We last visited here in January - we really need to visit this side in summer!
The prediction was for a mix of sun and clouds, and colder temps. I knew I'd be doing a fair bit of walking, so I wore layers.
Breaking out this wonderful cornflower blue corduroy dress for its inaugural outfit.
I loved wearing this dress and since I'll be keeping it and it has no label, it needs a name. The Corduroy Cornflower!
I took my cap off while we had lunch.
But it was on for most of the day - by the time I got home, I had horrendous hat-head.
Let's add a little pink to go with the laces on my boots.
Demonstrating purse placement - UNDER the cape.
At one point, I was so sweaty I had to take off the scarf and gloves.
The stuff:
This colour mix is so good for my brain. Ahhhhh...
And at other points, I was so cold my finger turned white (I have Reynaud's).
The stuff:
- Leather purse - Michael Kors, consignment
- Silk F-This F-That scarf - Fluevog
- Hat - Adidas, thrifted
- Leather gloves - consignment
Those are fabulous all-day boots - they got soaked!
Bold bling:
Look at that blue sky! This was on my walk to town, where I waited a few minutes for my bus.
A mix of old and new-to-me.
- Belt - consignment
- Carved jadeite bangle - consignment
- Silver loopy ring - Mexican, consignment, Sidney
- Silver/amethyst ring - vintage mal
- Green stone bracelet - vintage, vintage mall
- Metal earrings - thrifted
- Celtic S - UK, gift from Mom & Dad, c. 1996
- Amethyst crystal pendant - gift from Mom & Dad, c. 1993
There are LOTS of pictures here, so feel free to scroll through to the kittens - no judgment!
Some trees still holding their colourful leaves.
Thirty minutes later, I was near Mom's place where she picked me up and drove us to Beaver Lake Park.
Fat clouds scudding overhead.
Ah, we were so lucky with the weather!
So many trees still had bright tones of yellow.
Off we go!
If I recall, in the spring/summer, you can barely see the water.
We chat and catch up, reminisce, and walk in silence listening to the birds and quiet.
There were many folks with dogs along here, but all very well-behaved.
Many people said hello, and a few commented that they liked my colour.
Lily pads and ducks and geese on the lake.
We had some beautiful views.
Those last two are Fancy Ducks.
I got three new birds on my Merlin "Life List":
- Double-crested Cormorant
- American Wigeon
- Gadwail
Those last two are Fancy Ducks.
Cloud Drama!
You ducks should steer clear of those geese - they are known ruffians!
It was so good to get out and be in nature.
I spotted a Downy Woodpecker!
I first spotted one of these at Swan Lake!
I like how the bare branches look against the evergreens.
Lots of Wigeons!
The males have a green streak on their heads.
Like the one in the middle who's looking at me!
More Wigeons and some Gadwails swimming around with the Canada Geese.
Our path led through tall stands of trees.
We always talk about him when we come here.
One maple still clinging to its leaves.
Tall Douglas Firs swaying overhead.
So peaceful.
This was one of my dad's favourite spots.
When we scattered his ashes in the lake many decades ago, a heron flew over the water.
Looking fly in your black trouser and that badass turquoise leather jacket! What awesome daughter found that for you? *wink*
We've always thought it was Dad, giving us a sign that he was always around.
Ready for a sit, Mom?
We sat here for a while, remembering my dad.
As we headed back, I was looking through the trees.
Oh my gosh.
It's a heron!
I sent some pictures to my brother, my nieces, their mum and my aunt on the Fam Chat and we enjoyed their responses coming in.
I walked out onto the rocks for a quick communion with my dad.
It's been a long time - nearly 30 years.
As we headed back, I was looking through the trees.
It's a heron!
"I'm here."
And with that, the sun slipped behind some clouds, and a light rain started.
Mom in her lighter cornflower blue, and a First Nations pendant that my dad bought for her. Thanks so much for the wonderful day, Mom! I love you!
Mom dropped me off at the nearby bus stop and I got off and walked to the WIN Boutique (getting fully soaked in a torrential downpour) for a wee browse. The holiday season is coming, so I'm starting to look for things I can give as gifts. A few things always slip into the "for me" pile, though.
A gorgeous plummy-purple wool beret.
Time to get some lunch!
Ginormous maple leaves!
Bye, Dad.
Mom and I had lunch at the Lakes, the restaurant in the nearby Holiday Inn, both enjoying a delicious Thai curry bowl.
Mom dropped me off at the nearby bus stop and I got off and walked to the WIN Boutique (getting fully soaked in a torrential downpour) for a wee browse. The holiday season is coming, so I'm starting to look for things I can give as gifts. A few things always slip into the "for me" pile, though.
It's by Parkhurst and was made in Canada.
Only $9.95! Bargain.
I'll always bite on a pair of quality tights.
Add a zero to that for retail - I'm not kidding!
This t-shirt caught my eye. It's by Broken Promises and it doesn't seem to have been worn.
I like the interesting elements on it:
- A kneeling skeleton looking at an old computer
- Two people kissing
- A guy punching himself in the face
- A pin-up lady
- A scorpion
- Barbed wire
Okay!
Designed in LA, but they really don't want to talk about it. "Be about it." Sure!
I like the colour and it's 100% cotton.
And only $9.95. Their t-shirts start at $29.99.
I went out on the deck to catch the sunset when I got home.
"I'm sitting!" "I want to explore the deck."
Barnabas, let's go inside now.
"This is my sitting thing!"
We had a look out the bedroom window through the screen - so many good smells!
Uh, boys, you're missing the wildlife...
There's a deer under that tree! Do you see it, Whateley?
And that's me signing off for the weekend!
"I see cars..." "I see a big squirrel!"
Well, at least Barnabas saw it!
And I got my lovely sunset through the Garry Oaks.
Thanks so much for being here - I'll be back on Sunday with tales of adventure!
Beautiful scenery. Your Mom looks great. 30 years is a long time but not to those who have loved someone dearly. I'm sorry about your Raynaud's. I totally sympathize as I have it too and at times at the checkout I struggle to get coins or credit card out with my dead, white, blocks of ice! Our son has it too and blames me, and I blame my Mom who passed it on to me!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Agreed, it still feels like only a few years ago that we lost Dad. I had no idea what Raynaud's was for years, then read about it and realized I had it.
DeleteWhat glorious scenery and a beautiful sunset to boot.
ReplyDeleteYouan dyour mum look fantastic, how cool her pendant is. That cord coat dress is wonderful with the boots and the accents of lime green and pink. It took me years to work out that bags go underneath capes, I'm not the brightest spark sometimes!
Look at those boys! We call it cat TV, William can stand staring like that for ages!
Have a fab weekend heila, L, Helen and the kittens! xxx
We've been really lucky with our weather compared to places that have been getting snow! Aw, thank you so much, Vix! I loved wearing that cord dress. I know, right? It was a revelation when I figured out "purse UNDER cape"!
DeleteI call it "Cat TV" just watching them frolic around!
That's such a gorgeous dress, Sheila! I adore the colour and it does indeed look fabulous with neon! As for the Sweetums cape, yes, that is another favourite of mine.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely had the perfect weather for your walk at Beaver Lake Park and the scenery is just fantastic.
The colour of that beret is just delicious and I'm loving the crazy pattern of that t-shirt.
Bess loves staring out of the kitchen window like that. She actually ducks when there's a bird at the feeder right outside our back door, thinking that she won't be noticed that way :-)
Happy weekend! xxx
It really is a beautiful garment, Ann. I'm always happy to get a wearing in of Sweetums! We've been so lucky with the weather - I'll take it.
DeleteSome solid finds, those were!
Aw, that's so cute of Bess! I'm looking forward to when the boys discover the trees will be full of squirrels and birds in the spring.
Thank you so much!
Not sure which wowed me first - your fabulous color combo or how absolutely comfortable the outfit and thus you look! Yay for the new-to-you dress being a winner! Am appreciating every single accessory, from the matching neon green pieces to all of your jewelry, simply perfect and another yay for the pick earrings!
ReplyDeleteHi Helen! From Sheila’s pictures it looks like the weather was just right for walking and being out and about in nature. Your blue leather jacket looks comfortable and cozy, and plays well with the colors of Sheila’s cape. Very spiffy sleeves on your top; I always appreciate a flourish that switches up an other wise plain top, giving it visual interest.
Reading this post made me realize I haven’t been to visit my Dad in awhile. It’s been 16 years since he died and I like to visit and give him a yearly update on the family. :) That you saw a heron nestled in a tree is simply beautiful and perfect.
Nice hauls on your on-the-way-home shop, especially the color of the beret and of the tee. And how fun to always return home to the antics and cuddles of two curious kittens. :)
Cheers, Laurie
That's the goal, Laurie - comfort and joy. We had such a perfect day (until the end when it rained, but even then, it's just rain). Thank you for your kind words about Mom's outfit - she always chooses carefully.
DeleteAw, I hope you'll go see your dad soon. <3
As you saw from my Substack, I also found a dress for my dear friend Cat!
Those boots are such a statement piece!
ReplyDeleteYou always look so stylish.
The nature photos are fabulous.
Aren't they fabulous? So comfy too. Thank you so much!
DeleteAgree with above on great nature pics- and then a peekaboo heron thru the trees? I love that so much♥️xocaro
ReplyDeleteThanks, honey!
DeleteOh yes, blue and neon lime...such a good combination. Isn't it cold where you are? You seem to be without gloves.
ReplyDeleteGreetje
It's pretty mild here still - the temps are not below freezing yet. It's warm in the sun! Range right now is 5-12ish.
Delete