Mom-Day Adventure: Blenkinsop Boyfriend in Stripes, and a Wee Shop

Mom expressed a desire to visit her boyfriend Roy, so off we went to Blenkinsop Lake for a stroll in the trees and sun. 

We were also hoping for ducks and ducklings. We last visited Blenkinsop Lake here in January in the pouring rain. It was much nicer today, as you can tell by the glaring sun! 

Outfit first! 

I've worn this dress with Mom before but it's been over a year (here). 

• Dress - Zara, consignment, Vancouver; last seen here in January with a boring white shirt
• Cardigan - Wolford, thrifted; last worn here in May 2022 with a swooshy mustard skirt
• Sandals - Doc Martens, consignment; first seen here in May to see mushrooms at the Art Gallery

One of my goals when I first got this dress was to wear it without a layer under it. 

So of course, I wore a cardigan over it. 

I usually tie this wrap cardigan in the back when I wear it. 

But I liked it better tied in the front this time. 

Here's the dress on its own. 

It has very big armholes which expose my bra - I won't be wearing it like this. 

Incognito. 

I used my black leather work backpack for the day, as I had to run some errands after lunch. I wished for a white cross-body purse...

The stuff: 

This was my second wearing of these, wearing them for over 6 hours, and walking home from town in them. They were fantastic, although my feet are tired. 

Bold bling: 

Favourites! 

• Lucite/silver cuff - Alexis Bittar, consignment, Vancouver
• Silver/malachite bangle - Mexican, thrifted, Sidney
• Earrings - Brenda Schoenfeld, 1992, vintage mall
• Silver/aventurine ring - consignment
• Silver/malachite ring - consignment

And now, pictures from our walk. Everything was green green green. 

Wild roses. 

Birds chittered and chirped and screeched. 

This crow watched us enter the park. 

The early part of the walk is in an industrial area, but close to Galey Farms, where the giant gnome lives. 

And who's that I see? 

It's Howard the Gnome! 

Looking very dapper and happy to greet visitors. 

I mark the start of the park as this steel sculpture. 

I just want to sit in it! 

Then we entered the canopy of trees. 

We had balmy temps around 18-20, with a light wind. 

Many of these tall trees are cottonwoods, which are shedding their fluff now. The path was covered in it. 

Mom was taken back to her dating days (pre-Dad) and was singing "Tammy" by Debbie Reynolds from the movie Tammy. Enjoy this YouTube video here of her singing it in the movie, which L and I watched recently (all links 'cause I love). 

Two lone purple flowers. 

This isn't a really floral-heavy park, though. 

Just trees, birds and the buzz of insects.

A lizard skittered across the trail near here. People, dogs and very fast-traveling cyclists on electric bikes whizzed past us. 

But we lingered when we heard birds near us, or stopped and looked for movement. 

I see you, butterfly! 

Hearing the robins calling, we stood until we found them. 

I see you too! 

This robin was a reluctant subject. 

Clusters of tent caterpillars were on most of the trees. 

We approached the lake, with PKOLS (Mt. Doug) in the distance. 

The boardwalk over the lake widens here, so that you can enjoy the view and scenery. 

The lake's covered in green algae, but we could see trails through it where ducks had been. 

Loads of lily pads too, but they weren't in bloom yet. 

Hey, Mom, there's your boyfriend! 

He's been waiting for you! 

This was such a beautiful day. 

Just enjoying ourselves, having a giggle or three. 

"Surprise!" 

"I'd know those hands anywhere, Helen, you scamp."

We could see a bald eagle in the far distance, and a few mallard ducks. 

But no ducklings. 

The distinctive call of the redwing blackbird sounded. 

He was sitting on a lily pad, taking in the sun. 

Time to turn around. 

I'm hungry, let's have lunch! 

One more little bird. 

Not a robin, but with red. 

And here we are back at the dish. 

It's glowing! 

As are we. Thank you so much for that wonderful day, Mom! 

I love you! 

We had lunch at the Monkey Tree Pub (quesadillas for Mom, chicken burger for me), and then I bussed to town to do my errands. Of course, I had to have a quick peek through all my favourite stores in the area - only a quick browse. 

I spotted this lovely white and black bag at Rich Rags - imagine that, I just wished for a white bag, and I found it! 

The black faux leather tassel is removable, and the edges are bonded with black on the seams and on the adjustable strap. The front pocket has a magnet closure, and there's a zipper pocket on the back. 

Gee, I wonder who it's by. Roots? 

Roots is a Canadian company; Roots 73 is their more casual line - the bags are sold in Bentley, a mall chain that sells bags and luggage. 

There's the Roots logo, a beaver, for Canada, get it? 

Roots bags (vs. Roots 73) are leather and very expensive ($200-300). I paid $20 for this. It has a few marks on it that look like they'll wipe off (and I can always draw on it if I get tired of it!). 

I also found this gorgeous soft pink velour dress at the Vend Collective (no website, Instagram here), which is a storefront business, but also sells online.

I modeled this for the owner, as I felt magnificent in it, and she told me it was purchased for a special occasion by her friend, who then sold it to someone who got married in it(!), and now, it's mine. 

It's by Holly Stalder (link here), a Portland, Oregon designer who specializes in unique one-of-a-kind gowns and "make you feel special" wear. There's an excellent interview/article here. 

I happily paid $125.00 for this. It likely would have been around $200 new. Now, wherever shall I wear this??