Old Chevrolet still a daily driver

 

It looks to me like a late 1920s Chevrolet pickup. Where was it spotted? Not at an antique car show. No. It was spotted on the street being used as a daily driver. At least, it's a daily driver as long as the good weather lasts. Once it snows, it is off the road.

Rare today but when I was a boy cars like this were common. One could buy a used antique car for about $25. Less if it wasn't in drivable condition.

Sadly, the large number of old cars combined with ridiculously low prices meant these fine old vehicles got absolutely no respect. Kids bought 'em and entered them in the weekend demolition derby. A couple of dozen old cars would be driven into a large, fenced field surrounded by seating. 

As the crowd roared the cars were raced about the field frequently and purposefully slamming into each other. The last car standing, running, was declared the winner and the driver would claim something in the order of a hundred bucks.

Inspired by years spent travelling throughout Italy

 

Cynthia has spent years travelling throughout Italy and not just as a tourist but as a tour guide. Cynthia knows Italy. Her home and the grounds surrounding it reflect this interest. My nephew tells me Italy is famous for its gardens--gardens often featuring vine-covered walls. One could be forgiven for feeling one has left southwestern Ontario for Italy when visiting Cynthia.

Dining on the porch during covid-19

 

The porch is big and airy and in these times of COVID-19 it is an excellent place for hosting a lunch with a friend. Not many modern homes have porches like this but this century home does and the owner is delighted to have it today.

Link: The Science Behind the Decorative Gourde Season

 

According to the Smithsonian, "For farmers, breeding for novelty has paid off. Between 1993 and 2007, prices for decorative gourds doubled, and in 2016, the world collectively grew more pumpkins, squash and gourds than corn or mushrooms." Amazing.

Dining out during COVID-19

 

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Restaurants are open at the moment with limited seating. Outdoor patios are popular and large heaters are extending the outdoor patio season. This local restaurant has a front wall composed of sliding glass panels. When the weather is right, the entire front of the restaurant is open. A prefect design for these days of COVID-19.

Our dinners, have just arrived, my wife is still wearing her mask as she sprinkles coarsely grated Parmesan cheese on her dinner. She will soon remove her mask to dine. Our waiter will always keep his mask on and no one will sit closer than about twelve feet away from us.

Unfortunately, the number of COVID-19 cases is soaring in the province and restaurants are facing the threat of another closure. Rather sad considering how truly safe this location seems to be. I do hope it can remain open.

Not quite a yellow brick road

 

It is not quite the yellow brick road of Wizard of Oz fame but it is still quite nice at this time of year. This street is but one bordered with Sunburst Honey Locust trees planted by the city some decades ago. The burst of colour does not last long. In fact, the leaves are already darkening, taking on a warm brown hue.

Speckled Swan Gourd

 

The well-named speckled swan gourd is a popular decorative gourd. Sometimes it is painted before being displayed. But it is pretty well never eaten. If a veggie is known as a gourd and not a squash, it is most likely considered inedible.