A Rainbow Connection

Sometimes it’s nice to get away for a little one-on-one time with a fellow pattern designer. My good friend, Brenda Miller of Among Brenda’s Quilts and Bags, and I were chatting a few months ago and decided that it would be a good idea to meet up, spend some time sewing and chatting for a weekend somewhere.

Brenda lives in Strathroy, Ontario (near London), and I live in Syracuse, NY. Looking at a map, the obvious half-way point was Niagara Falls. We made our reservations (actually Brenda handled the reservation part) for the first weekend of March, two weeks ago.

We spent some sewing time in our room overlooking the Horseshoe falls. Our room was a suite with a very small table that accommodated our sewing machines and not much else. And we both brought along some hand sewing to do while chatting.

And of course, we got out to see the Falls. Here is a little tour of our escapades.

Chilly cheesy grins with the American falls as the backdrop.

Dave and I were just watching something on public TV that stated that Niagara Falls are the most photographed park location in all of Canada. I don’t remember the exact wording on that fun fact, but let’s face it. They are beautiful and very photogenic!

And of course, being tourists had to do some site-seeing. Gift shop time with Monty the Mounty.

Maple leaves, and maple leaf texture in the sidewalks! Oh, lovely Canada!

A little early in the season for many of the typical Niagara Falls attractions, but we found some things open. Bird Kingdom? D’ya think!?

Lots of beautiful feathered friends inside!

For a couple bucks you get a little cup of nectar to hold in your hands. The lorikeets know the drill! When they see the cup, even before it’s filled with nectar, you are their new best friend!!

It has been a very long time since I’ve seen the Falls at night. The view from our room provided the best view. 

On Sunday, our last full day at the Falls, the weather predictions were expected to be well below freezing. Over night the temperatures dropped severely. At sunrise, the mist from the falls took on a life of its own, rising high into the air as the mist and sunlight mingled.

As we ventured out, the landscape, especially nearest to the falls was changed. Common items underwent a very uncommon transition. Grass blades look like frosty noodles or worms. 

This street lamp close to the Horseshoe Falls was transformed by wind and freezing mist to look like something from Pirates of the Caribbean!

A common garbage bin is transformed by freezing falls mist.

The areas directly overlooking the falls were also transformed, like icy sea monsters instead of early spring plant life.

Popcorn grass.

The guardrails along the walkway are also beautifully transformed with coats and coats of frozen accumulated mist from the falls.

If the sun is out, you can always find a rainbow. The pot o’ gold is a bit more elusive.

No better way to warm up after a day of spectacular views in the cold than a nice dinner (and dessert!) with a spectacular view.