side yard

I had the rare occasion of being on an acreage in Strathcona County, where a wonderful family held a farewell gathering for another good friend returning to Japan. Their side yard was full of miscellaneous items -- lumber, old furniture, bits of wood, unused doghouses... all waiting for a new life. Some of the branches became firewood tonight as we gathered around a campfire under the vast Alberta evening sky.

Jasper Avenue: Audrey's Books

The corner of Jasper Avenue and 107 Street: the old brick building where Audrey's Books maintains its status as a major Edmonton cultural institution... Downtown is filled with spectators who have gathered on the streets to watch the parade that kicks off the annual Capital Ex. 

Jasper Avenue

Jasper Avenue looking towards the downtown core, during a hot, sunny lunch hour...

sleeping in the basement

It's been a hot and muggy few days hitting the 30 degree mark, and we're all sleeping in the basement. It's a bit hard to sketch the kids as they shuffle around every few minutes in their own struggles against the heat...

lazy summer morning

The kids... preoccupied.

Reds and Greens

 I bought three Thai eggplants as they looked like an interesting thing to draw, but I am still not sure how to cook with them...

Hole's (The Enjoy Centre) and Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park

 A scene from The Enjoy Centre, a place we used to think was simply Hole`s Greenhouse and Gardens, but which we discovered today had now been transformed into a one stop destination that is a bit like greenhouse meets Urban Fare meets Ikea.

















Only a short drive away was a great local discovery for us, the Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park, with its beautiful marshland habitat, made accessible for some great birdwatching with an extensive boardwalk.

Russel Metals yard

The torrential rain earlier in the morning on this Canada Day is gradually giving in to some rays of sunlight. As my kids nap in the car, I again make a trip into some laneways around an industrial neighbourhood, and find an interesting vintage truck.