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Alberta, Calgary, Canada, changing seasons, community, compassion, courage, Diana Schwenk, fall, Homelessness, Hump Day Chronicles, life, living in the moment, love, summer, Tourist in my own city, winter
Were it not for the leaves changing colour and the trees dropping their leaves, I’d have thought it was summer in Calgary on Saturday.
These are the fall days I hope for. These are the moments that make me forget we’ve already had snow.
These are the type of memories that carry me through the long and cold Canadian winter.
I hadn’t been out for a good walk in quite some time. As luck would have it, I had some errands to run and the weather was glorious.
I started out with a light jacket that almost immediately found itself tied around my waist.
A man passing in the other direction said to his companion, “Whoa, it feels good to be in the shade,” when he found temporary relief from the sun in the shadows of the tall buildings on 17th Avenue.
After picking up most-delicious-looking pastries at Sourdough bakery and stashing them in my fridge so I could bring them with me the next day for Thanksgiving dinner, I headed downtown to run some more errands.
Something was going on at the Lougheed House.
I went to investigate.
A temporary Firefighters museum was set up in honour of Fire Safety week.
Among other things, I learned that if a building is grounded, a lightning rod can be more dangerous, than helpful.
After I’d completed my errands downtown I headed back home. It was so wonderful to feel the sun on my face and arms. I stopped often to shoot more pictures.
The changing seasons remind me of the changes and transitions that happen in life.
Some are good, we welcome them and if we have any sense at all we enjoy them while they last.
Others test us, chill us to our very souls, make us wonder if we’ll be strong enough to get through them. But even these pass and leave us amazed at how strong we can be. And if we have any sense at all, we learn from them and bring forth new growth.
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
If you live in Calgary, did you get a chance to hang out outside this past weekend? What was the weather like in your city? What’s your favourite season?
Minuscule Moments said:
Diana thanks for sharing a day in the life of you. I love Autumn it is my favourite month. Although we are in Spring (my second favourite) The birds are keeping me busy. Lots to draw. Weather here goes really hot to cold again, very fickle weather.
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dianasschwenk said:
There are few things in science that are less predictable than weather, or so I hear Kath. Enjoy your spring and creativity! ❤
Diana xo
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earthriderjudyberman said:
Diana … Gorgeous photos and heartbreaking ones, too. A reminder of how lucky many of us are.
Today, my husband and I joined folks from work, their families, and some folks from the community on a gorgeous walk thru Cocoa Village. The 4-mile walk took us along the riverfront and thru parts of Cocoa and Rockledge. Dave and I made 3 miles of the 4. I began lagging behind, just tired. So we took a side street, planning to rejoin them. We did reconnect in the village and had brunch in a cafe.
I had been tempted to sleep in. I’m so glad I got out and enjoyed the company and great weather. 😉
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dianasschwenk said:
Judy, it sounds like the perfect way to spend a wonderful day!
You probably don’t want to know that I slept in until 8:45 today. But I got out by noon and spent a few hours outdoors and walking with my oldest and closest friend.
I love how you and your husband do things together Judy. ❤
Diana xo
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earthriderjudyberman said:
Truth be told, Diana, I wanted to sleep in. I’m glad I got up and out. 😉
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Jean said:
Last Sunday after our return from Banff, was windy enough. After biking to the market, I fell into a good sleep that night.
This weekend lookin’ very good..for more outdoor fun. We’ll be cycling off to the Italian Store near the airport tomorrow.
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dianasschwenk said:
ahhh Enjoy your ride Jean. I ‘ll be out there too! ❤
Diana xo
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utesmile said:
Enjoy fall, specially if it is with lots of sun! Beautiful with the leaves changing colour, it is so nice to walk around and enjoy the beauty!
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dianasschwenk said:
Ahh yes Ute and don’t forget the sound of crunching leaves under your feet! ❤
Diana xo
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utesmile said:
Oh yes, I used to take the children to the forest and we build fallen leaves houses, what fun!
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Wyrd Smythe said:
My favorite season is cilantro! XD
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dianasschwenk said:
not coriander? 😉
Diana xo
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Tracy Lee Karner said:
Autumn is beautiful, but it always brings with it a kind of melancholy that I also associate with late Sunday afternoons, the beautiful time of day in which I become conscious that a relaxing weekend will soon come to an end. I still love Autumn, and there are parts of Winter I also like, but most of Winter is HARD! And I don’t actually dread its coming, but I have to steel myself against it.
I love all the seasons; I love the changes, and the cycle–the knowledge that even though they wane, they come around again. But my favorite is high summer in New England, specifically August, when it’s warm enough to enjoy the ocean and mountains, but not stifling like summer in Texas, Arkansas, or Tennessee.
Enjoy your autumn, Diana!
XO
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Tracy for painting such a beautiful picture of high summer in New England. I am enjoying autumn. tomorrow they’re calling for 21c/70f in October!!! Amazing. Guess where I’ll be…
outside 😉 ❤
Diana xo
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Tracy Lee Karner said:
Much warmer than it’s going to be here. We’re looking at 58F. But clear skies and beautiful trees. Enjoy your fine day!
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Stephanie Barrett said:
Love ❤ it's been a long time since I've been to Calgary…..doesn't even look familiar anymore
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dianasschwenk said:
Lots of things have changed Steph. It sure looks different since I’ve been here, even just the last few years! ❤
Diana xo
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Healing Grief said:
Thanks for taking us along on your side of the world Diana. Spring is my favorite time of year. 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
My pleasure Karen. Yes, new growth, watching nature bloom and come back to life… ❤
Diana xo
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Val Boyko said:
Enjoy these sun filled times that warm the heart! Thank you Diana for sharing your warmth 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
My pleasure Val – I love being outside when it’s sunny and warm. ❤
Diana xo
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Val Boyko said:
Me too! Make the most of it eh!
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joannerambling said:
I of course do not live anywhere near there but I did like the photos just so you know
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks so much Jo-Anne! ❤
Diana xo
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elizabeth2560 said:
I would have to say spring is my favourite season because it means new beginnings.
Sometimes the summer and autumn disappoint as all fruits are not ripened so therefore they can represent shattered dreams, but in the spring there is always the hope that this year will be different …
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dianasschwenk said:
Love your answer Elizabeth, and the reasons for it. ❤
Diana xo
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Chatter Master said:
I don’t live in Calgary but I’ve experienced some pretty fantastic weather this past weekend. I was visiting Nashville and got a sunburn!!!!
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dianasschwenk said:
ooooooh I’m jealous Colleen! Hope you had a great visit. ❤
Diana xo
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russtowne said:
Flip-flops in Canada in October! I love it! Thank you for the fun post, Diana.
Russ
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dianasschwenk said:
My pleasure Russ! ❤
Diana xo
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Alan A. Malizia: Contagious Optimism! Co-Author said:
Diana,
In the USA turkey is the main event at Thanksgiving dinner. Is it the same in Canada?
-Alan
Whatever, have a great day.
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes sir it is, and all the trimmings Alan! ❤
Diana xo
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Jim McKeever said:
Nice, Diana! We had a similar experience in Vermont last weekend — it almost was too warm! But the fall foliage was magnificent. (And when I see “Thanksgiving” and “21 degrees” in your post and comments … I think of the American versions of those things — late November and 21 Fahrenheit — and I’m not looking forward to either!
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dianasschwenk said:
Oh no, that’s not fun Jim! ❤
Diana xo
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Jennifer's Journal said:
Nice pics, Diana! It’s supposed to get up to 21 degrees here today, which is wonderful. The longer the warmth lasts, the shorter the winter will be. 🙂 ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
That’s awesome Jennifer – enjoy! ❤
Diana xo
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vanbytheriver said:
🍁 🍂 🍃 Just lovely, Diana. 🍁 🍂 🍃 You don’t have to ask. ☺
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Rob Moses Photography said:
Cool shots! Was a nice day for sure :).
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks, it was a gorgeous day Rob! ❤
Diana xo
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markbialczak said:
Three cheers for THAT day in autumn, Diana. And to the firefighters through the ages. Happy belated Thanksgiving up there, too. I hope your stash of pastries did you well after the special dinner. ❤ Warm-ish but raining here today in Syracuse.
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dianasschwenk said:
Oh my gosh Mark. What is it about Thanksgiving? I’m still full! ❤
Diana xo
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markbialczak said:
I bet you can dance it out of you, Diana. 😉
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Don said:
You describe marvellously the kind of walk and outing that imports life, Diana.
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dianasschwenk said:
Aww sweet! Thank you Don. ❤
Diana xo
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Louise Gallagher said:
What a delightful walk! Thanks for sharing the beauty falling all around you.
BTW… I missed the snow when we were away. Soooo sad. Not! 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
My pleasure Louise – I certainly enjoyed your pictures from your time away! ❤
Diana xo
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