Saturday, May 7, 2016

With the First Step

With the first step, the number of shapes the walk might take is infinite, but then the walk begins to define itself as it goes along, though freedom remains total with each step: any tempting side road can be turned into an impulse, or any wild patch of woods can be explored. The pattern of the walk is to come true, is to be recognized, discovered.
- A.R. Ammons


Spring is here. The days are warm - some of them sunny. That means that Little Lake and its surrounding path calls to me and my camera. Most of these photos were taken a couple of weeks ago and the grass had still not quite greened up yet. It's lush and verdant now but you'll have to wait for next time to see that. For now, come join me around Peterborough.

roof dog
I've seen this sweet pooch a few times now. That open window allows him free access to the sloped porch roof where he likes to hang out and snooze. I suspect he's used to being photographed.





roof dog sweetie
One day (though not this one) I was about a half block past him when I hear him barking excitedly. I turned to see a car pulling into the driveway. His person had arrived home and he was thrilled to go greet him. He quickly turned tail and ran back in through the window in anticipation of their reunion.





colourful find
It pays to look up sometimes. It's also a good idea to look down, once in a while. This colourful worry doll caught my eye in a parking lot.





first spring blossoms
Did I mention that flowering trees are now in bloom?





crocus
As are all of the spring bulbs. The crocus is my favourite probably because they're usually one of the first to emerge. And well.. because they're purple!





daffies
Of course, you can't deny the beauty of the brilliant yellow daffodil.





home business
Seasonal home businesses have begun to open up shop again.





cone
A lone pine cone soaks up the warming rays of spring sunlight.





little library
This is one of two Little Library spots of which I'm aware in my neighbourhood. I suspect there are more. Books and magazines are free for the taking. When I think of it before heading out, I grab one or two from my own shelf and help to replenish it.





young mallard
Finally, we reach the lake where this lovely mallard was waiting patiently for us. Or so I like to think.





gathering
I snapped this photo from a distance. The place is called The Silver Bean and it only opened its doors for the season a day or two earlier. There was already a small party going on.





study
This guy is attended a party for one - enjoying his reading by the waterside.





grack
A grackle's feathers looks so lovely in the sun. Still, he kept his cold, yellow eye on me as I approached slowly.





little lake dock
On the way back home, I offer a parting shot of the dock where people and dogs will soon be diving into the warming waters of Little Lake.

I hope you enjoyed the stroll. More photos coming up pretty soon.

41 comments:

William Kendall said...

Grackles! We see them here, but I'd forgotten what kind of bird they were. The dog must be quite accustomed to the roof, and obviously has no problem with the height.

Marie Smith said...

Beautiful photos, Hilary. Love the dog on the roof. It's an inventive way to let him out when the family is not home.

ellen abbott said...

love your photos! flowers springing from the ground are lovely but nothing compares to flowering trees. love the grackle.

A Cuban In London said...

Cracking shots. Thanks.

Greetings from London.

Birdie said...

My husband is from Peterborough so I always enjoy your Peterborough pictures.

That dog on the roof made me smile. :-)

Theresa said...

Gosh, just looks like a wonderful place to live. Love the roof dog. I bet he gets treats from Santa too come December. ;->

Kerry said...

I always love going on walks with you, Hilary. Do you think that dog-being a border collie-opened the window himself? Maybe!

Linda said...

Enjoyed the stroll around Little Lake, perhaps we'll make it there on one of our daycations soon. I love the little libraries, don't think there are any around here. It's a lovely concept.

stephen Hayes said...

Great pictures, and I love the idea of the free tiny library.

Musings of a Creative Writer said...

Beautiful photos! I especially love the flowers, the birds, and just the scenery! How far are you from Toronto?

Out on the prairie said...

I've been planting all day. Put in 100 tomatoes, and need to finish my fence to keep all the critters out.

Cloudia said...

Oh I DID enjoy this so much! Each photo was as good in it's way as the delightful and surprising sweet-faced dog at top! The female mallard of the couple that likes our yard is very beautiful and graceful. I find myself admiring her quite often. Another sweet face <3

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

Enjoyed the meander. Nice shots.

Such a beautiful pup. What a smile.

(Makes me miss my Gracie, who looked a lot like that)

DJan said...

I most certainly enjoyed the tour and look forward to more. It's been awhile since our crocus left for the season. I loved seeing yours and all the rest. :-)

Red said...

What a great walk and variety of photos. That's a pretty interesting dog!

messymimi said...

Beautiful, especially the crocuses!

sage said...

That dog on the roof is unique (what a happy looking dog)!

TexWisGirl said...

pretty, colorful blooms. i like the bits of living you share with us. that dog, though, stole it. :)

Ruth Hiebert said...

Beautiful and interesting photos.I love the early crocuses.

Linda said...

Thanks for sharing your walk! Love the dog and the lovely mallard!

Gary's third pottery blog said...

I love the little libraries too :)

Karen said...

Peterborough is so far ahead of us up here in the Valley. We still have snowbanks in the yard and there was about 3cm of fresh SNOW on the ground this morning. My lodger went out back and wrote HAPPY MOTHERS DAY on the porch for me to see when I threw open the curtains this morning!
Love your photos. They always take me "back home".

Rita said...

I do so love going on walks with you!! :) :)

Mage said...

Oh joy! Did you know that I talk with your Photos? You were just what I needed this morning. You are a gift to all of us.

Tabor said...

You have a great way of capturing the essence of a place. That is a skill that not everyone has, but you have it in spades. I hope that you are finding new paths and avenues in your life that warm your soul.

joeh said...

Nice photos, love the dog on the roof...and thank you for not making a dog ruff on the roof pun, that must have difficult.

joeh said...

JK, I love your puns!

Jenn Jilks said...

You take such fabulous photos!!! cheers!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

So many beautiful photos here. Love the doggy on the roof. I liked the "Fix My Bike" sign, too, and the guy reading by the water. The flowering trees and early spring bloomers are also gorgeous and a welcome sight every spring.

Margaret Dougherty said...

Lovely photos, Hilary! You have the gift of a great eye.

Linda said...

This certainly is a lovely town you live in. An inviting place where the dog can wander in and out of an open window. This is like a second Spring...our flowers long since gone. Thanks for the tour!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for showing us a bit of your town! I love seeing that puppy on the porch roof, waiting for his people, but oh! those crocuses and daffodils. My favorites!

yaya said...

Border Collies are so smart and beautiful! Don't you just love a pet's enthusiasm? I sure hope he's safe on that roof though! Spring has sprung up North it seems and I'm glad you shared your walk! All the flower pics are so pretty. My Dogwood trees have finally burst into white beauty. I better get a snap shot quick before they fade! Have a good week!

Kat said...

That was a lovely stroll. Thank you for taking us along!

Anvilcloud said...

That dog is too cute. It's so nice to see trees in blossom.

ADRIAN said...

It's good to see you all coming out of hibernation.

Indrani said...

Enjoyed seeing the spring scenes around you! So much of color all around!

Unknown said...

Ha! I love this post, and you;re probably right about the dog used to being photographed. Tried to stop by 4 nights ago, but your page (and a few others) wouldn't load. I've posted my last blog on my current site, Hilary. Hope you'll drop by before we go to a landing page. Always a joy to stop here. :)

Daryl said...

you live in a charming extremely photogenic town ... and you know i love those dog shots!

Mandy said...

What a brilliant set of photos. Thank you for taking us on a tour of your hometown! I like all of them, especially the photo of the mallard and the tale of the dog!

Karen (formerly kcinnova) said...

Look up, look down, look all around! I love seeing the world through your lens.