Thursday 31 December 2015

51/52

a portrait of my son, once a week, every week in 2015

Jimmy: Posing with penguins...

So, we may have been in Chicago recently, which goes a little way in explaining the "radio silence" here of late. And we may have gone to the Lincoln Park Zoo to see the Christmas lights...

More on the trip later, but Jimmy and Daddy can be seen here, posing in front of some illuminated penguins. It was difficult to get a good light balance because of how bright the penguins were (or I need to get better at photography...). I would like to point out that it was about 5 pm when I took these photos, no sunlight, the Zoo was crowded, and I can't remember if Jimmy is "smiling" or making his scary face... We enjoyed the Zoo.



Wednesday 30 December 2015

First snow!


There is nothing like the first snow to break the winter funk (or winter blues) that the short days bring with them.

Yes, the weather does need to be cold for it to snow, but!

Snow illuminates the landscape.

The world seems quieter.

Everyone seems to stay indoors.

But we find snow calls for attention and invites us outside.

Somehow the cold air is not as cold as it is when there is no snow.

The fresh, unmarked snow is beautiful.

Little footprints in snow are my favourite.

Jimmy's footprints are the best.

Falling snow is wonderful too, soft flurries seen from the shelter of our apartment. Sometimes it's fun to be out in it, and sometimes the north wind makes the snow extra icy.


Yesterday morning we woke up to the first snow of the winter and while I am sick (more on that another time), it has lifted my spirits. As Daddy took Jimmy to daycare, I snuck out and took a picture of them as they headed out. The morning was cold but so pleasant, I would have liked to spend more time out there... Next snow right?

Sunday 27 December 2015

50/52

a portrait of my son, once a week, every week in 2015

Jimmy: Collecting leaves for Mummy!

Oh man... Daddy and Jimmy took the recycling out (with camera in tow) and Jimmy wanted to collect leaves for me - because I collect leaves and bring them home. When they returned home, with a bin full of leaves, I totally misunderstood and totally overreacted and told Jimmy to "get that out of here. NOW."

He took it well. I think I was under the weather, and I will admit to overreacting and I do feel guilty about it... especially when days later Michael showed me these photos he took of Jimmy doing something just for me... Oh man... Jimmy had so much fun with those leaves. He really is a sweet, gentle (and patient, forgiving) child, my boy.




Friday 11 December 2015

It's a lovely world...

(These are my shoes, and they belonged at a Climate March last weekend.)

Yes, there is great inequality. There is injustice, war, violence, pollution, deforestation... but last Monday morning, while checking my email I noticed something lovely:

Outnumbering the emails about Black Friday and Cyber Monday were emails about the People's Climate March.

We didn't make it to one, but family and friends did.

Over 750,000 did. Even in Paris.

A drop in the ocean perhaps, but a loud and lovely drop.

It reminded me that people care about this planet we call home, care about what we're doing to it.

All those emails and then news stories were a welcome reminder that there are people out there who care more about looking after our home than saving a few dollars when they buy something they might not really need.

I was feeling all warm and fuzzy, thinking that perhaps, just perhaps, we, the people of the world, can make the world less crap, one issue at a time.

Here's to the Paris climate talks resulting in meaningful action and change on a grand scale - because it's needed.

Monday 7 December 2015

49/52

a portrait of my son, once a week, every week in 2015

Jimmy: Going to the park!

Michael took Jimmy to the park yesterday afternoon, while I stayed home and felt sorry for myself because my throat is sore. (Mild cold-thingy. No fun.) Jimmy insisted on wearing his sandals. It was just warm enough.

On the way to the park, there is this stand of tallgrass and Jimmy had fun running through it. Jimmy also enjoyed the walk to the park, the park, and generally being outside.


Thank you for the photos Michael!


Wednesday 2 December 2015

Icy days...


With four days of cold rain, sleet, a smattering of snow, and mostly subzero temperatures, everything was covered in ice... here are some photos, all taken by Michael. Enjoy!





These two are possibly my favourites...


Can you see Jimmy and me? We're there, you might have to turn your computer or phone upside down ;)


Ice on ice on ice and then some icicles... Are you feeling cold now? There was so much ice that I refused to ride my bike to work on Monday (more on the bike later, I hope), but managed to ride it today without incident - although Michael and I had to walk over a few patches of ice... we did so very carefully. By lunchtime there was no more ice on the ground and the light snow this evening melted as it landed. Snow is more fun than ice. Both are pretty.