I have just returned from the most extraordinary, wonderful, experience of my life - 

a 3 week house exchange to Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Talk about filling up the senses (not to mention camera memory cards!)

The single digit temperatures suited my metabolism perfectly, especially on leaving

behind temperatures in the +40C degrees - apologies to those who endured it.

Anyway, before getting more carried away, this photo is of an American Robin,

many of which frequented the property in which I was living (which happened to be

located on an inlet surrounded by a bird sanctuary - could it get any better?!)

Ribbons of Reflections

City lights reflecting in the River Torrens, Adelaide

(after the searing temperatures we've endured this week - 5 days over 40C degrees

including a 45 and 46 - it would be lovely now to be dangling my feet over 

the river banks and cooling off my toes!!)

Joining in with Weekend Reflection

A Black Swan

While walking along the banks of Adelaide's River Torrens recently, this cheeky swan

popped its head up and began foraging on the mossy bank

Joining up with Our World Tuesday

Camera Critters and

Outdoor Wednesday

Spanning the Torrens

This bridge carries pedestrian and vehicular traffic from the north into and out of Adelaide's CBD

.... and here's the view "underneath the arches" taken in that golden coloured

area on the left of the photo above - it's part of the walkway along the banks of the River Torrens.

Stairway to ....

Linking up with Wordless Wednesday

City at Dusk

As the evening draws in, Adelaide's city skyline comes to life when viewed across the River Torrens. 

Joining up with 
James' Weekend Reflection

Happy New Year James and all other bloggers.

Canterbury Cathedral

Happy New Year to all!

Thought I'd start off the New Year with a backward glance that also anticipates some exciting periods of travel in 2014 which will embrace (in part) revisiting some favourite regions.

This shot inside the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral was taken by a friend during our6 week re-visit to the UK in 2009. What awesome architecture! 


Wishing all those who visit my blog a truly wonderful, healthy, safe and purposeful year ahead. I look forward to seeing your images throughout 2014 and hope I can post some worthwhile photos myself for your enjoyment.

Linking up with Our World Tuesday and gratefully acknowledging the combined efforts of our hosts - may their year also bring good health, safety, love of good friends and family and exciting photographic adventures!

Poinsettia

Traditionally associated with Christmas, these striking Poinsettia's

add a colourful addition to any seasonal display.

Linking up once again with Nick's Floral Friday Foto

(Hoping my fellow photo-bloggers had a great Christmas Day and thank you all
for the pleasure your images have brought to my days. 
Thank you too, Nick, for hosting FFF)

Contrasts

All around the world, Christmas is celebrated in different ways in different climates:

some have snow and ice, while others have scorching heat -

This image of leaves in Adelaide's Botanic Gardens taken at this time last year

reminded me of such contrasts.

Wherever you are, and however you celebrate, may you enjoy special times

of togetherness with those you love, creating a wealth of memory-making moments.

May it be a safe time and, my personal prayer for you is that, at some point during

the celebrations, the real reason for the season will touch your hearts & homes.

Thank you all for the pleasure you've brought to my days as I view the images

you've shared and I look forward to our mutual sharing throughout 2014.

Happy Christmas!

Linking up with http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/

with grateful thanks to our hosts

X marks the spot

Spotted these cross-over vapour trails recently - so glad the

respective aircraft passed each other safely!

Linking up with Skywatch Friday, at  http://skyley.blogspot.com.au/

and wishing our Skywatch hosts and all participants a wonderful, 

safe, happy and meaningful Christmas.

(I have some exciting overseas trips coming up in 2014, so anticipate being

much more active with my posting!)