Mom-Uncle-Day Adventure: Beacon Hill Park in Autumn Colours, and a Wee Shop

Welcome back, my friends! Instead of a Mom-Day Adventure today, we were joined by my Uncle Brian, who's up visiting all the way from Australia! So we had a Mom-Uncle-Day Adventure instead.

Not at all awkward, hee hee. We headed to Beacon Hill Park, which Mom and I last visited here, back in March.

I dressed in layers, grabbing one of my pre-planned outfits following the recent Closet Swap-Over.

The pleated window-skirt is up! Will it last? Or will it stay? 

• Leopard top - Gilmour, consignment; last seen here in January with purple and more leopard
• Cashmere/silk sweater - Prada, consignment; last worn here in January, layered under a dress
• Skirt - Marc Cain, thrifted; purchased here for $14.95
• Boots - Mamzelle, thrifted; last seen here (3rd outfit) way back in March 2023 for a Winesday
• Suede coat (below) - Danier Leather, consignment; first worn here for the theatre just a few days ago

I started with the skirt, due to that strange window of patterns. I spy leopard!

And the colours are sort of peachy and orange, with shades of caramel in the leopard. 

You don't have to tell me twice! Let's match, kids! 

Showing how the pleated section of the skirt flares out at the hips. 

Not the most flattering pics, but I'm suffering for you, Gentle Reader. 

So weird. I love it. It's a keeper.

I was mostly incognito and bundled thusly - we were often in shade, and there was a cool breeze coming off the ocean. 

How could I not wear this gorgeous suede coat again? I gotta get that cost-per-wear down! Although I am not worried about that at all - wear comes organically.

Later, after lunch, I walked home and popped into Pocket Clothing for a browse. I wore the coat open, with all my autumn colours working harmoniously.

The sun was shining and the world was good. 

Accoutrements: 

I love having my Ted Lapidus purse back. It goes with everything autumn. 

• Purse - Ted Lapidus, vintage 90s, vintage gair
• Silk scarf - Janie Besner, thrifted
• Gloves - Principles, thrifted

The stuff: 

I had originally pulled a dressier pair of Fluevogs (these ones) to wear with my outfit, but the heels were too high for hours of walking. Next time! I'm shocked that I didn't wear these boots at all last season - an oversight, to be sure.

Brassy bling: 

Hooray for having my fall jewelry back! I missed you all! 

• Leather/brass cuff - vintage 70s, Mom's
• Jeweled cuff - Loren Hope, consignment, Sidney
• Brass Brutalist rings - both vintage mall
• Bronze ring - Finland, P. Sarpaneva, vintage exp
• Earrings and necklace - Plum

I doubled up the necklace to sit in the V of the sweater. 

We arrived at Beacon Hill Park to see the crews clearing a giant pile of wood.

Looks like one of the massive weeping willows split and started to fall/fell. Aw...but trees don't live forever. 

We strolled along the outer fence of the petting zoo.

I see llamas and/or alpacas! 

Also, those are punk-rock chickens.

Rock on, little dudette!

We could hear children shrieking all the way from the playground. Thankfully, we avoided the "Goat Stampede." 

"It's okay, Bernice, I'll protect you from the human children."

These two seem to be dear friends.

We crossed the road and headed for greenery and flowers. 

Mom and I haven't been to the park in the early fall together...EVER! Lots of March and December, and once in July, but never in October. 

We were in for a treat! So many gorgeous flowers, and still so much lush foliage! 

Mom and Brian inspecting the begonias. 

We admired how the plantings (which are seasonal in these fancy beds) go from low to high, with lovely bands of colour.

The park was really busy too - everyone wanted to be out on such a nice day. Yes, those are palm trees! 

One of the massive willows near the duck ponds. 

See that lush area with the red on the right? We're headed there - that's the sundial garden. 

I spy...a bee! 

Love that colour. 

Duck pond.

I walked over to visit - the ducks all came cruising over to me. They're obviously used to being fed. 

Hello, ducks! 

Much quacking, and disappointed waterfowl. 

Another amazing flower. 

Kinda creepy, like veins. Eyeballs! 

When you looked past the planted areas, there is wilderness in behind.

You're never more than a few steps away from rainforest.

That is a picture-postcard view! 

Mom and I both gasped at the sundial garden. 

The plants were towering above people! 

Let's go! 

Big hanging trumpet things.

Purple spiky things. I am not a flower expert, by a long shot.

But I know these are dahlias! 

I want to be this colour! My eyes just fall into it. 

Brian offered to take my picture with them.

Thank you! 

There's the sundial.

I'm so used to seeing this down to the dirt. We have to come back here more often, Mom! 

A couple of these little birds were hopping around close to us, digging in the grass. 

None of the birds or squirrels had any fear of people. 

Looking back at the beautiful weeping willow. 

I'm sorry you lost your friend. 

A glimpse through the leaves - I see a little cluster of white mushrooms.

Oh! A squirrel! SQUIRREL! *ahem* I get a little excited about squirrels (I also hollered, "DUCKS!"). 

A stand of trees. 

Magical light and shadows. 

SQUIRREL!

A black one - they're native to this region; the grey ones are an invasive species. 

More mushrooms (this pic's for Kezzie).

Don't eat 'em. 

Where did this wilderness come from? 

So peaceful. [cue shrieking children]

Camo squirrel! Do you see her? 

Mom missed her until she moved. I see you, Ms. Squirrel. 

This one sat up and checked us out. 

No, we don't have any food. 

This one also skittered off, disgusted with us. 

Another one came very close, within a foot or so.

We arrived down at the lake. 

The fountain framed in the overgrown vines. 

Another punk duck - she's got a mohawk! 

Rock on, little duck! 

This handsome mallard scoped me out. 

No, no food. 

We walked around this lake and rested for a bit on the bench on the right. 

I was amused by the "bottoms up" ducks, diving for weeds. 

So twisty! 

Brian found a tag - it's a type of wisteria.

Our view from the bench of the stone bridge. So hideous, who would want to live here?

Lots of lily pads - maybe there will be a turtle or...10!?

Nope, just one. 

I'll take it! TURTLE!

He was busy enjoying the warm sun while it lasted. 

He gave us a rather snooty look. Turtles are not very friendly. 

Mom and Brian, who had never read the plaque on the bridge, even though he (and little sisters Helen/Mom and Marion) grew up within a kilometer or two of the park. The bridge was built in 1889. 

Mom's looking radiant in her pink leather, black Boss Pants, and pink sneakers, and the white lacy top from our shopping trip a couple of months ago. 

The trees are starting to turn. 

So pretty. 

There was a distinct lack of peacocks - this was the only one we saw.

He was being hounded for pictures by the tourists. So rude.

These Canada geese (aka cobra chickens) noted someone breaking out some food for the ducks.

"Go, girls, go!!"

The ducks took off in an offended flurry of wings and quacks.

Oh, now you're all classy and walking casual...

The peacock came around the corner. 

There were photographers still following him. Better go hide in a tree, my dude. The paparazzi never rest

SQUIRREL!

The chestnut trees are dropping conkers, and the squirrels were mad for them. 

This is the "family tree" - we have generations of pictures of our family sitting in this tree, including my brother and I with Brian's four kids (our cousins) when we were young, and Mom, Brian and their sister Marion.

It's a glorious redwood. We chatted with the lady peeking out from behind it and took a picture of her and her friend. 

Then she volunteered to take one of us.

People are so nice. 

We went to Christie's Pub for lunch.

I didn't get a good picture of Mom's necklace, which is a gold bird from Bermuda. Love you, Mom! 

"Your turn, Brian." 

So glad to have you along on our Adventure! Thanks so much to both of you for such a fun day. 

I popped into Pocket Clothing on the way home to say hi to Annie and have a poke around at the fall clothes. So many lovely things! 

This mesh cow-print bodysuit caught my eye. This will be very useful in my wardrobe. 

It's made in the US.

I thought it might be vintage, but the company started in 2012, so this can't be earlier than that. 

It's by Nylon Apparel and was $32.00. It doesn't show any signs of wear (I checked very carefully).

They seem to specialize in Western-themed clothes - this is close to what this would have sold for new (around $40).

This turtleneck sweater was such a gorgeous colour, and is an excellent layering basic. 

A few of my wool turtlenecks gave up the ghost last year (they just get worn out), so I've been on the lookout for good ones to replace them. 

100% merino wool! 

Dry clean? Pshaw! I hand wash my wools in cold water and a squirt of shampoo. Block it into shape on a towel then roll it up to suck all the water out overnight. Then drape it gently to dry (I like the back of the computer chair for this). No dry cleaning necessary! 

It's by Lord & Taylor, and I know their wool sweaters were pricey. 

I used to see them at the Bay for $89.00+. This was $48.00 and I checked it very carefully again for wear and moth-holes. Hooray! None! 

I can never say no to a good pair of gloves, especially when they clearly haven't been worn. 

These are long gauntlets, and are black leather with olive-green/taupe suede sections. Butter soft! 

No labels or tags, just this. Gestuz...which is apparently a Danish brand, and their gloves are very expensive! 

There's a pair on Farfetch for $291.00! Zoiks! A plain pair on the Gestuz site is $250.00.

I did not pay that much, my friends. 

I paid $38.00. Wow, what a deal! 

And lastly, I found a pair of socks for the upcoming season.

Grinch! I'm not putting my Christmas decorations up this year - taking a break from the madness - so these will be in regular rotation. 

They were $8.00.

And I'm good with that. 

And now, Gentle Reader, I'm off for the weekend - this week has been a whirlwind and I'm looking forward to some much-needed downtime. 

May all your days be full of good times with the best people! 

Thanks so much for stopping by - please do swing by on Sunday for tales of adventure!