How Loyal Are Your Branches

On December 7, my cousins, my aunt and I gathered to decorate the family Christmas tree. We sorted through boxes of ornaments, some coming complete with their own stories of far away places or times long ago.

 

 

 This nutcracker in particular is a cherished family prize. His name is Heed as a reference to his head. He was given to my aunt by a friend, but not before his head and hat were hallowed out to the size and shape which may or may not precisely fit a small bottle of alcohol: The perfect holiday hiding place!

 The whole family took part in decorating the tree. I was mesmerized by the sense of tradition that was almost palpable in the room.

Even baby Dylann joined in and provided some of my favourite shots of the evening.

Afterward, there was some relaxing: Sunday football on tv, and some baby screen time for everyone!

 

Overall, a perfect way to kick off the Christmas season.

Over the River and Through The Woods

At some point in my adventures in Okotoks, I had spotted a pedestrian bridge that traversed the Sheep River, which flows through town, essentially separating the "Olde Towne" from the newer districts. When December 2nd dawned with beautiful blue skies and immaculately white snow, I decided to go investigate.

On the way out...

 

On the way back...

and somewhere in the middle. :)

Perfect!

Live in view of the Rockies: Check.

Since first seeing the Rocky Mountains, I decided that someday I would live where I could see them from my bedroom window. Technically I can't from my window in Okotoks, but only because my room is in the basement. One block away, however, I can see the sun rise like this:

 

Yes, that's a deer. (More on that in future posts)

And yes, this definitely counts for a check off of my bucket list.

 

Down and Derby

Roller derby is a big thing in Alberta. Apparently it's a big thing all over, but I had no idea until my cousin introduced me to this hard-hitting, fast-moving, fun-to-photograph sport. You saw a bit of a mens' bout during my last trip to Alberta in March. This time, it was the ladies' turn.

Introducing The Bonnie Situation vs. The DAMNsels of Distress.

 

 

 

 

A pile-on-the-floor team shot:

and some inter-team camera camaraderie for what I believe was the last bout of the season.

Brought To You By The Letter "O"

On November 24, I officially took up residence at the home of my aunt in Okotoks, Alberta. I spent a day and a half unpacking, adjusting to the three-hour time difference, and assuring the world back home that I had made it safe and sound.

I also spent some time with this ridiculous-looking fellow who, while generally not accepting of strangers, took an almost-immediate liking to me. His name is Oscar, and I can't decide if he's odd-looking with his penguin-feet and pot-bellied-pig body, or just absolutely and positively adorable.

 

My next mission was to investigate the walking path that runs behind my aunt's house and, I soon learned, just about everywhere in town that you could possibly want to go. The day was grey, but I vowed to come back to this bench which is practically in my backyard, with a cup of tea and a camera in hand.

In the meantime, ideal photographic light or not...

Along with the groomed walking paths, there were shortcuts that had been created by the trodding of boots over hills and through tall grass. This one kind of confused me a bit...

... but it made for an interesting picture, and I found myself very excited to explore the quiet beauty my new town had to offer.