First day of Spring

Yet another storm has hit leaving behind 20cm of snow with another 5cm on it's way. What a menace the climate has been this winter to Montreal. I am finally going to admit out loud: I am winter tired and my body has had enough.  It is March 19 today. Did I mention I'm really looking forward to the first day of spring tomorrow?

From the inside looking out during the winter, bright and sunny days are deceivingly warm. In actuality it's currently -24C outside, feeling like -34C with the wind.

A good day to stay in, stand by a window for a dose of vitamin D....

....or cozy up next to your best friend!

Deep freeze

Water in liquid form, has a spherical shape, but when frozen, becomes angular at the top and in some instances, ice crystals begin to form (Source). Last winter we had some warm rainy days that were followed by a cold snap, causing dripping water on the handrails of an underpass to freeze in time. The photos below are the effects of this amazing natural phenomenon.

Today as the temperature drops drastically from +2C to -22C, I brace myself for several upcoming days of deep freeze. Despite the cold, Trudi the dog will have to go out and as my better half has escaped the city for the week, I am out of excuses to stay indoors. So with eyes on the look out and hand warmers intact, dare say there could possibly be more opportunities to continue with this series of images.

Buried

Snowstorm of December 27,  Montreal

Giant Cat and Dog

Winter is really here now as I trek around with Trudi in my moon boots in what feels like knee high slush and snow. 

With our recent dump of over 25 cm of snow, the snowpet building crew has been out and busy, and it seems that the days of merely making a simply snowman are gone.  

Instead giant size domesticated pets are the new trend!

Pot of Gold

To my dismay, I'm slowly starting to accept that my iPhone has become one my photographic tools, especially when there is no other camera at hand. 

Sometimes being at the right place the right time is all that matters.

Hotel

I think the Gold rush is over.

Art Deco Montreal

Montreal is a city full of Art Deco architecture which I will capture and share over the next months.

For starters, this is the Aldred Building, located at Place D'armes in Old Montreal. It was Montreal's first skyscraper, designed by New York architect Ernest Isbell Barott and built in 1931.

I particularly liked the front entrance.

Click here for more information.

Construction Holiday on Place D'armes

Bank of Montreal, 1847

In Quebec, the last two full weeks of July are called Construction Holiday. It is a time when most construction workers go on vacation. As well, many affected non-construction employees also take the opportunity to take their holiday at the time same time.

This Quebec tradition began 39 years ago and today, as many as 135, 000 residential and commercial construction workers are off until August 2.

Construction holiday time however means that the Surete du Quebec are out on highway patrol more frequently with additional speed traps and drunk driving checkpoints. Sadly while the rest of the province goes to sleep, the number of traffic related deaths increases and the first three days of this period is known to be the deadliest time of the year.

Lazy Montreal Sunday

I used to live near the intersection of Rue St. Denis and Laurier in Montreal. During my time there, my daily routine would include walking past a bank and a pharmacy enroute to the metro. I returned to my old stomping grounds a fews weeks ago. The pharmacy is still there but the bank has been re-designed and converted into La Boîte Gourmand, a spacious, friendly and delicious café.

Montreal is known for their fabulous cafés and La Boîte Gourmand raises the bar. It is not only a bright and warm environment to meet family and friends but also a place I would have seen myself frequent alone had Montreal still been my home.

With washrooms walls designed as chalkboards and a playroom at the back, kids like it there too.

This is Koko, a talented and wonderful animator and illustrator. Please visit his website.

Coffee, drugs, friends, what more could I have asked more from that urban block on a lazy Sunday?

Gate 31 - Pierre Elliot Trudeau, Montreal

Seems like home to me by Two Gallants

Airports are pitstops of thought, places symbolic of personal and physical movement. This is the second of what will hopefully be a series of photographs that reflect my journey in the next year while I wander out to embrace new experiences and search for my way home.

This is the first photo. You can read about "Gate 41" here.

Ligne d'orange, direction Côte Vertu

Votre liaison amoureuse, votre musique, et votre tristesse,

Vous êtes toujours avec moi, je me souviendrai de toi.

Mont Avila

This is a view of St. Sauveur des Monts, Quebec that I've seen many times and appreciated, but also taken for granted. After this year, I will not see it for a while.

Winter Living in Les Laurentides, Quebec

During winter, residents in Les Laurentides spend time taking care of their rooftops

picture by Gillian Lee

and protecting their cars from snow