Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Christmas

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

Where Is The Snow? It Will Be Record Weather For Aurora, Just In Time For Sesquincentennial

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 01:22:29 +0000

Where is the snow? The Christmas snow is now gone due to higher than normal temperatures. Last night I heard rain again pounding against the window. It isn’t a good thing for us. If the wind changes its course from normal direction and will start to blow towards front of our house we will get water leak inside the house. We have damaged shingles on the roof that means another potential leak. If the mild weather stays, the flu season is not going away.

I looked outside the window this afternoon. It was a very moody day, no sun and sprinkles of very little snow dancing in the wind. Yes we had little sun this holiday season. Just watch the price of the Vitamin D will rise on demand.

We got a call from a doctor for Matthew. Pneumonia still shows on the x-ray, that means another week of antibiotics, doctor visit and possible third x-ray to fill. No school for Matthew. He is sick but he has no issue cheering for no school days. Hopefully he will be good going back again after a lengthy break. Well, we also got news that our doctor is now sick.

Mini Snowman, A Day Before Christmas 2012

So when we had snow we made a snowman. To emphasize how little snow we had while making little fella – the snowman’s head is size of a normal snowball and he is about twelve inches high. Very easy to miss, and he will be missed – he melted few days ago. Completely to the ground.

This will be a definitely interesting Sesquicentennial year for Aurora not just for events, politics but weather patterns as well.

Just in case you have not seen yet, I have few things for you.

Our community FOCUS page now has Sesquicentennial focus page set up to feature topics related to 150th Anniversary of the Town of Aurora. It is also a great opportunity for us to show some not the old 100 years old photos, but photos that are only 15 years old or less. Nice recap for those who have been hanging out around Aurora for only 15 or 20 years. Remember it is 150 years of Aurora and every year matters.

I have also assembled together a Parent Zone page for parents who wants to occasionally write.

Lastly, I also started a legacy project for the Town of Aurora called documenting Aurora. The name says it all.

Runaway Santas, Downtown Historic Aurora, Ontario, December 23, 2012.

Christmas 2012, A Poem by Elizabeth Milner

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 01:18:41 +0000

Every year since the time I met Elizabeth Milner via email and then personally at the Hillary House, she sends me her Christmas poem which once again I would like to share with you. She writes her Christmas poem every year – a very nice tradition of hers.

I never used to be a big fan of poems, however, I have a feeling she got me hooked. All I can say to this poem is ‘exactly’. This is how I have been feeling for many many years and I am glad to know that I am not the only one.

Poinsettia, Tim Hortons

Christmas 2012

Christmas came upon me so I made this appeal.
I had to let dear Santa know how I’ve come to feel.

Dear Santa:

Please don’t send me anything this Christmas.
I’ve got a pile of stuff that I don’t need.
Put me on your 25th ride, “To Miss List.”
I’ve even got enough books I can read.

It isn’t that I’ve lost the Christmas spirit,
I do agree with family, friends and joy,
But now when Christmas comes again I fear it.
I’ll never use more gloves, and big kid toys.

So send me some good wishes in my stocking
And add a piece of something sweet to eat,
Some lovely music played and good times talking
Plus a kiss and hug will be my cherished treat.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Milner is the author of the Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change, a book I use a lot as a reference especially when I go on my photo adventures around the town.

Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change

Christmas Tree Collection, Oh What A Shame, Short Life Of The Christmas Tree

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 02:43:51 +0000

Christmas tree collection notices are out in town. On the town’s site the message is to remove all decorations, nails, tree stands and plastic tree bags.

Ensure that the tree is not buried under the snow because town will not pick it up: ‘Please note that crews are unable to dig out a tree or climb a snow bank to retrieve a tree.‘ Cut the tree into pieces if necessary.

Christmas Tree Collection

Every year in Canada millions of trees are cut down to be displayed for Christmas in our houses. It is such a shame that we take away a full grown tree away from the nature for that purpose. We put the Christmas tree on life support for three weeks. We hang extra decoration weight.

If I had a choice to be a tree no matter how prestige my purpose was – I would never want to be a Christmas tree. It just seems such a waste to grow a beautiful full size tree just for that purpose.

Evergreen Trees, Hamilton Park

I don’t meant to be a Grinch or a Scrooge. We have Christmas tree at home but artificial one. We all can have that option and the tree can be beautiful as the real one. You will save yourself money in the long run plus more.

Then there is the environmental benefit in the long run. Evergreen trees improve air quality. Trees evolved to remove CO2 from the atmosphere thus they are also good at removing pollutants.

In addition … ‘Tree canopies intercept and capture rainfall, reducing the amount that reaches the ground. In urban and suburban settings, a single deciduous tree can intercept between 500 and 760 gallons per year, while a mature evergreen can intercept over 4,000 per year.‘ – Source.

Wouldn’t be just good to have the evergreen tree seedling planted on your lawn and every Christmas to decorate a bit.

A Decorated Tree, Rush Road, Aurora

It is not like you go to the forest and cut down your own tree. I am sure you already know that all the evergreen trees are farmed, but did you know that all the farmed evergreen trees are also treated with pesticides?

You know that if you bite an apple and there is no worm, the apple tree has been sprayed. If you brought home a Christmas tree and you haven’t found any bugs in your house, most likely the tree farm is using pesticides to remove all the insects off the tree before they get to your house.

After tree is removed from your home it is recycled and back to the soil, with what, of course with the pesticide.

It is not that hard to figure out that I am hinting for the artificial Christmas tree option. It is all in your hands. Above are some of the hints I presented and I am sure someone may argue back why real Christmas tree is much more environmentally friendly. Believe me, I already did my research in that area too, but still I think that the artificial tree for holiday season is a better option. In the long run its $50 or $100 in your pocket. Think about it.

White Winter-y Town Of Aurora, The Beautiful Sheppard’s Bush Stills

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:19:18 +0000

The snow arrived just in time for the ‘after Christmas‘ holiday. We have been blessed with unusual warmer weather this season that was extended all the way to Christmas Day.

Picnic Pavilion, Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area

I am kind of glad that there was no snow before and for Christmas. The winter snowstorm driving conditions can add to the holiday shopping stress. It is also nice to have nice comfortable drive when visiting loved ones for Christmas.

Picnic Pavilion, Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area

When snow arrived all I wanted is run to the Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area. I never been there during the winter season. When we arrived there yesterday I was really surprised how beautiful the trails were, especially when under sparkling white blanket of snow. The picnic pavilion and the maple syrup evaporator shack were exceptionally magical when surrounded by the snow.

Maple Syrup Evaporator Shack

I also noticed that the Sheppard House was not under construction anymore. It is possible that the heritage retrofit is now completed.

Sheppard House, Windfall Ecology Centre, Aurora

We probably walked for about 1/2 hour. It was nice to see that the trail is used regularly. It was only two days of snow and the trails were completely padded. They were very comfortable to walk on.

I was hoping for some animals like deer or even a rabbit, but all we found was black squirrels. I shot some photos of the birds but that will be my future post.

I Always Wanted To Be St. Nick, I Am Santa Mommy Now, Future In Jeopardy

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:59:19 +0000

Remembering Christmas … I always wanted to be St. Nick. When I was 12 years old I said what the heck, no body will know that I am a girl under the red suit. So I did. In 1983 St. Nick arrived for the first time at our home for my sister (7 years old) and my brother (2 years old).

Many years passed by and in 2006 I was back again knocking at the doors. I spent two weeks before Christmas hand sawing my Santa suit and I putted into a good use that year and the following year. In 2008 and 2009 I took maternity leave; however, I was back on the job Christmas 2010 and 2011.

Santa I, 2006

In 2010 Matthew was about 2.5 years old. He understood the concept of Christmas and knew that Santa will bring presents to him. He was ready for Santa to show up at our door.

Santa ‘I’ arrived on the Christmas Eve. I knocked at the door. I came in and delivered his presents. He stood there and studied me, and of course was holding on to Daddy. I said something to him and instead answering to me Matthew started to look around, Mommy? – he asked. He was looking for me. Oops he recognized my voice. I guess next year I will have to be a silent Santa.

Christmas 2011. This year we were celebrating Christmas Eve at my parents in Mississauga. Since Matthew wrote letter to Santa for the black Nintendo DS I thought it would be fun to bring this letter with me and show him that I got it. At 3, Matthew somehow thought himself to draw faces and been drawing them everywhere. Sometimes he adds extra hair and if you lucky you will get a brain.

Letter To Santa From Matthew, 2011

So I arrived once again at the door. Matthew was happy to see Santa, surprised to see the letter and would not take eyes of me. He studied me once again from head to toe. I only released few ho-ho-hoes, but remained silent for the rest of the time.

Another mission accomplished, so I thought.

I left the room and as quickly as possible I changed back to Mommy. I came back and looks like everyone was busy laughing at me not even knowing I arrived.

I stood at the entrance. My eyes met Matthew’s eyes from across the room, and to my surprise I heard him say ‘Oh, it was Mommy‘. Oops he noticed the Santa eye-glasses I forgot to swap. When I came back up again he was busy opening his present and forgot all about.

I guess next year I will have to make Santa suit for Daddy.

Christmas 2011, A Poem By Elizabeth Milner

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:12:46 +0000

The real Christmas is over, but the holiday spirit remains. I have been in touch with Elizabeth Milner and she shared with me a very lovely Christmas poem she wrote this year. She writes one or two every Christmas. Perhaps it came a bit late to my email-box, but I think it is never too late to share it with you.

Blue Spruce, Not So Winter-y

Elizabeth is a historian, lecturer and writer and she is author of the book Aurora 1945-1965, An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change. Elizabeth grew up in Aurora during the period (1945-1965) covered in the book. How I met Elizabeth may be a very short story, but it all started with our visit to the Aurora Public Library (Aurora Library Visit, A Library Card & Introduction) and finding Elizabeth’s book, and later having my own copy.

Aurora 1945-1965, An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change by Elizabeth Milner

Christmas
~ Elizabeth Hearn Milner

Down the sweeping stretch of time it comes
through eons of water, ice and fire.
Scraped earth is sifted, covered with rubble and swamp,
then prairie grasses, bold flowers and towering trees
that stand as majestic and mighty as gods.
Tiny creatures, that crawl in the coming fecund earth,
are replaced by mastodons and other mighty beasts.
All live, die, change and tumble down to MAN.

He is vulnerable and question filled:
lost in a forbidden place of cruel beauty
not knowing why, or when, or where.
The wary and wily ones survive the deadly maze
and survey the mystery of distant night skies.
They watch and record the changes of the moon
and understand the power of the warming sun
that brings light and rebirth to the dormant land.
Stories of creation come to minds and lips
attempt to end the searching of the curious.
A returning sun turns from sun to Son of God
and ideas stream down to us who still search.

And so we have this glorious night
to consider and ponder sun and Son.
The story of a special child with a message
given just as the sun returns.
A story of warmth, light, birth, goodness and love
and the generous heart that gives.
This is our Christmas.

Aurora's Borealis, Town Park, Aurora

Christmas Always Unforgettable Memories, Our Town The Night Before Christmas Eve

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 06:37:39 +0000

Christmas Eve next day and I have not had a single chance to get some night images showing beautiful Christmas light shows around the Aurora. Finally, after dinner Friday night I asked for a ride. Matthew was all up to it. After all he was going to see Christmas lights and Christmas trees around the town.

‘Don’t forget to take library DVDs Mommy‘ – Matthew reminded me at the door. Oh and good thing he did because they were due today. So I have noticed something, just this week Matthew changed a lot. He started to talk and behave like a young adult. ‘Thank you‘, ‘You’re welcome‘, ‘Please‘, ‘Okay I will do it‘, ‘Hug and Kiss‘ – all him.

Christmas Tree, Northwest Intersection of Yonge Street and St. John's Sideroad

Northwest corner of Yonge Street and St. John’s Sideroad was our first stop – the beautiful landmark Christmas tree. The corner is undeveloped and hopefully will remain. Where the tree stands today it used to be H.J. Charles Carriage and Waggon Works.

H.J. Charles Carriage and Waggon Works, Same Corner

‘The H.J. Charles Carriage and Waggon Works was located on the northwest corner of Yonge Street and St. John’s Sideroad until 1887. The carriages and wagons proudly displayed out front recall a time when even the need for transportation vehicles could be met by village craftsman.‘ – Aurora, A History in Pictures, W. John McIntyre, page 53.

Aurora Cultural Centre, Church Street

‘Why are we going towards Yonge Street?‘ – Matthew asked.

‘Because we have to drop off the DVDs at the library, and how did you know that was Yonge Street?‘ – I asked, and he smiled.

Yes we did in fact turned around on the St. John’s Sideroad and headed towards the Yonge Street then towards the library to drop off DVDs. I knew I will find something nice around there and then I remembered the AURORA BOREALIS at the Town Park.

Arrived at the library and the thought of the drive through book drop off came to mind – hint, why not? Surprisingly, the Aurora Cultural Centre had no decorations, but on the back the shining star at the Trinity Anglican Church pulled me in.

Trinity Anglican Church, Aurora

Door Mosaic, Trinity Anglican Church

Arrived at the Town Park and the beautiful Aurora Borealis revealed itself in front of our eyes. It was hard to capture this display with the camera, so if you have not seen it yet, it is a must visit.

Aurora Borealis, Town Park

These will be our memories of our Aurora – the night before Christmas Eve. And today and tomorrow we are on the journey to collect more memories with our families. Wishing you lots of love, joy and happiness during this holiday season. Merry Christmas!

‘May the good times and treasures of the present become the golden memories of tomorrow.’