Around Ottawa

In 2006, Carrie and Jason felt that God was answering their prayers as to where they were to plug into ministry leadership - - though not exactly where they were expecting. Instead of heading back to Malawi or going on staff at their church in Georgia, God sent them 1200 miles north to Ottawa, Ontario. The capital of Canada. Despite winters that are certainly harsh, the couple has many embraced many mainstays of Canadian well-being, like hockey, beaver tails, skating along the canal, summer festivals, shoveling snow off the driveway, and of course, Tim Horton's coffee. They still say "y'all" instead of "eh," but they do have a son who is an official Canadian citizen, so they feel right at home.

Parliament Hill

 Our Favorite Places Around Town

Not so favorite
12.08.08


This morning Carrie and made the rounds to each of our windows in order to install the annual plastic covering to cut down on drafts and hopefully save $$ on heating. When we got to the guest room we made an interesting discovery. After deciding not to heat the guest room (also in an effort to save $$), and after a -20°C night, we found ice on the INSIDE of our window. We quickly decided to turn the heat on at least a little. After 10 minutes or so I put a thermometer in the room . . . and it's holding
steady at 55°F.

Then I think . . . ugh, it's not even officially winter.

Comparisons


Since snow has been on the ground since mid November, and Ottawa is due to get it's first major winter storm this week (Dec. 8), I thought I'd post some beloved spots and compare it with some wonderfully warm spring shots. Here's the Rideau Canal with skaters, my backyard in a blizzard, then ... ah, spring.

                                                                       

Summer Leisure



Here's a great spot! One of a handful of quaint euro-esque courtyards that are scattered throughout the market area. Here my friends Robin, Ruston and I have grabbed some sandwiches from a local italian grocer to eat while the bird posture for crumbs.

09.23.08

Here are a couple shots from a place we visit almost daily, year round. It's the Conroy Pit Dog Park--a HUGE property (around 100acres) of woods and trails where dogs can run off leash, socialize with other pooches, and let their owners veg out while getting some exercise. As you can see, Caleb is already a big fan of the place. He loves to squeal and coo at the dogs and foliage as we walk around. The dog park is one of the best places around to see the effects of the seasons, the colorful fall, snow blanketed winter, blossoming spring and dense green summer.