Did anyone else get to Nathan Phillips Square to see the Ai Weiwei zodiac exhibit? 

A reinterpretation by Ai Weiwei of the 12 bronze animal heads representing the Chinese zodiac that once stood in the gardens of the Yuanming Yuan (Garden of Perfect Brightness, Old Summer Palace), an imperial retreat in Beijing.  Exhibit was supposed to come down yesterday to make room for a version of Weiwei’s “Forever Bicycles” sculpture – 3,000 bicycles – a Nuit Blanche exhibit this year.

 

In the order of the Chinese zodiac -

Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig





(in the interest of full disclosure - I'm a rooster!!!)

On the road with the Mad Retiree ....

West Montrose Covered Bridge

 

The West Montrose covered bridge is recognised as an historic site by Ontario's Archaeological & Historic Sites Board. With a 198' span across the Grand River, it is Ontario's last remaining covered bridge.  Because the roof over the bridge protected the large timbers and trusses from the elements, the bridge is still standing after more than a 100 years.

Uncovered wooden bridges generally have a life span of only 10 to 15 years.  Exposure to rain causes unprotected joints to rot in summer and freeze in the winter.  The hot sun causes wooden planks to dry and curl. Applying oil and tar to preserve the floor only makes the surface slippery when wet. Horses fear rushing water and will often spook as they approach an uncovered bridge. However, a horse will trot up to the opening of a covered bridge and clip-clop through, reassured by the side walls and the light at the end of the tunnel!

 

 

 

.... six degrees of northern Scotland ....

 

 

 

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

 

 

the beach at St. Andrews

 

 

the Isle of Skye

 

 

Urquart Castle, Loch Ness

 

 

River Clyde, Glasgow

 

 

the highlands!!!