Chipmunk...

Photos by Barry Wallace

Chipmunks are small striped squirrels of the subtribe Tamiina.   They are found in North America, with the exception of the Siberian Chipmunk, which is found primarily in Asia.   

The name "chipmunk" originated in the 19th century, and other names for this group include chitmunk, chiptmuck, chipping squirrel and ground squirrel.

Chipmunks are omnivorous animals, and have diets that primarily include seeds, nuts, fruits and buds but may extend to include other plant matter, fingi, insects, small frogs, worms, bird eggs and nestlings. 

Their varied diet allows them to feed on plants such as grains and vegetables grown by humans which leads them to be thought of as pests in some areas.

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Barry Wallace 

King Township winter warrior...

Photo by Barry Wallace

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Barry Wallace

   Photos by Barry Wallace

Eaton Hall ~ King City ~ built in 1938 

 now part of Seneca College

                                                                                      

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BarryWallace

Phil Chardwick art...

Phil Chadwick, one-time King Township resident, one-time Environment Canada weatherman and prolific painter is still at it.   The painting above caught my eye in a recent online post of his.   The painting was made some time ago and beautifully captures the style he is so noted for.

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Barry Wallace 

Aurora Cemetery Dead House

Photo by Barry Wallace

The Aurora Cemetery Dead House (Charnal House) on Yonge Street in south Aurora was erected in 1868 to receive coffins in wintertime for storage until spring burials.  The Aurora Cemetery itself was established in 1869, and is a fine example of a Victorian period "Garden Cemetery".

It started as a 4 1/2 acre site and today is 29 acres of of winding roads, towering monuments and mature trees.   The Dead House is one of only eight such structures in Ontario.   Another one is to be found in the nearby King City Cemetery.

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Barry Wallace

Maple syrup soon...

Photos by Barry Wallace

Maple syrup making is just around the corner.   Cold nights, which we've had plenty of lately, and warming days, which are in the forecast, are the combination of weather conditions to get sap running.   The photos included here were taken at Cold Creek Conservation Area, northwest of Nobleton, in King Township, a few years ago. March and April are peak months for production.

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Barry Wallace

New Aurora United Church not open yet...

 

The new Aurora United Church, which many hoped would open in 2025, has not opened due to extensive delays from the 2014 fire, including COVID-19, unexpected groundwater issues, complex site redevelopment with the adjoining Amica retirement home, and financial hurdles.

The "Rising from the Ashes" campaign has struggled to reach its $5 million goal.   It had raised only $183,000 back in early 2025.

The congregation continues to hold services at the Trinity Anglican Church in Aurora.

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Barry Wallace