Marked For Priority Removal

I was hoping that the large red X spray-painted on the beautiful, large maple tree down the street meant "this tree has been selected to live out all the days of it's natural life to the fullest." Sadly, no.

When I saw the large red X, I felt immediate dread and sadness. I might have even gasped. I adore all the mature trees in my neighbourhood. They dwarf our little wartime houses and line the streets in such a cozy and welcoming way. They seem so strong and steadfast, I take for granted that they won't always be here. 

I'm not sure why, but I felt like if I didn't at least try and fight for this tree, that I would always regret it. Chaining myself to the tree seemed overly dramatic... so, Mark suggested I contact the Councillor of our Ward and see if she had any information. I emailed, and got a very speedy response saying they would contact Forestry Services and get back to me. They did, and confirmed my suspicions... The tree was destabilized in the windstorm on July 14, was inspected, found unsafe, and has been Marked For Priority Removal. Four words that sound excessively harsh and objective.

Obviously if the tree poses safety concerns, then I agree with the decision to remove it. I guess I was just hoping that it was spray-painted by mistake. 

I am trying to not think about the gaping hole that will be left in its place, and instead appreciate it while it's still here. I was uplifted when Mark told me about this story of an old oak tree in Old Ottawa South, also scheduled to be cut down for safety reasons, and of the residents coming together to honour it in some way.

UPDATE: The trucks rolled in this morning, and as I was leaving for work, the sounds of the chainsaws were drowned out only by the roaring of the wood chipper...

An Ultimate Weekend

This past weekend was full of Ultimate Frisbee. Mark played in the Canadian Ultimate Championships from Thursday to Saturday, three games a day, for three days. I was thankful that the CUC was posting live scores on their website so I could keep up on the games while I was at work, firmly on the edge of my seat. Sunday was the finals, where Mark and I could spectate together.

We missed the Women's match earlier on Sunday, but were there to see the Men's and (most of) the Mixed, until we were forced to flee from the torrential downpour. For the Men's, it was GOAT (a mix of players from Toronto and Ottawa) vs Furious George (Vancouver). Not only were they playing for the right to call themselves the best in Canada, they were playing to be the team to go to World's in Japan. So, needless to say, they wanted the win. Badly. Which made it fun for me. What an exciting game to watch. I'd heard that Men's Ultimate was intense, but other than a few YouTube clips, had never seen it played. Phenomenal athleticism and talent paired with raw ferocity made for a very, very thrilling game. Powerful throws, ridiculous layouts, impressive catches. Very, very awesome. It was a close game, even after almost every point, and was suspensefully tied 13-13 before Furious took the win 14-13.

What is a sporting event without a streaker?!

The Mixed final was between Team Fisher Price (TFP) from Vancouver and Odyssée from Montréal. Though it lacked the unbridled ferocity and aggression of the Men's game, this was still a phenomenal game to watch. Since I play Mixed, I was also interested to observe and see how I could improve my game. Basically, I need to be faster, taller, throw better, catch better, cut sharper, fake better—basically, do everything I currently do, but much, much better. Plus, if I want to play like these guys, I'm going to have to start laying out. Ouch. But I guess that's why it's called Ultimate. These guys play Ultimate. Me, I'm just playing Frisbee.

We missed the end of the game because of the rain (but still got soaked making our escape), but found out later that TFP won. Bummer. I was really rooting for Odyssée, who I think had a great team dynamic and used all of their phenomenal players well. 

You can see the games online here.

Secret Garden

My parent's backyard is a haven. An oasis. You enter the gate through the massive cedar hedge and enter a quiet world of trickling, babbling water and birds chirping. It is a feast for the eyes and all the other senses.

Filled with flowers and their beautiful art, the garden reflects their uniqueness and the care and detailed attention they pour into all of their work. You can see the Secret Garden and their store for yourself from September 30 to October 2 during Culture Days.

Summer rain

Rainwater caught in the folds of a petal. Pearl-like beads of morning dew on a leaf. The perfect, delicate suspension of a water droplet on a blade of grass.

Campout...

...in the backyard.

Because we were up late painting the nearly completed bookshelves (!), and filling the house with paint-fumes, we decided, at 11pm, to set up the tent and sleep in the backyard. I can't believe in the 2+ years we've owned the house that we haven't done this yet! So much fun!

Without the fly on the tent, it was lovely and slightly breezy, and definitely the coolest place we could sleep, but, most importantly: no paint fumes. 

It was so nice to wake up this morning to blue sky and soft, gauzy clouds hovering above, and the chirps of songbirds (plus a few startlingly loud crow caws...), and the buzzing cicadas helped tune out the street noise.

Well, I've got to get back to it, there is more painting to do.

Little things

A frustrating and disappointing afternoon waiting in a line of cars for a beach that was exceptionally crowded and noisy, and water that was neither deep, nor refreshing, with signs posting about the threat of "swimmer's itch" looming over us. 

But then there was this cloud. This cloud.

 

In the garden