Saturday, July 31, 2010

Friday, July 30, 2010

Menace: Purple Loosestrife

Lythrum salicaria: purple loosestrife, this beautiful plant is an invasive species of the first order. It is tough and adaptable. It will take over a wetland environment and destroy precious diversity. There are a couple hundred of these along the shore of Green Lake at Green Lakes State Park. An easy job at this point....

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

(Almost) Pigeon-proof Birdfeeder

The pigeons were eating us out of house and home. How to exclude them? 
The result is two old metal hanging baskets, four screw-in hooks and six springs with hooks on both ends. Without the springs, the pigeons were pushing the baskets aside. Now it cannot be budged.
So far only one pigeon has figured out to get inside it. It seems impossible but there it was one day.
All the other birds love it, for they can perch on the way in and out, parents can more easily feed their young, and the seed lasts more than a day.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Our Canoes at Stillwater


Bell Merlin II and We-No-Nah Prism - our solo boats.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Syracuse Savings Bank Building

The Syracuse Savings Bank Building was built in 1875. Two canals, the Erie and the Oswego, met near a corner of the building.
Appropriately, another name for High Victorian Gothic style is Venetian Gothic although Syracuse does not resemble Venice except perhaps at that moment in history, at that corner.
I get much of my information about historical Syracuse architecture from Evamaria Hardin's Syracuse Landmarks, first edition 1993, for which I am very grateful.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Dewey's Rice Soup

Our friend Dewey served us the most delicious soup I think I have ever eaten this morning, Rice Soup with salmon and shrimp, fresh ginger, garlic, celery and a fine broth. What a wonderful Sunday morning. Thank you, Dewey.


Also, there is a self-portrait of the photographer here.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Montreal: Festival International de Jazz de Montréal

We are back in Quebec! This time we're with friends at the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, and this is Victor Deme from Burkina Faso, West Africa. He is a beautiful story teller and he brings his terrific band, African rhythms, excellent singing and playing. This is my favorite performance, though everything is really great! 
There are seven public stages here with free events throughout the day and evening in addition to dozens of paying auditorium concerts, smaller unscheduled concerts, street theatre and buskers.  

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Theme Day: Reflections

Lighthouse at Metis-sur-Mer, along the south shore of the lower St. Lawrence River, Gaspe Peninsula, Quebec.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants