Monday, July 18, 2016

Out For A Walk

I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in. ~ John Muir

It's time for another walk around town. Put on your comfy shoes and catch up, will ya?

Delphinium
There is no blue like the blue cup the tall delphinium holds up. ~ Louise Driscoll
The delphinium, also known as larkspur is a beautiful flower, particularly when it soaks up the rays of late-day sunshine. There are still quite a few buds left to open.





docked
When it comes to large boats, I have a yacht to learn. ~ Ken Poirot
My walks almost always take me to Little Lake. It draws many others by foot, by wheel and by water.





remembering
To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die. ~ Thomas Campbell
This touching little memorial on a tree stump had been by the water's edge for quite some time. I assume that there had been a flower in the earth, and that perhaps the candle had been lit a time or two. It was allowed to remain for at least a month before it suddenly disappeared. Rest in peace, Denvar.





mama and wee ones3
I don't have ugly ducklings turning into swans in my stories. I have ugly ducklings turn into confident ducks. ~ Maeve Binchy
This mama Mallard and her triplets were out for a stroll by the water. I notice that the water fowl are not overly fearful of people around here. I was only a few steps away.






mama plus contemplating a dip
Don't take me under your wing and tell me that scent is duck sauce ~ Josh Stern
I love how the little guy in front is checking out the height of the drop down into the water. Eventually, they all did make the jump but it was getting darker by then and the photos didn't turn out very well.





mama and wee ones2
Duck love is recognizable in any language. ~ Edmond Manning
For now, they all decided to settle in for a while with their mama.





daddy daughter tete a tete
A girl's first true love is her father. ~ Marisol Santiago
This little sweetie pie and her dad were enjoying a nice little tête-à-tête over something. She had such an intent look in her eye...





daddy daughter speculative
A man's daughter is his heart. Just with feet, walking out in the world. ~ Mat Johnson
Until she noticed me taking their photo. Then it became quite the speculative look. As you can now see, it was a pair of mallards which had held her interest.





robin bathing
Stay, little cheerful Robin! stay,
And at my easement sing,
Though it should prove a farewell lay
And this our parting spring. . . . .
Then, little Bird, this boon confer,
Come, and my requiem sing,
Nor fail to be the harbinger
Of everlasting spring.
~ William Wordsworth
This was one of the first warm days in May and the robin had been happily splashing in the lake until I came along, at which time she stood stock still. Nothing to see here.





three amigos
Now, finally, this House gets to see a 'bromance' close up. Thanks for making that possible. Although I still think 'dudeplomacy' is more accurate, but I'll get over it." - Justin Trudeau as he introduced Barack Obama in the House of Commons.
I saw this around the time that the presidents of Mexico and the U.S. were visiting Canada for the North American Leaders' Summit. This trio somehow reminded me of the three amigos - blue for the U.S., red for Canada and green for Mexico.





sister
Come, pensive nun, devout and pure, sober steadfast, and demure, all in a robe of darkest grain, flowing with majestic train. ~ John Milton
There's a lovely church just a short walk from my place and on this evening, I snapped this photo of a nun just ending a stroll of her own.





tiger lily
'O Tiger-lily,' said Alice, addressing herself to one that was waving gracefully about in the wind,
'I wish you could talk!'
'We can talk,' said the Tiger-lily: 'when there's anybody worth talking to.
~ Lewis Carroll
Glowing in the setting sun, this lovely tiger lily cleared its graceful throat and spoke to me. I was happy to listen.

Thanks for joining me on the walk. Time to relax with a glass of wine or an ice cold beer. Of course, if it's morning when you're reading this, there's a pot of coffee in the kitchen. Help yourself!

More photos as soon as they're ready.

41 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very pretty photos. The ducks at the lake near my house will walk right up to you. I guess they're used to people feeding them. Some we can even pet on the head. I keep saying that one of these days I'm going to just take one home with me.

Andy said...

Another fine collection Hilary. The one of the Blue Nun is a rare sight for me. I haven't seen one for a longtime.

Anvilcloud said...

Good eye with the watering cans and others too, of course. :)

Out on the prairie said...

Those are some big boats, I need a ride

Gary's third pottery blog said...

The ducklings = SO CUTE :)

joeh said...

I love the ducks, maybe because they are such doting parents. Those are some big boats for a small lake.

Mandy said...

I love joining you on your travels about town. It seems that you live in such a lovely place.

Theresa said...

I love that you take us on your stroll's with such beautiful photos and text. Thank
you so much Hilary!
It has been a long time since I've seen a nun in a full habit. I wonder if the spelling is correct on that. I should go check.

Marie Smith said...

Love this post, as always! You captured such a variety of items and wove them together wonderfully.

Linda said...

What a delightful post! Such sweet pictures.

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

Many wonderful shots. Enjoyed. I love duckies. That last flower-shot, very cool

Bob Bushell said...

Beautiful imges, bt, I do love wee ones, the ducklings.

Kaye Waller said...

Just lovely and perfect!

Mage said...

Just finishing my first cuppa. Thanks for the smile to start my day. I didn't know that delphinium had another name. I'm charmed.

Karen said...

Surprised to see a nun still in habit. We have two orders in the closest town to where I live. None of them wear the habit anymore. Do you know if the Grey Sisters or the Sisters of St. Joseph are still in Peterborough?

ellen abbott said...

the delphinium is more like a larkspur on steroids and the day lily looks like it's singing an aria.

stephen Hayes said...

Thanks for making me feel like I managed to make it outside today. Hope things are going well fir you. Take care.

L. D. said...

People, animals and plants are all such great captures. When you get expressions from even animals I do so enjoy the view. Thanks for sharing you great skills.

Maggie May said...

Especially loved the delphiniums and the ducks.
Lovely walk and lovely photos.
Maggie x

William Kendall said...

The little ducklings are sweet. I only know of one place here where there are nuns residing- one sometimes sees them walking down towards the nearby basilica.

Barb said...

I'm paying a happy hour visit to you, so I'll take the wine, please. That delphinium is so pretty. I have buds but no blooms yet on mine. I like seeing the sights around your lake. Looks like you're having a good summer.

Leah J. Utas said...

Wonderful, Hilary. I loved your three amigos pic especially.

Rita said...

Thanks so much for taking me on your walk with you. There are always such delights that catch your eye. Ahhh! :)

messymimi said...

You take some of the most beautiful walks of anyone i know!

Red said...

You see many kinds of interesting things and then speculate about them. I wonder what the pensive nun is thinking.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Thanks for allowing me to walk with you.The sights were amazing and each one so beautiful. I love the look in that little girls face.She is a cutie.

SandyCarlson said...

The beauty you see is a source of hope. Thank you!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

"...a yacht to learn" sounds like something you would have said. Some beautiful images here. I love the duck series, especially the one showing the youngster contemplating the distance to the water and the one with the three little ones resting in Mama's shade. That tiger lily shot is stunning.

yaya said...

How I missed your previous post is a mystery but I sure enjoyed it! This post is so sweet and serene whereas the previous one was full of color, life, and celebration. I love the contrast and I sure laughed at the little duck hanging his head to check out the water. There's always one kiddo who just has to push the envelope I guess..whether it's a human or fowl! Thanks for the walk this evening. It didn't register on my Fitbit but I felt rejuvenated anyway!

Laura~Pretty Pix said...

I love your walkabouts.
Thanks for taking us along!

Jenn Jilks said...

What a delightful post! It's a fine town, isn't it? And you are a fine photographer! cheers!

Daryl said...

i love joining you on your walks .... delightful

Gayle said...

It is the day's gift to find your blog and glorious photos. Such depth. Thank you so much for your artistic talents.

Shammickite said...

I am partial to the colourful watering cans, the ducks and ducklings, the robin, the little girl and her dad, the delphinium.... well, everything really! Still hobbling along, but getting stronger all the time! Hip Hip Hooray!

DJan said...

Such beauty! I love the cute ducklings; your pictures are always wonderful. I was surprised to see a nun in habit. I thought that was a remnant of the past. I'm glad some still dress as they all did once upon a time. :-)

photowannabe said...

Hilary, I sure enjoyed going on this walk with you.
Each photo is my favorite until I look at the next one.
I absolutely love the photo of the Daddy and little girl watching the ducks so intently. Its really precious.
I wish I had thought of taking a picture like the watering cans. It's perfect.
I guess I have to train my eyes to see differently.
thanks for sharing your adventures with us.

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Sincerely enjoyed the walk. I would find I would sit by that delphinium for hours and hours. I try to grow them where I live, but to no avail. Gorgeous.

Anonymous said...

I love taking walks with you! You pick up on all the subtle things so many of us tend to overlook and remind us to keep our own eyes open. Thank you!

Tammie Lee said...

wonderful summer glimpses.
looks like your walks offer you sweet finds.
love those baby ducks and the visit between father and daughter.
Lovely summer to you.

Linda said...

I love your views of nature, both animal and human. That was an adorable little duck family and mama was providing some shade for her babies.

I remember having larkspur in our flower gardens as a kid. Mom had lots of flowers...me not so much, but I still enjoy others.

Karen (formerly kcinnova) said...

I never tire of your pictures and prose, Hilary!
I think my favorites here are the blue of the nun's habit as she walks by, the intricacy of that blue delphinium, and your amazing photos of Mama Mallard and her downy ducklings. Of course, your three amigos made me smile (as does your Prime Minister, you lucky Canadians) -- along with Ken Poirot's pun and Maeve Binchy's wonderful outlook in life.
I'm often slow to comment but it's usually because I'm saving up a visit for when I have time to truly enjoy your work.