October's Party

"October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came -
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band."
 
     [George Cooper, October's Party]

I trust you're not tired of autumn quite yet. Why not take a moment out of your day (since you're here anyway) and listen to one of my favourite singers (click on the link below the photos). Then walk along these country roads with me and marvel at the Creator's handiwork.

Phriday Phling Phinale

It's not often I post twice on the same day, but I got to it rather late last night (or early this morning, depending on whether you're a night owl or early bird) and again this evening. Of course I had to make a lot of photos over the past 10 days or so and many of these captured memories of phun times with our granddaughters. Since it's also Phun Phriday you'll have to bear with me as I post a few more.

This first shot is of a colourful wind catcher near a playground, spinning its wheels in the breeze, as I was out for a walk with Hailey - she had hoped to play there but unfortunately the entrances were locked.

The next shot is of Hailey at the fish and turtle pond after she'd finished feeding them, and just before she got to go go-karting. Again !

The last shot is of her younger sister Lilly who turns 4 in a few weeks - obviously she's headed for a modelling career.

We certainly had a phun-philled 10 days, and tomorrow night we start another week with our other 2 daughters. We're seeing more of our family being 2,500 km/1,500 mi from home than when we lived much closer by. You don't suppose the Florida weather has anything to do with it, do you ? Nah, I thought so !

(18-55mm  f22  1/60 sec  ISO200)

(70-200mm  f5.6  1/800 sec  ISO200)



(18-55mm  f14  1/160 sec  ISO200)

(Day 257) Where have all the tourists gone

Tuesday Sept. 14, 2010

While walking around in various towns and villages on Rhodes, we've noticed that a lot of establishments are wanting for tourists. Now, that's not because the places aren't appealing, but because the season is winding down, even though the temperatures by our standards are still right up there in the vacation range. A second reason, however, that we discovered in an interesting discussion with our villa manager today, is that large hotel chains have moved in, offering all-inclusives, which is keeping people out of local establishments.

This evening we were in Faliraki and I caught this little boy, standing at the front of what is likely his parents' establishment, looking forlornly at the passing people, while his father is making preparations for people who may not come.

(10-22mm  f5.6  1/15 sec  ISO800)

(Day 191) Child’s Delight

Sat. July 10, 2010

How far back does your memory go ? Do you remember events from when you were 2, or 3 ? What events made an indelible impression on your childhood memory ? I think my memory goes back to age 3 or 4, and I can certainly remember events from age 5. As adults we sometimes forget that we’re also directly responsible for helping shape our children’s memories - and we certainly don’t know what events of today will create a lasting impression.

I do hope that our trips to the cottage with family and extended family is making a positive impression on our grandchildren, at least those beyond the infant stage. I doubt that Graydon (6 months) will remember these days, but I think Lilly (age 3) and Hailey (age 5 ½) will certainly have memories of these family vacations. Today’s shot is about making some of those memories.

(18-55mm  f8  1/200 sec  ISO200)