Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Wellington Street https://livinginaurora.ca Living In Aurora Ontario Canada Mon, 13 Jan 2020 19:51:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.0.38 Christmas Eve Almost Frozen Night Rider Around Town of Aurora https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/christmas-eve-almost-frozen-night-rider-around-town-of-aurora/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/christmas-eve-almost-frozen-night-rider-around-town-of-aurora/#comments Mon, 30 Dec 2013 06:32:07 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=11332 It was a beautiful cold night. I didn’t realize this until later.

Iced Trees, Superstore Parking Lot, Aurora

Iced Trees, Superstore Parking Lot, Aurora


Frozen Bushes, Superstore, 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

Frozen Bushes, Superstore, Aurora


Frozen Bushes, Superstore, Aurora

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

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

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

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

Aurora Borealis, Town Park, Aurora


Aurora Borealis, Town Park, Aurora

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.

Victoria Hall, Aurora

Victorian Hall, Aurora


Yonge Street, 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

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

Christmas Tree, St. John’s sideroad, Aurora

]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/christmas-eve-almost-frozen-night-rider-around-town-of-aurora/feed/ 6 Yonge & Wellington Night Riders And Night Talkers https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/yonge-wellington-night-riders-and-night-talkers/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/yonge-wellington-night-riders-and-night-talkers/#comments Tue, 23 Jul 2013 03:57:48 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=10942 activity that is going on there definitely downtown Aurora is not like downtown Newmarket.

At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora

At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora


I was at the intersection of Yonge and Wellington last night snapping pictures of zooming cars. I don’t usually venture for night photography alone but I did last night. Some drivers whistled at me, some slowed down and some just looked. A very normal behavior. Happens during the day as well.

I spotted few groups of teenagers or just individuals waiting at the bus station and taking public transit home or going who knows where. Some riding bikes at night going somewhere. Some were taking taxis – perhaps going home after work. I wasn’t there to observe the night life but I found quite intriguing so while I was snapping I observed.

At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora

At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora


A spontaneous decision to be there was solely to take night shots of the zooming cars. I wasn’t there to talk and I didn’t expect to talk to anyone. Perhaps I was wrong. I ended up having short conversations with few. I am assuming that I was interesting person to them as it is kind of unusual or rare to see a photographer at night.

At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora

At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora


A taxi driver pulls over.

“Are you professional photographer” – he asked.
“No this is just my hobby” – I replied.
“Do you put your pictures on the Internet” – he asked and blew big smoke cloud my way.
“Yes I do”- I replied.
“Did I park my car on your spot sir” – I asked.
“No no” – he replied.

While I was snapping he kept looking over my shoulder on the camera screen. I wanted to go home so I didn’t talk that much. He eventually went over his car to finish his cigarette.

Obviously he was waiting for a passenger. I lady crossed sidewalk in front of me and kept walking towards the taxi.

“Are you trying to take a picture of the moon” – she asked.
“No, just the zooming cars or passing traffic” – I replied.
“Go over there; there is a better view if you go behind the bank” – she said. Obviously she didn’t hear me.
“No I am fine here. I don’t have the right lens to take photo of the moon” – I replied.
“Go over there you will see that it is a better spot. I didn’t bring my camera, too heavy to carry” – she said.
“Oh okay” – I replied and I smiled at her.

She stepped into taxi and the night talking taxi driver and her drove away.

At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora

At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora


Soon as I was back to snapping mode I heard a female voice behind me.

“Are you trying to take a picture of the mural. You have to get closer to the intersection so you don’t get the cars.” – she said.

I turned around and I saw young female taxi driver.

“No I already have many pictures of the mural with cars and no cars” – I said.
“I am trying to take photos of the traffic” – I added.
“Oh I thought you were taking photos of the mural, sorry” – she said.
“No problem” – I replied.

Eventually she finished her cigarette and drove away with a passenger.

Eventually I packed my camera and drove away too. Definitely few interesting encounters, great suggestions and few good pictures resulted from my outing.
At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora

At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora


]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/yonge-wellington-night-riders-and-night-talkers/feed/ 2 Aurora Street Festival, All The People I Don’t Know & Know https://livinginaurora.ca/entertainment/aurora-street-festival-all-the-people-i-dont-know-know/ https://livinginaurora.ca/entertainment/aurora-street-festival-all-the-people-i-dont-know-know/#comments Mon, 10 Jun 2013 05:02:02 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=10696 If you would like to find yourself on my photos then you can check out my Facebook album ‘Aurora Chamber Street Festival, June 2, 2013‘ – oh and good luck.

For the small town, town like Aurora, we really do have a great community here. I would never thought that I will be able to walk the longest, busy street festival and met so many people I know, and I like it because I have then more stories to tell.

Unfortunately, some people still think that I am from SNAP. What do you think? Perhaps it is time to get my own tag saying – NOT MEDIA or JUST A BLOGGER.

Michelle, Autism Support Services


When I arrived I thought no problem I only need few pictures and I will be out at no time. How wrong was I? Believe or not, three hours later I was finally back at my car.

The first person I spotted was Michelle who is offering Autism Support Services at her booth. I met Michelle last summer during play days at Chris Watt’s house, and if I recall I did meet her once at the Aurora Public Library. Small world, or just small Aurora.

Watson’s Family Karate, Mike and Joan Watson, Aurora Chamber Street Festival


I arrived a bit earlier for Arron Morris’, The Manatee Band performance. So I stopped by Watson’s Family Karate booth to photograph interesting karate demonstrations. I used to do kickboxing at Watson’s when I was much younger, but I slowed down now and Tai Chi is just all I need. I didn’t get a chance to say hello since I had to run back to the Newmarket Jazz+ Festival booth.

Charlotte Watts, Aurora Chamber Street Festival


As I was walking back I spotted Chris Watts with his two girls. It was fun chatting with Chris once again while Charlotte was enjoying her ice-cream.

Johnmark, Cracklin’ Kettle Corn, Aurora Chambers Street Festival


Eventually I got to the end of the street festival that physically ended at the Wellington Street. And who do I see there in the corner? The Cracklin’ Kettle Corn booth. These guys sell the best cracklin’ popcorn at the Aurora Farmers Market every Saturday. Here meet Johnmark if you haven’t yet.

Batman, Aurora Chamber Street Festival


Never know may be that was the real Batman. At least he looked like he was. Since I stopped twice by the Batman’s booth (can’t remember who he was representing) I can assume that I know him. He kept posing and I kept taking pictures, probably thought I was from SNAP.

Alexandra Riccio, AHS Community Development Assistant & Matthew


It is always good to see Alex from the Aurora Historical Society. She is my source to all the good happenings at the Hillary House. Also I got to meet her brother Matthew. Not to mention I run into Catherine Richards and Suzanne Reiner in the busy festival crowds.

A Couple, Aurora Chamber Street Festival.


I don’t know who these two are on this picture (above), but I liked the outcome.

Matt Maddocks, Aurora Chamber Street Festival


Once I made a turn at the Wellington Street I was more or less heading home. On the way back I met my good friend Matt Maddocks. We chatted for a bit and decided to finish up our conversation some other time.

David Heard, Aurora Chamber Street Festival


I didn’t even get chance to stop by David Heard’s booth, but he always seems to spot my camera’s and wave at them, or me.

Frank Klees, Aurora Chamber Street Festival


Couldn’t miss this. I have decided to snap few pictures of Frank Klees as I was passing by, MPP for the riding of Newmarket—Aurora. Next thing I am being directed by one of the guys from Frank’s booth what pictures to take. Again, I was mistaken to be from media, but he didn’t really care when I told him I fly solo. I also got picture with Frank Klees (the longest photo taking ever). Got to know him finally. We talked about me and then I really headed home.

This is not all the people I have met on that day. There were many more. Most of you are reading this blog so you know who you are.

When I finally arrived at my car I got a surprise email from Gina, Tristan’s mom. Tristan and my son Matthew are both in the same school and same class (JK). We sometimes see each other at the school in the morning dropping off our children or picking them up.

She wrote me: ‘It’s so funny, I have been reading your blog since I moved to Aurora (a year and a half ago). I found it when I was first trying to learn what the town had to offer. Your site is fantastic by the way. What’s funny, is I only just realized that its you that writes the blog. I didn’t make the connection before for some reason, but I just recently recognized you from the photo on the blog.‘

… and that email made my day!]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/entertainment/aurora-street-festival-all-the-people-i-dont-know-know/feed/ 1 Drive Through Town of Aurora Streets, In Black & White For Change https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/drive-through-town-of-aurora-streets-in-black-white-for-change/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/drive-through-town-of-aurora-streets-in-black-white-for-change/#comments Sat, 19 Jan 2013 21:11:02 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=9793 Doctor’s visits and x-ray appointments were only things we went out for.

Gabriel’s Cafe, Yonge Street, Aurora Downtown


Aurora United Church, Yonge Street, Town of Aurora, Ontario


We are all good now. Matthew is finishing up his second round of antibiotic. Of all of us he got hit the most that resulted in pneumonia. Last Monday I rushed him to the doctors office as he developed chicken pox like rush. Doctor didn’t agree that it was chicken pox, but he didn’t ruled out.

Apparently, something I didn’t know, but children not supposed to get chicken pox now days because they are vaccinated. But they still do, I have seen it.

Poplar Villa, Yonge Street, Town of Aurora


Sunrise Senior Living, Town of Aurora, Ontario


Today I asked for a drive around Aurora. I needed fresh air and so the rest of us, but we couldn’t keep Matthew in the cold air too much so walk was out of question. Our path was improvised, we didn’t anticipated, just making unexpected turns starting with Yonge Street and heading South.

We took unexpected turn on Brookland Avenue, somehow merged onto Fairway Drive, then to Murray Drive and ended up on Kennedy Street.

Kennedy Street is a interesting street, mixed with old and new houses, and some empty lots.

Well, I already been driving on Kennedy Street few times last summer, but never made a turn on Temperance Street. We did today.

When I met with seniors at the Hollandview Trail Retirement Community I found out that Jean Baker-Pearce once used to live there, and apparently there is a log house hidden inside one of the houses. There is lot of history on this street of which I am not aware of.

Temperance Street, Town of Aurora, Ontario


Temperance Street runs parallel to the Yonge Street that means you get to see the back of all the buildings that face Yonge Street. Interesting views and they do remind me downtown like Toronto.

Temperance Street, Town of Aurora, Ontario


We decided to end our trip when we headed towards Wellington Street. I have seen it before, but never paid attention – the barn. I must return and find out more, or may be someone can share a story.

The Barn, Wellington Street, Town of Aurora


And when I snapped my last picture of the barn someone was really anxious to get home, so we did. Turned North on Yonge Street and headed home, just like the biker.

The Biker, Bossa Nova, Yonge Street, Downtown Aurora


Hope you enjoyed my black and white photography. The day was kind of dark and moody so color photography just didn’t go this time. All these are shots from the car behind the window, so if you see any reflection there and there, no worry no ghost was following us.]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/drive-through-town-of-aurora-streets-in-black-white-for-change/feed/ 0 Step Into The Booth, Step In Time, Have You Heard About The Latest Chills https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/step-into-the-booth-step-in-time-have-you-heard-about-the-latest-chills/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/step-into-the-booth-step-in-time-have-you-heard-about-the-latest-chills/#comments Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:07:22 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=8728 on North East corner of the Wellington and Yonge Street was demolished.

Former Zellers store’s facade came down as well sometime last week. Soon there will be fence banners saying ‘Target Loves Canada’, same as we have seen today at the Upper Canada Mall where Zellers used to be.

Perhaps fast changes like that make us more appreciate history of Aurora. I know I don’t buy anything from David Heard’s booth at the Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park, but I really enjoy visiting his booth for sake of stepping back in time.

Sport Memorabilia, David Heard's Booth

Sports Memorabilia, David Heard’s Booth


Beside the sawing machine and other small artifacts, David has also display of sports memorabilia such photos of athletes and that one hockey stick which for love of me I cannot remember to whom it used to belong. But you can find out for yourself when you pay David a visit. We still have about a month of Aurora Farmers Market for this season.

Historic Aurora, David Heard's Booth

Historic Aurora, Photos at David Heard’s Booth


The other day when I went to photograph the demolishing of the mentioned above sales centre I had a nice walk downtown Aurora along Yonge Street. I have been historic downtown few times and I always never fail to find something old but new to me. There is so much of character in some of the old buildings and each having a string of different architectural elements interestingly enough all of the buildings do belong together and beautifully landscape Aurora’s historic downtown.

With the new condominium to be standing in the near future the North view will definitely change and will probably last another 200 or more years.

Historic Aurora, David Heard's Booth

Historic Aurora, Photos at David Heard’s Booth


Historic Aurora, David Heard's Booth

Historic Aurora, Photos at David Heard’s Booth


Historic Aurora, Photos at David Heard's Booth

Historic Aurora, Photos at David Heard’s Booth


Cows in Aurora, Photos at David Heard's Booth

Cows in Aurora, Photos at David Heard’s Booth


Look look look – cows on the picture. This is something we will never see here in Aurora. We can still see horses, but definitely not cows. Today I was actually surprised to see two horses on the North West corner of Yonge Street and St. John’s sideroad. It was just a block away from the entrance to the St. Andrew’s College.

I was on my way to the gas station and when I was filling up the gas I remembered the good old days when the gas was forty five cents per liter. Wishful thinking but we will never see price like that again. However, we may not be far from having our own car plug in the garage to recharge the car as oppose to refuel.

So in the meantime I refueled the car. It was interesting to see that on Sunday morning all the cars at that Petro-Canada gas station were refueled by ladies. It is interesting to note that on Sunday mornings you have a better chance to spot fathers with children at the Aurora playgrounds.

Scary Guy, David Heard's Booth

A Scary Guy, David Heard’s Booth


Well scary stuff is happening in Aurora all around us, and if you really want to see scary, spooky, chills on your back, ghost hanging over your shoulder, spirit walking beside you stuff – get your spirit walk tickets for the Spirit Walk Aurora, only two more walks are left.

Annie's Legacy

Annie’s Legacy

]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/step-into-the-booth-step-in-time-have-you-heard-about-the-latest-chills/feed/ 0 What Rough Collie Dog, Never Say Never & Basement Have In Common? A Trip To Library https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/what-rough-collie-dog-never-say-never-basement-have-in-common-a-trip-to-library/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/what-rough-collie-dog-never-say-never-basement-have-in-common-a-trip-to-library/#comments Thu, 19 Apr 2012 03:34:57 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=6615 We came today because we had serious business to do – we had to pay fine for overdue Aurora library books and DVDs.

We parked and I am about to get out the car. Well what do I see, a Rough Collie dog off the leash cruising around the parking lot. Even better he stood in front of our parked car and kept looking at us. After few seconds of staring, which felt like minutes to us, the dog decided to leave us.

I thought that the owner must be in the near proximity. But he wasn’t, because when I got out and got on the back of the car to take Matthew out of the car seat – oh what now? The dog was back again standing in front of our car and looking at us. Lucky us he got a nature call, wandered to the next available bush, took off right after, and we were able to safely arrive at the library.

Aurora Public Library, Children Section Books


So they say never say never. Couple of weeks ago I was standing in line at the library checkout behind a lady who was paying for overdue books. The amount was substantial. I thought, I will never pay any fees. Never mind, I will never pay anything. I always keep on top of everything. Well not this time, I slipped.

My fine for DVDs on the adult card was 75 cents (25 per DVD per day) and Matthew had to pay 80 cents for books that were overdue 8 days (5 cents per book per day). Good thing that I was informed in the past that it is cheaper to put children books on the child’s card, I will pay less fine in the future. Who ever told me this, predicted that one way or the other I will pay a library fine.

Aurora Public Library Inside


So we are paying our fine at the drop off desk. We were chatting a bit and as usual Matthew showed off his Iron Man shoes. Then suddenly he asked ‘Hey Lady what’s in library basement?‘. Oh my ‘hey Lady‘ didn’t sound too polite, but the lady was nice enough to explain that it was just area filled with books, just like a storage. She said that they don’t go there very often.

We told her that one day we were going down the elevator from second to first floor, but the elevator did not stop just went to the basement. We both got scared and laughed when we realized that someone was waiting for the elevator in the basement to go up. Since then we been curious to find out what was there.

Mystery solved – just old books, archives, space for Pottery club and probably all the electrical and heating services.

Computer Work Stations, Aurora Public Library


Today the purpose was to drop off overdue items but Matthew headed for the second floor anyway. We got to the elevator and what happens to us? We started to go down to the basement again – what are the chances especially after we talked about it and how rare it is. I looked at Matthew, he looked at me and I said ‘What did you press?‘. ‘I pressed nothing just number two‘ – he replied surprised. We laughed again when a service man entered the elevator. He explained to us that it was secured area and no visitors are allowed in the basement.

My Favorite Library Art


I know I know the post is getting too long … but may be I tell you what happened at the Matthew’s hearing test.

When we arrived at the doctor office later today, the specialist asked what was the issue. My mistake was telling him this ‘I could yell and scream and he does not respond. Family doctor suggested we do hearing test‘. This doctor had a very good sense of humor and made Matthew very comfortable that we had no issues taking the test.

Matthew’s test result was perfect, and this is a semi-exact message left by the specialist at my family doctor’s voice mail, ‘This message is for patient Matthew so and so. The results of his hearing test are perfect. Matthew not responding to his mother shows his character, and I think his mother is scary‘. Looks like I was diagnosed with ‘too much yelling‘ syndrome.

After the appointment we asked if Matthew can hear us now, he responded that ‘I am better now and I can hear you‘. As a reward for being a good patient we took Matthew for a treat to Tim Horton’s on Wellington Street for chocolate covered donut. Never enough – he asked for more Tim-bits. After little training he arrived at the counter and asked ‘Excuse me can I have one chocolate Tim-bit please?

I know I should not let my son indulge but I needed an opportunity for him to learn how to ask properly for something instead of ‘hey Lady‘. Speaking of indulging, Matthew paid twenty five cents, got back five cents and two chocolate Tim-bits.]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/what-rough-collie-dog-never-say-never-basement-have-in-common-a-trip-to-library/feed/ 0 Sunday Break, Not Isaac Petch Farm House, Vine-Not Letting Go https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/isaac-petch-farm-house-vine-not-letting-go/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/isaac-petch-farm-house-vine-not-letting-go/#comments Sun, 15 Apr 2012 05:00:23 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=6515

Correction, this is not Isaac Petch Farm House. I need to find out more.

Isaac Petch Farm House, Wellington Street


Isaac Petch Farm House, Wellington Street

‘Change is never easy, and we shouldn’t expect it to be. We just have to be mindful that instead of fighting hard to hold on to what was, we must instead fight hard to let go.’ ~ Unknown Author
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