A tree for Lucy.

The veterinary network that our vet clinic is in sponsors a tree planting event for people who let go of a pet during the year. The municipality allows the network to plant trees in a public park, with the win-win-win of people honouring their pet, increasing native plant cover, and increasing shade over a largely unshaded park. Today was the day, a sunny and warm-ish morning, kind of a bittersweet day.

You can choose a specific tree from the available ones, all of which are native to southwest Ontario. We chose a Tulip Tree because a tulip tree seed sprouted unbidden and unexpectedly in our yard about the time Lucy also unexpectedly came into our lives.

Handsome and friendly.

Fitzi is a handsome and friendly senior statesdog from his kind – four-footeds – to our kind – two-footeds.

A close-up head photo of a senior black Labrador Retriever mix dog with a relaxed expression.

In bloom.

Faye was walking home from the post office when she saw this tulip tree blooming, and said I needed to bring the camera. So I did.

We have never seen tulip tree flowers up close. They are native to southwest Ontario, though a little uncommon. We are fortunate to have two (much smaller) tulip trees in our yard and hope to be around long enough to see the older one flower.

A photo of a number of tulip tree flowers.

A photo of two tulip tree flowers.
Close-up photo of a tulip tree flower laying on the ground.

Can you resist this face?

I thought not.

Three tenants.

We knew that two chipmunks lived on our property. It turns out there are three.

The rent we charge is that they must be cute. We are very pleased with the income.

Criss-crossed.

Morning sky ablaze and criss-crossed.

From the archive.

Shortly before sunrise a few weeks ago.

In formation.

I somewhat randomly decided to take a particular route home and was fortunate to see watch several flocks of Tundra Swans flying in formation. The little-travelled road has no shoulders so I was able to safely stop in the traffic lane to capture several images.

Glory.

The glory of a sunrise announces the beginning of another day. I am very glad to have broken my routine to witness it, and to share it with you.

A glorious sunrise, shared with you.

On the move.

Turkey Vultures are on the move, starting to head south for the season. I counted 40 a short time ago and was fortunate to capture this one.