AUGUST FLOWERS IN ONTARIO GARDENS

The cone flowers are so pretty against the green.

They even invite some treasured butterflies.

Some white ones- do you know the name?

The Sun Flower- Gira al Sole!

The colours brighten up any garden. The taller the better!

Found everywhere!

Lovely bushes in a neighbour's front yard!

Embellishes a famous fountain at the Canadian National Exhibition!

#flowers#sunflowers#CanadianNationalExhibition#Ontario#coneflowers#beautiful#August

CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION-TORONTO ONTARIO CANADA 2014

The Canadian National Exhibition celebrated 135 years. 65 years of an Annual Air Show. Beginning as Toronto Industrial Exhibition, it remains one of the top 10 Agricultural fairs in North America. Since we are commemorating the start of World War One, it served a s military and training camp for 15th Battery of the Canadian Field Artillery during the war-1914-1918.

The CNE has always been a fun place to go. Situated on Lake Ontario near the waterfront, it has brought generations of Canadians to its events.

From entering at the Princes Gate

to the many food stands

to rides,

to capturing famous landmarks like the CN Tower in pictures,

to the many signs that help find our way,

to the colourful variety of painted Muskoka chairs found everywhere,

to the FARM building with activities and pens of farm animals for children and adults to learn about our many farm activities,

the EX has something for everyone. Spending 6 hours of a Saturday with one daughter and her family, it was a wonderful time. The Air Show was on. The roar of the jets could be heard everywhere.

Difficult to try to see everything in one day but fun trying to get in as much as possible. Labour Day is the last day. Been to the EX lately!!

CANADA HAS BEAUTIFUL END OF SUMMER GARDENS

End of summer flowers bring beautiful colour to  Canadian gardens.Public places like the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto abound with many beautiful gardens. The fountain is a favourite place for photos. So check out those local gardens and take advantage of family shots with the floral background. Maybe I'll take my advice and get out shooting some photos.

A RIDE IN LIFE COMES IN VARIOUS SHAPES

Sometimes our ride in life takes us to heights where we can observe the world around us. Give us new perspective and time to contemplate what is next.

Or we can go in circles and arrive at the same place we started. Sometimes it is upside down and other times round and round. What does your ride of life look like?

THE CNE IS A FOODIE'S DELIGHT

The Ex is famous for many things but one of the best deals is the food that can be found everywhere. On a visit it is time to sample as many delights as possible.

Fries of all kinds can be found. One of my favourite Ex foods. I had some from the Food Building.

A slice or two of fudge is a must. The flavours Death by Fudge and Mint Chocolate were purchased in the Food Building. Made by the Northwest Fudge Factory that boasts a Guinness World Record for the largest slab of fudge which weighed 2.52 tonnes on October 24, 2010. Fudge is always a delight to enjoy for days after a trip to the CNE. Just makes me want to go back to buy more!

MUSKOKA CHAIRS AS ART!

On a recent trip to the Canadian National Exhibition, I captured some pictures of these Muskoka chairs painted in a variety of ways.

Aren't they pretty?

Different schools throughout the city, decorated a chair. They were abundant in front of the Direct Energy Centre. A fun, creative idea to showcase the artistic talents of school children as well as providing much needed seats for weary visitors. A Canadian icon-the muskoka chair made into art. Only in Canada they say?

LET'S GO TO THE EX-A 2013 TRIP TO THE CNE-CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION

You can enter through two gates. This is the Princes' gates opened in the 1930s by the royal princes of the time.

Situated in downtown Toronto on the lakeshore, the Ex or the Canadian National Exhibition is over 100 years old.

The noise and smells of the midway bring back so many childhood and adult memories.

Lots of games and chances to win a prize.

Lots of fun rides in the midway. Or take the younger children to the kiddieland area with rides and fun houses to walk through and try not to be scared.

Food is everywhere-from one end of the Ex to the other. However, at least one trip during the day must be to the Food Building with its many booths and variety of goodies. Meals, french fries, fudge and those famous Ex Tiny Tom donuts!

After visiting the many buildings such as the Direct Energy  Centre, the Allstream Centre, the Better Living Centre and the Arts, Crafts and Hobbies building, a quiet pause by the Fountain near the Bandshell is a must. How many family pictures exist with a group shot by this famous fountain? I know we took some on our visit! The Ex is just one of those must see and visit Canadian icons! So Let's go to the Ex!!

THE LABOUR DAY WEEKEND

Is the last official long weekend of the summer. When the children were younger, I used to use it as a mark to clean the house and do the windows- I took the word labour literally! Now I spread out the Fall cleaning to one area at a time over several months! It is a time to organize for the Fall. However, planning some fun events is okay too. Before the pace becomes hectic again it is a great weekend to enjoy! At the Canadian National Exhibition there is always the Labour Day Parade with the various unions marching to demonstrate the Labour movement in this country. It does seem somewhat passe! The labour laws and the protection of working people is so ingrained in our culture now.The origninal battles for rights brought us to where we are today! If you want, you can hire a lawyer! Are you planning any laborious activities? Will you be enjoying the good weather?

A POSTCARD FROM THE CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION

The Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto is an annual event. It really marks the end of summer as it begins the 3rd week of August ending the Labour Day weekend with the Air Show. As a child it was a major event in my life. Saving money for several months to be able to go on some favourite rides. The Flyer was the biggest roller coaster at the time. It was dismantled due to old age years ago replaced by more modern rides. The various buildings would have exhibits so gathering a bag full of pamplets was a must. The food building offered many free samples as well as booths to buy meals. Now it is just a food building with all the modern take out outlets as well as many ethnic favourites selling a variety of dishes. There are CNE bargains, rides, midway with a chance to win many prizes including the biggest stuffed animals. The Princes" Gates featured in the postcard were dedicated in 1937 by Prince George and Prince Edward when they visited Toronto. Many tourists have their picture taken there.

The Carlsberg Championship team and wagon were regular features at the EX for years. I had these two free cards from them in my collection. The horses are 8 beautiful Championship Belgian show horses. They are very large animals.
The Ex offers lots of good and junk food eating- from snow cones to candy floss to tiny tim donuts- the smells entice you to eat. This year deep fried butter and deep fried crispy creme hamburgers are a feature. Not sure if I would try one.
Many photo opportunities, craft displays, people selling the latest gadgets, and lots of junk to buy if wanted. I have bought some small elephants items in the International Building that features booths from all over the world. Of course, many African nations are located there thus the availability of not only elephant artifacts but other African items.
Adolph and I plan to go on the Labour Day weekend to check the end of the EX sales as well as to see the Air Show. Have you ever been to the Ex? Do you have childhood memories of being there?
If you want a postcard featured here, email me at abdm@rogers.com. I will send you my address so you can send me a postcard.