River Deep

June is the rainy season in southern Alberta - and living up to its name, it has been pouring on and off all month.  Big, heavy, noisy rain.

The rivers are high.

The swirling waters are muddy 

in frothy action.

Flood warnings have been given out for 

the Bow River and the Elbow River 

that run through Calgary.

The snowmelt from the mountains 

adds to the rushing waters.

Even the specially-built culverts that are designed to funnel the water down to the river are getting some use - in five years of walking this route, I have never actually seen them in action.

Strongly worded warnings are publicised - people should stay out of their canoes and boats - the emergency services don't fancy battling the fast flows to rescue you!

But it really doesn't stop you playing beside the river now, does it?

Linking with Our World Tuesday.

Reds, blues and blacks

Beautiful spring skies this week.

And the red-winged blackbirds have been having lots of noisy parties by the riverside. Treating it like a spa day.

Happy SkyWatch Friday.

Mooning around

I just know that this week's SkyWatch Friday is going to feature some stunning shots of the "SuperMoon" taken from various points around the globe.  Go have a look on the link - you won't regret it.


We had a partially cloudy evening so although we knew there was a huge ball of brightness out there, we couldn't really see it that well.

Here are my efforts.

Have a wonderful week.

Dance Mom

You've probably sometimes picked up from previous posts that I like a good song and dance show.  I am reluctant to link myself (or liken myself!) in anyway to that awful television programme called "Dance Moms", but I really cannot call myself anything else than a dance mum this month.  

The Frostbite & Sunburn household has hit dance season big stylee and the past few weekends have been dedicated to taxi'ing my two daughters to competitions.

We're all flagging a bit now now (one more competition this weekend then the final recital) but this year I have tried to be more calm and laisser faire.  It is usually me who is so stressed out about outfits, lipstick and time-keeping, while the girls give me that "Chillax Mum" groan.  But they are now of an age where they can take responsibility for their own suitcases of tights, shoes and sparkles, apply their own false eyelashes, and do a 3-minute change between routines from one outfit to another while changing a low ponytail into a slicked back bun.

I get to just slip into the audience and clap and cheer, and actually sit back and watch the whole show.  And so this is the first year I have really enjoyed the whole shebang!

The girls have had a great time - no nervous meltdowns - and their routines have won lots of awards and medals which is a wonderful side-effect of the hours of rehearsals.  My hat goes off to their dance instructor and choreographer (who has the patience of a saint) - and this has proven to be such a good way for them to keep fit, gain confidence and have a laugh.


And that's half the fun, surely?

Spring is springing

I should know better by now of course - but as soon as I open my mouth, or put my smug fingers on the keyboard and post pretty pictures of clear blue skies, Alberta and her temperamental weather show me who is boss!

This wee snow storm blew in on the afternoon of the 12th April (the day of my last "ooh look how nice it's been" post),

and by the morning, there was 20cm of fresh, wet and extremely heavy snow dumped on Cochrane.  Oh yay.


But it melted quickly - and the weather has cleared nicely.

Numerous birds are returning to our area now - the skies and riverbanks are awash with squawking, honking and beautiful chirriping, and the kestrels are hovering over the prairie grasses.  

I don't really have a good enough camera (or the skills) to photograph the bird life, 

but this little Red-winged Blackbird did pose nicely yesterday.

He had a quite lovely three-note birdsong and his red shoulder flashes puffed out clearly each time he sang.

Anyway, I've just come in to post this, because it is too hot outside!

26ºC today, thank you very much.  Bring it on!


Damn, did that sounds too smug...again?

Linked today with Our World Tuesday

SkyWatch Friday - April Blues

No April showers here this past weekend.

Photos taken around Cochrane and Cochrane Ranch.

Lovely to see the sunshine and feel some warmth on your back.

Just waiting for those buds to break now.

Clear blues all the way.

 Check out some other wonderful skies from around the world on SkyWatch Friday.

It seemed like a good idea

So, being such a fun-loving dog, I just adore going for walks.


And those icy rivers have started melting now.
So I thought I would go swimming.
But I forgot it's only April.

And it was bloody freezing.


This is my sad and shivering  "D'oh" face!