Photo-Finish Friday --A Bit of the Athabasca

This is a deep summer view of the Athabasca River from a lookout in the Sandhills east of Fort Assiniboine. We went there many times when I was growing up.
Back then it was fun to take a run and jump off the edge of the hill into the sand.
The trees have all but take over now all but obscuring the view of the hill, but it you cock you head just right you can still see the river and the riverbottom farmland.

Gratitude Monday - The Sun

I want the sun to know I appreciate it.
We've had snow the last few days and it has been cold. It's good for my husband's work. It's good for moisture and all manner of other things, but it is spring, and that means melt.
Late in the afternoon yesterday the sun was out and warm and the snow turned to slush and then water.
I love the sound of melting, running water. It sounds like a promise made in joy
Here's a very short video of running water, courtesy the sun.

This is what we woke up to yesterday morning.

The sun came out, and I am grateful.

Photo-Finish Friday --Leaving the Park

This is what you see when you leave Banff National Park heading east on Highway 11 a.k.a. The David Thompson Highway.
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I strongly recommend clicking over to get the full screen. You don't have to, but it will enhance your experience.

Stop the Spit-Flying Xenophobia. Now

snopes.com: Pensioners Should Apply as Refugees

If you follow the link you'll find the US and Australia and, according to FaceBook, Canada gives more to refugees than to pensioners.
It is false, and it is offensive.

I am so sick and tired of mindlessly sharing or forwarding nonsense like this.
When did we stop giving critical thought to anything?
Of course, the real issue isn't thinking; it's xenophobia. For all its apparent caring about our seniors it is thinly disguised hatred.
It's another take on how them furriners are taking all our jobs/money/ resources/air/space/food/ you name it.

Friends, the world is for everyone.
If someone wants a better life then they ought to be given a chance to get it, and if they need a hand up along the way good on us for offering it.
The true test of a nation or a person is how they treat others.
And remember, unless you are First Nations born, you are descended from immigrants or refugees. If such social programs had been available back then,  my bet is your ancestors and mine would have accepted it.
So stop the spit-flying xenophobia and appreciate the fact that your country is good and kind and willing to help others.

Gratitude Monday -- Whiskey Jack

 I am grateful for this photo of a Whiskey Jack. They don't come to town. We have to go out to the wild to see them. In this case the wild was barely 20 miles out of town, but it was still out.
 Out is good.
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 The day was much bluer than indicated. This was 1/500 at f11 at 1100, for those who may be wondering. I play with film speeds and let the camera make up the rest. I am grateful for that, too.

Photo-Finish Friday--Fancy a Hike?

So starts one of the many walks in the Siffleur area. It's about a 90 minute or so drive from where I live. It makes for an easy day to drive out, select a hike, and be one with Nature.

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I'm not sure why my photos from my Olympus have this fuzzy view. I apologize.

Gratitude Monday --A Good Day

Yesterday my husband and I went for a drive.
We went west to the mountains.
We took our time and took many photographs.
We went as far as the Columbia Icefields Parkway, about 100 miles, and turned around.
We stopped at Siffleur Falls on the way back and went for a hike.
We had a turkey dinner at lunch time in Nordegg.
We saw a robin, many deer, many sheep, a hawk, two bald eagles, and four bluebirds.
It was a good day and for it I am grateful.