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Cattails in the WInd

Cattails in the WInd

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Ivory Trade

Posted by Lorac Tuesday 26 January 2010 6 comments

Sandra from Slovenia  has a passion for animals and fosters orphaned baby elephants with the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Australia ZOO. She is trying to bring to the attention of bloggers the still functioning Ivory Trade. 
Ivory trade is diminishing their elephant numbers severely... and why?   "Between 8% and l0% of Africa’s remaining elephants (now estimated to number at best some 300,000, down from l.3 million 100 years ago) are being killed annually. Apart from the poaching toll, there is the unseen silent death of all the tuskless dependent young i.e. all calves under 5 years of age who are still milk dependent and cannot survive without it (some survive only thanks to the DSWT). Then there many others that have already, and will continue to succumb to the affects of drought since Africa is predicted to become  ever drier and more prone to the sort of devastating drought experienced in 2009 when rivers and lakes dried up and elephants died in large numbers as a result. "

Sandra states on her blog:
In March 2010  the l5th Conference of the Parties that are signatories to the CITES Convention will seal the ultimate fate of Elephants in Africa. Either the elephants will be granted a reprieve through the imposition of another (this time long-term) international ivory trade ban, or the demise of the world’s elephants will be sealed simply because signatories to the Convention selfishly seek trade with ivory consuming Nations above the survival of the elephants. " Read more here:
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
 Please, check out the link above and look through the DSWT to see what an amazing job they are doing. Please, share the plight of the elephants with your friends, on your blogs, on Facebook... It would mean the world to the African elephant, all the caring people and me. Write to CITES (http://www.cites.org/) and help the African Elephant!!!  

Thanks Sandra for all this information!




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Scenic Sunday - Nova Scotia, Hall's Harbour

Posted by Lorac Saturday 23 January 2010 25 comments

I am having internet trouble. The server I have been using has gone under and we are in a bad area to get any internet. Right now I am using one we are trying out but it is as slow as dial up and they want high speed payments. It may be awhile before I am up and running again!

I love the oceans and don't get to spend enough time by them. For Scenic Sunday I am going into the archives and showing a little bit of Canada's east coast in Nova Scotia. This is a beautiful province with so much to see. If you haven't been there it is well worth the trip!

This is a little place called Hall's Harbour. A small fishing village. It was a cold May day and it had been raining all day. It stopped just as I got the ocean.


When I arrived in this tiny town, the first thing that caught my eye was the colour on this cold May day.The boat was so bright and cheery on an otherwise drab day. I liked the water flowing into this little inlet form the stream beyond. Even the bright red of the hydro box door added to the vibrant colour. Low tide for this fishing vessel. As this was later in the afternoon, it will not be going out again until the next day. 


It was a very cloudy day so this came out rather dark, but I still liked the feeling that it gave of desertion. There was not a soul to be seen.  Everyone gone for the day. Home in their warm houses until the morrow, out of the biting wind and rain.


One of the catches by the fishermen is lobster. I had the best lobster dinner I have ever had here. There is a small restaurant and a gift shop. In the shop is the lobster pound where you can pick your lobster and souvenirs and when your lobster is cooked they serve it to you in the restaurant.


There is much more to see at Scenic Sunday. Go on over and Take a look!

Scenic Sunday

Watery Wednesday - Pristine

Posted by Lorac Wednesday 13 January 2010 25 comments

Pristine



I love to drive on the back roads and look at the scenery. By myself, just relaxed and put away the worries for another day! When I find a musical little stream like this, I will pause just to listen to the music of nature. The sound of the birds, the water and even the squirrel who chatters above in a tree. When you blend it all together, it becomes a symphony!




Go to other Watery Wednesday sites  here!

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Rainbow Crow, A Native Story

Posted by Lorac Monday 11 January 2010 7 comments

At this time of year in Ontario, when it is cold and frosty, the best thing to do is to curl up in a big easy chair with a blanket and a crackling fire in the fireplace. I love to read and I hope you do too! I have printed a short story from Native Folk Lore I think you may like. There are those who dislike the crow. Maybe this story will change your mind! We have many crows around here. They love to steal shiny objects for their nests and I have even heard of them stealing golf balls. They are very bright and inquisitive and tend to stay in family groups. Enjoy the story  about our feathered friend!



Rainbow Crow
A Native Story
It was so cold. Snow fell constantly, and ice formed over all the waters. The animals had never seen snow before. At first, it was a novelty, something to play in. But the cold increased tenfold, and they began to worry. The little animals were being buried in the snow drifts and the larger animals could hardly walk because the snow was so deep. Soon, all would perish if something were not done.
"We must send a messenger to Kijiamuh Ka'ong, the Creator Who Creates By Thinking What Will Be," said Wise Owl. "We must ask him to think the world warm again so that Spirit Snow will leave us in peace."
The animals were pleased with this plan. They began to debate among themselves, trying to decide who to send up to the Creator. Wise Owl could not see well during the daylight, so he could not go. Coyote was easily distracted and like playing tricks, so he could not be trusted. Turtle was steady and stable, but he crawled too slowly. Finally, Rainbow Crow, the most beautiful of all the birds with shimmering feathers of rainbow hues and an enchanting singing voice, was chosen to go to Kijiamuh Ka'ong.
It was an arduous journey, three days up and up into the heavens, passed the trees and clouds, beyond the sun and the moon, and even above all the stars. He was buffeted by winds and had no place to rest, but he carried bravely on until he reached Heaven. When Rainbow Crow reached the Holy Place, he called out to the Creator, but received no answer. The Creator was too busy thinking up what would be to notice even the most beautiful of birds. So Rainbow Crow began to sing his most beautiful song.
The Creator was drawn from his thoughts by the lovely sound, and came to see which bird was making it. He greeted Rainbow Crow kindly and asked what gift he could give the noble bird in exchange for his song. Rainbow Crow asked the Creator to un-think the snow, so that the animals of Earth would not be buried and freeze to death. But the Creator told Rainbow Crow that the snow and the ice had spirits of their own and could not be destroyed.
"What shall we do then?" asked the Rainbow Crow. "We will all freeze or smother under the snow."
"You will not freeze," the Creator reassured him, "For I will think of Fire, something that will warm all creatures during the cold times."
The Creator stuck a stick into the blazing hot sun. The end blazed with a bright, glowing fire which burned brightly and gave off heat. "This is Fire," he told Rainbow Crow, handing him the cool end of the stick. "You must hurry to Earth as fast as you can fly before the stick burns up."
Rainbow Crow nodded his thanks to the Creator and flew as fast as he could go. It was a three-day trip to Heaven, and he was worried that the Fire would burn out before he reached the Earth. The stick was large and heavy, but the fire kept Rainbow Crow warm as he descended from Heaven down to the bright path of the stars. Then the Fire grew hot as it came closer to Rainbow Crows feathers. As he flew passed the Sun, his tail caught on fire, turning the shimmering beautiful feathers black. By the time he flew passed the Moon, his whole body was black with soot from the hot Fire. When he plunged into the Sky and flew through the clouds, the smoke got into his throat, strangling his beautiful singing voice. 

By the time Rainbow Crow landed among the freezing-cold animals of Earth, he was black as tar and could only Caw instead of sing. He delivered the fire to the animals, and they melted the snow and warmed themselves, rescuing the littlest animals from the snow drifts where they lay buried.
It was a time of rejoicing, for Tindeh - Fire - had come to Earth. But Rainbow Crow sat apart, saddened by his dull, ugly feathers and his rasping voice. Then he felt the touch of wind on his face. He looked up and saw the Creator Who Creates By Thinking What Will Be walking toward him.
"Do not be sad, Rainbow Crow," the Creator said. "All animals will honour you for the sacrifice you made for them. And when the people come, they will not hunt you, for I have made your flesh taste of smoke so that it is no good to eat and your black feathers and hoarse voice will prevent man from putting you into a cage to sing for him. You will be free."
Then the Creator pointed to Rainbow Crow's black feathers. Before his eyes, Rainbow Crow saw the dull feathers become shiny and inside each one, he could see all the colors of the rainbow. "This will remind everyone who sees you of the service you have been to your people," he said, "and the sacrifice you made that saved them all."
And so shall it ever be

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Scenic Sunday - Snowy Brook

Posted by Lorac Sunday 10 January 2010 21 comments

I was traveling down a back country road the day after a snow storm and saw this sparkling little brook. In the background is a little walking bridge to allow walkers over to the other side. I liked the way the cedar rail fence lay down on each side as if to allow the brook passage through.



The road passed over the brook, giving me a view of both sides. On this side a tree has fallen, reaching over to the other embankment. An animal bridge has been created in it's demise. I imagined the chipmunks, squirrels and raccoons crossing over from one side to the next. Nature provides!



I would eat icicles when I was a child. Crunch them right up and relish in the cold! I found these on the side of the shed. I wasn't interested in eating them now!



There are many other scenes from around the world. To see them got to Scenic Sunday!

Scenic Sunday

A walk in the Forest

Posted by Lorac Friday 8 January 2010 2 comments

There is a forest behind my house. I used to frequently walk there and the kids all took hikes and played in the woods. I hadn't been back there in some time and decided it was time. I had a wonderful walk, all by myself. It is just isolated enough to be a little scary walking alone. ( I like that!) Not fear of humans but more so animals. There are many coyote, fox and the occasional wolf. There has not been anyone attacked back there but still when you cross the fresh tracks of a pack of coyotes it makes you pause. I did pick up a big stick!


 There are some paths that the snowmobiles use but haven't heard any recently. It is predominately hard wood but of course we have the towering white pine that we are known for in the hills, some spruce and cedar too.


 The Dog Wood adds a pretty splash of crimson colour to the landscape. When I started this walk it was very sunny. It has gone form sunny to cloudy to partially cloudy in just an hour.


I have always had a fondness for cattails or bulrushes. There seed is spread on the winds and there was many fluffy white seed blowing around.

  
Silver Creek blends into the forest floor. It is completely frozen over and now is a pathway for the animals to walk for a long stretch with out brush to dodge around. There were many paw prints in the snow.


  A bright splash of red against the sky, the sumac retains it's colour well into the winter.


The weather is closing in fast. They have been saying more snow in the forecast.


A last shot of the hills, as I leave for home. Entirely overcast now.You can see why we are named Halton Hills. This is on the Niagara Escarpment.



Beautiful skies

Thoughts After the Holidays!

Posted by Lorac Monday 4 January 2010 17 comments

I am glad it's over. I thought I would have a terrible Christmas holiday but it turned out OK. Regardless, I am still glad it's over. There is too much hype and stress around Christmas that leads up to the day. The day after seems so blah! Not to mention the other 363!
One thing about putting Christmas  behind us is that we are on the road to spring now. The worst months here are January  and February for cold and snow. Once that is over it doesn't take long to get into March and some warmer weather. Something to look forward too. Already you can see the days getting longer!

I used to love the winter when younger. It's not that I hate it now, just don't love it as I did. I still enjoy watching a snow storm from inside and a walk in the snow when it is not too cold. I don't ski anymore or ride the snowmobiles, so it's not as much fun. All the winter sports are rather expensive so all I do is shovel it. I think the below picture is an excellent idea! I may put up a sign on the front yard! Do you think I will get any buyers?



Life Pathway Street Rd!



I need to get serious now looking for an alternative plan for the new year as what I thought was going to be my immediate path in life, turned into the wrong street (or road).
I haven't given up! Not at all. I will just need to find different means to get into college. I am also continuing home study from books and the internet. If I can get into a web design course I will go in knowledgeable! There is an amazing distance education course I have found online. I have found applications for government student loans and grants. We will see about funding. Won't get too excited yet. This is the same government who already messed up my application for Second Career financing.!


 There is something about being sneaky and being police that just seems so wrong. This is exactly what a taxi looks  like in town, but if you look closely you will see it is a police car made to look like a taxi! The top light says "Police" and then gives the number. No other markings. There is the red front lights to turn on when they pull you over for speeding past the taxi cab though!

I wonder if we should make our taxis look like police cars?

Scenic Sunday - Ottawa, Rideau Canal

Posted by Lorac Saturday 2 January 2010 23 comments

It is too cold to go for a walk today. -20Celcius. I think I will pull from the archives a photo for Scenic Sunday.

This was a frosty night in Ottawa taken from my motel back door.  I had just arrived after a long drive in a truck from Georgetown pulling a 26 ft trailer. It took about 6 hours. I was in awe of the beauty of the early evening skyline and the sunset!


I have spent quite a bit of time in Ottawa, traveling for my past means of employment. It is a beautiful city and I think the nicest in the winter . Lots of snow and cold enough to freeze the Rideau Canal for skaters. The Rideau Canal in the winter is beautiful. It is frequently used as a means of transport in the winter with people skating to work! It was officially named the world's longest skating rink by the Guiness Book of Records! Imagine being able to skate,sleigh or walk on a 7-kilometre stretch. It is groomed and maintained on a regular basis to make the skating optimal.



This part of the Canal, very near the downtown area has skate rentals shacks. I rented a pair one evening and tried skating after many years off the skates. It was a hoot and I am sure any one watching me felt the same. I did get some great photos though. Hot Chocolate, coffee, Hot dogs and fries can all be found but the best of all is the famous delicacies, Beaver Tails (a delicious pastry) for sale! I posted the recipe awhile back. If you are interested you will find it here.
For more wonderful scenic views go here.

SkyWatch Friday - Happy New Years!

Posted by Lorac Friday 1 January 2010 16 comments


We have had a lovely gentle snow fall here all day. Big fluffy flakes that lingered in the sky and danced their way to the ground. The skies are simply grey, but on the ground is a soft blanket enveloping everything you can see. Somehow, when there is no wind, and the only sound is the snow falling, walking in the snow seems so comforting!

A Happy New Year to all!



For many more skies, the world over go to SkyWatch Friday.

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Lorac
Georgetown, Ontario, Canada
I have lived in Georgetown for 37 years but have traveled around a great deal. I own my own business which takes a lot of my time but try to blog as much as possible! I love to take pictures, no training, just a love of photography. Enjoy the pics but please do not copy them.
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Copyright ~~All content and photos are original to Carol Merten, Ahhh...The Cottage Life! and are copyrighted. Please do not copy, or download any content without express written consent. All content and photos remain the sole property of Carol Merten.

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