And down it came...

Following a 10 second countdown, it took only seconds for the Hollinger Headframe to come tumbling down. A local mining company
have plans for an open pit operation, so this 30 year landmark was taken down with explosives.
Many people turned out to witness the demolition, on the cloudy morning, with mixed feelings. These companies say it is 'progress' but locals don't agree.
Trucks have been busy this week hauling away the scrap metal etc.
Timmins skyline is changed forever...

Family Day in Ontario..part 2 of 2...

The first pic is part of the trails at Porcupine Ski Runners, a great spot for Cross country skiing and snowshowing, kilometers of natural trails.
Then we were on to the Snowmobile Club, the second pic is of a groomer, this is a machine used to clean and groom the trails, there were rides offered on it as well as the ski doos were busy coming and going with happy kids and parents!!
There was a bon fire going to warm up by, hot dogs were free and hot chocolate or coffee was enjoyed also!
We often see these huge logging trucks on the roads, so with my camera still in 'sportsmode', caught him at a good speed!!
All in all it was a great day and fun was had by all...

Family Day in Ontario.. part 1 of 2...

is a Provincial holiday, celebrated on the 3rd Monday in February, It was a clear but cool day in Northern Ontario,
so decided to take in a few of the scheduled events, skating at a few rinks, cross country skiing and snow shoeing at the ski runners and skidoo rides at the local snow mobile clubhouse. With my camera in sportsmode, we took off to enjoy the day. Had never seen this first contraption before, but so helpful for the little ones just learning to skate!!

The babies...

two weeks later...

Painted heads...

The Common Redpol is plentiful these days, the weather has warmed up a tad, and the birds are taking advantage of it at the feeders.
The heads of these birdies appear to be 'painted with a paintbrush'...nice !!

Horse and wagon rides...

also at the carnival. When I checked out the 'horse and wagon rides' mentioned in the weekend schedule, I was in for another pleasant surprise. Upon arriving, at the mall, the owners were in the process of getting the horses ready for the morning ride, so I had time to chat with them. The two horses, I discovered were Canadian Horses, inherently only to Canada. First off I noticed how strong, and sturdy looking they were, I asked the lady if they were considered a 'workhorse' and she informed me of the breed, which I had never heard of. To read more on these gals, they were both female and pregnant,I have added this link for you.
http://www.cherrycreekcanadians.ca/information.htm
She also invited me out to the farm in the late spring to 'meet' the new babies and see the rest of the horses, owned.
They live out in Matheson, Ontario, which is about 40 miles east of Timmins. looking forward to the visit!!

Al..what??

Alpacas!!
Aren't they just the cutest!!
We have a local farm, where these fellows live and supply wool
for mitts, scarves, hats and socks..well not just these two, they actually have 21 total..I am planning a visit to the farm this summer, so cute !!

Another favorite activity..

at the SP winter carnival, is the dog sled rides for the children,I love catching the looks on the dogs `hard at work`
I love the blue or brown eyes on them...

Had a busy weekend...

It was the South Porcupine annual Winter Carnival, so we were out there yesterday and a good part of today...here are a few shots of the Helicopter rides...Hubby decided yesterday to go up, as he has never been, I kept my feet safely planted on the ground haha!!

Elk at their best...

The white Elk at Cedar Meadows Resort..heading to feeding time..

 leading another herd of Elk is this 'King' Elk, you just know he is in charge...

Pretty in yellow...

Jus' horsing around...

Wow, went out to 'my fav' farm today and did I get a surprise...two new ponies, both  sired from Blondie..he has been a busy boy !! :)
Here is a pic of the proud daddy!! ( my favorite fellow)

 this cutie was born in July...I just call him Handsome cause he is...

Here is one of the newbies, just 3 weeks old with mom, I forgot to ask if these two are girls or boys, I was so excited..will ask next time...

 and this fellow is just 10 days old...again not sure if it is a male or not...

 but he/she is just beautiful... the owner lets me go right in the field with them, I feel so blessed to have this opportunity... thanks so much W.

Will be going back over the next while on nice days and get some more pics of these precious Arabian Nights...

Are you....

This joke has went around the internet for years...my version..

The Gray Jay at my feeder...

The nose knows....

The pooch came in from a 'trip around the yard', I had a treat in my hand, but grabbed my p & s, and she knew she had to wait.. It's Lucy's fault from 'Life with Lucy' blog. I always get ideas when I visit Lucy's blog. :)

Mother Nature's treat on my Window 2...

Was going back through my ice crystal pics and loved the blue tint in these, had to show you...I think it was caused by the reflection of the sun coming around the corner of the house as I had taken these a few hours later...