curling up on the couch to watch "Bridesmaids", a highly recommended comedy is how we plan to end our weekend.

FOODIE FRIDAY - OYSTERS, AGAIN!!

2011-10-01T18:32:00.000-04:00

My fellow "oyster snob", Anita.

Last night I met my friend Anita for my first visit to Oyster Boy, I had heard very good things about this restaurant and was not disappointed.

Two dozen to start, Malpeques, and the waitress gave us two Green Gables to try. Look at Anita's hand, she can't wait to dig in!

Best Onion Rings Ever!

Round Two! One dozen of Maleques and one dozen of Green Gables, we liked them.

Stompin Tom watched over us while we enjoyed the wonderful food and conversation.

Would you like a little horseradish or lemon on your oyster? I like mine with a little lemon.

For dessert I had "oyster stew", it was delicious, and very rich.

Anita was pretty stressed out from a bad day at work when she first arrived, but after a couple drinks and some oysters, all was well with the world again. We'll be back to Oyster Boy, but have a few more oyster places to check out first.

THE OWL FOUNDATION

2011-09-26T17:40:00.000-04:00

Here I am with Kay McKeever, who has been working with owls since 1965. The foundation, which she co-founded with her late husband, Larry, became a registered charity in 1975. This woman is a "Rock Star" in the birding world, and it was a true honour to meet her.

This past Saturday, Rob and I, along with our friends, Jim and Lynda, visited the "Owl Foundation" in Vineland, Ontario. It was the first time for all of us. I had heard about this organization a couple years ago, but it wasn't until this past spring that I actually took the time to sit down and read about them. What I read blew my mind!! You can read all about this incredible organization here.

The work that they do there is truly amazing, but the one thing that stands out for me and I tell anyone who will listen, is about the "Foster Parent Owls". They actually have wild owls there, that due to injuries cannot be released back to the wild, but can act as foster parents to young injured and orphaned owls!! Let me paint you a picture. A young orphaned owl is brought into the Toronto Wildlife Centre, it is then sent to The Owl Foundation, where after it is checked out, is placed with a foster parent owl of the same species, who teaches the young owl how to eat, hunt, fly, groom, basically be an owl, so in time it can be released back to the wild in the vicinity where it was found!!! Isn't that amazing!!!???

This resident female Great Horned Owl played Mom to 14 young Great Horned Owls this spring alone! They will be released next spring.

The Owl Foundation isn't open to the public, as it's a rehabilitation centre, not a zoo, and the less interaction with humans, the better. But, every Fall, as it's the least stressful time for owls, sponsors are invited for a tour on a date and time given by the foundation. For my birthday this year I sponsored a male resident Snowy Owl named Chinook. I was very excited about seeing my sponsor owl and visiting the foundation in general.

Before the tour started, a list of resident owls that had passed away from old age or disease recently was read. I was devastated to hear Chinook's name. When your emotions are running high all the time due to the fact that your Mother is slowly dying of a terminal illness, it doesn't take much to set you off. So, there I was, standing with a group of strangers crying over an owl that I never even got to lay eyes on, who had died only 5 days before.

A carving of a wooden owl on the foundation's grounds.

I pulled myself together and the tour started. I was truly impressed with this place, and how the enclosures are arranged. A lot of them are screen covered to keep mosquitoes out, as West Nile is a huge threat to the birds. Some of the larger enclosures even open up through-out giving the birds more fly space and the chance to form bonds and mate with other resident owls of their choosing.

Two Eastern Screech Owls peeking out through the cedars in their enclosure.

I was happy to hear that my own Chinook had formed a bond with another snowy owl named Winnie, and that they had successfully had young which were able to be released into the wild. Chinook and Winnie were together for 8 years. Winnie passed away on July 16th of this year and Kay believes that Chinook died of a broken heart, just a little over 2 months later. Though it was shown that Chinook died of a blood parasite, being depressed over the death of his mate probably depleted his immune system and it sounds much more romantic.

We got to see many Great Gray Owls, what big beautiful birds they are! We had not seen one before, so it was really thrilling for us.

These 2 juvenile Great Gray Owls will be released in the spring of 2012.

I love how expressive the Great Gray's face is, so wide-eyed and curious.

Rob actually captured the "twinkle" in his eye.

The last stop on the tour was "the house", where Kay McKeever lived, and still does, though the house is now property of the foundation, as the foundation is set up and will carry on without Kay. There is a monitoring room in the house where all the birds can be watched on live video screens. They have very little human interaction here to keep them wild. The house is full of owl stuff! Lot's of Robert Bateman paintings adorn the walls, a good friend of Kay's.

A plaque of the foundation's logo adorns one of the walls in the house.

The most interesting thing in the house without a doubt is "Big Bird", a Great Gray Owl who lives in the house, not in a cage, but on a perch in the sun-room for the day, while cats snooze nearby in the sunny room. I hear the cats are scared of Big Bird and leave him alone. Big Bird is not an human imprint, but has brain damage and is blind in one eye, so he gets to live out his final years in the comfort of the house. After seeing so many owls in enclosures, it came as a pleasant surprise to see this Owl out in the open like he was, enjoying the sunshine in the brightly lit sun-room.

Introducing "Big Bird", a Great Gray Owl.

After much photo taking of Big Bird we were taken to the "monitoring room" where we got to meet the lady herself, Kay McKeever, who still watches the owls on the wall of live monitors and takes notes on their behavior.

Rob stayed behind to talk to Kay, who at 87 is still spry, while I went to purchase a few things, and then went back to talk to Kay a little bit more myself.

Rob and Kay, they had quite the chat while I was doing some purchasing of raffle tickets to support the foundation.

I told her that it was my dream to retire, move to the area, and volunteer there and one day we will. But in the mean time, Rob's already signed up as a volunteer driver to transport injured owls.

I encourage you all to learn more about this amazing organization and the lady who dedicated her life to helping the owls.

ROB'S GRAND BIRTHDAY ADVENTURE - THE END

2011-09-20T18:02:00.003-04:00

Views like this are common in the Algonquin area.

We enjoyed our last morning at the B & B watching the many different birds flying around. We were delighted to see a "Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker". It was only the second time we had. And it turned out there were two!

A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, they really do exist!

After leaving the B & B we did two short trails in Algonquin before heading home, The Logging Museum Trail, and Whiskey Rapids. You could tell it was the weekend as both trails were busier then we had experienced, but still enjoyable.

We stopped in Huntsville for a late lunch, early dinner. I finally got to go to "3 Guys and a Stove". I had been wanting to go there for a few years.

Sweet potato and pumpkin soup to start, it was soooo good!

My main, jumbo shrimp wrapped in prosciutto in a cream sauce. It was DELICIOUS!

White chocolate cheesecake wrapped in phyllo pastry for dessert, we shared.

It was totally worth the wait, I just hope I don't have to wait as long for a return visit.

3 Guys and a Stove in Huntsville, Ontario.

And so ends "Rob's Grand Birthday Adventure", it was so much fun, you'd think it was MY birthday!

ROB'S GRAND BIRTHDAY ADVENTURE - PART THREE

2011-09-20T17:17:00.001-04:00

Our shadows enjoyed an extremely full day in Algonquin Park.

After a bit of birding around our B & B we set off for a full day in Algonquin Park. The first trail we did was "Beaver Pond."

We saw many beaver dams while on the trail, but no beavers this trip.

Golden Crown Kinglets were sighted.

We spotted a Great Blue Heron looking for breakfast.

The scenery on this trail was stunning and I look forward to hiking it again.

It was such a peaceful, beautiful hike.

Did you know that Beavers and Humans are the only 2 species that can change the landscape to suit their own purpose?

After "Beaver Pond Trail" we visited the Visitor Centre" again where we became "Friends of Algonquin Park" and checked out the sightings board. Then we were off to "Peck Lake Trail".

A Black-Throated Blue Warbler was spotted almost as soon as we entered the trail.

Again, the scenery was stunning.

By the end of this trail I was famished, so we headed off to the "Portage Store" by Canoe Lake to have our picnic lunch. It was here that we saw and heard our first Loon of the trip.

A parade of Common Mergansers kept us entertained during our picnic lunch.

After lunch we went to the back area of "Mizzy Lake Trail" where we had all sorts of surprises. First, we got to hand feed some Gray Jays!!

Rob having fun with a Gray Jay.

Hand feeding Gray Jays is my favorite thing about visiting Algonquin Park.

Such a pretty bird, they always look like they are smiling.

The second surprise was running into our friend and fellow birder, Ann and her friend Janice on the trail. They showed us our first and only lifer of the weekend, "Boreal Chickadees".

Boreal Chickadee, photo taken by Ann Brokelman

After all the fun of chasing the Boreal Chickadees around we walked further down the trail to where Ann and Janice had saw a couple young bull moose the day before. No moose, but Rob and I continued further along the trail after saying goodbye to Ann and Janice and saw what we were informed is a rare sighting, a Spruce Grouse. This was the second time we had seen one in the park.

A young male Spruce Grouse.

After walking back and stopping to feed the Gray Jays again we headed to Arowhon Pines where we had dinner reservations. Arowhon Pines is a "rustic resort" situated right in Algonquin Park.

Enjoying a lemonade on the wrap around porch before dinner.

The "heritage lodge" where breakfast, lunch and dinner is served to the guests is open to the public if room allows. The six sided cathedral ceiling log cabin over-looks a lake and features a huge fire place in the middle of the room.

Our table for the evening over looked the lake where we could watch the Loons.

The dining room was charming.

The huge fireplace in the centre of the dining room.

Dinner consisted of a wide variety of appetizers, and desserts set up on big buffet tables. You picked from four hot entrees, which change nightly, and soup of the night. It was a lot of food, but at $70 per person, plus tax, added on 15% gratuity AND bring your own wine, there should be.

Dinner was good, and I was glad we went, but I don't know if I'd go back. I'd rather it be a little less pricey, with a little less choice. But, it was nice to have our dinner in such a beautiful building watching the Loons swim by in the lake.

They brought Rob a cupcake because they knew it was his birthday.

After dinner we headed back to the B & B where the owner and his wife invited us to sit outside with them by a fire under a star filled sky. It was a lovely way to finish an amazing day before we fell into bed exhausted from out outing hoping to hear the howling wolves, which we did.

And the story continues for one more day.

ROB'S GRAND BIRTHDAY ADVENTURE - PART TWO

2011-09-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

I surprised Rob with a birthday cake when we stopped for coffee in the afternoon.

After leaving the wildlife centre a little after noon we went up the road a bit to a rest stop and had our picnic lunch and headed on our way again, stopping at Tim Horton's in Huntsville before entering Algonquin Park.

The first stop in Algonquin Park was the "Visitor Centre", where I ended up doing quite a bit of shopping; 2 T-shirts, a hoodie, postcards, Christmas cards and some bookmarks.

After leaving the visitor center we did one trail, "Spruce Bog". It's not a long trail and it's where we first saw and hand fed Gray Jays. Alas, no Gray Jays this time. The trail was pretty quiet, but it was still a nice walk.

This Red Squirrel was the only critter we encountered on our first trail in Algonquin.

After doing the Spruce Bog trail we decided to go find our B & B for the night, "Forest Lodge B & B", and then go get some dinner.

The cozy room and comfortable bed where I fell asleep so quickly I missed hearing the wolf pack howling the first night.

Where we had our two delicious breakfasts both mornings. Right outside the window is a huge bird feeder.

We found the B & B easily and after getting settled, went back into the town of Whitney to a local restaurant for dinner. The Mad Musher may not look like much, but the food was really good.

We saw this Great Blue Heron along the roadside on our way to get dinner, he was hunting for his.

After dinner we went back to the B & B and enjoyed a drink in front of the fireplace and bit of conservation with Dave, the B & B owner and fellow birder, before turning in for a much needed good nights rest.

To Be Continued....

ROB'S GRAND BIRTHDAY ADVENTURE - PART ONE

2011-09-18T10:44:00.002-04:00

Rob having a little fun with Luna during his photography session.

For Rob's birthday this year I planned a two night get away to the Muskoka region and Algonquin Park.

We were up bright and early to hit the road by 7am. We stopped for breakfast along the way.

Rob opening gifts with his morning coffee.

Snuggles for Meadow before leaving. That's the birthday card from Meadow there, she's so vain! ;)

We wanted to be at the Muskoka Wildlife Centre for when they opened at 10am, and we were. We were there to re-sponsor "Silo" for the second year, one of the Barn Owls who resides there, and also to pick up our sponsor package for "Luna", the Saw-whet Owl who we started sponsoring in July.

Luna, is the new face of Telus after winning the Facebook contest this past summer.

Silo wasn't out for public viewing but they brought her up for us to visit.

Silo looking fit and healthy. She's used as an educational bird.

I also had a huge birthday surprise for Rob while at the Muskoka Wildlife Centre, I had pre-arranged a private one hour photography session for him. He was thrilled. I wish I had of captured a picture of his face when he was told, he was so surprised.

We talked with Dale about what animals he would photograph and about being in the enclosures with them. I want to stress that even though we were able to get close with some of these animals, they are wild. They reside at the centre for various reasons, most of them heart breaking, but they would never survive in the wild on their own. I tip my hat to organizations like this, and the dedicated people who run, work and volunteer there. We are thrilled to help in any way we can.

Now, off to the photo shoot. I picked my favorite shot of each animal that Rob captured to post in my blog.

Timber Wolf

Lynx

Silver Fox

Luna is a Saw-whet Owl.

Great Horned Owl

We had a fabulous morning at the Muskoka Wildlife Centre, it was hard to leave!

Given the Bobcat a scratch, he kept nuzzling Dale's neck, like Meadow does with Rob.

Dale and Rob with Dr. Hoo.

Luna found a new perch.

Luna turns me into a "giggle machine".

Rob's birthday got off to a fabulous start, and the adventure continues.....

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

2011-09-11T15:09:00.001-04:00

Enjoying the beautiful September warmth and sunshine with a morning of birding.

This weekend turned out to be a weekend filled with a few of my favorite things.

First on that list was a morning of birding. Rob and I headed Whitby way Saturday morning to check out some local hot spots. I haven't done a lot of birding the last couple months due to the heat and the mosquitoes, so it felt good to be out, binoculars in hand. It was a good morning too. Saw lots of Hummingbirds fueling up for their trip south. I had a Blue Jay and Chickadees land in my hand for seed. Three chipmunks dancing around my feet for food was quite entertaining as well.

I never tire of hand feeding Chickadees.

Lots of chipmunks were around Saturday morning looking for a hand out as they stock up for winter.

Saturday evening we went to one of our favorite restaurants, "Lucy's Seafood Kitchen" in Mississauga with our friends Jim and Lynda for an early birthday celebration for Rob. Jim handed a rather large box wrapped in a seed bag from their bird store when we got out of the truck, which turned out to be a bottle of Rob's favorite Whiskey, "Forty Creek". We all enjoyed our meals, conversation, and their famous Peanut Butter Pie for dessert amidst a lot of laughs.

Enjoying an evening out with our friends, Jim and Lynda.

One of my very favorite things, Oysters!! Oh, and the "Hurricane" drink isn't bad either.

Me and my sweetie, he's my most favorite thing of all!!

Sunday morning I met up with two of my girlfriends for a late birthday celebration. We took the subway together downtown to "MoRoCo" for a fabulous brunch. Any place that gives you chocolate with your coffee is 2 thumbs up in my books! We all thoroughly enjoyed our food and time there, and discussed a return visit, soon.

The birthday girl, Amanda.

Jenn loved her "Breakfast Fondue".

This "Kiss Me Kate" red velvet cake is definitely a favorite!

Time spent with girlfriends is ALWAYS a favorite thing.

After a quiet and relaxing weekend last weekend, it was nice to get out and spend some time with friends.

REST & RELAXATION

2011-09-06T05:29:00.000-04:00

Taking in the beautiful gardens at Rosetta McClain Gardens in Scarborough.

This past long weekend was a much needed one of rest and relaxation. We had been very busy the last few weekends and the next couple are quite busy as well, so we decided to take this one pretty easy.

Saturday we had an afternoon visit with our friends Jim and Lynda and ran a few errands. We were hoping to do a little birding, but the humidity was too much for both of us, so that didn't happen.

Sunday was spent at home doing a little of this and a lot of nothing. We went to Red Lobster for dinner and then to our friends Amanda and Brian's for a visit.

Holiday Monday had us heading East to Scarborough to take in the "Raptor Watch" that was started by a few local birders years ago. The watch takes place at the small but beautiful park, Rosetta McClain Gardens.

I was as excited to see the people as much as I was the many, many birds that kept flying over as they migrate, including; Bald Eagles, Hawks, Osprey, Kestrels, etc.

We hadn't seen some of our birding buddies since February, so it was good to catch up.

May not of been the most exciting long weekend we've ever had, but it was just what we needed.

Look up, look WAY up! Some of our fellow bird nerds at the Raptor Watch.

This male Cardinal flew in and landed at eye level to see what all the fuss was about.

Even the Canadian Geese are fun to watch during migration.

FOODIE FRIDAY - KRAFT DINNER

2011-09-03T06:43:00.000-04:00

Last night I was suppose to go to Oyster Boy with my friend Anita. I have never been to this well known Toronto restaurant and was really looking forward to it.

Unfortunately I wasn't feeling well and ended up staying in. I had picked up a box of Kraft Dinner at the grocery store a few weeks ago when it was on sale. It's not something I normally have in the house, but was grateful for it last night. When your not feeling well, quick and easy are what I want in food preparation.

I'm almost embarrassed to say that I actually enjoyed it. Not as much as I'm sure I would of enjoyed my meal at Oyster Boy, but it hit the spot last night.

ANOTHER GREAT DAY IN PEC!

2011-08-30T18:15:00.002-04:00

The gang enjoying a lovely day in Prince Edward County.

This past Saturday I spent another lovely day in Prince Edward County. My third trip with Authentic Canadian Tours, and my second trip to this beautiful part of the province with the tour company. This time Rob and my girlfriend Anita joined me, making for an even better day!

The drive to the county is about 2.5 hours but passed quickly with all the friendly chatter on the mini bus and we soon found ourselves at our first stop of the day, Waupoos Estates Winery. Waupoos was the very first winery in the county, opening in 2001, and now, just ten years later, there are 36 wineries gracing the county.

The grounds of this winery are gorgeous. They overlook the Lake of Ontario and are surrounded by apple orchards and perfectly manicured vine-lands. Their best selling wine is called Honeysuckle, and what is most interesting about this wine is it's smell. It does not smell good at all, Anita said it smelt like stinky sweat socks! BUT, it tastes really good, and a bottle came home with me, along with a large bar of pairing chocolate from their Chocolatier Store.

Waupoos Estates Winery.

Grapes hanging on the vines of Waupoos.

The wines of Waupoos.

Next we were off to Fifth Town Artisan Cheese Company, specializing in goat and sheep's cheese, and being very "Green". The tasting room was small, but it was worth the wait for all the samples and I purchased my three favorites from the tasting. They also offer a wine and cheese pairing at a couple different times in the afternoon and I hope this makes it into the itinerary for one the tours in the future.

The huge sunflowers on the grounds of Fifth Town Artisan Cheese Company.

The cheese menu of Fifth Town Artisan Cheese Company on Saturday.

Lunch was at "Lake on the Mountain Resort", located on the shore of Lake on the Mountain over looking the Bay of Quinte 200 feet below. The view was spectacular and the food delicious. I will definitely be visiting this amazing place again.

The Lake on the Mountain Inn, it was charming.

The group waiting for what turned out to be a delicious lunch at the restaurant of the Lake on the Mountain Inn.

The Lake on the Mountain, there are lots of legends as to how it got there.

We had a short stop in the charming village of Bloomfield, just long enough to enjoy a delicious homemade ice-cream from "Slickers" and have a peek in a couple of the boutique shops.

Waiting in line for a yummy home made ice-cream from "Slickers".

The next winery on our itinerary was "The Grange of Prince Edward County". This was my second visit to this picturesque winery. I bought a bottle of a late harvest dessert wine so freshly made the labels for the bottles weren't ready yet.

The picturesque Grange Winery.

Inside the large tasting room of the Grange.

This is how Rob spent most of his day, out on the winery grounds looking for wildlife and birds.

Our last stop of the day was "By Chadsey's Cairns Winery". Never have I visited a winery so full of character. With big old barns and a Pioneer Cemetery, this winery is full of uniqueness as well as great wines. I picked up another bottle of their 2010 Riesling on this trip, just like last time.

We had no idea what these ball things were lining the driveway of the winery, but we liked them!

The group sitting on the hay bales inside a large barn on the grounds that is used as an entertainment theatre.

Anita and I showing off our Riesling 2010 purchase inside the tasting barn.

Forty-Two rows of Riesling grapes.

Before heading back to Toronto we enjoyed a meal of Charnivore BBQ, who had set up shop on the winery grounds for the summer. It was the perfect ending to another perfect day in Prince Edward County.

FOODIE FRIDAY - OYSTERS!

2011-08-27T06:47:00.000-04:00

Judy and I getting ready for a feast of oysters!

Last night I made my second visit to Starfish Oyster Bed & Grill with my friend Judy. I discovered this little gem of a restaurant with my friend Anita during "Summerlicious" this year. I knew then that this was going to become a restaurant that I would be returning too.

Judy met me after I got off work and we went for a feed of oysters followed by an early dinner. We sat at the bar for our oyster feast and then moved to a table for our dinner.

I like that they offer such a variety of oysters, as it's fun to try new kinds. I had a few from the UK that were much larger with a more "gamier" taste. Judy likes the smaller ones, mostly coming from the East Coast, which I really enjoy too. I really need to start paying more attention to the ones that I really like, so I can remember the names of them for return visits or when I'm somewhere else that serves oysters as well.

Our shucker, Bruce, who was friendly and knowledgeable.

They there are! This was our first round, we had more at the dinner table.

The bar is beautiful, a clear top covers shells and starfish resting on authentic PEI red sand.

I think the next time I'm there I'm going to pick up the book the owner wrote on oysters and learn a little more about them. Judy has bought oysters and shucked them herself and I am looking forward to being invited over to her new place when she's settled for an oyster and wine night.

Dinner was delicious too. I had lobster bisque followed by a rib-eye steak with frites and coconut cream pie. While Judy had a tomato and mozzarella salad followed by duck breast with a chick pea side and creme brulee for dessert.

We enjoyed 2 bottles of this wonderful Riesling made right here in Ontario.

As wonderful as dinner was, I wouldn't be surprised if the next time we go we just sit at the bar the whole night eating oysters and drinking wine!

WYE MARSH ~ OUR FIRST VISIT

2011-08-24T19:20:00.000-04:00

Me and Fronz, a Harris Hawk, which is a non-native species to Canada.

This past Saturday, Rob and I visited Wye Marsh in Midland, Ontario for the first time. We had registered for a "Behind the Scenes, Birds of Prey Program", months ago, after learning about it from a friend.

Entrance to Wye Marsh in Midland, Ontario.

We weren't sure what to expect, but weren't disappointed. It was an introductory class to birds of prey (which we already knew quite a bit about), and also in the the sport of Falconry.

We got to see some really cool looking raptors not native to Canada and learn a bit about them.

The is "Jay-Jay", a Speckled Owl, mainly found in Indonesia.

The best part though, for both of us, was getting to "fly" a Harris Hawk. Meaning, it flies to you from his perch, lands on your gloved hand, and then eats the food your holding for him. It was the first time we did this and it was really cool!

Rob with Fronz.

Mike, the falconer, felt bad that the weather wasn't co-operating and that he couldn't hold the course outside in the aviary, so he gave us all free passes for a future visit to the park.

We had another nice surprise while there. We met Casper, a Barn Owl, and found out he is one of Silo's off-spring. Silo is the Barn Owl we sponsor at the Muskoka Wild Life Centre. This is the second chick of Silo's we've encountered, as "Jazz" at Mountsberg is also one of hers.

Casper, a Barn Owl was having a nice sleep on a rainy Saturday afternoon.

Another reason Rob and I had been wanting to visit Wye Marsh was their involvement in bringing back the Trumpeter Swan from near extinction.

The original captive breeding pair of Trumpeters at Wye Marsh were "Big Guy" and "Lady Girl". Big Guy and Lady successfully raised the first cygnet in 1990, and she became known as "Pig Pen". In 1993, Pig Pen and her mate became the first wild nesting pair of Trumpeters in Wye Marsh in over 200 years.

The one Trumpeter Swan we saw at Wye Marsh. The rest of them were probably all out in the large marsh.

Enlarge this picture to read the touching story about Pig Pen.

We had a great day at the park, despite the weather, and look forward to returning for some bird watching, snow-shoeing and more falconry courses!

DID FATE STEP IN?

2011-08-19T19:29:00.002-04:00

Introducing "Moonie", the newest addition to our home.

I was suppose to be at work at 1pm on Wednesday afternoon, or was I? I happened to book the day off, to recover from the Def Leppard concert festivities the night before. I also just happened to be in front of the kitchen window at just the right moment to see a little blue budgie walking around in the garden.

Rob hadn't left for work yet, so out he went to investigate. The budgie seemed pretty calm and walked away from Rob more then flew from him. He came back in and got the extra cage we keep on hand in case of bird emergencies. We have had a few!

He was back in the house within five minutes with the bird in the cage and then he had to go to work, leaving me alone with the new little guy.

At first I was, "no way are we keeping him!" Thought it was a male at first. We already have a budgie, we have a CAT, where would be put another cage, etc. But over the course of the afternoon I kept going in to have a peek and talk to her while she was resting in the other room and she's just so damn cute!

She gave me a hard time the first night, but once I got her settled in and everyone else, I started thinking of how we could arrange the house so both her and Misfit, another backyard rescue from four years ago, would be safe from Meadow, our cat.

By the time I woke up in the morning I had named her, "Moonie", Rob likes "M" names, and I'm fond of the moon, and also, "Moonie" is a nickname of one of the Harry Potter characters, my favorite teacher, Professor Lupin.

Rob had e-mailed a few people about taking her, but no takers. We were both leaning towards keeping her at this point anyway, we were just trying to figure out how to make it all work; where to put her, etc. We had decided on installing a shelf above the computer desk, and we'd put her away at night in the other room, like we do Misfit at bedtime. Even with all this figured out, we still weren't 100% sure, it was actually Misfit herself who sealed Moonie's fate with us.

Today Rob had Misfit's cage on the table and her door open so she could go for a fly. Meadow is locked up when we do this. Moonie was in the other cage on top of the fridge. Misfit flew over to Moonie's cage and landed on it and was looking down and checking her out, and they were tweeting to each other. Rob open the door, and Misfit flew in! They set in there happily tweeting to each other for a half hour, sometimes sitting side by side.

And that was that, she's ours. We're going to keep them separate most of the time for the next little while, let them get acquainted slowly and when we feel they are ready to share a cage we are going to buy a bigger one that will be new to both of them.

Misfit and Moonie getting to know each other.

Right now they are in the same room for the night, both covered in different cages and our little family of pets just went up one.

SOLO AT DEF LEPPARD 2011

2011-08-17T14:34:00.004-04:00

Me at Def Leppard's 2011 Mirror Ball Tour.

So last night I did something I have never done before, I went to a concert by myself. Brian, the friend I usually go to concerts with was away on vacation and Rob works nights and isn't really a fan of Def Leppard anyway.

When tickets went on sale I knew Brian was going to be away and decided that I wasn't going to go this time. We had did the ILoveAllAccess thing in 2009 when they were here and had a great time. As time for the show drew nearer, the more I wanted to go, so I bit the bullet and bought the 5 Star VIP package from ILoveAllAccess again, this time alone.

Registration was at 4pm, so I left work early, went home, got ready and took a taxi down to the Molson Amphitheatre at Ontario Place. Lots of people doing the VIP package were there so I chatted to a few people but mostly waited alone. When I got my envelope I was kinda nervous about what ticket I was going to get, Brian and I had scored 2nd row, but he had bought our tickets the day they went on sale. I knew I was guaranteed a seat in the first five rows, but closer the better, right? I was pretty happy when I saw I had scored 2nd row again!

My VIP pass and a drink, perfect combo!

We were taken to the lounge/bar off to the side of the Molson Amphitheatre stage for our private pre-show party from 4pm-6pm. After 6pm other concert goers would be allowed in too. There was food and drinks, and we were given our swag bag. There was also a raffle with lots of Def Leppard items being given away, the top prize being a Pyromania CD, that Helen, our hostess would accompany you backstage before the show to have the whole band autograph.

I met some nice people back there to hang with and texted Rob that I was hanging out with a bunch of hot women and that he should of come.

Look at me hanging out with a bunch of hot women! I almost look like I fit in.

Always good to run into old friends. This is Harrison from my Club 279 days, he always made sure I got home safe and sound.

The cooler damage! I do love vodka coolers.

You know you've had enough to drink when you start taking pictures of your foot wear!

I also had a nice chat with Helen, who was the hostess in 2009 as well, but is now also Phil Collen's wife. Phil is one of the guitarists for Def Leppard, just in case you don't know.

Helen, our hostess, and myself.

Turns out, a picture from the 2009 show that I had posted of them on their FaceBook fan page earlier yesterday, that they both saw and discussed, was the first picture ever taken of them together, they weren't even dating yet. But obviously the attraction was there, they started dating about 2 weeks later she told me!!

My "eagle eye" noticed Phil walking by at one point, and I called to him and he came over. I was telling him what Helen had told me and he gave me a high five. He started to draw some attention of others in the lounge when he posed for a picture with me, and I said to him. "oh, oh, I'm going to start a commotion aren't I?" to which he replied, "yes, you are going to start a commotion" LOL!! Actually, it was him causing the commotion, and when others started walking over to talk to him and ask for autographs and pictures, he was too gracious to turn them away. Hence the funny look on both our faces in the picture below, I'm trying not to laugh as he sees the crowd coming for him!

Now, on to the show! I made a conscious decision before the show even started that I wasn't going to take a lot of pictures. I didn't want to be watching it through a lens trying to get "the perfect shot". I wanted to get lost in the music of Def Leppard, that has been a friend to me for over 30 years.

I took a few pics of both Heart and Def Leppard, mostly at the very beginning. Below are the few pics that I did take.

The Wilson sisters of Heart, Ann and Nancy.

Nancy Wilson of Heart.

Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen.

Def Leppard's lead singer, Joe Elliott.

Def Leppard bassist Rick "Sav" Savage.

Def Leppard guitarist, Vivian Campbell.

My very blurry picture of Rick Allen, Def Leppard's drummer. This had the potential to be a great shot.

Waiting for the encore.

My friends Teena and Gord were at the concert as well, she won tickets! She took more pictures of the show then I did, and did a nice blog about the show.

All in all, I had a great night. Would I have preferred to go with someone? Yes. Would I go solo again? Absolutely!

FOODIE FRIDAY - PART TWO

2011-08-13T21:24:00.001-04:00

Anita and I getting ready to tackle the tower of seafood at the 360 Restaurant in the CN Tower.

Last night I did something I've been wanting to do since I moved here in 1989, eat at the 360 Restaurant at the top of the CN Tower. Rob really didn't have any interest in going so I invited a girlfriend who had never been either.

We had decided what we were going to order not long after I had made the reservation after checking out the menu online. Both being seafood lovers we ordered "The 360 Towering Platter of Seafood", and what a tower it was! We were the centre of attention as 3 waiters paraded to our table, each carrying a platter of seafood. Neighboring diners even took pictures of our meal!

The 360 Towering Platter. A chilled three tiered platter of fresh Canadian seafood.

We enjoyed most of the seafood immensely, except for the oysters, they we're disappointing.

The top tier was a 1.5lb split lobster, with a half a pound of crab legs.

The second tier was 1 dozen Malpeque oysters with 2 dozen marinated PEI Mussels.

The bottom tier was smoked salmon, trout and mackerel, Bay scallop, baby shrimp and calamari salad, one dozen jumbo shrimp and some potato salad.

We were there for over 2 hours, but alas, cannot say we were able to finish it, but we definitely got our full of seafood.

Anita had to stand up to get the food off the top tier, we couldn't see it sitting!

I should say something about the restaurant itself. The elevator ride up is always fun, and no waiting in line because your going to the restaurant. It wasn't the intimate fine dining experience I was expecting, it actually seemed very "touristy" to me, which makes sense. The decor seemed dated and could do with an upgrade. But the view is spectacular and I would definitely go again, especially if I had company from out of town. It takes 72 minutes for a full turn of the revolving restaurant, and the view is amazing all the way around. We went up when it was still light, and left when it was dark, stunning views. We were there on a night before a Full Moon, and it was an incredible sight to see.

This picture does not do the breath taking view we had of the almost full moon justice.

We felt like something sweet after all that seafood so we shared the truffle platter.

It was quite the experience, and I am glad that I finally went. It's the perfect place to take people visiting from out of town for a memorable evening out.

FOODIE FRIDAY - PART ONE

2011-08-12T17:19:00.000-04:00

Me, Sara and Emily getting ready to enjoy a delicious lunch at MoRoCo.

Today I took the girls who have been working in the office with me all summer out to lunch. I thought it would be a nice way to say "thank you" for putting up with me, I mean, being so pleasant to work with, as their time is coming to an end soon.

I took them to a restaurant in Yorkville that I only recently heard about, MoRoCo.
It's a french inspired boutique restaurant that specializes in chocolate with a little shop at the entrance selling lots of delectable chocolate goodies. It's beautifully decorated with lots of big plush chairs.

It saddens me that I have only just discovered this hidden gem, as it's been open three years. I will be visiting again soon, very soon.

The girls checking out the surroundings, most people chose the patio, but we wanted to take in the atmosphere of the place.

My lunch; Macaroni and Cheese with Truffle Oil, it was divine!

Our dessert platter, it was amazing and everything was delicious. I especially loved the red velvet cake. But the cake and chocolate that looked like a burger was good too, the french fries were shortbread with raspberry coulis for dipping! The spring rolls were chocolate, peanut butter and banana served with caramel sauce for dipping. It was chocolate heaven!

These two have been a pleasure to work with all summer, I'm going miss them.

and now I'm off for part two of "Foodie Friday", stay tuned.....

SECOND PLACE - TWICE!!

2011-08-08T18:33:00.001-04:00

This gorgeous shot of a Long-eared Owl has been pretty lucky for Rob.

Rob's on a bit of a winning streak right now. His Long-eared Owl picture won 2nd place for two different contests!

It won 2nd place in the Ontario Green Party's 2012 calendar contest. Another photo of his placed 1st as well, and he had 3 other pictures place in the top 20.

One of our favorite places to bird in the city, the Humber Arboretum recently held a photo contest, and the Owl picture took 2nd place again.

Here's Rob picking up his prize basket after a morning of birding there today.

The goodies inside; Birds & Beans Coffee, Raw Honey, Garden Pruners, Honey Candle, Travel Mug, Honey Soap, etc.

Well done babe!

BIRDS, BEES AND BUTTERFLIES

2011-08-07T20:00:00.001-04:00

A Bumble Bee enjoys the nectar of a Thistle flower.

Yesterday morning Rob and I drove up to the Carden Plain, an important area for our migratory birds. We'd never been up there this late in the year before, and just wanted to see for ourselves what it was like.

The first thing we noticed was how quiet it was. Birds mainly sing to attract mates in the spring, and well, the nesting season for most of the birds is all over for another year and many of our migratory birds have raised their families and are getting ready to return south for the winter. This fact was most apparent when we saw a Bobolink in his "winter plumage" for the first time. Compare the images below and see for yourself.

August 6th, 2011. A male Bobolink already in his winter plumage!

This picture of the male Bobolink was taken back on May 12th, he's in full breeding colors to attract a mate! Quite the difference in the seasonal plumage.

All though we didn't see nearly has many birds as we do in the Spring, we still had a great day and enjoyed being in the natural surroundings.

A Twelve-spotted Skimmer, we saw hundreds of them!

Lots of Monarchs were busy laying their eggs on the only plant they will, Milkweed.

I got to show off my cow calling skills once again up there. I'm really good at it!

That's me behind the wheel of the truck for the first time yesterday, honk-honk!!

THROUGH ROB'S EYES

2011-08-05T23:28:00.003-04:00

Back in the Fall of 2008 I was given the biggest raise of my working career. Wanting to share my good fortune with Rob, I decided to buy him a gift and knew he would love a digital camera. I chose a Canon Power Shot SX100, quite a step up from the disposable's he'd been using the last couple of years.

Rob discovered and fell in love with a whole new world, the world of photography. His favorite subjects being birds, wildlife and nature in general. He has a natural talent for it. He's able to capture the character, emotions and beauty of what he's looking at. I like to think it's because he has a love and respect for nature and his subjects can sense that, and reward him for it.

When we are out I sometimes tell him to put the camera away and to "be in the moment" of the beauty around us and of what we are looking at, but I am very supportive of his passion. This past Christmas I rendered him speechless when I gave him a Canon Rebel T1i. This little ditty took his photography up to a whole other level. I knew he needed a camera that he could change lenses and do more with. I also knew he would never spend that much on something for himself. It was a joy to give it to him.

Within the last couple years he's started entering photography contests, and though there hasn't been any cash rewards, it's been a thrill for us both to see his work published with organizations we are supporters of.

Giving him a digital camera ignited a fire in him that continues to grow. Please enjoy a few of my favorite pictures taken by nature photographer, Rob Mueller.

The first four pictures were taken with the Canon Power Shot.

Me enjoying the serenity of a sunset on Pelee Island.

The majestic Great Blue Heron, also on Pelee Island.

A Chickadee brazenly waits for a handout of seed.

This photo was published in the Canadian Wildlife Federation's children magazine, "Wild", 3 times for a photo capture contest!

The following shots where taken with the Canon Rebel T1i.

The joy of having a Chickadee land in my hand for seed is apparent. Taken at Algonquin Park.

This magical capture recently won 2nd place in the Green Party's 2012 calendar photo contest. Another image of Rob's also won 1st, and 2 others placed as well, but this is my favorite.

Great capture of a little baby Canadian Goose running away from Rob's camera after he snapped a few pictures, guess the little guy got camera shy!

Another favorite subject of Rob's, his princess, Meadow.

He was ecstatic, when just yesterday he found out that one of his images was going to be used for Bird Studies Canada's 2011-2012 "Project Feeder Watch" calendar.

Rob's taken over 20,000 photos to date, and I know that number will continue to grow!

OUR CIVIC HOLIDAY WEEKEND ~ 2011

2011-08-01T18:22:00.000-04:00

Our two resident Chipmunks kept us very entertained in the backyard this weekend.

Our long weekend didn't get off to the start it was suppose too, but it was a good one regardless. Saturday morning had us up bright and early, picnic packed to head to the Muskoka Wildlife Centre near Gravenhurst to pick up our sponsor package for Luna, a Saw-whet Owl who lives there. We wanted to enjoy a visit to the nature park and it's residents.

The 400 highway was a nightmare, stop and go traffic. After spending almost two hours, more then the amount of time it should take to get there, and not even being halfway there, we decided to turn around. I was devastated. I had been looking forward to this trip for weeks and I had a complete meltdown. Rob pulled over in a small town to console me, we got a bite to eat and talked about when to go back and what to do with the rest of the day.

We decided to wait and go back to the Muskoka Wildlife Centre on September 15th, Rob's birthday, on our way to Algonquin for a couple nights. We planned on stopping in then anyway to re-sponsor Silo, a Barn Owl, and we will pick up the sponsor package for Luna then, and hopefully see them both.

We then headed to Albion Hills, a conservation area Rob had visited earlier in the week. He had had some good bird sightings there. It was a good idea. I was able to see three male Indigo Buntings, first sighting for me this Summer and also three Wild Turkeys which are always fun to see. We enjoyed our visit there and were amazed at the amount of Dragon Fly's buzzing around.

A beautiful male Indigo Bunting was a joy to see.

Wild Turkeys are always a treat to spot when birding.

After we left there we went to the Humber Arboretum, a place we frequently visit, to enjoy our picnic. After lunch we went into the visitor centre and one of the guys gave us the "reptile tour", and let me hold a Red-eared Slider named "Cleo" and we both got to hold a Chinese Water Dragon named "Yoda". It really lifted my spirits.

Enjoying the picnic lunch at the Humber Arboretum.

Me holding "Cleo" a Red-eared Slider Turtle, she could really motor on the floor!

Rob holding "Yoda", a Chinese Water Dragon.

We then spent the rest of the day enjoying the backyard, which we did most of the weekend, except for going to a friends place for a BBQ Saturday afternoon, early evening.

The birds, including this Blue Jay were loving the bird bath this weekend.

The Monarch Butterflies were plentiful in the backyard this weekend.

Enjoying my first corn on the cob of the season at a friends BBQ.

I loved the hammock at a friends place! Must get one for our yard!

Even though we didn't do what we had planned to do Saturday, we ended up having a great day. Spending most of the weekend in our backyard was enjoyable and just what I needed after a stressful week at work.

And, I've just been informed that we're going for an ice-cream!, Now that is a great way to end a long weekend!

LUNA ~ THE NEW FACE OF TELUS

2011-07-28T06:01:00.001-04:00

This picture was taken back in the Fall of 2010, when we first met Luna.

When Telus started their FaceBook campaign earlier this Spring for their next Telus Critter, I jumped on board and voted for the Saw-whet Owl daily. I was delighted when the owl made the top three and eventually won. Little did I know at that time how much closer I was, and about to become with the new face of Telus.

The Muskoka Wildlife Centre is a favorite nature/animal park of ours, giving a home to native wild animals that for one reason or another are not able to be returned to the wild. They also have an educational outreach program and some of the animals are used for that. It's a wonderful place to spend some time and we do, a few times a year.

Luna, an adorable little Saw-whet Owl lives there, and we first met her last Fall. I was happily surprised when I found out Luna was auditioning for the lead in the new Telus TV and print ads and thrilled when she got the role! An owl that I "know" was going to be seen on televisions and billboards all over Canada in the coming months.

I was delighted when the Saw-whet Owl won the Telus campaign!

But our relationship with Luna is even a little closer now. When we decided we were going to sponsor an animal that lives at the Muskoka Wlidlife Centre, Luna was our first choice for a few reasons. One, she's an owl, and we all know I got a thing for owls, and two, her name, Luna, means moon and is also the name of one of my favorite Harry Potter characters.

It was not to be, as Luna was already sponsored. We happily sponsored a female Barn Owl named Silo instead, and will continue to do so. On one of our visits to the centre last year we mentioned that if Luna's sponsor didn't re-sponsor her, that we would like too.

With all the Telus excitement surrounding Luna the last couple months, we were shocked when we recently received and e-mail from the centre asking us if we were still interested in sponsoring her, as she wasn't re-sponsored. I was literally jumping up and down with excitement, you would of thought they were e-mailing to give me money, not ask for it!

Of course we said yes.

Someone asked me recently what we get for sponsoring. Not much, a 8x10 photograph, a sponsorship certificate, and depending on the organization a tax receipt. That's not why I do it. It's the feeling I get and carry with me. We sponsor four owls now at three different organizations, and knowing that I am helping them and a cause that I am so passionate about is worth the sponsorship fees, that and a whole lot more.

Luna doing a photo shoot outside the centre in January 2011. Rob was able to sneak a picture when we came across them.

We're heading up to the Muskoka Wildlife Centre to "visit" Luna on Saturday and get our sponsorship package, and I know that when I see her I will feel a little jolt of excitement, not just because she's so cute, but because in a round about way we're a part of her life, and that makes us very happy.

Look for her Telus ads starting next month.

MOROCCAN OIL

2011-07-27T06:22:00.000-04:00

My new favorite hair product!

When I find a great new product I like to share, so here it is, Moroccan Oil for all hair types.

I've known about this product for well over a year but was hesitant to try it because I have fine hair, and I was scared it would weigh it down, wrong!

This product is amazing, it gives shine and bounce and actually makes my hair look thicker while leaving it super soft. After only two uses I'm hooked!

This hair-changing product is actually another name for argan oil which is made from the kernels of argan tree fruit that grow almost exclusively in Morocco. Luckily for us, we can buy it in most hair salons.

You only need a drop! Put a drop in the palm of your hand and rub your hands together and then spread your hands through your damp hair, done!

Rob loves it too, and it doesn't weigh down the natural wave in his hair.

This product will be a staple in our house!

PRINCESS HAIR SALON

2011-07-24T16:33:00.001-04:00

Homy of Princess Hair Salon and Spa. She's worth the drive to Richmond Hill!

When you have a good hairdresser and she moves locations, you follow her if you can, and I did exactly that when Homy, who was a five minute walk from my work in downtown Toronto went to a forty minute drive from my home to Richmond Hill.

I remember when I found out Homy had left the place I had been seeing her for five years. What was I to do? She is the only hairdresser I had ever seen who didn't tell me I needed to wear my hair short because it's fine, and she also had always given me the best colors and highlights.

Luckily Homy and I had become Facebook friends and I was able to ask her where she was working and was thrilled for her when I found out she had opened her own salon!

I asked Rob if he would start taking me for my appointments and he agreed. He's found a place to go birding up that way while I get my hair done, but he's also started to go see Homy too, when in need of a trim.

We were both there on Saturday and have made our next appointments for September.

Bye-bye roots!

Rob thoroughly enjoyed the scalp massage.

Homy bringing out Rob's curls.

See you in September Homy!

SUMMERLICIOUS ~ 2011

2011-07-22T23:29:00.006-04:00

Me and World Oyster Opening Champion, Patrick McMurray! He liked my starfish necklace.

Every year for the past few years Toronto holds "Summerlicious" and "Winterlicious", a period of over two weeks where many Toronto restaurants have specially priced 3-course pre-fix menus. It's every "foodies" dream, and I usually partake in a few outings. This year I visited four restaurants, three I had been before and one for the first time.

The first night of Summerlicious, myself and two girlfriends visited Pangaea. I have been a few times, as it's close to work and has become a special occasion place for me and one of my co-workers. My friends had not been before and quite enjoyed it. For my starter I had a beet and goat cheese salad, followed by speckled trout with vegetables and rhubarb tart for dessert. Pangaea uses only the best ingredients and everything was delicious, that is the reason I am a repeat customer. One of the things I have to commend Pangaea for is, not rushing us. I've found it the past that some restaurants are more concerned in a quick turn around then providing a quality experience, not Pangaea. We were there for dinner at 7pm and didn't leave til almost a full two and half hours later. It was a very enjoyable experience for us all.

The following Tuesday found me at Le Trou Normand for lunch with two girlfriends. We had all been there before and usually take advantage of the special event, but also go at Christmas time as well. I'm always surprised at how un-busy this restaurant is. Sure the decor is more traditional, but the food and service are great, also, the regular menu prices are very reasonable. I started with an organic mixed green salad, followed by baked salmon with tomatoes with fine herbs in a white wine sauce and an apple tart for dessert. I'm never disappointed with the food or service here.

That Friday a group of six co-workers went to Bistro 990 for lunch. Again, I've been here before, but it was a first time for most and they were really looking forward to it. I was worried when service got off to a very slow start, but with a great waitress and a tasty meal, it was all up hill from there. We started with a dozen oysters to share, then I had the panko crusted goat cheese with confit of peppers, followed by B.C. canary snapper filet almondine with israeli couscous and a white chocolate & raspberry tart for dessert. My dessert was good, but the lemon poppy-seed cheesecake they had on the menu was even better! A had a taste of my co-workers and I actually considered going back again just to get that for dessert, it was that good. We all returned to work full, happy and with plans to return again for Winterlicious.

Tonight was my first trip to Starfish Oyster Bed & Grill, the last of my Summerlicious outings and the only place I took my camera. This was my favorite out of the four, as it's a casual cozy atmosphere and serves my new favorite food, oysters. I just started eating oysters on the half shell last October and am doing my best to make up for lost time. I started with, what else, oysters! Followed by PEI mussels in a white wine, shallot, fine herbs broth, served with Infamous Starfish Frites. For dessert I had the peach and raspberry cobbler. We also had a bottle of 2009 Sandbanks Riesling with our dinner and it was the perfect compliment. Before we ate our dessert we ordered another dozen oysters to share. Everything was delicious!

The only negative thing I can say about the evening was our waitress brought our desserts before we received our second round of oysters after making a point of telling her that we would be ordering more oysters and would like them before dessert was brought out. Easily fixed, we pushed our desserts aside and enjoyed our oysters first. She also gave us coupons for a couple free oysters each the next time we return, so that more then made up for the mix up.

He never stopped shucking the whole time we were there.

I like mine with just a little lemon.

Anita demonstrating the proper way to eat an oyster.

Anita and I had a great time and are already planning a return visit.

I definitely won't be waiting until Winterlicious to return to this establishment and next time I'm sitting at the oyster bar to watch the shucking!

WINE TASTING IN PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY

2011-07-20T05:59:00.000-04:00

The girls enjoying the reason for the trip, wine!

This past Saturday I went on my second of what I hope is many trips with "Authentic Canadian Tours". The day consisted of a visit to four wineries in beautiful Prince Edward County, time for a bit shopping in Bloomfield, and a stop at the famous Big Apple Bakery on the way back to the city.

Our first winery stop was at Huff Estates. It didn't take us long to get into the wine tasting at this modern winery. We also enjoyed a delicious gourmet lunch on the patio with live music.

We enjoyed a bottle of this 2009 Riesling with lunch, and a bottle came home with me.

My delicious lunch of chilled grilled salmon with dill and new potatoes.

Judy liked the wine at Huffs!

Our next stop was to the pretty town of Bloomfield for a bit of shopping and an ice cream at Slickers. I picked up some pretty homemade soaps and enjoyed a homemade ice cream.

Slickers make their ice cream daily and offer unique flavors, I enjoyed a lavender one.

Lindsie enjoys her "Campfire Cream" which tasted like roasted marshmallows.

Our next winery was Chadsey Cairns. This place just didn't offer great wine, it was full of character. The grounds hold old barns, big mature trees and a Pioneer Cemetery.

This barn plays host to live music on weekends.

The concert hall.

Don't hog the hay!

The wine tasting building.

Murray at the wine tasting station.

Inside the wine tasting building.

The girls enjoying the wine.

The grounds were gorgeous.

I wonder how many wineries offer this unique feature.

Our third winery of the day was also the largest we visited, Casa Dea Estates. We happened to visit on a Scottish Festival day and were treated to some dancing and bagpipe music, they were actually playing "Farewell to Nova Scotia" when we arrived. I didn't buy any wine here, but left with Scottish crackers and shortbread!

The grounds here were lovely as well.

Live entertainment on a beautiful day.

The last winery of the day was also full of character, "The Grange" was simply gorgeous. I didn't purchase any wine here either, but left with a couple bottles of wine jelly that were simply delicious.

The gang at the sampling bar.

The inside of this building was beautiful.

The wines of The Grange.

On our way back to the city we stopped at The Big Apple bakery where we all indulged in some goodies. it was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday.

OUR CANADA DAY ~ 2011

2011-07-02T06:18:00.016-04:00

Enjoying the Canada Day parade in Port Credit.

Rob and I had no real plans for Canada Day, but I woke with a yearning to be close to the water, so after enjoying coffee and chocolate croissants from the local bakery in the backyard we headed to one of our favorite spots along Lake Ontario, Port Credit.

We arrived just in time to catch their annual Canada Day parade.

Rob enjoyed all the old cars in the parade.

Silver Elvis.

Mermaid enjoying the hot-tub.

It's not a real parade until you hear bagpipes!

After the parade we enjoyed a walk up the middle of Lake Shore which was closed due to the parade. We had lunch at Snug Harbour and then a walk along the lake.

I liked how they used these old bikes as planters in Port Credit, they were all over the village.

After our outing to Port Credit we enjoyed the afternoon in our backyard.

This Red-winged Blackbird enjoyed a bath in the holiday sunshine.

Discovering we had 2 chipmunks in the backyard was a great holiday surprise.

Meadow always enjoys her time in the backyard, holiday or not.

After dinner we went over to visit friends who recently purchased their first home a short drive from our place.

The Walker Family enjoying Canada Day in their new backyard.

We had a great day!

BIRDIE BIRTHDAY

2011-06-16T16:41:00.033-04:00

Celebrating my 42nd birthday.

I wasn't sure if I was going to celebrate my birthday this year or not. With my Mother being as sick as she is, it somehow didn't seem right. But the closer it got, the more it seemed it wouldn't be right not too.

Most of you who know me, know I celebrate my birthday as much as I can, sometimes for the whole month of June! My Mother always held great birthday parties for me and made a big deal out of my birthday right up til the time I left home, I've just kept that tradition going. This year I decided to have a birthday of favorites. My birthday fell on a Friday this year, which we both had off, making it a long weekend, a very favorite thing!

I spent my birthday in my favorite place, the backyard!

Meadow and I relaxing in the backyard.

Rob and Meadow enjoying the yard together.

I really didn't want to do much during the day except relax, as we were planning on taking part in a project for Bird Studies Canada that evening, but due to the weather we weren't able too. We did do a little night birding anyway, and I ended up getting a "lifer" for my birthday! (lifer means first time seeing a bird species)

A Common Nighthawk, my birthday lifer!

Rob and I stopped exchanging birthday gifts a couple years ago as we usually go away or do something together. Meadow always gets us a "little something" though.

My cute little apple owl ornament gift from Meadow.

I made myself Lobster Rolls for dinner, they were delicious! Rob had a hot dog, as he's not a fan of lobster.

I had Lobster Rolls for my birthday dinner. Yummy!

I always order my own birthday cake! That way I get exactly what I want and Rob doesn't mind at all.

My beautiful cake. I've been getting them from the same bakery for the past 5 years.

Saturday morning we went to one of our two favorite brunch places, Cora's. When they heard it was my birthday, they treated me to a smoothie. The funny thing was they carved the apple decoration on top into a bird! They had no idea how fitting that was.

My birthday smoothie at Cora's.

My favorite breakfast at Cora's, Brie and Mushroom Eggs Benedict with a side of fried bologna!

After a delicious and filling brunch we headed off to one of our absolutely favorite nature parks, Mountsberg Conservation Area where we had booked the Raptor Encounter.

We've done this in the past, and the handlers kind of know us now and were happy to see us. They know we are members of the park and that we really respect and enjoy the time we get to spend with the birds of prey there.

Teddy and I having a moment.

I love going to visit this beautiful Barred Owl.

I took Echo, an Eastern Screech Owl outside. See how well she blends in with the tree bark behind her? Their feathers are designed to camouflage them, and they do a great job.

Rob took Teddy outside her enclosure for a while. She was quite the draw with people wanting to get a closer look at her.

Spending the day there was an almost magical experience. I love being so close to those beautiful owls, and I know we will be doing the Raptor Encounter again in the fall.

Saturday night we did take part in the Bird Studies Canada project with friends, Jim and Lynda. We were given a route to follow about an hour outside the city, and we had to stop at ten assigned stops and listen for about 6 minutes each.

We were listening for the call of the Whip-poor-will. I was really disappointed that we didn't hear any, but we had a fun evening none the less. We always have a lot of laughs we hang out together.

The Whip-poor-will, I look forward to hearing/seeing one, one day.

Sunday morning we were up earlier then we would of liked as we didn't get to bed until after 2am. It was for a great reason though, brunch at Dr. Generosity's with friends.

Mark, Vitra and Monica joined us for a "birthday brunch" at Dr. G's.

My usual at Dr's G's; Eggs Dostoyefsky (smoked salmon) with fried potatoes and house salad.

After brunch we headed out of the city to see a friend. We really enjoyed her large backyard and were envious of the hummingbird that kept coming to her feeder.

The beautiful Hummingbird that kept visiting Michele's feeder, she calls him "Harry".

Michele and I lounging on the porch with her dog, Eno.

It was a lovely way to finish a birthday long weekend, and the celebrations aren't over yet!

Common Nighthawk and Whip-poor-will picture compliments of "Google Images".

PEREGRINES AND PEDICURES

2011-06-09T04:45:00.022-04:00

A not so happy Peregrine Falcon chick.

Last Friday I got to indulge in two of my passions, birds and spa treatments!

The Canadian Peregrine Foundation was holding a bird banding event at the Sun Life Financial building not far from where I live. I had not attended one of these banding events before, so I worked late a couple nights last week so I could leave early to attend the afternoon banding.

It was interesting to see how this process is done, at Ruthven banding station we're banding adults songbirds caught in nets and traps, not raptor chicks from a nest box 19 stories up!

With the help of window washers who volunteer their time and equipment, the chicks are carefully removed from the nest box and then brought inside for the banding process. Each chick is weighed, sexed and banded. Then they are taken outside again and carefully placed back into the nesting box. All this is done under the supervision of the Minister of Natural Resources and staff as well as the Canadian Peregrine Foundation directors and volunteers, remember, these are federally protected birds.

Time to get weighed! They look so cute in the big measuring cup.

The three Peregrine Falcon chicks from the Sun Life Financial Building.

I think the most interesting part of the procedure is actually going on outside while the chicks are inside. You see, the window washers remain outside while the banding is taking place, and the parent falcons aren't too happy. So, all the time the chicks are inside, the window washers are being swooped at by a pair of angry parent falcons! When it's over and the chicks are back in the nest box the parent falcons think they have succeeded in scaring the evil window washers away from their chicks!

The evil "chick snatchers" that the parent Falcons scare off in the end!

After watching the banding event and the parent falcons flying outside for awhile I was off to meet a girlfriend for a pedicure followed by dinner.

A Dove Spa had opened not far from my house about a year ago, and this was the day I was finally going to check it out.

I shouldn't of waited so long to go! It was very clean, relaxing and well staffed. They had a beautiful lounge area where you waited for your treatments and the treatment area was separate from the cashier/retail area. I've already made a return appointment.

Pat and I enjoying our pedicures.

This pretty colorful light really stood out in the mainly white surroundings.

Pat relaxing in the lounge of the Dove Spa after our pedicures.

It was a wonderful afternoon!

BIRD BANDERS IN TRAINING

2011-06-01T19:59:00.017-04:00

A male Yellow Warbler waits in the nets to be banded.

And with a flip of the calendar page, spring migration has come to an "unofficial end". All the spring migrants have passed through now, and are setting up summer residence to mate and raise a family before heading back south in the fall. Bird migration really is an amazing wonder of the world. Some of these birds have come from as far away as South America, and some of them have made that trip a few times. How do I know that, bird banding.

Rob and I have had a great May with the birds, we got to visit Point Pelee National Park for the first time, and have seen so many new birds this spring, it's been amazing. But the best thing to come out of this migration for us, was learning that we could take this passion of ours to another level without having to give up our jobs and go back to school.

Last February we visited Ruthven Park for the first time while on an organized tour trip. After we arrived home I wanted to find out more about the park and turned to my good friend, "Google". After reading about the park I discovered they had a "Bird Banding Station" that you could visit during migration and made a note for us to do that while on vacation.

We visited the banding station twice in May. The first time we didn't know what to expect and we were kind of in awe when they let us release some birds that we never dreamed we see so up close or ever get to hold. We both banded one bird (under guided supervision) that first trip and after that I couldn't stop thinking about it.

Monitoring and reporting are essential to our understanding of the health of migratory bird populations. Bird banding is a basic monitoring tool, informing studies that assess the effects of environmental contaminants, protect endangered species and set hunting regulations. The birds really keep us in the know! If you ever find a bird with a band on it, please report it here.

The second trip I had lots of questions. You see, to become an "official licensed" bird bander, you have to have one take you under their wing so to speak. You have to find a banding station and master bander to volunteer with. When he thinks you know your stuff, you have to apply to the government for a sub-permit and be sponsored by two master banders! There's even a "Bander's Code of Ethics".

I've found both for us at Ruthven Park. The master bander there, Rick Ludkin, is willing to let us join his flock. (Sorry, I can't help myself) We have so much to learn! We'll be going to the station about once a month, more during migration and right now we're really working on our id skills.

When you band a bird you have to know with 100% certainty what it is, you have to age, sex, and weigh it, along with measuring it's fat and muscle content. You have to know what size band to put on it's leg and record all the information. I find it amusing that there is a Yellow Warbler out there somewhere with my initials attached to it's band number.

I'm really excited about this next journey of birding we are going to attempt together. It's going to take us a while, years probably, but we're both fine with that, as long as it's still fun. And who knows, maybe we'll start our own banding station one day!

Rob banding a Tennessee Warbler.

Getting ready to release her.

Now what am I suppose to do with this?

Me releasing the beautiful Yellow Warbler I banded.

Releasing a male Baltimore Oriole on our first trip to Ruthven.

Rob releasing his mate.

BIRDER'S PARADISE - POINT PELEE

2011-05-26T16:59:00.030-04:00

From May 9th-11th Rob and I finally found ourselves at Point Pelee National Park during their birding festival. We had tried to visit last year during our vacation, but due to the tornado's that had gone through the Leamington area, the park was closed due to damage.

While it was still dark outside, 4am to be exact, our friends Jim and Lynda picked us up and we were off for a three day birding adventure. Point Pelee National Park is a world renown birding area, as it is the first point of entry to Canada on one of the major migratory bird paths. Birds who migrant follow the water, and Point Pelee is the most southern part of mainland Canada, so, they all land there first.

Our first trip to Point Pelee National Park.

I had planned an itinerary for our three day trip, but it got put aside as we all agreed that spending most of our time at the park was probably the best bet. It was the first time any of us had been there, and it was quickly apparent that we were in a birder's paradise.

My fellow "Bird Nerds"!

We saw over 90 species of birds during the time we were there, and I personally had 18 lifers, meaning it was the first time I had ever seen that particular bird. One of the big birding attractions about going to Point Pelee during migration is the warblers. These brightly coloured, tiny, speedy, bug eating machines are a thrill for us birders to see. Some of them come as far away as South America and head to Northern Ontario to mate, raise a family and feast on our pesky bugs.

We hadn't seen many warblers before this trip. They are quick moving and sometimes hard to spot. We saw 21 warbler species on our trip, most of them for the very first time. One such warbler, the Tennessee Warbler, caused our first bird nerd moment of the trip.

We were all sitting in the picnic area enjoying our lunch on our first day there, when someone yelled, "Tennessee Warbler over here!" The tables emptied in a cloud of dust, as everyone left to go have a look, including us!

We fit right in with this crowd!

That wasn't the only time I went running to see a warbler, on our second day, when someone let us know about the rare Cerulean Warbler and the one warbler Rob was hoping to see, the Blackburnian Warbler,we were off and running again.

The beautiful and rare Cerulean Warbler we were lucky enough to see.

This is the little guy I was so happy Rob got to see, isn't he pretty? Male Blackburnian Warbler.

It was an exhausting but amazing three days and I now know why birders from all over the world flock to Point Pelee in May. I'm just grateful that I live close enough that this trip will now become an annual tradition.

Please enjoy a few more pictures from our trip, all taken by Rob.

The stunning male Eastern Blue Bird.

A male Orchard Oriole, he was a lifer for me!

We saw quite a few of these guys for the first time, a Black-and-White Warbler.

A male Common Yellow-throat. Common? Are you kidding me?

RUTH RIPLEY

2011-05-19T17:14:00.004-04:00

I spent 12 hour days at a Halifax hospital for close to two weeks not long ago, and while I'm not ready to dive into the seriousness of my Mother's illness, I am ready to share one of the nicer memories from that time.

During the time I spent at the hospital I gained a whole new appreciation for nurses and all that is expected of them. Having someone there for the patient most of the time is good for the patient, but not really realistic. They have a job to do, and cannot be expected to be there for one person, all the time.

My Mother was usually in a room with 2 or 3 other patients, and I was there from 8am to 8pm most days. I noticed that some patients didn't have a lot of company most days, so I did my best to help them with little things when I could.

One patient, Ruth Ripley, shared a room with my Mom for just a few days, but left a lasting impression. She was a tiny little thing with a big spirit. She was from Pugwash, NS, that's quite a distance from Halifax, so the time she was there, she didn't have many visitors.

The day after Ruth arrived her grandson came for a visit and brought her a Reese chocolate bar. After he left, she mentioned that she was thankful for his little gift, but it was Reese Peanut Butter Cups that she really loved.

My next trip downstairs to the gift shop I picked up a package of Reese Peanut Butter Cups for Ruth, and everyday after that during her stay. I can still see the surprise and gratitude in her eyes. Such a little gift meant so much to her.

During her stay I helped her with other little things; getting her a drink, fluffing a pillow, helping with her meal tray. Those little things mean a lot to patients when they are in a hospital, and made me even more glad that I went down to spend that time with my Mother, that time was precious to both of us.

The day Ruth was being discharged, her son and daughter came to pick her up and before she left the hospital room to head home she shuffled over to me and presented me with a little gift. A package of pretty flowery napkins she had her daughter bring from home. She thanked me for all my help and I thanked her for the gift and told her I would use them the first time we bbq'd when I got back to Toronto.

I think that package of napkins is going to get opened this coming long weekend and I know I will never again eat another Reese Peanut Butter Cup without thinking about a tiny 94 year old lady named Ruth Ripley.

THE CANADIAN PEREGRINE FOUNDATION

2011-03-21T18:46:00.022-04:00

Alexandra is a 13 year old female Great Horned Owl, and it was an honour to hold her.

It's funny how sometimes the pieces of your life seem to fall into place nicely once in a while. That's how I'm feeling after reflecting on this past weekend.

Wednesday night we had an e-mail from one of the ladies we met on the Authentic Canadian Tours "Eagles and Owls" birding trip, wanting to know if we'd be interested in volunteering for the Canadian Peregrine Foundation over the weekend at the Toronto Sportsman Show. We weren't sure what we would be doing, but were willing to help as we planned on going to the show to see their educational display birds on the Friday night anyway.

You could of knocked me over with a feather when Frank, one of CPF's many volunteers, who we also met on the birding trip, told me we'd get to display some of the birds!

I got to display Kyla, an American Kestrel for a little while on Friday.

Rob forgot all about his shyness when it came too talking to complete strangers about one of his loves, birds!

We volunteered to work both Friday night and all day Saturday, but it sure didn't seem like work. To be so close to so many different raptors; Eagles, Owls, Hawks, and Falcons, it felt like a gift to us.

Bubo, "Boo" to his friends, is a male European Eagle Owl and was very popular at the show as he was "Who-Hooing" quite often.

I still can't quite believe that I got to hold a Great Horned Owl, and we got to be so close to "Boo", an Owl that Rob made a special visit to the Kortright Centre just to see in his enclosure a few months ago. Little did he know that one day he'd be nose to beak with him.

Rob got to display Kyla, most of the day on Saturday.

We've been talking about doing some volunteer work with an animal organization for a while now, but it's difficult when we both work full time and different shifts, but I'm happy to say we seemed to of found a fit with The Canadian Peregrine Foundation. After talking with the Founders, Mark and Marion Nash, and also Tracy, who's in charge of volunteering at the Kortright Centre, where the birds are housed, we'll be starting our volunteering for them next month.

I was still kind of in awe of holding Kyla on Saturday.

See what I mean about the puzzle of life fitting together easily sometimes? We see a post on the birding message board about a trip, we sign up for it, on that trip we meet Ann and Frank, three weeks after that trip they contact us about volunteering this weekend at the show, and now we found a place for us to do some volunteer work on a more regular basis for something we're so passionate about.

It's almost like it was meant to be.

MY TEEN IDOL

2011-03-15T17:51:00.028-04:00

Every girl has one, a teen idol. The guy you wallpapered your teenage wall with posters of, the guy you bought every album of and would run out to buy every magazine he was in. Mine was a makeup wearing, leather loving, spiked hair, heavy metal bass player called Nikki Sixx. He was also the first guest speaker to kick off "Canadian Music Week" at the Royal York hotel this year.

I have been lucky enough to see him live in concert a few times, something I didn't even dream about growing up in small town Nova Scotia. I've also met him 3 times; First time when I was 30 at an in-store record signing. I was so nervous I almost left after waiting over two hours in line. Afterwards, I literally floated up Yonge Street with my signed poster and a Nikki kissed hand! Second time was at a VIP Hard Rock party in Orlando, Florida in 2003 that my friend had won tickets too, and took me!(I outta do a whole blog on that weekend!) This was by far the best meeting, as I actually got to spend some time talking with him. Third time was at an in-store book signing in September, 2007 for his book, "The Heroin Diaries", and nerves got the best of me again, and I don't even remember what I rambled on about when it was my turn to have my book signed.

Jenn and I waiting in line to hear the interview with Nikki Sixx.

I think I was 13 when I discovered Nikki and Motley Crue. An awkward time in a girls life, and I remember it being his attitude I was drawn to the most. I sometimes wonder who I would of become without him, as it was his music that finally gave me the confidence to find my voice, to stand up for myself, and I haven't looked back since.

When I found out about the interview for CMW, how could I resist? So I booked the day off work, bought my ticket and waited for the day to arrive. Thanks to the power of Facebook and me letting all my friends know what I was up too, a couple girlfriends purchased tickets to come too.

My ticket of entry.

Jenn and I went down bright and early as we didn't really know what to expect. I'm glad we did though. We picked up our pre-purchased tickets and we're lucky enough to be fourth in line. The girl ahead of us, Karen, was nice enough to hold our spots while we went out to get some breakfast and then came back for the long wait to get in. The time actually passed quite quickly with all the chatting and joking with the people in line. An old friend of Rob's, Stacie, was first in line and recognized me from Facebook, small world! We all scored awesome seats, most of my group taking a front row seat, while I chose to take a second row center isle seat, which put me right in his eye line.

Q107's Jeff Woods talked to Nikki about a little of everything; Girls, Facebook, his kids, music, and of course his new book and album.

It was really interesting to hear him talk about all the topics he spoke of, but the one that I found most interesting was the new era of technology. When he first started playing and I first started going to concerts, IPhones and digital cameras didn't even exist! He spoke about looking out into a sea of people now and seeing them taking videos of the show and pictures and basically watching it through a lens.

He said he understands why people do it, but sometimes he wants to stop the show, and ask them to "be in the moment" instead of watching it. I so get this, as I say this to Rob all the time when we're out birding! Yes, I can even manage to bring birding into this blog post! LOL!!

OK, back to Nikki, his words really moved me, as I get what he is saying, and in this age of e-mail, text, and Skype, he hoped, as do I, that we don't lose the need or desire for human contact.

It's easier for fans today to feel "close" to their idols, they can follow them on Twitter and be "friends" with them on Facebook, and I do both with Nikki, but nothing makes you feel closer to them, then knowing you have something in common with them.

It's been many years since I've been a teenager, but I've continued to follow Nikki's life and career with interest, and now know about the battles this man has fought and won. He thinks he's a better man for it, I agree, and it makes it easy for me to still idolize him, and I do.

The man has a beautiful smile.

I like this one cause he's looking right at me!

I got this shot as he was leaving, no zoom needed.

MAGICAL MOMENT

2011-03-09T18:41:00.010-05:00

A Barred Owl sleeping peacefully by a busy roadside.

On Sunday March 6th, Rob and I ventured out with another birding friend to hopefully have a look at a Barred Owl well known to the area.

He was there, sleeping peacefully in a tree by a road side while photographers and birders alike mixed and mingled, occasionally snapping pictures of the honored guest. I was happy to see everyone was very respectful of the Owl, and I didn't see him open his eyes once while we were there. Though I heard he had put on quite the hunting show the day before, catching a vole for lunch.

As excited as I was to see the wild Barred Owl, a first for us, that isn't the moment that is forever etched in my mind, the picture below is.

Having a Blue Jay land in my hand was the was the highlight of the day for me!

I was in absolute awe when the bold Blue Jay, the locals call "Jack" landed in my hand for a peanut! And thrilled when he came back two more times for more.

He landed in Rob's hand too!

We're used to these guys landing in our hand, and there was no shortage of Chickadees willing to do so.

What a special memory!

AUTHENTIC CANADIAN TOURS

2011-03-04T05:33:00.007-05:00

First time seeing the beautiful Short-eared Owl.

On Saturday, February 26th, Rob and I went out with a new tour company, "Authentic Canadian Tours". They were doing an "Eagles and Owls Tour", how could we pass that up?!

This was our first time doing a tour like this, but it certainly won't be our last! Rob's not one for long drives, so this was relaxing for him, and it was wonderful to spend the day with a great group of like minded individuals doing something we all love.

And the birds!! I had four lifers and it was fun to watch Rob see Bald Eagles for the first time, especially the flying show they put on for us.

A great group of people to spend the day birding with!

Ann Brokelman, a lovely lady and fantastic photographer on the tour let me use some of her pictures from the day and you can see more of her work on her blog. All bird photos in this blog were taken by Ann. All lifers for me except the Bald Eagles. Enjoy!

Seeing a Tufted Titmouse was an awesome way to start the day. Rob and I had been wanting to see one for years and we weren't disappointed.

Two Short-eared Owls sitting in a brush pile in a farmers field.

There were four in total. It was such a treat to watch them fly around.

A Northern Harrier gave us a nice fly by.

We saw about twelve Bald Eagles in total on our trip, most juveniles, their colouring is spectacular.

Did you know that Bald Eagles don't get their white heads til they are about 5 years old?

Another "lifer" to end the day, a Glaucous Gull at La Salle Park in Burlington.

It was a great and memorable day!

THE GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT

2011-03-01T05:24:00.012-05:00

This year was going to be my first time taking part in "The Great Backyard Bird Count" and I was pretty excited about it. For weeks leading up to that weekend Rob and I talked about where we would go and what we hoped to see.

You don't have to have a backyard to take part, you just have to commit to a minimum of 15 minutes to count the birds you see in a certain area. We planned to visit a few different areas and parks over the first three days and leave our backyard counting to the last day.

Two days before the count I came down with a horrible cold. I was devastated. Friday and Saturday while Rob was taking part I was home on the couch resting and taking medication.

I did gather myself together enough to go out for a couple hours on Sunday and I'm so glad I did! I ended up having a "hat trick" day. Meaning, I saw three birds for the very first time. It was an exciting couple of hours.

Below are pictures of the three birds I saw for the first time on Sunday, February 20th. I borrowed pictures from Google images, except for the last one, so you could see them better. I really must work on getting Rob a 400mm lens!

Enjoy!

Horned Larks

White-winged Scoter

Northern Shrike

Rob captured this shot of the Northern Shrike just yesterday, Feb. 28th. I love this shot as this bird looks so beautiful. You'd never know that this bird is a meat eater and will sometimes pierce his prey (mice, voles, small birds) on long thorns to help hold it in place to achieve his kill and eat it, as he doesn't have talons.

Oh isn't the world of birding amazing!?

WINTER BIRDING

2011-02-06T15:30:00.008-05:00

This beautiful "Long-eared Owl" flew by us today, and we were lucky enough to share a few moments with him and get a picture before he flew deeper into the trees.

Rob and I have been into "birding" for about six years now, and we never payed too much attention to "water-birds" until Valentines Day 2009.

We were enjoying lunch at Snug Harbour in Port Credit and we noticed out the window this small black and white duck swimming around. He was beautiful! And his head is actually a brilliant purple when the sun hits him right.

We didn't think there was much birding to be done in the winter months, but we've been learning that this is when a lot of very beautiful and interesting water-birds come down from the north to "summer" here.

We've also discovered the winter is the time of year you'll spot owls if your lucky enough!

Like the mailman, even the cold winter weather doesn't keep us "bird nerds" from venturing out to see what we can see.

A pair of Buffleheads.

A male Long-tailed Duck swims by trying to entice a female.

A pair of beautiful American Black Ducks.

A male Northern Pintail stood out amongst the Mallards.

MUSKOKA WEEKEND GETAWAY

2011-01-22T05:35:00.015-05:00

I was quite happy to be hand feeding the Chickadees in Algonquin Park.

We started planning our winter trip up to Algonquin Park right after our first trip there in November, as we enjoyed it so much. This time we decided to stay the night and make a weekend of it to celebrate our 7 years of being a couple.

The visitor centre wasn't open when we were there in November on a weekday, so we were anxious to see what was there. It hosts displays, an information centre, large gift shop and a cafe. It also has a large balcony where you can see miles and miles of the park, it's a stunning view! People have seen Moose, Wolves and Bears from that balcony. We were just happy to watch the birds coming to feed at the feeders they have placed close to the balcony.

A first for us, a "Spruce Grouse", at the Visitor Centre in the park.

After spending some time at the Visitor Centre, we decided to hit one of the many trails in the park to see what we could see.

Algonquin Park was a beautiful and enchanting winter wonderland.

The so pretty Gray Jay, birders come from all over hoping to catch a glimpse.

After spending the day at the park we drove back to Huntsville to our bed and breakfast for the night, Algonquin Mists. We went for a delicious dinner at "The Norsemen" which was very close to the B & B. I would recommend both, and would visit again.

Algonquin Mists Bed and Breakfast.

The bed at our B & B was like sleeping on a cloud.

The whirlpool tub was heavenly after hiking around in the cold all day.

After breakfast we headed to Gravenhurst to visit the Muskoka Wildlife Centre. This is one of our favorite organizations and places to visit, a must for nature nuts like ourselves. We plan on visiting quite regularly.

This is "Woodrow" the beaver, one of their teaching animals, I got to pat him!

Luna, the Saw-whet owl outside the centre during a photography shoot.

Silo, the Barn Owl we sponsor, sleeping peacefully.

This sign makes us feel good, it's outside Silo's enclosure.

We had a great weekend in the Muskoka region and look forward to returning in the Spring.

A LOOK BACK AT MY 2010

2011-01-02T14:39:00.021-05:00

Meeting my favorite Disney character was a thrill, even at 41 years old.

When I think back over 2010, it truly was a year of personal ups and downs, thankfully the ups out weighed the downs, and even things that looked so bleak in the beginning turned out to be for the best.

Here's a summary of my 2010.

January: Rob and I started our new year by doing our favorite thing, birding. Rob and I celebrate 6 years of togetherness.

Having fun with the Chickadees at Cranberry Marsh on New Years Day 2010.

February: We see our first owl in the wild, a beautiful female Snowy Owl at Sam Smith Park.

March: We see another wild owl, this time a Great Horned Owl at Thickson Woods.

April: 9th Annual Girls Getaway Weekend at the Briars Resort with my favorite ladies. Mom comes for a short stay and enjoys the backyard.

May: Rob and I enjoy lots of birding during peak migratory time and have loads of "first" sightings of a wide variety of birds.

June: June starts off great, we're on vacation and visit Pelee Island for my 41st birthday.

Sunset on Pelee Island was magical.

Rob captured this gorgeous shot of a Great Blue Heron on Pelee Island.

June didn't end so well though, I came down with a horrid bacterial lung infection that kept me off work for almost 2 months.

July and August: I spent most of the summer on the couch recovering, but it was during this time that I finally got around to reading the Harry Potter series. I had seen the movies, but it wasn't until after I read the books that I truly fell in love with the series.

I also find out in August that the position I held for 16 years at the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies (a part of St. Michael's College) is being eliminated the beginning of October.

September: We enjoy the "Raptor Encounter" at Mountsberg Conservation Area and we also celebrate Rob's 41st birthday in the Muskoka region by sponsoring a Barn Owl at the Muskoka Wildlife Centre.

Rob and I with Otis and Echo, two Eastern Screech Owls at Mountsberg's Raptor Centre.

Teddy is a Barred Owl, and we got to hold her during a private "Raptor Encounter" at Mountsberg Conservation Area. She's leaning into me, because at that moment, I'm her tree!

Rob and I are Silo's sponsors, she's a barn owl who they use in their educational and out reach programs at the Muskoka Wildlife Centre.

Luna is a Saw-whet Owl and the cutest thing I ever saw, I couldn't take my eyes off her.

October: I spend a weekend in Orlando with friends before vacationing with my brothers family, so we can take in the "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" which just opened in June.

Visiting the "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" was like stepping right into the books!

I hadn't seen my brother and his family for 5 years, much too long. And it was my first time meeting my youngest niece, Tayler.

After a great ten day vacation in Orlando, I come back to start a new position at St. Michael's College in a different department.

Visiting Disney World for the first time was a dream come true, getting to visit with my two nieces was priceless!

November: Busy month adapting to the new job. Rob and I take our first trip to Algonquin Park and see Gray Jays for the first time. We hand feed them lots of peanuts.

Hand feeding a beautiful Gray Jay at Algonquin Park.

December: Busy month of Christmas socializing which I just love, also included a quick four day trip home to Nova Scotia because I wasn't able to get down over the summer due to my illness. Rob and I celebrate Christmas on Boxing day, but it felt like Christmas to us.

Enjoying the jello shooters with the birthday boy!

Enjoying lunch with family in Truro, Nova Scotia. I waited 18 months to get some deep fried clams!

Putting some ediable goodies under the "Critter Christmas Tree", one of my favorite Christmas traditions that Rob and I started together.

It was a pretty eventful year, I wonder what 2011 has in store......

GRAY JAYS IN ALGONQUIN PARK

2010-12-04T05:47:00.009-05:00

A Gray Jay lands in my hand for a peanut seconds after arriving.

One of the birds that Rob and I have had on our "to see" list has been the Gray Jay, also know as "whiskey jacks". We had heard of their beauty and also of their non-shyness around humans when it gives them a chance to steal food to hide in trees for the winter.

They don't come much further south in Ontario then Algonquin Park, so when our friends Jim and Lynda invited us to take a trip up there early November, after hearing of some sightings, we were very happy to go along.

Waiting and watching for his chance to get some peanuts.

The birds were bigger then I expected, it was so much fun to hand feed them and a thrill to finally see them!

I must admit, after being in the car for four hours, I was getting pretty restless by the time we arrived at our destination within the park, but all that magically disappeared as soon as we parked. We didn't have to go looking for them, it was like they were waiting for us!

It looks like this guy is giving Rob a "thank you" smile.

Following the trail deeper into the woods, it was fun to see some snow for the first time this season.

Such a beautiful bird.

We had a wonderful day with Jim and Lynda, and Rob and I have decided to head back up in January for an overnight at one the B & B's close to the park to celebrate our 7th anniversary.

This was our view while enjoying a picnic lunch.

We also saw a "Black-backed Woodpecker" for the first time on our visit to the park.

DISNEY MAGIC

2010-10-21T18:41:00.006-04:00

I have to admit, it was pretty exciting meeting the mouse himself, Mickey Mouse, Minnie being there was a bonus.

When I was a kid, Sunday nights at 6PM was my favorite time of the week. That was when "The Wonderful World of Disney" tv show came on. I remember seeing THAT castle and Tinker Bell flying in to wave her magic wand to make that nights show begin. I have so many favorites that I remember; The Apple Dumpling Gang, Herbie and the Love Bug, and Witch Mountain, to name a few. And of course all the lovable cartoon characters; Donald Duck, Goofy, and of course the mouse himself, Mickey Mouse, though, Winne and his friends have always been my favorite.

I always dreamed of one day going there, and this year that dream came true. A year long planned trip with my brother and his family to Disney World in Orlando, Florida was everything I could of hoped for and more.

It really is a magical place, and it's not just for kids, it's for children and adults who have maintained that youthful spirit, I had a blast.

Cinderella's Castle took my breath away, it didn't even look real.

The first thing I noticed on that first visit to "Magic Kingdom" was how very organized it all is, starting in the parking lot. It is a well run machine, designed to make your trip as enjoyable and stress free as possible. You can't help but notice how clean the parks are and they really are a place for celebrating life, it's hard not to get caught up in it.

My first character "meet and greet" at Disney World, Pluto!

We visited all four parks while there; The Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Hollywood Studios and Epcot. I enjoyed all the parks, but I think the Magic Kingdom was my favorite, as that's where Cinderella's castle is and also where I met my favorite Disney character, Winnie the Pooh.

Me and my favorite bear, Winnie the Pooh! It was worth the 41 year wait to meet him.

All the parks put on special shows through out the day; short plays, musicals, parades and fireworks at night. There is so much going on, and to see and do. You most certainly can't do it all in a day.

Goofy waves at the crowds during a parade at Animal Kingdom, as he passed us he shouted, "we sure are having a wing ding of a time!"

I now know why they call this "the most magical place on earth", and I look forward to a return visit in the future.

SOLO AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

2010-10-19T05:31:00.013-04:00

My first character meeting of the day, Woody Woodpecker!

I was solo on Saturday, as Pat and Greg went back to their hotel late on Friday night because they were flying out Saturday and my brother and his family weren't flying in until Saturday evening.

I decided to check out Universal Studios Theme Park. The Harry Potter Park was on the Universal Island Adventures Park, and I had such a great time there the past two days, I decided to check out something new.

Revolving globe outside the park entrance.

Entrance to Universal Studios Theme Park.

At first I felt a little funny being by myself, but that didn't last long, and everyone was very friendly and willing to take a picture of me if I needed them too. Like, when I had a chance to pose with the Madagascar Penguins!

They wanted to dance!

As I walked around the park I really had no destination in mind, but wasn't surprised when I ended up in the "Kid Zone".

I caught a couple shows, "Animal Actors" and "Scooby's Monster Mash".

This is dog from the Men in Black movies.

Monster Mash show in the "Kid Zone".

These two were my favorites as a kid.

Me with Scooby and Shaggy!

On my way out of the park I took the long way around and ended up at another character greeting, Shrek. It was hilarious, Donkey was a moving puppet, but the guy doing his voice sounded just like Eddy Murphy, and he talked to you for a long time. When it was my turn to get a picture and he found out I was alone he said, "Alone?!...You won't be alone for long. You just come on over and stand next to me Princess!" It was pretty funny.

Meeting Shrek, Princess Fiona and the lovable Donkey.

I left the park after spending about four hours there, not bad for not doing any rides. I went back to the hotel and spent a couple hours by the pool before heading out for dinner. They were nice enough to let me use a locker and store my suitcase, as they knew I wasn't meeting my brother til later. That's called good customer service.

I decided to go to Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville for dinner as it wasn't far from the hotel and I had wanted to go there again.

The perfect place to end the day.

I had to have a margarita, I was in Margaritaville!

My yummy margarita!

I had chicken and seafood gumbo at the waitress's suggestion, it was a great choice!

A slice of yummy keylime pie was the perfect ending to the meal.

After dinner I got a taxi over to the resort where I was meeting my brother and his family and part two of this adventure begins......