I love you Chris Hadfield !

If you're not Canadian, you may not know who Chris Hadfield is, but I'd really like to rectify that.

Here's a BIG hint: "Is someone singing (ISS) ", a song Col. Hadfield co-wrote with Ed Roberts of the Barenaked Ladies', was sung yesterday in schools all across Canada.

If you didn't already do so, you may want to click that link now: and all will be revealed. And after that, you may just want to click it again just for fun.

A floating cookie shaped like a Maple Leaf.

In March, Chris became the first Canadian commander of the International Space Station (ISS).

Since his arrival on the ISS, thousands of devoted folk have followed his fascinating daily Tweets and FaceBook posts, about what he sees outside his window.

The Florida Keys

Irrigation in South Africa

Not my brain, but a land form in Brazil

Not Mars, but Earth: Saudi Arabia to be exact.

While in space he has thrilled school children across Canada, with live video-link chats, answering countless questions with humour and grace.

A recent posting of "fridge art" in space.

As the orbit of the  I.S.S. takes it directly over the Maritime Provinces, here is the view of my beloved Nova Scotia from space.

The island of Cape Breton, separated from  mainland Nova Scotia
by the narrow Strait of Canso

Halifax from space.  Eastern Passage is centre bottom .
Look closely at the "narrows" and you can see the
two bridges that cross the harbour.  

Click on any of the photographs on Commander Hadfield's FaceBook page and you can scroll through hundreds of wonderful images from space and read his informative, personal and sometimes humourous comments about each.

Thank you Commander, for making us feel like we are a part of your amazing adventure.

Safe travels.

Get back soon.

A note to Mother Earth.

Dear Mother Earth,

I am sorry.  I am sorry we put financial gain ahead of you.  I am sorry we ignore your warnings that you are not well.  I am sorry we are making you sick.  Sometimes you have a fever.  Sometimes it's a chill.  Those who understand, call it climate change.  Those who don't, say you're fine and just faking it, and that you've been faking it off and on since the world began, a mere 6,000 years ago.

I just want to tell you that you are lovely still, and that as I flew above you last week, leaving a trail of noxious gases, I saw your loveliness and marvelled at it.

Mount Hood is lovely. My compliments.

Sometimes you surprise us, as you go from mountains
to flat land, in a flash.

Sometimes, we try to work with you.

Sometimes, we don't.  .

You are lovely, you know.

And I hope your story has a happy ending ...

Defying Gravity.

I think we've established how much I like flying, looking down on the earth far below.  Sadly, I have to use a plane to experience it, but otherwise it's terrific.

It was only once I was in the plane, and looking at the route displayed on the seat-back in front of me, that I realized we'd be flying over mountains.  (insert squeal of delight here)  

Oh it is so magical seeing the world from up so high.

The skies were clear for much of the trip.  It was wonderful watching the changing landscapes from forests to farmland to bogs to foothills.  My window seat guaranteed me and excellent view.  And there was a bonus.

The plane was far from full.  Any time I wanted to look out the other side of the plane, I could.

Wasn't sure if those were forest fires .

Actually it was a bit hazy.  But when you're four miles up, that's sorta understandable.

Sigh ...

I'd left Halifax at 3 p.m. and thanks to my ability to travel back through time, arrived in Portland, Oregon, a mere 4 hours later, after flying for 8 hours !

And here kiddies is your bonus shot.  Pay close attention to the distance travelled, speed, and direction of travel.  Any questions ?