Uploads from .Bettie

Unless . . . .

nobody@flickr.com (.Bettie) — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:40:45 -0700

.Bettie posted a photo:

Unless they really, really want him to. Right now, he wouldn't get far; he's sitting on his bike backwards.

For the Motorbikes set.

All Rights Reserved - Copyright © Bettie Martindale

Nice Guy On The Road

nobody@flickr.com (.Bettie) — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:10:06 -0700

.Bettie posted a photo:

This very weather-worn fellow was sitting on the ground watching technicians set up a free concert at Yonge-Dundas Square. He wasn't begging or anything. When I commented on how comfy he seemed to be, he shuffled over and offered a place for me to sit beside him on his sleeping bag roll. If I'd been more ruggedly dressed, I would have accepted his offer but, being in my warm-weather frillies, I smiled and thanked him and moved on.

For the People (Mainly Portraits) set.

All Rights Reserved - Copyright © Bettie Martindale

The Atrium on Bay

nobody@flickr.com (.Bettie) — Sat, 18 May 2013 08:11:36 -0700

.Bettie posted a photo:

Looking up at the west end of the upper level shopping concourse.

For the Buildings set.

All Rights Reserved - Copyright © Bettie Martindale

Higher Learning

nobody@flickr.com (.Bettie) — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:14:41 -0700

.Bettie posted a photo:

Pointing out that Ryerson University is expanding upwards as well as outwards.

Click the picture to view it on a black background.

For the Buildings set.

All Rights Reserved - Copyright © Bettie Martindale

Lunch On The Square

nobody@flickr.com (.Bettie) — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:12:54 -0700

.Bettie posted a photo:

There were benches and tables and chairs available but it's a nice warm day and Yonge-Dundas Square is kept clean so no reason not to just plonk down where you are and enjoy a nice lunch.

Click the picture to view it on a black background.

For the People (Mainly Not Portraits) set.

All Rights Reserved - Copyright © Bettie Martindale

Gear On The Seat

nobody@flickr.com (.Bettie) — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:36:15 -0700

.Bettie posted a photo:

The gear on the seat of the bike composed its own picture.

Click the picture to view it on a black background.

For the Motorbikes set.

All Rights Reserved - Copyright © Bettie Martindale

Black Coat Lady (02)

nobody@flickr.com (.Bettie) — Sat, 11 May 2013 14:29:25 -0700

.Bettie posted a photo:

This dear lady is at an advanced stage of dementia, frequently interrupting her wandering with loud fits of rage directed towards hallucinated adversaries. She is somebody's daughter. She might be somebody's mother. In the absence of her own ability to make decisions and in the absence of a living relative to sign her into proper care, then it is absolutely essential to have a public guardian automatically empowered to scoop her up and take her into care. But I see so many of these lost souls in Toronto that it is as if there is no such public authority. If that is so, then collectively as citizens we are all guilty of unspeakable cruelty. I do note that within the Ontario Ministry of The Attorney General there is an Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee and the role description seems to fit the need. But then why do so many of these people wander and suffer so? I hope and pray that my upset and worry is misplaced; that sad, sick men and women like Black Coat Lady aren't falling through some sort of Catch 22 or red tape loop..

Click the picture to view it on a black background.

For the People (Mainly Not Portraits) set.

All Rights Reserved - Copyright © Bettie Martindale

Black Coat Lady (01)

nobody@flickr.com (.Bettie) — Sat, 11 May 2013 14:13:32 -0700

.Bettie posted a photo:

Rod Deon

nobody@flickr.com (.Bettie) — Thu, 09 May 2013 06:13:05 -0700

.Bettie posted a photo:

I was at Fort York, Toronto, being curious about an event being held to commemorate the 200th anniversary of something that had happened during the War of 1812. It was interesting and fun. Present day Canadian military were represented and there were also a lot of groups who were re-enacting the uniforms and procedures of the past.

Walking slowly with aid of a walking stick, behind one of those re-enactment groups, was this gentleman. He looked quite solemn. He looked as if he was going home before the closing parade.

His chest was laden with medals and on seeing him I had such a lump in my throat that I could hardly breathe. However, as he passed, I did just touch my fingertips to his medals and whisper, "Congratulations, and thank you". He looked up and awarded me a nice little smile. Then I had to turn away and have a little cry.

His badge gives his name, Rod Deon. I've learned since that he is 92 years old, a veteran of World War Two, in which he served as Chief Petty Officer on board HMCS Ottawa (H31) which was on convoy duty in the North Atlantic and took part as a submarine hunter/killer during the Normandy Landings (D-Day).

He is a founder member of Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 617.

To all the members of that Legion and to all veterans young and old everywhere who serve to keep freedom and democracy alive, I now say loudly what I could only whisper to Chief Petty Officer Rod Deon, "Congratulations and thank you".

Click the picture to view it on a black background.

For the People (Mainly Not Portraits) set.

All Rights Reserved - Copyright © Bettie Martindale

Ken's 1988 Jaguar XJS (02)

nobody@flickr.com (.Bettie) — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:54:42 -0700

.Bettie posted a photo:

Ken restores old Jaguars. He told me that his workflow is to have four Jags on the go at the same time. That is, one just started, two in mid-process and one being completed. When one is completed, he sells it and uses the proceeds to buy another one to keep his line going. It looks to me though as if he's kept this one for himself.

Click the picture to view it on a black background.

For the Cars set.

All Rights Reserved - Copyright © Bettie Martindale

Ken's 1988 Jaguar XJS (01)

nobody@flickr.com (.Bettie) — Mon, 06 May 2013 14:44:24 -0700

.Bettie posted a photo:

Shawl Adjustment

nobody@flickr.com (.Bettie) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:25:46 -0700

.Bettie posted a photo:

The day was mild but breezy and the thin shawl which this gentleman was wearing with his smart white shalwar kameez had become disorganized. Calmly and with great dignity, he stopped beside a window and rewrapped it around himself.

Click the picture to view it on a black background.

For the Street Scenes and People (Mainly Not Portraits) sets.

All Rights Reserved - Copyright © Bettie Martindale

Blizzard Streetcar

nobody@flickr.com (.Bettie) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:19:44 -0700

.Bettie posted a photo:

Not stuck. Not in collision. Just an empty streetcar in Toronto, Canada making a routine turn from northbound on York Street to Eastbound on King to collect homebound commuters and take them on the route to Broadview subway station. Clearances are tight but safe. Weather doesn't stop these things. In fact, a driver told me that the grip between the wheels and the rails even seems to improve in wet or snowy weather.

Taken in 2003 with an Olympus point and shoot 35mm film camera.

Click the picture to view it on a black background.
Then click the picture again to come back here.

For the Trams and Winter sets.

All Rights Reserved - Copyright © Bettie Martindale

Sergio 1959

nobody@flickr.com (.Bettie) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:13:49 -0700

.Bettie posted a photo:

I was scrabbling through a box of scrapbook ephemera and this photo came to hand. I jumped! And felt strange. It's Sergio. He's from Chile.

He was my friend when I was at school in Malta, when I was very young and even sillier than now. He's in his school uniform and we were walking along the promenade in Sliema.

I took this picture with a foldout film camera, an Agfa Isolette. It took size 120 film and made negatives 6cm square. It's why I still have an inclination towards square format even now.

Actually this picture makes me feel a pang of sadness, recalling the sadness that I felt at that moment. Sergio was reprimanding me. He was in one of his tough guy modes, all 15 years and cigarette of him, and was telling me off for not being able to say "Sergio" or "Chile" the proper way. I've no idea what became of him. ( - sigh - )

For the Days Long Gone set.

All Rights Reserved - Copyright © Bettie Martindale

Urban Eatery

nobody@flickr.com (.Bettie) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:47:17 -0700

.Bettie posted a photo:

The food court at the north end of the Eaton Centre, Toronto was completely renovated. The upgrade, named the Urban Eatery, has become a very successful eating and meeting place. There are 980 comfortable seats, real cutlery, plates and glasses (even though it's still "fast food") and also plenty of space for promenading, meeting and chatting. Great for people watching!

Click the picture to view it on a black background.
Then click the picture again to return to the Photostream.

For the Eating and Drinking Places set.

All Rights Reserved - Copyright © Bettie Martindale

TTC Subway (Sunday)

nobody@flickr.com (.Bettie) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:10:32 -0700

.Bettie posted a photo:

On a Sunday afternoon, above ground between Rosedale and Summerhill stations. On weekday rush hours, the passengers are packed together like sardines. On weekends, however, the subway makes for a nice ride, particularly now that the trains are a continuous hinged unit instead of separate carriages.

Click the picture to view it on a black background.
Then click it again to return here.

For the Trains (inc. Subways) set.

All Rights Reserved - Copyright © Bettie Martindale

TTC Subway Train 5501

nobody@flickr.com (.Bettie) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:43:47 -0700

.Bettie posted a photo:

Parked off-platform.

Click the picture to view it on a black background.
Then click it again to return here.

For the Trains (inc. Subways) set.

All Rights Reserved - Copyright © Bettie Martindale

Eaton Centre (South End, Upper Level)

nobody@flickr.com (.Bettie) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:11:40 -0700

.Bettie posted a photo:

Sometimes the light mixes up the colours and reflections. Look carefully and you'll see that there is a flock of geese flying away from you. They are not real. Suspended models. Put your mouse pointer on the picture and you'll see that I've put notes on the picture to mark some of them, but there are more.

Click the picture to view it on a black background.
(Then click the picture again to return to this view.)

For the Shops and Places of Commerce set.

All Rights Reserved - Copyright © Bettie Martindale

CIBC Bank Reception Desk

nobody@flickr.com (.Bettie) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 15:49:56 -0700

.Bettie posted a photo:

At Commerce Court West, Toronto. The logo CIBC stands for the now-embarrassing name "Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce". Trouble is, if they drop "Imperial" then it becomes CBC which is already taken by "Canadian Broadcasting Corporation". It they change their name completely, then they lose valuable brand identity. So they keep the logo and refer to themselves by voice as "CIBC" or "Bank of Commerce" and hope that people just forget about the "I for Imperial" history.

For the Shops and Places of Commerce set.

All Rights Reserved - Copyright © Bettie Martindale

Moroco Chocolate Boutique

nobody@flickr.com (.Bettie) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 13:19:17 -0700

.Bettie posted a photo: