Friday, 3 August 2018

Golden Bridge

This footbridge recently opened in the mountains of central Vietnam. It is named Cau Vang or "Golden Bridge". It is supported by two giant concrete hands reaching toward the sky. The bridge was created to evoke the image of "giant hands of Gods, pulling a strip of gold out of the land."

I think it is very unique. Those are some big hands!!



In this photograph taken on July 31, 2018, visitors walk along the 150-meter long Cau Vang "Golden Bridge" in the Ba Na Hills






A double rainbow appears above the giant hands structure.







Thursday, 2 August 2018

Life's a Carousel...

Regina is right. I find I am always on the lookout for ideas for a post.  Pallottine sparked this one yesterday with a comment he made. It reminded me of how much I have always loved old carousels. 

Pallottine: "Oldie But Goodie...The oldest wooden merry-go-round in the United States can be found in Burlington, Colorado. The Kit Carson County Carousel was built in 1906."



You can see the actual carousel turning here. Make sure to turn on the band music. 
It is beautiful- but what's with the zebras and lions? Well, it seems that the Elitch Gardens agent, rather than accept the order as it stood, hand-picked the animals that pleased him from all those on the factory shelves, even though several were not originally intended for this carousel. 

I am a purest. Carousels need horses. Beautiful magical horses. 

I found this perfect quote. 

"... a carousel is more that just a machine...it has been called magical by a friend of mine. I think of it as a spiritual dimension-more than just experience, more than just memories." -Will Morton

Expo 67, Montreal


Fifty-one years ago this summer, I rode on this beautiful carousel at Man and His World. 

"The carousel was manufactured in Belgium circa 1885. After a period of time in the United States, it was brought to Montreal for Expo 67. According to the records of the National Carousel Association it is the oldest merry-go-round in Canada, and one of the ten oldest in North America."

I was sad to read that this beautiful carousel has been stored away and badly neglected over the years. However there are hopes of bringing La Ronde's Antique Carousel back to life. 

Here is another gorgeous antique Merry-Go-Round. I would love to ride on this one. Ah, the places I could go perched atop that beautiful horse in the front of the picture.



Not all my carousel rides have been wonderful. My dad used to show his roadster horse at all the little country fairs. So we spent a lot of our growing up years at one fair or another.

I have a vivid memory of being on the merry-go-round. I was about 5 years old. I was on a horse on the outside of the ride. My younger sister was on a horse beside me. And my mother and baby sister were sitting in a chariot a little way behind. I remember that the ride was going very fast and I heard a clicking sound coming from my horse. Suddenly the horse came out of the tube that was attached to the floor and still hanging onto the horse we were now flying around out at the side of the ride. Luckily, the horse was still attached at the top. I can remember my mother screaming for the attendant to stop the ride. He couldn't hear her at first over the organ music. A father who was with his child on one of the horses saw what was happening and jumped down and ran over to grab the top pole to keep me from swinging outside of the ride and maybe flying away completely. 

I remember that I was terrified of Merry-Go-Rounds for years after that experience. My sister, who was only four, remembers how scary it was. Probably not helped by my mother's panic. I am sure she gave the poor attendant hell. However, I am glad to say, my love for these exquisite machines won out over my fear. 

My sister just told me there is one at Santa's Village where she lives in Bracebridge. I will have to make sure I go for a ride next time I am there. I hope it is an authentic one. With horses.

Love's A Carousel

Thank you, P. ; ))

Wednesday, 1 August 2018

Clever graphic design

I haven't been very active on the blog lately. After all the turmoil of the past seven months, now that I'm beginning to settle, the loss of Peter and all the memories rushed back to the centre of my thoughts, so I'm having some rough days. I would like to thank GrannyJ and Roxie (who's turning into a very inspired blogger, despite the initial reluctance...) for keeping things going, and of course all of you for your continuing participation in the discussions. 

Here are some clever play with words, I hope you enjoy them: 






























Tuesday, 31 July 2018

Good morning!

No challenges for today! I hope everyone has a great day 😊 









Say cheese!


Monday, 30 July 2018

Interesting

How many faces do you see?




SPOILER ALERT BELOW!














Ok. this says nine. I would say ten because the dog face was meant to be included IMHO.
Please share if you see other faces that are not highlighted.
I hope you had fun with this!

Saturday, 28 July 2018

Spa day

Duncan was groomed yesterday. He is always a willing participant although it stresses him out to some extent. They love him. He was actually their "dog of the day" and featured on their instagram. Our boy is a star! Here are a few pics I managed to get...



He grudgingly agreed to a photo before dashing out to the car.



Ok Mom, seriously?



I will just look out the window.



A drink was needed on the patio.




A little privacy please?




I am in my happy place.




It is now evening, I am content.


Thanks to GrannyJ for the suggestion. 😄

Friday, 27 July 2018

Smiles

It's always fun to spend time with everyone here on the blog. 😁



















Thursday, 26 July 2018

Thank you

When I got to the hospital yesterday, Barbie's children were there. They had been called to come in. They were so glad I was there. And so was I. I had brought a comfort blanket I had just finished knitting and she loved it.

At this time her heart is still keeping her alive but she is in a coma. It is only a matter of time. I am blessed to have been able to be there with the family yesterday morning when she was still able to talk to all of us. She told us all that she was not afraid, and also said that this was the best wake she had ever been to. What a wonderful gift that was for her to give us all.

I patted her hand and told her that was from P. And told her of all the positive thoughts from all of you.

I am so grateful to have had this amazing woman in my life. And I am so grateful for the love and support you have given me over the last few difficult days.

Wednesday, 25 July 2018

Good boy! The difference between dogs and cats

These photos were taken before and after saying "good boy/girl" to dogs and cats:
















Tuesday, 24 July 2018

Not quite right...

I thought these were amusing. Thanks to Amy for her contribution!