Mom-Day Birthday Adventure at HCP in Jacko and Cats

Hello, my friends! I'm so excited to share this Mom-Day with you - it's Mom's birthday week (not to mention Mother's Day this Sunday) and we returned to her favourite place, the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific (HCP). We last visited here in October 2025.

Mom dressed up for the occasion, as did I. Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you! 

I factored in walking and busing to and from Mom's place, the variable weather (warm, but cloudy and cold in the shade, always windy), and of course, gotta look fancy. 

Mom loves jewel tones, so I knew this rich blue sweater would appeal to her. 

• Wool blend sweater - Talbots, thrifted; purchased here for $19.95
• Skirt - Laundry by Shelli Segal, vintage 90s, thrifted; first worn here in February with bits of blue and grey
• Shoes - Seychelles, consignment; last seen here in April with dragonscale
• Jacko (jacket + poncho, below) - Junya Watanabe, Comme des Garcons, consignment; last worn here in October 2025

I only looked like this while we were having lunch at the onsite Charlotte & the Quail restaurant. 

I relished wearing the skirt again. 

It's massively swooshy. 

I had to wrangle it thusly to get on and off busses. Mustn't trip! 

Most of the time I looked like this, only with my sunglasses on. You can see my pin placement here (lapel and pocket flap). 

It was cool in the morning when I set out, but by the time we arrived at the gardens, it was nearly 1pm. 

I loved wearing Jacko again! I really need to wear it more. 

Whateley came sniffing around. 

The stuff: 

I started out with the scarf around my neck, but quickly moved it to my purse - it was warm and even hot at times. 

• Purse - fake Hermes souvenir from the 1998 Paris Expo, thrifted, Vancouver
• Silk scarf - Halston, vintage 80s, consignment
• Skeleton cat pin - whatsherface, Vancouver; purchased here for $14.00
• Cat and mirror pin - JJ, vintage 90s, Mom's

Silvery bling: 

I need to retouch the "Vizzini" earrings. 

• Silver S bangle - Mexican, consignment, Sidney
• Crystal hearts cuff - Juicy Couture, consignment
• Fulvia Ring and Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes
• Silver/enamel ring - antique fair
• Silver/kyanite ring - consignment
• Porcelain cat earrings - Winnie Tam
• Necklace - Stella & Dot, thrifted

I discovered Whateley in bed, leaning up against my pillow. 

"Caught! Curses!"

As I planned my outfit, I heard a "merp!"

"I'm sleeping!"

He kicked all of my socks out of my sock bag so he could nap there. 

I got off the bus to overcast skies. 

But it was still warm. 

Mom's lilac tree bloomed! It smelled divine. 

Her flowering crabapple tree is so pretty. 

Love this hot pink azalea.

They're such a burst of colour. 

Wow, check these out! 

Yellow, red and orange. The red one was a gift from my grandad, Mom's dad, and it always blooms on her birthday. It's a bit early this year.

We drove the short distance to the HCP and of course, got rockstar parking.

We were giddy with joy. 

The beautiful fountain and tree greeted us. 

It was busy, lots of people around. 

The skies started to clear. 

They didn't stay clear, but teased us with fat puffs sailing overhead. 

Looking through the gates down to the valley below. 

There's water down there. 

We did a short loop through the upper area. 

We didn't want to overdo it on Mom's first "in the wild" Mom-Day. 

Reluctantly, we craned our necks, looking for the rhodos we know are off to the right. 

The little stream. 

But we had so many gorgeous flowers. 

These peonies made me swoon. 

Irised of every colour. 

Just a hint of purple and yellow. 

Peachy goodness. 

I like the hints of red deep within. 

Calla lilies are so elegant. 

So pretty it hurts. 

I assume people get married here all the time. 

It's the perfect venue! 

I always say hello to this eucalyptus tree. 

So much Cloud Drama going on. 

The air was filled with chirps and soaring swallows. 

Looking back up at the fountain. 

More lilies. 

I don't know what the red things are, but this is very picturesque. 

As it warmed up, the lizards came out. 

Hello! 

A pink azalea. 

So pretty. 

Ann's garden. 

Sending good vibes to my dear blog friend (here, link 'cause I love).

What a view! 

We just inhaled and exhaled. 

Giant spiky art. 

I recommended to someone to look for the sculpture hidden all over the gardens. 

Time for a sit. 

Let's enjoy this beautiful day. 

Hey, Mom, how are you feeling? 

Hee hee! Yeah, me too. Me too. 

One last look. 

Our stomachs were rumbling. 

We headed to the restaurant for a late lunch. 

"Thanks for coming!"

I really enjoyed the custom paint-job on this car. 

I see a tiger! 

Mom and I at the very busy restaurant. 

Tired but happy. 

The first sip of the lime-cardamom homemade lemonade. 

"My mouth is awake!"

Our lunches were SO GOOD. Mom had the pancake (it puts the cake in pancake - look how thick it is!) with seeds, apple-ginger compote, honey drizzle and whipped cream. 

I had poached eggs on seed toast and a gorgeous salad. 

We drove back to Mom's where I harvested a bunch of rhubarb. 

Mom's a fan of my stewed rhubarb, so I'll be making her a tub for mixing with her yogurt and granola. 

Time to head for the bus. 

That was such a wonderful day. 

Sheeps! 

It's always nice to see them. 

The boys were sleeping out on the deck when I got home. 

Don't get up! 

And now, Gentle Readers, I'm signing off for the weekend. Sending you all warm breezes, soft fur and good vibes. I'll be back on Sunday with tales of adventure!