Posts Tagged ‘tree’

Firewood and Chinese People in Toronto

Friday, May 6th, 2011


Tree branches cut by a Mainland Chinese neighbour. These cannot easily fit into my fireplace. Toronto, Canada[/caption]

Random events pummel our life on a regular basis. This is also true here in Toronto, Canada. My fireplace is used somewhat frequently during the colder months, so I am always on the hunt for firewood. We have many Mainland Chinese people here in Scarborough that throw out burnable wood, mostly from trees on their property. It is an odd experience to me to see cut up tree branches from these Chinese houses, as most of the wood is not able to easily fit in my fireplace. This is markedly different from firewood left curbside of Canadian houses. I postulate that those Mainland Chinese that migrate to Canada are intellectuals and university graduates, and that they have no experience in making a fire or preparing wood to be burned in a fireplace or stove. Canada only welcomes educated and affluent Mainland Chinese to our shores. Maybe wood cutting should also be part of the entry criteria.

Save a Tree in Toronto, Canada

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010


This willow tree is majestic. Homeowners should appreciate the utility and beauty of trees.

This willow tree is majestic. Homeowners should appreciate the utility and beauty of trees.[/caption]

Yes, you bought a house in Toronto, Canada and you are now master of your domain. This does not give you the right to do anything you want on your property. There are bylaws of the City of Toronto that all home owners need to follow, and if you disagree with them then maybe you should reconsider your purchase. Keep your yard clean and safe. Shovel the sidewalk in the winter. Cut your lawn. And don’t cut down all your trees. Yes, to cut down a tree over 30 cm in diameter or more as measured at 1.4 m above ground level, you need a city permit.

Calling All Bees to Toronto, Canada!

Thursday, April 29th, 2010


Tasty pollen available to all bee friends, from a white tulip[/caption]

Spring is finally here. I invite all bees to visit my garden for a very tasty good time. There is so much colour in the garden, which washes into the house, giving some rooms a fantastic pink hue. All photos taken today at 14:45.

On the negative side so many people have come down with allergies. Noses and eyes are itchy. People are stuffed up. This is nature’s way of reproducing. Still, what would spring be without renewal, growth and an uplifting shot of colour.

Snow Day, 20cm accumulation

Sunday, January 18th, 2009


Gonggong's bicycle snowed in[/caption]


A whole lot of snow has fallen in Toronto, and I’ve been shoveling once last night and twice today. While the temperatures are -4C and the snow is fluffy, it looks like around 20cm, which builds up and becomes heavy. It is not cold outside.

Crabapple tree in winter

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Gonggong's bicycle snowed in

The trees have snow but not ice.

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Icicles by security light

We have some icicles growing from various parts of the eavestrough that are melting, so there’s a constant drip, drip onto the snow outside. They will freeze solid tonight. The kids want them to eat, but they’re too high up and when you crack them off you don’t want to be underneath when they fall.