An Urban Garden

 

I was lucky enough to be visiting some friends on a warm sunny day and got to enjoy the coolness of their beautiful back garden. I think the temperature dropped by 5 degrees as soon as we went out there. You never know what can be lurking behind a simple house.

Annex Brick Homes

 

I went out in April to take  shots of houses in the Annex neighbourhood before the leaves came out on the trees and blocked the views. These 3 houses won't be blocked by that tree out front for a long time. I like how these houses, all built in the late 1900s, are all so different from each other even though all used the same red bricks so prevalent in the city.

Tribute To Librarians

 

The woman in the Seaton Village neighbourhood who has a small diorama in her front garden has a tribute to librarians on display now. They do help us to answer many of our questions and deserve the attention.

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

"Timber!"

 

It was just around noon on a sunny day about a week ago when this huge very old Silver Maple tree fell over right from its base. It tore out the electric wires to several houses but luckily no one was injured. You can see a car towards the right of centre. It was flattened. Spooky times for the people who live on this street. 

Hare

 

This fine rabbit was painted several years ago and I posted it at the time. It was good to see that it hasn't been tagged when I went by recently. He won't need the sweater for a few months now.

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

A Cascade Of Flowers

 

I spotted this wonderful Spirea bush in the front garden of a home. There was a breeze so the branches were putting on a show of moving cascades of flowers. Lovely.

Pals

 

I met a dog walker that I know while out for a walk. She had a full crew of dog buddies including this Border Collie who is quite shy. I wanted to get a shot of her but she refused to look up. Two of her friends were quite eager to have their pics taken.

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

A Church Interior

 

I happened to be going by Trinity-St. Paul's United Church on Bloor St W so wandered in for this shot of the interior. It felt so calm in there when coming in from the busy street.

Hearts

 

When I see Bleeding Hearts I think of my Mum who always had lots of it growing in her garden. This little patch of it that I spotted on a walk seems to be doing quite well.

A 4-Plex

I have always liked the look of this little apartment building and was surprised to find out that it contains only 4 units. They must all be of a good size and judging by the age of the building must be solidly built.

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

June Theme: Sky

 

The June theme for the City Daily Photo Blog community is Sky. We have had a cool spring with lots of rain and little sunny weather so it was a treat last week to walk along in the sunshine with gentle clouds floating by. So this is my Sky pic for the theme.

To see more pics of Sky from around the world click HERE. 

Inherit The Earth

 

This lovely mural was spotted in a laneway behind some commercial properties. A thoughtful statement runs along the bottom. The only artist info is CT up in the right corner.

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

A Face

 

We bought this wonderful face at a small art show in Mexico. It is made from pieces of fabric stitched together and buttons for the eyes. The artist had some great work.

Pretty Bird

 

I spotted this lovely little bird on an insert on the wall around a hydro station. It wasn't signed but was obviously done by a First Nations artist. I quite like it.

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

Laneway White

This newly finished laneway house is a bit more interesting than many of them which are quite plain and boring. The wood inserts give a bit of interest and they have just finished putting top soil all around it so it looks like there may be a garden coming.
 

Under The Bubble

 

This is one of the bubble-like entrances to the Dupont St subway station. Opened in 1978, they certainly look like the 70s to me. The bubble motif even continues down on the platforms with round tiles etc.

Neon Wing

 The neon wing seen on this restaurant's overhang is part of the logo of Chantecler, a French restaurant on Bloor St W. Apparently Chantecler is a breed of chicken bred in Quebec. I haven't tried the restaurant but it looks intriguing.

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

A 1960s Treasure

 

Directly across Avenue Rd, where I showed you the Art Deco apartment building a week ago, is this wonderful apartment building from 1965. Designed by architect Uno Prii it is one of many that he designed in the city especially in the Annex neighbourhood. A lot of them have heritage protection but I am not sure about this one. Click the Uno Prii label below to see more of his designs. 

Laneway Flowers

 

I happened upon these gorgeous flowers just as the artist was putting on some finishing touches and taking plastic off the windows. You can see him up a small ladder to the right. This is yet another laneway house although this is all new construction unlike some of the others in the 'hood. The artist is Chris Perez and you can see more of his work if you click his label below.

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

Another Magnolia

 

I couldn't resist taking a pic of this Magnolia tree with its deep pink blooms. And as a bonus there was a small Bleeding Hearts plant growing beneath it. Lovely springtime.

Sweet Kittty

 

The neighbourhood cat is still wearing her colourful collar which I think warns the birds that she is about. She loves to greet people but as soon as I pull out the camera she won't look at me.

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

Streetcar Art

 

When the streetcar line along St Clair was updated, artists were commissioned to design art for the top edge of each stop. This one called "Scenic Routes" by artist Carlo Cesta was installed at the stop near Avenue Rd. It is said to resemble vines growing along the top. I like it.

"Reclining Figure"

 

This bronze sculpture titled Reclining Figure by artist John Fillion was installed in front of an office tower on St Clair Ave W in 1967 and continues to be one of my favourite sculptures in the city. It is so powerful.

A Neighbourhood Theatre

The Tarragon Theatre is a neighbourhood theatre which is home for contemporary plays. It was founded in 1970 and has two stage spaces. The building was originally a cribbage board factory.

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

Muscle Car

 

I went by the hand car wash place again and saw this shiny Corvette out front. Pretty impressive but I still like the old ones better.

Morning Glory

 

I love Morning Glories so was pleased to come upon this beautifully painted utility box. Even with all the shadows from trees it was a stand out. The artist for this one is K Roberts.

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

Pink Beauty

 

This is another small Magnolia tree in the neighbourhood but this one has large blossoms. The tree is a lovely shape.

Resting Up

 

After a busy morning foraging for food this black squirrel took some time for a little nap in the warm sun. Probably thinking about what mischief it could get into later.

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

 

Deco Details

 

This is one of the garage entrances to yesterday's apartment building. There are actually 3 buildings side by side with all the same wonderful deco facades making up a wonderful complex. I wonder what the interiors are like.

Deco Charm

 

This is the entrance to yet another of the older apartment buildings that are on Avenue Rd south of St Clair W. This one was built in 1931 and features wonderful Art Deco details more of which I will show you tomorrow. This building also has heritage protection.

Heritage Signs

 

Heritage Toronto puts up signs in this style at various interesting or significant locations around the city. They used to be cast in metal but were often stolen by thieves who sold them for scrap so now they are using glass which actually works well with a solid base behind it. This sign tells the story of Davenport Rd and how it was an old trail used by indigenous populations for thousands of years. Its original name seen on the sign has now been added to the street signs too.

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

Apple Blossoms

 

This large apple tree is in the back garden of a home visible from our roof deck. It has been putting on a grand display that has lasted a while because of the cool and rainy weather we have been having.

Spring Flowers

 

This mural on a garage reminded me of the flowers of spring which we are seeing now. And they have added a little blue raccoon as a tribute to the huge population of these creatures that we have in the city. Not blue in real life of course. The artist is Ellesart.

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

Small Beauty

 

This small Magnolia tree is always the first of them in our 'hood to flower. Even its flowers are smaller and more delicate than the flowers on the big trees. Unfortunately it was garbage day when I went by so hence the bins.

Snack Time

 

This is the same squirrel that I showed you last Saturday who was busy burying some food for a later date. After working so hard it was time for it to take a break and actually eat something.

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

Elegance

 

This is another of the wonderful old apartment buildings along Avenue Rd south of St Clair W. It was also built in the 1920s but several years ago underwent a complete restoration inside and out with some adjustments made to the configuration of the units. This building has heritage protection too.

Spring Yellow

 

The Daffodils are finally flowering and because we have been having rather cool weather they are lasting a while. This patch had some blue Scilla neighbours to enhance the colours.

Donuts!

 

The actor Ryan Reynolds has collaborated with Tim Hortons, Canada's most popular coffee and donut place, to bring out these delicious sounding donuts. There is some kind of charity contribution involved in the deal. There has been so much advertising that I have been tempted to try one but have so far resisted.

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

Impressive Entrance

 

There is a stretch of Avenue Rd south of St Clair St W which has a group of wonderful old apartment buildings built in the 1920s. I loved the entrance to this one. Apparently there is a mural on the ceiling of the lobby which was painted by one of the Group of Seven but it is hard to get in there. This building has heritage protection.

Busy Times

 

Spring is a busy time for beavers as they repair any winter damage to their lodges and start new construction so it was timely that I came upon this mural a couple of weeks ago. The artist for this one is Candypress.

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

You Never Know

 

You never know what can be at the end of a walkway like this. Well, this one leads to a building with a lot of studios. There are potters, painters, jewellers, and more, creating wonderful things. It is good such buildings are still around.

Hiding Treasures

Although most of our squirrels have black fur there are still many around with grey fur. When I first saw this one it was burying something so deep that his whole head disappeared into the hole. He then spent a lot of time filling in the hole and trying to make it look as if no earth had been disturbed. I wonder if he will remember where it was?

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

May Theme Day: Fruit

 

The May theme for the City Daily Photo Blog community is Fruit and since it is a bit early for our local fruit I chose this shot from the citrus aisle at a local grocery store. The bright orange seemed very spring-like to me.

Taking part In the theme Fruit. Click HERE to see more fruit from around the world. 

Sea Of Blue

 

Every spring nature puts on a great show along this hill on Davenport Rd. The blue Scilla has spread into a beautiful sea. It is too bad that it doesn't last for long.

Buy Local

 

I spotted this mural in a local laneway and there were tarps down in front of it so I think there was still more details to be added but there was no one to ask. It still gets its message across very well. Honest Ed's was a famous discount store which anchored a whole neighbourhood which is now in the process of being redeveloped. We shall see how it turns out soon, hopefully. 

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

Big House

 

It is still a good time to take shots of houses in the Annex neighbourhood before the leaves come out on the trees. This pic actually shows a pair of semi-detached homes which are each huge. It wouldn't be surprising to find out that they are each divided into expensive flats. The one on the left is great with the top floor balcony and the porch along  the side. I'd love to see the inside of this one.

Flowery Garage

 

This vibrant mural was a bright spot on one of the dull spring days that we have been having. It would be nice to see it on any garage.

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

Lovely Yellow

 

Spring is upon us and I saw my first flowering Forsythia this week. It was glowing in the rare sunshine so  I had to cross the road and get a pic. 

The Walker

 

On a sunny afternoon last week I spotted this ladybug walking all around on the roof flashing by our deck. The dark metal must have felt nice and warm after all the cool weather we have been having. This is my first ladybug of the season and I take it as a sign that spring is here.

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

A Smokehouse

 

I happened to go by a smokehouse that had opened not too long ago and got a whiff of the smoke as the meat all soaked it up in an outdoor enclosure. It is only open a few days of the week and opens at noon and closes when the meat runs out. These smokers must hold a lot of meat.