Autumn Glories Around The Region

 Returning to my autumn series once more. As the shuttle from the Gatineau Hills was returning, it stopped long enough for me to take this shot in Gatineau.

Back on the Ottawa side of the river, I stopped by the War Museum for a late lunch. The trees across the street were bright red.

After lunch, I headed downtown. The Canadian Firefighters Memorial is near the War Museum, and some of the trees and bushes around it were at their peak. The Memorial includes the large statue of a firefighter, and a wall of names of firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

These colours are close to home.

One day I stopped by Lansdowne Park, where I photographed more fall colours at the east end of the property. There was a flea market going on.

Today I finish downtown with a sculptural pair I've always liked, standing out against fall colours. An Indigenous hunter crouches on this side of the property, reaching for an arrow and getting his bow ready. At the far side stands a deer, posed as if it has already heard him and is about to bolt.

City Daily Photo Theme Day: Happy

 The first day of each month is a theme day for members of City Daily Photo. This month, that theme is Happy. Check out other interpretations right here.

Happy is not something I can be, especially these days when I'm dealing with such a strong wave of depression. I thought this would be a tough one- until I pivoted and thought of subject matter that makes my readers happy. The Tulip Festival.

On Victoria Day in May, I went to Commissioners Park to take some shots specifically for this post.

This dog looked happy.

Things That Go Bump In The Night

Happy Hallowe'en!

The Glebe neighbourhood particularly puts a lot of energy into decorating for the occasion.  

This very large skeleton in front of a house here warranted two shots.

I liked what this house was doing.

On another day, I passed by this house, decorated for the occasion. I noticed the cat sitting in the basement window. I've photographed them before- they are one of two cats living inside this house.

Shops get into decorating for Hallowe'en too.

Another house, very well done.

One bright day I was in the Byward Market, where this very large skeleton was outside the main market building.

I finish in the front yard of a house in the Glebe with these decorations.

A Legacy Left For The Country

 Some final shots from around the Abbey Ruins.

It was time to head back.

Near the main house, some more items Mackenzie King acquired from various locations, and might have incorporated into follys, but which lay here on their own.

This is the garage at Moorside, today serving in multiple capacities.

I headed for the parking lot. Mackenzie King left political life in 1948 to retire to The Farm, a house here at the estate which is closed to the public. His successor, Louis St. Laurent, would follow him as prime minister.

King's remarks about the highest joy in life is found in some kind of public service speaks volumes. "Instead of the state being indebted to the one who gives of his time and means to the country's affairs and the betterment of human conditions, the obligation is the other way round." Very wise indeed.

He was the dominant voice in Canadian politics for the first half of the 20th century. He developed Canada's place in the world and kept the country united. He led the country through a good part of the Depression and the calamity of the Second World War. And he left his estate to the people of Canada as thanks for the opportunities of public service. There are many who could learn from that.

Retirement was not long; he died two years after leaving political office behind.

Gatineau Park is one of his other legacies- the creation of a federal park, administered by the National Capital Commission, preserving a beautiful region.

And he made Ottawa itself very much looking like a national capital ought to look.

One last look at the estate, looking into the woods beside the parking lot. I will return to the autumn series after the theme day, and back over on the Ottawa side of the Ottawa River.