Once In A Blue Moon

The busy holiday season found most of us out and about shopping, visiting and preparing for the festivities as we each celebrate them. As usual, I had my camera with me just about everywhere I went. Everyday sights can be boring and mundane but more than once in a blue moon, something can catch my fancy which will inevitably lead to a click. Below are some photos from various places while wandering out and about the town. Please remember to click each image to enlarge.

Snapping photos through the car window is something I find myself doing fairly often. You never know when something colourful will come into view. I liked how these bright, new cars were nestled in together for their trip to the dealership. (please click to enlarge)

In the parking lot of a nearby shopping mall, I happened to glance up at the light standard as I was getting out of the car. This collection of pigeon sentinels readily returned my gaze. (please click to enlarge)

While walking with Benny one day, we took a detour through a city street and happened upon this colourful mailbox. It was a tad embarrassing for me because after I took my time snapping a few shots, I glanced behind me to see that the homeowners had returned and were patiently waiting for me to finish up and notice their arrival before pulling into their driveway. I sheepishly told them that I liked their mailbox. (please click to enlarge)

When busy shopping, we sometimes forget to eat. No, not really. On this day, Frank, his son, Francis and I stopped at a small pub-like restaurant for a sandwich. I liked their simple but inviting decor. This was the view of the bar from where I was seated. (please click to enlarge)

Once upon a time, there was a princess who lived in a castle up in the clouds, high in the sky and far, far away... (please click to enlarge)

Or in reality, this was the reflection of the shopping mall across the road and behind me as seen in the glass of the bus shelter. You can also see shiny cars reflecting from the parking lot lower down in the photo and the roof of the shelter overhead. (please click to enlarge)

Late one December afternoon, the orange glow of the setting sun was reflected in vehicles making their way through rush hour traffic. (please click to enlarge)

The last leg of a cold, nighttime walk with Benny as we headed home to Frank's house where belly-warmers awaited us. (please click to enlarge)

These photographic moments truly are everywhere. Sometimes I'm just lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. If I'm really lucky, that happens more than once in a blue moon. (Photo of January 1, 2010 moon shamelessly colourized). (please click to enlarge)

Ever Wonder How?

Please note that the Posts of the Week should be back next Wednesday. Thanks for understanding this holiday slowdown. Please remember to click on each image to enlarge.



Ever wonder how a flower can be plain and unremarkable throughout summer but appear striking and eye-catching after its death and well into the winter?




Ever wonder how a sunset can glow on the horizon and add fire and warmth to the end of a cold winter's day?




Ever wonder how such a fragile creature learns to trust a human presence and allow a camera to click loudly nearby?




Ever wonder how a crazy little dog can disappear for no longer than three seconds but come back with a fresh collection of burrs?




Ever wonder how that same dog can challenge you with a "let's do it again" look and make a game out of removing said burrs? As soon as each one was plucked from his back and discarded, he chased it down again. Did I mention that he's a crazy dog?




Ever wonder how human feet could be this small? These belong to my newest neighbour, Liliana Elizabeth - sister to Winston the leaf-thrower and octopus-conqueror.




Ever wonder how a newborn's tiny hand can seek and grasp the comfort of another human hand? That's Frank's finger offering security.




Ever wonder how a few lights - blurry, out of focus and reflected in glass can still dazzle our eyes and give holiday cheer?

I wish you all a Safe, Healthy and Happy New Year.
See you in 2010!

The Menorahty Holiday

Ever since my generation of family started having children of our own, we cousins have been congregating to share kidlet birthdays and other occasions. Our kids are all legal adults now and we've not sung Happy Birthday as a group since the youngest one turned thirteen but we still make a point of getting together each year to celebrate Hanukkah.

This year our numbers were smaller than usual but we still enjoyed latkes and other goodies, great conversation, good laughs and a gift exchange at my cousin, Barb's home earlier this month.




Once lunch hit our bellies, a few plates of treats came out along with coffee and tea.




They look really good, don't they?

Everyone at the party was required to bring an inexpensive gift. It may be useful, tacky or delicious. The gifts are left untagged and placed in a pile.




Without peeking, each guest selects a Scrabble tile from a glass bowl.




Mine was O.

If the A tile was selected, that person chooses a gift first. Once the gift is opened, the next letter is called and that person has the option to steal the first gift or select a new one. The play continues in this manner until all gifts are opened. Often there are many "thefts" of popular items like chocolate.




This happy little Buddha was popular with my son, which is a good thing because he ended up taking it home.




It was the second night of Hanukkah, and so two candles of the menorah were to be lit.




The Shammash (or attendant) candle is used to light them and remains lit and nearby but separate.

A few songs were sung by those who knew them. My aunt and cousin went off to the kitchen to play their usual game of Scrabble, and chit chat continued until it was time to head home.

Belated Chappy Chanukkah and Many Menorah!

Please note that I won't be doing a Posts of the Week tomorrow. I just haven't spent enough time reading and compiling posts but I should be back on schedule for next Wednesday though.