Saturday, July 10, 2021

Bigass Weekend Wrap-Up: Summer Walk; Dishy for the Drive-In; ORANGE LEATHER SHORTS Flashback

Hello, my friends! Welcome back - I hope you've all had the most marvelous weekend! It's been both busy and quiet, with our adventures planned for early on (Fri/Sat), and then relaxing time for the end. I'm slowly building up my social muscle again, getting used to scheduling events with friends, and planning things. 

I started my weekend off with my Mental Health Walk on Friday morning. I checked out the semi-finished renovation at Clover Point, a popular drive-around loop and walking area. I used to go down here and drink cider with my girlfriend and check out guys when I was a teenager back in the 80s! 
Now I'm just in my walking gear, with my tunes and my big sunglasses, enjoying being beside the ocean. 

Before I left, I went looking for Vizzini (I need to make sure I haven't locked him in a closet). 
"As you can clearly see, I am not in a closet, Woman."


He was happy to see me. 
"You know you want to rub my warm fur."


A few minutes of lovin' and I was off for my usual 8km walk. 
"I'll miss y---- zzzzzzz..."


Not likely. 

I was cheered this week on how people make their mark on the world, or leave a bit of themselves for others to see. It's a vulnerable thing to do. I see different things each time I walk - sometimes I focus on trees or wildlife or flowers, depending on the season and my state of mind. 

My route goes past literally dozens of houses that are just as nice or fancier than this one, but I love the paint job here. 
What fantastic colours! That makes me feel so happy. 

I have never noticed this piece of scrap metal art before. 
It's vaguely birdlike. 

I spotted a Secret Cat. 
"I call this Yoda As Armour."


I bet more people notice the Yoda doll. 

This pole is in my old neighbourhood in Fairfield. It started with a couple of hearts at the start of the pandemic in spring 2020 and it's grown. 
It's covered in bits of poetry, inspiring quotes and tokens of love. 

It's the Linden Avenue Love & Gratitude Lamp Post. 
I'm a sucker for this stuff - it renews my faith in humanity. 

Little reminders. 
It makes me feel gratitude. 

This made me cry. 
My fellow cat-lovers will understand. 

Another amazing house that gets an A+ from me - boosted by the Pac-Man and Ghost on the driveway. 
I also really love the pop of blue chairs on the porch and bench in the garden. 

I've arrived at the waterfront, Dallas Road. I see water, a freighter, Washington State, USA, and its mountains. 
The white line is a chilly haze on the water. 

Looking west. Lots of folks out enjoying the cliff walk, and walking on the beach below. 
The 500m post means we're half a kilometer from Mile Zero of the Trans-Canada Highway. 

That's Clover Point ahead. 
There were tons of seagulls, swallows and crows around. 

Looking down to the beach at the bottom of the cliff (see the people on the right?). 
The tide was just starting to come back in. 

A piece of found art, on the side of the path. 
I wonder what significance the knot had? 

I also spotted a heron watching for fish. 
The seagulls are nesting right now, so s/he is looking for food to take back to the nest. 

I was happy to see they've installed public toilets here! 
This whole area is much easier to get around than the old worn dirt paths, and will be nicer for people who have access needs. This is a popular ocean-watching spot. 

Look at this amazing driftwood sculpture. To me, it looks like a mermaid reaching out to grab something.
What do you see? 

Another enclosure. 
There wasn't anyone inside. 

I saw a few sailboats skimming around the bay. 
I like that twisted piece of driftwood. 

While I was looking for deer in Ross Bay Cemetery, I noticed this in a tree. 
A peace sign. 

An unexpected heart. 
In the corner of the stairs. 

I took a shortcut up the alley beside the graveyard and spotted deer resting in the shade. 
I'm the deer paparazzi. *snap snap*

Peeking through a hole in the hedge. 
Two more! These were all young bucks, with velvet on their antlers. 

I encountered a doe on the sidewalk, raiding a garden. 
Many people have fencing and mesh covering their plants, because the deer eat them all. 

She crossed the street slowly.
There's always a new garden to munch on. 

I was greeted with great joy when I got home. 
"Hey, don't sneak up on me!"


I recoloured my hair in the afternoon and prepared for our evening outing: dinner out with Cat and Ross, followed by "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" at the drive-in! 
I decided to wear my new-to-me floral dress, to be dressy for dinner before the movie, and nice and loose and comfy for sitting in the car for 2+ hours. 

  • Dress - Sundance, consignment; purchased here for $63.99
  • Shoes - Big Presence Earhart, Fluevogs; last seen here in April with tiger, floral and leather
  • Jacket (below) - Dolce & Gabbana, vintage, thrifted; last worn here in May (blue hair!)

I flat-ironed my hair just for fun. 
I really loved how pretty this outfit looked. I like a girly look, as long as it's not too cutesy. 

L agreed that I looked dishy in this. 
The dress is really sheer! 

I won't be wearing the under-slip on its own; someone suggested that in the comments when I bought it. 
I have nylons on, but I can see my underwear right through it. Zoiks!

In fact, this dress would not be work-appropriate without an opaque full slip. Cleavage-o-rama! 
I undid about four buttons at the bottom to give me more movement and swoosh-ability.

We had a couple of Christmas gift cards to Milestones restaurant (thanks, Mom!), so we had dinner there, then picked up snacks for the movie.
I swooshed about in my dress, looking way swankier than everyone else. That's what I do! I'm a swanky gal! 

  • Mask - by Mom

I added my light blue denim jacket for extra warmth, but it ended up being a hot evening. 
I also took my silk-cashmere pashmina, in case it was chilly. 
Which allowed me to do my movie-star wrap while being driven in Vlad the Jaguar with the top down. 
So spiffy! 

  • Pashmina - Portolano, thrifted

The stuff: 
I kicked my shoes off during the movie. Ah...

Excessive bling:
I really piled on the bracelets. I was jangling and clanking. 

  • Snakeskin purse - Ingledew's, vintage, thrifted - purchased here for $24.99
  • Cloisonné bangles - thrifted
  • Acrylic bangles - vintage, Lazy Susan's
  • Amber ring - c. 1996
  • Wood ring - Dots
  • Necklace/earrings - Plum 

I took a few pics during the evening. 
Cat and Ross at the restaurant. Thanks so much for the ticket, you two! 

Arriving at Western Speedway, which is mostly an industrial area as you might guess from the heavy machinery here. 
The sun was just starting to go down as we arrived at 9:45pm. 

L, what's that beside you? 
It's a giant pile of tires! 

We pulled into a giant lot where staff directed us up to the front (being a low car) so that we'd have a good view of the screen. They did an excellent job of staggering the cars so that everyone had a good view.
We tuned our radio to the appropriate station for sound. That's Cat and Ross' car in front of us. 

There were some sweet-looking vintage cars there too.
Look at the fins on that one! Swoon! 

It was fun to watch "Ferris Bueller" again - I originally saw it in the theatre when it was first released on a date with a high school friend. 

On Saturday, we met up with Nick for brunch at the Ruby. 
"You're going out again?" 


I like Vizzini's shadow there, revealing one of the book titles ("A Tale of Two Kitties") on the blanket's design. 

Check to make sure it's me, buddy. 
"Ah, yes, I do know you."


I wore a mix of old favourites with my new-to-me boots. 
In half of my pictures I'm missing my accessories (I was rushed), so just pretend I have them all on, okay?

  • Sleeveless vest/dress - Only, thrifted; last seen here in July 2020 (Flashback there)
  • Blouse - Tory Burch, consignment; last worn here in April 2020 with acid yellow leather
  • ORANGE LEATHER SHORTS - Danier, vintage 80s, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in March 2020 
  • Boots - 1883 Lucchese, thrifted; purchased here for $59.99

I had this outfit put together and set aside to wear, but when I got dressed, I felt like I needed another layer. 
Enter my denim vest/dress thing. It has two snaps and a belt if I feel like doing it up. 

I mostly wear it like this, tied in the back.
It gives me a bit more coverage when I'm feeling a bit exposed as I do when I wear my...
ORANGE LEATHER SHORTS. Sorry for yelling, but they insist on all-caps. 

That's an 8-inch zipper I'm sporting there.
Thighs ahoy! I'm glad I wore sheer tights. 

Okay, okay, I'm coming - let me finish my coffee! 
This is how most of the world saw me. 

  • Purse - Danier Leather, thrifted

I had a navy blue sparkly mask on (by Mom) but didn't have time to take a picture of me in it. 

The stuff: 
First wearing of these amazing leather boots. I loved them - they have been perfectly broken in for my feet. The colour is a grey-ish blue. 

Orange bling: 
And one blue thing. 

  • Bracelet/earrings - Italian, vintage 60s, vintage mall
  • Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes
  • Wooden clip-on earrings - vintage expo

Let's have a wee Flashback now...

Flashback: ORANGE LEATHER SHORTS


I bought these here in February 2017 at the Patch for $27.95 - I had tried them on during a previous visit and then put them back (!). 
That's a very high-waisted pair of shorts. They have massive pockets, and a nice cuff at the hem. 

They are by Danier Sport, which was an off-shoot line from Danier Leather. 
These are accurate modern sizing, so these are from the late-80s, after the Great Size Shift of the mid-80s. 

I wore them out for a weekend gathering with friends in February 2017, layered with grey tights. 
I still have that top (and tights!) but everything else is gone. 

I wore them again in March 2017 to Vancouver for our anniversary trip. 
This was quite a fun outfit to wear on the seaplane and for swanking around in downtown Van. 

We met up with Melanie of Bag and Beret
Can't wait to see her again - we've missed two anniversary trips to the mainland due to the pandemic. 

For a casual weekend chilling out with friends in August 2017.
This remains the only time I've worn them bare-legged. I still have that top and the neon green purse, but let go of those shoes and the jean jacket years ago. 

I wore them in this rock and roll look when we went to see The Pack AD at Upstairs Lounge in January 2018.
I'm wearing a Frank Turner tour shirt, over-the-knee boots, and my striped frock coat (I still have all of this). I felt very badass in this outfit. 

And this is the last time I wore them, for an at-home outfit at the start of lockdown in March 2020.
Note that those are the same grey tights in every picture (aside from the bare-legged one). My tights last forever! 


Mathy stuff: Saturday's outfit only marks the 6th time I've worn these shorts, but I'm okay with that. They aren't an everyday kind of thing by any means. I am amused that high-waisted shorts have come into fashion since I bought them, though! My cost-per-wear is at $4.66, which is solid. 


Vizzini has been alternately laying in the sun and then flopping on the carpet to cool off. He's figured out how to do both here, clever boy. 
"I'm the smartest cat in this house."


I guess you are, bud. And now, I'm off to enjoy my downtime, with a Saturday evening of board games, and a Sunday of lazing about, listening to music and reading. I hope you've all had a stellar weekend, my friends! I'm going to leave you with some wisdom from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off":
Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.

Fine words to live by. Take care!

44 comments:

  1. I really like that floral dress on you! I wish we had taken the kids to the drive in movies last year - there was a pop up near us so it wasn't such a drive (the main one is about a 45 minute drive away) and I thought it might be do-able with the kids but hubby figured a light night movie and then a drive home would be too much for them - maybe they will do it again this spring! :)
    And of course I love the orange shorts too!

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    1. Thanks, Mica - it's such a pretty dress. I haven't been to a drive-in in decades, so this was a fun treat. I hope you get to do a drive-in movie with your boys at some point - they are so fun.

      Thanks!

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  2. You look like a movie star! Morning Sheila, what a fantastic post! I am in love with the area you live in you seem to have it all - deer, the sea and the most beautiful houses. All the artistic touches around the neighborhood must warm the heart. I agree with you I love girly but not cutesy (I love dresses teamed with denim) and then we go from that to the next outfit with the orange shorts - you are fab. Ahh Drive in movies remember those back home in Aus many moons ago he he. Take care and enjoy your socializing. We had lunch with friends yesterday. A bit of "normal" Shazxx

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    1. Thanks so much, Shaz! Isn't it a lovely place? I am so lucky to live here. Cutesy is just not my thing (and it's only taken me 5 decades to figure that out? yeesh!). Glad you enjoyed the outfits! How wonderful that you met up with friends! Woo hoo!

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  3. WOW thats a big post! Lots going on your weekend.
    Looks like you had fun and I enjoyed seeing your pictures of the neighbourhood...even though I live there too it looks like I have missed out on some things.
    Take care

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    1. Yup, I do bigass posts, Leslie! At least on the weekend...

      It was such a gorgeous day - I'm amazed at all the little hidden gems we have here.

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  4. Sounds like you had a most wonderful weekend, Sheila. Mine wasn't too bad either, but we're leaving the building up of the social muscle until 2 weeks after my second jab - that it in just under 12 days at the time of writing :-)
    We always have to check on Bess (and Phoebe before her) before we go out as well, making sure we've actually seen her.
    I loved tagging along on your mental health walk, being slightly envious of you being so near the ocean. I would love that but unfortunately the North Sea is over an hour away. You've also got some pretty delectable houses in your town! I'm loving all the little details, notes and pieces of poetry, and obviously the cat heart made me choke up big time.
    Your Sundress is looking delightful on you - I'm hearing you on its sheerness, even with the matching slip - and I love the light blue denim jacket with it. And how exciting: dinner and a drive-in movie! I've never ever been to a drive-in movie, in fact, I'm not sure there are many drive-in venues here in Belgium.
    Saturday's brunch outfit is all kinds of fabulous too. The orange leather shorts are pretty funky, and I loved scrolling through their flashback.
    Fine words to live by indeed. Thank you for the reminder, Sheila! xxx

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    1. It was a wonderfully fun weekend, Ann, with just the right amount of down-time for me. I'm so happy you've had your 2nd jab - mine is tomorrow!! Yes, one must always check on the cat(s). They are sneaky!

      I'm so glad you enjoyed it, my dear friend. We are so lucky to live in this beautiful place. I know, that cat heart!

      Thank you! Yes, it was VERY sheer! I did really love it, though, and it was perfect for our evening plans. There are no drive-ins left here either - this is more of a pop-up type of thing.

      Thank you so much! They are awfully fun to wear. Take care, Ann!

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  5. I need to come visit Western Canada- it's breathtaking! I love that totem in your part of town, I agree that it gives a new hope in humanity- love it! And you look fabulous in that floral dress (I find your tattoos are the perfect matching accessory!!) And now let's talk about those orange leather shorts...I would have snatched that up in a second if I would have seen those! Omg they're just so good- and the shoes of course!! Looking fabulous my beautiful friend xx

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    1. You do, come on out here, Lucy! I'd love to show you around and take you shopping with me. I actually do factor in my tattoos with my clothes - I won't buy patterns that fight with them. Aren't the shorts fantastic? Thank you, my dear!

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  6. Your new dress looks so summery a-nd floaty. I just knew the sunglasses would look spectacular with a movie star scarf!

    How fun to be able to go to a drive-in! I think most of the ones here are gone :(

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    1. Thanks so much, Nana! I did feel like a star in my sunnies and scarf!

      It was the best - this is just a pop-up drive-in in a vacant lot. We haven't had a drive-in here for decades.

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  7. I enjoyed the walk to Clover Beach. I love looking at all the quirky and interesting things people have in their houses, gardens and in the neighbourhood.

    I would love to go to a drive in movie - one day...

    Your floaty dress was very pretty and the denim jacket looked great and those shoes were fab! The colours reminded me of a fruit salad. The orange leather shorts are very stylish. I liked them best with the beautiful white top. I can't remember the last time I wore shorts; when I did they were always cut down jeans.

    Hope you have a great week ahead,
    xxx

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    1. I thought you might, Vronni - we do share that love of long rambling walks. Finding those little hidden things is my favourite.

      One day! I would go again, especially now that we have a car!

      Thank you so much. I love the fruit salad image! I was leery of shorts at first when I got them, and I do only wear them on the weekends.

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  8. Thanks for sharing the sights from your walk. The area looks beautiful. I find that when I go in the reverse direction of my walks, I notice things that I hadn't before.

    Rena
    www.finewhateverblog.com

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    1. Same here, Rena, although I seldom take the reverse walk (I'm a creature of habit!).

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  9. From you silent reader in Texas, USA: love the beach pictures and brings back memories of my time visiting the area as a teenager in the 70's (Yikes!). Love your dress and lastly, I have been seeing that line of wisdom from Ferris Bueller's Day Off all this week! Makes total sense and I hope I'm living those words; like to think I am...Lamar from Texas

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    1. Hello, Lamar! Thank you so much - the beach hasn't really changed, but you'd be startled at all the tall buildings we have now. Thank you so much - how bizarre that you've been seeing that quote around. Good for you - we have to stop and look around!

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  10. Such a pretty dress! When I saw the orange shorts, my thought wa "Holy cow! Orange leather shorts!!!", so I laughed when i saw the all-caps!

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    1. Thanks, Cynthia! I am a sucker for pretty dresses like this. Hee hee, told you - they demand all caps!

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  11. Am swooning at seeing the orange leather shorts again - I sooooo love them! It's great to see the flashbacks too.
    Thanks for the walk around your neighbourhood. I can't believe how brave those deer are! Fancy having to fence things off because of them rampaging around.
    xxx

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    1. I do too, Anna! Glad you enjoyed the Flashback on them. There are nearly more deer than people, and they have NO fear of us! They destroy flower gardens and are much-hated here.

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  12. You look fabulous in that floral dress! Those leather shorts are amazing!
    xoxo
    Lovely
    www.mynameislovely.com

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  13. Hello, Vizzini! I knew that Sundance dress would look phenomenal on and it does, I love it!
    You live in such a gorgeous part of the world, grand old houses, amazing beaches and deer in the cemetary.
    The only drive-in I've been to is the Dereliction Drive-In at a festival where you sit in a burnt out wreck of a car and watch zombie films. It was fab. xxx

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    1. Aw, thank you so much, Vix! Vizzini sends his love to your lads right back.

      We do live in a beautiful place - I feel very lucky to have all of this at my doorstep. That sounds like an awesome drive-in! I would go to that!

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  14. Three cheers for your mental health walk and your tour of a part of your home town. Your opening picture of you says it all. :)

    A drive-in! Wow, haven’t been to one in easily over 40 years. The whole idea of drive-ins was so novel when I was a teen. The experience always left my neck feeling sore from all that neck craning! Nonetheless, what fun for you amd your friends, and what a perfect outfit to wear.

    As for outfits, oh my gosh that dress is strikingly stunning! Redundant as those words may be, the dress, your outfit and how it looks on you deserve the double kudos. I am the one who suggested the slip might be worn on its own. Having seen your picture I nod in complete agreement with you and retract my suggestion. :)

    And here’s to Vizzini, the master of deception!

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    1. Thanks, Laurie, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

      It's just a parking lot - Legacy is a company that uses empty lots to set up a pop-up version of the old drive-ins. They've done them in mall parking lots here, for example. It was really fun, although my bum was numb after two hours!

      Thank you so much - I felt so feminine and pretty in it. Ah, that was you - yeah, the slip is WAY too sheer! :)

      He's such a character.

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  15. I am missing the denim jacket season! I always have to watch to see throughness of dress as I have been known to wear a dress and then realizing in the sun I could use a slip!
    www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

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    1. Denim is useful for covering up a bit in sunny weather, isn't it, Mireille? I usually would wear a vintage slip under this in addition to the liner slip.

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  16. Very happy to have been taken on your walk with you and seen all the interesting things you saw! I love the poetry lamp-post and all the other beauties! I appreciated Vizzini closeups too! What a beautiful boy!
    The pretty sheer floral dress is really nice on you! Also reminds me of vintage dressing gowns which is something I like!
    The ORANGE SHORTS (see, I can't help it either!) are VERY JOLLY! I love them and how you styled them this time. I also loved it when you wore then with the shaggy cream sheepy coat!x

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    1. Glad you enjoyed it, Kezzie! I like that lamp post too. Vizzini is so handsome.

      Thank you - yes, it is very old-timey-looking, isn't it? Ha ha, yes, you see why they have to be all-caps?! Thank you!

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  17. You had such a great weekeend Sheila! I always like when you take us on virtual walks around your place.
    Your loose floral dress is beautiful. I love the romantic vibe of it and it looks so comfy.
    The denim dress/sleeveless vest is fabulous. I love how you styled it as a vest and wore shorts under it. Great look.

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    1. It was lovely, Ivana, and I'm so glad you enjoyed the walk with me.

      Thank you - I love this romantic vintage-y vibe. I really loved the rock and roll look with the shorts!

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  18. I agree with L, that dress definitely makes you look dishy! I'm happy to see you still have the orange leather shorts in your closet. I have a red pair that Greetje sent me and fortunately I was able to wear them a couple of times before I grew out of them. I can't bear to part with them though as the leather is soooo soft.

    I love all the "found art" in this post! The paint jobs on those two houses are lovely, and the neighbourhood "art pole" is a wonderful idea. The kitty heart makes me sad and happy at the same time.

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    1. Thanks, Shelley! That's funny, Greetje mentions them below.

      I love found art too - that kitty heart messed me up. I just stood there and cried.

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  19. You are definitely dishy in that gorgeous floral dress! And those orange shorts are to die for. So cool and such great styling! What a gorgeous place to walk. The scenery is absolutely stunning. I, too, love all the wonderful inspiring artsy things you have found on your walk. The heart pole is so wonderful as are the colorful homes and everything else! I like being the deer paparazzi, too! We get them in our neighborhood sometimes chomping at the bird feeders and stuff! Great post, my friend. Thanks for linking!

    Shelbee
    www.shelbeeontheedge.com

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    1. Thanks so much, Shelbee! I love the orange shorts - they are so fun. This is a gorgeous place, and it makes me appreciate it more when I share it with everyone here.

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  20. So much to savour, delight in, be inspired by, and even daydream about in this fabulous roundup post. Naturally, as I'm sure you'd imagine, a good many of my daydreams pertaining to the Victoria's magnificent cemeteries. How I've made it 37 years (which have included several trips throughout my lifetime to the Island) without visiting any of them yet is beyond me. Truly something to remedy the next time we manage to make it out that way again.

    Big hugs & the loveliest of Sunday wishes,
    Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life

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    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Autumn. One of these days, you'll come out here and we'll do this cemetery! Next time!

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  21. Sweet dress, very feminine. Great that it comes with that slip dress. Your shoes were chosen well.
    Ah... the leather shorts. They remind me of the salmon pink leather shorts I had and sent to Shelley. I was too chicken to wear them. Now I am not so sure anymore whether that was a good move. Oh well, as long as she is happy with them.
    Greetje

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    1. Thanks, Greetje! I love it when dresses come with a matching slip.

      That's funny, because she still has them!

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