Taken this past June at Bouvaird House in Brampton Ontario. One of those days when I had wished I had a tripod for the camera, but in hindsight this pic works out quite nicely for this week's theme

Wishing you all a bright and Happy New Year 2011!

And of course happy photo hunting too!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

We live in an urban center with public transit at the door. For us car ownership would be more of an albatross than something that would enhance our lives. At least that is my view on it.

I cannot imagine living in a urban metropolis say like Los Angeles where car ownership seems to be mandatory. I shudder at the expense. There are just as many car dealerships, and Los Angeles auto repair shops, as there are convenience stores or so it would seem.

Certainly there are some cars such as the Honda Civic, or the Honda Element that have caught my eye over the years, and I've thought it might be fun, and convenient to own a car for weekend use only, particularly a vehicle that is fuel efficient with good overall ratings. However, for us weekend rentals in the long run would be far more practical and financially sound than ownership.

I had this talk with one of my daughters a few years back who at the time needed gentle reminding that no, cars are a privilege, and not a right, and for many the afford-ability is difficult. From loan, and lease payments to insurance costs, and even parts like tires, head gasket, brake pads etc etc etc.....car ownership is expensive, and is one added expense we are currently happy to be living without.

Wordless Wednesday

I want to take this opportunity to wish my family and friends a very Happy Solstice and new year ahead. I do not look upon this time as simply the darkest day of our year, but as the beginning of moving towards longer, sunnier days.

It is a bit of a weird time for me as I started a cleansing fast a few days ago, and I am currently feeling a bit surreal, but happy and content at the same time. It is a really neat headspace to be in especially today.

Over the last three years I have had plenty of opportunity to encounter people who are wearing medical uniforms lab coats, and other hospital gear. First my diagnosis with Graves disease that led to twice monthly trips to the hospital lab for blood work, then my Mother's stay in the emergency ward before her doctor allowed for her to come home, and then Matthew's heart troubles of the summer. And from these observations I can tell you that what they say about white coat syndrome is true, people in lab gear, and hospital scrubs can be very intimidating.

Perhaps it makes more sense for the wearer to be kitted out in the more plain looking discount scrub sets that is most commonly worn in the hospital. However, when I would see a staffer who at least tried to personalise their look a little they somehow appeared more human if that makes any sense, and in turn the patient does feel more comfortable.

I think it would be great from the patient perspective to see more staffers in high fashion scrubs, or at least something a little more personal than the plainer uniforms.

Many years ago as a teen I had to have general surgery. Naturally I was very scared. However, when the anesthesiologist entered the room I was in wearing a Donald Duck cap I actually giggled a bit, and it broke the tension I was feeling (despite the meds) before having a rather scary procedure done. I never forgot that, and in turn have always thought how cool it would be for both staffers and patients if they were a little more creative in their uniforms.

My Boys!

Happy weekend, and happy photo hunting!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Wordless Wednesday

I find the antics of my daughter's cat Maya to be quite funny!

Kittens at play are just too adorable......

A few months older makes a big difference.....and being raised with dogs she is pictured here.....

......guarding her bone!

And finally....as an adult..........

Funny kitty thinks she'll be going shopping with me ....

Happy weekend, and happy photo hunting!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada. Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, this day marks the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of 14 young women at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal.

They died because they were women.

A good man is hard-to-find............

I'm a lucky lady......

Happy weekend, and happy photo hunting!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Wordless Wednesday