We both got a good dose of time together - it does feel like medicine for curing what ails.
It was tricky getting dressed. It had been pouring rain all morning, but the sun was coming out.
I wanted to wear this denim leopard skirt again.
This is all stuff from my wardrobe. I have a soft spot for brown and leopard.
It was also really windy with more rain in the forecast. It hailed as I was writing this post, later in the day.
- Leather jacket (without lining) - Boss by Hugo Boss, consignment; last worn here (2nd outfit) in October 2022 with yellow
- Sweater - Bellissima, consignment; first seen here in January with Anna Sui and boots
- Skirt - Ganni, pre-Spring/Summer 2019, consignment; first worn here in January with red ruffles
- Boots - Matisse, consignment; last seen here (3rd outfit) in February for a Sunday jaunt to Gorge Waterway Park
- Leather trenchcoat (below) - vintage 70s, thrifted; last worn here in February
This jacket is like a second skin.
The skirt was good, although I found myself wishing it was lined. I plan to keep out for spring.
Without the leather jacket although I never took it off.
I love the paper-bag waist on the skirt.
I hemmed and hawed over outerwear, but ended up with my 70s leather trenchcoat in case of rain.
It definitely helped cut the wind, but I was pretty cold the entire time I was out.
Bundled up.
Needed a hat or toque, for sure. No rain, but cold wind galore!
Accoutrements:
Dad's scarf from when he used to play in dance bands in the 60s. I've had it since the 80s.
- Purse - Banana Republic, consignment
- Scarf - vintage 60s, Dad's
- Gloves - Principles, thrifted
The stuff:
Good walking boots. Mom and I had lunch at Christie's Pub after our stroll, and I walked home, picking up groceries on the way.
Bronze bling:
The new-to-item in the outfit was to have been a thrifted gold/teal enamel bracelet, but it broke when I put it on - snapped right in half. Bummer!
- Belt - Shi Studios
- Buckle - Zara, thrifted
- Turquoise/brass cuff - Myka, consignment
- Eelskin bangle - fake Gucci, Italy, c. 1994, gift from Mom and Dad
- Feather ring - Fossil, thrifted
- Brutalist ring - vintage mall
- Earrings - vintage mall
- Gold-plated brass pendant - De Passille-Sylvestre, vintage 70s, thrifted
Mom and I last visited Finnerty Gardens at the University of Victoria (UVic) here in September 2022 on a hot day - interesting to flash back and forth to see the difference six months makes!
We were surrounded by huge trees waving vigorously in the wind.
There were still small patches of snow on the ground, and a bit of mud on the path.
I said hello to the chapel where I got married and then we went into the gardens.
I love greenery, but I also appreciate the stark bare branches.
Amazing.
An inviting path.
Cool, crisp sunlight.
Bits of colour leapt out at us.
The peeling red trunk of an arbutus tree.
There are longer sightlines in winter.
There were very few people around.
An interestingly twisty trunk/root system.
It looks like it could spring to life.
The white tree and the red tree look like they are friends.
There are benches and areas to sit throughout the gardens.
Swaths of grass, just meant for lounging on.
Maybe if it were 20 degrees instead of 1.
The only time of year when this sign is a lie!
That creek looks suspiciously wet to me! Note the snow at the base of the sign.
The bamboo stand was moaning and creaking.
They towered over our heads, with some of the trunks thicker than my arm.
I couldn't resist touching them.
Bamboo is so cool.
Dancing trees.
Gorgeous forms.
I zoomed in on this bird.
A bit of digging informs me that this is a Varied Thrush (about it here, link 'cause I love).
So much beauty.
The way the light spilled through the trees made us gasp.
But wait! What is that lurking behind the rhododendrons?
Quack-quack! It's a duck attack!
These mallards came rushing out of the pond.
They're coming straight for us!
These ducks are very habituated to people.
And someone's been feeding them.
They got awfully close.
I mean, I like ducks, but they aren't pets.
I stomped and scuffed and made noise to shoo them back into the pond.
They were reluctant.
"Are you sure you don't have any food?"
They followed us around the pond.
They finally gave up.
Phew.
I can go back to enjoying nature, instead of having it come after me.
It was good to smell the fresh earth, hear the trees rustling overhead.
The clouds scudded through a cold blue sky.
I like how one tree is supporting the other.
Much love to you, Mom, it was so good to see you and hang out again.
I love you!
Vizzini has been hiding from the stormy weather.
"Who dares disturb my slumber?"
He's snuggled under my bathrobe.
I'm off now for the weekend, my friends! I'll be back on Sunday with tales of adventure!
I love everything about your outfit! Especially that amazing trenchcoat. We have been lucky that we can spend every Sunday in the national park. We only had a tiny bit of rain once this year, on Sunday that is. I also love the smell of trees, especially pines. I also love bamboo. Just like tulips. The simplicity is just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteSo delighted for the two of you to have your adventure! Your opening and closing selfies say it all!
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend!
PS Not sure if I shared our good news…Fred had a successful stem cell transplant in January! He has been home for two weeks and gets stronger day by day. His younger brother was his donor. The confluence of medicine, science, technology and excellent doctors is what made the difference and we look at his recovery as nothing short of miraculous!
Cheers, Laurie
Laurie, thank you so much for posting the good news about Fred!! Sending you both good vibes, and hoping for a quick recovery!
DeleteFabulous outfit throughout, Sheila, and I do agree: brown and leopard is an excellent combo. Although it looks fab with the teal sweater too!
ReplyDeleteI loved tagging along with you and your Mom on your walk through Finnerty Gardens. I love visiting gardens/nature at different times of year, and I think every season has its charm. I do have a love of stark bare branches, and the fact that the landscape is stripped back to its essence, offering longer and wider views!
I giggled at you being accosted by ducks. When we walk in the park, they suddenly appear in their masses out of nowhere, the cheeky birds.
Aww, loving the Mom and Sheila selfie at the end!
Wishing you an excellent weekend, my friend xxx
That skirt looks so good and the metallic bag is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteYour Mumsday walk certainly looks very spring-like even if the temperatures weren't. xxx
Love the trench coat and vintage pendant!
ReplyDeleteFinnerty Gardens are beautiful...another lovely day out with your Mom! I don't think I'd ever even heard of a Varied Thrush before. What gorgeous plumage! Thanks for sharing.
Poor Vizzini. Hope the storm's a distant memory now. x
Oh, my, those gardens! Sometimes living in the Great Lakes area is truly character-building, in a stiff-upper-lip way. I love your outfit, but confess I'd be dressed more like your mother ... no heeled boots for this pedestrian.
ReplyDeleteI always love seeing you getting out in nature on your mum day walks, you see such lovely sights! I've been trying to get out more on my favourite trail around the neighbourhood, although it's tricky as cooper can't do it any more, poor pup! There's a bit of a steep hill and it's just too much for his little legs, haha! Probably better for him though, our local snake catcher lets out the snakes he relocates into that area as it's far from houses!
ReplyDeleteYour leather trenchcoat is incredibly similar to the one we have seen in photos of filming of the new Doctor Who- Ncuti Gatwa- it really does look like his! If I ever do a Guest TARDIS Tuesday again- I bet you could play him!
ReplyDeleteI love your beautiful top- it looks cosy and the necklace is gorgeous.
I enjoyed your walk photos- lake reflections, twisty, gnarled branches and keen ducks!!!!x