Finished

Finished, originally uploaded by Ontario Wanderer.

One of my dreams and goals for the last 15 years has been to do the Round The Bay Race in Hamilton one more time and yesterday I did it! I was slow and last in my age group but finished ahead of about 200 younger runners. Today, I am thankful for Églantine's support and photos and for the fact that I am not crippled as I was last time I did this race. See more of Églantine's race photos at her Flickr site:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eglantine/2375530449/

Skunk Cabbage Heat

Skunk Cabbage Heat, originally uploaded by Ontario Wanderer.

"Biologist Roger Knutson found that skunk cabbage flowers produce warmth over a period of 12-14 days, remaining on average 20° C (36° F) above the outside air temperature, whether during the day or night." Quote from the following site:
www.natureinstitute.org/pub/ic/ic4/skunkcabbage.htm

As you can see in the photo, the various Skunk Cabbage "flowers" are melting their way through the snow rignt now.

If you have the time and interest, the web site listed above has the best research infromation that I have ever found anyplace on Skunk Cabbage. As you may also figure out, I have enjoyed looking for Skunk Cabbages every spring since I first found them in the Hamilton area. It's been about 40 years now that I have looked for them. I have been recording blooming times for the last ten years or so.

Skunk Cabbage

Skunk Cabbage, originally uploaded by Ontario Wanderer.

Finally the Skunk Cabbage is melting its way through the snow.

Morning Yoga

Morning Yoga, originally uploaded by Ontario Wanderer.

About thirty years ago, I used to do several yoga poses every morning including at least 5 minutes of headstand. I am trying to reestablish the habit. So far I am doing deep breathing, fish pose, and dead bug pose. Perhaps I will eventually get back to my headstands.

Where's That Kid?

Where's That Kid?, originally uploaded by Ontario Wanderer.

I thought if I put the lead on the young goat that Gertrude would stay close. She kept a close watch but did not spend too much time close to the two of us. It took her a long time to get out of the barn and then she did not want to go back in either. I finally figured out the problem was the ice at the doorway. She did not like walking on the ice at all.