Brandon University circa 1899
 (Brandon archives photo)

When 18th street was the edge of the city., notice the field

 Although is still the edge of a Long dog walk from 5th street

"New Era"
 Photo from Brandon Archives
1915

Other than the flag tower, this school hasn't changed much
 



Brandon Collegiate Institute (BCI)

This was a very BIG school for a very small girl
Take my word on this
(Kindergarten and Grade 1)

2014

Some impressive buildings along the walk

I lay on the ground with my head on Sasha's back,
 to capture this shot

St. Augustine's Church



One of the many windows of the church.
What do you suppose the anchor above the window means...?

4th street & Louise Ave.

It this the Heart of the tree?

Although it kinda looks like the Brain...

Boulevard tree
 1st street & Lorne Ave. 

Another Manitoba Maple

 

Trimmed this way to provide some "serious shade" when
needed.

Back lane of house on 200 block of Third Street

This set is one of many in our neighborhood, oddly enough
as graffiti, it doesn't bother me

Lamp post on the corner of 4th & Louise Ave.
 

"Our house in the middle of our street"

Manufactured by 'Hyundai'

Neat!

Cool carved statue

According to the home owner, it has been almost stolen on more than
one occasion, hence the Big chain

 Lorne Ave East



It's amazing what a tree can live with, don't you think?

Manitoba Maple (I think) with a piece of school yard fence through it's trunk

In the vacant lot next to St. Augustine's school

French Pear Trees

Back yard of house on Princess Ave East
 

and Yes, this is the way they normally grow...

Oh...that's why
It's Behind the building...in the parking lot.

I kind of have the feeling this is not it's original place

Funny how I never noticed this before...

Are these two signs in conflict with one another? Or is it just me?

Coca -Cola is obviously a tree friendly company

This Cedar has been growing on this window sill for the last three years...

Note to self, this is not the way to insulate your windows...

I snicker every time I pass this house  (Victoria Ave.) on
my way to the Dog Park

  All of you must know by now that my hubby and I have adopted two dogs. Our "girls" as we like to call them  have opened us up to a whole new life experience. The girls love to go to the 'Bark Park' and for walks. During a few of these walks I have discovered a few Weird & Wonderful sights of  Brandon and it's somewhat odd inhabitants. Please enjoy the next group of photos. I know I have enjoyed finding them...

Palm flower
Had a very short life span
One day they were beautiful, the next they were gone...
buzz...bees loved them

Ferny, Whimsical 5 foot plant
Well liked by Hummingbirds

Wedding flower most often worn in hair
Found on the pathway going to the pool

Found atop of very short bushes, reminds me of Canadian Geraniums

These flowers have close relatives in Costa Rica
Bushes 3-4 feet wide and high, by the pool

Salmon colored Bougainvillea
There was a huge bush just outside of our room

A non invasive vine

I am Strong...I can grow anywhere!

Me Too!!

Examples of Flora & Stone working together

This petit plant was low to the ground, seemed to be
drought tolerant and attracted many bees

This fine specimen, What is it's name?!

Single Hibiscus



'Ruffled' Hibiscus

Look at all the different shades of green!

Now that you have seen our hotel, the pool, the ocean and some scenic spots...
let me show you
the flowers of the Rivera Maya

Just over the bridge towards the water fall



Coba's main pyramid is called Nohoc Mul (Mayan)
All 120 steep steps of it to the height of 130 feet
I can do it, I'm sure I can
So what if it's 28 degrees and 100% humidity

I took this picture which proves that I made it...
to the top!

The Mayan don't believe in "Heaven & Hell", good & evil
They believe in the spirit world/underground/source of life and nature/above ground
The idea of their people being put into the earth after death is
a sign of renewal. The happy skull represents the contribution
of their spirits to the health of the rest of the community
 



This temple was on one of the 'White Roads'
Which connect parts of this site
to Chichen Itza via the jungle.
Just like the roads that connected the villages in Costa Rica
Pretty cool, eh?!

I like to inform/teach as well as provide
photos



Coba is a National Archaeological site
It's main pyramid is the only one left in
Mexico that people are allowed to still climb
The site itself is highly under developed, meaning
that it is believed that there is still a lot more to discover
 

Glen & I getting ready to snorkel
with Sea Turtles at Akumal
  (means Place of Turtles in Mayan)

Photo by Marco
 Photographer for the Tour

Swimming with Sea Turtles...
That's me in the blue t-shirt!!!
The person just above the turtles shell,
do you see me?

Photo taken by Marco
with his Go Pro Camera

Finally we're in the cool waters of a
Mexican Cenote

Picture taken by Marco with
his GoPro camera