Going, Going, Gone!

 

This little maple tree is going to sleep for a while.  Stay cosy through the winter months, little tree.  See you in the spring with a fresh coat of pale green. 

Ginkgo Trees

The golden yellow trees lining the entrance to the local theatre and convention hall are ginkgo biloba trees.

A living fossil, the Ginkgo biloba tree provides a living connection to the age of dinosaurs. It's also known as the maidenhair tree, and is a species of gymnosperm tree native to East Asia.  The leaves are unique, fan shaped with veins radiating out into the leaf blade.  

Trees are divided between male and female.  Male plants produce small pollen cones. Female plants produce two ovules that develop into fruit like structures containing seeds.  These fruits contain butanoic acid and smell foul like rancid butter or vomit.... yuck!

Work in Progress

Looks like the town council have voted to spend some money on paint.  This will definitely brighten the place up when it's all finished!  Snow... stay away!

Kicking up the Leaves....

 I'm following a trail around the local reservoir. This trail was well used a few years ago, but for some reason the local council closed it... safety reasons I suppose.  But it's still being used although I only met one family and one runner on my way though.

Looks like there is an eager beaver planning some homebuilding in the neighbourhood.

I went as far as the bridge before I turned back, I'll finish the trail next time.  The bridge has been there at least 20 years, maybe longer, I am amazed that it has lasted this long, through all those harsh Canadian winters. (Actually the winters don't seem to be as harsh any more .... climate change???)

The Baby Tree

 My new neighbour planted a baby red maple tree in the spring.  I've watched as the little tree sprouted new pale green leaves as the temperatures got warmer, then maturing to a darker green as the summer arrived. And now, after a couple of cold nights..... scarlet foliage that glows in the autumn sunshine.

And another view of the little tree through my living room window. Winter is coming!

Markham Fair - Goats

 

Goat competitions are a very serious business at the Fair.

Markham Fair - Moooo

 

Beef on the hoof. I think they are Charolais.