Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Environment

community FOCUS: Experience Nature Or Who Hauled Nature Away?

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 17:24:35 +0000

“Town of Aurora is inviting you to experience nature – or not? Definitely our town is going through a major urban sprawl and I am confident that this will be noted as an important moment in the history of the Town of Aurora. Some welcome the development but I find it sad though, and somewhat hard to understand the short-sighted motives behind it.

Why are we so ignorant of the future, the future of our community? Developmental growth may bring some benefits to the town but also carries with it certain consequences that we blindly ignore to speak of today.” Read More & View Photo Gallery

I will be writing more on the community FOCUS site, post images and perhaps videos. Feel free to subscribe to other site as well as there will be more of Aurora on community FOCUS and more of a community related content.

If you wish to connect I can be found on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. I am active on all social medias and content may vary. Please no marriage or forever friends proposals :).

Christmas Eve Almost Frozen Night Rider Around Town of Aurora

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 06:32:07 +0000

I couldn’t resists. What else can I do late at night when children are asleep. I took my cameras and went for a drive around Aurora around ten o’clock. It was a beautiful cold night. I didn’t realize this until later.

Iced Trees, Superstore Parking Lot, Aurora

Frozen Bushes, Superstore, Aurora

The images you are seeing here were taken in Aurora ON on Christmas Eve night on December 24th, 2013. I drove to the nearby Superstore on St. John’s sideroad. The parking lot was empty and beautifully illuminated – for nothing. The iced trees dispersed light even more.

I pull over and took some surreal images of the iced trees and bushes. I couldn’t believe how beautiful these bushes looked just with a naked eye. On the other hand they kind of looked painful as well – frozen.

Frozen Bushes, Superstore, Aurora

On the side note getting out that late I had to pay small prize – I was freezing myself. My fingers especially where there is not much of human mass and the metal lenses and metal case on one of my cameras didn’t do much justice. Not to mention my nose was kind of turning into – no mystery – a frozen nose. But that wasn’t the it.

Frozen Bushes, Superstore, Aurora

I knew the ice will eventually go away. Last couple of days we have been experiencing meltdown – thus my urge to go out and take night photos that day. My backyard tree survived. Word of advice – plant flexible trees. The more flexible you are the better chance of survival you have – a life note here, as taken from the tree.

Frozen Bushes, Superstore, Aurora

I had a choice to turn around and go home. No I needed more. I drove on the Earl Stewart Drive along the newly installed sidewalk for which I asked and finally after 2 years the sidewalk is here. Then it hit me – oh no, I missed most of the Rebook warehouse demolition. All ruins now.

Wellington Street, Near GO Station

Yes I wanted to see the Aurora Borealis at the Town Park. When I arrived the place was beautiful and scary at the same time. All the iced trees were squeaking like they were about to fall down. But the sound was not the same compared to the creepy noises coming from the roof tops – ice expansion.

Aurora Borealis, Town Park, Aurora

I kind of dragged myself to the middle of the ice ring and I tell you that was – it. I started to freeze. I literally was there for a minute or two and my fingers were about to turn into icicles and not to mention the nose. I went back to the car for de-frost. Drove a bit along deserted Yonge Street and headed home.

Victorian Hall, Aurora

Yonge Street, Aurora

And this is how I will remember the 2013 ice storm in Aurora – beautiful, cold and painful. But it wasn’t that painful for me as it was especially for those who lost their power for many days. There are still some unfortunate families that just getting their power back on today.

Caruso and Company, Yonge Street, Aurora

Wishing you awesome year 2014. Stay warm another cold front is coming our way.

Christmas Tree, St. John’s sideroad, Aurora

First Major Snowstorm Is Here in Aurora, Dressing Up For The Art

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 00:44:40 +0000

It was a long wait for the snow and we finally got it, and it is in February. May be we should call it first Sesquicentennial snow storm. It has been snowing, snowing and snowing all day and it is still snowing. I didn’t come out to shovel the snow in the morning or lunch time. Some of our neighbours did it already twice, or three times by then.

I and Matthew watched the falling snow from each window in our house today. Snow drifts formed on our garage roof and at the entrance. Our BBQ height doubled. We watched neighbours bundled up and shoveling the snow. Few minutes later their tracks were covered.

Neighbour Shoveling Snow, Snowstorm in Aurora, Ontario

We watched neighbours helping each other. A man across the street shoveled his and the neighbour’s driveway for at least one. Then in the afternoon the other neighbour came from work and shoveled both driveways.

Another man, further up the street, shoveled his and his neighbours driveway. The lady arrived on the cleaned driveway then later she came out and shovel both driveways.

A man next door shoveled his driveway and then cleaned up our sidewalk as well.

Later before dinner I came out and I only lasted for 15 minutes. Snow in front of our porch was up to my knees. Snowplow came twice and formed snow pile in front of our driveway at least 24 inches high. We are very blessed to live in such a nice neighborhood where everyone is willing to help – I watched it all day long. Then later when my husband was shoveling the snow, a neighbour with his son helped. May be this is why we never moved, it is not just the house, it is a good neighbour.

Now to change a topic a bit. Here are some pictures that show ‘dressing up for the art’. Last year during SOYRA showcase I took many pictures and not even realizing I took some color to person matching photos.

I think you can figure out for yourself looking at the following three photos, themed with red shades, blue shades and black shades.

Happy Snow Day!

SOYRA 2012, Red Wall, Aurora Cultural Centre, Town of Aurora

SOYRA 2012, Blue Wall, Aurora Cultural Centre, Town of Aurora

SOYRA 2013, Next Room, Aurora Cultural Centre, Town of Aurora

What Is That On The Back Of The Town of Aurora Truck, No Not The Grinch?

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:33:38 +0000

While writing his letter to Sanata, Matthew noticed a white truck outside our window. It was the Infrastructure & Environmental Services Town of Aurora truck. They were cleaning leaves from the blocked manhole covers.

I must admit that this year our street residents didn’t do a good cleaning tree leaves job. Well, these guys came in and did it for us. I wonder if they know something, that is, more snow coming. However, I do know that it will be warming up next week and weatherman is forecasting more rain.

Infrastructure & Environmental Services, Town of Aurora Truck

I explained to Matthew what the two Aurora man were doing. I looked closer and closer and I saw something green on the back. Glad I had my camera handy. Just before they left I was able to snap two photos so I can analyze later.

I still cannot figure out what it is. Some kind of mascot on the back of their truck. I thought it might have been the Grinch from the Christmas parade, but no nothing close. May be an octopus, a green lion, a frog – who knows. Oh well I thought that was interesting snap to share.

So I mentioned above Matthew writing a letter to Santa. Last year when Matthew was 3.5 years old we only managed to draw a picture of his gift in the letter to Santa. We never sent it. When I gave Matthew his gift (yes I dressed up as Santa), I ensured that I acknowledged that I received the letter.

Matthew’s Letter to Santa, North Pole, Aurora

This year when Matthew is 4.5 years old he is able to write one. I helped him with spelling and I tried to come up with something short and sweet. There was fuss, and ifs and buts but he was able to accomplish the mission. We addressed to Santa, North Pole; put a stamp and mailed it. Let see what will happen next.

We also decided to do something different with the Christmas tree. This year the theme is Lind chocolate Christmas tree. We bought a box of Lind chocolates on sale at Costco and I hanged them on the tree. This will be a good test to test Matthew’s patience and cravings. Matthew loves chocolate. At some point we had an internal joke that he was choco-holic, but then so is my husband.

The test is working so far. But I did find Matthew hanging around the tree, starring at the chocolates, and sometimes playing with them. The rule is that he has to finish his Advent Calendar first and after Christmas we will be able to eat the treats from the tree.

Garden Marker Ideas For Next Year, Another Project from Windfall Ecology Centre

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 18:53:30 +0000

I almost forgot to share just another meaningful project by the Windfall Ecology Centre. Last month on October 1st we ventured out to the Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area. While hovering around the Windfall Ecology Centre, former historic Sheppard’s House, and the picnic area we found few garden patches.

Windfall Ecology Centre, Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

I didn’t know at that time, but this is another project by the Windfall Ecology Centre – the community garden. The emphasis is on ‘it doesn’t take a lot to grow fruits and vegetables in your own garden‘. A project that encourages gardening at home, may be in the pots or at the community gardens that are starting to be popular around Aurora.

It also remind me how few years ago I used to grow plum tomatoes in my front yard instead of flowers.

Radish Stone Marker, Another Project by Windfall Ecology Centre

Carrot Stone Marker, Another Project by Windfall Ecology Centre

It is interesting to me that something that used to be a way of life is now encouraged because it rarely exists. Garden was always part of my life and it is kind of sad that all this land around here in Aurora will be eventually developed. Seeing a farm in Aurora – it will be a thing of the past. But I am stretching here, we are talking garden only.

Well, on the happy note, we found something interesting. I had Matthew with me and we had fun reading all the stone markers for the vegetables and fruits. What a good idea for marking your plants in the garden, and reusable one too. On the another note, I didn’t know that cantaloupes were grown here in Ontario. For some reason I always thought that cantaloupe was a tropical fruit.

So I did some research …

The cantaloupe is a fruit and is related to watermelon, honeydew, cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash. Some write that cantaloupe is a gourd. When choosing right cantaloupe at the supermarket I was using the same method as for watermelon – knock knock and listened for the hollow sound.

Apparently, when choosing a cantaloupe you must use your nose and not your knuckles. Smell for sweet smell, but I an not sure if I am in favor of that method, especially during flu/cold season.

Cantaloupe Stone Marker, Another Project by Windfall Ecology Centre

We also found a bear in the garden. Not real one, but there was a marker for him just in case.

Bear Stone Marker, Another Project by Windfall Ecology Centre

It was first of October and some plants were still blooming on that day. We spotted blooming peas flower and sunflowers.

It is November now and Sheppard’s Bush now looks nothing like before. Our last visit was at night – the Hunted Forest event. Even at night one could see leaves on the ground and some still hanging and beaming bright yellows.

Time really moves forward. We have had few changes in town – the Petch Log house is being reconstructed and the condominium in front of Hollandview Retirement Community on the John West Way is really moving along, but more about that in the posts to come.

Peas, Another Project by Windfall Ecology Centre

Aurora Sun Rise, Sunglasses Needed

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 00:40:41 +0000

You can actually damage your eyes if you look directly at the sun. When there are no clouds we rarely look at the sun because it is so bright. When there is an overcast sometimes we can see the outline of the bright white sun. So what is more dangerous – looking at the sun when there are no clouds or when there are clouds?

Just in case you don’t know the answer. You can get more damage looking at the sun when there are clouds. Firstly, clouds do not provide any UV protection, secondly they reduce the brightness thus your eyelids are wide open letting the most UV in. That’s why it is sometimes very important to wear sunglasses even if the skies are overcast.

Sun Rise Over Aurora

Well, same applies to the camera, except there are not eyelids for both scenarios. By taking direct photos of the sun can destroy your camera sensor and eyes as well. The lens acts as a magnifier and multiplies the sun’s intensity right on your camera’s sensor. By taking photos of sunset and sunrises is actually okay, however, pointing lens right at the sun is not recommended, something I did that morning.

I really enjoy sun as much as I enjoy photographing the moon. Okay and the clouds as well, they usually form into interesting objects.

That morning I woke up and this big ball of fire was hanging on the horizon, of course it wasn’t that dark. Darkness is due to the settings I used.

As a result I think I captured some sunspots on the bottom and top of the sun. However, on the top there was something else and disappeared in the next photo. I cannot figure out what it was, but may be it was a bird flying by or an airplane.

Sun Rise Over Aurora

Unfortunately, with my camera I only captured a small dots, but because they remained in the same area in all images I can only assume that these were sunspots. I know the images here are too small for you too see. Dots are very small. And remember no looking at the sun directly.

Sunspots are areas of disturbance on the sun caused by the extreme magnetic activity. Often if strong enough this magnetic activity sends solar flares and can potentially affect power grids, satellite signals and GPS devices.

Enjoy and never look at the sun like I did via my lens!

McKenzie Marsh Aurora Ontario Great Blue Herons Moved In, Cormorants Moved Out?

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 02:16:43 +0000

For some time now I have stopped walking to the McKenzie Marsh boardwalk on the St. John’s sideroad. We never make it as Matthew prefers the community Arboretum, entrance on the intersection of Industrial Parkway and St. John’s. I don’t blame him – on the way home we visit three playgrounds – at the Optimist Park, Northern Lights Public School and Thompson Park.

However, that one day when we did go to McKenzie Marsh we encountered many Great Blue Herons. Firstly, they were flying around as something was about to happen. It was close to the lunch – so may be it was their hunger flight. They were setting themselves up, at least five of them.

Great Blue Heron, McKenzie Marsh, Aurora

One heron flew very close to the boardwalk and stood on the dead tree roots, usually where the red-ear slider turtles are found. I took many pictures of the heron and he didn’t mind. I am assuming that with so many photographers now visiting the boardwalk and even the constant traffic noise from the road, herons are adapting.

Many other birds flew over the body of water, but that day the herons were definitely dominating the McKenzie Marsh. And I was glad. Sometimes it is nice to have one species around so I can observe them closely.

Great Blue Heron, McKenzie Marsh, Aurora

In the past, we used to have an interesting crowd of the cormorants, but looks like the population of them declined over the years. They mainly occupied the landmark tree on the East side of the boardwalk. They are still around. I saw two on the tree the other day, but this is nothing compare to seeing about fifteen of them.

The cormorants are interesting birds, not to mention they are also invasive. I am sure that now with less of them hanging around the Great Blue Herons are having a blast. They can now hang out on the landmark tree.

However, on this side of the McKenzie Marsh I have never seen a cluster of them. Herons always like to sit by themselves scattered in all directions. One somewhere on the back of the marsh, one sitting on the landmark tree, the other one on the stump, then one hiding on the willow tree across and of course this one on the pictures fishing very near to the boardwalk.

Great Blue Heron, McKenzie Marsh, Aurora

Beside Great Blue Herons as always there were Canada Geese and ducks. Seagulls were flying over. Mind you I miss the Caspian Terns. They usually fish on the South side of the St. John’s (Atkinson Wetland). They can be mistaken for seagulls. Look for the distinct red beak and interesting fishing technique.

Great Blue Heron, McKenzie Marsh, Aurora

No Motorized Vehicles On The Boardwalk, By Default

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 04:35:40 +0000

I usually do not complain but if I get a small evidence on camera – why not? What does it take to follow the rules? They are not trivial at all.

I think by now you may know that my biggest issue here in Aurora is the failure to obey the rules; but no worries I am not planning to move out.

We do have a sign for almost everything. ‘No Dumping‘ sign with a pile of dump is a classic. No idling cars sign must be new because I saw lady idling her car in front of the Aurora Public Library for over five minutes. Sometimes I wonder if she ever knew that she can play her music in the car and draw radio power from the battery only.

In the same area myself and Matthew once smelled a cigarette smoke. I still laugh at his innocent comment, ‘Mom who is BBQing the chicken?‘.

Walking with Bikes, Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Aurora

When Nokiidaa Trail Link boardwalk off St. John’s sideroad was first installed all kinds of things were permitted. Feeding ducks and biking were the two famous one. Then with time the ‘no feeding ducks‘ sign was placed on the railing which in a matter of small time faded due to the UV sunlight.

Walking with a Bike, Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Aurora

Recently, swinging gates were installed telling bicycle riders to dismount their bikes and walk on the boardwalk. One cannot miss the sign and yet everyone is still biking on the boardwalk. I just do not understand how can you not see a sign that is practically in front of the biker’s face?

But that one day, couple of weeks ago, I don’t know what happened. People were obeying the rules. Everyone that passed by me was pushing bicycle beside them. Now figure that out. Why suddenly such a change? I don’t know. May be because one of the gates on the north side of the boardwalk was missing.

Another explanation is that I had my DSLR camera with telephoto lens attached. A paranoia of being captured on photo is another theory.

Walking with Bikes, Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Aurora

I was happy to see that something worked and it was nice to see different age groups to follow the rules.

Until another day, this man had to ruin my hope, my excitement and my faith in the Aurora people – he decided to ride his motorcycle on the boardwalk. Or may be he is not from Aurora. Still it will not make me feel any better.

Motorized Vehicle on the Boardwalk, Nokiidaa Trail Link, Aurora

I went back to my older photographs and the sign said – oh no he is permitted to ride his motorcycle. The sign says nothing about motorized vehicles. But I think motorized vehicles are not permitted in the parks by default.

Notice to Trail Users Sign, Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Aurora

Well there are other things in Aurora that by default are not permitted. A pile of mulch or wood chips was placed on the parking lot near the Fleury Park. While watching Matthew having fun at the play-ball class Saturday morning I spotted this young boy climbing this pile of mulch.

I felt much better when I noticed that the whole action was supervised by the parent. This was quite an ironic site.

Parent Supervised Climb, Fleury Park, Aurora

Coyote Sighting, Hamilton Park Near Playground On Pinnacle Trail

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 19:15:15 +0000

It was kind of ironic that just yesterday for some reason I was thinking about the coyotes. It warmed up and we decided to go for a long walk. We walked from home all the way to the Arboretum entrance on Industrial Parkway.

Industrial Parkway, Community Arboretum

We walked the trail and walked out on the Somerton Ct and then headed for the playground at the Thompson Park. We usually walk all the way to the Optimist Park, but then thinking about the coyote made me cut our trail walk short.

Did coyote hear me?

Perhaps.

Today around eleven we were walking on the Pinnacle Trail. It was us, a caregiver with three children and other couple walking. Matthew with other little boy was running ahead of us.

At some point when we were calling them to get back to us – this dog came out from the Hamilton Park (soccer field) right onto Pinnacle Trail and headed West towards St. Andrew’s Golf Course. He was at least five houses away from us. When I walked up to the playground he was already gone.

Coyote Came Out From Here

At first I thought, oh no not another dog off the leash. But then it did not look like a dog. It did not walk like a dog. It was on the mission. It was definitely a coyote, and a good size coyote too – tall and slender. He crossed the road and walked on the sidewalk, definitely passed by the playground unnoticed.

Playground at the Hamilton Park, Pinnacle Trail

Later walking on the Rush Road we found garbage mess. We thought may be he was looking for the food – they always do. I think these sightings will be more common especially with all all the loose rabbits and chipmunks hanging out in our subdivision on our front and back yards.

Now message to all the parents – don’t loose sight of your child on the playground. The play structure can block your view. Stay with your child all the time especially in the areas where there is a lot of open park land and trees.

This was my second sighting of the coyote in the Hamilton Park. First time I was actually at the soccer field when I saw one snooping around on the other side. I don’t know how much we can do about the wildlife around us, but do keep your eyes open around you and watch your small children.

Sorry no picture – I wasn’t fast enough. It is usually the shock of the unexpected slows me down getting my camera. Not to mention safety is always first and we had two children ahead of us.

Sunday Break, Dandelions Are Masters Of Survival, Not Kidding

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 27 May 2012 04:36:18 +0000

Sunday photo showcase. All posts titled Sunday Break are photo(s) only and a quote. Posted photos may not be necessary the most current one and as always it is all about the Town of Aurora. Enjoy!

Dandelions, Things You Did Not Know

‘Dandelions are masters of survival’ ~ Read More … Recommended