Summer Flowers

 

It is nice to think about summer flowers and the visits they got from Hummingbirds when we are now having really cold weather. Not the best conditions for getting out for new pics! These Cosmos were out on the deck where Frank the snowman now rules.

Mural

 

This large mural was spotted on the side of an alternative school along Bloor St W. It commemorates the signing of a treaty between groups of indigenous peoples many years ago. The list of artists is on the left side.

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

A Snowman?

 

This guy does not look happy about the snow on his nose. Spotted in the front garden of an Annex neighbourhood home.

Out In The Storm

 

It was surprising to see this squirrel out having a snack while the snow came down around him. Usually they stay home and wait for better weather. Squirrels seem to be the only creatures I see these days.

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

After The Storm

 

It wasn't just snowmen like Frank that were covered in snow after our big storm last week. These stairs needed a bit of work before they were useable. Lucky it was light snow.

Snow

 

We had a lot of snow recently and poor Frank almost disappeared under it. It finally melted a bit after a few days and he is now a bit happier. Even his little nose was covered!

It's Electric

 

I spotted this restaurant while walking along Bloor St on a Sunday morning. It wasn't open but apparently they serve Australian pub food. I am not sure what that is so will have to drop by on another day. I guess that is a platypus on the sign?

Taking part in Signs2. Click HERE to see more signs from around the world. 

Changes

 

I can't totally remember what this large house in the Annex neighbourhood looked like before but I think it may have been a semi detached pair of homes but has been converted into a multi unit building. The right hand side has been opened up at the bottom to provide a parking lot. They did a good job fitting the changes into the neighbourhood.

Bird

 

I spotted this wonderful bird on a utility box in Christie Pits park back in November. The artist is Nicolas Alfalfa. I really like it.

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

"I'm Melting"

 

This large snowman had been through a few days of warm weather when I spotted it in a local park. He had lost his facial features but still stood dignified on the changing landscape. It must have been great fun to build him.

Cold Pig

 

This concrete pig has stood guard in an Annex front garden for many years but in summer is surrounded by grasses and flowers. He didn't look very happy a couple of weeks ago when we had a lot of snow. He needs a scarf!

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

Cold Playground

 

It wasn't surprising that no kids were at this playground on a recent cold day. The plastic equipment would have been cold to touch. The colours were a standout in the snow though.

Annex Homes

 

When the leaves are off the trees in winter that is the best time to look at the style of homes in the Annex neighbourhood. The facade of these 2 semi-detached houses is quite unusual for the neighbourhood. The one on the right looks fairly original while the left side has done a larger window on the 2nd floor but otherwise the whole building looks great.

Crafty On Bloor

 

The Crafty Coyote is a pub found on Bloor St W in the Annex neighbourhood. I have always liked the building with those little cupolas on the roof. There must be interesting space up on that top floor.

Taking part in Signs2. Click HERE to see more signs from around the world.  

A Winter Pastime

 

Having a good book to read on a stormy winter day is a great way to pass the time and on a nice winter day heading out to a bookstore is a treat. This large bookstore, BMV, on Bloor St in the Annex neighbourhood fits the bill as it has several floors of books of all types. This is a view towards the mystery section which was my destination on a recent visit.

Winter Flowers

 

The only flowers outside here at this time of year are in murals. I really liked the graphic style of these ones. There was no artist signature.

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

Tiny Park

 

There are several of these small parks like this one in the Annex neighbourhood and it is unusual to find one empty of people on a Sunday. No matter what the weather you will normally find someone walking a dog or just sitting on a bench having a coffee. And it was 0˚C so not very cold at all. A mystery.

Close To Home

 

There were actually 3 squirrels in that tree snacking on Maple keys but the 3rd one never got into a close enough to catch them all at once. This is the view from our roof deck and I wanted to show you where the squirrels live. Most of the ones who visit this tree live in the eaves of that large house behind us where you can see the windows. The owners seal up the entrance ways but then the little guys find another way in.

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

Soldiers' Tower

 

Soldiers' Tower at U of Toronto is found near Hart House and it was built in 1924 as a memorial to members of the university who died in WW1. It later included members who died in WW11. I have always taken pics of it from the south side and this one is from the north with University College to the right and Hart House on the left. 

A Breakfast Treat

 

A pancake breakfast is always a nice treat but this one was extra special because friends had gifted us some special maple syrup from Quebec. That jar on the left contains maple syrup that has been aged in bourbon barrels. It was so delicious and we have a couple more varieties to try yet!

On Patrol

 

This old police car, a 1957 Chevy, often comes out for special events like the Santa Claus parade which was the case here. The car sat on Bloor St and led off the start of the parade. Quite a difference from the police vehicles that we see today.

Taking part in Signs2. Click HERE to see more signs from around the world.

Pink

 

OISE (Ontario institute for studies in education) at U  of Toronto has undergone some renovations one of which included the terrace on the roof. Community gardens appeared and so have the bright pink strips of some material. When viewed from the right side of this pic the strips look yellow. It must make a nice effect on the terrace.

Finally

 

A day later and Frank and his friend were pleased to have a bit of snow. Frank was in his element.

He's Back

 

Frank the snowman finally came out just before Christmas and found no snow on the deck. He was actually enjoying a bit of warm sun on his old body. I think he is about 30 years old now. things changed the next day.

Foraging

 

Squirrels seem to spend all their days looking for food and this one was trying to snack on some Maple keys before the snow that was starting to come down got too heavy. It soon started to really snow a lot and squirrel left for home.

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

Frozen Pond

 

The pond in the Wychwood Park neighbourhood was frozen when I walked by recently on the way to a farmers market. I don't think this pond ever freezes well enough to allow skating or even walking on it.

January Theme: Photo Of The Year

The January theme for the City Daily Photo Blog community is 'Photo Of The Year'  and I chose this shot that I took in Merida Mexico of a dog  in an art gallery. I really liked the shot and the dog was so good to go back up the stairs after greeting everyone. 

Taking part in the theme. Click HERE to see more Photos of The Year from around the world.

Happy New Year!