The day started out sunny and warm, and although it clouded up by afternoon, I was layered just right.
I secured the black cotton velvet ties at the front, but did not do up the two knot buttons - it didn't sit flat and made the ties at the front stick out.
The gloves have Thinsulate lining and were nice and warm. They are a little large on me, but I like that in leather gloves so that my rings can fit.
If I'd picked this as a work outfit, I would have worn fancier boots, but since we were walking on dirt and gravel, walking boots to the rescue!
Time to wear my pre-planned outfit featuring my old favourite, the Bark Skirt, and new favourite, this gorgeous tweed and cotton vest.
- Wool/cotton vest - Tai Chiu Kuei, thrifted; purchased here for $26..95
- Wool sweater - Bartolini, consignment; last worn here in January for a Mom-Day at Blenkinsop Lake
- Skirt - Gunex, thrifted; last seen here in October 2023 for a visit to Beacon Hill Park
- Boots - Aldo, thrifted; last worn here in May for brunch and a sleep-over
It's almost a coat! Mom admired it.
Love those big pockets! There are also two big slits on either side of the vest - they didn't show up in any of the pictures.
I was ready for some time spent with Mom and the beauty of nature.
The herringbone tweed reads as grey in these pictures.
It works well with brown - the little fringe trim at the waist is brown.
Without the vest, and showing the full circle of my Bark Skirt.
I've had it over 10 years, can you believe it?
I wasn't sure - would I need my scarf and gloves?
I added a silk scarf with a bit of navy blue - the vest is lined in navy, which you can see peeking out in the Stair Pic above.
I looked like this on the bus.
And like this while we strolled around the park. It gets chilly in the shade at times.
We had a did a loop from the water up the hill and back - Mom's still recovering from two weeks living with her brother - then had lunch at Montana's.
This is my favourite purse at this time of year - it's big inside and I love the contrasting leather trim.
I bused home from there. I've got stuff to do!
Accoutrements:
- Purse - Ted Lapidus, vintage 90s, vintage fair
- Silk scarf - Daniel La Foret, vintage, vintage mall, gift from L
- Leather/fur gloves - thrifted; purchased here for $6.00
The stuff:
Brutalist bling:
And we both nodded approvingly at all the new plants around the ponds outside the pavilion.
I left the knots in the necklace chain - this helps it hit at a better spot, and I can always undo them if I want it longer.
- Pewter/gold bracelets, necklace - all Robert Larin, vintage 70s, vintage mall, gifts from L
- Volcano ring - vintage 70s, Mom's
- Hematite ring - thrifted (used to keep the Volcano ring on)
- Square ring - thrifted
- Silver chain ring - Mexican, consignment
- Earrings - Glee
Wearing some of my beautiful Robert Larin pieces that L has bought for me for Christmas and birthdays over the years.
We gasped as we drove into the parking lot - look at the red leaves on the trees! So gorgeous.
We also liked the new plantings on the grass, a lovely memorial to the Garden's creators.
So much was still in bloom - we spotted many fuchsias.
A blast of yellow.
A flash of orange.
The red lampposts contrast so nicely.
We followed this new gravel path down to the water's edge.
The tide was zooming in, moving from right to left.
There are plenty of benches along here to encourage mindful rest.
I sighed happily at all these twisty branches.
I can't get enough of twisty trees.
Patches of colour on the far side of the Gorge Waterway.
We could hear a raucous crowd of starlings in the trees.
Coming into view of the bridge.
There's a tour boat - they must be watching the reversing falls.
Maple leaves are falling.
Eh, I've seen bigger.
Such a pretty view.
We've been getting our usual rain off-rain on weather for this time of year so everything is still green.
A glimpse of sun lit up this tree.
A puddle of yellow leaves at its roots.
Looking back as we climbed the hill.
This is why we keep returning here.
A leaf pretending to be a squirrel.
Excellent Hallowe'en costume, leaf! Well done!
Mom and a splashy red tree.
Which is which? Hee hee!
An inviting bridge.
We could hear the water gurgling as it ran down the hill from pool to pool.
No water shortage issues this time of year.
A tippy little house, more twisty trees.
Ferociously lime-green leaves and growing figs.
This tree towered over us.
Ferociously lime-green leaves and growing figs.
Mom and I rested here for a bit, overlooking the lower ponds and parking lot.
While we sat, I spotted something way up on the left. See the arrow?
I zoomed in with my camera.
It's a bald eagle!
Yeah, I see you!
He seems grumpy. Not a fan of pictures, I guess.
Oh, now you want to pose?
Same big smile!
No wonder the starlings were causing such a ruckus.
An accidental "portrait" setting on the camera - we text our selfies to our "Fam Chat" and watch the love roll in.
After our rest, my stomach was growling, so we headed back to the car.
A gorgeous red Japanese maple tree.
As we reached the parking lot, the sun peeked out.
We chatted with the cyclists, pointing out the bald eagle.
One more shot, a little closer.
Thanks for the pictures!
Mom, telling the server that she wore her spider brooch so that I'd know what a "real" spider looks like. Apparently, I called my ant brooch a spider recently - thanks, Mom, I've fixed it.
And thank you so much for such a wonderful day! I love you!
When I arrived home, I found Vizzini had not budged since I left.
"Hey, I'm an old kitty now."
I know...so enjoy as much napping as you need, little bud.
And now, my friends, I'm off for the weekend - please pop in on Sunday for tales of adventure! Thanks so much for dropping by.
