84. Thinking of family

The last few weeks have me in sort of a funk, that I manage to slip out of each and every day with a little luck. Today I found myself staring at a painting that my father had framed for me. It is a painting done by Aileen Meagher. Aileen was a friend of my late grandmother and grandfather. She was also my fathers landlady, and our family's first dog Pax, was inherited by my father when Aileen passed. Aileen was a school teacher, an accomplished artist, and a decorated Olympian. You can check out a quick overview of her incredible story here at the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame.

As I sit here writing this, I'm thinking about tomorrow. I will be fortunate enough to see my father, my mother, and my girlfriend. I am also likely to speak to my brother and sister. I am so incredibly lucky to have such a close family.

Each time I look at this painting, I am reminded of home. I am reminded of my family that loves me, no matter where in the world I happen to be. Dad picked this painting for me, as Aileen painted it while living in Africa. I thought the cut carnation on my table looked a little like the flower in the painting. The painting reminds me a little of flame of the forest trees that I was so fond of when living abroad in Ethiopia.

Lots of love to everyone,
Thanks for following along!

PM

83. Spaghetti Supper

Tonight my roommate Adam and I cooked up a super spaghetti dinner for ourselves, and our lovely guest Sarah Jane. It ended up turning up mighty nice. I think it came from the lovely vegetables we added from the market down the way. The red onion and the mushrooms grown in the Annapolis Valley. Local green pepper isn't available easily in our area, but this one was nice and fresh from a local farm market.

82. Beautiful bark, bees, and beer

Today was the last pub of my undergraduate career. This bar is a place that means a lot to me. It was where I met my girlfriend Sarah Jane, where I purchased my first drink, and where I have met countless new friends. I also had an opportunity to watch some great fourth year projects that my friends have worked tirelessly on. My favourite of the day by my friend Robyn, who spoke on the subject of bumble bees. I was also able to get a nice walk in with Jessica, one of my best friends from university who is currently in veterinary school. I took this neat photo of a cedar hedgerow on campus,   there is just something about this bark that is incredibly beautiful. I love the edges and contours. 

81. First plecopterans of the year!

Today marked my first sighting of plecopteran species scooting around the snow. I was absolutely ecstatic to see these lovely insects outside, and snapped one quickly on the side of my home. This little creature is a stonefly, an insect that lives under the water as an immature. When it becomes an imago, it leaves the water to breed. How neat is this little fella?

 Tonight was also the Athletic Banquet, in which I was incredibly proud to enjoy a great evening with my cross country team-mates, friends, and other athletes! 

80. A.E Roland & spore morning

When I came over to Collins for my independent class, I hadn't realized that my professor wouldn't be around. Instead of having a meeting, I caught up on some e-mailing and some course work. I also happened to notice a very beautiful fern producing spores. In the background, there is a beautiful folk painting done by celebrated Canadian botanist A.E Roland. I thought it was a very appropriate tribute to such a great scientist and teacher.

79. Uranidae

I stumbled across a Uranid cocoon when traveling across campus. I have seen a few around Truro, but this one was the biggest I have seen. These beautiful moths are HUGE and include polyphemus moths, luna moths and my favourite - cercropias! I left it hanging from its nice little twig, and I hope it pays a visit to my Mercury-vapour lamp when I have it up and going later this spring.

78. Virginia Creeper

On my way to class I took a minute to examine the tendrils of a virginia creeper (Partenocissus quinquefolia) climbing up the side of Cox Institute. The tiny little tendrils that cling to the wall were just so perfect, and reminded me a little of a starfish. What a beautiful sight!

I also manged to knock-off a presentation on Echinacea today. I really enjoyed that too, it was fun to talk about such a verstaile and wonderful plant!

77. Scotian Gold

Keeping in sync with Nova Scotia weather, a class trip to the Annapolis Valley included a -28 wind-chill effect today. My three wool sweaters, one t-shirt, and one outer-shell did not save me from the horrible winds. I didn't warm up until a lovely two-hour nap on the way home. Pictured are two starkly contrasting bins of apples. Absolutely beautiful aren't they?

76. Home

After a few more interesting presentations, a nice St. Patty's Day breakfast, and a very delicious sandwich I headed back to Canning with my sister Christine. Dad and I had a lovely cold walk at Blomidon, a provincial park close to home. It was just what I needed to unwind from a long weekend. The view after a 15-minute uphill trek is certainly worth it. What do you think?

75. Acadia University

Acadia University is a small institution not far from my hometown. It is a great place, full of wonderful people. It's a landscape I feel connected to, filled with friends and family. My oral presentation went quite well, had some great feedback! I hope some day to return to the Annapolis Valley and work within the university system. Researching, encouraging others to love the natural world, and helping inspire young minds! This is one of the more architecturally appealing buildings on campus: University Hall.

Tack this puppy up on the wall of dreams. I'm coming for you Acadia University. 

74. Send me on my way (To Acadia)

After a hectic week of homework I set off with a group from the Ag Campus to present my UG research at Science Atlantic. The Friday was very smooth with a great student mixer at the Old Orchard Inn. I missed a few great shots of raptors from the window, but did get a quick shot of the beautiful snow covered trees (From a balmy 12 degrees to a great coating of snow). Who can ever keep track of the Nova Scotia weather? Certainly not this fellow. 

73. Morning moss

During my independent study course, I've really enjoyed getting to know my supervisor Professor Carol Goodwin. She is someone who LOVES plants, in a way that I have never known anyone else to. We have some great conversations about plants, and people, and gardens. We took a little walk through the grounds, and I had to laugh at this beautiful little garden growing on the roof of propagation house on campus. Tiny little mossy hummocks, is it beautiful or is it beautiful? A GORGEOUS spring day on the 14th saw a great deal of people out enjoying the sunshine! Who could blame them? :)

72. Early morning

On Wednesday March 13th, I woke up early to work on some things for the Dalhousie Agricultural Students' Association. As outgoing president, I am trying to get things organized for my wonderful incumbent. Unfortunately this day saw me waking before the sun. Here is the office when I left for a quick drink at the fountain. I am certainly going to miss this lovely little space, the nature of the job, and all of the wonderful people I had the pleasure of working with! 

71. Snow drops!

I spotted my favourite spring flowers after the apple tour yesterday, but unfortunately the photo I snapped had a giant piece of dust on the lens. It didn't look so nice. I went back the next morning and I think the photo I took was much more representative of the snowdrops delicate beauty. Could there be a more welcome sight during the indecisive Canadian spring?

70. Apple Tour

Hopped in the bus today and went for a very interesting tour of an apple farm in Malagash, Nova Scotia. During the 1 hour drive, I counted more than 100 white tailed deer. Unfortunately I was not able to capture a single deer on camera. Sorry if you were expecting something furry. I did however, get a very neat photo of a spurring apple branch. The spurs are the small lateral branches that bear fruit. They're absolutely beautiful, don't you think?

69. Pictou Trip

Today Sarah Jane and I got in the car, and drove to Trenton, Nova Scotia. Sarah's grandparents live there, and graciously invited me over for a delicious Birthday dinner. We had a great time, with a lovely drive back. The sun was setting, and it was just beautiful. This is the car in front of us as we head back to Truro on the Trans Canada. 

68. 4-H, Theatre, Paintings and Chironomid galling.

Had an INCREDIBLE day today. Spent the morning and first part of the afternoon judging a 4-H public speech competition. Speeches ranged from Limosine cattle breeding, to my pet chicken 'Cluck-Cluck' all the way to a piece on being an environmentally conscious equestrian! An incredible time, really enjoyed hearing what everyone had to say, meeting the people at the club, and a delicious potluck lunch!

After lunch, I headed into town with Sarah Jane to watch a play written by local artist Joy Laking. It was put on as free-will-offering for students at a local theatre company in honour of International Women's Day! The play included 12 different monologues on domestic abuse, though upsetting offered a wonderful message of hope. Of light at the end of the tunnel. Even more interesting the play did not focus exclusively on heterosexual marital relationships, where the man abuses the woman. It included sexual assault by siblings, verbal abuse from a lesbian partener, physical abuse on a man by a female partner, as well as drug addiction, alcohol abuse and much more! Truly an inspiring and wonderful play!

After the play, Sarah Jane and I headed further in to town to see another neat project Joy Laking had done up. This was a dual artist show that challenged each of the artists to go out of their comfort zone and work with a new media. The results were stunning to say the least.

Upon return home had a great evening enjoying a couple beer, and catching up with my brother Ian, my roommate and good friend Adam, and Blake - a long-time childhood friend. E picked up some beautiful golden rod galls for me that had been pecked away at by birds. I'm hoping to do something neat with them. I've been scheming for a while.

Excuse the lengthy post! Day 68 was stellar!

67. Success

I lost a leaf of one of my ghost plants several weeks back pulling down the blinds. I let it sit in full light and gave it the occasional spray! Lo-and-behold, I have a tiny little clone starting to grow just beautifully! Today marks the start of Rugby weekend, and brother E is coming down to be a part of the celebrations. It's also my lovely girlfriends, WONDERFUL mothers birthday! I gave her my little fish pottery piece, and she really liked it! A wonderful day, full of wonderful little things to be happy about.

All the best,

PM

66. Spiderwebs in winter

I take an independent course in environmental studies with a Professor in the Landscape department. It's a really great opportunity, and I love the chance to walk through campus in the mornings before class starts. Often, I wake up before the sun and do some reading, then stroll through the campus grounds. As the snow begins to melt, the variety of plants that have began to appear is truly staggering and very beautiful. My personal favourites these days? Spider web plants. These neat little succulents are very cold hardy, and are closely related to hen and chicks. What's not to love?

65. Shelled friend

I always try to take a little bit of time every to appreciate botany. This often leads me to greenhouses around campus. I was able to get very close to my red-eared friend living in the horticulture building. I took a few shots, but this was my favourite. Don't you wonder what she is thinking? Probably something along the lines of 'this beats messing about in an aquarium'.

64. Leafy greens

First I wanted to apologize for my huge delay in putting up photos. I have been through the wringer so to speak over the past few weeks with school work and student politics. It's been exhausting, and challenging and so very rewarding at the same time. Anyway, I've been keeping up with my photos and have finally had the chance to take a look through and share some with you! Hope you like them!

This is a quick shot of the mesclun I've been growing in class. A wonderful mix of different greens. I always laugh when I give blood as they often check my blood twice because my iron levels are so high, they suspect problems with the spectrophotometer. Whoops! I have the power of leafy greens to thank for my hemoglobin. Party on leaf-enthusiasts!

63. Germination, Excitation, Celebration

I believe that seed germination might just be one of the most beautiful things in the world. The shapes, the contours, the newness of it all. There is something so satisfying about seeing the dormancy being broken, bringing new life forward. If you're looking for a cheap thrill, plant a dried bean in a half a cup of soil. Place it in the window sill.

Try not to smile when you see it's sprouted.

I bet you can't.

Here my friend Susan shows a beautiful little apple seedling that sprouted in an experiment in Tree Fruit Production. 

62. I woke up with a beetle tattoo

I hope you didn't think this was real. I have a real tendency to draw on myself, and this time I drew a neat little emerald beetle (looks better in colour). Had a couple people ask today if it was real. I'm getting pretty darn good with a fine-liner.

I've always wanted a tattoo, but have settled for now on drawing with a fine-tipped pen. Maybe one day if the right time and opportunity presents itself I'll do something small.

For now, washable will do. 

61. Slither sisters

Had a great day today. Took the wonderful public transportation into Halifax on Friday evening, and spent the day Saturday with Janey. Highlights included a little trip into town to see my lovely sister Christine, and visit my second favourite museum in Halifax. The NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM!

The exhibits were just as I remembered, with a very interesting feature on desert animals. One of the most interesting features was the African Rock Python, which can exceed 6m in length in captivity. Though these lovely creatures are non-venemous, I don't think I'd be overly excited about meeting one in a dark alley.

Here are the two sisters having a snuggle in the warm bask of a UV light. Couldn't think of a better way to spend a winters day myself. 

60. Spring is coming

Another very interesting day of interviews for the campus principal and faculty of agriculture. Though I really enjoyed my day meeting the candidate, I had another incredible little rush when I noticed the Leonard Messel magnolia. The worst part is, I get almost as excited for the catkins as I do for the magnolia flowers themselves (which are very impressive). Spring is coming. Can't you feel it? 

59. Thursday = Plants

Stayed at school late on the Wednesday, and ended up making it out around 12:00 AM when I finally packed things in. Tired, and cranky I made sure to pass by the neatest green wall that has ever existed [my personal opinion]. I will never understand why plants make me as happy as I do. The biophilia runs strong in this one.

58. Day 'Off' ft Swag [Drop]

Though my break was cut short via an interview process for the new campus dean and principal, I had a day off between the interviews. I spent most of this day reading about dye-effluent waste, and the rest of it looking over projects. Needless to say, it wasn't the most relaxing day I've had.

Though one thing that always cheers me up is little reminders that people love me. I made a neat little drop swag from part of a bouquet Janey gave me. Sea heather is just the most nifty little plant.

57. Bird watching

Back to Bible Hill today via classic 3.5-hour public transit. Not the most comfortable commute, but a whole lot better than having a car. Managed to get this sweet little shot of a dark eyed junco, certainly one of the most photogenic birds around. They're just so sweet!

56. Sad, but beautiful

We put down the dog today, which was truthfully quite heart-breaking. She had lost four pounds since her check-up at the vet, and we were told she likely suffered some sort of brain injury associated with cancer. Definitely tough to sit with her as she slipped away, but proud to know we offered her a good life with lots of love, walks, runs, and tasty treats.

Came home a little early from town, and had a nice long walk through the fields of Canning. Spotted 14 species of birds, and even captured this dandy one of a red-tail eating from a meat market waste barrel. 

55. And so is the unexpected

After taking the puppy for a nice long walk the day before, when I came out to take her for her evening walk we noticed Sparky wasn't doing so great. Responding poorly to commands and unable to stand on her feet. Eyes appeared glossy. I carried her up the stairs and next to the fire. We made a nice little nest of blankets in the basement next to the radiator. Beautiful gentle soul, just look at those eyes.

Though she didn't seem to be in any physical pain, we didn't expect her to make the night. She just seemed a little numb. 

54. Pup

Back home in the Annapolis Valley, I had a fabulous day with my brother and parents. We sat by the fire, watched birds flying along the river, and even went to an orchid show.

While out today for a walk, we came across many beautiful things. We came across a feral bee colony, multiple bald eagles, tracks of a coyote, and beautiful maritime landscapes. One of the most beautiful sights of all was our ol' girl Sparky (who've we had for 12 years) bounding and trotting through the snow like a champ. Great to have her out to do what she does best.

53. Cactus land

Yet another day, yet another day dreaming about the deserts of the North West. I don't think anything would make me happier than a trip to learn about cacti, their pollinating insects, and different succulent plants that live in the dessert. It's such a foreign world to me, and something that I desperately want to learn more about.

After I post this final post, I will be off to my family's home in the Annapolis Valley for a few days. I cannot wait. A little taste of life in the Annapolis Valley is just what I need. Beaches, family, fires and beer. What could be any more appealing for a burnt-out student.

Let the reading week commence.

52. Thripidae

I am taking an independent course which lands me in the horticultural building on campus each Thursday morning. I always make a point to take a few minutes wandering the greenhouse, and looking at the plants. Trying to learn a few scientific names, saying 'Hello' to the red-eared sliders, the normal things. There were some beautiful tulips in bloom, and one was highly infested in thrips. So I took a very 'typical' picture of the little insects running around the bell-shaped flower.

Can you see the little critters?

51. Symbiosis

I have always lived the word symbiosis. The interaction of two living things, interacting, living together. While the term can be applied to a myriad of situations, I like it best in the sense of a mutualistic relationship. Everyone benefits. Here is a nifty little photo of some mutualistic benefits taking place on a public pay-phone on campus. How beautiful!

I don't have any knowledge about lichens, and would like to learn more. Perhaps this would be an interesting off-season insect hobby to dive into! 

50. Shapes in the ice

I walk to school each and every day. I walk about 400m, it's a quick walk, and very enjoyable. This last week has been dominated with an icy puddle that has thwarted me twice. It's always nice to be outsmarted by a puddle. Why isn't it solid at -25 degree temperatures? I will never know. God it's good, so good.

On my way to school I fell through the ice, on my third trip home - this is the beauty that I found. 

49. Trees

I had an absolutely wonderful dinner tonight with my good friend Julie. We chatted about life, got nicely caught up on everything and shared a few good laughs. On the way out of the meal hall, the trees were illuminated by a setting sun in the West. Of course, I had to snap a quick photo. Sometimes I regret not including colour in this blog. This being said, I think my composition is getting better as a result of shooting in B&W. 

48. Lavender Bridge

Another wonderful thing about my girlfriend? She has an incredible green thumb. Everything she cares for grows big, tall and healthy. It's absolutely wonderful to know that she'll be looking after my green-babies during my travels to the UK. Janey's French lavender has grown so big and tall, that its' surpassing the height of a local housing complex in Fairview. I say that's mighty impressive for a little plant. 

47. Slug town

Nobody likes to find a slug in their garden. Unless of course the slug is made of glass. This lovely little slug was a gift from my mother in my stocking, and is made by a glass artist in Halifax. Since Sarah-Jane loves slugs, I have the slug on semi-permanent leave at her apartment in Fairview. The little fellow is taking up residence in her phalaenopsis. I couldn't think of a more fitting place for the little fellow!

46. Heliotropism

Need I say any more? I have a wonderful, wonderful girlfriend who knows me to a 'T'. Thank-you Janey. To make a great day even better, throw in a wonderful 3-hour meeting with Dalhousie Student Union, and an acceptance letter to University of Oxford. Life is good. 

45. Love Connection

We held the presidential speeches tonight for the Dalhousie Agricultural Students Association. A wonderful turnout, and paired with a musical act, a mock game-show, and a student pub night. How could you go wrong? We had a really great time, with interesting debate, new ideas, and a few laughs. How could you go wrong? Sometimes my job is the best job in the entire world.

Pictured is Jessie Swimmaner, a great laugh, a wonderful sport, and just an incredible all around person. She made 'Love Connection' a smashing hit. 

44. Birthday Bliss

February 13th was my 22nd Birthday. I celebrated my day with a huge surprise. My girlfriend Sarah came down from Halifax, completely throwing off her schedule to surprise me with a visit and a beautiful gift. When I was in class, she decorated my room with 22 balloons, each with a photo that she scavanged from different places, mostly from different points of my life.

It was the sweetest most wonderful gesture. To top it off, Sarah baked me some beautiful home-made cupcakes, and gave me a copy of Steve Marshall's new book on flies! It was absolutely wonderful. I have the most generous girlfriend in the whole world, she makes me feel so darn appreciated. I would be lying if I said it wasn't a wonderful feeling to feel so loved and appreciated.

The photo today is what I came home to from class. 

43. Haunted Cumming Hall

I tend to spend most of my nights in the library, or in the basement of Cox Institute. Often I take a quick swing through by Cumming Hall, and the Rock Garden. Sometimes I see mice, and sometimes I see interesting moths hanging by the light.

I have a theory that Cumming Hall would be probably the best location for a haunted house in all of the world. We could have students in spooky make-up, and bats on strings. If you ever walk by this beautiful administration building at night during a full moon, it can be truly spooky. A very beautiful site, it has a huge amount of potential as a venue for a Halloween function. Perhaps for a fundraiser in the future? A Haunted Halloween Shindig?

You bring the ouija board. I'll bring a couple of hard-boiled eggs, a bag of apples, and a bottle of wine. 

42. Monday, monday, monday

On my walk home from school, I found a few chloritic leaves with some very interesting shapes. They were blowing in the snow, and some had a very delicate, beautiful look to them. Of course, I had to feature this wonderful sugar maple leaf. Such a little beauty. Bent almost in half, and slightly transparent, ever so beautiful.

Winter always seems to have some beautiful treasures to find. Particularly if you keep your eyes on the ground. Eye-contact is overrated sometimes.

41. Bird snacks

After this huge storm, I have noticed some very hungry birds in the back-yard. I decided to help them out a bit by putting out some herbaceous woody plants that I made cuttings of earlier in the fall for a floral arrangement. Our cat also likes to eat the seeds, and after a couple of days of Daucus carota seeds littering the living room, I called a truce and moved it to the sunporch.

As it got dark, I noticed a couple of beautiful little black-capped chickadees having a snack in the snow. I hope they appreciated the gesture. Such sweet little birds.

40. Wild, Wild, Wild, Woodsman

Today marked a special day on campus. The annual Rick Russell Woodsman Tournament. I have volunteered the last four years, while being part of the process through my role in the Student Association. This year, rather than being a photographer or a timer, I judged the axe-throwing event. A very interesting way to spend the day. Did I mention we got hit with a massive snow storm? Despite upwards of 30 cm of snow on the road, and drifting as high as 1m we had stands full of people eager to cheer on some quality lumberjacking. Heave ho!

This is a photo of one of the competitors during the highly anticipated, crowd favourite...
WATER BOIL.
Basically in this event, an individual prepares a cedar log to boil a litre of water. The first individual with a boiling can wins. You should really check out the event on youtube, but this photo does demonstrate the dramatic nature of the event.

Big shout out to friends Julie, and Geoff for organizing such a wonderful event from the student side. You lovely people are going to be missed!

39. Interview II

I had another interview via skype. This was certainly the first day that i ever had two interviews back to back. It went quite well, and I was happy with how I performed.  I received a piece back that I had fired at a local studio earlier in the month. I didn't make the physical piece, but I did do the drawing. Had a lot of fun with it, and the end result ended up being quite nice. I have it set aside as a gift for a special person in my life that I will give a few weeks later. I hope they like it!

38. Sunlight

Today was one of those days when nothing seems to go your way. I had my interview with graduate school today, and I'm very disappointed in how I interviewed. I was far too nervous. That definitely came out with my speaking and presenting. That aside, the day just got progressively crazier.

Things started to cool down towards the end of the day, and had a beautiful walk home from class. When I arrived home around 5:00, the light coming through my window was absolutely beautiful. Though the air was cold, the sky was bright and the sun made this beautiful casting on the East wall of my rented room. Sometimes it's the little things that make all the difference. Today was certainly one of those days. 

37. My bird friends

Every morning on the way to school I am greeted by a chorus of birds from a mugo pine. Today, I spotted six of them (four pictured) on my way back for lunch. Three different species: European Starling, Bluejay and White throated sparrow looked back at me. The white throated sparrow and one of the starlings made off before I could get the photo, but I did get this lovely shot of four of my little friends. Maybe these are the birds that I feed from our lilac?

Truly a welcome sight on this beautiful winter day.
Keep warm and healthy.

PM 

36. The gifting of a rutabaga

I have a huge amount of generous friends, but one person who's generosity never fails me is my friend Kevin. We've run together on the cross country team for the past two years, and have been friends since first year. A back-to-the-earth kinda guy, with a love for vegetable production Kevin is always known for his love for sharing good food. He gave me this lovely rutabaga, which I can't wait to cook up and eat. Or maybe just eat it raw? Who knows, whatever way I will eat it, it will certainly be delicious. Thanks for the lovely vegetable Kev!

Veggie lesson of the day.
For those of you wondering the difference between turnips and rutabaga. I did a little reading when people asked me about the 'turnip' I was carrying around.
- Rutabagas are rougher in texture than turnips
- Rutabagas are starchier and rougher than turnips
- Rutabagas are yellow after cooked, turnips white after cooked (Generally, not always)
- Rutabagas tend to be a little sweeter than turnips

Never hurts to learn something new!
Hope you're well, happy, and healthy.

PM

35. Thoughtfulness

I'm normally not someone to ever talk about gifts I've received. But yesterday, I received what was easily the most sentimental and heart-felt gift I've ever received. My lovely girlfriend compiled a book of memories of the past 66 weeks when we first met. She went through text message conversations, hand written letter, and e-mails, selected memories and paired them with photos. It was so touching, so thoughtful and so beautifully done. I've got a really special thing with my beautiful girl, and just wanted to share how thoughtful and lovely she is. Not to mention, she is a very neat printer. How did I ever get so lucky?