Merge

I am merging my blogs to manage them better.  I will only have 2 blogs and can hopefully keep up a little better.  The blogs will be at: http://www.debsandlandsjournal.blogspot.com  and  http://glutenfreenow.wordpress.com/

Manitoba Spring Floods

We went for a drive today.  My husband has been keeping up very well with the news on the flood situation.  So when we had a free afternoon, and not much ambition to do the needed housework, we decided to go for a drive and see how things really looked outside of our "Island of Oaks" (Ile des Chenes).  The Rat River was no longer the small meandering river we're used to. 

The Red River at Morris.

Camping anyone?

Washed out roads...

Homes & other buildings on islands...

Fields... 

They are still not sure how severe this flood will be.  But Manitoba has water!  Lots of it!

Birds Hill Park - Cedar Bog 2

I really wanted to go back to the bird feeding station on the Cedar Bog trail, so my daughter offered to come along with me.

My granddaughter was all bundled up, and perhaps was as overdressed as we were.  It was a beautiful almost-spring day.

I'm not sure that the inability to sit still is as strong in Haley as in her grandma, but since I was holding the camera, and one person is still less intimidating than three... my daughter continued to walk while I tried to get some good shots.  Chickadees are not frightened long - they were willing to feed even with me nearby.

I was pleased to see this white-breasted nuthatch and be able to get some clear shots before he was frightened away.

There were less varieties out today than we saw last time.  One passerby suggested I try another trail - he had even seen woodpeckers at that feeding station. 

As much as I wanted to do this walk to see the birds, any day spent with my daughter and granddaughter is bound to be a great day!

Festival du Voyageur

The first thing that catches your eye as you walk onto the festival grounds, is that there are snow sculptures everywhere.  Some are simple, others rather elaborate, but all very interesting.

The bonfire helped to chase away some of the chill of the outdoors.  But to really warm up, there were many buildings and tents with both activities and food.

We were able to watch a reenactment.  I know now why soldiers used the bayonets attached to the rifles... it took too long to load a rifle!!  War would have been a very slow process. 

Warming up while listening to the juggler in the children's tent.  His laugh (giggle?) was enough to keep us entertained for a while!

One of the more elaborate snow sculptures.

Sleigh rides were available for a small price.  With my grandson asleep in the stroller most of the afternoon, we enjoyed a leisurely walk around the grounds, and went into the more accessible buildings or tents.  In a few years the babies will be at the ideal age for enjoying the festival activities.

Calgary Trip

Last Thursday I drove in the worst conditions I've ever driven in - blowing snow so bad that I couldn't see the lines on the road on the way home from my work.  I got home rather shaken.  So I wasn't anxious to start out for Calgary before I knew the roads were clear.  But the roads did open on Friday morning (most highways in our part of the province were closed all night), and the worst we saw was this blowing snow near Winnipeg.  It cleared up quickly, and the rest of the drive was nice.  We were off to deliver a truck to Calgary... it's nice when the trip is paid for by someone else!

I love Elbow Falls, and so we took a day to go to the mountains.  This was our first stop.  Yes, it was as cold as it looks, so we didn't stay long, but shot a few pictures, at least.

Since my hubby drove all the way (it was a work truck), I could work on my monkeys, and these are the seven that I managed to finish in our two days of driving.

From Elbow Falls, we took Highway 1A to Canmore.  I love that road... very little traffic and a different view than the #1 offers.

One of the benefits of the backcountry roads is the wildlife.  We did se two moose on the road to Elbow Falls, but on this highway, you can almost be guaranteed a sight of the mountain sheep.

The mountains were so crisp and clear.  Yes, I miss the mountains.  Each place we have lived has had it's positives, and the mountains that are so near Calgary was definitely one thing we had a hard time leaving behind.  It was good to be back there.

Birds Hill Park - Cedar Bog

Today was a perfect day for a winter walk.  Perfect for walking and talking with my friend, at least.  And that was the priority for today.  But I can't go without a camera, even on a gray day.  I am inspired by other photographers - including my nephew - who can take incredible pictures in any weather.  I'm not there yet... I have much to learn.  But it was a lovely walk with a few surprises, and I did get a few photos.

A very pleasant surprise was this bird-feeding area.  One day I'll have to come back alone and just sit here long enough to get more close-ups.  The birds didn't seem shy, but we weren't there to sit quietly.

There were two snowmen on the path we took.  I'm grateful for my Manitoban friends who are willing to show me the places to go here in my new neighborhood. 

Ile des Chenes Winter

Jack Frost has done a good job on our front door.

My bird feeder with a recent visitor.  I'd love to invest in a good long lens to get better pictures of the birds... Some day...

Today's warm temperatures (-5) and the thick hoarfrost on the trees were two good reasons to go for a walk today. 

Seed pods

Probably just in time... when I got back home, the trees in the back were almost clear of the hoarfrost.

In the park behind our place.