#leaf collecting

Afternoon leaf-collecting walk

For those of us trying to endure the cold winter days, how can we pass our time? Well, how about starting a hobby? Defined as an activity done regularly during leisure time for one’s pleasure, a hobby can include and outdoor activities. Really, the sky’s the limit. This week, we’ll take a look at some example of hobbies within our collection.

Fall bouquet

In the course of a little weekend bike ride, Grandson Colin came upon what he called a “giant leaf.”

He stopped his bike immediately, climbed down and scooped it up.

But then he faced a dilemma; he couldn’t carry the leaf and ride his bike at the same time.

Leaf Sweeping on Sports Surfaces

The “Aussie Cleansweep” the original and the best leaf and litter speed sweeping system for sand filled synthetic grass surfaces

Here we are again, the last few days the rain has been on and off and the temperature has been falling in the evenings, and the summer (joke) we’ve just had will soon be a distant memory as the leaves start to turn, hinting that Autumn is here.

At this time of year many…

It's certainly autumn here in the Abitibi! (This region of Quebec is called Abitibi-Temiscamingue and most people call it Abitibi!)

This last week we had gorgeous weather in Val d'Or; a little chilly in the mornings but it got into the 20's by the afternoon! Accordingly I decided to do an activity with the younger kids involving going outside! So, with the grade 1 and 2's we went outside and their task was to gather 4 leaves each, of different colours. I then verified them and we went inside and they stuck them onto papers with a sentence below "I see a ____ leaf" and they would fill in the blank with whatever colour it was. I realize this way they are really only learning 4 colours, BUT it's practical knowledge! They can at least name the predominant colours outside right now. I also read them a book called "I See Fall" which went alright, though they didn't really understand much. I think the only new word I might have managed to teach them was "Pumpkin".

Talk about beautiful fall foliage up here! This past weekend I went for a hike with some friends in le Parc National d'Aiguebelle, just north west of here. It is well known for it's lovely forests in the fall; a mix of boreal northern forests and a surprising amount of deciduous types.  Including MAPLE TREES, as per the photo below. It was beautiful walking through the forest with such a colourful blanket of leaves covering the path.