This is a typical scene in one of our laneways in the older parts of the city although this one is a bit wider than usual since it backs on commercial buildings on the right. When we get snow the city doesn't clear the laneways so we all depend on the trails that get worn down by cars and if the snow gets really deep it becomes a neighbourhood cooperative with everyone shoveling behind their own garage. At least that is the theory since there will always be someone who does nothing. We finally got snow about a week ago.
Castle Memorial Hall is located on Bloor St and is part of the Royal Conservatory of Music. It was built in 1901 and at that time contained a chapel and a library but through the years has had various different uses. In 1996 it underwent an extensive restoration and now houses a concert hall that is used for smaller events than the large hall at the conservatory. It was also renamed the Mazzoleni Concert Hall after a former principal of the conservatory.
Taking part in Signs, Signs. Click HERE to see more signs from around the world.
Our new $10 bill features a pic of Viola Desmond who becomes the first Canadian woman to be featured on one of our currency bills. Viola Desmond was a black woman who was jailed, convicted and fined for refusing to leave the whites-only area of a movie theatre in 1946. You can read a good version of her story HERE. I think this is also the first time we have had any of our currency run on the vertical rather than the horizontal.
I spotted this mural on the side of one of the walls of the pool complex at Christie Pits Park. The artist for this one is Mel Coleman and it seems to be sponsored by part of the David Suzuki Foundation. It is a message for all of us - think green.
Taking part in Monday Murals. Click HERE to see more murals from around the world.
This is St Alban's chapel which is found in the Annex. I showed you a pic of the interior back in July last year on a much warmer day (HERE). These cold winter days do give you a chance to get clear skies and no leaves blocking the view but it is cold holding a camera!
This Red-Breasted Nuthatch seemed to really be enjoying a few nibbles of suet. They never stay still for long but this one kept coming back for another mouthful.
Taking part in Saturday's Critters. Click HERE to see more creatures from around the world.
The woman in yesterday's post was headed for this neighbourhood rink which hosts many hockey leagues as well as recreational family skating times. At one time it was very difficult for women to find ice time in the city but a concerted effort has been made to change that and this rink in particular has women's leagues that cover several age groups. People play until the very early morning hours since those are often the only times available. The pic was taken through two layers of glass so isn't really sharp.
