Elements of Summer!!

 Toltec Jewels has  issued this challenge/ blog hop for us to express our interpretation of Summer Elements. It has been a revealing exercise for me and since I've been thinking so much about Canada these days in preparation for my own upcoming Blog Hop I decided to talk about what summer is like here in:

  CANADA, THE GREAT WHITE NORTH

"We get summer here too, and it is so beautiful!"

 For me ,summer officially begins with blooming of the Sakura cherry blossoms in High Park across from my apartment  in Toronto and continues with the stunning views of the gradual greening of the city and always magnificent rainbows visible from my apartment overlooking the park and Lake Ontario! I can count all the sailboats taking advantage of Toronto's beautiful waterfront,sometimes there's over 100! Of course Nelson loves the sun, the breeze and the view of our pool!

One of my favorite traditions of summer is going to see the Toronto Blue Jays, our "Boys of Summer" at the stunning Roger's Centre (which I still call the Skydome) at the foot of the world famous CN Tower. My son and I share a love of baseball.
It's especially fun on sunny days with the dome open.We has a great day in June.

As wonderful as summer is in Toronto I am looking forward to cottage country in August. I have the privilege of spending a week every summer at a little piece of heaven in the Rideau Lakes region of Ontario. Two of my oldest friends, Sandie and Pat, have included my BFF, Tish , and me in their celebration of summer at their rustic family cottage and we always have a fabulous time. Summer is not complete until we make the road trip to Sand Lake!
Beautiful lights , sounds and views are the summer elements evocative of this sublime experience! I don't have a lot of my own pictures of cottage time because I'm usually too blissed out to bother taking pictures. I've Googled several images all of which represent summer at the lake for me.I hope you enjoy my summer elements and learn a bit about Summer in Canada!

Loons! Beautiful with a haunting song that echoes over the lake  and instantly relaxes me!

Mojitos on the deck! They also help with relaxation!

Northern Lights

Not our deck but the view is identical!

Our view!

The Canadian Shield

Thank you Rita for this wonderful start to Summer 2013!

The Summer Elements Blog Hop Participants:

Toltec Jewels (Hostess)     http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com/

Marlene Cupo                   http://amazingdesigns-marlene.blogspot.com/

Cheri Reed                        http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com/

Ailsa Cordner                    http://www.bramalfiebeadsetc.co.uk/

Robin Reed                       http://willowdragon.blogspot.com/

Nan Smith                         http://www.wirednan.blogspot.com/

Sherri Stokey                     http://www.knotjustmacrame.com/

Christie (Charis Designs)    http://charisdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/

Carolyn Lawson                 http://carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com/

Susie Harris                        http://jewelleryjunkie.blogspot.com/

Andrea Glick-Zenith           http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/

Nelly May                          http://smellynelly.blogspot.com/

Melissa Trudinger               http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com/

Dini Bruinsma                     http://angazabychanges.blogspot.com/

Kathy Lindemer                 http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/

Cory Tompkins                  http://tealwaterdesigns.blogspot.com/

Robin Reed                       http://willowdragon.blogspot.com/

Gina Hockett                     http://freestyleelements.blogspot.com/

Karen Martinez                 http://www.fairiesmarket.blogspot.com/

Liz                                    http://beadcontagion.blogspot.com/

Jasvanti Patel                     http://jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com/

Solange Collin                    http://www.blog.ahowinjewelry.com/

Gerda                                http://gerdascraftsblog.blogspot.com/

Karla Morgan                    http://texaspepperjams.blogspot.com/

Anindita Basu                     http://alankarshilpa.blogspot.com/

Alicia Marinache                http://www.allprettythings.ca/

Andrea Trank                    http://heavenlanecreations.com/

Dyanne Everett-Cantrell     http://deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com/

Mischelle Fanucchi             http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/

Tanty Sri Hartanti               http://tjewellicious.blogspot.com/

Shaiha Williams                  http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/

Mary Govaars                    http://mlhjewelrydesigns.com/

Becca Sirevaag                  http://godsartistinresidence.blogspot.com/

Lennis Carrier                    http://windbent.wordpress.com/

Regina Wood                     http://www.gina-design.blogspot.com/

Sue Kennedy                     http://suebeads.blogspot.com/

Kathleen Breeding             https://www.facebook.com/99BOBOTW