As usual, I dressed for any kind of adventure, this time featuring two items I hadn't worn yet this season: the cardigan and this magnificent vintage skirt.
- Cardigan - Charter Club Cashmere, thrifted; last seen here in June 2021 with sailor pants five ways
- Sweater - Bartolini, consignment; first worn here earlier this month with my Beene suit
- Skirt - Arola by Pirkko M'a'ki, Finland, vintage 70s, vintage store; first worn here in February 2021 for Cat's 50th birthday limo extravaganza
- Boots - Aldo, consignment; last seen here in December 2021 for our Mom-Day Adventure at Elk Lake
- Leather trenchcoat (below) - vintage 70s, thrifted; last worn here a couple of weeks ago
On a warmer day, I wouldn't have bothered with the cardigan, but I was cold just wearing the sweater and skirt in the house.
Another layer of cashmere? Yes, please!
Leopard goes with everything.
Including this vintage woven textile skirt that originated in Finland.
Without the cardigan, although I never took it off.
I have another camisole on under this wool sweater, fleece tights under the skirt, and thick socks with the boots.
When I bought this sweater, I knew I'd be wearing it with this skirt.
A look at my solid copper belt, worn with the chain in front this time.
Masked up - Mom and I went for lunch at the Fairfield Pub after out walk.
We're still required to wear masks when not seated in restaurants, and we still have to show proof of vaccination in restaurants.
But we were mostly out in the brisk wind and sun.
No mask needed!
Accoutrements:
I was grateful for the furry scarf, and took my gloves off to get some vitamin D.
- Purse - Ted Lapidus, vintage 90s, vintage fair
- Scarf - thrifted
- Gloves - Ralph Lauren
- Mask - by Mom
The stuff:
Copper bling:
Featuring the set that started it all.
- Necklace/earrings - vintage 60s, Grandma J's
- Cuff - Renoir, vintage 60s, Grandma J's
- Brooch - thrifted
- Copper/turquoise cuff - Bell Trading Post, vintage 60s, consignment, Powell River
- Wooden ring - Dots
- Brass ring - vintage mall
My Grandma J gave me the necklace, earrings and cuff c. 1986, when I was in university the first time. I used to hop off the bus and visit her on the way home, and we'd chat and she would pull out jewelry and show it to me. One day, she gave me this set - I used to wear it to class! Only the cuff is marked, and I've never found a maker stamp on the necklace/earrings.
And my belt, a $40 find at a vintage fair years ago.
Its former owner wore it for square dancing!
- Copper belt - Renoir, vintage 60s, vintage fair
I ran into an issue with my brooch, which I pinned to my cardigan - it pulled on the cashmere knit, causing it to sag.
I snipped a rectangle out of this fabric jewelry bag, and used that to reinforce it on the backside.
It felt much more secure.
And no stretching!
We woke up to a sprinkling of snow this morning.
It remained in the shady spots all day.
Vizzini was snoozing on my wool cardigan when I left.
And he was still there when I got home!
"Do you mind?"
Mom and I drove to Willows Beach - I last visited Willows here in August 2021 with my friend Betty.
Mom's wearing her snazzy winter coat again, and those are the iridescent black/navy pants she picked up last week for $5.00 in Sidney. Perfect length!
We arrived at the beach/park area. Ah, look at that blue sky!
The building is the Tea House - it's currently closed for the season.
We both gasped as we saw Mount Baker looming nearly 75 miles/120 kilometers away, in Washington, USA.
Mount Baker was called Devils Mountain by the indigenous people - it's an active volcano.
Looking to the south-east.
A woman waded into the frigid waters. That's the Pacific Ocean - it's COLD.
Looking north-east.
There were a ton of driftwood logs tossed up high on the beach - we've been having a lot stormy weather lately.
This is Willows Beach Park - the last time I saw my Grandma J (she of the copper jewelry) was in 1997, I think.
We - Mom, Dad, me, my brother Dave, and L - had a birthday picnic here for Grandma. She was a little addled, and confused L with my ex, Quin, who looked nothing like L. It's still a family joke that she patted L's arm and said, "You've always been such a nice boy, Clint."
Willows Beach - all of this area that we live in - used to be populated by First Nations people.
The indigenous people called Willows Beach Sitchanalth, which according to Songhees elder Ned Williams referred to the drift logs and trees lodged in the sand. The site was used for thousands of years, and longhouses once lined the entire shore. The people enjoyed a wide variety of sea life, deer, birds, and shoreline foods. Ned's father smoked salmon here.
I can imagine all the longhouses here.
It's a gorgeous spot.
There were quite a few people enjoying the sun.
Someone had been inspired to create abstract log sculpture.
I like this piece of art.
The wheels were spinning in the wind.
Mom-daughter selfie!
Woo, it's cold.
Only a few clouds scudded along the horizon.
In summer, this beach is hugely popular.
But it was very busy - lots of folks out walking dogs.
Clouds are lingering over the Olympic Mountains in Washington State to the south.
There are some pretty swanky houses on the other side of the beach.
I liked the one on the left here, with the tall columns and floor-to-ceiling windows. Looks like they are ripping out their palm trees.
Imagine the views - and all the people constantly peeking in! No, thanks!
This area is part of the Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary.
We're where the red arrow is pointing.
Mom and I rested on a bench for a while and just watched the world go by.
Chatting, feeling the sun on our faces...
It was a perfect day, just what I needed.
My brain tends to get stuck on the hamster wheel...
I need to get outside and away from my regular life to jar myself out of anxiety spiral.
These pictures remind me of the calm.
Of being with Mom.
Being grateful for what I have.
To live in this amazing place.
To be awed by nature.
As Mom and I headed to the pub we pulled to the side of the road, and just looked ahead at Trial Island in the sun.
Amazing.
I feel calm.
And at home, there was a sign of spring.
Purple crocuses blooming at the foot of the Garry Oak.
This was such a great day, Mom, thank you!
I love you! Hooray for Mom-Day Adventures!
