Since “Idle No More,” my knowledge about Indigenous matters has grown. I’ve only skimmed the surface, enough to know that I know and understand very little. As a child of British descent growing up in Toronto my only awareness involved coveting one of my best friend’s “Indian Chief” hat.
Exploring
Gore’s Landing: Shadows of the Pioneers

Since the mid-1900s Gore’s Landing has been a quiet hamlet, its history almost forgotten by all but those who call it home. Still a summertime beacon, the opening of fishing season finds its municipal dock, resorts and camps full of happy anglers, boaters and campers oblivious of the heritage of their surroundings.
Hazel Bird Nature Reserve

The Hazel Bird Nature Reserve is well worth a visit. It’s much more fun to explore than a playground! It comprises many different habitats including tallgrass prairie, sand barren, oak woodland and black oak savanna, which are all native to the Rice Lake Plains. On a perfect Spring day in early May we went for the first time.
Winter Rambling with the Infrequent Blogger

Winter rambling…
I wonder if there’s a prize for being the most infrequent rambling blogger of all time?
I think as a blogger you’re supposed to post a new article a tad more often than twice a year or so. At least I don’t inundate readers with unwanted mail!
My biggest lesson from this is that one simply can’t do everything (at least I can’t).
Winter in My Corner of Northumberland County

I’d love to hibernate through the winter. Now that I’ve finally reached my ‘fully mature’ years, I understand why many Canadians want to escape to warmer climes in January. I love all the seasons, but one month of winter would satisfy my need for a quiet, cleansing and recuperation period. However, there are times…
Like today: There was a medium-sized snowstorm yesterday evening and overnight. Last night after dark, the torrent of big, fluffy flakes coming down so gracefully in the beam of the one street light I can see from a window looked ethereal.
Today, a beautiful shining sun appeared over the hill and looking out the windows I couldn’t resist the impulse to take pictures. I began in my own back yard.
(Mis)adventures on the Alderville Prairie

The Alderville First Nation Black Oak Savanna is Canada’s easternmost pocket of surviving prairie. It’s a beautiful and wondrous place that I discovered shortly after moving here 15 years ago. It inspired me to learn more and begin my own tiny prairie pocket…I’m now looking forward to an autumn visit to capture in my memory (and maybe in photos) the beautiful waving prairie of the russet Indian Grass and the magnificent Bluestem, along with all the native Asters. Then in the Spring…