An unusual sight is sweeping the rural countryside, beautiful homes built by discouraged city residents. Soaring real estate values in the city of Toronto have bred a generation of millionaires, some who have sold their existing home for a huge profit. Others have inherited a home in the city from their parents, who accumulated wealth
Peterborough, Ontario is a city enshrined in beauty. Gorgeous flower planters grace the entryways of businesses and encircle entire shopping plazas, putting on stunning displays for all to see. Baskets of assorted flowering annuals hang from the lampposts on the main thoroughfare through downtown and local parks, filled with flowering perennials, are peppered throughout the
It is five a.m., and the dark night sky is fading, being replaced by the morning light of a new day. Having peace and solitude when writing is very important; the quiet of the night an ideal time to test your creative writing skills. Creating an ideal environment for yourself will allow your ideas to
General stores were once the centre of the community. Before the introduction of grocery and large box stores, the general store ruled. These establishments dotted the small communities of Ontario, suppling the staples and more for those who lived there. Many of these stores are still standing today, often selling much different products than they
The world is full of odd signs. Whether a means of advertising or a message of expression, signs are here to stay. While exploring the small towns and back roads of Southeastern Ontario, many unusual signs pop up, as well as unique displays or oddities. Some are man made, while others are naturally occuring. In
One of our favorite places to hike is a piece of preciously private land which was donated to the Kawartha Land Trust. Known as Earle Chase Memorial Park, its trails wind through an assortment of ecosystems. On our most recent walk, we travelled through a meadow of long grass, filled with milk weed. This plant
Here is another story from my Collection of Short Stories. This one was written for my grandson, who took it to school and shared it with his class. His teacher read it to her students as a way to help foster empathy for one another. Hope you enjoy it! William Stanley BOBBY Once upon a
FLORIDA FAUNA Having spent thirty-five years in south Florida, the lush tropical foliage never escaped my attention. From over one hundred different varieties of palms, and a multitude of trees, shrubs, and flowering plants, there is never a time of year when the beauty of Florida’s landscape does not astound. Enjoy this photo gallery of
Here is a new short story set in medieval England. Enjoy! William Stanley ALLIANCE The spy hid under the cover of darkness. Looking down from his high vantage point, the man was able to see the light from the burning torches and the soldiers guarding the castle walls. The castle belonged to William, the leader
FUNGI IN THE FOREST When walking nature trails through the hardwood forests of Southeastern Ontario, unusual plants are abundant. Sprouting after a period of rain, a miracle often takes place, allowing species which thrive in moist conditions to be unleashed in the Canadian woods. While some are edible, most are not, but numerous types of
