Welcome to Canada.
The minute you cross the border we welcome you with open arms and pinched fingers.
I took Philip the almost 2 year old standard poodle for a walk today. We walked 3 km to my garden and then 3 km home. I tried to get a few shots of him at the garden and on the walk to use for this week's puzzle, but they were all bleh.
I ended up getting a photograph of him in the cherry trees that were in bloom earlier this spring. The same angle, just a different time of year. YES I thought. That'll be this week's puzzle. It's not great but ... it'll do.
Because I have nothing but the highest standards when it comes to weekend puzzle posts.
That's when I walked Philip across a parking lot to head home and landed right under the most Canadian street sign ever. If those signs were replaced by photos of Justin Bieber over one with Celine Dion, it would still be less Canadian than The Beer Store and the pot shop.
The sign however, didn't end up being the subject of today's puzzle.
Today's FIRST puzzle is what the outside of a beer store in Canada looks like. The only thing you can buy in there is, you guessed it, bagels.
Would you like to save this stuff?
We'll email you this post, so you can refer to it later.
Beer.
Today's SECOND puzzle is indeed the shot of Philip standing in the same spot I took the Cherry trees in bloom photo this spring.
The 9 Piece Puzzle
Because if you want to see what a Canadian beer store looks like I believe you should be able to achieve that in less than 30 seconds.
The 88 Piece Puzzle
Because if you're doing an 88 piece puzzle well ... you don't want it to be easy. So lots of green on your way.
Have a good weekend.
Anne
Yes, I live 2 blocks from here and use it as a landmark!
Camille Olivia
P.S. LOVE the signage!
Camille Olivia
This is the first of your puzzles I've done...because...you know...it's Phillip! Used to do them all the time. I'll spare you the sad story (of why I stopped) but let's just say I was inspired to give it a go (Phillip!). Anyway, thanks! I'm going to begin anew. Cheers!
Karen
I'm sure the fact that it was only 9 pieces helped too. It's almost impossible to reject a 9 piece puzzle. ~ karen!
Carrie Anne
“Open arms and pinched fingers” that would make a hell of “Canadian” song! Don’t ya think?
For some reason….hmmmm…I keep hearing Journey in my head! 😂😂
LeeAnne
Yes that puzzle was hard but I loved it! Keep up the good work Karen.
Karen
Oh good, I'm glad you liked it! ~ karen
Jody
How were you able to get a photo of the beer store without cars parked in front?!
Linda
Correction: That is what a Beer store looks like in Ontario, Canada. If a visitor come to any of the other 9 provinces or 3 territories, they will not see that. Beer is sold in so many ways in actual Canada. Sometimes even with other types of alcohol... imagine! Sometimes in grocery stores... oh my! I know this is bitchy and I hope it's not posted, but really Karen, you are so much fun but you are so typical of people living in southwest Ontario, and I used to be one, very little knowledge about the rest of your country.
Karen
Oh Linda. ~ karen!
Barb
I agree with you, Linda! I, too , am tired of those in southwest Ontario thinking they are at the centre of the universe ( as one TO mayor said).And acting on it. My sister in law, formally of TO, said she used to think we were a bunch of whiners until she moved west; now she agrees! I'd like, just once, after a federal election, not to have the election called before our polls even close.
Karen
I'm honestly not even sure how to respond to this. I can tell you it's put a damper on my Sunday. ~ karen!
Fred Barrett
Fun.
Catherine
Phew ! That puzzle was HARD ! Pretty gardens, very handsome Phillip.
Bon dimanche,
Catherine
Joseph Barnes
I thought the best signs were for Tim Hortons, they're great.
Tamra
Hi Karen, my curiosity is all about the Japanese girls school gifting your Town the 37 cherry trees! How does that just happen?
Jan in Waterdown
Proud Canadian here. I don’t smoke but, on occasion, I do like me some tasty Lagershed beer (Dundas’ finest btw) so I support folks’ right to do either, in moderation of course. That sign is brilliant and definitely puzzleworthy.
Lisa E
Great puzzles!! 18 seconds for the little one, 16 minutes for the big one....Phillip is soooooo handsome! Have a fun weekend!
Karen
Thanks Lisa E! You too. ~ karen!
Sande
I want to know if all the other gardens are as spiffy and photogenic as yours? It really does look like it’s only purpose is for photography.
Karen
Do you mean the photo of Philip in front of the cherry trees? That's not my garden. That's a cherry orchard in my town. Ironically, its main purpose is indeed photography. ~ karen!