Family portrait day

We decided to try some home family portraits today...at least of the kids so far. I think they turned out pretty good. There were more than a few outtakes but worth the end result.

Ben


Olivia


Isaac

6 bucks and a slim chance

Well, it's about that time that I get the itch to get out in the yard and do something...I was drooling over some lawn mowers at Home Depot already this week. But in line with the economic times I opted for a cheaper fix and went with a window ledge seed start kit. However, not wanting things to be too easy I planted things that really have no right in this climate zone (5b). I planted 6 peat pods of White Pampas Grass (which the seed pack said is Zone 5 hardy - contrary to EVERYTHING else that I have read) and 6 peat pods of Agapanthus (Storm Cloud - I think). The Agapanthus seeds were harvested and gifted by my neighbour last fall. This one, if it works, will really surprise me although hers is going on it's third year...but we will see how it made it through the frigid winter this year. Below are pics of what I hope to get, but I'm not holding my breath.

Humble beginnings


White Pampas Grass


Agapanthus 'Lily of the Nile'

The itch is back...

Well, I have been back at planning the backyard again. The recent 'heat wave' (+4º C) has got the creative juices flowing again, not to mention I found out that there is a great new garden centre nearby that will be specializing in conifers.

Photoshop Phlamingo

New project

Here is my new refinishing project. Just picked it up on local online classifieds for $40.

Basement reno

We moved into this house in April of 08. At that time the basement was lime green with a dayglo orange accent - very nice! I guess the former owners just used it as a big play area for the kids and decided to let them pick the colours.
Well, thankfully the big stuff was done, wiring, flooring and drywall, so putting our touch on the basement was not as drastic as it might have been in an unfinished space...mostly paint and cosmetic touches.

Here is our nearly finished product. I am searching for 'before' pics just so the previous colour can be "appreciated".
The new colours are Woodlake (grey/brown) and Chipotle (accent) wall. Both C2 colours.
The credenza holding the TV was a great find by Nina at Value Village for 25.00. It was originally a honey oak colour office credenza that I stripped, refinished and replaced the hardware.
We are pretty happy with the outcome. Now we are going to focus on the kids playroom...which as a striking reminder is still lime green!

Ok...enough is enough

This is the view from our basement window. Solid snow, top to bottom. I have nowhere else to put the snow from the driveway either...the snowbanks must be 6 feet tall.

Question: How many days 'til spring? Answer: too many!

Me and Isaac

Le but!

Part of the trip to Pittsburgh this past weekend included a trip to the Igloo to watch the Pens and Habs. It was a pretty entertaining game, with Carey Price stealing the show for me. Montreal pulled it out 3-2.

Fish boy

Not sure when Ben decided he liked water...this is the kid that used to wear goggles in the bath...but this weekend at the hotel he was totally fearless in the pool.

Trip to National Aviary in Pittsburgh

During our 4 days in Pittsburgh, we took the kids to the National Aviary for a visit. It was a little smaller than I imagined, but worth the trip. Here are a few of our favourites.

There were two Golden Eagles at the aviary, by far the most impressive (we thought), absolutely HUGE and magnificent.


This was an Ibis of some sort that I have forgotten, a little ugly but I kinda liked him.


This is an actual Cuckoo. I like this guy too.


This American Flamingo was hilarious. He was quite territorial and tried to intimidate us with his posturing and feather ruffling.

Winter joy with a touch of procrastination

Olivia launches off the deck into the deep snow...and yes that is my wheelbarrow in the background...and now I feel shame.

Oh, and another thing....

After re-examining this shot, I love the look on the male's face as the female gives him the business. I have no idea what he must be feeling...no honey, really,...oh man.

Rare visitors on a snowy day

We had these American Tree Sparrows visit our feeder today. Actually, it was a really good turn out, must be all the snow - we got about 8" today. There were Cardinals, Juncos, Sparrows, Chickadees and of course the loathed Starlings.

Wishlist

Gold Coin Scots Pine

Dragon's Eye Pine

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar

Japanese Maple 'Inabe Shidare'

Japanese Maple 'Aconitifolium'


Already starting on my wishlist for next year. I just need to decide whether I want a Japanese influenced woodland garden, or a Woodland influenced Japanese garden. Unfortunately, I have not kept track of where I have compiled all of these photos, so thanks in posterity to those shown here.

The reward

Interesting fact about Chickadees is that they weigh the seeds before choosing which one to eat.

The Yardbirds

Starling swarm

Dark-eyed Junco with sunflower seed

Black Cap Chickadee at peanut feeder

Starling and peanut ball

I really detest these birds as they are such bullies at the feeder, but they are pretty much the only ones that are willing to strike a pose for me.

Me and my Isaac

If you can't beat 'em, feed 'em

Got tired of the squirrels eating all the bird seed so I decided to 'distract' them with the dried corn cobs...let's see how long that lasts.