Although we see increasing numbers of southbound flying flocks of Canada geese leaving for the winter months to find solace in climates more forgiving than ours during the coming cold, there are still ample numbers remaining, alongside the Ottawa River.  We saw them, yesterday, lifting off from the river, and sprawled in numbers on the parkland beside it, as well as at the meadows of the RCMP's horse farm on the Eastern Parkway.

It was a cold, blustery day, heavily overcast, the waters of the river dark and choppy, with plenty of whitecaps.  Not what one might describe as a particularly weather-clement day, and not one when one might necessarily choose to set one's canoe down on a lake in the area.

Only a few weeks previously, while driving along the same route trees still had their foliage in fair abundance, with white fluffed clouds sailing along a mostly clear sky, the sun warming the atmosphere unseasonably.  That has changed dramatically.

The Parliament buildings are undergoing long-term and costly renovations, badly needed, to ensure they remain useful for a long time to come.  Parts of them are shrouded in immense tarps to protect workers engaged in reconstruction.  And doubtless to prevent detritus from falling below with the potential to injure.

Despite which there are still crowds of people - albeit more modest in numbers - ambling about the Hill, enjoying the opportunity to get out and about, despite November's cold and wind.