Tuesday Greetings! I don't know about you, but one of the true pleasures of summer for me, is opening the windows and letting the scents and sounds of the season permeate my house. I was reflecting on this while taking a bath by an open window one evening last week, all the while acutely aware of all the life just outside my window; the brisk breeze moving through the trees, numerous birds calling to and fro, frogs singing their own froggy songs of love in the pond behind our property! So many joys :)
At the time, I made a mental note to ask my readers if they would share one of their favorite things about summer. Let's celebrate it while it's here!
You may recall that I was in Kingston, Ontario a little over a week ago. My sister and I were fortunate enough to spend the better part of one morning and that afternoon downtown. It was a gorgeous day and Kingston is a beautiful city, something which I'm sure Martha from Plowing Through Life can attest to. This city was originally groomed as the possible future capital of Canada and as a result, the architecture throughout is a treat for the eyes. Here are just a few highlights of our day. I confess that I sometimes wonder if I secretly drive the people I'm with bonkers by my incessant picture-taking... I hope not!
An interesting sidenote is that Kingston is home to the Kingston Penitentiary; (or more affectionately known as KP & Kingston Pen) one of the world's oldest prisons in continual use. Paul Bernardo (she shivers...) is currently incarcerated there and Wayne Boden, the Canadian "Vampire Rapist" was a recent past guest. I am alway amazed that this jail is located right in town - just a few blocks from Queen's University and with (if you're a model prisoner I guess) a lovely view of the scenic harbour lol!
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| No, this isn't part of the Kingston Pen lol! |
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| The downtown is interlaced with these lovely shortcuts which intersect streets. |
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| This is Cooke's, established 1865. |
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| Teas, coffee, jams, and nibblies from all over the world. |
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| You could spend hours just admiring all the interesting packaging. |
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| This display and the one below are one of many that line the top of the shop. |
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| This fountain is tucked in one of the paths which intersect streets. |
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| We ate lunch on the patio at Le Chien Noir (The Black Dog) This was the charming view from my table :) |
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| Cute flower cart and quote. |
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| How much is that doggie in the window? He was sitting just inside the front door when we first wandered in, but by the time we left he'd flopped himself under the window display :) |
Love, love, love my city! Great photos of Kingston. There are so many wonderful places to visit, so many nice things to see. Moving here was one of the best things we ever did.
ReplyDeleteAs for summer, I am exactly like you - love to open up my windows and invite the scents and sounds into my home.
And there are so many things about this season that I love that it's hard to choose one. But if I had to choose, I'd pick gardening. The amount of joy this brings me is immeasurable.
I really miss the summers up north. So I will rave about what I liked about them. Watching heat lightning at night, taking motorcycle trips, cool foggy evenings, the call of Bobwhite birds, the smell of your house after the windows have been open all day, watching fireflies, sitting on my porch at night with an occasional pipe smoke... those are a few off the top of my head.
ReplyDeleteWhat great photos! I've only spent about 1 hour in Kingston. I must get back.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to Kingston, but it's definitely on the list of places to visit and maybe even move to, once I'm done school. The short summers here are just one of the reasons to leave.
ReplyDeleteOh what a magical place!
ReplyDeleteON my need to visit list now:)
I toured the old Pen in New Westminter BC as a child before they tore it down. Creeeeepy. They had the prison guards as guides and boy did they make an impression on me.
I think one of my favourite summer time activities has got to be sitting somewhere comfy outside, watching the world go by silently.
Yes, Kingston rocks! You really should move here.....
ReplyDeleteKingston looks a lovely town, the kind of place I'd like to explore. Love the photo of the dog:)
ReplyDeleteHi Martha, As you know, these pics were just a drop in the bucket of all Kingston has to offer. I would move there in a heartbeat - especially since my sister lives there. I figured that you would pick gardening as your first choice!
ReplyDeleteWebDebris, I absolutely love all your choices - great memories :)
Tricky Nag, There is sooo much to see - luckily my sister lives there so I have an excuse to get there at least once a year.
Hi Tatiana, The short season here is kind of depressing - the thing I love about southern Ontario, besides the rich history, is the lush foliage - again the result of their longer growing season.
Hi LaelShine, How interesting that the New Westminster Pen utilized prison guards as guides - makes sense, and I bet they did add to the atmosphere! Lounging outside is something I also enjoy :) Especially when you can people watch!
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle, I would move there tomorrow if we could work out all the 'details' :)
Hi Rowan, I'd say Kingston is one of the few cities in Canada which have any real history to speak of. We are such a young country.
I too have a love of Kingston. I visit at every opportunity as I have one third of my precious family that live there.
ReplyDeleteThis place has so much history and is so pleasant and interesting to travel about in.
Hi Lorene, I agree, it sure is a lovely place.
ReplyDelete