Not such fun photos at the Rec Room

The restaurant was called the Rec Room. Along with food it offered games, lots and lots of electronic games. It also had photo booths supposedly designed with children in mind. The photos were taken in front of a blue screen and a cool background was added later. The place is a preferred spot for birthday parties.

Unfortunately, the photo booths are not designed for small kids. My youngest granddaughter had her birthday party at the Rec Room and all her little guests had photos showing mostly the tops of heads. The little girls were too short. 

Disappointment reigned. Thanks to Photoshop, the memory of the day was saved. Photos of the little girls were merged with photos of African animals and the little girls were delighted -- even if the delight didn't occur until some hours after the party.

Police patrolling Springbank

 

I have lived in London for almost half a century. The other day was the first time I have spotted police patrolling the park. As the pair walked by visitors to the park, they drew very little attention. Clearly, uniformed police are not feared in London, at least not when patrolling a quiet park.

Trees down, hundreds of thousands without power

The storm was powerful and fast moving. Rain shouldn't fall horizontally but this past Saturday it did. 

Doors and windows protected by large, overhangs were pounded by the rain falling in wind driven waves. Trees were toppled and large tree limbs downed across the province from Windsor on the southeast to Ottawa in the far west.

In the Ottawa region tall, steel hydro towers buckled under the force of the gusting winds. Hundreds of thousands were left without power. Many were still without power Sunday.

This image showing downed power lines in the Ottawa area was posted by Ontario Hydro.

Springbank Park popular with walkers

 

Springbank Park in London, Ontario, attracts a great mix of folk to enjoy the walks, the playgrounds, the snowboard park and the many large expanses of green grass. Wherever one looks, one sees another group enjoying London's largest park.

Tulips make it a garden

 My wife calls it a garden but until the tulips start blooming I find the designation very generous. But the tulips are blooming and the small plot hemmed in by interlocking blocks is clearly a garden. My wife and her flower-loving friends always knew it was a garden but today I am onside as well.

Muslim girl with scooter

When the young girl grabbed the scooter, I grabbed my camera. I had noticed the Muslim girl sitting at the picnic table with a scooter nearby but I did not think the two went together. Seeking her permission before taking her picture, I gestured to catch her attention. She understood immediately and instantly took a pose. I'd have preferred an unposed moment but I think the peace sign adds to the image.

Is Made in China really cheaper?

Are consumers really saving money by buying so many items labelled "Made in China." I am not convinced.

I've been seeing these stamped out metal items in garden centres all around the London area. They are simply large sheets of very thin steel with a stamped out pattern. The piece has been painted to resist the elements.

How much would this cost to make in Canada? The ones made in China are selling for about $170 at some centres.

Have you questioned the savings you enjoy by buying stuff made in China? I'm old enough to recall when shirts, toys, appliances and more were all made in Canada and the States. When the plants started closing I did not notice a big drop in the prices of these goods. Did you? Think about it.