A Happy Sight

It is always so good to spot a Monarch Butterfly. I've been seeing a lot of them over the last couple of weeks so maybe their numbers are growing. So many people seem to have planted milkweed for them. 

Taking part in Saturday's Critters. Click HERE to see more creatures from around the world.

U of Toronto Walkway

I went for a wander around the U of T campus early on a Sunday morning. It was surprising to see so many buildings having maintenance or construction done possibly taking advantage of the lockout during Covid. This walkway between buildings was a peaceful sight to see with all of the birch trees lining it.

Smoky Haze

This was the sun about a week & 1/2 ago at around I hour before sunset. The forest fires out west in Canada and the USA are creating so much smoke that when it hits us the skies are hazy and our air quality is terrible. The moon later that night was also bright orange.

Theatre

The theatre at the Alliance Francaise is probably not open yet but the regulations about what can be open seem so confusing that I'm not sure. I have never been but it is supposed to be a very nice space.

Taking part in Signs 2. Click HERE to see more signs from around the world.

A Quiet Morning

I was out a bit earlier than normal when the streets were still quiet and took a wander down Palmerston Blvd. The church building in the background has been lovingly converted into condos but still looks wonderful.

Biking In The City

I spotted this nicely painted utility box along one of the heavily used north/south bike routes in the city. It certainly makes the box look more attractive in the homeowners yard. The artist for this one is Erin McCluskey. 

Taking part in Monday Murals. Click HERE to see more murals from around the world.

Daisies

What a bright spot these Daisies were on a dull day.  They really are such cheerful flowers don't you think?

Moose In The City

This sculpture by Charles Pachter has been guarding the U of Toronto campus for many years now. It can be found looking down from a grassy knoll at the corner of Harbord & St George. 

Taking part in Saturday's Critters. Click HERE to see more creatures from around the world.

Up On The Roof

We have had a lot of rainy days lately which makes for a wet deck. There has been little sitting out on those colourful chairs. Things do like nice with a bit of water on them.

A Brook

We have had a lot of rainy days the last few weeks so all the gardens are green and the little brook that is hiding between the rocks and plants in this pic is running nicely. It runs down and feeds into the duck pond at James Gardens.

Lots Of Books!

BMV has books on each floor of the blue building including the lower level. They have a great selection and even buy your old books. It is nice to be able to go into stores again. 

Taking part in Signs 2. Click HERE to see more signs from around the world.

One Of My Favourites

I've always liked the notch-back Mustangs from the 60s. This one was in for servicing at the local mechanics so I stopped for a shot. It is a '66 289 with automatic transmission which was a bit of a surprise. It looked to be in perfect condition.

A Flower Box

I spotted this flowery utility box surrounded by a garden with many pink blooms matching those on the box. The artist for this one is Jon McTavish. 

Taking part in Monday Murals. Click HERE to see more murals from around the world.

Had Enough

 The Robin in yesterday's post finally had enough of me following it. He/she stopped under this plant and gave me a stare before finally flying off into the underbrush.

Follow That Bird!

I was walking along a path in the valley along the Humber River when I happened upon this Robin who was also walking the path. Rather than fly away the Robin continued to scurry ahead and would then turn to see if I was still there. This continued for a minute or so. 

Taking part in Saturday's Critters. Click HERE to see more creatures from around the world.

A Modern Home

This house has the boxy look found on many newly built homes in the city but it also has a hidden feature. Tucked away behind those grasses which are getting taller each day is a lovely seating area with shade and lots of room for relaxing. I rather like it.

More Patios

Our restaurants are to open for indoor dining tomorrow but most of them will keep their enlarged patios open all summer. This place already had a large patio beside the building but has also expanded onto the road for extra income. They won't be open for full capacity inside so every bit helps. Notice the remains of a Coca Cola ghost sign.

Heart

This wonderful sign is found along College St in the middle of Little Italy. I like all of the multi language words that are all so positive.

Taking part in Signs 2. Click HERE to see more signs from around the world.

Nice Changes

Since all of our restaurants have been closed for indoor dining for months when they were finally allowed to open for patio service the city gave permits for them to take over a lane of the roadways along many streets in the city. This has resulted in narrower space for cars but a more lively patio scene than we have ever had.  In some areas a whole block has been turned into seating areas. This one I spotted along Dundas St W was just for 2 restaurants. It would be nice if this continued after we return to normal.

Chicken On The Road

 At first glance from down the street this looked like an abstract mural but as I got closer I could see the great chicken. And then it became clear that he was crossing the road in front of one of our streetcars. The artist for this one is Colin Tea who often includes streetcars in his murals.

Taking part in Monday Murals. Click HERE to see more murals from around the world.

Wedding Cards

I was back in Koreatown to see if there were new cards in the window of the card store.  I liked these wedding cards which were perfect for Pride month.

Taking A Break

The Mallards at James Gardens were taking a break from searching and begging for food. There was a lot of grooming going on as they seem to be molting as evidenced by all the feathers you can see on the ground around them. This post of the ducks is for a special follower who loves to see them.

Taking part in Saturday's Critters. Click HERE to see more creatures from around the world.

Lily Season

The Tiger Lilies are blooming all over the city. It feels a bit early but I may be wrong about that. These ones were spotted at James Gardens.

A Temporary View

This view of Casa Loma from Dupont St appeared a few weeks ago when a 4 storey building was knocked down. One was never able to see the Casa from here for many many years and the view will soon be gone as a condo is going in here. Just what we need in the city - another condo building.

Open Hearts

Our churches have started to open with very limited numbers of people allowed to attend but I thought this sign at Trinity-St Paul's was lovely. It is a congregation known for its caring ways. 

Taking part in Signs 2. Click HERE to see more signs from around the world.

How Was It Missed

I have probably walked by this house in the Annex hundreds of times but for some reason never noticed it before. This time the wonderful porch with the hanging baskets of flowers caught my eye. It is different in style from the usual Annex neighbourhood house like those on the right in the pic. This is a perfect time of year to sit out on that porch and read.

A Flowery Garage

The doors on this garage would certainly give you a flowery welcome home each day. I could find no artist signature other than PS.

Taking part in Monday Murals. Click HERE to see more murals from around the world.

What A Tree!

I have been passing by the shop window in Koreatown with the pop-up cards on a regular basis and they always have new ones on display. I can't believe that this highly intricate tree actually folds up!

A Pot Of Peanuts

This feeder is meant to disrupt the squirrels as they attempt to eat all of the peanuts. The Downy Woodpecker can simply poke its beak through the spaces and grab a nut. 

Taking part in Saturday's Critters. Click HERE to see more creatures from around the world.

Concentration

I spotted these three gentlemen in a little parkette along Bloor St W in the Annex neighbourhood.  They were so engrossed in their card game that they never noticed me taking their pic at all.

July Theme: Tools

The City Daily Photo Blog community's July theme is Tools and for this I present this drawer full of screwdrivers.  You can find every size you might need here and styles including Philips, Robertson, and flat heads. I love a drawer full of objects like this.

Taking part in the theme Tools. Click HERE to see more tools from around the world.