Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you!
I had an early evening event so I got out of bed sooner so that Mom and I would have lots of time.
Bright colours liven up a black cocoon dress. This is how I looked on the way to Mom's and in the evening.
- Blazer - InWear, Dots sample; last worn here in March with velvet and sandals
- Sparkly top - M by Missoni, thrifted; last seen here in February with this same blazer
- Dress - Ayrtight, thrifted; last worn here in September 2025 with neon (and the lobster)
- Shoes - Trippen, consignment; last seen here (2nd outfit) a couple of weeks ago for brunch
During our walk around the gardens, I looked like this, scarf on purse.
My purse is layered under my jacket, otherwise it pulls the lapels all wonky.
Sometimes I wore my sleeves scrunched up like this.
I took my jacket off only while at Mom's and then while we had lunch.
The stuff:
I did these pictures in between my day's events, so I left it all in situ.
- Leather purse - Michael Kors, consignment
- Silk scarf - thrifted
- Brooch - Bermuda, vintage 90s, Mom's
Shoes and bling:
The air was full of birds.
These shoes were pretty good for the amount of walking I did, but my feet were tired by the time I finally got home at 7pm.
- Silver S bracelet - Mexican, consignment, Sidney
- Steel cuff - Lakeland Art Metal Works, vintage 70s, thrifted
- Silver chain ring - Mexican, consignment
- Silver loopy ring - Mexican, consignment, Sidney
- Metal earrings - thrifted
Here we go! Fresh off the bus, and enjoying the greenery near Camosun College.
The stick tree.
Lots of Cloud Drama.
I got a new bird!
Mom's white lilacs smell heavenly.
I like seeing how it's changing.
The alliums are out.
So weird.
I am a fan of coral-bells.
This is an ancient plant, moved from house to house.
Mom posing in her new poncho.
Looking swanky!
Showing her latest art project.
She's doing pictures of her neighbours houses to thank them for helping her when she fell.
And then we were off! Mom and I last visited Finnerty Gardens here in July 2025 - it's been a while! 
That's lovely.
We decided that "Follow the light!" would be our guide, as we looked for sunny patches.
We did the memorial loop, where I noticed a stone for local author Alice Munro.
All the rhododendrons were in full bloom.
Every colour: red, yellow, purple, orange, pink, white.
This tree loomed over us.
It smelled fresh and green.
The colours!
So beautiful.
The bamboo pond had a lone mallard.
See him? He's right in the middle.
This sequoia towered over us.
It was near noon, and there were plenty of students taking breaks here.
We sat at a bench and looked at it all.
And my lipstick matches my earrings.
Ah....So grateful to have this time.
Hey, my hair matches that rhodo!
Mom and I went to the Monkey Tree Pub and had amazing quesadillas.
Mom's looking spiffy in her abstract shirt. She got that necklace in New York when we went together in 2008.
As I was heading back to the bus stop, a couple of people were taking pictures of something in the trees. "What are we looking at?" I asked.
An owl! The gents said that the mother was in another tree - these are probably Great Horned Owls!
I practically walked right onto the bus and was downtown in a flash, so I had a quick look around the WIN store on Pandora.
This was in with the skirts.
But it's NOT a skirt.
It's pants! How exciting!
Do not wash.
Fangs out!
Do not wash.
Sigh, clothes today.
It was a little snug in the waistband, but then I noticed that it had been taken in by about 4 inches on each side.
I'll be unpicking those seams!
These pants were from Anthropologie, and I'm sure the cost considerably more than $19.95.
I'm excited to swoosh around in them.
And now, a Whateley boy who is enjoying his tummy rub.
And more of Barnabas mugging for the camera.
Aw!
He's such a funny little guy.
And now, my friends, it's a long weekend in Canada - happy Victoria Day to my Canadian readers! I'll be back on Sunday with tales of adventure.
What a beautiful idea to give house portraits as thank-you gifts! I’m sure your mom’s neighbors will cherish them.
ReplyDeleteCan’t wait to see how you style those swooshy pants!
Hi Helen, I love the photo of you in the pub! I don't tend to think of you as an eyeglass wearer but as a fellow wearer of glasses the ones you are wearing are spiffy as can be! I especially like the hint of color on the top. The patterned top (yay for the blue!) and "NY" necklace are a grand combination with each other. (Can you tell I'm a fan of your outfit? ;-)) Yay for your poncho, which in addition to the vibrant colors looks like a warm and cozy wrap.
ReplyDeleteHi Sheila, speaking of outfits, you had me with the neon pink tights, lipstick, bag and earrings, and the bright orange jacket! They make for a strong statement of spring. Always get a vicarious sense of nature from the garden outings of you and your Mom. Seeing the photos is like taking a deep inhale and letting it all out with a slow satisfying exhale. Ahhh...
Looking forward to seeing the pants-not-a-skirt styled. The piece looks like it would be quite comfortable.
Here's to your long weekend! Cheers, Laurie
I love how your striped sleeves peeked out from the jacket sleeves to tie in with the pink and orange, but your Mom really upstaged you again with that fabulous poncho! Her top is glam, too. Love all those flowers in the gardens. The new pants are great, and you will probably be safe washing them in cold water and avoiding the dryer. These warnings are put on to stop people from agitating in hot water with jeans, and then scorching in the dryer! I've sometimes carefully hand-washed items with dry-clean only labels, with no problem. I've learned over the years. I once made a wall hanging for the laundry area with a tiny shrunken child's sweater, with the slogan, "Think before you shrink"! 😢
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your mom! So great you were able to spend time with her. I'm sure she appreciates it. I always love to get a sneak peak of your mom's art. Her art is always so amazing. I love that she is doing paintings of houses to thank her neighbours. That's wonderful. I also think there is something special about paintings of houses. I found one guy on Youtube who painted people's homes for a year or so...such a beautiful project!
ReplyDeleteI love your outfit. The pink tights are so chic. I love coloured tights, they add jazz to any outfit. I like how you added colour to the black dress outfit...Pink and orange is wonderful together.
Looking lovely in those bright colours and fab layering (I like particularly those comfy shoes with pink tights!). And so Lovely to see your Mom rocking!
ReplyDeletebesos