It's A Jungle Out There

 

This ivy had grown all the way up a telephone pole and was beginning to cover over the streetlight that I spotted along Palmerston. It all looked quite lush.

Slow Walk

 

I think this is a cicada which I spotted walking very slowly across the pavement in a laneway. At first I thought that it was dead but when I got closer to it the poor thing started to walk faster. It has the look of an ancient fossil about it.

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

Funky Mushrooms

 

These funky mushrooms were spotted by a large tree in the front garden of a home. I loved them so had to stop for a shot. The big one is over a foot tall.

Just A Bit Of Fun

 

This bicycle with the old milk crate mounted on back gave me a smile when I noticed the writing on the crate. It says 'basket' on the side and 'bike' on the back. It struck me as fun. Everyone seemed to have milk crates being used for something around the house at one time and they are the perfect size for vinyl Lps.

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.

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.

Hello There

 

These very tall puppet-like figures called Mojigangas (I think) wander around the town square of San Miguel De Allende on the weekends. Apparently it is an old Spanish custom. There are several different figures and they are so tall that the people inside are actually looking out from around the navels. Great fun to see.

Ribbons

 

I saw a lot of doorways and windows in San Miguel De Allende decorated with rows of colourful ribbons like this one was. I asked around and apparently they are often used by shops to attract attention since large or flashy signs are not allowed by the UNESCO guidelines, to bring good luck, or just as decoration. This door could use some good luck but it seemed that there often wonderfully restored places behind such doors. I loved the ribbons.

Icicles

 

There are an extraordinary number of icicles around this winter some hanging quite dangerously over walkways into homes. It has been so cold that when the sun has melted the snow it freezes up before draining down the downspouts. It makes for some interesting sights.

Getting Ready

 

Anything that you might need for the big day tomorrow could be found in this store. I couldn't believe the amount of things there were for Valentine's Day. I wonder if the kids still give out cards in school?

Mr Peanut

 

This fine fellow was in my parents' house ever since I was a kid and I continue to have him at my place. He is about 2 ft tall and probably was on a Mr Peanut float in a parade in the 1950s.  With really cold weather and all of the snow I have been sticking to home a lot for pics!

On A Cold Winter Day

 

There are few things better on a cold day than to find an interesting book and losing yourself in it for a few hours. Priceless!

Astonished

 

Every time that I see one of these vehicles I can't believe my eyes. And lately I have seen a couple in really bright colours which just increases the effect.

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!

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.

The Unusual House

I haven't posted this house in the Seaton Village neighbourhood in a while. It used to be decorated with wood cuttings everywhere but the owner now seems to have moved on to shells. The house and fences are covered in shells along with all kinds of other things as you can see. Imagine living near this place! 
 

Small Door

 

One thing I noticed in a few places around old Quebec City were these small doors at ground level in homes. I have no idea what they could be for but wonder if it was something to do with coal delivery in the old days. I still remember coal being delivered to my parents house through a basement window & into a coal bin.  Any ideas?  And look how steep that street was!

A Car In The Doorway

 

I never did figure out the story behind this Fiat parked in what looks to be the entrance to a cafe or gallery. I only saw the doorway opened once so never got the story. It makes for a great shot though.

Hello!

 

I was walking along a street when I noticed this mask attached to a telephone pole. It was a nice addition. The house behind it had a few odd things scattered in its front garden so I wonder if they added the mask.