One a Day from Toronto

Tiny blossom

2012-03-09T00:21:00.000-05:00

I have a key lime tree that I brought with me when I moved here from Jackson. Last year it made a lot of leaves, but no blooms. It looks like my friend is well-acclimated this year and we might even get some limes!

For more flowers, visit Floral Friday.

Gimme twenty!

2012-03-08T09:12:00.000-05:00

It's back to the Bata where a selection of footwear of the 1920s was on display as one of their changing exhibits. The 20s are one of my favourite eras and the shoe styles were quite glamourous. It was certainly a liberating decade for women.

Reflective doorway and bench

2012-03-07T00:43:00.000-05:00

I met a friend for lunch last week at one of the more upscale shopping areas in Toronto. We nibbled a little and did some window shopping. I love this ornate bench I found outside one of the stores and its doorway with the big windows and bold geometrical lines isn't bad either.

Wallpaper

2012-03-06T00:34:00.000-05:00

I'm on a wallpaper kick today! This is a specimen from the Mackenzie House which I've transformed into black and white.

Perhaps you like the color version better? I've also got some wallpaper on Halcyon Travels today!

Early edition

2012-03-05T00:23:00.000-05:00

Modern newspapers have almost become a thing of the past, but on a recent tour of the Mackenzie House, I got to see a demonstration of old-timey printing. It was a long and laborious process, but very interesting to see and learn about. For example, this scene with the animals would be used to illustrate stories, but it had to be molded in the negative. You can see the mold right above it. I'm not sure I'd be able to think backwards like that and I'm impressed that those artisans could!

The Dalai Lama wears flip flops

2012-03-04T10:23:00.000-05:00

I hope you enjoyed my little side track on bushings and transformers. It's funny, but I sort of miss them! Now we're back to the Bata museum to see the Dalai Lama's shoes. He has apparently visited Toronto a number of times and on one of his visits, he donated this simple pair of Bata brand flip flops to the museum. He really is a man of simplicity, but I'm not sure these are good for his arches!

Big brothers

2012-03-03T05:16:00.001-05:00

I promise I won't subject you to any more bushing shots (for awhile) after today. These are some of the bigger models that are produced at my husband's factory. The rods and the oil are inside and you can see the expansion tanks on the top. All these guys need is a run in the test facility and they'll be ready to go!

Bushing reflections

2012-03-02T00:40:00.005-05:00

If you enjoyed yesterday's post, I hope you'll like this one too! Here's a look inside a larger cousin of yesterday's bushing. The liquid you see here is oil and those rods are the conductors. The oil helps to insulate from overheating and once the papers around the conductors are fully permeated, the big tube will be closed into a porcelain housing and ready to work!

If you'd like to see more reflections, check out Weekend Reflections.

March theme day: Electricity

2012-03-01T00:02:00.009-05:00

I was really excited for this month's theme day, as I finally get a chance to show how wonderful large power transformers can be! My husband works in a factory that produces equipment for these transformers which are essential to utility companies. In fact, I used to sell this stuff when we were back in Jackson and I find a kind of beauty in it.

I won't bore you with more details on what these porcelain friends do, but suffice to say they are important for the proper functioning of a utility's transformer. If you'd like to see more interpretations of electricity from around the world, take a look at the CDP theme day page.

Shoes through the ages

2012-02-29T00:37:00.000-05:00

Another look inside the Bata Shoe museum. I love the signs showcasing different footwear styles across the years. If you'd like to see more signs, check out Signs, Signs.

Brickworks bench

2012-02-28T00:26:00.000-05:00

I recently visited the old Evergreen Brickworks site to do some ice skating and a bit of browsing. This place is packed to teeming on the weekends when they host an organic farmer's market. It was rather nice having it almost to myself though.

Reflective doorway

2012-02-27T00:31:00.000-05:00

This door will take you into the Bata Shoe Museum on Bloor street. The building has great architecture and the exhibits are surprisingly interesting. I definitely enjoyed my visit and I'll show you a few other shots in the coming days.

Looking through

2012-02-26T01:00:00.000-05:00

I love the line of three windows on this tower. And what's even better is you can see through to the windows on the other side. I bet you can hardly even make out the windows in summer as it looks like there is some serious vinage on this building. Maybe I'll have to stop by and snap another shot when the summer season is in full force.

Making tracks

2012-02-25T10:24:00.001-05:00

I guess there's a reason why we use the term bird-brain. It looks like these pigeons were turning round and round in circles! Makes for a nice monochrome shot however, and if you'd like to see more take a look at the Weekend in Black and White.

Firefighting reflections

2012-02-24T00:39:00.018-05:00

Toronto's fallen firefighters are remembered at The Last Alarm monument in downtown Toronto. The sculpture was designed by Yolanda vanderGaast and it's quite moving. Luckily I stopped by on a blue sky day and even caught some reflections in the granite (plus a bonus autoportrait!).

It's also worth getting a closer look at the details of the statue. These brave men and women certainly deserve a memorial. There are names on the Honor Roll going back to the 1800s.

If you'd like to see more reflections, visit Weekend Reflections.

Evolving

2012-02-23T00:30:00.000-05:00

Another shot from the Interior Design Show. I just liked the way this sign was printed on a shower door. I'm not sure how this shower head is an evolution over traditional heads, but it certainly looks nice!

One year

2012-02-22T00:22:00.010-05:00

I can't believe I've been in Toronto now for one full year. In some ways it seems like it's been much longer and in other ways it seems much shorter. In any case, I'm enjoying it if only for the myriad photo opportunities I have found here.

This is another look at the Interior Design Show. Each of these mannequins represents one of the seven continents. I'm not sure exactly what the story is behind each one, but the idea is interesting. And if you'd like to see more signs, visit Signs, Signs.

Judy's shoes

2012-02-21T13:48:00.000-05:00

I know someone who is a huge Judy Garland fan and this post is for her. These are the original boots Judy wore during the filming of The Harvey Girls. I saw them during a recent trip to Toronto's own Bata Shoe Museum. It was quite an interesting look back at footwear over the ages. I'll have some more shots coming up later in the week.

Happy Family Day!

2012-02-20T00:02:00.000-05:00

I saw plenty of families skiing and having fun at the Earl Bales Park ski run recently. There's only one hill here and it's pretty gentle, so it's a good place for the youngsters to learn.

Happy Family Day to all my Canadian friends! And to the rest, happy Monday!

Blue sky day

2012-02-19T00:33:00.001-05:00

A blue sky winter's day in Toronto. I recently saw a small photography exhibition at this gallery. The theme was "roads" which turned out to be an interesting subject. You can sample some of the works on display here.

Funky chairs

2012-02-18T00:11:00.001-05:00

More from the Interior Design Show, these chairs are funky yet functional! I even saw some people sitting on them, although I did not want to wade through the sea of shredded paper to try it myself.

Hope you are having a nice weekend. It's a long one for us in Canada, so the blog is on auto-pilot until my return on Tuesday. Enjoy!

Cafeteria reflections

2012-02-17T07:32:00.000-05:00

I guess the bicycle is part of almost every student's life. I caught this arrangement in front of one of the cafeteria buildings on the University of Toronto campus. There's also a bonus reflection in the windows!

Happy weekend everyone! To see more reflections, check out Weekend Reflections.

Valentine's pie

2012-02-16T00:32:00.000-05:00

This past week's cooking class landed on Valentine's Day, so our instructor thought it would be a good week for making pies. He gave us a recipe for coconut cream and they all seemed to turn out really well. Some people even used the cream to make cute decorations, like this heart.

Which looked like this when it was finished. Very cute! If you like hearts, take a look at Random Hearts, it's sure to make you smile.

TTC sign

2012-02-15T08:38:00.002-05:00

Although they are not as prominent as the signs in say, Paris or New York, the Toronto Transit Commission does advertise its subway stops with a small sign. This is the entrance to Spadina station which is on the University-Spadina side of the yellow line. I frequent this station quite a bit and just happened to be there a few days ago when it was sunny and all the snow had melted.

If you'd like to see more signs, take a look at Signs, Signs.

Confidential to my Dad: Happy Birthday!!!

Sea of red

2012-02-14T08:24:00.000-05:00

I recently attended my first ever NBA basketball game. It was the Raptors vs the Wizards. I had a really good time and did not miss out on any of the action with my seat right behind the basket. They handed out those noisemakers during the second half when my side became the visitors goal. They make such a funny sound, but I'm not really sure the players find them distracting when they're doing their free throws. There's a reason they're pros!

Happy Valentine's Day, and if you like red, head over to Ruby Tuesday... take 2!

Bike rack

2012-02-13T00:03:00.005-05:00

A line of bicycle stands on the University of Toronto campus. If you look closely, you'll see a red knitted glove atop the pole which appears to be giving passersby the finger. Naughty!

Black and white bears

2012-02-12T00:14:00.001-05:00

Another piece on display at the Interior Design Show. These bears remind me of those you might see in Berlin. And I think they look even cooler in black and white.

If you'd like to see more monochrome shots, take a look at the Weekend in Black and White.

University benches

2012-02-11T00:26:00.002-05:00

You'll find plenty of places to sit on the University of Toronto campus. Although I didn't see any of the benches in use on this day!

Tulips and lamp

2012-02-10T08:29:00.000-05:00

Another look at some of the flowers on display at the Interior Design Show. I love the combination of the bright pink tulips and the green lamp. Very nice mix!

If you'd like to see more flowers, check out the Floral Friday.

Objets d'art

2012-02-09T00:13:00.001-05:00

There were some interesting objects at the design show. Here's a look at a babydoll's head in a vice next to a rubber glove mould. I wasn't sure what to think of this stand. What do you think?

Daddy-O

2012-02-08T00:16:00.005-05:00

I found this attractive little hole-in-the-wall near the University of Toronto campus which leads me to believe that the place is cute as well as cheap. The next time I'm in the area, I'll have to check it out as it sounds like my kind of cuisine.

If you'd like to see more signs from around the world, take a look at Signs, Signs.

Japanese delights

2012-02-07T11:13:00.000-05:00

I recently attended a Japanese cooking demonstration by one of Toronto's top chefs. It was quite interesting and informative and this is a look at the end result of all his hard work. I don't recall what all of these dishes were called, but I can give you an idea of what some of it is:

The black things in front are little crunchy sardines (they were quite tasty actually!), next was some kind of crab meat wrap, next to that is a chicken meatloaf, the orange is filled with a salad of cucumbers, radishes and jellyfish and garnished with a lotus blossom (also tasty) and the last thing is black cod. I tried everything, even though I typically don't eat chicken and fish and I was surprised at how tasty everything was. My compliments to the chef!

Twisty table

2012-02-06T08:33:00.000-05:00

The twisted wood coffee table shown here was featured on the Marilyn Denis show when I was a member of the studio audience. It was really nice to get free tickets to the design show, I probably wouldn't have gone otherwise.

Spider chair

2012-02-05T20:27:00.000-05:00

Although this chair looks a little odd, it is surprisingly comfortable. You can adjust the various arms and legs to give you support just where you need it! That said, I still don't think it would fit with my decor. But I like the idea.

Monochrome details

2012-02-04T11:17:00.000-05:00

An up-close look at the details of one of the stands at the Interior Design Show. There were so many great photo ops at this show. I promise I'll show you some less abstract shots soon! In the meantime, you can see more monochrome maniacs at the Weekend in Black and White.

Bright blooms

2012-02-03T09:05:00.000-05:00

I saw this beautiful bouquet at the Interior Design Show last weekend. I'll show some more shots from the show in the next days.

If you'd like to see more blossoms from around the world, take a look at Friday Flowers.

Benches in a row

2012-02-02T01:28:00.002-05:00

I found these benches in a small plaza in the Yorkville area. I bet you would find some people lounging there in warmer days, but it's a bit cold for outside sitting right now, even if we're having a milder than normal winter so far.

February theme day: Animals

2012-02-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

I really hesitated between two shots for today's theme day, but I decided to use this one. The runner-up is a bit abstract, perhaps I'll show it to you later in the week. Almost anyone that knows me realizes that squirrels are the bane of my gardening existence. But this little guy was just so cute as he posed for me on the University of Toronto campus, that I couldn't help snapping a shot. They're always cute, until they're digging up your garden and eating your tulip bulbs!

Animals were the choice for this month's CDP theme day. If you'd like to see more, click here. And I've got a bonus pretty kitty for you on my travel blog!

Red 123

2012-01-31T02:12:00.003-05:00

I have always wanted a bright, red door on my home. Guess I'll have to keep dreaming, but I loved this one that leads to a friends house that I visited not long ago.

Station art

2012-01-30T02:17:00.002-05:00

I found this bright, geometric mural inside the Saint Clair West subway station. The colors and angles really appeal to me. I think it's really nice that the TTC tries to make the stations look nice, it's a small touch but it can make a difference for those who commute every day.

Snowy chapel

2012-01-29T10:07:00.001-05:00

A little chapel found by the side of a country road outside Uxbridge, Ontario.

As it turns out, this chapel has also been photographed by another Ontario blogger, Andy. Although he caught it in a sunnier season.

On set: part two

2012-01-28T01:19:00.000-05:00

After being in the studio audience for Steve and Chris, I decided to try another Canadian talk show. This past Thursday I got to see the live broadcast of the Marilyn Denis show. It was a lot of fun and as a bonus, we all got tickets to the International Design Fair in Toronto. Guess you know where I'll be this weekend!

Canadian stage

2012-01-27T01:06:00.005-05:00

Last weekend my husband and I went to our first theater performance in Toronto. We chose the Canadian premier of the Tony award-winning play Caroline or Change. It was excellent! The cast was really strong and I also liked the many-leveled set. In fact, I can't think of anything I didn't like. If this show ever comes your way, I highly recommend it!

Indian night

2012-01-26T00:56:00.001-05:00

As I mentioned before, my husband and I are taking a cooking course through the Toronto School Board. It meets every Tuesday evening for nine weeks. So far it's been quite fun and I've gotten some new ideas for recipes and have improved my basic kitchen skills.

We visit a different type of cuisine every week, this is a look at our Indian night. You have mango chutney, fragrant rice, yogurt and mint sauce, red lentil dal, chana masala, aloo gobi, vegetable pakura and onion nests. It was all delicious!!

New prices

2012-01-25T00:06:00.002-05:00

Prices on the TTC have gone up. It used to be that you could get four tokens for $10 or eight for $20. Now you get three for $7.80 or seven for $18.20. What I don't understand is why they don't just say that on the machine - $20 + $1.80 change just seems a bit confusing to me. Ah well, just another one of the mysteries of how this city is run.

To see more signs, which may or may not be confusing(!), check out Signs, Signs.

Whee!

2012-01-24T08:41:00.000-05:00

Lakeridge also offers tubing, which is basically sledding down the hill in an inner tube. We saw mostly kids coming down, but there were a few adults, so I guess I wouldn't have to feel too ashamed to try it.

This is how they get back up the hill. Pretty neat idea!

The slopes

2012-01-23T00:42:00.000-05:00

Here's a look at the a couple of the actual slopes at Lakeridge Ski Resort. As you can see, the snow is man-made and shot out of those cannons, meaning that you can ski every weekend in the winter. The lifts are in the background on the left, there are apparently a couple of other slopes on the other side of the hill as well. I am guessing that's where most of the skiers were as the parking lot and chalet were quite full!

Beam me up!

2012-01-22T10:19:00.000-05:00

Here's another look at the local ski slopes. This is the jardin d'enfants where kids (and sometimes adults) learn pizza (snow plow) and fries (skis parallel) and other skiing basics before hitting the real slopes. A convenient little conveyor belt takes them from the bottom back up to the top. Much easier than the t-bars I used when I had my ski lessons back in Europe!

Visitor

2012-01-21T00:22:00.001-05:00

The neighbor's mietz often comes by to pay me a visit. I can hardly resist when he looks at me through the door like that. When the weather is nicer, I often sit on the porch and give him a nice rub, he's a pretty friendly fellow. I sometimes wonder if his owners feed him enough or if he just likes to get some extra treats by making the rounds of the cat lovers on the block.

You can see more furry friends at Camera Critters.

Monochrome skyline

2012-01-20T01:14:00.000-05:00

Here's a look at the Hamilton skyline from the days when there was still foliage. We got a pretty good snowfall yesterday, but it looks like the forecast for today will be fine. Sunny, but cold - that's how I like my winter weather. Just please hold back on the snow!

To see more monochrome shots from around the world, visit the Weekend in Black and White.

Snowy scene

2012-01-19T00:47:00.000-05:00

The snow in my neighborhood has all melted. So far we've had an incredibly mild winter here in Toronto. I am certainly not complaining about that! If I want to see some white stuff, I can always drive up to Uxbridge where this shot was taken.

Please wait here

2012-01-18T01:01:00.002-05:00

I visited one of the "ski resorts" around Toronto this past weekend. I am not really an avid skier, but I wanted to see what the "slopes" are like and from what I saw, I think I could handle these! Guess I won't have to wait on this bench while my husband enjoys the hillsides without me.

To see more signs from around the world, visit Signs, Signs.

Center ice

2012-01-17T10:19:00.000-05:00

I've shown you a few shots from the new Loblaws downtown which has taken over the Maple Leaf Gardens center (former home of the Toronto Leafs). I thought you might be interested to know that the shopping chain is preserving the building's history in many ways, including having the former "center ice" spot being marked with a nice, bright dot. So here I am, right in the thick of it all!

Delicious dinner

2012-01-16T01:16:00.000-05:00

I did some cooking this weekend and here's a look at the results. It's a butternut squash stew with whole wheat couscous. And yes, it was delicious! Hope your weekend was nice too.

Stone reflections

2012-01-15T00:18:00.007-05:00

Sometimes the simplest scenes make the best shots. Something about this stone jutting out into the water attracted me. I found this scene at the G Ross Lord park back in October. Needless to say, the scene would probably be a bit icier in this season.

For more reflections, take a look at Weekend Reflections.

Building details

2012-01-14T12:17:00.000-05:00

This strange fellow watches over everyone who enters the Central Technical school which I showed you yesterday. While the exterior looks nice, the interior could do with some renovations, especially the bathrooms. I'll try to get a shot for you one of these days. It's really a blast into the past.

October moonrise

2012-01-13T07:53:00.001-05:00

This shot actually comes from my October archives, so don't think we've got green trees going on up here! After looking through my blog, it seems I failed to post it and I think it deserves to be seen (and I am also desperately low on current shots).

This is Central Technical School on Bathurst Street. I started taking a night course there back in the fall semester and have decided to continue doing for another nine weeks this winter. I've made some friends there and I really enjoy the class and the teacher. When you're not working, it's good to keep occupied!

PS: If you look in the right hand corner above the building, you'll see the moonrise. To see more skies from around the world visit my travel blog and Skywatch.

PPS: Happy Friday the 13th. Don't forget to buy a lottery ticket!

Inside

2012-01-12T00:58:00.000-05:00

A look inside one of the Toronto subway cars. This is one of the older models, the new ones are totally open, - you can walk all the way from the front of the train to the back. Next time I get on one of those cars, I'll have to get a shot. Hope you enjoy the old-style cars for now.

Puttin' on the ritz

2012-01-11T08:10:00.000-05:00

The Ritz-Carlton put it on for the holiday season. I really liked the sparkly trees, they were pretty and tasteful. I think it's about time for me to get out and shoot some new material though. Is there any limit on how late into the new year you can show holiday decorations?

Fancy fence

2012-01-10T04:22:00.005-05:00

You'll find this one downtown near city hall. I love these kinds of wrought iron fences and I found this one especially nice.

I've got more shots from my recent cruise. Stop by my travel blog and take a look!

Touch of green

2012-01-09T16:21:00.003-05:00

More from inside Ryerson. Some of the walls have an unexpected touch of bright color. I rather like it!

PS: I still have photos from my recent cruise up on my travel blog. Stop by for a peek!

Ryerson in monochrome

2012-01-08T12:01:00.002-05:00

Here is another lounge area inside the new film building. This one is found along the left side of the building (if you're looking at my previous shot). Yesterday's lounge was actually more of a closed, office type space where students can hold meetings or auditions for their projects. It would be on the right side of the building (again if you're looking at my previous shot).

All of those glass window lounges and offices were added on as part of the renovation. They sort of just added a little bit of extra space around the perimeter and made it more modern-looking with the addition of all the big windows. Pretty neat idea!

You can see more shots from monochrome maniacs at the Weekend in Black and White.

Ryerson reflections

2012-01-07T11:12:00.000-05:00

I actually visited Ryerson before the holidays, hence the Christmas lights outside. I caught this shot in one of the student lounges which line the front of the building. I think it's really nice that the students get the nice view, usually the professors and faculty get the prime office space, but I guess Ryerson thinks differently. That's a change for the better in my books!

If you'd like to see more reflections, take a look at Weekend Reflections.

Ryerson by night

2012-01-06T08:26:00.000-05:00

Ryerson University is well-known for its film and media departments. This is the film building which has only recently reopened after undergoing an expansion and renovation. I was able to take a tour inside with one of the faculty and it's quite impressive. It also looks neat at night when it glows!

PS: There are still more photos to see on my travel blog. You know you want to look!

Police headquarters

2012-01-05T08:00:00.001-05:00

You'll find these benches and statue in downtown Toronto in front of the Metropolitan Police Headquarters building. I wonder how many people dare to sit on the benches outside a police station. I don't think I would!

PS: I've got more shots up on my travel blog from my holiday cruise.

Shopping

2012-01-04T04:46:00.000-05:00

I do most of my shopping at Loblaws or it's larger sister store - The Real Canadian Superstore. They have a great selection and are always clean and well-organised.

If you like this sign, you might enjoy taking a look at Signs, Signs.

Nice mice

2012-01-03T00:07:00.009-05:00

These little mice are made of chocolate, almonds and licorice. They were also on the menu for the bake sale which I helped out with back in December. I showed you the cookies we worked on last month. These little guys are almost too cute to eat though!

PS: I've got some photos from my recent trip up on my travel blog. Stop by and take a look!

By night

2012-01-02T10:55:00.000-05:00

I wanted to show some holiday shots before I left T-town to celebrate, but I didn't have the time to program everything. I hope you'll enjoy this nighttime view of the skating rink downtown. I posted a daytime view of this spot a few weeks ago. I was lucky enough to catch the Zamboni making some new ice for the skaters. Fun times!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T01:36:00.004-05:00

I hope everyone had wonderful holiday and my best wishes to you for a 2012 filled with joy, love and success!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T00:29:00.005-05:00

Here's wishing you the merriest of Christmases! This is the nighttime scene in front of City Hall with a beautifully lit tree and a bonus full moon.

Crystal tree

2011-12-24T00:25:00.008-05:00

Happy Christmas Eve! The Swarovski tree is the centerpiece of the Eaton Centre's holiday decorations. You don't want to know how much these decorations cost, a pretty penny, I can assure you! But they certainly look nice.

Holiday treats

2011-12-18T00:17:00.000-05:00

I recently volunteered to bake and decorate cookies for a fundraiser for a school for handicapped children. It was quite fun, although I mainly stuck to the baking part. I don't think my hand is steady enough for the decorating. The treats looked tasty, but since they were for charity I didn't taste!

Tis the season

2011-12-17T00:14:00.006-05:00

Unfortunately I didn't have time to see The Nutcracker this year, hopefully next year! I'm off today for some holiday fun in the sun. I won't be back until after the new year, but I'm putting up as many automatic posts as I can. Hope you'll enjoy!

Touch of blue

2011-12-16T00:04:00.000-05:00

If you remember a few weeks ago, I went to the taping of the Steven and Chris Show. The show is broadcast by the Canadian Broadcast Centre which has its own fancy building right downtown. It's quite impressive, I especially like this big skylight which is beautiful on a sunny blue sky day like this one!

Happy Friday everyone! If you like skies, take a look at Skywatch.

Belly up

2011-12-15T09:42:00.000-05:00

The new Loblaws downtown has so many cool features, including a full-service sushi bar. The chefs prepare the seafood delights right in front of your eyes (and perhaps a couple of others watching through the window). You can either eat your delicacies here at the bar or take them with you to enjoy later. I may have to come back and give this place a taste test.

Time to discover!

2011-12-14T00:32:00.002-05:00

I like the way some of the street signs have an extra added slogan. I think Discovery District is a nice name. Let's get to the discovering!

To see more signs, click on over to Signs, Signs.

Try one!

2011-12-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

The produce display at the new Maple Leaf Gardens Loblaws was fantastic. There was so much variety and it was all so beautifully organized. The people working there were also really friendly. This man assured me the apples were all crisp and fresh. What a tempting display!

If you love red like I do, check out Ruby Tuesday.

Hommage

2011-12-12T09:20:00.000-05:00

I've shown you a bit of the recently refurbished Maple Leaf Gardens already, but this display is one of the highlights. An artist has taken the old stadium seats, painted them blue and arranged them in the form of a maple leaf to honor the Toronto Maple Leafs NHL team that used to play here. I think it's quite original and a good way to re-use some of the material that was inside the old stadium.

Don't worry, Toronto hasn't lost its beloved Leafs. The Leafs and the Raptors both play in the Air Canada Centre - a newer and larger capacity stadium which was built for them in the early 2000s. It's right next to Union Station which also makes it a more convenient destination for those using public transport.

Decked out

2011-12-11T01:22:00.009-05:00

The Hudson Bay Company (also known locally as The Bay) has its downtown windows decorated for the season.

I love all the different vignettes. These two are the ones that came out the best. Hope you're having a lovely weekend!

Domed in

2011-12-10T00:08:00.006-05:00

Some of the subway entrances here in Toronto have domes over them. They make nice photographic opportunities and more importantly, help keep the cold winds out in the winter!

If you'd like to see more monochrome, check out the Weekend in Black and White.

Sky over golf

2011-12-09T00:46:00.007-05:00

It's the last look at Tyandaga, the golf course where neighbors apparently have been flashed! I just love the golden light washing over everything.

Happy Friday! If you like skies, check out Skywatch.

Checking out

2011-12-08T00:05:00.007-05:00

Here's another look at the new Loblaw's supermarket downtown. I wonder if they will always have every checkout line open here. From experience, I can tell you their other stores are not so well-staffed. But at least they're keeping up for now!

Party time!

2011-12-07T08:02:00.000-05:00

A new Loblaws supermarket recently opened in downtown Toronto. Normally a grocery store opening wouldn't garner much news coverage but this one is special. It's located inside the Maple Leaf Gardens building, the former home of Toronto's hockey team, the Maple Leafs.

I toured the building last Thursday. It was pretty crowded and there were people taking pictures all over the place. I'll show you some of the highlights over the next few weeks. Enjoy!

Display

2011-12-06T03:55:00.003-05:00

Something about this window display caught my eye, I think it was the red bicycle. I found this shop on Queen Street.

If you'd like to see more red, head over to Ruby Tuesday! And don't miss more shots from my recent trip to Berlin on my Travel Blog.

On the ice

2011-12-05T08:10:00.000-05:00

The skating season has officially begun! Ice rinks around the city opened up this weekend. I'm going to have to buy a pair of skates and get out there. Skating is one of the few winter activities that I actually enjoy.

Perfect landscape

2011-12-04T01:27:00.013-05:00

I hope you're not tiring of golf course shots. This lovely landscape comes to you from Indian Wells, a gem of a course tucked into the Niagara Escarpment. This shot was from early October when the leaves were just starting to turn. I was looking through my archives and felt it a shame not to show this shot. I think it's near perfect!

Hope you are having a perfect weekend as well. Don't forget to stop by my travel blog for a look at Berlin.

Reflecting

2011-12-03T16:17:00.000-05:00

A group of golfers reflecting on their next shot. This one comes to you from Tyandaga. It's a municipal golf course owned and operated by the city of Burlington. It's also apparently the site of plenty of public peeing.

To see more reflections, visit Weekend Reflections.

On set

2011-12-02T08:13:00.000-05:00

Yesterday a friend of mine and I went to a taping of a Canadian talk show Steven and Chris. It was really fun, although my hands got a little sore from all the clapping. Our episode is set to air next Thursday (Dec 7th), I've already got my TiFaux set up to record!

December theme day: Action

2011-12-01T00:09:00.017-05:00

Here's some TTC action for you! The train was just arriving at Saint George station and I was lucky to catch it at the right moment to create some action blur. Generally speaking, I like the subway here. It could just use a little expansion. Two lines just doesn't seem like enough for a city with more than five million people.

If you'd like to see more action shots from around the world, click here. And I've got some action in the Tiergarten Park from Berlin for you on my travel blog.

Sign of necessity

2011-11-30T00:50:00.004-05:00

I find it a bit odd that a sign like this is necessary, but I guess the neighbors got tired of seeing a little more than they wanted to! To see more signs from around the world, take a look at Signs, Signs.

Red and green

2011-11-29T01:51:00.013-05:00

Since I never got the memo as to when it's ok to put up the tree in Canada, I decided to follow the American custom and put it up this past weekend (after the Thanksgiving holiday). It's mainly red and silver, although there's a bit of gold in there too. Bring on the holidays!

To see more red from around the world, visit Ruby Tuesday. And I've still got more shots from Berlin on my travel blog.

Sidewalk art

2011-11-28T18:42:00.001-05:00

This work was spotted on Queen Street. One of the best places to walk around Toronto and soak up some atmosphere. I'm not sure about the drawing, but I like the colors and the message at least.

I've got some photos of my recent trip to Berlin up on my travel blog. Stop by and take a peek!

From behind

2011-11-27T11:27:00.000-05:00

A different view on the small falls I showed you earlier this week. I hope you've enjoyed the highlights of my visit to the Toronto Zoo. I hope the weather will be nice this week so I can get out and shoot some new subject matter for you to enjoy.

Black and white in black and white

2011-11-26T01:03:00.000-05:00

A look at these black and white fellows in monochrome. They were one of my favorite exhibits at the zoo.

To see more monochrome shots from around the world, visit the Weekend in Black and White.

Pink and green

2011-11-25T08:20:00.000-05:00

Most people are thinking more red and green this time of year, but I thought it would be good to shake things up! Hope all my American friends had a great Thanksgiving Day and do not get trampled in the black Friday shopping crowds today. To the rest of you, Happy Friday!

Fall benches

2011-11-24T00:57:00.009-05:00

A set of benches from the Toronto Zoo. I thought they looked quite nice with the fall colors around.

Luckily it seems my internet problems are solved. I hope they don't come back. Now it's time to tackle the job issue.

Look at me

2011-11-23T11:54:00.000-05:00

I believe this peacock was on the hunt for a stray french fry or potato chip. Lots of people were feeding the animals around the food court, despite the signs asking people to refrain from such behavior. Sadly, no amount of fries got him to open his wings in a colorful display.

Unfortunately, I am having technical difficulties again. However this time it's my ISP which is to blame. I hope to have the internets back up and running soon (right now I'm at the public library). I apologize in advance for my sparse commenting as of late. The lack of internets at home is also hindering my job search.

Hi there

2011-11-22T03:38:00.000-05:00

A big friendly hello from your local moose. His eyes look so gentle. Who couldn't love this animal which has become so much a symbol of Canada?

Schmetterling

2011-11-21T07:27:00.001-05:00

A black and white beauty seen at the Toronto Zoo. I visited in late September, but when going through my archives I realized I had never shown any of these shots. Hope you'll enjoy the highlights!

PS: I have a last taste of Rome this week on my travel blog. Stop by and take a look at the Eternal City.

Small falls

2011-11-20T10:34:00.000-05:00

A replica of Niagara Falls at the Toronto Zoo. Plus some colorful birds! Hope you are having a nice weekend.