Sunday, 4 May 2025

Robin building a nest

Of all the places she could think of, the robin decided to build its nest above the mailbox. It is the female that builds the nest 🪹 

The male may stay nearby and sing or defend the territory but does not help with nest-building.


Now as shabby as it might look to you or anyone visiting or delivering mail, we decided not to disrupt the robin's plan.




 
They say, the best time to install a camera is during the nest-building stage as it allows the bird to get used to the camera. Robins are more likely to abandon a nest if disturbed after eggs are laid.
So while the robin was away, I very quickly fixed a camera, and disappeared from the scene! 😀

Friday, 21 March 2025

Making Memories: Winter Road Trip to Quebec City

 After driving 270,000 kilometres across Canada and the Northern USA, had to give up our Audi as it was beginning to give us trouble.

Asked a few friends, relatives, strangers, what would be a reliable brand to buy, that would last us at least 500,000 kilometres, and they all said Toyota!

This is the first post and first road trip in the Land Cruiser, in winter!


 

 

Just out of the showroom (10 km)

 

We are driving to Quebec City in December

 

Yes, the roads can be slippery even when it looks clear (black ice)

 
I cannot forget the bakeries, and the friendliness of the local people
 

Where Eagles Dare!

If you look carefully you can see a few guys climbing up the frozen waterfall


Île d'Orléans is an island located in the Saint Lawrence River

The Saint Lawrence River was frozen 
It was -20 degrees C

Back in town, more bakeries

 















Although it was -20 degrees C, the genuine warmth of French culture is unforgettable!




Till date, Quebec City is the most beautiful city we have visited in North America!

Unlike many of the cities we have visited, Quebec has character.

Now to head back home

 

After being convinced of the traction of these OEM Dunlop Grandtrek PT22 tires in the harsh Canadian winter, I now have more confidence on the drive back. 

 


 

So adding a few more PSI from 33 to 38 for even better mileage!

 
Truly grateful to GOD to be the designated driver of HIS car!


Monday, 30 December 2024

Painting Rue du Petit-Champlain, Quebec City

 Just returned from  short winter road trip to Quebec City.

What a beautiful city, and even though the December temperature was -20C degrees

The genuine warmth of French culture is unforgettable!

This is Rue du Petit-Champlain during Christmas.







Rue du Petit-Champlain, Quebec City

22"x28" oil painting on canvas




Friday, 22 November 2024

After 15 years and nearly 270,000 kilometres of great driving, the Audi is gone

After driving nearly 270,000 kilometres in 15 years, I finally, reluctantly said goodbye to the Audi.

She's taken us across Canada, twice, and across the Northern USA.

If I had the space to keep her, I would have,but we only have a two-car garage.

Actually, both Audi's are gone.

Looking forward to the next chapter in the book of road trips and driving! And hoping to do half a million kilometres in the next 4x4  ... no, it's not an Audi 😊


 
Sunrise on the 401 to Chicago


 

The Athabasca glacier in the Canadian Rockies


Somewhere in Nova Scotia


On the Cabot trail





Montana

The Canadian Rockies



Back roads of Montana


The prairies in Saskatchewan

On the viking trail, Newfoundland and Labrador





Will post more photos here in the coming weeks ...