200 steps

Sue's recent photo prompt was to photograph something within 100 steps of our house. We walked to our Dark & Deadly Cafe, which I am afraid is more than double the prescribed, or maybe even more. So, I don't know whether she will use any photos that she took, but I am about to do just that.

You've been to this coffee shop before, and we will likely all get there again.

I sat down beside a good-looking fella who was wearing a hat, just like mine, but I think he was up to some sort of skullduggery.

That ↑ was my photo; the next three are Sue's. She had me pose next to a rather tall and frightening dude. I was frightened, but I must do as my lady demands.

It's hard to resist selfies, even if they are taken using the mirror, rather in our more traditional way.

Back to another of mine: I returned to my seat like a well-behaved scaredy cat. I glanced cautiously around and decided to life my phone and take a shot of a candle scone. Why not, eh?

Have a peaceful Saturday and weekend as I try to still my rapidly beating heart. 

Upkeep Required

We pass by the former St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church on our main street often, but it took us until now to have a closer look and to see how the front stonework and windows require some attention. Of course, our phones came out, and the snapping began. But first, here's bit of a historical overview.

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Carleton Place has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1888. The church was constructed of native stone with Beckwith stone trimmings and features a basement finished for Sunday School rooms. It was the first Presbyterian congregation in Carleton County and was served primarily by itinerant preachers until the 1840s. The wooden church was replaced by the present brick church and spire in 1884, and it has continued to be a hub of religious and social activity for Presbyterians in the village and surrounding farms.

What I cannot easily remember or find is when the church was sold, but I am guessing that it was perhaps around 2012, and what was left of the congregation merged with the Almonte Presbyterian Church. If I recall correctly, the building was sold to an All Nations Church, and it is now a Kindred House congregation.

Onto the photos, which after some experimentation, I decided to convert to b&w. 

Sue took her own angles. I haven't seen hers yet, but she will probably save them to use for a suitable prompt.

I have a final photo of the window in the turret on the other side of the door. I don't know if you can tell, but some of the panes are missing entirely.

Just for fun, here is another version of Sue taking her photo. I decided on using selective colour, even though her outfit isn't especially colourful. I like to experiment with this style every now and then.

Delightful Dawn

When I gazed out my den window at 6:30 yesterday morning, I spied a lovely sky. This is of note since they are rather scarce at this time of year, by which I mean all winter. At first, I thought, that's nice, and then I thought that the moment required a photo. I grabbed my phone, put in 8x zoom to miss as much of the roofs (why not rooves?) as possible, but I still had to crop a little afterward.

I guess that is nice enough, but editing is like kissing someone. Occasionally, things just take off, and you never know where you will end up. In this case, I just made this touch and that touch and ended up with something that I never envisioned.

Metaphorically speaking, kissing can take you to pretty exciting places.

Pizza and Chips, Here and There

Yes, credits are needed for the hungry, but for some reason, I began to wonder about British pizza. It seems that whenever I see people passing around pizza on British telly, the slices are very thin and cardboardy stiff. I assume that it is a prop for tv, but when they are already spending gazillions of £ on production, why don't they get a realistic pizza? I mean there is surely good and proper pizza in the UK. Yes?

I no longer purchase chips on a regular basis although I do miss them greatly. I don't mind various flavours including the occasional Salt & Vinegar, but we usually purchase plain because that's what Sue favours. I guess I favour flavourless too, but I am also apt to enjoy other flavours. Of the various flavour options, I probably most enjoy Sour Cream & Onion.

Ketchup chips are available in Canada, but they aren't my preference. I understand that they are not widely available in the US, or perhaps I am wrong. I have heard the same about All Dressed in the US. Our grands seem to like All Dressed, and I don't mind them but probably not as much as other flavours.

There are a lot of favours and flavours in this post, now what flavour do you favour? And don't forget my pizza musing if you have something to add. Tell me that Brits can get thick, gooey pizza. It’s the land of my ancestors after all, and I presume many current relations of whom I know nothing, and I am concerned for them. lol

The Sidewalk Rule

The sidewalk rule is an etiquette practice that originated in medieval times, where men would walk on the street side to protect women from waste and other hazards. This practice demonstrated chivalry and protection, forming part of a broader code of honor that guided social interactions. It was considered a man’s duty to protect his companion while walking, reflecting the expectations of the time and the law surrounding pedestrian safety.

The concept dates back to medieval chivalrous behavior, where protective actions towards women were expected from knights and gentlemen. Knights were guided by a code of honor that emphasized loyalty, bravery, and generosity, which evolved into a course of social norms for courteous behavior in a world where chivalry mattered. Sidewalk Rule Defined - The Accident Network Law Group

On our daily hobbles, I simply must walk on the street side of the sidewalk even when that results in Sue walking on my cane side, which can be a tiny bit awkward at times. However, neither of us can deal with me on the inside as in the photo.

My mother and I once encountered my beloved grade 5 teacher and her beau walking toward us. He was on the inside. My mother was scandalized, thus irrevocably searing the sidewalk rule into my young brain.  She couldn’t have been much more troubled had she witnessed a mugging  

I don't know if The Sidewalk Rule fell out of favour for some time, but if so, it is making a comeback.

The sidewalk rule has gained traction on social media ... as a test of chivalry in relationships and as part of a traditional course of dating etiquette. The rule suggests that a man should walk closest to the street when walking with a woman, positioning himself as a protector from oncoming traffic and other hazards. This simple act of chivalry has gained significant attention and sparked discussions about pedestrian safety, relationships, and etiquette.

The trend has been viewed millions of times, with many users sharing their own experiences and opinions on the matter. Women often praise men who follow this rule, viewing it as a test of a partner’s care ... Despite its seemingly simple nature, the sidewalk rule has raised important questions about the role of protection in relationships and the broader implications for pedestrian safety. Sidewalk Rule Defined - The Accident Network Law Group

Good intentions aside, winter conditions often shrink the sidewalks, making them too narrow to proceed side by side, so I am left to walk the respectful 6 paces behind my noble beauty.

Tough walking conditions

Funny Walking

Me on a typical morning when Sue

makes me go on a typical walk.

Speaking of walking . . . 

Not about walking, but I'm in a mood now.

Happy Monday. Have a good week. 

Sue has come in and told me that I should repost our Silly Walking video from COVID days. 

Icicles and Me

The temperature is beginning to rise, at least sometimes. After dropping over to Nick's to watch a tennis match, I went walking with Sue, who required something with red for her daily photo, it being Valentine’s Day. As you know by now, I have a red coat. I also have a red cap.

Wie tried various poses, but I am not a good model. I am told that I have a good smile, but I find it difficult to fake it. I guess I find it difficult to a fake anything. I like this photo, but Sue favoured the second pose for her post.

The two downtown old mansions both sported impressive icicles.

Happy Sunday and week to all.