Hello and welcome to Weekend Coffee Share #58! I’m glad you’re here. Please come on in, help yourself to a cup of coffee, or tea, or hot chocolate at my coffee station and let’s chat.
Week 8/ 52
On January 2, 2022, I wrote that this year, I continue to focus my energy on Health, Home, and Leisure to live a healthy and enriched life. The last weekend of February is a good time for me to reflect on February happenings.
Health
In February, I continued my wellness routine with small changes. I welcomed more cycling and walking thanks to having less extreme cold days than in January. Winter is Nature’s rest time so I adjusted my yoga practice to do restorative poses and gentle stretches.
The month started off with a beautiful morning. I cycled to Ontario Place to look for a unique feature of winter: Ice formations. I was rewarded with fascinating ice-encased plants, ice-covered boulders, ice pebbles along the shore of Lake Ontario, and flocks of attractive redheads and long-tailed ducks in the marina.
Click on the arrows to see the slides.
How cold was it? It was balmy at 5 Celsius degrees (42F) when I was on this trip. The sun was out, the lake was restless, sending small waves to the shore and splashing water on the boulders.
Some other fun outings included walks in the Toronto Music Garden where I admired nature and colourful artwork amid the winter landscape, and a tour of Toronto’s neighbourhoods to see the three pet murals that I adore.
Home
For a short month, February was full of virtual celebrations with my extended family and friends on Lunar New Year’s Day, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, and Family Day holiday. In the kitchen, I used the oven regularly since comfort and warmth are appealing in the winter.
My family and I had a good time at the outdoor Nordic Lights festival. The dazzling light art installations by Canadian and Nordic artists filled up our senses with colours, images, lights, patterns, shapes, sounds, and textures.
Leisure
I balanced my leisure time outdoors with relaxing time indoors, mainly listening to music, blogging, reading and writing. Blogs, books and music take me to faraway places without leaving home.
On the blog, I added the 2022 Weekend Coffee Share badge to my sidebar. I joined Dan at No Facilities blog for a fun bloggers’ conversation. I hosted four Weekend Coffee Share linkups and contributed to a few photography challenges and blog parties.
Blogging – I wrote one blog per week:
- January 2022 Reflections
- Toronto Music Garden in Winter
- Nordic Lights: 6 Dazzling Displays
- Which Pet Is Your Favourite?
Reading – I enjoyed six thought-provoking books in February:
- The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- The Love Story of Missy Carmichael by Beth Morrey
- Sula by Toni Morrison
- Love After Love by Ingrid Persaud
- The Ones Who
Don’tSay They Love You: Stories by Maurice Carlos Ruffin
Overall
That wraps up my fun and fulfilling February. I’m enjoying life at my pace. I’m thankful for my good health, family, friends, cozy home, and all the good experiences and joyful moments in February.
How has your February been?
Shared with #CellPicSunday, #LifeThisWeek, #TheChangingSeasons, #2022wotylinkparty co-hosted by Donna, Sue, Jo and Debbie.
Copyright © 2024 natalietheexplorer.home.blog – All rights reserved.
Natalie the Explorer 
Hi Natalie – I loved that slideshow of ice photos – it was a clever addition to your post and it was fascinating to see the ice – especially on the plants – SO different to here (your “balmy 5°C” is so different to our not so balmy 35°C+ days here in Western Australia). I’m longing for some slightly cooler temps (not 5°!) and maybe even a little rain – time for a change of season I think. 🙂
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Hi Leanne, I thought readers who have never seen ice or snow or who live in warm climate may like to see my ice and snow photos. In January and February here, any day above freezing point, especially after a cold spell is ‘balmy’. We do have hot and humid days in July and August and those days are uncomfortable. I enjoy the distinct four seasons and their features, except extreme hot or extreme cold weather.
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I loved the slideshow, Natalie. Your photographs are simply stunning. They seem to get more beautiful with each post. We’ve been unseasonably mild the past couple of days…no complaints from me! Have a great weekend!
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Jill, Thank you so much for your kind compliment of my photos. I see how the sunlight has changed and improved my photos as we move closer to spring. Enjoy your mild weather. Have a wonderful weekend!
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I am so glad you had such an enjoyable February virtual filled with family get-togethers and outdoor activities.
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Thank you, Astrid. There is always something interesting outdoors and for a short month, I’ve enjoyed several celebrations. They certainly make February fun for me.
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The House on Mango Street is one of my favorite novels. Glad you had the chance to read it. I am amazed by the idea of bicycling in February during winter. It’s been warm enough here to do that, but too rainy. Your photos are beautiful.
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Ally, I enjoyed reading The House on Mango Street and was impressed that it was translated into many languages. In winter, unless the weather is extreme, since I live close to a cycling trail that is maintained in winter, with proper clothing, it’s no problem for me to go cycling.
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Great post, beautiful images.
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Welcome to my blog and thank you for your compliment. May I ask how you found my blog?
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Hi Natalie, This is a great wrap-up of a beautiful and cold month. I wish I could say I have done as well with the cold weather as you have. My walking has been cut back and biking ceased. I tried yoga online, and then Vince came home and the space got crowded and embarrassing. Excuses, excuses! It’s still been a great month here in the other mile-high city for us. Have a great week.
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Hi Marsha, Now you have an excuse to make space for your yoga studio at home 🙂 I know you keep moving and doing your best so be kind to yourself. Have a great weekend!
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Thanks, Natalie, It’s beautiful here. The sun is out and the snow is melting,
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Oh, Marsha, I’d be outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and the scenery.
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It is gorgeous. I take a walk every day when it is sunny like this.
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Love the lake pictures and ice formations! You’re fortunate to live in such a beautiful area.
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Janet, I’m glad you like my photos. I’m thankful for making the right choice to live here.
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Such beautiful pictures (even though I don’t like snow and ice in reality!). Sounds like you have had a wonderful February. Thanks for hosting the coffee share.
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Barbara, I’m glad you like my pictures. On calm and sunny days, winter scenery is beautiful. February has been good to me. I hope it’s been kind to you, too.
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I love those ice photos near the lake. How pretty!
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Joanne, I enjoyed photographing the ice formations. I’m glad you like my photos.
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This looks lovely- and interesting reading list. My februaury has been a lot of things cancelled. Still. And now the weather cancelled today’s boating party. So if it’s not one thing, it’s another. But what I have managed, the few get togethers with friends, has been really lovely.
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Lydia, Sorry to hear about the cancellations. I hope you have a lovely weekend and a great week ahead.
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It is what it is. I need to get my head in order. But yes, a nice lazy weekend. #Lifethisweek
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Hi Natalie, a lovely wrap up for February and the ice formations are so beautiful. I had a full February and managed to have a few day trips with Mike which we hope to continue. Thanks for hosting #weekendcoffeeshare and have a wonderful March – Spring is on it’s way for you. xx
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Hi Sue, A full month is good as long as you feel happy and fulfilled, and not overwhelmed by it. Thank you for linking up with Weekend Coffee Share. Have a wonderful weekend and March!
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Hi Natalie, just popping back to say thanks for joining the 2022 Word of the Year lInk party. x
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You’re welcome, Sue. I like to support my blogger friends who are hosting a link party or blog challenge.
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While I loved your lead pic of the snowy park, those ice shots were stunning. It certainly sounds as though you made the most of February…here’s to March.
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Jo, I enjoyed photographing those ice formations. We often get snow in winter but ice formations are less often. I’m glad you like those ice shots. Thank you for linking up with Weekend Coffee Share. Have a wonderful weekend and March!
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Beautiful photos of the snow Natalie. Its strange your freezing and we have extremely hot and humid weather in Albury NSW.
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Bree, Good to hear from you. I hope you’ve been keeping well. We have opposite seasons. We have hot and humid days here in July-August. Have a great weekend!
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Thank you Natalie. Yes my posts have been few and far between sometimes life gets in the way of writing. Just when I get writing again my computer has issues lol…must have tired it out. Sorry Im late replying.
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Bree, I hope your computer issue is resolved. I look forward to having you join us at weekend coffee share again soon.
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I love today.s pictures, Natalie. Thanks for the mention, and thanks for joining “us” at the bar. I remain in awe of your energy level.
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You’re welcome, Dan. I try to keep up my fitness routine throughout winter to beat the winter blues. So far so good.
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Terrific snow and ice pictures, Natalie! I also appreciate the mention of the book, The House on Mango Street and reading that Ally liked it too. I’ll put it on my ever-growing library hold list.
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Thank you, Janis. I’m glad you like the snow and ice pictures. I’d also recommend The Love Story of Missy Carmichael. I enjoyed it and am now looking out for Beth Morrey’s next book.
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Lovely to read and view Natalie. We are in the midst of a very wet time here on the east coast of Australia. Some places are flooded out AGAIN. Fortunately we are safe and sound and i got out to take some photos in the passing showers. Thank you for your link up and the space in which to share my news about Life This Week becoming Life This Month as 2022 progresses! Denyse
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Denyse, I’m glad to hear you’re safe and sound. I hope the weather improves on the east coast of Australia soon. Flooding can cause extensive damage. Your blog news sounds exciting. I’ll be over to read your blog this weekend.
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It’s still raining here but we are safe, many are not so I all count my blessings. Thank you for sharing your blog post for the final #lifethisweek link up…you were part of my blogging history as it was the 280th link up!!
I look forward to having you link up when I am next back with #lifethismonth on Monday 14 March 2022. Same hours and days open as for #lifethisweek.
Warm wishes,
Denyse.
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Denyse, You’ve done amazing with 280 LTW linkups. Stay safe and well. I hope you have a wonderful March.
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Hi, Natalie – Thank you for joining us at the WOTY Link Party. I love how you set clear goals, stay diligent with them and regular measure and report your progress.
I am jealous of all of the outdoor art displays and exhibitions that you have in your area. The Nordic Lights festival looks awesome.
Thank you for the recommendation of Peace by Chocolate. I just finished reading it and greatly enjoyed it.
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Hi Donna, I love this stage of life when I keep things simple, focus on my health, home and leisure and move at my own pace. Toronto has an abundance amount of public art and kudos to the city for organizing festivals throughout the year. I try to go out to see art at least once a week. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed Peace by Chocolate. Thank you for hosting WOTY with Sue, Jo and Debbie.
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It sure sounds like a wonderful month! It’s been a beautiful month in Sweden as well. At the moment we are very saddened about everything going on in Ukraine.
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Maria, Very sad for Ukraine and everyone who’s been directly impacted by the war. I hope your February ends on a good note.
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It sounds like a very pleasant month for you! The photos of the snow are beautiful (even though I’m not a fan of snow myself), and 5 degrees is a pleasant winter temperature for going for walks.
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Thank you, Susanne, for stopping by. In January and February, I try to go out whenever it’s sunny or daytime high temperatures are above freezing point. Fortunately, we do have a good amount of sunshine in winter in Toronto. Have a great week ahead!
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Natalie, the slides are beautiful. #2 is my favorite and deserves to be made into a greeting card. I missed your conversation with Dan earlier in the month, so thanks for linking it here. I’ve just returned from reading it. Nice job. I will take a look at reviews of the books you have listed. I usually find at least one that I want to read. Glad you had a satisfying February. Me too.
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Thank you, Suzanne, for your comment about my slides and for reading my conversation with Dan. I’m flattered as I’ve always admired your photography. Of the six books that I read this month, I’d recommend The Love Story of Missy Carmichael. It’s an easy read and coincidentally fits nicely with our conversations on your “Socializing, is it worth your time” blog post. The other books are also very good although I found #5 and #6 on my list heart-breaking. I’m glad to hear you’ve had a satisfying February. Wishing you and Malcolm a marvellous March.
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Sounds like you had a good February. I really need to get back into my own wellness routine, or at least the exercise part – I think I have done less over all exercise in the last3 months than in any one given month in almost three years… Anyway, I hope you have a great weekend!
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Trent, Harsh winter conditions often derail fitness routines. I have an indoor, at home fitness backup plan for inclement weather. I hope the weather improves to make it easier for you to get back into your wellness routine. Have a great weekend!
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Looks like you had a fruitful and pleasant month. I enjoyed your slideshow. The photos are stunning. After some awful weather over here in February, I am looking forward to March.
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Thank you, Paul, for your compliment about my photos. I’m glad you enjoyed them. We often have snow in winter here but don’t always get ice formations. March is around the corner. I hope you have nicer weather soon. Have a great weekend!
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Every week when I pop in for virtual coffee your post makes me miss living in Ontario. Thanks for coffee Natalie. Have a great day.
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Shari, The pandemic has given me an opportunity to explore local sights and share some of them on my blog. Thank you for stopping by. Have a great weekend!
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A peaceful start to the second month of 2022, even with all the family celebrations, Natalie! What is it about February that there are so many birthdays? We have 5 in our two families and spending this weekend celebrating 2 of them! I’m always appreciative of your Sunday Stills posts when you are able to join. Have a great weekend and enjoy getting outdoors!
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Terri, All the special events in February make the month go by so fast for me. I look forward to joining Sunday Stills whenever I can. It’s a fun challenge. I hope you have a wonderful weekend celebrating birthdays!
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I enjoyed your February recap. I love when everyone shares the books they’re reading..it often gives me more to add to my list. Here’s to a great March, and thank you for hosting.
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Thank you, Kirstin, for your ongoing support. I also like sharing books and picking up book titles from other readers. Have a wonderful weekend and March!
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You are a busy gal Natalie and I continue to be thankful for your hosting and management of our weekly coffee shares. Each weekend you make it possible to meet and interact with interesting people. I appreciate your efforts.
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I second Gary’s thanks! Love the idea of a wellness routine and need to put something in place for myself.
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Having a wellness routine helps me beat the winter blues and feel fit throughout the year. All the best with creating one for yourself.
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Thank you, Gary and Alex, for your kind words. Hosting weekly is a commitment. The encouragement and supportive comments make it worthwhile.
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You made February beautiful. Especially love the ice pics. Once again, thanks for the tour.
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Thank you, Antoinette, for stopping by. Winter does have some beautiful features. I’m glad you like my ice pictures. Have a great weekend!
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Oh my you have had a busy February. Such gorgeous pics too. 😉
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Thank you, JP, for your compliment about my pictures. I’m pleased you like them.
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I love the way the freezing temperatures play with the water, you have quite few great shots🙂
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Thank you, Christie, for your comment. I enjoyed photographing the ice formations. I’m pleased you liked my photos 🙂
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You are certainly enjoying life at your pace Natalie and I for one always like reading of what you get up to. Your ice photos are so different to our weather conditions at the moment but so so beautiful! I’m a bit late joining up this week due to being out all weekend at our town’s annual music/wine/food festival – Tumbafest!
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Debbie, I love this stage of life when I I keep things simple, focus on my health, home and leisure and move at my own pace. Tumbafest sounds like a lot of fun. I hope you’ve had a wonderful weekend. Thank you for linking up with Weekend coffee share.
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Looks like that you had an amazing month. Very nice. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
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Thank you, Patrick, for stopping by. I hope February has been good to you.
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Wow, I love that image of the snow-covered rocks along the lakeshore. You have had an interesting month, I’m sure. Thanks for including Cellpic Sunday in your challenge responses!
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Thank you, John. I’m pleased you like the image of snow-covered rocks along the lakeshore. Have a great week ahead!
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Looks like your February was very fulfilling! Hope you have a marvellous March and that the weather warms up for you!
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Thanks, Sammie. The last day in February is sunny and March weather forecast is looking good. I hope you also have a marvellous March.
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Ah, lovely Toronto through your eyes! Thank you for sharing your beautiful city and your February with us and with The Changing Seasons!
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Thank you, Ju-Lyn. I like to support my blogger friends who are hosting a link party or blog challenge. Have a great week!
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Appreciate that very much! Hope your week is going well.
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Snow looks wonderful. Could be the rose coloured glasses as a complete contrast of floods and heatwave here though 🙂
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Vanessa, Floods are damaging and heat wave is uncomfortable. Both would prevent me from going outside so yeah, I’d prefer normal winter conditions. I hope the weather improves soon for you. Thank you for stopping by.
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Wow, Natalie, those winter landscapes are beautiful. Thank you for sharing them with us. I am definitely ready for spring, but those pics reminded me that winter has beauties of its own. You just have to bundle up to go see them! Happy March!
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Christie, Spring is on its way for sure. The weather forecast here looks good. Thank you for stopping by. I hope March brings you much happiness.
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Hi Natalie – you know us Aussies – we’re so completely in awe of snow and ice photos because it’s not something we get to experience much unless we live in the few parts of Australia that get a bit of that. As a Queenslander we certainly do not! We have palm trees and hot, humid days most of the year. So yes – I loved your snow and ice photos and stared at them for ages. They’re so beautiful! You still amaze me with how many books you manage to read in a month – wow! Stay well and I hope you have a wonderful March! xo
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Hi Min, I thought I’d include some ice and snow photos to share the beauty of winter. I’m pleased you loved them. I read books instead of watching TV so that may explain how many books I read each month. I heard about the floods in Queensland and NSW. I hope you’re well and not experiencing any flooding in your area. Have a marvellous March!
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Beautiful frostiness. My favorite shots are the ones where the ice looks almost draped over the rocks. It is so smooth as if the rocks were shrink-wrapped in snow and ice. I think all the time how the Toronto Chamber of Commerce needs to hire you for a coffee table book with your photos of this lovely city.
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Thank you, Leslie, for your compliment of my photos. The ice formations are beautiful to see. The water that splashed on the rocks got frozen and looked like a mushroom or octopus cap on the rocks.
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