Baby Eastern Rat Snake

We have tried for five years to provide two nesting sites for the Black Rat Snake as it was known then. I see lots of baby rat snakes but they are doing well not because of my nesting boxes - at least not yet. The adult snakes I see are using their own nesting sites and that is apparently working well for them. The Eastern Rat Snake as it is now known, is safe on our property at Singleton Lake. I often see them weaving their way along the edge of the buildings. I showed this one to the grand kids. The snakes calm down after they realize I mean them no harm... plus they are quite harmless. 

Red Rocks and Pooled Water

This was the fourth demo of the 2013 Killarney Adventure and the first of Day Two. We headed to Red Rock Bay and the Killarney Light for inspiration. One does not have to go too far. The vistas are classic for the northern shore of Georgian Bay. Rocks, water and wind flagged trees characterize the landscape.

This view is looking southerly toward Killarney Channel. I liked the darker reflections of the pools of water trapped on the red granite. The hang back rain had exited well to the east leaving sunny skies for the rest of the week. The rugged terrain protected us from most of the chilly northerly winds.

Killarney Channel

The “hang back”, comma head precipitation arrived. The timing was perfect as we were just finishing up our morning session at 11:58 am. The light changes at noon and it meant that we had time to enjoy a terrific lunch at the Killarney Mountain Lodge.
 In anticipation I had arranged with the Lodge to paint from the Carousel Room. Imagine a large circular room encased in glass with a friendly fire crackling away from the fireplace in the middle of the carousel. The winds had shifted to the northwest behind the “hang back”. Rain showers occasionally pelted the glass. We painted looking outside but basking in the warmth of the fire.
Here is what I came up with looking to the northeast shore of Killarney Channel. I liked the colours and contours of the granite interplayed with the few leaves clinging on and trying not to fall in the stiff and wet northwest wind. It was fun but does it qualify for plein air? You be the judge.

Cloudy Killarney Sunrise

The Southampton Art School’s Class “Killarney - the Annual Adventure” happens every October just as the autumn colours are peaking. It is an inspirational place. Plein air vistas are everywhere. We just need to slow down and really see and appreciate the colours and forms.
I do a quick demo at the start of each session. The goal is to illustrate laying the foundation, design and composition for the final work without taking up too much of the participant’s painting time. I then cruise the easels offering assistance, advice and encouragement without messing with their own “voice” or style.
This was the first demo of the 2013 Killarney Adventure. As you can see I am virtually standing in the water at 9 am on Monday morning. I decided on a skyscape looking southeasterly. The participants wanted to see a meteorologist paint real clouds. In this case there was not enough sun to blind your eyes. The cold front had passed through the previous evening. Chilly westerly winds were not cold enough for me to have on more than my signature white painting shirt. I love painting skies…
We needed to paint quickly before the “hang back”, comma head precipitation arrived around midday. I keep mentioning that you really should take a meteorologist with you on all of your vacations...

More Posts to Come

Sorry but I have been kind of busy. I have a lot of posts to come over the next few weeks. The "50 Years of Our Flag" Painting is now hanging in Home Hardware in Brockville - you can't miss it! I have made many friends from Home Hardware during the construction process of our home and now they see a different side of me. I have big hopes for the continued success of this project - stand by :>)

Fly More Flags | Aviva Community Fund

Fly More Flags | Aviva Community Fund

Paddle the Arch Tour - Charleston Lake – Saturday October 5th, 2013 - Update

With just 78 hours to go, the weather forecast still looks OK for Saturday! It looks as though we will be in the warm sector of a large low centered over Minnesota. Light southerly winds and cloudy skies can be expected. Any precipitation should be further to the north along the Ottawa Valley. Temperatures will be above seasonable near 25 Celsius. There will be lots to talk about and to enjoy.
It is highly likely that there will be showers Friday night but the patented rain dance should move those east of Charleston Lake by dawn.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED – phone 613-329-6265
http://www.1000islandskayaking.com/index.php/tours/guided-trips/paddle-the-arch

50 Years of Our Flag - Update

Thirteen is our lucky number! So far the initiatives and accomplishments of the 50 Years of Our Flag Committee tallies to lucky thirteen in 2013. There is much more to come including an educational program and maybe a stamp. The Committee has entered the Aviva Community Fund to hopefully gets some funds for the "Fly More Flags" program. Vote early and often at  http://www.votebrockville.com/

1. The 50 Years of Our Flag Project began Aug 2011 with meetings between John Ross Matheson and the future Chair of the 50 Years of Our Flag Committee.
2. Our committee was formed in September of 2012 with a mandate to raise awareness of the history and upcoming 50th anniversary of our Canadian Flag. I was there from the very start.
3. The successful renaming of John Ross Matheson Way, the street in front of the County Courthouse in Brockville.
4. The commissioning and completion of the Commemorative painting with the detailed assistance of John Ross Matheson.
5. The 160 foot Flag pole, 35x70 foot Flag, Monument and Plaque installation and celebration on Canada Day 2013.
6. The introduction of Bill 57 by Steve Clark MPP - Brockville as the Birthplace of the Canadian Flag.
7. The installation by the City of Brockville of the new Gateway Signs stating Brockville as the Birthplace of the Canadian Flag.
8. Downtown Business Improvement Area agrees to fly Canadian Flags on light poles in the downtown core starting in 2014.
9. Development of the Pledge To the Maple Leaf Flag of Canada.
10. Campaign to bring awareness to the history and upcoming 50th Flag Anniversary through website, social media, radio and newspapers.
11. Mural to be painted by local school students and placed in the Centre Court of the 1000 Islands Mall  being planned.
12. The "Fly More Flags" initiative is ongoing and will be developed with a prominent national Canadian Corporation and is ongoing. This is both a Brockville and National initiative.
13. To create a National Celebration to be held in Brockville Ontario “Birthplace of Canada’s Flag”  on February 15th 2015.

Better Farming

After 15 years of writing about weather related topics for Better Farming magazine my friend and co-worker Henry Hengeveld filed his last column in August.  David Phillips, Environment Canada chief climatologist, long-time associate of Henry's and another very dear friend, suggested the Editors contact me to see if I would consider trying to "phil" Henry's shoes. I was at first very, very reluctant to follow such a talented and dedicated researcher and climatologist as Henry. However, life is an adventure and after some chats with Robert Irwin who is also an avid canoeist, I decided to give the Weather column a try and get my feet wet.

Better Farming's circulation is about 38,000. and they focus on the business (not the lifestyle) of farming in Ontario. Those who work the land are on the front line of unprecedented changes to the environment and the climate. I thought that maybe I could bring some explanations as to why these changes are occurring and just maybe assist in the farmers, the foundation of our society, adapt to and survive these challenges. To quote my colourful, favourite modern philosopher, "We are all in this together".

The first column explaining the impacts of climate change on the jet stream appeared in October.