Last days in Toronto

Springtime in Australia was wonderful! I especially loved the warm weather in Queensland. It's back to real life now though. I came back to Toronto for a few days before making the big move to Germany, so I got a few last shots in. I'm not sure what there is to embrace in this space, but the sentiment in nice. For more signs, visit Signs, Signs.

You can also see my brand new Berlin blog here!

Black and white reflections

A look at the Distillery District by night. I love the lights in black and white! For more reflections, take a look at Weekend Reflections.

The rooster

I recently made it downtown to see the Ai Weiwei exposition that's up in Nathan Phillip's Square. There is a representation of each of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. They are quite detailed and I'm really glad I had the time to see these works before they're gone.

Last stop

It's on to the final stop of my Doors Open tour. Come back tomorrow and I'll show you more! For more signs, take a look at Signs, Signs.

Looking out of Hart House

The next stop on Doors Open Toronto is Hart House on the University of Toronto campus. Hart House is sort of like a student union, but in the early days it was open to men only. Now any student can become a member to access things like the swimming pool and gym. There is also a study library, music rooms and the campus radio station broadcasts from here as well. There will be more of Hart House tomorrow!

PS: Happy Independence Day to my American readers!

Details of the Elgin Theatre

Here's another look at the inside of the Elgin theatre. Wouldn't you love to sit in one of those opera boxes? I think they're amazing!

 

They even look good in black and white. I'm so glad this place has been saved and preserved. It started as a vaudeville house, became a movie theater and now broadway-style shows are housed here. Check back tomorrow when I'll show you something really special about the Elgin.

Doors open Toronto!

Toronto once again opened its doors to let visitors see spaces that typically aren't open to the public. My first stop was the RC Harris water treatment plant. Everyone had told me how wonderful it is, an old Art Deco style building with loads of great details. The building definitely didn't disappoint and I'll be showing you more of it this week. Until then, enjoy this view of the main hallway that overlooks the holding tanks.

Natural lines

A shot of the leaves shooting out on the mulberry tree in my yard. We had an exceptionally short spring this year, but my mulberries are finally fully leafed out. I wonder if the hard winter will mean more berries? 

Do you like it better in color or black and white? I can't decide!

Stonewall

Something about the texture of this stone wall really attracted me. I think it's even better in black and white! Does a wall count as a fence? I hope so! For more fences, visit Friday Fences.

Walls of snow

Another look at last week's snowfall. As you can see, the snow plow pushes the white stuff into a big wall, sometimes making it hard to get out of your own home! Hope you've got a great weekend planned. I'm hoping mine will not include any snow. For more fences, visit Friday Fences.

Where to go?

A look at the old directional signs in the Wychwood Barns. I like the way they've preserved some of the old details of this rail barn. It's a neat place to visit and I'm glad the space has found a new use! For more signs, visit Signs, Signs.

Signs of quarantine

Sorry I still have to keep to the archives. I really needed to rest this past weekend and didn't get out to shoot. This sign comes to you from one of the many design shops in The Junction. This particular shop  was participating in the Toronto Design Festival that was held a few weeks ago. I'm not sure what it all means, but I liked this display. For more signs, visit Signs, Signs.

Strange scene

A funny juxtaposition at Niagara Falls. I don't know why, but dinosaurs and snow just don't go together for me, but it makes for a nice shot, especially in black and white. 

In celebration of two years in Toronto, I knitted a seed stitch hat. If you'd like to win it, just leave a comment before February 24th. I'll draw someone's name from the comments. If you're not interested in being part of the draw, just mention that and I'll keep your name out.

Black and white branches

It's back to Niagara Falls, although with the weather we have in store for overnight it might look like this here in Toronto by tomorrow! Snomageddon is upon alot of places up here in the upper eastern corner of the continent - if you're part of it, hope you stay safe and warm.

At home

This set-up just seems to say to me, make yourself at home! I found it in one of the many cool design shops in The Junction.

An honest walkway

I actually showed you the Mirvish Theater a few days ago. Now here's a look at the walkway that runs in front of it! Ed Mirvish is remembered mainly for his love of theater but also for his love of great deals which you'll find at the iconic Honest Ed's. For more signs, head over to Signs, Signs.

Beau bank

This gem of a building was built in the beaux-art style. I'm pretty sure the Canadian Bank of Commerce is now defunct, but it must be fun to work here whatever the building houses now!

Soft scene

A black and white scene from the G Ross Lord Park in Toronto. This was taken back in the fall when the leaves were still on the ground. I've softened the scene a bit and I rather like the result. What do you think?

Decorative doorway

A beautiful old building in Niagara-on-the-Lake. I love the details at the entrance, those columns and especially that art deco style lamp!

Downtown details

Here's another beautiful example of great architectural details on one of the old banks downtown. They just don't make them like that anymore!