The Flame Tree

The maple trees are putting on an incredible show for us this year - the right mixture of cold and wet, I suppose - and I am sure the surfeit of photos have left regular visitors to this site in paroxysms of pleasure. The "oohs" and "aahs" have been so volubly omnipresent, I have at times wondered whether our neighbours might not be swingers. 

But this is something new for me: the light maples give off at night is incredible. Now, I know, I know, it is light pollution etc. etc. but there are no streetlights near our tree, and what you are seeing here is without the aid of additional artificial lighting. It is, quite frankly, awe inspiring, and if leaves you cold, you probably have no heart.

Still letting the result of last night's election sink in. All in all, probably the best result for the country. Trudeau may have his faults, says Ottawacker Sr. with possibly the understatement of the week, but he is no ideologue (unlike the right wing candidates), has experience (unlike Singh, who will benefit enormously from being in Parliament), and will have his ears bent continuously by Elizabeth May, which can only benefit the country as a whole.