Porte Photos’ Daily Pic: Friday, October 3rd, 2025 – World Smile Day

“I want my flowers
while I’m alive”

~ Chubby Checker
Singer and songwriter
Born on: 3rd October 1941

Porte Ponderings:

Yes, I once danced with Chubby Checker. I was at Busch Gardens with my friend Kathy Collins. We sat in the front row and we got up and danced with Chubby Checker. He was amazing. I loved going to the Real Music Series with my Season Pass to Busch Gardens in Tampa. So glad I did this.

Porte Photos’ Daily Pic: Thursday, September 25th, 2025 – Daughter’s Day

“To avoid criticism,
say nothing,
do nothing,
be nothing”

~ Robert M. Gates
United States Secretary of Defence
Born on: 25th September 1943

Porte Ponderings:

Even if you say nothing, do nothing and be nothing you will still be criticized…..

Once you get to the Alberta Badlands, you need to go to the Dinosaur Museum…Royal Tyrrell Museum. An amazing display of bones artistically arranged. The most complete collection of preserved dinosaurs in the world.

Porte Photos’ Daily Pic: Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 – Cherries Jubilee Day

“Imagination was given to man
to compensate him for what he isn’t.
A sense of humour was provided
to console him for what he is”

~ Horace Walpole
The 4th Earl of Orford
was an English art historian and politician
Born on: 24th September 1717

Porte Ponderings:

The main purpose for our trip to Calgary was to meet Harold’s biological brother Dave for the first time. We had an amazing meal that Dave’s wife Barb insisted on paying for at Taste of Italy in Calgary. The conversation and wine was amazing. With promises of a second meeting on Friday, I didn’t take any pictures of our intimate group. Never wait to take pictures. Our second meeting was cancelled and we may never be able to see them in person again.

On the Thursday, I went for a drive to see the Alberta badlands. Dave told me about how the Red River had cut deep into the ground and exposed layers of history. Even the glaciers hadn’t erased the huge cut into the surface of the earth. There was even the Royal Tyrrell Museum that I shouldn’t miss on my trip to Calgary. This wasn’t something Harold was interested in so I went solo into the badlands. So much to see.

Porte Photos’ Daily Pic: Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025 – Rosh Hashana

“Don’t retire
– inspire”

~ Mickey Rooney
Actor
Born on: 23rd September 1920

Porte Ponderings:

The first day of our holiday to Calgary Alberta started very early. We arrived at 8:30 AM and couldn’t check into our room until 4PM. So, after sleeping in the car and charging up Harold’s scooter, we went to Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. The building was only open until 4 so this worked perfectly. 400 acres in the city of Calgary, with pave walking paths, beside the Bow river. Lots of water birds to see. The Common Merganser stole the show but there were also lots of Wood Ducks and Canada Geese.

Porte Photos’ Daily Pic: Thursday, August 7th, 2025 –  India Pale Ale (IPA) Day

“I wanted to live
like a colourful butterfly
in the sun”

~ Mata Hari
Exotic dancer and spy
Born on: 7th August 1876

Porte Ponderings:

Today is my sister Shelley’s birthday. On the day she was born I was at the hospital waiting for my mother to pick me up after I had a tonsillectomy. Instead my mother was busy having this little sister of mine. My mother didn’t come. My father picked me up and took me to my Aunt Betty’s for a week. A summer holiday with my favorite Aunt and cousins. What could be better for a 7 year old? And my sister has been giving me unexpected joy ever since.

Porte Photos’ Daily Pic: Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 – NATIONAL EMPANADA DAY

“Happiness is a journey
not a destination”

~ Gautama Buddha
Founder of Buddhism
Born on: 8th April 563 BC

Porte Ponderings:

On our first bike ride of the year the Old Ausable Channel was the lowest I’ve ever seen it.

I’m hoping the recent rain storms have raised the levels significantly. Otherwise I won’t be capable of getting out at my favorite destination. The water doesn’t even reach the dock.

Porte Photos’ Daily Pic: Sunday, February 23rd, 2025

“Either America will destroy ignorance
or ignorance will destroy the United States”

~ W. E. B. Du Bois
Historian, sociologist and author
Born on: 23rd February 1868


Porte Ponderings:

Today’s quote from the 1800’s seems just as true today as it did then.

Today’s AI generated image using analog film style:

Weird how the spelling is incorrect and the quote is split.